Six months ago, I began the first topic with the intention on just watching Nitro. Now, it's grown into something I didn't quite see coming. I've been watched nearly two full years of WCW Nitro (and PPVs.) While there was some rough patches here and there, the entire experience thus far has been very pleasant.. I just hope that going forward that feeling of optimism sticks with me!
Before I go any further, I would like to thank everyone who followed the first topic and has participated in the watchfests. Even though I'm doing this project because I've always wanted to watch every Nitro/Thunder, I appreciate everyone who has followed along with me and has talked history about the shows as well. Without you guys, this definitely wouldn't have been as fun.
I would like to also announce that, going forward, I'm going to hold watchfests for several important (and not so important) Nitros, along with Thunder once I get to that point (Yes, I'm going to watch every Thunder as well. Don't worry, I think I can handle it.) This is in addition to the watchfests for the PPVs, as well.
Speaking of Nitro watchfests..
Tomorrow at noon CDT I will be having the watchfest for the 100th episode of WCW Nitro! Here is the card (no spoilers) for the event:
Main Event:
Lex Luger vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan(c) for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Other matches on the card include:
Hector Garza & Lizmark Jr. vs. Los Villano
Diamond Dallas Page vs. Ric Flair
"The Cat" Ernest Miller and Glacier vs. Silver King and Damien
Konnan vs. Psicosis
Wrath vs. Barbarian
Booker T vs. Vincent
Chris Benoit vs. Syxx
Alex Wright(c) vs. Scotty Riggs for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Public Enemy vs. High Voltage
Giant vs. Lenny Lane/Scott D'Amore/Joey Maggs
Dean Malenko and Jeff Jarrett vs. Hector Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Curt Hennig vs. Mortis
Hope to see you there!
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchthrough topic: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/57994703
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
And now, the results of the 100th edition of Nitro!
After Buffer did his usual shtick, the Nitro Girls dances, and Hogan and Bischoff talked for a few minutes, we finally got a match! In the opening bout, Hennig beat Mortis with the Hennig-plex. I've seen better starts to Nitro, and I've seen far worse. *1/4
Dean Malenko and Jeff Jarrett were able to beat up Hector and Chavo Guerrero after Hector submitted to the Texas Cloverleaf. It was apparent that Dean isn't amused by Jarrett's antics. 3/4*
We got another Stevie Richards/Raven confrontation. Stevie Richards I believe was wearing a Nitro Girl's dancing attire during this bit.
Giant defeated Lenny Lane, Scott DeMar, and "Jumpin'" Joey Maggs by pinning all three at once after a chokeslam to each. SQUASH
Public Enemy defeated High Voltage with Grunge rolling up Rage for the win. During the match, Rock went through a table, and after the match part of the table was used to attack Grunge. 1/2*
Alex Wright successfully defended the belt against Scotty Riggs. In a funny spot, Wright came out doing the dancing shtick with the Nitro Girls. Wright won with a missile dropkick *1/4
Lex Luger was interviewed and promised to put Hogan up in the rack to win the belt. Good for him.
Benoit defeated Syxx by DQ after Jarrett interfered. Mongo and Malenko both ran out after the match, but Mongo and Benoit were the ones standing in the ring. *1/2
Booker T defeated Vincent in a squash after the scissors kick. SQUASH
DDP cut a promo on Flair, since those two had a match later on. Decent promo.
Wrath defeated Barbarian with the Death Penalty. Postmatch, Meng showed up and he and Wrath had a staredown. DUD
The Steiners came out, and with them was Ted DiBiase! DiBiase says he'll help the Steiners win the World Wrestling.. Er, WCW Tag Titles. Decent buildup to Road Wild, I guess.
Konnan defeated Psicosis with the Tequila Sunrise. After the match, Mysterio came out (still on crutches) but he didn't need them and beat up Konnan. 3/4*
Miller and Glacier defeated Damien and Silver King in a pretty meh match. 1/4*
Bischoff and Dillon had a confrontation, and Bischoff told Dillon to tell Zbyszko that if he ever put his hands on Bischoff, Bischoff would kick Larry between the eyes. Good for him.
DDP and Flair had the MotN as they fought to a DQ when Hennig ran out and attacked Page. Page was able to clean house of both men though. **1/2
Los Villano defeated Hector Garza & Lizmark Jr after pulling some switch around. 3/4*
Dillon came out to give a contract to Sting. The contract was for a match against Curt Hennig. Sting's response? He tore it up.
Luger defeated Hogan with the Torture Rack to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. WCW celebrated with Luger as they got rid of the nWo marking as Hogan freaked out about losing. I'm sure this freak out won't cause him to win the belt in like.. five days from then. Would it? 1/2*
They say hindsight in 20/20, and while we all know that Nitro going three hours wasn't the best decision they came up with, TV Ratings for this Nitro was something never seen before. What was it? 4.4. To put it simply, this was not only the highest rating Nitro ever pulled against Raw, it was the HIGHEST rating Nitro ever had up to that point.
This wasn't just a one time occurrence either. For the rest of 1997, Nitro's ratings would constantly hit in the high 3's or low 4's except for one time. Starting with this Nitro, the rating wars were hitting unknown territory, with no ceiling in sight.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
But when you look at this Nitro today, you can see the problem three hour shows had. While you got more wrestling (theoretically,) there was far more filler thrown in, stuff that didn't matter and was used to take up time. Here, there was stuff done that didn't exactly have a point, but got on the air anyways. Save for one match, the wrestling wasn't at a high caliber either, which was a shame. Still, Luger winning was a big deal, so this Nitro gets a 4.5/10
Join me Friday as we watch Road Wild 1997!
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Konnan defeated Psicosis with the Tequila Sunrise. After the match, Mysterio came out (still on crutches) but he didn't need them and beat up Konnan. 3/4*
I remember loving this segment.
I loved a lot of WCW, and apparently forced a lot out of my memory.
FUN FACT: Only one World Title reign of any sort (in WCW, WWE, or TNA) has surpassed that particular Hollywood Hogan reign that ended on Nitro 100 since that time.
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Thank you, Eddie Guerrero. http://img.imgcake.com/Icon/Punkjpguh.jpg
John Cena's 2006-2007 reign that ended on an injury, I THINK it was just over two weeks longer than Hogan's.
EDIT: Three weeks exactly, actually.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Remember: Tomorrow at noon CDT will be the start time for Road Wild! Here is the card for that event (no spoilers)
Main Event: Lex Luger(c) vs. Hollywood Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Undercard
The Steiner Brothers (with Ted DiBiase) vs. The Outsiders(c) for the WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Giant vs.Randy Savage
Diamond Dallas Page (with Kimberly Page) vs. Curt Hennig
Ric Flair vs. Syxx
Chris Jericho vs. Alex Wright(c) for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Four Horsemen (Steve McMichael and Chris Benoit) vs. Jeff Jarrett and Dean Malenko in an Elimination match
Rey Misterio, Jr. vs. Konnan in a Mexican Death match
Harlem Heat vs. Vicious and Delicious
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
I'll have my review of the show up tomorrow. I need a day to process what I just saw.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
In the opening match of Road Wild, Harlem Heat beat Vicious and Delicious w/Vincent after Jacqueline interfered. Seeing as how they were at a biker rally in South Dakota, the face/heel alignment seemed to be a bit 'off', to put it nicely. Decent start though *3/4
In the next bout. Konnan defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. with the Tequila Sunrise. Partway through the match, Mysterio sold a knee injury, and Konnan tried to pull Mysterio's mask off. Decently worked match though. **1/4
Benoit/Mongo defeated Jarrett/Malenko in an elimination match, with Mongo hitting a piledriver on Malenko to win. Jarrett's antics were pretty hilarious, and we got a decent amount of Malenko/Benoit. It appears Malenko and Jarrett will feud since Jarrett purposely got himself eliminated in this match. ***
Alex Wright retained his title against Chris Jericho after a rollup w/ tights. Wright/Jericho have worked several matches in WCW thus far, and this was probably the best one. Wright plays a cowardly heel well, and the goofy dance is still hilarious, fourteen years later. ***1/4
Flair defeated Syxx with a pin and using the ropes, for leverage. While the win wasn't clean, it was a decently worked match. The problem I have is Flair shouldn't be in the undercard beating a guy like Syxx cheaply. **1/2
Curt Hennig put away Diamond Dallas Page with the Hennigplex (and interference by Flair.) I was expecting something a bit more, but it wasn't bad for what it was worth. DDP also bled a bit. **
The Giant pinned Savage in a relative squash match. Surprising how one of the hottest feuds of 1997 in DDP/Savage saw both guys lose on this PPV. 3/4*
The Steiners defeated the Outsiders by DQ, meaning they retained their titles. This was a horrible ending to an otherwise okay match. The Steiners had a whole lot of momentum and SHOULD have won, but what can you say? Politics screws up many things. *
In the crap of the Night, Hogan squashed Luger to win the World Heavyweight Title. Luger looked bad throughout the match, and when he finally started to look good (That is, beating up various nWo members who interfered yet didn't count toward a DQ,) Dennis Rodman as Sting appeared, attacked Luger, and Hogan regained the belt. -***
This has been one of the worst WCW PPVs in a while. The Tag Team belts should have went to the Steiners, but apparently Nash got in Bischoff's ear and he switched the ending around .Further, Luger looked like a complete joke against Hogan, and that ending? Why wasn't Hogan DQed with all the mass interference? Bad. Bad. Bad.
Honestly, I don't know why WCW thought a five day reign for Luger made sense. Hogan was gone for 90% of the summer. They COULD have had Luger hold it from May-August or so, then lose it right back to Hogan. That'd make sense. Hogan would be gone doing who knows what, while Luger is looking strong as champ. Have Hogan return, win the belt back cheaply, THEN job out to Sting cleanly. That is perfect. But what we got? Yeah.. Not good. 3/10
PPV Buyrates: .65. A drop from Bash at the Beach, but it's been the fourth highest selling PPV of the year, only behind BatB, Uncensored (both .89), and SuperBrawl VII (.75).
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Don't forget that during the entirety of the Hogan/Luger match, everyone watching at home (or Youtube) also got to hear Hogan verbally bury Luger just to drive it home that he's not in Hollywood's league, brother!
Oh, oh what a travesty this was. Main event wise anyway.
My memory is pretty hazy about the event, but I'm sure the entire card was pretty bad. We'll find it out in a few weeks though!
--
Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
WCW Nitro Airdate: August 11th, 1997 Arena/Location: The Coliseum in Denver Colorado Hour One Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko
We start Nitro off with cops giving the Giant some papers. Tony theorizes it's a restraining order.
After the standard intro, Michael Buffer does his usual shtick, before we get the Nitro Girls.
The Wolfpack are out. Tony tells us the main event is Savage vs. Curt Hennig. Chances that match ends cleanly? 1%. Hall on the mic, and says that the people are watching for the nWo. They cut a promo on the Steiners. After cutting a promo, the Steiner brothers music starts up and.. two jobbers walk out.
Match One: Outsiders(c) w/Syxx vs. Bobby Starr and David Moore for the WCW World Tag Team Championships
Squash match that sees Nash getting the win by Jacknifing Bobby Star for the win. He even gets the win with the COCKY PIN~!
Winners, and STILL WCW World Tag Team Champions: The Outsiders
The Outsiders are calling for someone to come out... and the Steiners run out! The Steiners make short work of the trio as they celebrate with the belts as Nitro goes to a break.
We go to the announcers as they hype up Nitro.
Match Two: Meng vs. Wrath w/James Vandenburg
Meng meets Wrath in the entranceway. They eventually get in the ring, duke it out, but Meng is able to win with the Tongan Death Grip.
Winner by pinfall: Meng
Mortis and then Barbarian run out, and both teams are attacking each other. Mortis and Wrath have the advantage, but Meng and Barbarian nearly scare the crap out of Vandenburg.
3/4*
Mean Gene interviews the Steiners w/Ted Dibiase. They cut a promo against the Outsiders. Ted Dibiase then calls out Nick Patrick. Patrick comes out and then claims he was doing all he could. He then says Randy Anderson should have DQ Hogan when the nWo guys came running out.
Match Three: Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Jericho
Good back and forth contest that sees Eddie Guerrero win this one with a Frog Splash.
Winner by pinfall: Eddie Guerrero
Five minute special, but it was entertaining. *3/4
The Nitro Girls are dancing, when Alex Wright comes out. He does his silly dance, and the Nitro Girls run off. Wright interviewed by Mean Gene. Wright speaks in German for a second, before cutting a cheap heat promo.
Match Four: Dean Malenko vs. Jeff Jarrett w/Debra
Jarrett acts like the cowardly heel pretty well. LOUD Jarrett sucks chant. Jarrett tries to leave, but Mongo is out to block Jarrett's path.
After a break, we see Malenko beating up on Jarrett. Jarrett uses Debra as a shield to gain the advantage. Dean is able to come back on top, and looks to win this with the Texas Cloverleaf, but Guerrero runs out and causes a DQ.
Winner by DQ: Dean Malenko
Two on one on Malenko, before Mongo runs out! Mongo clears house and helps Malenko. Mongo extends a hand to Dean, but Malenko attacks Mongo instead! Once Mongo is out of the ring, Mongo says he respects someone as tough as Malenko. Okay then.
**
Mean Gene is out to interview Flair and Hennig. Hennig and Flair talk it out, and Hennig agrees to team with Flair at Clash of the Champions, but he still won't say if he's an Horsemen or not. Flair then claims that no one hates Savage as more than he does. I'm pretty sure DDP would disagree with Flair there.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Hour Two Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone, and Bobby Heenan
Eric Bischoff out on a motorcycle with Scott Norton. Hall, Syxx, Bagwell, and Vincent are out now. Bischoff talks about all the wins they had the night before. Bischoff then says Hogan is in Montreal filming a movie, and as a special gift, the nWo sing Hogan Happy Birthday.
Bischoff has a restraining order on Giant. If Giant gets within 50 feet of him, that Giant will go to jail. Bagwell apparently makes a measurement of 50 feet. Giant is out now. Dillon and Zbyszko try to stop him. Once he crosses the line, the cops arrest Giant. As they are walking away, Hall sneaks up on Larry, and taunts him.
We get another Nitro Girls dance. The Dance appears to be the American Males handclap.
Match Five: Four Horsemen (Benoit/Mongo) vs. The Steiners w/Debra.
Decent match here, considering one of the people involved is Mongo. The match does end pretty awkwardly when Rick Steiner hits a Belly to Belly on Mongo, and it appears Mongo lands awkwardly as the Steiners win.
Winners by pinfall: The Steiner Brothers
Benoit and Referee Mark Curtis are checking on Mongo as we go to break.
Not sure if that was legit or not, but damn did it look painful. *3/4
Mean Gene in the ring to interview Luger. Luger talks about how the WCW members NEED to be united against the nWo. Took him long enough to figure out that was a good plan.
Another Nitro Girl dance. Whoopie.
Match Six: Marcus 'Buff' Bagwell w/Vincent vs. Diamond Dallas Page w/Kimberly Page
Bagwell gets a lot of moves in here, but DDP is able to grab the win with the Diamond Cutter.
Winner by pinfall: DDP
Decent match, but I think DDP should have won this one in a more squash like way. Ah well.
*1/4
Lee Marshall is in Birmingham, Alabama shilling Nitro from the BJCC.
Match Seven: Mortis w/James Vandenburg vs. Ultimo Dragon(c) for the WCW World Television Championship
Mortis does pretty well here against the champion. However, once he goes for the Flatliner for the win, Dragon reverses it into a powerbomb, then retains with the Dragon Sleeper.
Winner, and STILL WCW World Television Champion: Ultimo Dragon
**1/4
Gene is in the ring with Dillon. Dillon has a BRAND NEW CONTRACT~! for Sting. Sting in the ring. Dillon says he's gotten phonecalls, telegrams, and mail about WHO they want Sting to face. Dillon takes a hint from all this and has a contract, one on one with nWo member... Syxx. Sting rips up the contract. Mean Gene asks Sting who he wants. The crowd, having more braincells than Dillon, Mean Gene, or anyone writing this combined, scream out Hogan's name.
Main Event: Randy Savage w/Elizabeth vs. Curt Hennig
Back and forth match up that ends when DDP stupidly comes out and attacks Hennig for the DQ.
Winner by DQ: Randy Savage.
Savage attacks DDP, Hall is out to help Savage beat down Page. Both men destroy Page. Luger finally runs out after Savage hits a few elbow drops on DDP.
*1/2
We end Nitro with the announcers talking about the fans chanting Hogan when Sting tore up the contract.
Decent matches, some feuds were pushed further, and I'm pretty sure we have a decent set up for Fall Brawl, with Luger/DDP against Hall/Savage. Still, not the best Nitro I've ever seen, and the crappy finishes do hurt when it happens more than once on a show. 5/10
TV Rating: 3.8
Other Nitro Notes:
1. What's insane about the measurement thing is that Bagwell's measurement CLEARLY wasn't 50 feet. I don't even think he was 20 feet away from the ring. Yet, the Police actually went with Bagwell's measurements.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Also, on a semi unrelated note, I'm current in the making a 1998 Mod for EWR. It won't be perfect, but better than the one out there.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
No Nitro today. I sorta screwed up and lost all the vid I had loaded, and I don't feel like starting all over. Expect it tomorrow.
--
Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
WCW Nitro Airdate: August 18th, 1997 Arena/Location: The BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama Hour One Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko
We start Nitro off with a Raven promo about the past, and how people deal with it. Pretty interesting stuff.
After the usual intro, we get the Nitro Girls. In rhythm? Nope. Good looking? Yes.
Match One: Harlem Heat w/ Jacqueline vs. Vicious and Delicious w/Vincent
Tony calls these two of the best teams in the world. He's half right, at least! Also, it's safe to say this crowd is definitely anti-nWo. Or at the very least, do no approve of Bagwell's antics.
Decent tag match here thats ends with a DQ when Vincent interferes.
Winners by DQ: Harlem Heat
After the match, Booker T destroys VAD and Vincent. Why did this have a DQ ending if Harlem Heat looked strong at the end? *1/4
Match Two: Barbarian vs. Mortis w/James Vandenburg
Tony informs us that Chris Jericho regain the Crusierweight Championship on WCW Saturday Night. Why couldn't we get that at Road Wild a week before? We are also informed the Main event will be the Outsiders vs. Luger and Page for the Tag Team Titles. Chances that ends cleanly? 2%
Quick match that sees Barbarian win with a (loaded) Big Boot.
Winner by pinfall: Barbarian
Meng and Wrath come out, and we get another four person brawl. The highlight is that Wrath is hit with the Tongan Death Grip.
1/2*
We go to the announce booth where they talk about WCW. Big Larry Chant in the background. As they are talking, the nWo music plays. Eric Bischoff (with goatee) is out. Bischoff invites everyone to 'his' party, which is pretty much a hype up for the Clash of the Champions. I'll be watching that Saturday.
Mean Gene out to interview Flair and Hennig. Flair is cheered while Hennig is booed. They talk more about Hennig being a Horsemen, but nothing is exactly resolved. They do hype up their matches tonight. Hennig vs. Giant and Flair vs. Konnan.
Match Three: Stevie Richards w/ half shirt and short shorts vs. Scotty Riggs w/o American Males (AMERICAN MALES!)
Stevie Richards' debut was on the previous WCW Saturday Night when he beat Lenny Lane. This is his Nitro debut.
Small ECW chant in the early going of this match. This match went longer than I was expecting, with Riggs getting a fair amount of offense in. This however doesn't lead to victory as Richards gets the win in with the Stevie Kick.
Winner by pinfall: Stevie Richards
As soon as the match is over, Raven enters the ring and hits the Evenflow DDT on Richards. Raven then scoots to the corner, pulls himself up, and leaves. They have a match at CotC.
This went a bit long, but not terrible. *1/2
Mean Gene out to interview Jarrett, Debra, and Eddie Guerrero. Partway through the interview, Alex Wright is out. Wright wants to be managed by Debra, but she says no, unless he can win the WCW TV Title.
Before the break, we get a video of the nWo celebrating their one year anniversary. It says the party will continue at Clash of the Champions.
Match Four: Jarrett and Guerrero w/ Debra vs. Four Horsemen (Benoit and Mongo)
Decent back and forth here that the crowd DEFINITELY was into. The match ends with Mongo grabbing the US belt, hitt Jarrett with it (while the ref was distracted by Eddie) and Benoit winning it for his team.
Winners by pinfall: Mongo and Benoit
Mongo didn't get that much time in, while Benoit had two good workers to go with. About as good as the Road Wild match. ***
The Nitro Girls play as out of Hour One. I think they stole Stevie Richard's attire.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Hour Two Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone, and Bobby Heenan
We get a replay of the JJ Dillon/Sting contract rejection from the week before. Looking back, it was a relatively smart way to build up to Hogan/Sting, since that's what the fans wanted. Though it did make Dillon look like a complete idiot.
The nWo music starts and the Outsiders are out to cut a promo. They cut a promo on Luger and DDP who they are putting the belts up against later tonight.
We get another Nitro Girl dance.
Match Five: Syxx vs. Ric Flair
Why didn't Syxx just come out with Hall and Nash?
Back and forth match here that appears that Flair will win, but nWo members run out and cause a DQ.
Winner by DQ: Ric Flair
Curt Hennig runs out and saves Flair from a beat down.
*1/2
JJ Dillon is out now with Nick Patrick. Dillon says Nick Patrick's actions at Road Wild were the only actions he could do, but at the same time he tries to talk about Randy Anderson's actions at Road Wild. Randy Anderson out, and both men start to argue. Dillon ends it before it can go any further.
Match Six: La Parka w/ Sonny Onoo vs. Ultimo Dragon (c) for the WCW World Television Championship
Decent contest here that sees Ultimo Dragon win with the Dragon Sleeper after Sonny Onoo accidentally kicked La Parka.
Winner, and STILL WCW World Television Champion: Ultimo Dragon
Sonny Onoo is upset at what happen, and Dragon kicks him for good measure.
*1/2
Match Seven: Curt Hennig vs. Giant
Giant is able to manhandle Giant here, but partway through the match Bischoff runs out and claims the Giant is violating the 50 foot restraining order. Apparently the Restraining order doesn't count since Bischoff violated it. Larry Z runs out and cuts off Bischoff at the pass. Giant gets his hands on Bischoff and... commercial.
No contest?
N/R
Lee Marshall is in Columbia, South Carolina shilling Nitro from the in the Carolina Coliseum.
Mean Gene is interviewing JJ Dillon in the ring. Dillon doesn't have a contract this week. Dillon wants to hear Sting tells us who he wants to go against. Honestly, is Dillon the only person who DOESN'T know who Sting wants? There are signs in the crowd that says it as clear as day. Sting points to the signs. The crowd is chanting Hogan. Mean Gene, being the rocket scientist he is, doesn't pick up the hint either. Sting even gets a sign from the crowd that says "Hulk vs. Sting." Honestly..
We get another nWo promo, this time inviting Dillon to the party. My question is, where are all the chicks at the nWo party? Hogan must've booked it..
Main Event: Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger w/Kimberly vs. The Outsiders(c) for the WCW World Tag Team Championships
DDP plays Ricky Morton here while Hall and Nash dominate him. After about ten minutes of a beat down, DDP is finally able to make the hot tag to Luger. Luger starts to clean house and... interference.
Winners by DQ: Luger and DDP (Outsiders Retain)
*3/4
The nWo attacks DDP and Luger for a few seconds, but Flair and Giant run out to even the odds. Nitro goes off the air with a big battle going on.
Kind of a mixed bag here. Some matches DID get time, and there were a few decent matches, but there was nothing that wowed me. This Nitro was more of a hype job for CotC than anything else. I just hope it meets that hype. 5.5/10
TV Rating: 4
Other Nitro Notes:
1. JJ Dillon must be the stupidest authority figure in wrestling history.
--
Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
WCW Clash of the Champions XXXV Airdate: August 21st, 1997 Arena/Location: Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee Commentators: Dusty Rhodes, Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan
After the opening video package, we go to the announce booth where they hype up the Main Event of Savage and Hall vs. Luger and DDP. We are then told that Sting will give his answer to Dillon tonight.
Match One: Jeff Jarrett(c) w/Debra vs. Steve 'Mongo' McMichael for the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
Despite being the hometown favorite, Mongo is getting a resounding face response.
Jarrett has the advantage over Mongo for the majority of the contest. Mongo nearly passes out to the sleeper hold, but comes back and puts his own version of it on Jarrett. Debra distracts the ref (no strip tease, shame.) and Eddie Guerrero is out! Guerrero has the US belt and looks to nail Mongo, but Mongo moves and Jarrett is hit instead! Mongo gets the ref's attention, covers Jarrett and wins!
Winner, and NEW WCW United States Heavyweight Champion: Steve 'Mongo' McMichael
After the match, Debra tries to weasel her way back into Mongo's good graces, but Mongo doesn't want any of it.
Mongo was crazy over with the crowd. That, or they crowd was very anti-Jarrett, one. Crap match though. 1/2*
We go to Mean Gene Okerlund where he interviews Alex Wright. Wright cuts a cheap heat promo that I think 20% of the audience understood.
After a break, we go to Mean Gene who is with Claud Mann and Paul Gilmartin from Dinner and a Movie. Apparently DaaM lasted was canceled this year. I thought it was canceled years ago. They shill Dinner and a Movie. Paul Gilmartin looks like a lesbian.
Match Two: Stevie Richards vs. Raven in a No DQ Match
Raven informs the ref he'll only fight if it's No DQ, so I guess it's Raven's Rules here.
Raven dominating Richards early on, with Richards getting zero offense in. Small ECW chant starts up as Raven uses a chair on Richards, most notably hitting a bulldog and drop toe hold on Stevie. Stevie is slowly coming back, but Raven hits the Evenflow DDT on Richards to win.
Winner by pinfall: Raven
Decent contest between these two. Raven looked pretty good here. *3/4
After a break, we go to Mike Tenay as we get a video package for Ultimo Dragon. It didn't highlight his career pre WCW much, but was a decent synopsis of his career in WCW up to that point. Also, they are still hyping him up as the last student of Bruce Less.
Match Three: Alex Wright vs. Ultimo Dragon(c) for the WCW World Television Champion
Mike Tenay has made his way to the announce booth for this match.
Good back and forth contest between these two. At several points, Wright has the advantage, but loses it to being distracted constantly. Dragon is able to take advantage of all of Wright's distractions and looks to win it several times, but Wright surprises everyone by pinning Dragon cleanly after a German Suplex.
Winner, and NEW WCW World Television Champion: Alex Wright
Wright attempts to dance with the belt, but he's selling an injury.
Good contest that got plenty of time. Good to see a clean win for once. ***
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Match Four: Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Jericho(c) for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Eddie really heeling it up during this match. Pretty funny stuff here.
Back and forth match that ends with counter after counter, until eventually Jericho wins with a roll up.
Winner and STILL WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Chris Jericho
As Jericho is celebrating, Eddie attacks him from behind, and hits him with the Frog Splash.
As good as or even better than the previous match. The ending sequences was nice. ***1/4
Match Five: Psicosis/Villanos/Silver King w/Sonny Onoo vs. Juvi/Hector Garza/Super Calo/Lizmark Jr. in a Lucha Libre Rules match.
Mike Tenay again out to commentate.
Crazy match up, with the big spot being most everyone doing a suicide dive of some sort outside. The two men left in (Calo and Psicosis) stay in the ring, and Psicosis is able to get the win with help from Onoo.
Winners by Pinfall: Psicosis/Villanos/King
**1/4
Back to Mean Gene where he's chatting it up with his 'close personal friends' Claud Mann and Paul Gilmartin. They are showing some of the food they made for the Clash, which strangely seems to be mostly 'Macho' everything. Oh, and nWokra. The two dudes take off their shirts to reveal 'Madness' shirts. Savage is out now. To make this angle worse, the dude that looks like a Lesbian makes a Weasel joke... to Gene Okerlund.
Savage tells us that these two were catering for the nWo Birthday Party.We then get footage of Savage on DaaM some weeks back. Though we really don't hear what was said. Mean Gene finally leaves. DDP shows up, and he hits a Diamond Cutter on Paul Gilmartin for the hell of it. That was pointless.
Match Six: Konnan and Syxx vs. Flair and Hennig
Despite it looking like Hennig will turn on Flair after he sends Syxx into his knee, Hennig is able to get the win when he pins Konnan after a Hennig-plex.
Winners by pinfall: Hennig and Flair
Hennig and Flair celebrate the win. **1/4
Mean Gene in the ring with Hennig and Flair. Gene asks Hennig if he's a Horsemen. Curt says no. When Mean Gene asks him to clarify if he's not a Horsemen or if he's not answering the question, Hennig, seemingly having used a computer for far too long, simply answers no. Well damn.
Main Event: Luger and DDP vs. Hall and Savage w/ the entire nWo minus Hogan.
We are told that this will be a world tag team title match.
Main Event: Luger and DDP vs. Hall and Savage(c) w/Kevin Nash for the WCW World Tag Team Championships.
Back and forth match that looks like will go to Luger and DDP when Luger has Hall racked, but Savage makes the save. Luger gets pushed into Page unintentionally knees Page in the back. A semi-concious Page gives Luger a Diamond Cutter without knowing who it was. Hall crawls over and covers Luger for the pin.
Winners and STILL WCW World Tag Team Champions: Hall and Savage
*1/2
After the match, propoganda falls from the ceiling as Hall and Savage celebrate. The entire nWo are out now. Bischoff is on the mic now. Bischoff then says he's upset that the nWo doesn't have their own show. As they are celebrating, strange music starts up and the lights begin to dim in and out. Sting has arrived! He has a Live Vulture with him as he stares at the nWo below. As he stares down at the group, a poem is spoken over the PA by so boy overlapped with Sting's music:
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"When a man's heart is full of deceit, it burns up - dies - and a dark shadow falls across his soul. From the ashes of a once great man has risen a curse, a wrong that might be righted. We look to the skies for a vindicator, someone to strike fear into the black hearts of the same men who created him. The battle between good and evil has begun. Against an army of shadows comes a dark warrior. The purveyor of good, with a voice of silence and a mission of justice. This is Sting."
The lights in the arena all go out, and when they do, The Vulture is now on the ring ropes. Bischoff nears it, grabs a piece of paper from it, and before anything can happen, Clash of the Champions is off the air.
Lots of good here, and little bad. The worst part was the crap Dinnner and a Movie bit, but it only took up a five minutes or so, so I'm not gonna complain. The entire sequence with Sting, the Vulture, and the poem really made up for the stupidity of JJ Dillon. I do recall the spot relatively well, but watching it now, you can definitely feel the atmosphere and mood. And for once in their lives, the commentators shut up during the final moments. It was awesome, and in hindsight a great way to end the CotC series. I just wish now that the next Nitro wasn't such a tear jerker. 7.5/10</B
TV Rating: 3.64
Other Clash Notes:
1. Quote of the Show: "Even James J. Dillon realizes what Sting wants to get back in the ring." - Tony Schiavone. JJ Dillon is a thick headed idiot.
2. Raven has had six ankles surgeries, and as a result his right foot is shorter than the other. After looking at it, the sole of his right boot (which is a different color) is larger than the left.
3. Dinner and a Movie Old Lesbian Lookalike Homoerotic Moment of the Night: As Savage is talking up the show, Paul Gilmartin is rubbing Mean Gene's head. Why? I'm pretty sure he took a few cues from Hogan <_<.
4. The entire Dinner and a Movie skit was likely a ripoff of what ECW had done days beforehand at their PPV Hardcore Heaven. For those that don't know, ICP did a mini concert, were attacked by RVD and Sabu, then The Sandman saved them. The thing here is that ICP were legit wrestling fans, while these two dorks probably didn't know anything.
5. This was the final Clash of the Champions WCW had. The event was discontinued due to Turner Brass wanting a weekly Thursday Night show on TBS. Five months later, they got it...
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
JaKyL25 posted... CotC was kinda pointless with monthly PPVs as the rule now anyway. I'm surprised they lasted into 1997.
I'm surprised we still have monthly PPVs myself. Considering how WWE B-shows continue to be on the decline for various reasons, something has got to change.
My only conclusion for the two CotC in 1997 is that the one earlier in the year technically happened when WCW Didn't have a PPV (nWo's Souled Out, as I wish I could forget.) Likewise, August's PPV happened real early, and there was a good few weeks between Road Wild and Fall Brawl. Anyways, onto Nitro!
WCW Nitro Airdate: August 25th, 1997 Arena/Location: Carolina Coliseum in Columbia, South Carolina Hour One Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko
We go to the announce team as they talk about Sting and Clash of the Champions. We then get the replay of what happened. I said it before, but that music is badass.
We then go to Mean Gene in the ring. Eric Bischoff comes out. Bischoff says the ship has sailed for Sting and Hogan. JJ Dillon (on the phone) says that Sting/Hogan has been signed before the end of the year *coughStarrcadecough*.
Bischoff is livid. He claims Hogan has title defenses all over the world. Other people have to suffer through a Hogan title match? Sting is out. Of course, Bischoff acts like he can't hear the cheers. Sting grabs Bischoff. Eric on his knees begging. Sting has a Hollywood Rules shirt, put it's over Bischoff's head, kick hims, then shoves the shirt in Bischoff's mouth.
After a break, we get another Raven poem. He says that Sting may not be the guy people hope for. After that, we get the Nitro Girls dancing
Match One Glacier and Ernest Miller vs. La Parka and Psicosis w/ Sonny Onoo
Tony informs us we have three title matches tonight with the US/TV/CW belts on the line.
Really short contest that sees Parka/Psicosis accidentally attack each other more than Glacier or Miller. Despite that, La Parka is able to get the victory when he hits Glacier from behind with a chair and drapes Psicosis over him.
Winners by pinfall: La Parka and Psicosis
Ultimo Dragon shows up. Silver King runs out and gets his ass handed to him by Dragon. Eventually we get a four on one attack on Dragon. Glacier and Miller try to help, but only manage to take out La Parka/Psicosis.
N/R
Match Two: Ultimo Dragon vs. Silver King
SK able to take advantage of the beatdown from earlier, but isn't able to put Dragon away. Dragon eventually gets a second win and is able to put SK away with the Dragon Sleeper.
Winner by submission: Ultimo Dragon
*1/2
Hall, Savage, and Elizabeth make their way out. Hall says that there is a new member... Diamond Dallas Page! DDP of course doesn't come out. Savage says he didn't want DDP in the nWo, but they need a weak link (eh?). He then proceeds to call out Luger for tonight. Chances that ends clearly? 2%
After the break, Mean Gene is out to interview DDP. Mean Gene asks DDP if that attack on Luger was intentional or not. DDP says that Mean Gene is insane for asking such questions. He then says that him joining in the nWo is crazy. DDP calls out Luger to clear the air, but Luger doesn't show up.
Match Three: Jeff Jarrett w/Debra vs. Chris Benoit
Mike Tenay notes that Lex Luger was indeed in the building. Hmm.
Back and forth matchup that sees Jarrett steal one with a cradle after a superplex.
Winner by pinfall: Jeff Jarrett
*1/2
We get a Nitro Girl dance spot, we then go to Mean Gene as he hypes up the Nitro Party, and hawk WCW merchandise. If you win, you get the Nitro Girls, Gene Okerlund, and WILDCAT WILLIE!
Match Four: Faces of Fear vs. Wrath and Mortis w/James Vandenburg
Back and forth contest that sees Meng win it with a Tongan Death Grip.
Winners by pinfall: Faces of Fear
Wrath and Meng duke it out to end Hour one. *
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Hour Two Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone, and Bobby Heenan
Back from a break, we go to Mean Gene in the ring as he introduces the Four Horsemen. Flair, Mongo, and Benoit are out, but Mean Gene ruins the spot by calling Arn Anderson out as well, though I don't think anyone heard him. Flair calls out Hennig. Flair demands Hennig to give his answer. He says he doesn't want to give him his answer. Flair then brings out Arn Anderson to a huge pop. Arn on the mic and...
After that, Hennig looks Arn in the eyes, and graciously accepts. The Horsemen celebrate in the ring as we go to our next match.
Match Five: Eddie Guerrero vs. Mongo McMichael(c) for the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship
Eddie tries to outspeed Mongo, but Mongo is able to get a quick win over Guerrero after a Tombstone Piledriver.
Winner, and STILL WCW United States Heavyweight Championship, Mongo McMichael
1/2*
Mean Gene out to interview Rey Mysterio Jr. He informs us that he's gonna have Dr. James Andrews check up his knee. As he says that, Konnan is out and taunts Mysterio. Giant walks out and helps Rey Mysterio Jr. Who'd think that years later, these two would still be fighting each other?
Eric Bischoff again out. He taunts the announcers, and Mike Tenay and Bobby Heenan leave.
Remainder of Hour Two Commentators: Tony Schiavone and Eric Bischoff
Match Six: Yuji Nagata vs. Chris Jericho(c) for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
The crowd shows their appreciation of this match by starting a Gamecocks (local team name) chant (actually sorta sounds like a Jarrett Sucks chant.)
Regardless of the crowd's apathy, this is a decent match that sees Jericho win with a Liontamer.
Winner, and STILL WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Chris Jericho
**
We go to Lee Marshall who is in Pensacola, Florida shilling Nitro from the Pensacola Civic Center. He makes a Bischoff pun this week.
Mean Gene with Harlem Heat and Jacqueline. They talk about how Heat should be #1 Contenders. Eventually The Steiner and Ted Dibiase are out. They talk about how they should be champs. Vicious and Delicious with Vincent out now. They talk down both teams, before a three team brawl erupts.
We get another Nitro Girl dance.
Match Seven: Alex Wright(c) vs. Dean Malenko for the WCW World Television Championship
Decent back and forth contest that sees Dean close to getting the win, but Jarrett and Guerrero run out to cause a DQ.
Winner by DQ: Dean Malenko (Wright retains)
We have a three on one attack on Dean Malenko as we go to break.
*1/2
After another Nitro Girl dance, we go to the main event.
Main Event: Lex Luger vs. Randy Savage w/Elizabeth
Savage able to dominate a majority of the match, but Luger is able to get a second wind He looks like he's gonna put Savage up in the rack, but Hall runs out! Hall, for his trouble is knocked off the ring rope. As Luger is catching his breath, DDP runs out and checks on Luger. Luger unknowingly puts DDP in the rack and... Nitro ends there!
No Contest through Interference
3/4*
Aside from Arn's retirement promo the fact that Sting/Hogan is coming soon, and buildup to Fall Brawl, nothing memorable came from this Nitro. Still, I can't call it a bad show. 6/10
TV Rating: 5.0. Despite this taking the highest rating in the Monday Night Wars so far, Nitro went uncontested that night as Raw was preempted that week (and the next.)
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Clean, and barely more than three minutes. It was practically a squash match.
I forgot to mention in my review, by Wednesday at around Noon CDT I will be doing the next watchfest. It will be the 9/1/97 Nitro. That Nitro is a tribute to Arn Anderson (and involved a relatively famous (and infamous) sketch.)
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Tomorrow I'll be having a Nitro watchfest that will beging at Noon CDT. This is Nitro's second third hour broadcast, and it is dedicated to the career of 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson.
Here are the matches for the 9/1/97 Nitro:
Main Event:
Scott Hall and Randy Savage vs. DDP and Luger
Other Matches on the Card:
Chris Jericho(c) vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Stevie Richards vs. Damien
Alex Wright(c) vs. Hugh Morrus for the WCW World Television Championship
Lizmark Jr. vs. Villano IV w/Villano V
Buff Bagwell vs. Glacier
Ultimo Dragon vs. La Parka
Yuji Nagata vs. Dean Malenko
Mortis vs. Silver King
Jeff Jarrett and Eddie Guerrero vs. Mongo McMichael and Chris Benoit
Also on the show, the nWo's 'tribute' to Arn Anderson (and the Horsemen) from the week before, Hogan finally decides to show up, and more!
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I'm really shocked that Flair didn't break down, but he was real close to it the entire time.
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WCW Nitro Airdate: September 1st, 1997 Arena/Location: Pensacola Civic Center in Pensacola, Florida Hour One and Most of Hour Two Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko
We start WCW with a video package dedicated to the career of Arn Anderson. It highlights his tag team championship wins, and the fact that he was the longest reigning TV Champion. This episode is dedicated to Nitro.
We go to the announcers, as Tony tells us this is the 'third season' of Nitro. As Tony talks up about Hogan giving his response tonight, we get a replay of Anderson's goodbye from the week before.
Match One: Eddie Guerrero and Jeff Jarrett w/Debra vs. Four Horsemen (Mongo and Benoit) w/Flair and Hennig
We get a replay of Benoit getting the win over Jarrett with assitance of Mongo.
Horsemen are able to stay in control for the majority of this contest, but Jarrett looks to have the win in hand when he applies the figure four on Mongo. Debra is up on the apron distracting the ref, and Dean Malenko is out! He pushes Eddie off the top rope, and hits Jarrett with an elbow to give Mongo the win for his team.
Winner by pinfall: Mongo and Benoit
**1/2
Lex Luger: "Double A, what can I say? We've been the best of friends, the worst of enemies. On behalf of myself and the fans... A happy retirement. We're gonna miss you, bud."
Hall, Savage, and Elizabeth make their way out. They go to the announce booth and while Larry tries to keep Tony and Mike Tenay from running, they eventually walk off. Hall cuts a promo about how the nWo are a 'working man's champions.' Savage then cuts a promo on DDP and Luger for later on tonight.
Match Two: Silver King vs. Mortis w/ James Vandenburg and Wrath
Tony and crew eventually get back to the announce booth as both men walk out.
SK able to get some offense on Mortis, but ultimately loses to The Flatliner.
Winner by pinfall: Mortis
James Vandenburg on the mic calling out Faces of Fear. They run out and we get a four man brawl. FoF seems to get the upperhand.
*1/4
Nitro Girls give us another dancespot.
We get footage from BatB 1994 where Arn Anderson DDT'd Dustin Rhodes and rolled his partner over him for the win.
We get a replay of Bischoff/Sting from the week before. They make a big deal about Sting smiling.
Match Three: Yuji Nagata vs. Dean Malenko
Decent technical match that sees Debra and Jarrett show up at the end. Debra distracts the ref while Jarrett attacks Malenko. Yuji Nagata is able to get the win.
Winner by pinfall: Yuji Nagata
Postmatch, Nagata seems surprised at how that match ended.
*1/2
Diamond Dallas Page: "Double A, when I think of you, the first word that comes to my mind is 'respect', because when you got in that ring, you gave it all."
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We start off Hour Two with the Nitro Girls. Tony even shills Nitro Parties.
Match Four: Ultimo Dragon vs. La Parka w/Sonny Onoo
Onoo has a framed picture of himself putting the Dragon Sleeper from WCW Saturday Night.
Quick contest that sees La Parka try to win with a steel chair, but Dragon dropkicks it into Parka's face, giving him the win.
Winner by pinfall: Ultimo Dragon
Onoo and Dragon fight it out, and Onoo eats Dragon Sleeper. La Parka tries to attack Dragon from behind, but he escapes.
*1/2
We get an old Arn interview from Starrcade 1985.
Match Five: Marcus 'Buff' Bagwell w/Vincent vs. Glacier
Bagwell starts the match by mocking Glacier's martial arts moves, before posing.
Bagwell is able to win with the Blockbuster (with help of Vincent.)
Winner by pinfall: Buff Bagwell
This was Glacier's longest match, and Glacier had a few botches. Not that good of a match. 3/4*
Larry Zbyszko: "Well, every dog has his day, Arn, unfortunately, yours came way too soon. Almost a legendary career, but you are wrestling history."
We get a video package for Roddy Piper. It's been a while since he's been on TV.
Match Six: Lizmark Jr. vs. Villano IV w/Villano V
Partway through the match, Raven shows up and everyone pays attention to him over this match.
Despite pulling some twin magic(TM), Lizmark is still able to win with a moonsault into a pin on Villano V.
Winner by pinfall: Lizmark Jr.
Villano IV tries to make a case that he was the legal man, but no dice.
*
Mean Gene with Lex Luger. Luger calls out DDP, but no avail.
WCW Worldwide from April 1993: Arn Anderson attacks and hits a spinbuster on Bobby Eaton after saying he wouldn't.
More Nitro Girls. As they are dancing, DISCO INFERNO is out! He starts Disco dancing as the girls run away. Alex Wright out now and is doing his goofy dance. There's a dance off going on between these two. They eventually get into a shoving match before Inferno leaves.
Match Seven: Alex Wright(c) vs. Hugh Morrus for the WCW World Television Championship
Big USA chant as the match starts.
Looks like Hugh Morrus is able to use his strength to take out Wright, but Disco Inferno is out watching the match. Morrus brings Disco in, they duke it out IN FRONT OF THE REF, and Alex Wright gets the win.
Winner, and STILL WCW World Television Championship: Alex Wright
Wright danches as Raven looks on, not amused. *
Bobby Heenan: "For me to stand here with ten seconds and talk about the great things Arn Anderson has done, I can't do it. To Arn Anderson all I can say is 'Thank You.' I wish I had more time with you. So do the people."
Rest of Hour Two and Hour Three Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone, and Bobby Heenan
The Nitro Girls are again at the announce booth dancing as we again get more Nitro Party shilling. *yawn*
We get a video package for Sting, mostly covering Clash of Champions.
Match Eight: Stevie Richards vs. Damien
As Damien is walking to the ring, Raven attacks him from behind and throws him in the ring.
Richards and the ref don't see it. When they see him, Richards checks Damien's heartbeat, then tries to give him CPR. Raven smacks Richard (again, no DQ) and Richards pins Damien for the win.
Winner by pinfall: Stevie Richards
N/R
Dean Malenko: "When I look back at some of the great competitors that graced this sport, I can think of Arn Anderson at the top of this list. Arn, it's been a real privilege, and I wish you the best in the future."
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We start Hour Three with an explosive firework display and Nitro Girls.
We go to Lee Marshall who is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin shilling Nitro from the Milwaukee Arena.
Mean Gene out with Big Bubba. He cuts a promo saying he's now known as Ray Traylor. He brings up the seemingly forgotten angle where random nWo members were attacked from behind. Ray says that the nWo stuff is crap. He goes on to say that the only thing he got while in the hospital was a Fedex letter saying his services were no longer required. He then cuts a promo against Eric Bischoff
Match Nine: Ray Traylor vs. Prince Iaukea
Traylor destroys Iaukea. He even had the win, but he gets up and punishes Iaukea more. Traylor eventually gets the win.
Winner by pinfall: Ray Traylor
SQUASH
Mean Gene out again to introduce the Four Horsemen. Out instead are the nWo! Syxx is Flair, Konnan is Mongo. Mean Gene leaves and well.. here's the interview itself:
Match Ten: Chris Jericho(c) vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Jericho with new music, it sounds. Guess Basketball Highlights #12 were future endeavored (TM).
Eddie Guerrero out to talk to Chavo. He says that nine months ago he gave Chavo his CW shot. That was that long ago? Eddie wants Chavo to give him his spot. Scotty Riggs randomly comes out and demands a shot. More Cruiserweights are out arguing, pushing and shoving. A fight eventually breaks out as everyone dukes it out.
No Contest
N/R
The Giant: "Arn Anderson, Future Hall of Famer, from the Giant, Future World Heavyweight Champion, congratulations on your retirement, you deserved it, you earned it."
Bischoff and Hogan out. They demand Sting to come out. He doesn't. JJ Dillon out now. Hogan has an answer for Sting and.. attacks Dillon! Though the punch doesn't even connect. They spraypaint Dillon's shirt for good measure, I guess.
Main Event: Randy Savage and Scott Hall w/Elizabeth vs. Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger
DDP plays Morton throughout this contest, as Luger is never tagged in as Hall and Savage is constantly tagging each other in. Luger FINALLY gets the tag in and atomic drops Hall five times. He tries to finish Hall off with a forearm, but Hall ducks and he instead hits DDP! Savage attacks Luger, Luger racks Savage, but Hall pins DDP for the win.
Winners by pinfall: Savage and Hall
Nick Patrick didn't see the tag. Luger is arguing with Patrick as Nitro goes off the air.
**1/2
The first two hours had a decent amount of action, but the last hour had only one 'real' match. The nWo parody is one of the most notable Nitro moments in history, and I admit I was laughing my ass off at. Not much bad, but the three hours tend to drag after a while. 6/10
TV Rating: 4.8 Three big shows for WCW without any interference from WWF. Can the next Nitro keep it up?
Other Nitro Notes:
1. Throughout the show, we are told Flair, Page, and Luger would all be on Team WCW in Wargames. Of course, after the parody, I think that was changed.
2. Apparently, they dropped the bit where Big Bubba couldn't legally be a member of the nWo due to contract disputes.
3. The nWo parody of the Horsemen was more heat between Nash, BIschoff, and other people in the nWo and Flair. According to old rumors, Flair and Horsemen were supposed to come out and attack the nWo, but Bischoff nixed it cause Nash was in his ear.
--
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Also, Tuesday at 6:00 PM CDT: is looking to be when I do my next watchfest.
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WCW Nitro Airdate: September 8th, 1997 Arena/Location: Milwaukee Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Hour One Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko
We start Nitro off with the Nitro Girls. We then go to the announce booth. Tony tells us that the nWo parody of the Horsemen won't be see on TV again. Bischoff runs out, and after arguing with Larry, he says he has 'way more stroke' then anyone else. We then proceed go to the nWo Horsemen parody. After a few seconds, it cuts off and the Horsemen are now at the announce booth. Flair and crew make a challenge to the nWo.
They go to the ring, and after some time Mean Gene is out to interview the Horsemen. Each one cuts a promo against the nWo, Mongo's booed, while there's a huge Benoit chant. Flair then cuts an awesome promo against the nWo. Flair says he wants the nWo members that participated in the parody tonight!
After a break, we again go to Horsemen. Flair says they aren't leaving till they get a match. Doug Dillinger and security out now to get rid of the Horsemen. Eventually they leave.
Match One: Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
Larry informs us Hogan is here this week, and Tenay tells us that we will have an interim commissioner.
Good bout between these two, but Mysterio is rusty. Despite that, these two definitely have one of the better matches I've seen on Nitro in some time. The contest ends with Mysterio getting the win after a springboard hurricarana for the win.
Winner by pinfall: Rey Mysterio Jr.
***1/4.
We get a Nitro Girl dance. Tony also shills Nitro Parties.
Mean Gene at the entryway interviewing DDP and Luger. DDP challenges Luger to a match tonight. Chances it ends cleanly? 5%
Match Two: Disco Inferno vs. Hugh Morrus
Partway through the match, Alex Wright is out doing his silly dance.
Morrus is able to control Inferno for the majority of this match. As Morrus is going up for No Laughing Matter, and Alex Wright throws the TV belt to Inferno. Inferno proceeds to.. drape the belt over himself, Morrus hits him with No Laughing Matter. The 'added' damage keeps Inferno down to give Morrus the win.
Winner by pinfall: Hugh Morrus
Wright has the belt back on and tries to help Inferno up. They go in another shoving and arguing match. *1/4
nWo music is on, as Bagwell, Konnan, Nash, and Syxx are out. For some weird reason, Bagwell has a cup of coffee. Nash says they are busy and don't want the match. Bagwell chimes in that he has nothing to do, and Konnan says he doesn't either. Both agree to the Horsemen challenge after they mock the Horsemen more. Okay then.
Match Three: Chris Jericho(c) vs. Brad Armstrong for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Eddie Guerrero out before the match starts, and demands Brad Armstrong to leave. Armstrong proceeds that he'll 'whoop you!' Seeing his attire, I was expecting a "Can of whup ass' line.
Short match that sees Eddie run out and hit Jericho from behind, causing a DQ.
Winner and STILL WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Chris Jericho
Armstrong and Guerrero beat up Jericho as we go to break. N/R
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Hour Two Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tony Schiavone, and Bobby Heenan
We start Hour Two off with a Nitro Girl danceoff.
In one of the biggest Harsher in Hindsight moments in WCW, Hogan and Bischoff are out. Hogan challenges Sting tonight for the belt. 'Sting' comes from the rafters and the harness 'he' is on breaks and he plummets to the concrete floor. Hogan, Bischoff, Bagwell and Norton check on 'Sting' and yell for an ambulance.
Norton and Bagwell then throw 'Sting' in the ring as Hogan yells at the mannequin while Hogan says 'that wasn't supposed to happen.' Bischoff in a ref shirt as Hogan drops a few Legdrops on it as Hogan pins 'Sting'. Whoa.
Match Four: Steiner Brothers w/Ted Dibiase vs. Faces of Fear
No contest here as Harlem Heat and Mortis and Wrath show up after a few minutes of action.
No Contest through interference
Big brawl as all eight men attack each other as we go to break. *1/2
Match Five: Super Calo vs. Scott Hall
Hall hit Super Calo with the Fallaway Slam from the middle rope, before putting him away with the Outsider's Edge.
Winner by pinfall: Scott Hall
SQUASH
Ray Traylor is out. Hall and Traylor get in a punching match that Traylor wins. Vincent runs out and is hit with a sidewalk slam for good measure. Hogan now out. Traylor has his attention on Hogan as Hall sneaks up from behind and hits an Outsider's Edge on Traylor. Traylor is eventually spray painted for the hell of it.
We get another Nitro Girl spot, before going to the next match.
Match Six: Psicosis w/Sonny Onoo vs. Dean Malenko
We are told that the winner of Maleno/Jarrett at Fall Brawl will have a US Title match against Mongo at Halloween Havoc.
A fan jumps the barricade and tries to get in the ring. Referee Mark Curtis kicks the guy in the head and holds him in a headlock as security detains him. I should point out that Mark Curtis is a pretty small guy while the fan was twice his size. Heenan has a field day with this.
Good match between these two that sees Dean Malenko win with a Texas Cloverleaf.
Winner by submission: Dean Malenko
**1/4
Jarrett out and cuts a promo against Malenko. He demands a chance to go against Malenko tonight. Before the match happens, Jarrett backs away as Debra chimes in for a few seconds for a no reason.
Mean Gene in the ring. He introduces the acting Chairman of the WCW Executive Committee. That person is... Rowdy Roddy Piper! Piper (decked out in what must be the gaudiest shirt this side of Vince McMahon's powder blue suits) informs us there will be a Sting/Hogan match will happen before the year is out. Piper then informs us he's going to put have a match against Hogan in a 20 foot steel cage. He then takes DDP and Luger out of Wargames and puts the Horsemen into the match.
Match Seven: nWo (Bagwell and Konnan) vs. Horsemen (Flair and Hennig)
Back and forth contest that sees Hennig grab the win after hitting the Hennig-plex on Konnan for the win.
Winners by pinfall: Four Horsemen
Benoit and Mongo out to celebrate with their fellow teammates. **1/2
Main Event: Diamond Dallas Page w/Kimberly Page vs. Lex Luger
About three minutes in, the nWo is out. DDP throws Luger out and the nWo beat up on Luger. They fight for a few more seconds, before this match degenerates to a brawl.
No Contest Through Interference
Giant is all three men destroy the nWo. In a hilarious moment, Scott Hall grabs a Cheesehead hat, and puts it on. Why? I dunno. It's funny.Luger and DDP decide to mend the fence and are back on the same side.
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341
Definitely some good hype in there for Fall Brawl, some good matches as well. Of course the entire Mannequin bit really made this uncomfortable. While it wasn't exactly in good taste in 1997 before Owen Hart's death, it's still eerie as hell to watch. Discounting that, not a bad Nitro all around. 6.5/10
TV Rating: 4.3, which is good considering they were against Raw, which got a measly 2.2 that week.
Other Nitro Notes:
1. For some bizarre reason, Brad Armstrong has a goatee and black tights on. If you think that he's mimicking someone, give me a hell yeah!
2. Dumb Sign of the Night: Some brain surgeon decided to have a 'Deport Eddie' sign in the crowd, which they proudly displayed whenever Eddie was around. Deport Eddie Guerrero where, El Paso, Texas?
3. Hollywood Hogan Stink-o-Meter: "Number One! We don't play no more stinking games!"
4. Here's a link to the Sting mannequin bit:
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Hell, I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know.. My WCW watchfest topic Part II: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/59893341