WCW Monday NitroStory By: John Sivewright
January 30, 2003
WCW Monday Nitro
27th Janaury 2003
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Announcers: Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan
Written by John Sivewright
[7.00-7.15]
The show begins with a still image highlights package from last night's pay-per-view extravaganza, WCW World War 3. Bret Hart won the WCW World Heavyweight Title in an encounter against Chris Jericho. Y2J passed out whilst locked in the Sharpshooter and Jesse Ventura, the special ringside enforcer, called for the bell. Also during that particular encounter, Jericho got what seemed to be a pinfall victory on the Excellence of Execution, only for The Body to restart the bout since Y2J pulled Bret's tights. In the 30 man World War 3 encounter, Diamond Dallas Page shocked the world as he came home to WCW and won the match, last eliminating Nathan Jones. Also on the show, Rikishi won the United States Title from Val Venis in an epic cage match, The Flock regained the tag titles by turning away the challenge of the New Age Outlaws (albeit with a little help from Spike Dudley), Jamie Knoble kept his hands on the Cruiserweight Title by defeating Kaz Hayashi, X-Pac and Low Ki in a fatal fourway elimination encounter whilst Batista won the Television Title from Dustin Rhodes in an all action triple threat match, also pitting Hakushi. Another big story to come out of World War 3 last night was the WCW retirement of the legendary Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster was defeated by the young prodigy Nathan Jones. Hogan's departure was an extremely emotional affair and one that we will never forget.
The fireworks go off on the stage as WCW Nitro hits the airwaves! We get a shot of the squared circle and Chris Jericho is stood in the centre of the ring holding a microphone. Jericho, "Stop all of this crap! Cut the Nitro music, can the Nitro fireworks and all pay attention to the man who was robbed of HIS World Heavyweight Championship Belt last night at World War Jericho." Heenan, "He's right you know, Tony. He never gave up." Schiavone, "He was in a career threatening position and Jesse Ventura did the right thing by calling for stoppage." Jericho, "Ever since a bald headed jackass by the name of Jesse 'The Body' Ventura has set foot in WCW, I have been forced to put in some of the most heroic performances in the history of professional wrestling. Sure, my performances have been nothing short of spectacular, but damn it, it starts to take it out of you after a while. As was the case last night. After over twenty minutes of show stopping physical entertainment from the Ayatollah of Rock and Rollah, my body finally gave out on me. Yes, I do admit, even my body has its limitations. But as I walked to the back on my own two feet .." Schiavone, "We are there, Brain, Jericho was carried away on a stretcher ..." Heenan, "Quiet Tony, the rightful champion is talking." Jericho, "As I walked to the back and the fans were giving me a standing ovation far bigger than that old fossil Hollywood Hogan received, I thought to myself, 'is it all worth it?'. I put my body and soul on the line each and every week and this piece of garbage Jesse Ventura has had it in for me since day 1. Since he set his foul smelling feet into his office here in the WCW, he's been set on taking my World Title from me. He's stopped at nothing to back your party host into corners. Usually, I use my unbelievable wrestling ability to overcome considerable odds, but last night was just too much. I had Bret Hart's number throughout the entire match, but Ventura was always there to save The Canadian Zero. With that ass clown Ventura at ringside, I didn't have a prayer, not matter how much I put on the line. So Jesse, you have succeeded. You have reached your first target taking the World Title from me; a title that I worked my ass off to gain and that I worked even harder to keep. I can tell already that your second target is to have me leave WCW. So, Jesse, I'm gonna do you a favour. I know that no matter how hard I try, you will do your damndest to get me out of this company and once again, you'll succeed. So ... I quit!" Jericho throws the mic to the ground, leaves the ring and storms up the ramp as we go to a commercial break.
Break
Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan are sat at the announce table. Schiavone, "I don't know what to say, fans ..." Heenan, "Good, then shut up and allow me to take over. Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, last night we all bore witness to the biggest injustice in the history of this business. The hardest working champion in the history of this business, a role model to all, was robbed of his title. He was robbed of his title by a bitter, twisted never-was who is jealous of the fact that Jericho has achieved it all whereas he achieved absolutely nothing. Jesse Ventura is an absolute disgrace and I don't blame Chris Jericho one bit for walking out on a company operated by such a ... such a ..." Schiavone, "Brain, am I hearing you correctly? Jesse Ventura called it right down the middle last night and he did what was in Chris Jericho's best interests by calling for the bell. Jericho's back could have been broken had he remained in the Sharpshooter while he was unconscious. Jesse Ventura did the best that he could." Heenan, "But, damn it, its not right!" Schiavone, "It may be right, it may be wrong, and personally I think its right; but the show must go on tonight. We kick things off with a hardcore matchup between Hardcore Holly and Al Snow."
Hardcore Rules
Al Snow VS Hardcore Holly
Schiavone, "Last night, both of these men eliminated each other from the big 30 man battle royal. Each man has revenge on his mind." 'How do you like me now?' hits the PA system as Hardcore Holly comes through the curtain to a mixed reaction from the crowd. Holly slides into the ring and demands a mic. Holly, "Y'all might think that Al Snow is hardcore, but since this is my first hardcore rules match in WCW, you're all gonna find out just what hardcore is. Al Snow, you might be tough, but I'm Hardcore Holly. I'm the toughest man in WCW, and sorry son, but your ass is next." 'What does everybody want?' the crowd erupts with one collective HEAD!' chant. Al Snow runs down the ramp. Schiavone, "Head is conspicuous by his absence." Heenan, "Who cares? Its an inanimate object." Schiavone, "Don't let Al Snow hear you say that." Snow slides into the squared circle where he met by some stomps from Holly. Hardcore brings Al up and unloads with a barrage of right hands to the midsection. Holly goes for a whip, but Snow reverses it and knocks Holly down with a dropkick. Al whips Holly into the corner and charges in after Hardcore. Holly raises a foot and catches Snow in the jaw. Hardcore jumps to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and looks for a double axe. Al nails Holly with a right to the midsection before coming off of the ropes and executing a swinging neckbreaker for a near fall.
[7.15-7.30]
Snow and Holly are back up. Hardcore gets the upper hand with a knee to the midsection and lands some stiff rights to the face. Hardcore goes for a whip, but Al reverses it and turns it into a knee to the gut. Snow looks for a backslide, but Holly kicks backwards and catches Al with a low blow. Schiavone, "And that's perfectly legal, folks." Holly plants Snow into the mat with a vertical suplex for a near fall. Hardcore kneels over Snow and lands a flurry of fists before sliding to the outside. Holly pulls Al under the bottom rope and to the outside, standing Snow against the apron. Hardcore lands some overhand chops to the chest before going for a vertical suplex. Hardcore successfully executes the manoeuvre and Al's lower legs land painfully on the guardrail. Schiavone, "Al Snow got folded up like an accordion there!" Heenan, "Right, JR." Schiavone, "JR??" Heenan, "Don't use cliches, dumby." Hardcore reaches under the ring to search for some weapons. Holly pulls out a hockey stick! Hardcore raises the hockey stock in the air and looks to nail Snow with the weapon. Al returns to his knees and lands a headbutt to the midsection of Hardcore before pulling the hockey stick from the hands of Holly. Al swings the stick, but Hardcore ducks it and Snow nails the ringpost. Hardcore kicks Al in the gut, grabs the hockey stick and almost breaks it over the back of Snow. Hardcore throws the stick down before reaching under the ring again. This time, Holly retrieves a fire extinguisher. Al slowly gets up as Holly is ready to attack. Hardcore starts to shoot from the extinguisher, but Snow crawls out of dodge. Holly can barely see ahead of him as Al gets onto the apron and attacks Hardcore with a running flip! Snow mounts Hardcore and unloads with a series of right hands before rolling his foe back into the ring. Snow reaches under the ring and pulls out a trash can! Snow slides back into the squared circle and nails Holly in the head with the trash can. Hardcore falls to his knees as Snow puts the can over Holly's head! Hardcore steps back to a vertical base as Al goes to the apron and scales the turnbuckles. Snow comes off with a flying dropkick into the trash can and the face of Holly! Hardcore collapses to the mat as Snow goes to the apron and scales the turnbuckles once more. Al looks for a flying legdrop, but Holly gets out of the way. Hardcore removes the trash can from his head and stomps away on Snow. Holly puts the trash can on Al's head before leaving the ring and returning with a steel chair! Schiavone, "Oh my God! Hardcore Holly has some cruel intentions here." Heenan, "Can those cliches, Tony. Get it, Tony. 'Can' as in 'trash can'?" Schiavone, "I'll stop repeating cliches when you stop telling bad jokes." Holly waits for Snow to get back up with the trash can on Al's head. Hardcore swings the chair and nails Al in the head! Snow staggers around the ring before Holly hits another vicious shot, knocking Snow down and damn near out. Holly takes the trash can off of Al's head and Snow is busted wide open following the chair shot. Holly lays the chair down in the centre of the ring, pulls Al up and looks for the Alabama Slam on the chair. Snow escapes by rolling down the back of Holly and going for the pin. Holly rolls through backwards before slingshotting Al over the top. Snow holds onto the top rope with both hands and pulls himself back up, over and into the ring. Holly meets Snow with a boot to the midsection and a suplex attempt. Al slides out the back door and drops Hardcore onto the trash can with the Snow Plough!! Schiavone, "That's gotta be it." Al goes for the cover. 1 ..... 2 .... No, Hardcore kicks out!!" Schiavone, "How the hell did Hardcore Holly kick out of that?!" Snow leaves the squared circle, looks under the ring and pulls out a table! Snow brings the table into the ring and sets it up near a turnbuckle. Al gets Holly up and places Hardcore on the table. Snow puts the steel chair on top of Holly before going to the apron and ascending to the top turnbuckle. Holly rolls off of the table suddenly, grabs the chair and looks for a chair shot to the face. Snow blocks it, grabs the chair and throws it down to the outside. Al look for a swinging DDT, but Holly manages to stay on his feet and Al lands on his feet on the mat. Holly drops to his knees and delivers a low blow to Snow. Hardcore climbs up backwards to the middle turnbuckle and and brings Al up in a fireman's carry position. Holly stands upright and takes Snow down and through with an incredible Alabama Slam!! Holly goes for the cover. 1 ..... 2 ..... 3!!!!
Winner by pinfall: Hardcore Holly in 11:23
Schiavone, "What a brutal encounter that was, Brain!" Heenan, "Hardcore Holly did what he said he was gonna do. He proved who the tougher man was, Tony." Hardcore Holly gets a mic from ringside. Holly, "With demons from my passed now taken care of, I can look to the future. I will be in the picture for one of the major singles titles and if I have to force my way in, so be it." Holly tosses the mic down and leaves the ring. Schiavone, "He'll force his way in if he has to? What does he mean by that?" Heenan, "He means what he wants, Tony."
Break
[7.30-7.45]
We return from the break and Mean Gene Okerlund is stood in the ring with a microphone. Okerlund, "Last night, we saw the retirement of a true legend in Hollywood Hulk Hogan. But we must look to the present and the future, rather than the past. So I'd like to bring out two true legends from the past who hope to make a huge impact on the present and future here in World Championship Wrestling. Firstly, 'The Total Package' Lex Luger." The crowd erupts in unanimous cheers as the former multiple time WCW Tag-Team, United States and World Heavyweight Champion comes down to the ring. Schiavone, "This man is a true legend here in World Championship Wrestling. He has certainly done it all." Heenan, "Tell the truth, Schiavone, this guy's a punk! I mean, wasn't he in nWo back when it was around?" Schiavone, "But Bobby, who wasn't?!" Heenan, "Still, I trust this guy about as far as I can throw him." Lex enters the ring and gives Mean Gene a firm handshake. Okerlund, "Lex, its great to have you back." Luger, "You know Gene, its a real honour to be working for the WCW once again. I spent the best years of my career here and I hope to give these fans some more memories." Okerlund, "Lex, I think I know you as well as anyone else. And whether you are a good guy, a bad guy or in between, you've always had some kind of an agenda. You've always had goals and you've stopped at nothing to achieve them. So, spill the beans Lex, what are you back in WCW for?" Luger, "Gene, I'm glad you've asked. As you know, I've never been afraid to do whatever it takes to win. I used to ride round with Sting, but when the time was right, I had to stab him in the back in order to go further. I'm here to do what I've always done; that is to be the number one man in WCW. I have held the World Title before, but I've never had a great run with the gold. Some may speculate that this will be my last great run in WCW. Well, if it is, I want to hold the World Title and keep it for as long as possible." '3 Minutes' starts to play as D-Lo Brown struts down the ring, bobbing his head from side to side as he walks. D-Lo circles the ring and gets a mic from the timekeeper's table. Brown slides into the ring and looks Lex Luger in the eye. Schiavone, "What is D-Lo doing out here? This is Lex Luger's timeslot." Heenan, "Thank God for D-Lo Brown, Tony! Okerlund and Luger were making me sick!" Okerlund, "D-Lo Brown, what are you doing out here?" Brown, "Gene Okerlund, I was sat in the back watching this garbage and I'm about sick and tired of it. Not Lex Luger, specifically, even though he's quite a disgusting individual, but I'm disgusted with old fossils being given air time ahead of younger, hungrier wrestlers. I think I represent every young guy back there when I say that Hollywood Hogan's retirement last night was a blessing." Okerlund, "How dare you ..." Brown, "With Hogan out of the way, it looked like the perfect chance for some of us to move up the ladder. But no, it wouldn't happen that way. WCW is and always will be synonomous with pieces of trash like Lex Luger. Old bastards who are years past their prime always get the nod over young guns who are ready to step up to the plate and I am damn sick and tired of it." Lex grabs the mic from Gene Okerlund. Luger, "You ought to show a little bit more respect! Its easy for you stand there and whine and cry about it, but damn it I'm a legend in this business. I am one of the many guys who paved the way for guys like you. If it wasn't for me and guys like Hollywood Hogan, you wouldn't be here, D-Lo. So I think it'd be better for you to just turn around, get your ass out of this ring and allow me to continue my interview." Brown, "Luger, I'll leave this ring on one condition." Luger, "What would that be?" Brown, "I'll leave this ring if you grant me a match later on tonight. That's right, Luger, I want you in the ring tonight. Then I'll prove my point to the entire world. Young is better than old and the young guys deserve the pushes ahead of the old fossils." Luger, "That's fine by me D-Lo. And it'll be a pleasure to prove why legends are legends ... because they can still back it up in the ring." D-Lo puts his mic down and looks set to leave the ring before surprising Luger with a slap to the face. The Total Package responds with some right hands before sending Brown into the ropes. Lex comes off of the ropes and nails D-Lo with his patented flying forearm! Brown rolls to the outside and starts running up the ramp. Luger leaves the ring in hot pursuit of his young adversary. Okerlund, "Well, Lex Luger is back to old self it seems. My next guest is the man who last night made his return to WCW in spectacular fashion by winning the World War 3 match. He is Diamond Dallas Page!!" The crowd is in a frenzy as 'Self High Five' hits the PA system! Schaivone, "DDP is in the house and he's got his old music!" Page comes through the curtain and makes the Diamond Salute on the ramp as pyro explodes. Page runs to the ring, slides in and goes to the middle turnbuckle, giving the Diamond Salute as the crowd are on their feet. DDP puts his arms around Mean Gene as Okerlund begins to speak. Okerlund, "DDP, its great to have you back!" Page, "And its great to be back, Gene. I've wasted no time in making my intentions clear. Just like Lex Luger and hell, just like everyone else around here, I'm gunning for the World Title Belt. On February 16th I will walk on just like I stand before you today, but I will walk out with some gold around my waist and hell, maybe some chicks on my arm." Bret Hart's music suddenly plays as the new WCW Champion comes down to the ring to a huge ovation. Bret gets a mic from ringside before entering the ring. Hart, "I've had many great nights in my career and last night was certainly one of them. Now, onto today. Diamond Dallas Page, its great to see you back in WCW. I'm sure you haven't lost a beat and I look forward to our meeting at Superbrawl. But what I hope you understand is that I'm not like the men who used to rule the roost around here. Hollywood Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, Kevin Nash and The Giant are different kinds of champions to me. You could usually beat all of those guys in a brawl, but I am a wrestling champion. When you go up against me, DDP, you are going up against someone who knows all of the holds and all of the counters. So you'd better come prepared for the wrestling match of your life ..." Page, "Bret, listen to yourself. We will be out there in front of forty thousand people in under 3 weeks time and you expect me to have a wrestling match with you? Bret, you know as well as I do that we are gonna take this beyond a wrestling match .. this is gonna be a fight to the finish and the best man will win!" DDP offers Bret a handshake. Hart accepts and both men enter a long handshake. Hart, "Good luck in 20 days DDP, because it Superbrawl 13, I won't come to lose .." Page, "Bret when it is all said and done, you will feel the bang .." Page surprises Bret with a Diamond Cutter!!! Page, "And 13 is gonna be your lucky number, Hitman!" DDP throws down the mic and gives the Diamond Salute as the crowd are in shock.
Break
[7.45-8.00]
Out in the parking lot, Chris Jericho is leaving Minneapolis. Y2J carries his bags over to a limo. The chauffeur steps out of the limo. Jericho, "Open the trunk, ass clown!" The chauffeur does so and Jericho throws his bags in the back. Jericho, "Open my door, for Christ's sake." The chauffeur does so. Jericho, "WCW can kiss my ass!" Y2J gets in the limo and slams the door behind him. The chauffeur looks into the camera and removes his glasses and hat. Its Jesse Ventura!! Jesse puts the hat and shades back on before entering the limo and driving Chris Jericho away! Schiavone, "What on earth is going out there?" Heenan, "Your guess is as good as mine!"
We go back to the ring where Kaz Hayashi is in the ring. Schiavone, "Kaz Hayashi was eliminated from the fatal fourway cruiserweight title match last night following interference by X-Pac who had already been eliminated. Before we went on the air, Jesse Ventura decided that Kaz should have his rightful chance at Jamie Knoble and he's gonna have it now."
WCW Cruiserweight Title Match
Kaz Hayashi VS Jamie Knoble (c)
Jamie Knoble comes down to the ring to a mixed reaction before the bell sounds to kick things off in this one. Both men lock up and Knoble backs Kaz against the ropes. Jamie lands several rights to the midsection before going for a whip. Kaz reverses it and tries for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Knoble manages to land on his feet and sends Hayashi into the ropes. Kaz leapfrogs over Knoble, comes off of the ropes again and lands a flying back elbow. Kaz whips Jamie into the corner and charges in with a clothesline attempt. Knoble raises his foot before going to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and executing a flying bulldog for a near fall. Jamie brings Kaz up and lands a succession of knife edge chops. Knoble whips Kaz into the ropes, but ducks his head too early. Hayashi goes for the pin with a sunset flip, but Knoble kicks out after two. Both men are up and Knoble goes for a clothesline. Kaz ducks it, lands several boots to the midsection before coming off of the ropes and taking Jamie down with a swinging neckbreaker for a near fall. Kaz pulls Jamie over near the turnbuckles before going to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and landing a flying legdrop. 1 ... 2 .. Jamie kicks out! Kaz looks to bring Jamie back up, but Knoble gets to his knees and lands some shoulder thrusts to the midsection of the challenger. Jamie executes a jaw breaker. Hayashi stumbles into a boot to the midsection and a cradle piledriver from the champion. Knoble covers Kaz, but Hayashi gets the shoulder up before three. Jamie sits Kaz up, sticks a knee in Hayashi's back and pulls back on the chin of his foe. Hayashi slowly but surely powers up to his feet before landing some elbows to the midsection. Kaz looks to escape with a back suplex, but Knoble moonsaults to his feet before dropkicking Kaz through the ropes and to the outside. Jamie slides to the outside and measures Kaz. Hayashi gets up, but Knoble drops the Japanese superstar with a clothesline. Jamie brings Kaz back up, scoops Hayashi up and drops the challenger throat first onto the guardrail. Jamie rolls Kaz back in, goes to the apron and enters the ring with a legdrop over the top rope for a near fall. Knoble kneels over Hayashi and lands a flurry of fists before bringing Kaz back up to a vertical base. Knoble snapmares Kaz over and lands a dropkick to the back of the head. Jamie comes off of the ropes and lands a senton splash for a near fall. Knoble brings Kaz back up and sits Hayashi on the top turnbuckle. Jamie goes up to the middle turnbuckle and looks for a superplex. Kaz escapes with right hands before coming off of the top with a sunset flip, landing on his feet in the ring and powerbombing Knoble down to the mat!! Kaz goes for the cover, 1 ..... 2 .... No, Knoble somehow kicked out!! Kaz pounds the mat in frustration before going to the top turnbuckle from the inside. Hayashi tries for a moonsault, but Knoble raises his knees. Jamie returns to his feet, gets Kaz on his shoulders and tries for a running powerbomb. Knoble collapses halfway across the ring and Kaz falls down on top of him for a pinfall attempt, but again Knoble kicks out! Hayashi brings Knoble up and looks for a bodyslam. Jamie slides out the back door and looks for a German suplex. Kaz elbows Knoble several times before spinning around Jamie's back and going for a German suplex of his own. Jamie elbows out of it also and drops Kaz with a Stunner! Jamie goes to the top turnbuckle and comes flying off with a headbutt attempt and hits it! 1 ..... 2 .... Kaz kicks out!! Schiavone, "What will it take for this match to end?!" Both men are back up, exhausted, and trading right hands. Kaz gets the upper hand before sending Jamie into the ropes. Knoble comes off of the ropes and Hayashi looks for a clothesline. Knoble ducks it sends Hayashi into the ropes, picks Kaz up and hotshots his foe across the top rope. Kaz staggers around the ring before being kicked in the gut by Knoble, who then executes a double arm underhook piledriver for the 1-2-3.
Winner by pinfall: Jamie Knoble in 10:37
Schiavone, "What a high tempo bout that was!" Heenan, "I'm exhausted and all I've done is sat here announcing it!" After the match, Jamie Knoble picks up a mic. Knoble sounds exhausted as he speaks, "Tonight, I've proven that I am the best cruiserweight in WCW. I beat X-Pac for the title. Last night me and Low Ki went 5 minutes and I beat his ass. And tonight I've overcome Kaz Hayashi. If anyone else wants a shot at this, I'll be around on Thunder, next Monday on Nitro, hell I'll be around for a very long time. Anyone wants a shot, fine, there's no beating Jamie Knoble."
Break
[8.00-8.15]
The pyro goes off once again as we start the second hour of Monday Nitro. In the first hour we saw Chris Jericho deliver in impassioned speech during which he announced he's quitting WCW. But when he went out and got in his limo, we found out that Jesse Ventura is dressed as a chauffeur and has taken the now former champion for a ride. Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger made their Monday Nitro returns in interviews conducted by Mean Gene Okerlund. D-Lo Brown came out to challenge Lex Luger out of bitterness towards what he believes is management favouring the old guard while Bret Hart came out to meet the new number 1 contender and tasted the Diamond Cutter for his troubles. In the ring, Hardcore Holly defeated Al Snow in a brutal hardcore match and afterwards noted that he would force his way into a major title picture of necessary. And Jamie Knoble retained the Cruiserweight Title by defeating Kaz Hayashi, following which he boasted that he is the best cruiserweight in WCW and anyone is welcome to dispute that claim. What will go down in the second hour? Sit back, relax and read on!
After the pyro explodes, we go backstage where D-Lo Brown, Rikishi, Rosey and Jamal are all talking. Rikishi, "D-Lo, you're crazy! That's Lex Luger you're calling out." Brown, "I know who he is and I'm sick of hearing his name already. You know, Rikishi, guys like me should be headlining, but because of scum like Luger, I'm not. I've been held back for so damn long and finally I have the chance to prove that I am better than guys like Lex Luger. Later on tonight I will go down to that ring and prove to everyone that Luger has had better days and that I should be the one getting the push and not him." Rikishi, "Well man, we got your back if you need us. Whether you realise it or not, Luger is one tough customer. He's way tougher than you give him credit for. And if you need us, we're here."
WCW United States Title Match
Nathan Jones VS Val Venis (c)
Schiavone, "After Nathan Jones' incredible showing last night at World War 3 where he not only retired Hollywood Hogan but was also the second last man remaining the the 30 man battle royal, President Jesse Ventura has rewarded him with a US Title shot tonight." Heenan, "And with the beating Val took last night in the cage match against Rikishi, I don't like the Big Valbowski's chances tonight!" Nathan Jones comes down first to a chorus of boos from the capacity crowd. Val Venis' music plays and the champion struts down to the ring to a chorus of cheers. Val in the ring and grabs a mic. Venis, "Now, tonight, The Big Valbowski has decided to let one of the lovely young ladies in the audience remove his towel. Any volunteers?" The majority of women in the crowd start to scream and raise their hands. Val scans the audience before choosing an attractive young brunette. Venis, "Come on up here, honey. Just step into this ring and all your dreams will come true." The girl comes into the ring and removes Val's towel and he gyrates for her. Suddenly, Nathan Jones takes both Val and the young lady down with a double clothesline as the bell rings to kick off this match. Schiavone, "Nathan Jones just hit a fan for goodness sake!" Heenan, "Uh oh, she'd better not press charges. Nathan Jones has already spent more than his fair share of time in the slammer!" Jones takes over on Val with a series of hard right hands before sending Venis into the ropes and knocking the US Champion down with a big boot. Nathan comes off of the ropes and tries for a jumping legdrop. Val rolls out dodge and the big man finds nothing but canvas. Both men are back up and Val lands a succession of rights. Venis whips Jones into the ropes, but ducks his head too early. Nathan grabs Val by the head and shoves Venis face first down to the mat. Jones pulls Venis up and gets Val in a bearhug before running the champion into the corner. Jones lands some elbows to the face before hiplocking Venis all the way across the ring. Nathan charges Val, but Venis executes a drop toe hold, dropping Jones face first onto the middle turnbuckle. Nathan returns to his feet and staggers into a series of rights by the champion. Val whips Jones into the corner and follows the challenger in with a clothesline. Venis goes for an Irish whip, but Jones reverses it. Nathan follows Val with a clothesline attempt, but Venis raises a foot and catches Jones in the jaw. Val goes to the middle turnbuckle and tries for a double axe, but Jones catches him by the throat. Nathan is set to execute a chokeslam, but Venis escapes with a thumb to the eye. Val sets Jones up for a suplex and impressively executes it for a near fall. Venis stands over Jones and gyrates, but Nathan sits up and grabs Val by the throat. Nathan returns to his feet and looks for a Chokeslam, but Venis escapes this time with a kick to the groin, unpunished by the official. Val returns to his feet and bodyslams Jones before going out to the apron and scaling the turnbuckles. Val comes flying off with the Money Shot! 1 ..... 2 .... No, Nathan Jones kicks out of the Money Shot!!! Val kneels over Jones and unloads with a barrage of right hands as we get a shot of the entrance way and Hardcore Holly is on his way down to the ring. Holly goes to the timekeepers table and grabs a steel chair. In the ring, Jones headbutts Val and returns to his feet. Jones goes for a right hand, but Val blocks it and nails Nathan with a right of his own. Val lands more right hands before going into the ropes. Hardcore Holly nails Val Venis in the back with a wicked chair shot. The ref calls for the bell.
Winner by DQ: Val Venis in 6:05
After the match, Hardcore Holly slides in and starts stomping away on Val. Nathan Jones comes over and slaps Holly in the back of the head. Hardcore turns around and is about to go for a right hand until he realises who he's messing with. Hardcore and Jones go into a staredown in the centre of the ring and you can feel the electricity as they look set to go to blows. The referee, Nick Patrick, looks to come between them. Jones nails the official with a hard right hand, knocking Patrick out. Holly and Nathan are about to start fighting when a dozen officials run in and get between them as the crowd starts to boo. Heenan, "The people wanna see them go at it, Tony." Schiavone, "And I'm sure the people will see it in the future."
Paisley is backstage interviewing Raven, Shane Helms, Jeff Hardy and Spike Dudley. Paisley, "Last night, you issued an open challenge for Shane Helms and Jeff Hardy, the tag team champions. But you issued it for this Thursday on Thunder. Why not tonight on Nitro?" Raven "After last night's successful title defence against the New Age Outlaws and their exploits in the World War 3 match, I feel that my men deserve a rest tonight. But this Thursday on Thunder, they will be in the ring." Paisley, "Also, Raven, you will be out next teaming up with Spike to take on the New Age Outlaws. They want a piece of Spike after he gave an assist to Shane and Jeff last night and they also want you because they feel you were the one behind Spike's interference." Raven, "New Age Outlaws, be careful what you wish for, because it might come true and backfire on you. Quote the Raven: never more."
Break
[8.15-8.30]
Raven and Spike Dudley VS New Age Outlaws
'Oh you didn't know? Your ass better call somebody!" The New Age Outlaws emerge through the curtain to a wild reaction from the crowd. Road Dogg has a mic. Dogg, "Its me, its me, its that D-O-Double G! And I'm rolling it once again with the B-A-D A-Double Crooked letter. And Flock, if anybody's ass had better call somebody, its your's tonight boys." Road Dogg and Billy Gunn both enter the ring as the fans are ready for a little audience participation. Dogg, "Minneapolis, welcome to the Dogg house!! Where you know the D-O-Doulbe G always likes to kick that shiznit Doggy Style! Now let's make some noise up in this byaaatch!!! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. World Championship Wrestling proudly brings to you its quite soon to be TAG-TEAM CHAMPIONS OF THE WORRRLD: The Road Dogg Jesse James, Bad Ass Billy Gunn, the NEW AGE OUTLAWS!!" Road Dogg hands the mic to Billy G. Gunn, "And, of course, if you're not down with that, we've got two words for ya ..." The crowd collectively hollers 'SUCK IT!!!!!' The Flock's music begins to play as Raven and Spike Dudley come down the aisle. Spike and Raven enter the ring as the bell rings. Spike kicks things off for The Flock against Billy Gunn. Both men lock up and Billy G takes the advantage with a knee to the midsection. Gunn sends Spike into the ropes and knocks Dudley down with a shoulderblock. Gunn comes off of the ropes, is leapfrogged by LSD, hits the ropes once more and Spike attempts a hiplock. BA blocks it and executes a hiplock takeover of his own. Gunn tags in Road Dogg. RD comes in and unloads on Spike with a succession of left jabs. Dogg sends Spike into the ropes, but ducks his head too early. Spike kicks Road Dogg in the face, before running straight into a sidewalk slam by the Outlaw. Road Dogg goes for the cover, but Spike kicks out after two. Dudley makes a comeback with an eye rake before tagging in Raven. Raven takes RD down with a swinging neckbreaker for a near fall. Raven pulls RD back up and lands several boots to the midsection before going for a suplex. Dogg slides out the back door and rolls Raven up for a near fall. With both men up, Dogg lands a hard right hand and slams Raven. Road Dogg comes off of the ropes, shuffles his feet and hits a knee drop for a near fall. Road Dogg picks Raven up and tags in BA. Gunn comes on and nails Raven with a series of left jabs before whipping Raven into the ropes. Gunn leapfrogs Raven, who hits the ropes once more and then takes The Flock leader down with an armdrag takeover. Billy G lands a dropkick before executing a jackhammer for a near fall. Gunn brings Raven up and looks for a piledriver, but Raven reverses it with a backdrop before tagging Spike back in. Dudley goes to the top rope and comes off with a double axe to the face of Billy G. Spike whips Gunn into the ropes and applies an abdominal stretch near the ropes. Gunn reverses with a hiplock, sending Spike over the top and to the outside. Dudley rolls back in, where BA meets him with a boot to the midsection and a FameAsser attempt. Spike avoids it and Bill G lands on his ass. Dudley hits the ropes and nails BA with a dropkick to the face for a near fall. Spike tags Raven back in. Raven stomps away on Billy G before bringing Gunn back up, landing a right to the midsection and executing a front face Russian legsweep. Raven tags Spike, who comes in off of the top rope again, this time landing a flying elbowdrop. 1 ...... 2 .... No, only two. Spike runs over and nails Road Dogg with a right to the face. Dogg enters the ring, but is restrained by the official. As this occurs, Raven comes in and scoops Billy G up in a sidewalk slam position. Spike goes to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and takes BA down with a legdrop. Raven goes back to the apron as Dudley goes for the cover, but Gunn kicks out after the count of two. Spike tags Raven back in. Spike lifts Gunn up for a piledriver as Raven goes to the middle turnbuckle and comes off as he and Dudley execute a devastating spike piledriver on BA. Raven goes for the cover, but Road Dogg comes in and breaks the fall by stomping Raven in the head. While the official ejects RD from the ring, Spike comes in and both he and Raven stomp away on Gunn. Spike returns to the apron as Raven picks Gunn up and looks for the Evenflow DDT. BA reverses by charging Raven into the corner. Gunn looks for an Irish whip, but The Flock leader reverses it and follows BA to the opposite corner. Billy G raises his foot and catches Raven in the jaw before coming off of the ropes and executing the FameAsser! Gunn is too exhausted to take advantage as the official starts a count. Both Raven and Gunn get to their respective corners and tag their partners. Road Dogg comes in full of energy, knocking Spike down repeatedly with right hands. Dogg sends Dudley into the ropes and takes Spike up and down with a flapjack. Raven returns to the ring, where RD meets him with a series of left jabs, followed by a hard right, which sends Raven flying through the ropes and to the outside. Spike jumps RD with a right hand to the back before going for the Dudley Dogg. As Spike goes for the move, Gunn re-enters the ring. Dudley gets to the top and looks for the falling diamond cutter, but BA catches him on his shoulders. Gunn executes a devastating sit down powerbomb on the runt of the Dudley litter. As the official gets BA out of the ring, Raven returns to the ring with a steel chair. The leader of The Flock sets the chair up on the mat, turns Road Dogg round, kicks RD in the gut and executes an Evenflow DDT on the chair. Raven drapes Spike's arm across Road Dogg before running over and knocking Billy G off of the apron. The ref notices the pin attempt and counts the 3.
Winners by pinfall: Raven and Spike Dudley in 9:20
After the match, Raven points towards the entrance way as Shane Helms and Jeff Hardy come down to the ring. The tag team champions reach under the ring and pull out a table. They bring it into the ring and set the wood up in the cente of the squared circle. Jeff and Shane get Road Dogg on the table. Gunn re-enters the ring and tries to save his partner, but is thwarted by The Flock's strength in numbers. The crowd starts to cheer as we get a shot of the entrance way. Its Al Snow with Head! Al runs down and slides into the ring. Raven slides to the outside as Snow takes Spike out with a Head shot to the head. Al does the same to Hardy and Helms. Al looks at the table with a mesmorised look in his eyes. Al rolls Road Dogg off of the table and puts Helms and Hardy on there, Hardy on top of Helms. Al goes to the top turnbuckle from the inside and puts the tag champions through the tables with a moonsault! Snow gets up and points down at Raven, who is stood at the bottom of the ramp. Schiavone, "Al Snow has never got his full revenge from being kicked out of The Flock. He's still targeting his former boss!"
Break
[8.30-8.45]
Lex Luger is walking through the hallway where he bumps into Buff Bagwell. Bagwell, "Hey, Lex! Great to see you back." Buff extends his hand and Lex shakes it. Luger, "Buff, how's it going?" Bagwell, "Fine. How are you?" Luger, "Fine." Bagwell, "You've got a big match tonight." Luger, "Yeah, a real big match." Bagwell, "Well, good luck then." Luger, "Thanks, I'll see ya round." Bagwell, "Yeah, see you later." Luger walks off as Buff retorts, "God, how rude was he?!" Jonathan Coachman comes into the shot. Coach, "Buff, are you okay? You seem a little shaken up." Bagwell, "Shaken up?! What the hell are you talking about?" Coach, "Well, I saw you earlier on and you were all smiles. Now you seem a little, I don't know, less happy." Bagwell, "No, no, I'm fine. Just leave me to think, will ya Coach?" Coach, "Okay." Buff walks out of the shot as Coach looks confused.
Schiavone, "Thats was a difficult moment for both Buff Bagwell and Lex Luger as they have quite a history together. I remember there was a little friction between the two when they were last together in the WWF." Heenan, "You watch WWF?! You should be ashamed of yourself." Schiavone, "Anyway, coming up later on in our main event, Bret Hart will go one-on-one with Rikishi in a non-title match. But next we have Lex Luger's big return to the ring in WCW as he takes on D-Lo Brown."
D-Lo Brown VS Lex Luger
'3 Minutes' hits the PA system as D-Lo Brown swaggers down to the ring. Brown slides into the ring, goes to the middle turnbuckle and raises his arms in the air and bobs his head from side to side. Lex Luger's music hits as the crowd goes into a frenzy. Lex emerges through the curtain and flexes his muscles on the stage as fireworks go off. Luger comes down to the ring and slaps hands with the fans. D-Lo Brown slides out of the ring and runs up the aisle to meet his foe as the bell sounds. Luger sees Brown coming, charges forward and knocks D-Lo down with a clothesline! Lex brings D-Lo up, runs Brown to the ring and rolls his foe into the ring. Lex slides in and nails Brown with a series of double axes to the back before bringing D-Lo up and landing a series of right hands. Lex goes for a whip, but D-Lo reverses it. Brown ducks his head too early, so Lex takes advantage with a boot to the face. Luger goes for a clothesline, but Brown avoids it. D-Lo tries for a clothesline of his own, but Luger dips the shoulder and sends 'The Real Deal' over the top and to the outside. Lex steps through the ropes and comes outside himself. Lex tries bringing D-Lo up, but when Brown gets to his knees he uses leaverage to sends Luger face first into the ringpost. Brown takes over with some right hands before looking for a vertical suplex. Lex blocks it with his feet and executes a suplex of his own on the floor. D-Lo gets back up and rolls into the ring as Luger flexes his muscles to the fans. Luger rolls back in, where Brown meets him with some stomps. D-Lo gets Luger up and plants Lex with a bodyslam. Brown goes to the middle rope and lands a driving elbow for a near fall. D-Lo lifts both legs of his foe and takes Luger over with a Texas Cloverleaf. Luger battles over to the ropes, but Brown drags him back to the middle of the ring and keeps the pressure firmly applied. Luger keeps on fighting and in an incredible display of leg and lower back strength, he forces D-Lo off of him and sends Brown flying through the ropes and to the outside. Brown quickly slides back in and charges Luger. Lex sidesteps D-Lo sending The Real Deal into the ropes before landing a powerslam for a near fall. Lex waits for D-Lo to return to his feet before attempting the Flying Forearm. Brown gets out harms way and Luger accidentally takes out the referee. D-Lo kicks Lex in the midsection and looks for a powerbomb. Luger drops down onto his feet, sends Brown into the ropes, comes off of the ropes himself and connects with the Flying Forearm. D-Lo doesn't go down, but must wish he did as he staggers into the Torture Rack from Luger! Lex has the Torture Rack applied, but there's no referee. Suddenly, Rikishi, Jamal and Rosey sprint down the ramp. Eventually the big men get to the ring where they each squeeze in under the bottom rope. Rikishi nails Luger with a superkick to the face, dropping Lex to the mat and getting D-Lo out of the Torture Rack. Rosey and Jamal both go to the top turnbuckles. Rosey comes off with a big splash and then Jamal executes a splash as well. D-Lo regains his wits, goes up to the top and hits the Frog Splash. The crowd erupts in unison as Ron Simmons and Justin Bradshaw, the APA, runs down to the ring. Bradshaw takes both Rosey and Jamal over the top and to the outside with an amazing double clothesline, whilst Simmons repeatedly punches Rikishi until the big man falls through the ropes and to the outside. Simmons and Bradshaw follow the 3 big Samoans to the outside where they continue the fight. In the ring, the official recovers and counts the fall.
Winner by pinfall: D-Lo Brown in 8:27
After the match, D-Lo stands over the fallen Luger and slaps Lex in the face numerous times. Buff Bagwell runs down to the ring as Brown slides to the outside. Buff helps up his fallen friend. Bagwell and the busted up Luger shake hands. But no, Buff boots Luger in the midsection!! Bagwell goes to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and lands the Buff Blockbuster!! Buff stands over Luger and talks trash to his former ally. Schiavone, "What in the hell??!! Buff Bagwell has turned his back on his mentor. Why, damn it, why???!!!"
Final Break
We come back from the final break as Lex Luger has just been carried away on a stretcher. Schiavone, "He's got to have internal injuries following the three splashes he took. I mean, Luger was splashed by Rosie, then Jamal and then D-Lo Brown. And after all that, he was then given the Buff Blockbuster by Buff Bagwell." Heenan, "I know Lex Luger much better than you do Tony, and he gives as good as he gets. So he got injured, big deal, he'll probably do something just as heinous to Buff Bagwell and 3 Minute Warning when he returns. This man can't be trusted."
Jonathan Coachman is standing nearby with Buff Bagwell. We can hear the crowd booing as Buff comes in the shot. Coach, "Buff Bagwell, what the hell is going on?!" Bagwell, "Shut up, Coach! You see, whenever I think I'm starting to go places, Lex Luger always comes along and holds me back. Luger, I'm sick of being held back and I'm sick of you. I want your ass in the ring and I want it in the ring as soon as possible. When you are clear to return to action after the beating you took tonight, I'll be right here waiting for you. Diamond Dallas Page comes into shot. Page, "Buff Bagwell, who the hell do you think you are?!" Bagwell, "Get lost, Page, this is my interview time .." Page, "Talk about an ingrate, Lex Luger has done a hell of a lot for you and this is how you repay him? Buff, you won't have to wait until Lex's return for a fight, cos you've got one right here. Buff, I want you in the ring this Thursday on Thunder!" Bagwell, "That's fine, Page. Buff Daddy is gonna show you and everybody else just who the man is around here and Lex Luger can look at our match as a preview of what's in store for him when he returns."
[8.45-9.00]
Paisley is standing by with Rikishi. Paisley, "Rikishi, why did you instruct Rosey and Jamal to do a number on Lex Luger earlier on tonight?" Rikishi, "Paisley, D-Lo Brown is our boy and we all watch each other's back. Lex Luger, wrong place wrong time, son." Paisley, "So, should Bret Hart expect more of the same in a minute's time?" Rikishi, "You damn right he should! But only if I need someone watching my back, and I doubt I will. Bret Hart, what I'm gonna do tonight is beat you one-two-three and force my way into the World Title picture. You think you've got something to worry about with Diamond Dallas Page? Worry about what's in front of you tonight, boy, cos there's plenty to worry about right here." '3 Minutes' starts to play as Rikishi leaves the shot, about ready to make his way to the ring.
Non-Title Match
Rikishi VS Bret Hart
Rikishi comes down to the ring to a chorus of boos from the capacity crowd. Bret Hart's music plays and the World Champion makes his way down to a huge ovation from the crowd. Bret stops at ringside and gives his shades to a lucky youngster. Bret enters the ring and takes off his world title belt. Charles Robinson raises the belt aloft and the bell rings to starts things off in this match. Both men lock up and Bret gets the early advantage with a waistlock. Rikishi escapes with a hard elbow to the face before sending Bret into the ropes. Rikishi ducks his head too early, so Hart executes a sunset flip. Rikishi won't go down and tries for a sit down splash. Bret rolls out dodge and Rikishi finds nothing but canvas. The big man returns to his feet and Bret takes over with a series of right hands. Hart comes off of the ropes and lands a dropkick, which staggers the big man, but does not knock him down. Bret goes to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and tries for a double axe. Rikishi catches Bret in a bearhug, but Hart escapes by biting the forehead of his foe. Hart looks for a whip, but Rikishi reverses it. The Canadian Hero ducks under a Rikishi clothesline attempt, hits the ropes again and tries for a cross body. Rikishi catches Hart and then gets Bret on his shoulder. Rikishi tries for snake eyes in the corner, but the Excellence of Execution slides out the back door and pushes Rikishi into the corner. Bret looks to whip Rikishi into the opposite corner, but the big man reverses it. The big man charges in after Hart, but The Hitman raises his foot and catches Rikishi in the jaw. Bret goes to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and takes Rikishi down with a flying bulldog for a near fall. Bret brings Rikishi back up and looks for a right hand. The big man blocks it and lands some right hands of his own. Rikishi sends Bret into the ropes and tries for a clothesline. Hart ducks it and hits the ropes again, but runs straight into a savvat kick to the chin from the big man. Rikishi comes off of the ropes and lands a devastating legdrop for a near fall. Rikishi sits Hart up and applies a nerve hold. Bret fights the hold valiantly before powering to his feet and landing some elbows to the midsection of his foe. Hart sends Rikishi into the ropes, but the big man knocks the Canadian Hero down with a shoulderblock, the force of which sends Bret under the bottom rope and to the outside. Rikishi follows Bret to the outside. Hart returns to his feet by the ringpost, where Rikishi charges at Hart and tries for a splash. Bret gets out of dodge and Rikishi charges into the post. Bret gets a steel chair from ringside and swings it at the big man. Rikishi blocks it, pulls the chair from the champion and nails Bret with a chair shot to the back. Rikishi rolls Bret back into the ring. Rikishi climbs up the steps and steps through the ropes. Rikishi stomps away on Bret before going out to the apron and scaling the turnbuckles! Schiavone, "Rikishi is going to the top rope!" Heenan, "If he hits Bret Hart from up there he'll kill him!" Bret returns to his feet quick and nails Rikishi with a right hand. Schiavone, "The World Champion was playing possum!" Bret climbs to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and takes Rikishi up, over and down to the mat with an awesome superplex! Bret goes for the cover, but Rikishi shoots the shoulder up before three. Both men return to their feet and start to slug it out. Bret gets the advantage and goes for a whip. Rikishi tries for a clothesline, but Hart ducks it, comes off of the ropes again and lands a clothesline of his own. Rikishi is staggered back, but doesn't go down. Bret kicks Rikishi in the gut and takes the big man down with a side Russian legsweep for a near fall. Hart goes to the middle turnbuckle on the inside and lands a flying elbow for a two count. Bret lifts both of Rikishi's legs and tries for the Sharpshooter. Rikishi blocks it with his hands before landing a thumb to the eye. Rikishi returns to his feet, scoops Bret up and looks for the Rikishi Driver. Hart slides out the back door, turns Rikishi around and looks for a snap suplex. Rikishi punches his way out of it and takes Bret down with a devastating belly to belly suplex, for a near fall. Rikishi drags Bret over to the corner and looks for the Bonzai Drop. Hart avoids it before dragging Rikishi out to the centre of the ring and successfully applying the Sharpshooter! Rosey and Jamal both run down to ringside. Bret relinquishes the hold, goes over to the ropes and flies to the outside with a plancha. Bret returns to the ring as D-Lo Brown runs down. Brown slides into the ring where Hart meets him with some right hands. The crowd erupts as DDP runs down to the ring. Page slides in and drops D-Lo with a Diamond Cutter! Suddenly, Bret clotheslines Page over the top and to the outside. Rikishi has recovered by now and nails Bret from behind with a right hand. The big man scoops Hart up and executes the Rikishi Driver! 1 ..... 2 ..... 3!!
Winner by pinfall: Rikishi in 11:01
Rikishi celebrates his win with Rosey, Jamal and D-Lo as they return to the back. DDP goes over to ringside and gets the World Title Belt. Page enters the ring and drops the gold down on the fallen Champion before giving the Diamond Salute to the crowd as the show goes off the air.
Link:
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