WCW ThunderStory By: John Sivewright
January 25, 2003
WCW Thunder
23rd January
Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim California
Announcers: Mike Tenay and Stevie Ray
Written by: Chris Bacon
Backstage, Jesse Ventura is sitting in his office looking into the camera. Ventura, "Hello. For those of you who are not aware, Monday Nitro was cancelled last Monday due to some reasons beyond our control. But, tonight is the last stop on the road to World War 3 on Sunday night. Tonight, the build up to the biggest show under my reign will be completed...but, for tonight let's get on with the action."
[7.00-7.15]
The pyros explode around the Thunder stage as the pumped up crowd go wild for the start of WCW Thunder! As the pyros finish we go immediately up to the ring for our first match of Thunder.
WCW Tag Team Championship Match
The New Age Outlaws VS The Flock(c) w/Spike
The Flock's music begins to play, and out to the ring walk the Tag Team Champions Shane Helms and Jeff Hardy, with Spike Dudley by their side. Tenay, "Welcome to Thunder, and we are off to a quick start here tonight with this match, but later tonight we have been told that both Chris Jericho and Bret Hart will be action, just 3 days away from World War 3, live on PPV. Plus, an Over The Top Rope Challenge will take place tonight, Raven vs Batista vs The TV Champ Dustin Rhodes vs " Suddenly, we hear "Oh You Didn't Know..*der der der dum*..Your Ass Better CAAAAALL Somebody!!!..." as The New Age Outlaws walk out onto the stage to a HUGE pop from the crowd. Road Dogg, "You see it's me, it's me, it's that D-OOOOO-Double G! Rolling once again with Sweet Billy G!" The Road Dogg and Billy slide into the ring as The Flock wisely makes a quick exit. Road Dogg, "Cut the music! Llllladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, WCW proudly brings to you, the soon to be WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS OF THE WORRRRRLD! The Road Dogg Jesse James, The Badd Ass Billy Gunn, The New...Age...Outlaws!!!" Gunn, "And of course, if you're not down with that, WE'VE GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA!" The crowd collectively scream 'SUCK It’s Billy throws the microphone to the outside. Both teams try to decide who's going to start as a short replay of the Outlaws wining the number 1 contendership last week plays. As the replay ends, Helms and Road Dogg tie up in the center of the ring. Road Dogg locks on a headlock, Helms shoves Road Dogg into the ropes but gets knocked down with a hard shoulderblock. Road Dogg gives Helms a crotch chop, before Helms gets up but runs into a Drop Toe Hold. Road Dogg whips Helms to the corner before climbing up to the middle rope and punches away as the crowd count along...1...2...3...4....Jeff Hardy runs over and drops Road Dogg throat first across the top rope, allowing Helms to hit a Diving Neckbreaker. Helms tags Jeff in, and Jeff hits a Slingshot Legdrop on Road Dogg before stomping away on him. Jeff pulls Road Dogg up and hits a Snap Suplex before making a tag back out to Helms. Helms runs off the ropes, and Jeff Backdrops him on top of Road Dogg for a quick one count. Tenay, "Jeff and Shane Helms are both excellent tag team wrestlers, and can work well with various partners. But together, at the moment, they're the best team in the WCW." Helms hits a Dropkick on Road Dogg before hopping onto the middle rope and hitting a Jumping Clothesline off the ropes. A 'New Age Outlaws' chant starts up around the crowd as Helms hits Road Dogg with a series of forearms to the side of Road Dogg's head. Helms whips Road Dogg off the ropes, but Road Dogg comes back with a hard clothesline knocking Helms down. Tenay, "This is Road Dogg's chance to tag in Billy. Can he make it in time..." Road Dogg crawls over, but on the outside Spike pulls Billy off the apron. Billy and Spike start arguing on the outside as Road Dogg makes it to the corner, but Billy doesn't see it in time and Road Dogg is pulled away before a tag can be made. Jeff is now legal, and he hits a Russian Legsweep on Road Dogg before going to the middle rope, and hitting a Diving Legdrop. Jeff gives the Hardy boy finger sign to boos from the crowd before covering Road Dogg...1...2...only two. Jeff picks Road Dogg up and whips him to the ropes, before catching him coming off with a Spinning Heel Kick. Jeff tags Helms back in as Billy stands on the apron trying to will his partner on. Tenay, "Helms and Jeff are working as a perfect unit as usual here." Ray, "These Flock guys may be good, but they ain't no Harlem Heat sucka!" Helms hits an elbow drop on Road Dogg before locking on a Bridging Indian Deathlock. Before Road Dogg can be put in much pain though, Billy Gunn comes in and kicks Helms off, only for Jeff to come in behind the ref's back and stomp away on Road Dogg as Billy is restrained. Jeff then tags back in, and climbs up to the top rope. Hardy dives off, looking for a Hurricanrana, but somehow Road Dogg manages to counter it with a Powerbomb! Both Road Dogg and Jeff are hurt as the crowd start to get behind the Road Dogg again. Both Road Dogg and Hardy start to crawl towards their corners, Hardy making the tag first before Road Dogg reaches out, and manages to tag in Billy Gunn! Tenay, "This crowd has exploded! Billy Gunn is in!" Billy knocks down Shane Helms with a clothesline before doing the same to Jeff. Billy then hoists Hardy up above his head, and Press Slams over the top out onto Spike at ringside! Gunn turns his attentions back to Helms, whipping him to the ropes and hitting a Tilt A Whirl Slam and covering...1....2....two only. Billy then hits a Vertical Suplex before sliding outside as Road Dogg hits a Spinebuster on the recovering Helms.
[7.15-7.30]
Outside the ring, Billy throws Jeff up and onto the table, before climbing onto the table himself and pounding Hardy with right hands. Ray, "Woah, these guys are crazy! Get the hell away!" Road Dogg drops Helms with a DDT before backing of the ropes, ready for a Crazylegs Kneedrop, only for Spike to grab his foot. Road Dogg tries to grab Spike, allowing Helms to hit a knee to the back and roll Road Dogg up....one....two....THRE...NO! Helms climbs up top and goes for a Flying Crossbody, but Road Dogg ducks and Helms wipes out referee Billy Silverman! Helms gets up looking confused as Road Dogg knees him in the back and goes for the Pumphandle Slam, but Helms floats right over and hits the Eye Of The Hurricane! Helms covers, but Silverman is still down. Billy Gunn slides back in, and hits the FameAsser on Helms, as referee Charles Robinson runs down the ramp. Billy covers, and after a few seconds Charles Robinson finally slides in....ONE....TWO....THRE....NO! Tenay, "Damn that was close! We nearly crowned new Tag Team Champions right there!" Gunn picks Helms back up, but from the top rope Jeff Hardy dives in, hitting the Whisper In The Wind on Billy. Road Dogg then gets booted in the gut, and the Tag Champs go for a Double Suplex, but Road Dogg escapes in mid-air and nails both men with a jab to the face. Road Dogg continues to jab away at both men, before hitting the Shake Rattle and Roll punch to both men. Spike slides into the ring, but before he can do anything Billy grabs him by the hair and throws him shoulder first into the ring post. Charles Robinson tries to get rid of Spike, as from the crowd Raven slides in the ring. Tenay, "Wait...it's Raven! What's he doing out here!" Ray, "Helping out The Flock...DUH!" Raven spins Billy Gunn around and hits the Evenflow on Billy! Road Dogg quickly knocks Raven to the outside as Helms walks over, only to be booted in the gut and nailed with a Pumphandle Slam! Road Dogg covers as Robinson goes down to count...1...suddenly, the bell rings. Robinson looks confused as the original referee Billy Silverman starts to talk to ring announcer Paisley. Tenay, "What the hell's going on around here...Road Dogg had the match won but the bell rang." Paisley takes the mic as in the ring Billy and Road Dogg have got the Tag Team Titles in their hands. Paisley, "Ladies and gentlemen, officially signed referee Billy Silverman has ended the match, and the winners...as a result of a disqualification the New Age Outlaws!" The crowd are booing like crazy as Silverman takes the belts from the Outlaws and hands them over to Helms and Hardy! Paisley, "But still your WCW World Tag Team Champions, Jeff Hardy and Shane Helms."
Winners via DQ: The New Age Outlaws in 19:48
The four members of The Flock retreat up the rampway with the Tag Team Titles still in Helms and Hardy's possession as in the ring the Outlaws look dejected. Tenay, "Damn it the Outlaws had this match won!" Ray, "What you talkin' 'bout Tenay? The Outlaws did win the match!" Tenay, "Yeah, but they had the match AND the belts won. I think Jesse 'The Body' has some thinking to do about this match's finish!"
WCW President Jesse 'The Body' Ventura is walking down the hallways towards the ringside entrance, ready to address the crowd obviously, when up to him runs Mene Gene Okerlund. Okerlund, "Jesse, I have to ask did you just see what went down in the Ta..." Ventura, "Yeah I did Gene. And believe me, I've got a lot of things on mind, but I will address it when I address everything else." Jesse then walks off towards the curtain as Gene looks on with a wry smile on his face.
Commercial Break
As we come back, Jesse is already in the ring, waiting to speak. Ventura, "Well, as you can probably tell I've got a lot of things on my mind right now. First off, I saw the Tag Title Match and of course the ending was indeed debatable. So, the best thing to do in my opinion is to book a rematch. And, seeing as we are...about 3 days away from World War 3, it seems only fair that the rematch happens then. So, at World War 3 it will be The Flock versus The New Age Outlaws for the WCW Tag Team Titles. Now, as far as World War 3 goes, I have finalised the 30 entrants into the World War 3 Match, but I have also finalised some new rules. Obviously, we couldn't have a 3 ring battle royal like traditionally, because it would mean having to hire 30 guys for one night, which we can't do. Plus, we can't really fit three rings in the arena. But, we can't have a normal battle royal really. 30 men in the one ring will be too cramped. I want the talent to show through, but I want to innovate a little. The rules are a little like the Royal Rumble match, but I've added another little factor. The way it's going to work is, 2 men are gonna start in the ring. Elimination will occur by throwing a wrestler over the top rope, by pinfall or by submission. A new wrestler will enter the fray at randomly timed intervals, and if there is one men left in the ring at any time during the match another man will come in to avoid dead periods in the match. Wrestlers will draw numbers to determine their entry just like a Royal Rumble. The 30 wrestlers have as I said been determined. But, Randy Savage as you know has left WCW, so will now not be in the match. But, he has been replaced. Now, there are a few spots I'm going to keep you in suspense over...but, the men in the match that I will announce are...Raven, Dustin Rhodes, Val Venis, Jeff Hardy, Shane Helms, Nathan Jones, Bill DeMott, Batista, Hardcore Holly, Ron Simmons, Justin Bradshaw, Al Snow, Steve Blackman, Chuck Palumbo, Spike Dudley, Rosie, Jamal, Rikishi, Big Vito, Johnny The Bull, X-Pac, Lo Ki, D-Lo Brown, Hakushi, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn. The remaining spots will be announced on the night." Tenay, "What a match that should be Sunday night. Heaps of talent, and that's just the guys we know about!" Ventura, "Now, I watched the Royal Rumble Sunday night and saw the return of Roddy Piper. Roddy, I'm going to make this brief. The crack about the waistline...I know you were only kidding around with me. But what you said about WCW wasn't the smartest thing you've said in your career. Roddy, Vince did pull WCW down into the gutter briefly. I personally wouldn't say WCW is in the gutter. But, if you're right about us being in the gutter, then that's going to change. For those of you who didn't see, Roddy Piper, former WCW Commissioner, said that 'WCW was, is and will always be in the gutter'. Well Roddy, it may have been in the gutter under Vince. It may still be feeling the effects from Vince, but damn it I'm the man who's gonna pull WCW from out of the gutter, and to the top of the wrestling world again! Then Roddy, you're going to regret leaving us, because I know you ONLY want to be in a company where success is regular. And soon enough, WCW WILL BE ON TOP!" Jesse Ventura throws the microphone to the outside before leaving the ring and walking to the back.
*Commercial for World War 3, with shots of some of the WCW superstars who will try to capture their dream this Sunday night, and win a WCW Title shot for Superbrawl 13.*
[7.30-7.45]
Back in the locker room area, Scorpio is sitting in one of the locker rooms when Scott Taylor walks over and sits down next to him. Scorpio, "5 minutes. He beat me in 5 minutes." Taylor, "Scorpio man, he IS Hardcore Holly." Scorpio, "Scott I'm thinking about quitting wres..." Taylor, "WOAH! Hey, Scorpio stop right there. You can't quit." Scorpio, "What's the point of it all? I'm not on T.V regularly, I'm getting beat when I am on T.V, hell it's not worth it anymore." Taylor, "Scorpio, what I'm about to say I've never said to anyone. I thought about quitting a few months back. I felt just like you did, but I've realised something. What this business is all about. Fun. Hell, we're living our dream...to wrestle in front of packed crowds. More than that, to entertain. WE need to have a little fun. WE need to get back to having some fun, entertaining some fans and winning some matches. Thing is, we can't do that as Scott Taylor and Too Cold Scorpio." Scorpio, "What do you mean?" Taylor, "Look, come with me and I'll show you." Scorpio and Taylor walk out of the locker room together as we go back out to the ring.
Bret 'The Hitman' Hart VS Hakushi
Hakushi's oriental style music begins to play as the 'Modern Day Kamikaze' himself Hakushi walks out down the aisle. Tenay, "Well, I wonder what that was all about. Anyway, next up we're going to see the number 1 contender in action, Bret Hart in singles action just 3 days from World War 3." Suddenly Bret Hart's music plays, and the crowd rises to their feet. Bret walks out, and high fives some fans on the way down the ramp before sliding into the ring and posing for the crowd. Bret then takes off his sunglasses and goes to give them to a fan, but Hakushi pulls him back and punches him hard in the face as the match starts. Hakushi punches away at The Hitman, before whipping him to the ropes, but Bret baseball slides through Hakushi's legs to the outside, and trips him up sending him face first into the canvas. Bret then grabs his sunglasses, and finally gives them to a young fan at ringside, as he has done so many times in the past. Tenay, "Now that's class from Bret Hart, as per usual." Bret pulls Hakushi outside and throws him hard into the barricade before ramming a series of headbutts into the gut and throwing him back into the ring. Hart climbs onto the middle rope and drives an elbow to the sternum of Hakushi for a one....two...two only. Hakushi gets back to his feet and goes for a Spinning Heel Kick, but Hart ducks and hits a legsweep before driving another elbow into Hakushi's sternum. Bret then grabs hold of Hakushi's legs, and the crowd go wild anticipating a Sharpshooter, but Bret instead drops a headbutt to the gut. Hart pulls Hakushi to his feet and hits a Suplex before finally going for the Sharpshooter, only for Hakushi to counter with a leg takedown. Hakushi quickly floats over and locks on a side headlock, but Hart powers up to his feet. Bret hits a couple of forearms to the kidneys and shoves Hakushi to the ropes, only for him to hit a Flying Clothesline. Hakushi waits for Bret to get to his feet, and hits a Superkick, knocking him back into the corner. Hakushi backs up, and hits a Cartwheel Elbow before climbing up onto the middle rope and grabbing hold of Hart's head. Ray, "Hakushi's got something bad planned here." Tenay, "Bret's in trouble here, just 3 days from his shot at the World Heavyweight Title." Hakushi goes for a Bulldog from the middle rope, but Hart counters with a Back Suplex. Both men get up at the same time, and Bret manages to hit an Inverted Atomic Drop. The Hitman then sets Hakushi up for a Suplex, but Hakushi floats over into a roll up...1....2...Bret shoves Hakushi off into the ropes and catches him in a Small Package...1...2....two count. Tenay, "These two men are trading wrestling holds and moves back and forth. Great ring psychology from both these great wrestlers." Hakushi goes for a kick to the gut, but Hart catches the foot and hits a Dragon Screw. The Hitman then tries to grab Hakushi's other foot for the Sharpshooter, but Hakushi manages to boot Bret in the head to counter. Hakushi gets back to his feet and hits a Swinging Neckbreaker before climbing up top. Hakushi goes for the Moonsault, but Hart moves and Hakushi crashes to the mat hard. Bret then hits a Russian Legsweep, before finally locking in the Sharpshooter! Tenay, "The Sharpshooter. it's all over now! No doubt about it!" Ray, "Hakushi ain't got a chance in hell of getting outta this, I should know." Bret pulls back in the move, and Hakushi has no choice but to tap out!
Winner via submission: Bret 'The Hitman' Hart in 8:25
Bret releases the hold and celebrates a little, before locking up towards the stage, and signals that he wants the WCW World Heavyweight Title from 'Y2J' Chris Jericho.
In the backstage area, The Coach is standing backstage, ready to interview someone who isn't in view yet. Coach, "Well, ladies and gentlemen World War 3 this Sunday is going to be a great night for sure. For a few superstars, it will no doubt be the culmination of dreams, and for one the next step to the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. And well, two men that have a busy night ahead of them Sunday night..." Coach looks to his left as The New Age Outlaws walk into view, still looking fatigued from their Tag Title Match earlier on. Coach, "These two men, The New Age Outlaws. And guys, first off you guys have got another shot at the WCW World Tag Team Titles as you face The Flock again." Road Dogg, "Coach, after what happened earlier, we can't wait to get our hands on 'The Flock' one more time. And if Raven wants to get involved in the match on Sunday, then Raven, I've got a suggestion. Grow yourself a set and face us either one of us man to man." Coach, "Well guys, you have both been entered into the World War 3 Match, meaning you'll both be going for the same prize, a shot at the WCW Heavyweight Title at Superbrawl 13." Gunn, "Ya know Coach, for years I've always been the guy with the 'potential to go places' in singles competition. That's all well and good, but potential is nothing. Me and Road Dogg here are just like all the other 28 guys in the match. We want to fulfil our dream. The ultimate dream of winning the Heavyweight Championship of the world. Neither of us have been there before, but damn it I know I can do it. And I'm sure my partner has what it takes too." Road Dogg, "And if it comes down to me and the Badd Ass, you can bet your ass that we're gonna fight each other just like anyone else, to get a shot at the belt...and then, to become double champions. Because we WILL win those Tag Team Titles Sunday night. You can guarantee it!"
[7.45-8.00]
Okerlund, "Well, I'm standing with two of the four men who are going to fight at World War 3 for the Cruiserweight Title, Jamie Noble and X-Pac. And guys, I can literally feel the friction between you two, I just hope there isn't going to be a fight breaking out around here. Anyway, tonight you two men will have to put your differences aside and team together against the other two men in the match, Low Ki and Kaz Hayashi." X-Pac, "Well Gene, I know I can put MY differences aside. I just hope YOU can." X-Pac pokes his finger in Noble's chest, as Noble looks at Pac with fury in his eyes. Before anything can happen though, Low Ki walks over and both men turn their attentions to him. Low Ki, "Guys...you two better be a little more worried about me than each other. Otherwise tonight, you..." X-Pac, "Hey boy, you'd better be worried about Kaz. You think for one minute he's going to work together with you? After what he did on Thunder last week, I wouldn't trust him any more than I would you." X-Pac and then Noble walk off as Low Ki looks like he's thinking over X-Pac's comments.
Commercial Break
Low Ki and Kaz Hayashi VS X-Pac and WCW Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble
X-Pac and Noble are already in the ring, and Kaz is already standing at the bottom of the ramp as Low Ki's music begins to play. Low Ki and Kaz both slide in, and the two teams go at each other with 'fist and fire'. X-Pac and Low Ki brawl to the outside of the ring as in the ring Jamie Noble and Kaz brawl away. Noble whips Kaz to the ropes, Hayashi ducks a clothesline and hits an Enziguri kick to the side of the head. Kaz hits a Monkey Flip on Noble and climbs up to the top rope, but X-Pac shoves him off into the middle of the ring. Low Ki hits a kick on X-Pac though and then enters the ring and dropkicks the Cruiserweight Champion in the head before going for a Plancha onto X-Pac, but X-Pac moves and Low Ki crashes into the barricade. In the ring, Kaz pulls up Noble and starts to punch away at Noble, but suddenly Noble falls to one knee clutching his other. Tenay, "What happened? Noble just went down...he may have pulled something in his knee." As Noble is checked on by referee Nick Patrick, from the blindside X-Pac slides into the ring and nails Kaz with the Cruiserweight Title belt! Noble quickly leaps up onto his vertical base and locks on the Trailer Hitch submission move. Tenay, "Ah, it was all a ruse by Noble! And now Kaz...has no choice but to tap!" Kaz taps out as Noble wins.
Winners via submission: Jamie Noble and X-Pac in 6:39
Noble and X-Pac begin to celebrate, until X-Pac nails him with a Spinning Heel Kick! X-Pac starts to punch away at the Cruiserweight Champion, trying to gain an advantage over Noble ahead of Sunday night as from behind Low Ki slides in, and knocks X-Pac down with a Legsweep. Low Ki starts to stomp away on X-Pac before climbing up to the top rope. Ray, "Low Ki gonna fly?" Tenay, "Err, it looks that way." Low Ki dives off, hitting a Splash onto both Noble and X-Pac! Low Ki then pulls Kaz up, positions him and hits the Ki Krusher! Tenay, "The Ki Krusher. Low Ki has got the advantage ahead of World War 3, when the 4 men you see in the ring will fight for the Cruiserweight Title.
Jesse Ventura is back in his office, looking over some papers as suddenly the door bursts open and the big Aussie Nathan Jones walks up to Jesse's desk, slams his hands down on the desk and looks Ventura dead in the eye. Ventura, "G'day Nathan." Jones, "Don't get funny with me Jesse. I'm here about my lack of opportunities around here. I want a match for tonight!" Ventura, "Nathan, you can't I'm fully booked for tonight. You are in the World War 3 Match though..." Jones slams his massive right hand down again before looking at Jesse, with a colder stare than before. Jones, "I want a one on one match, to prove that I'm worthy of my WCW contract!" Ventura, "Well, I'm not sure if we ca..." Jones, "Jesse, do you know who I am? I'm Nathan Jones. The Colossus of Boggo Road! Notorious criminal. I spent 10 YEARS in prison, confined for a crime I openly admit to committing. I wasn't afraid to do what I did, so don't think I'll take this lying down Jesse." Suddenly, Ventura shows a lot of bottle by getting out of his seat, walking around to the front of his desk and going eye to eye with the big Aussie, as best he can. Ventura, "Now you listen here Nathan. I RUN WCW! Not you, not anyone else. ME! And I don't take kindly to guys trying to intimidate me. Let me tell you something you obviously don't realise...NOBODY INTIMIDATES 'THE BODY'! Now, you want a match. Well, guess what...you've got one! At World War 3. But Nathan, it's going to be you, one on one ...with HULK HOGAN!" The crowd pop huge as Tenay, "Oh my god, Hogan and Jones this Sunday!" Ventura, "And well, seeing as Hogan's not getting on too well with me, and your attempts to threaten me, to be honest I wouldn't mind seeing the back of either of you. So, this Sunday the loser of your match will be out of the World War 3 Match, because you'll be out of the WCW!" Jones, "What do you mean?" Ventura, "I mean, it's loser leaves WCW! Now get out of my office before you get into a fight you won't win!" Jones reluctantly leaves the room as Ventura sits back down and tries to calm down.
Tenay, "Can you believe that Stevie, Hollywood Hulk Hogan one on one this Sunday night with Nathan Jones, loser leaves WCW! We could see then last of Nathan Jones this Sunday." Ray, "Or, we could see the end of Hulkamania in WCW, cause that Nathan Jones ain't no push-over."
[8.00-8.15]
Scott Taylor and Too Cold Scorpio are still walking through the hallways of the backstage area, as Taylor still tries to convince Scorpio to stay in wrestling. Taylor, "So, you get what my plan means?" Scorpio, "Yeah, but don't you think it's a little..." Taylor, "Wacky? Man, that's us all over! Hell, it'll be fun." As they continue to talk, The Coach walks over with a microphone in hand as always. Coach, "Err guys, if you're not busy..." Taylor, "Sure thing, go ahead and ask us what we're doing. Just don't expect an answer, cause we want this to be a surprise." Coach, "No, it's not that. I just wanted to tell you you've been booked in a tag team match tonight together. Against the team of D-Lo Brown and the debuting Mike Sanders." Taylor, "Great...let the plan begin!" Scorpio and Taylor walk off as we are still in the dark over the 'plan' they have.
Elsewhere in the backstage area, Mene Gene Okerlund is with Dustin Rhodes, the reigning WCW Television Champion. Okerlund, "Dustin Rhodes, in 3 days time your Television Championship is up for grabs in a triple threat match, and your title reign is in jeopardy. You must face Hakushi who you have had quite a few problems with in the past month or two, and one of the stars of the near future Batista. Can you retain your Television Championship this Sunday, bearing in mind that you don't have to be involved in the decision to lose the belt." Rhodes, "Yeah, as champion in a triple threat match it is that bit tougher to keep your belt. But, I've beaten Hakushi before. And I'm not going to be intimidated by Batista. Sunday, I'm going to fight my match, the way I always fight my matches. I'm going to do whatever I have to, just to keep this belt, and you can bet Batista and Hakushi are going to do the same. It's gonna be tough Gene." Okerlund, "That it is Dustin, but also at World War 3, you will be in the World War 3 Match itself looking to become the Heavyweight Championship number one contender. Your thoughts." Rhodes, "Well, the on thought in my mind is to win obviously. But not just for winning's sake. In the back of my mind, there's a picture. A very vivid, black and white picture of my father Dusty Rhodes. Holding the NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt in the air, blood all over his face but a smile shining through his pain. Gene, I need to prove myself. Not to myself, not to my dad, but to the fans and all my critics. I need to prove that the Rhodes legacy lives on, in the body of Dustin Rhodes."
Tenay, "Well, a very determined Dustin Rhodes, looking to win the World War 3 Match, but to also retain his Television Championship, on a packed card. And right now, we're going to run down the card for this Sunday night..."
As each match comes up, we see a graphic of the participants appear as the theme song for World War 3 plays in the background.
Tenay, "And as we've already mentioned, a triple threat match for the WCW World Television Championship, Dustin Rhodes defends against the 'Modern Day Kamikaze' Hakushi and the very impressive Batista. One fall to a finish, Dustin doesn't have to be involved in the fall to lose the belt."
Ray, "Ya also got the US Belt on the line, inside of a 15 foot steel cage. The Champ Val Venis goes up against the big bootyied one Rikishi for the gold."
Tenay, "The Cruiserweight Title on the line, in four way elimination rules. Jamie Noble has to defend his belt against his three closest challengers, Kaz Hayashi, Low Ki and X-Pac."
Ray, "And made tonight, the Tag Titles that Harlem Heat won so many times, the WCW World Tag Team Championship. The Flock go up against the New Age Outlaws."
Tenay, "Enough of the Harlem Heat references already. Also made tonight, loser leaves the WCW. Hulk Hogan versus Nathan Jones, U.S.A vs Australia, the legend against the rising star."
Ray, "There's also the match everyone's talking about Mike, the World War 3 Match. Err...rules...I got the rules written somewhere. Oh yeah, 6 men start. Elimination by pinfall, submission or over the top rope. When one guy is eliminated, another one comes in until there's one guy left standing. And that guy's going to Superbrawl 13 for the Heavyweight Title."
Tenay, "But, who will be the champion at Superbrawl. Bret Hart goes one on one with the Champ Chris Jericho in what should be a classic match, and it will be under 'The Body rules'. Jesse Ventura as the special enforcer for the Heavyweight Title clash. World War 3 will be one hell of a night this Sunday night!"
Jesse Ventura is still in his office, when Mike Sanders walks in, wearing his new S.O.L shirt. Sanders, "Jes, what's all this about? Teaming with D-Lo?" Ventura, "S.O.L...very classy. Mike, you wanted a debut match? Well, I'm killing three birds with one stone. You want a debut, D-Lo wants a match, and Taylor and Scorpio want to exhibit their plan." Sanders, "First off, I don't appreciate being in a tag match, with a guy I don't even know. But, I need to prove myself to you. I'm not even in the World War 3 Match. But I'm going to prove my worth eventually. And if I have to do it with D-Lo's my partner...so be it."
Commercial Break
D-Lo makes his way to the ring as we come back from the break, ready for his tag team match. D-Lo slides in as Mike Sanders cockily walks out down the ramp. Tenay, "Well, I guess we're going to find out Scott Taylor and Scorpio's plan right here, but still to come tonight Jericho defends the World Heavyweight Title versus Buff Bagwell, and an Over The Top Rope Challenge Match..." Suddenly we hear 'Turn It Up', and Scott Taylor walks out...but not as he usually does. Ray, "The Hell?" Tenay, "That's not Scott Taylor...That's Scotty 2 Hotty!!!" Scotty 2 Hotty dances out in his usual manner, before turning around and pointing up to the stage. Then, we hear 'Flash you are SOOOOO...FUNKY!" and there's a huge explosion as out walks...FLASH FUNK!?! Tenay, "This is...is...surreal!" Ray, "Yeah, it's pretty damn crazy too." Flash walks a little way down the ramp, as a couple of 'Funkettes' walk out behind him, and start dancing as the crowd start cheering!
[8.15-8.30]
Mike Sanders and D-Lo Brown VS Scotty 2 Hotty and Flash Funk w/The Funkettes
Funk and Scotty dance their way down the ramp as D-Lo and Sanders look at each other, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Funk slides in first, and is stomped away at by D-Lo and Sanders, but from the top rope Scotty dives off and hits a Crossbody onto both D-Lo and Sanders! Scotty punches away at Sanders as Flash gets up and does the same to D-Lo. Scotty and Flash then give each other a thumbs up before whipping D-Lo and Sanders into each other. Funk then dropkicks D-Lo into Sanders, sending both men flying to the outside. Tenay, "Well, it looks like it's working...Funk and Scotty are working well together from the start." Mike Sanders runs in looking angry, only for Funk to hit a Drop Toe Hold and Scotty hits a Dropkick to Sanders' head. D-Lo knocks Scotty down with a clothesline and quickly throws him to the outside, before focusing on Funk with hard right hands. D-Lo whips Flash into the ropes, but Flash avoids a Sky High by pushing himself over D-Lo and Dropkicking Brown face first into the corner. Funk goes to the apron and to the top rope, before hitting a sort of Big Splash across D-Lo's neck, squashing his face against the top turnbuckle! Ray, "Man that was ugly! He might'a broke D-Lo's neck right there!" Brown falls to the mat holding his neck as Flash climbs up to the top rope, but before he can hit his move Mike Sanders shoves him off the ropes and out face first into the barricade. Sanders raises his arms on the apron, looking pretty pleased with himself, until Scotty pulls him down and starts tagging off with right hands knocking Sanders down. Scotty slides back in and whips D-Lo to the ropes, catching him coming off with a Spinning Heel Kick. Brown falls back into the corner, but Scotty Monkey Flips him out into the middle of the ring. Scotty then goes for a Clothesline, but D-Lo ducks and shoves Scotty away, into a Clothesline from Sanders. D-Lo and Sanders then hit a Double Suplex, but from the apron Flash Funk leaps onto the top rope and wipes out both the opponents with a Springboard Crossbody! Funk ducks a D-Lo Clothesline and drops him with a Reverse Bulldog as Scotty rolls up Sanders...1...2...two only. Tenay, "Funk and Scotty look like new men here, they're dominating D-Lo and Sanders!" Sanders gets back up, but Scotty trips him and Slingshots him into a mid-air Dropkick from Funk, as the crowd 'OOOOH', feeling Sanders' pain. Scotty gets knocked down with a D-Lo Clothesline, but Funk goes right to work on Brown. Flash runs off the ropes, straight into a Sky High from D-Lo!!! D-Lo hooks the legs...1...2...Scotty breaks up the fall with a shot to the back. Sanders slowly gets back to his feet, and spins Scotty around but gets nailed with some stiff right hands before he can manage to hit a knee to the gut. Sanders then hooks Scotty's arms and drives him to the mat with a Double Underhook Suplex. Sanders raises his arms in the air in celebration as Funk runs over, and Clotheslines Sanders over the rope, following him out with the force of the Clothesline. In the ring, D-Lo and Scotty both slowly get to their feet, and D-Lo goes for a Leaping Sidekick, but Scotty ducks and hits a double handed Facecrusher before the crowd erupt as Scotty throws his arms out in the air! Tenay, "Could it be? Could it be the Worm?" Scotty hops around as the crowd chant away...W...O...R...M. Scotty then rolls his way over and hits the Worm on D-Lo! Mike Sanders slides back in from behind though, and hits a German Suplex on Scotty....1....2.....Funk hits a Moonsault to break up the pin. Scorpio then hits a Diving Sidekick on D-Lo as Sanders rolls out of the ring, and starts to walk back up the ramp! Tenay, "Wait, where the hell's Sanders going. He's leaving his partner high and dry!" Ray, "Maybe he forgot where the ring was." Tenay, "Yeah, very believable." D-Lo staggers around, with no partner to help him as Funk and Scotty hit a Double Superkick. Funk then climbs up to the top rope, before hitting an amazing Moonsault Legdrop! Flash covers...1....2....3!
Winners via pinfall: Flash Funk and Scotty Too Hotty in 11:38
Tenay, "I don't believe it. What a difference a name makes huh Stevie?" Scotty and Funk have their hands raised in victory as The Funkettes enter the ring and start dancing with Funk, before Flash goes to leave the ring, but Scotty stops him. Scotty starts shaking his head, and motions for Funk to dance with him. Ray, "Man, this is getting weirder by the minute!" Tenay, "Don't tell me they're going to dance! This is...I don't know what to say." Ray, "Don't worry, I'll cover for ya." Suddenly, the lights go out, before a countdown begins on the big screen. Tenay, "Uh-oh. Fun time's over, the World Champion is interrupting proceedings." There's a HUGE explosion of pyros as the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho walks out down the ramp with his belt around his waist. Scotty and Flash sense their cue to leave and exit the ring as Jericho walks up the steel steps and raises his belt in the air on the apron. Jericho enters the ring, and is given a microphone by ring announcer Paisley as Scotty and Funk leave the ringside area.
[8.30-8.45]
Jericho, "Welcome to Thunder...IS...JERICHO! Now that these dumb ass-clowns are finished dancing and have left MY ring, you can finally get what you came to see. A healthy dose of Vitamin C, from your World Heavyweight Champion. We are just 3 days away from World War 3, and I have to face Bret Hart for this belt that I have around my waist. People come up to me and ask me 'Chris, aren't you scared of Bret Hart?' 'Chris, what makes you think you can beat Bret Hart?' Bret Hart...the legend...the submission specialist...I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF IT! Who is the World Heavyweight Champion? I AM! Not Bret Hart, ME! And believe me Bret, I'm going to use everything I have against you. And that means in essence, your dad is costing you your match. I'm going to use everything I learnt in the 'Hart Family Dungeon' on you, and make sure everything you and your family know comes back and bites you in the ass! Now, Buff Bagwell. Tonight, you think you can take this belt? We..." Suddenly, Buff Bagwell's music hits and the challenger makes his entrance.
World Heavyweight Championship Match
Chris Jericho(c) VS Buff Bagwell
Buff slides into the ring, and starts to punch the hell out of Jericho straight from the opening bell. Buff backs Jericho up against the ropes and nails him with a hard knee to the gut before whipping him off the ropes and hitting a high Flapjack and a big Clothesline, sending Jericho retreating to the outside. Tenay, "Man Buff's come out on fire here. Jericho doesn't know what hit him." Jericho takes his time trying to catch an early breather, but Bagwell slides to the outside and attacks Y2J from behind. Bagwell whips Jericho into, up and over the barricade into the crowd before following him out. Y2J and Bagwell punch away at each other in amongst the crowd before Bagwell grabs a fan's drink and hits Jericho in the face, drenching him with beer. Bagwell then boots Jericho in the gut, and hits a Vertical Suplex on the concrete to the World Champ. Buff quickly picks Jericho up and throws him back over the barricade to ringside. Buff then throws Y2J head first into the ring post before back into the ring. Bagwell slides in, and hits a Neckbreaker on Jericho...1...2...only two. Buff drags Jericho up by the hair and hits a Stungun across the top rope and a Sidewalk Slam as he staggers back. Bagwell pulls Jericho up again and sets him up for a Double Arm DDT, but Jericho spins out of the hold and hits a Double Underhook Backbreaker before locking on a Crossbow Backbreaker. Buff is in pain and is too far away from the ropes to get the escape. Tenay, "Jericho's trying to prove a point to Bret, and show him a few submission holds along the way." Bagwell tries to escape, but Jericho pulls back on the head and knees to add more leverage. Y2J finally releases the hold before stomping away at the back of 'Buff Daddy' and dropping a couple of elbows. Jericho picks up Buff and hits a Snap Suplex, further working over the back. Y2J then turns Bagwell over, before grabbing his legs and locking on a Texas Cloverleaf! Ray, "Jericho's gonna make Bagwell tap, or break his back trying!" Jericho leans back, almost into a Lion Tamer style Cloverleaf as Buff literally starts screaming out in pain. Jericho smiles though, before releasing the hold and dragging Buff over a little bit. Y2J runs to the ropes, and hits a Lionsault to the back of Bagwell. Jericho pulls Buff up to his feet and hits a Side Backbreaker before climbing up to the top rope. Bagwell staggers up, and Jericho goes for a Missile Dropkick, but Buff moves out of the way and Jericho crashes hard to the mat. Jericho gets back to his feet, Buff hits a kick to the gut, and then a lifting Double Arm DDT! Bagwell covers....1....2....NO! Buff pulls Y2J up and starts to punch away, before backing up a couple of steps and nailing a Swinging Neckbreaker. Bagwell crawls over and covers again....one....two....thre...no. Tenay, "Man, Jericho is living on the edge, he's been just a second away from losing that Heavyweight Title twice now." Buff goes up to the middle rope, and gives the signal for the Blockbuster, but Jericho ducks and Buff lands hard on his back again. Jericho takes his advantage, tripping up Buff and locking in the Walls Of Jericho! Buff's back is in immense pain, and he raises his arm to tap out, but Jericho releases the legs. Tenay, "What the hell is Jericho doing? He had the match won!" Jericho looks up, and he has a sick smile on his face for some reason. Jericho then locks up Buff's legs, and locks in a Sharpshooter! Ray, "Oh yeah! He's really sending a message to Bret!" Tenay, "This is just humiliating for Bret. Jericho's trying to taunt Bret with this, no doubt about it!" Buff is in the middle of the ring, and has to tap out as Jericho retains his title. Jericho releases the Sharpshooter and is passed his belt.
Winner via submission: Chris Jericho in 10:42
Jericho raises his title in the air, as down the ramp runs Bret Hart! Tenay, "It's Bret! The Hitman's running down...we've got a fight on here!" Jericho swings at Hart with the belt, but Bret ducks and knocks down Y2J with a hard Clothesline. Bret then mounts Jericho, and starts to punch away at the World Champ as the crowd go wild. Jericho escapes from the ring and through the crowd, but The Hitman follows him, hot on his heels as we go to another break.
Commercial Break
Backstage reporter The Coach is now standing with the 4 members of The Flock in their dark room, all of them sitting in a circle. Coach, "Well, I'm standing here in a very dark, damp, cold place. With me in this room are The Flock, lead by their leader Raven. Raven, in a few moments you will be involved in a four man over the top rope challenge as a preview to World War 3. And I have to ask you four, what will happen if the World War 3 Match comes down to you four men." Helms, "Raven will win." Hardy, "Yes, he will win and become the almighty champion." Spike, "We will exit over the top rope and to the floor." Coach, "Sounds to me like these guys have been brainwashed Raven." Raven, "These 3 men are my followers, I am their leaders. nobody has been brainwashed. They are the select few who understand my thoughts, and the thoughts of the spirits controlling them and myself. These men understand the spirits wishes...they wish for me to do their bidding. These men know their place. To help me do the spirits bidding. These men will do that, or feel the consequences. Just like Al Snow. Tonight, he will continue to be a victim of the Raven Effect...Quote the Raven...Nevermore!" Raven leaves the room and his three followers in the dark.
[8.45-9.00]
Over The Top Rope Challenge Match
Raven VS Al Snow VS Batista VS Dustin Rhodes
Batista's haunting music begins to play as the big monster performs his entrance, but as he gets a little way down the ramp the TV Champ Dustin Rhodes sprints down the aisleway and knocks down Batista with a Clothesline to the back of the head. Rhodes and Batista brawl down the ramp, exchanging right hands all the way down as we hear 'What Does Everybody Want?'. Al Snow runs down the aisle and slides into the ring to join in the brawl. Snow starts to fire off with hard rights on both Batista and Rhodes as 'End Of Everything' begins to blare around the arena, and Raven charges down the aisle. Raven slides in and immediately backs Al Snow into a corner, and they brawl away as Batista and Rhodes brawl in the opposite corner. Rhodes lifts up Batista's legs and tries to dump him over the top rope as Raven rams Snow head first into the turnbuckle. Raven then runs over and nails Dustin Rhodes with a shot to the back of the head before throwing over the top rope, but Rhodes hangs on to the top rope and lands on the apron. Snow runs over and Dropkicks Raven down before turning his attention to Batista. Snow tries to whip Batista to the ropes, but the big man is too strong, and he pulls Al into a devastating Spinebuster! Batista looks down on Snow, but as he does Rhodes hits a Bulldog on the big man. Rhodes picks up Batista and somehow hoists him onto his shoulder, trying to dump him up and over the ropes. Rhodes has got Batista in trouble as Raven tries to eliminate Al on the other side of the ring. Tenay, "I don't think Dustin has enough to eliminate Batista single handedly here." Ray, "That Batista's one big bad dude." Snow escapes from his predicament as Rhodes desperately tries to summon the strength to dump out Batista, but the monster manages to push himself back in. Rhodes ducks a Batista Clothesline as he turns around, but gets nailed with a Superkick from Snow. Snow then avoids the on-running Raven and throws him into Batista, as both men fly over the top rope to the apron. Al and Dustin starts to tag off with right hands on the two men on the apron, trying to knock them out of the match. Snow backs up and goes for a Double Clothesline, but Raven and Batista grab one of Snow's arms each, and hit a Double Hiptoss on Snow to the outside, eliminating him!
Eliminated: Al Snow in 5:47
Raven and Batista enter the ring again, but both are knocked down by a Double Clothesline by Dustin Rhodes. Rhodes knocks Raven down again before punching away at Batista again. Batista knees Rhodes hard in the gut though and sets up for the Sitout Powerbomb, but Raven hits a Clothesline that sends him up and over the top rope! Tenay, "Batista's gone! I don't believe it!"
Eliminated: Batista in 6:01
Rhodes straight away tries to dump Raven out of the ring, but Raven plants his hand on the apron to prevent his elimination. Rhodes lets Raven back in before smashing him in the jaw with a stiff forearm. Rhodes whips Raven to the ropes and catches him coming back in a Sleeper, but Raven quickly runs Rhodes into the buckles to break the hold. Raven charges at Rhodes in the corner, but the TV Champ moves out of the way and Raven hits the buckles hard. Rhodes then hits a stiff Lariat on Raven as Batista slides back into the ring and drills Rhodes with a Spinebuster! Tenay, "Wait...get Batista out of there!" Ray, "Hey, now Snow's in!" Snow and Batista start brawling away as Raven grabs Rhodes by the hair, and throws him over the top! Raven wins the Over The Top Rope Challenge, but gets nailed with a Clothesline from Batista as the brawl goes on!
Eliminated: Dustin Rhodes in 6:48
Winner: Raven
Batista, Snow and Raven brawl in the ring as suddenly the big Aussie Nathan Jones sprints down the aisle and joins in the brawling. Jones starts to punch the hell out of everyone as Rhodes slides back in, and Hardcore Holly runs down the ramp. Tenay, "It's World War 3...3 days early!" Jones knocks down the four men already in the ring as Holly slides in, and the two big tough men stare each other down. Holly nails Jones, and a fist fight ensues between the two as the four members of 3 Minute Warning run down and take out both Jones and Holly. Ray, "Woah this is crazy. I feel like I should be in there too." Tenay, "Go ahead, knock yourself out. Better yet, let one of those guys do it, it'd be more fun." Jamal hits the Throwing Samoan Drop on Hardcore as Rikishi knocks down Jones with a Superkick. The four 3 Minute Warning members stand over everyone else as the New Age Outlaws, and then the A.P.A all run down the rampway! An 8 man brawl erupts in the ring as some of the other wrestlers out in the arena brawl around ringside. Suddenly, 'Voodoo Child' begins to play, and the crowd EXPLODE into cheers as out walks the 'Big Red and Yellow Machine!' Tenay, "IT'S HOGAN! HOGAN'S HERE, OH MAN THIS IS A WAR!" Hogan slides into the ring, and starts knocking down guys left, right and center with right hands. Jamal goes down, then Simmons, D-Lo, Holly, Road Dogg, Rosie, Rikishi...Hogan has knocked down everyone. Hogan then starts throwing people up and over the top rope, one by one clearing the ring. Tenay, "The Hulkster's clearing house! My god Hogan is dominating HIS ring!" Hogan dumps Rikishi and then Billy Gunn over the top as everyone is on the outside, brawling back up the ramp, apart from Nathan Jones. Jones and Hogan stand eye to eye, toe to toe, face to face. Neither man backs down from the other. Ray, "Man what a face off!" Tenay, "You can feel the tension!" Jones and Hogan start trading right hands, and Jones gets the advantage. Jones goes to whip Hulk across the ring, but Hulk reverses and Jones gets nailed with a Big Boot! Hogan then backs off the ropes, and hits the Legdrop to a huge pop from the crowd! 'Voodoo Child' then begins to play again as Hogan stands alone in the ring. Tenay, "If this happens Sunday night, Nathan Jones is going to be out of the WCW, and Hulk Hogan will be going to Superbrawl 13! Hogan is back, and ready for war! What a ni...wait, we're hearing that something's going on backstage. Well get back there...have we got a camera back there?" Ray, "What's going on?"
Backstage, 'Y2J' Chris Jericho and Bret Hart are still brawling, through the corridors and hallways trading hard punches. Jericho has been cut open from the forehead, and Bret is limping slightly. Referees are surrounding them, unable to hold back either man as suddenly Jesse Ventura steps into view. Tenay, "Well, Ventura's there and he's got to do something. These two are going to tear each other apart here." Ventura walks over with a look of anger on his face, and steps between Bret and Jericho. Referees then manage to restrain Bret and pull him away, but Jericho breaks free and shoves Ventura down! Ray, "Uh-oh, big mistake!" Ventura gets up fuming, and he goes to punch Jericho, but stops and thinks better. Tenay, "Oh, the prez nearly punched Y2J!" Jericho, "What's the matter Jesse? You lost your balls? Go ahead hit me!" Ventura, "No, I ain't getting pulled into this 'owner versus wrestler' crap!" Jericho, "Yeah, well Jesse...remember, if you punch me Sunday, I WIN! So Jesse, I hope you keep your arm in good shape over these 3 days, because I'm counting on you to come through for me man...hahaha!" Jericho walks off laughing as Ventura is left seething at Jericho's comments. Tenay, "Oh man, how is Jesse Ventura going to be impartial as enforcer Sunday night? My god don't miss World War 3 Sunday night!"
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