WCW 1998

[damnediarist]

Hey all. This diary is essentially an extended version of the RTB that just got done running on WC. It details where the plot goes from there, and all the other things happening in WCW at that time. For my money, 1998 was the year everything went wrong for WCW. I've said this for years, and I figured I might as well see if I can do any better with WCW in 1998. The changes start in 1997, however, more specifically at Starrcade, where the Steiners and Ray Traylor defeat Scott Norton, Vincent and Randy Savage, Lex Luger defeats Buff Bagwell and Sting's match with Hogan goes thusly:

Hogan struts arrogantly to the ring, air guitaring away on the title belt as ever. Sting, by contrast, simply walks to the ring, as though nothing exists in the world but his need to defeat Hogan. A little of the pride and confidence seems to leave Hogan, making room for fear as he stares at Sting, and the bat Sting brings with him, which he places down at the bottom of one turnbuckle. Hogan passes the belt to Nick Patrick, the nWo's dirty ref, who holds the prize both men will fight for high above his head, before passing it away, and calling for the bell.

The two icons pace the ring in a circle, looking for an opening. Hogan is the first to step forward, raising his hands for a test of strength. Sting raises his own, and they lock hands above their heads. The two push with all their strength, and Hogan begins to give ground to WCW's icon. Hogan opts to end the test by kicking Sting in the stomach, before wearing him down with a headlock. Sting powers out of this, however, bouncing Hogan against the ropes, before striking him with a powerful clothesline. Hogan finds his feet, only to be rewarded with another clothesline. He starts to rise again, but sees Sting waiting, and opts to roll outside the ring instead. Sting follows, but is tripped to the ground as he steps off the apron. As Sting attempts to stand, Hogan stands over him, raining punches across his back and head. Sting tries to fight back with elbows, but has his head slammed into the ringpost instead. Hogan whips Sting towards the guardrails by the next corner, but Sting is able to turn the whip around, sending Hogan crashing into them instead, before following him with his patented splash, crushing Hogan against the steel. Hogan is hurled violently back into the ring, before Sting enters by climbing the top turnbuckle, catching Hogan with a crossbody as he stands, getting a reluctant two from Nick Patrick. Sting pulls Hogan up by his head, only to be struck with a low blow that Nick Patrick pretends not to see, and sent into a corner. Hogan follows, propping Sting atop the turnbuckle, and delivering a superplex. With Sting down, Hogan hits the opposite ropes, and attempts his legdrop, only for Sting to roll away. As both men stand, Hogan's back is to Sting, a dangerous mistake which allows Sting to quickly score his Scorpion Deathdrop DDT. Sting covers, but Nick Patrick does not count the pin, sticking to his nWo loyalties.

Sting drops Patrick with a fierce clothesline, before going to his corner, and grabbing the baseball bat. Hogan stands, and is dropped by a shot between the eyes. The nWo arrive in force now, the entirety of their group turning up, with the exception of Hall and Nash. They storm the ring, only to be put down one by one by Sting bat shots. Numbers chip away at Sting though. Hope is on the horizon, however, as out come Lex Luger and Bret Hart, still in his referee's uniform. Luger and Sting begin to brawl with the assorted nWo members, giving Sting time to recover. The combined force of the three heroes is more than enough to clear the ring. Luger stands at the apron, watching for nWo member who may still try to enter, while Bret's continued presence in the stripes suggests he is taking over officiating duties for the match. Sting and Hogan brawl for a while, trading punches. Hogan kicks Sting in the gut to end the fist fight, and bounces him against the ropes, before going for his big boot. Sting ducks the boot, and as Hogan turns around, repays him the favour of a kick to the gut. This kick sets up a piledriver, Bret Hart looking on with approval at the crisp execution. Sting then drags Hogan to the centre of the ring, and places him in the Scorpion Deathlock. It isn't long before the cowardly Hogan is screaming in submission, and slapping the mat repeatedly with his hand to the joy of the crowd. Bret passes the belt to Sting, who holds it aloft. Elated, the WCW locker room swarms the ring, driving the nWo members from ringside, and crowding around Sting, celebrating him as their hero. Sting, however, pushes his way roughly through the throng of bodies, and walks silently up the ramp alone instead. He stops for a moment to stare at the prize he has won, before he steps behind the curtain and out of sight.

The last Nitro of 1997 is a best of 1997 clip show, before the company prepares to go in new directions in 1998.

[mlsq42]

So you'll be running the RTB in EWR?

I love it!

Although will you be adapting it to EWR incidents or just arsenicing them away?

[damnediarist]

Jun 25, 2010 22:30:27 GMT -5 mlsq42 said:

So you'll be running the RTB in EWR?

I love it!

Although will you be adapting it to EWR incidents or just arsenicing them away?

I'll arsenic things that directly involve the events in the story, but after those 3 months, anything goes. For example, on January 2nd, I clicked "View Incident" and discovered that Bret Hart was gone for 16 months with a knee injury. Huzzah for arsenic! Anyway, enough talking...ON WITH THE SHOW!

January 5th, 1998: WCW Monday Nitro

Tony Schiavone provides the hype at the start of Nitro, telling the fans excitedly that tonight, on Monday Nitro, DDP will defend his US title against both Scott Norton and The Giant, while there will be a four man tournament tonight, with the winner facing the winner of the Eddy Guerrero/Ultimo Dragon battle next week at Starrcade. Also due is the fallout from the explosive Starrcade Pay Per View. This Nitro, he promises us, will be the greatest night in the history of our sport.

The nWo crowd the ring, to cut one of their trademark group promos that so often start Nitro off. Randy Savage is the first to speak

"Ohh Yeah! Now I know all of you might think the New World Order might be pretty quiet after the way last year ended, but that just ain't so! See, we're just gonna be coming up stronger than every before, and we're taking over! 1998 will be the beginning of the end, yeah! This war ain't even started yet!"

Scott Hall, who has been looking increasingly impatient and frustrated through Savage's speech, put a hand on his chest, pushing him back, and raising his own microphone.

"He's right. He can't win a match, can't none of them win a match, but he's right. You shouldn't get too comfortable. Especially not you, Sting. Because the bad guy's got himself a title shot he won at World War III. So enjoy all your little parties, boys. Drink to your champ Sting as much as you can, yo, because at Souled Out, I'm taking him out, and I'm taking his belt."

Hogan turns to Hall, a look of anger in his eyes

"Now, listen here, brother. I'm the leader of this group, and I'm the only one that's gonna get that title, jack."

It's Nash's turn to step forwards, looking Hogan in the eye.

"He's earned that shot. Don't forget who started this war, brother. This was me and Scott's fight first. We weren't even at Starrcade. You guys told us you had it in the bag, that you were gonna send them running. Well, we saw how that went, right Savage? Virgil? Scott? Buff? Eric? Hogan? Wait, that's right. You all got your asses kicked by the same guys me and Scott have had on the run for over a year now. So step aside, old man."

Hogan steps forward, pushing his forehead up against Nash's. The two stare angrily at each other, trash talking. Bischoff is quick to step forward and make peace, for the sake of keeping his unit together.

"Whoa! Whoa, guys, guys. Let's not forget who we are. We're nWo for life, right? We're all on the same side here. Look, let me think this out. I've always been the planner, right? I'll find a solution by the end of the night Just, chill, okay?"

Hogan reluctantly steps away from Nash, who laughs, and turns back to face Scott Hall, grinning and shrugging his shoulders. The men named by him as losers look reproachfully at The Outsiders as the nWo all make their way up the ramp, The Outsiders hanging at the back, chatting to each other and joking.

Goldberg vs Ernest Miller

There's a little bit of recognition for Goldberg as he makes his way out, as he's starting to be a more recognisable face in WCW, his entrance in particular proving impressive. Even more impressive is the quick manner in which he tosses Ernest Miller around the ring and dispatches him with a spear followed by a jackhammer. The streak continues.

Winner: Goldberg

Bret Hart is walking down the corridor, dressed casually. Coming the opposite way is Lex Luger, who stops him briefly.

"Hey Bret, thanks for the help last night."

"No problem. I guess I just hate seeing someone else screwed out of the title."

"Yeah, I bet. Hey, we did pretty good against those chumps, right? Well, I don't care what they say, we're finally winning this war. You and me, we should team up and clean house on them. What do you say?"

"Sorry Lex. I'm just here to compete with the best. I don't care about the nWo. Just not my problem, you know? On which note, I gotta get to the ring. Got something to say."

"Right. Before you go, you seen Sting? Man's damn near impossible to find."

Bret laughs a little, asks Lex jokingly if he's "tried the rafters", and heads on in the direction he was headed.

It's not long before his music hits the speakers, and he makes his way down the ramp to the ring, soaking in the adoration of the crowd, microphone clutched in hand. He slides under the ropes, and begins to pace slowly. He waits for the crowd's noise to die down, then stands in the middle of the ring, and raises the microphone.

"It's great to be here in WCW! I've faced everyone back where I came from, I've beat everyone back where I came from, and now I'm here, there's new competition, new opponents, new titles, I can't wait! But there's just one thing. Just one little thing that bothers me. I get into that locker room tonight, and all I can hear is how someone's been talking trash about how I can't call myself the best there is, was, and ever will be. I look around to confront the little maggot who wants to talk behind my back, and what a coincidence, he ain't there. So, Ric! If you've got something to say to me, why don't you just come down here and say it?"

The crowd pop loudly at the prospect of Ric Flair coming down and facing Bret Hart, and they're not disappointed. Sure enough, the organ opening of Also Sprach Zarathustra comes across the speakers, and out comes Flair. Flair takes in the rapturous response to him as he heads to the ring. He stands across the ring from Bret, and extends a hand to take the microphone from him. Bret passes it over willingly, and Flair gives his response.

"Bret Hart! Wooo! The best there is, was and ever...but you can't really believe that, can you? You want me to say what I have to say to your face? Well, okay, here it is. You can say you're better than Harley Race. You can say you're better than Lou Thesz. You can say you're better than Ricky Steamboat, than Wahoo McDaniel, than whoever you damn well please! You can even believe it, if you want to! But you cannot say, you cannot believe, not even in your wildest dreams, that you are the best. Not when I'm right here in the ring with you. You want to prove you're the best?"

Bret snatches the microphone away from him, and interrupts

"I don't just want to prove I'm the best. I want to prove I'm the man. Which I guess means I'm going to have to beat the man."

Flair grabs the mic back from him, and quietly utters

"You're on. You and me, at Souled Out. I'm gonna show you why I'm the man around here."

Flair extends his hand to Bret, who grasps it. The two shake hands, and we can see each of them stare the other in the eye. Bret holds the ropes open casually with his foot for Flair, but once Flair gets close, lets them close again, and tells Flair "Earn that respect." before stepping out of the ropes. Flair stands fuming in the ring, before making his own exit before the cruiserweight tournament.

Billy Kidman vs Marty Jannetty, cruiserweight tournament semi-final match

Billy Kidman makes his way to the ring, scratching his arms, and flanked by Horace Hogan and Scotty Riggs, who stand by the ringpost of the corner he's slumped Raven-like in. Marty Jannetty comes to the ring to a smattering of cheers from fans who still remember the days of The Rockers. The two circle each other, and tie up. Marty switches to a side headlock. Kidman backs to the ropes to escape, pushing both of the wrestlers running. Jannetty rolls with it however, and keeps the headlock locked on. Kidman attempts to escape, but Jannetty rolls into a pin, a process which repeats a few times. Kidman is eventually able to pull backwards, and slap a hammerlock on Jannetty. Jannetty pushes both men to their feet, and to pull away, only to get a kick in his back for his troubles. Kidman switches to an armlock, and throws a kick into Jannetty's ribs, before headscissoring him for a quick pop. A dropkick greets Jannetty as he reaches his feet, and he rolls out of the ring, only to be followed by a plachaing Kidman. Horace enters the ring, drawing the attention of the ref, giving Riggs and Kidman the chance to gang up on Jannetty, before he's tossed back in. Kidman stomps away at him against the ropes, as Jannetty crawls to the turnbuckles. Kidman charges for a dropkick, but Jannetty dodges, causing Kidman to crotch himself. Jannetty drags Kidman away from the turnbuckle, before scaling it for a moonsault. The ref reaches 2 before Horace grabs his legs and pulls him away. The ref admonishes Horace, and Jannetty takes the chance to shout at him also, a cardinal mistake, as Jannetty is low blowed by Kidman, who then rolls him up. The ref turns around, and this time counts the three count on Jannetty.

Winner: Billy Kidman

Horace is sent to the back while Kidman and Scotty Riggs wait outside for Kidman to face the winner of the next match.

Silver King vs Rey Misterio Jr., cruiserweight tournament semi-final match

Once the bell rings, the two engage in a whirly-gig of lucha offence, capped off by Silver King being tossed to the outside. Rey follows, hurracaranaing Silver King on the outside. Rey looks worriedly at Kidman and Riggs as he stands, but Kidman only claps sarcastically. Rey tosses Silver King back in, and the tempest of headscissors, armdrags, dropkicks and leg lariats resumes, Silver King getting the best of this exchange. Silver King scales the turnbuckles, only for Rey to jump to the top rope, and springboard off it for a frankensteiner, pinning Silver King for three.

Winner: Rey Misterio Jr.

He isn't given time to celebrate, however, as Riggs pulls him out by his legs, and holds him still while Kidman smashes him across the head with a steel chair. Rey hits the ground, and is stomped on by the two Flock members, until Silver King, out of respect for a great opponent, 3/4 sentons over the top rope onto the duo. Silver King is the first to his feet, and he throws Kidman and Misterio both back into the ring. The ref calls for the bell to start the match, while Scotty Riggs and Silver King brawl around outside.

Billy Kidman vs Rey Misterio Jr., cruiserweight tournament final match

Kidman starts to slowly work Misterio over with boots and rest holds, but Misterio is able to turn things around when he powers out of a chinlock, and hits the ropes, coming off them for a hurracarana, the first of many pieces of lucha offence he dishes out to Kidman. Meanwhile, Riggs is just finishing off Silver King on the outside, suplexing him gut first across the guardrail, and delivering a running big boot to his head. His attention free for Rey now, he grabs Rey's feet as he comes off the ropes again to charge a groggy Kidman. Rey stumbles on his way towards Kidman, who pulls him quickly in for a rollup, which gets three.

Winner: Billy Kidman

We cut backstage to see Eric Bischoff in his office. The door is shoved open without warning, and in strides Kevin Nash. Nash would loom over Bischoff when the two were both standing. With Nash on his feet, and Bischoff off his, to say there is an intimidating size advantage to Nash would be to say the ocean is wet. Bischoff looks puzzled at Nash's sudden arrival, but Nash gives an explanation before one is asked of him.

"I'm just coming here to make sure you do right by my boy Scott tonight. Because if you don't, I'm going to have to pay you another visit."

His point made, Nash doesn't bother waiting for a response, simply turning his back on Bischoff and leaving.

Lex Luger makes his way to the ring, holding a microphone, evidently with something to say. He steps between the ropes, and wastes no time in speaking his mind.

"Sting! I'm tired of looking for you! Show yourself! I've got things to say to you!"

As if in answer, the lights go out all over the arena. A light then illuminates the ring, showing Lex Luger standing in the middle of it, looking puzzled. Another light then comes on, lighting up a section of the rafters, where Sting stands, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship secured firmly around his waist, and a microphone in his hand. Luger faces towards the figure in the rafters.

"I'm tired of you acting like you're better than the rest of us, Sting! When you beat Hogan, in a match you would have lost if didn't have your back, we all came out to celebrate you because you'd done it. Just like we knew you would. You'd dealt the biggest blow to the nWo. But you shoved me, your oldest friend in this business, aside. What, do you think you're better than me? You needed me that night, Sting. You wouldn't be wearing that gold if it wasn't for me."

Sting raises his microphone to his mouth, eliciting a huge pop from the live crowd, this would be the first time in a year that he had spoken.

"I stand above and watch. I stand separate from the nWo. I stand separate from the rest of WCW. I stand here because you and the others would not trust me. Because you saw me as another one of Hogan's lackeys. And now you ask me why I didn't join your party? Because the sheer hypocrisy made me sick. You make me sick, Lex."

Luger looks enraged, and raises his microphone to respond, only for the lights to go out again. They all come back on, and Sting is gone from his perch, forcing Luger to settle for storming angrily from the ring.

Scott Norton vs The Giant vs Diamond Dallas Page, US Title match

The three men stand near the centre of the ring, sizing each other up. Despite being on opposite sides, nWo and WCW, Norton and Page come to the same conclusion; they should work together against The Giant at the start. Page and Norton both subdue The Giant witha flurry of punches, slowly driving him against the ropes, which they're able to whip him from. As he bounces against the opposite ropes, Norton and Page charge back at him for a clothesline, only to be caught by one of The Giant's own each. DDP is the first to get up, and as such is pressed above The Giant's head and thrown outside the ring. While The Giant has been paying attnetion to Page, however, Norton has reached his feet, and he blindsides The Giant with a barrage of punches to his back, and then his head once he doubles over. Norton turns The Giant around, and stuns the live crowd by successfully suplexing The Giant. A cover only gets Norton two, and Norton hits the ropes to clothesline The Giant once he's standing. The Giant gets his boot up though, felling Norton. He works Norton back with punches once he reaches his feet, until Norton is leaning against the ropes. The Giant hits the opposite ropes and comes charging in for a clothesline, but Norton pulls the ropes down, sending The Giant tumbling over the top rope. In sildes DDP, who uses his technical skill to outmanoeuvre his stronger opponent, wearing Norton down with submissions. Page is working a figure four on Norton, when Norton reaches the ropes. Having recieved a great deal of punishment, Norton slides under the ropes to escape, just The Giant recovers and steps back into the ring. DDP is overpowered immediately, and is thrown about the ring like a ragdoll, only getting moments of offence. The Giant hoists DDP up for a chokeslam, but DDP is able to hit the Diamond Cutter from here, covering for two, until Norton pulls him out by the legs, and smashes his head against the ringpost. Norton comes back into the ring, and slaps a chinlock on The Giant. The Giant powers out, however, reaching his feet and throwing elbows into Norton's ribcage, doubling him over and forcing him to release his hold. As Norton pulls himself back up, he find The Giant's hand clamped around his throat. The Giant hoists him in the air, and delivers a thunderous chokeslam, and covers, unaware of Buff Bagwell charging down the ramp. The ref counts two before Bagwell pulls him out by his feet. Bagwell then puts his hands up as the ref admonishes him. The ref slides back in as The Giant steps out to attack Bagwell, who runs away. As The Giant starts to give chase, DDP rolls into the ring and covers the downed Norton for three.

Winner, and still US Champion: Diamond Dallas Page

Page makes his way to the back, as Norton tries to get back to his senses. The rest of the nWo crowd the ring, There's an obvious tension within the group, as Hogan and Savage shoot angry looks at The Outsiders, who are lounging in a corner, watching Bischoff with cool disinterest. Bischoff stand in the middle of the group, and says his piece.

"Now, I've thought about what has been said. Hogan has made an impressive leader as champion. The nWo has been massively successful during his title runs, and it stands to reason it will do if he has the gold again." The crowd boo the Hogan praise, while Hogan plays it up, a man with an obviously high opinion of himself. He steps forward and tells Bischoff

"You made the right choice, brother, putting me against Sting at Souled Out."

Nash and Hall step forward angrily towards Hogan, drawing Randy Savage to Hogan's side to even the numbers up. Bischoff once again has to try and keep the peace.

"Hold on a damn minute! I'm not done yet. Hall has won a title shot. Hall started this war, and him and Nash have been kicking WCW's ass since they got here. So here's how it is. Neither of you are getting a shot at Souled Out."

The crowd cheer the news, while Hogan and Savage look outraged, and The Outsiders listen to here the 'but' that must be coming.

"But instead, Hogan, you will face Hall at Souled Out, with the winner being the first member of the nWo to challenge Sting. Now, since you're both team mates in the New World Order, I want you two to shake hands, and agree to this match, okay?"

Hogan extends his hand to Hall, which Hall slaps carelessly, before turning his back on Hogan to leave the ring. Hogan is enraged at the disrespect, and takes a furious step forward, only for Nash to stand in his way

"Wait until Souled Out, brother."

Nash backs off, watching Hogan, before following Hall up the ramp, as Nitro comes to an end.

WCW Souled Out: January 24th, 1997

Scott Hall vs Hollywood Hogan Number One Contendership Match

Bret Hart vs Ric Flair

Billy Kidman vs Eddy Guerrero or Ultimo Dragon WCW Cruiserweight Championship match

[damnediarist]

January 12th, 1997: WCW Monday Nitro

Nitro starts off in the ring, with Mortis waiting for his opponent to make his entrance. Brass and timpanis signal the arrival of Goldberg, who seems unintimidated as he strides to the ring and slides under the ropes.

Mortis vs Goldberg

The two stand nose to nose, neither batting an eyelid, neither intimidated by the powerhouse they stare at. They tie up, and try to push each other towards opposite turnbuckles, Mortis slowly giving ground, and eventually being forced into the turnbuckle. The referee forces a break, at which point Mortis rakes Goldberg's eyes. He delivers a kick to the gut of Goldberg after this, and follows by hammering punches on Goldberg's back. Goldberg is whipped into the opposite turnbuckle, where Mortis charges after him, only for Goldberg to shoot his right leg out, downing Mortis with a powerful kick to the jaw which smashes Mortis to the ground. Mortis gets to his feet, only to recieve a spear for his troubles before Goldberg hoists him up for a Jackhammer, and the three count

Winner: Goldberg

We then cut to Tony Schiavone at the announce desk, who tells us exctiedly that we're only just getting started tonight on Nitro. Later on, the Cruiserweight title will be defended by Eddy Guerrero against Ultimo Dragon, the contract for Bret Hart vs Ric Flair will be signed in ring, there will be great wrestling action as Chris Benoit faces Chris Jericho, Davey Boy Smith battles Fit Finlay. Randy Savage will also see action tonight against Ray Traylor and champions will clash when Booker T defends his TV title against the US champion Diamond Dallas Page. This Nitro, he promises us, will be the greatest night in the history of our sport.

Out next is Ultimo Dragon. The bright blue warrior runs to the ring, and runs to each turnbuckle one hitting the ring, raising his arms and eliciting a decent pop from the crowd. His opponent, the cruiserweight champion Eddy Guerrero struts cockily to the ring, hands the belt casually to the referee, and looks at Ultimo Dragon as though he has nothing to fear from the Japanese star.

Ultimo Dragon vs Eddy Guerreo (c), Cruiserweight Title match

Dragon offers a handshake to Eddy, who slaps him in response. Angered, Ultimo unleahes a flurry of forearm smashes and kicks to the midsection, driving Eddy to the ropes, whipping him against them, and running to meet the returning champion with a headscissors. An enzuigiri greets Eddy as he stands, and he collapses back into the turnbuckle. Ultimo follows him in with a handspring elbow, and tries for a tornado DDT, only for Eddy to push him off as he reaches the top rope, leaving him on his back in front of the champion. He gets up to his knees, and is caught by a shining wizard, which earns Eddy a two. Eddy slaps an armbar onto Ultimo, locking his legs around the limb to tighten the hold. Ultimo's leg reaches the bottom rope, and Eddy holds on until four. Ultimo is chopped repeatedly as he uses the ropes to get up, and is whipped off, only to be pulled back into a short arm clothesline. Ultimo downed next to the ropes, Eddy charges the opposite ropes and runs back, hitting Ultimo with a dropkick that sends him to the outside. Eddy plachas onto Ultimo as he reaches his feet outside, and the count reaches 6 before both men get back into the ring. The two exchange strikes next to the ropes, another enzuigiri winning the exchange for Ultimo, who capitalises immediately, locking Eddy in a front facelock and jumping onto the top rope before swinging back with a DDT, which downs Eddy for two. Ultimo goes to the second rope for a moonsault, which also earns two. Eddy is picked up for a brainbuster, but floats over, driving both nees into Ultimo's back for a lungblower. Eddy drops his knee across the back of Ultimo's head on the ground, and heads to Ultimo's legs for a texas cloverleaf, only to be kicked away by Ultimo, who kips up to his feet. The two circle each other caustiously, before engaging in a sequence of armdrags, and circling each other again. Eddy picks Ultimo up for a suplex, but it's Ultimo who floats over this time, rolling Eddy up with a school-boy. Eddy turns it into a roll up of his own, however, and places a hand on the middle rope, out of the ref's view for the extra leverage which earns him the three. Eddy takes his belt from the timekeeper's table and makes his way back, as a frustrated Ultimo Dragon kneels in the ring, hands on his head.

Winner, and still Cruiserweight Champion: Eddy Guerrero

Backstage now, where Mean Gene Okerlund is with The Giant, who apparently has something to say

"You ever watch slasher flicks, Gene?"

"Uh...no. Can't say I'm a fan."

"I am. Big fan. That said, I guess I'm a big everything, huh?" he chuckles and continues "Anyway, after Buff Bagwell cost me gold last week, I was real angry. So I calmed myself down by watching one of my favourites, and that's when it hit me. See, I was going to come here and destory Buff Bagwell tonight for costing me the US title. But watching that film, a realisation came. The horror's not in the monster catching you. It's not in the moment his hand" he raises his hand to illustrate "The horror is knowing it's coming. So Buff, you get a reprieve. First thing I was gonna do tonight was to tear you apart, but I thought no. Better to get Zybysko to sign the match, which he has, and leave you with the knowledge that next Saturday, I'm coming for you."

Ray Traylor makes his way to the ring for perhaps his biggest challenge since coming to WCW: The Macho Man Randy Savage.

Ray Traylor vs Randy Savage

The two brawl around the ring, Savage eventually proving the stronger. Savage tops the encounter off with a diving elbow drop, and gets the three count, giving the first win of 1998 in the WCW/nWo war to the nWo

Winner: Randy Savage

As Savage comes back through the curtains, he's confronted by Kevin Nash "What do you want?" asks Savage

"Don't know why, but I know you've been brown-nosing Hogan more than usual these days. And if you try to screw my boy Scott over at Souled Out, I'll make sure it's the last thing you do."

"What's with all this 'my boy' crap, Nash? What do you get out of it? What's your angle? I know you, you've got to have an angle."

"My angle is a watch his back, and he watches mine. Thought we were all meant to be watching each other's backs. But then, while me and Scott were watching Hogan's, he goes and buries a knife in Scott's by trying to step over him for the title. Scott's taking care of Hogan at Souled Out. If you stick a knife in mine or Scott's, we'll make sure you get the same treatment. Just wanted you to know, stay the hell away from their match at Souled Out."

Nash turns and walks carelessly away from Savage, who fumes silently.

Chris Jericho makes his way to the ring, posing proudly for the fans, flanked by his "security", the fat bald Ralphus. Chris Benoit marks the perfect contrast to Jericho's arrogance and showmanship, striding to the ring with no aim at grace or glamour.

Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit

The two tie up, and begin a chain wrestling exchange on the mat, which Benoit gets the better of, locking in an armbar, which Jericho struggles in before reaching the ropes. Benoit is on the offensive now, and refuses to let up, chopping Jericho from one corner to the next, before superplexing him off the fourth one they come to. Benoit reaches his feet first as the doubledown count reaches 6. Ralphus looks to buy some time for his employer, and hits the ring, only to eat three german suplexes from Benoit. It serves its goal in giving Jericho time, however, as Jericho attacks Benoit from behind as he stands from the third german. Jericho is in control of the match now, mostly using suplexes and strikes, but resorting to cheap shots any time Benoit starts to make a comeback. Jericho eventually decides he's dished enough damage to lock the Liontamer on, and goes for the hold, only for Benoit to roll him up. Benoit doesn't go for the pin however, and instead keeps rolling until both are on their feet in front of the turnbuckle, with Benoit's arms around Jericho's waist. Benoit wrenches Jericho back, german suplexing him in a way where his head collides with the turnbuckle. Jericho stumbles forward, stunned, which Benoit takes advantage of to apply the crossface. Jericho is close to the ropes however, and manages to get his foot on the bottom one. Benoit drags Jericho to the middle of the ring, and climbs the turnbuckle for a diving headbutt, which connects, earning Benoit the three count.

Winner: Chris Benoit

Benoit is making his own way back through the curtains, where he sees Davey Boy Smith warming up for his match. Davey stops stretching and casually comments "Not a bad match, bud, but you took a little long beating him, don't you think?"

"Reckon you can do better?" Benoit replies

"Know I can. Watch and learn, kid." Davey laughs, slapping Benoit on the back as he steps through the curtains.

Smith makes his way to the ring, and stands next to the ropes. We soon learn why, as as soon as Finlay starts to come out, Smith runs to meet him, obviously taking beating Benoit's time (which Tony Schiavone tells us was 12:36) seriously. The two brawl on the ramp, Smith getting the better of it before he tosses Finlay into the ring.

Davey Boy Smith vs Fit Finlay.

Davey Boy overwhelms Finlay with a barrage of clotheslines and slams, but his desire to beat Benoit's time makes him rush, leaving openings which Finlay exploits, before wearing Smith down with a chinlock. Smith fights out of it, and reaches the ropes, and powers him and Finlay away from them, lifting Finlay in the air for a back suplex as he's running. He bridges, but only gets two. He brings Finlay to his feet, and the two trade punches as the clock reaches nine minutes. Finlay gets the better of the exchange and hits the ropes for clothesline, only to be caught by a powerslam for the pin at 10:13

Winner: Davey Boy Smith

Luger is backstage with Mean Gene Okerlund, who has a question for him.

"Luger, what's your response to Sting's words last week?"

"I'm angry, Gene, I'm real angry. I could tell you, but I've never been a words man. I'd prefer to show Sting at Souled Out. He can put the title on the line if he wants to. What I want is for him to put his damn pride on the line. What I really want is for him to come down from his damn perch, and actually fight me, if he'll condescend to that."

The TV champion Booker T and the US champion Diamond Dallas Page both make their way to the ring for the main event of the night, a TV title defense for Booker T.

Booker T vs Diamond Dallas Page, TV Title match

The two shake hands, and exchange holds to start the match off. DDP seems the better technical wrestler of the two, leading an increasingly frustrated Booker T to resort to physciality to gain the edge, using clubbing forearms, clotheslines and bodyslams. DDP manages to outmanoeuvre Booker however, dodging a charge in the corner, which results in Booker spearing the ringpost. DDP goes to work on the injured shoulder, and holds the advantage long enough to try for the Diamond Cutter, only for Booker T to push him away. Booker throws a side kick at Page as he turns around, waits for DDP to reach his feet, kicks him in the gut and delivers a scissors kick for three count to retain his title.

Winner and still Television Champion: Booker T

The two shake hands again, and make their way to the back as the ring crew set the ring up for the contract signing.

Flair turns up dressed in a sharp navy blue suit, and walks proudly to the ring, marking a distinct contrast from Bret, who turns up wearing a leather jacket over a white t-shirt, with his trademark reflective sunglasses on. He slouches in the chair opposite Flair. Mean Gene, who is stood between them, hands Flair the contract. He signs it, never taking his eyes off of Bret. Bret pulls it away from him, and lazily signs his name on the contract, before tossing it back onto the table. Flair looks livid at the disrespect Bret is showing him, and slaps him across the face, the sound echoing around the arena.

"Goddamn you! You will show some respect when you are around a legend such as myself! This is my home, you're just an uninvited and unwanted guest, you little punk!"

Bret's response is to push his chair slowly backwards, and stand, a red welt still marking where Flair slapped him. Bret tells Flair to "make me respect you next Saturday", before leaving the ring.

WCW Souled Out: January 24th, 1997

Lex Luger vs Sting WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match

Scott Hall vs Hollywood Hogan Number One Contendership Match

Bret Hart vs Ric Flair

Billy Kidman vs Eddy Guerrero WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match

The Giant vs Buff Bagwell

[Brain Of J]

Was it my constant, shameless manwhoring that got you over here?

Jed Shaffer
~Wait, can I be a manwhore if I offer my services for free?

[damnediarist]

For the first of what I sadly fear will be many times, Creative Control forces me to change a match ending . Sure, smoking wasn't allowed on WCW TV, so its unrealistic that Bagwell would do it, but you can't accuse Hogan dicking with the booking of being unrealistic can you?

Jun 30, 2010 19:44:13 GMT -5 Brain Of J said:

Was it my constant, shameless manwhoring that got you over here?

Jed Shaffer
~Wait, can I be a manwhore if I offer my services for free?

Yes. Yes it was. As for the second question, I'll defer to your judgement, you are the expert on manwhoring, after all...

January 19th, 1998: WCW Monday Nitro

Nitro opens backstage in the nWo locker room. Buff Bagwell looks up at the camera from the bench he's sitting on with Scott Norton. He flicks his cigarette away casually off camera, and starts to speak

"So 'The Giant' comes out last week, and tells me how he's gonna break me in two like some horror movie monster. Which is pretty fitting when you think about it, because the one man who always got my back here" he puts an arm around Scott Norton's shoulders "is the real thing, while you just a lot of show, ain't you Giant? You act all tough, but you're just a big guy who's gonna fall hard. I ain't scared 'bout Souled Out this Saturday, Giant. See, I got Scott here, the real deal. The man who lifted your fat ass high in the air two weeks ago. In fact, I'm so anxious to put you in your place Saturday that I can't wait. Find yourself a partner, big guy, if you can find someone who can stand your stench, you got a tag match with Vicious and Delicious tonight."

The camera pans across the locker room, where we can see the butt of Bagwell's cigarette still sadly trailing smoke next to Eric Bischoff's foot. He casually stomps its life out with the heel of his boot, and turns to Hogan, who is standing in the corner talking to Savage.

"Hey, Hulk"

"Yeah brother?"

"Got you a match with Scott tonight. Know where he is, anyway?"

"Damn if I know, damn if I care either. Can't me and him wait 'til Saturday anyway?"

"Not against each other, Hulk. Together. As a team. I figure Luger's run his mouth enough since Starrcade about how he wants a war with us, about how we're dead, about how we have no chance. I figure you and Scott can warm up for Saturday by taking out him and his partner, if he still has any friends left to be his partner."

Hogan looks frustrated. "Shouldn't have done it, Eric. I don't much want to see that punk."

Bischoff shrugs "Can't be helped. It's done now."

Hogan sighs, and we pan out from the nWo locker room, and switch to action in the ring.

Goldberg vs Public Enemy

The two fun loving east coast gangster wannabes look at each other, shrug, and rush Goldberg with punches. He's pushed to the ropes, and whipped off them, but comes back to catch them both with a clothesline. Rocco Rock reaches his feet in time for a spear. Goldberg covers Rock, but Johnny Grunge breaks it up, and hammers on Goldberg's back, only to be kicked in the gut and jackhammered for another decisive Goldberg victory.

Winner: Goldberg

Chris Benoit is taping his wrists when Davey Boy Smith approaches him, clapping him jovially on the back.

"Hey man. Looks like I won our little contest last week."

"They didn't count your little brawl before the match. They included that, it woulda gone to me."

"Sore loser, huh?"

"No, I just know when I'm the better man, and I refuse to be talked to as less than that."

"How about you and me see who's really better this Saturday at Souled Out?"

"You're on. But I'm ready for action tonight. What do you say to a tag match tonight, warm us up?"

"Together?"

"Yeah. You might learn something from working with a real pro, who knows?"

Davey's eyes harden

"Watch it. See you in the ring tonight." He walks off, and Benoit resumes warming up.

Hall and Nash are warming up in their locker room when Bischoff walks in. Hall throws Bischoff a lazy look.

"Yeah. What do you want?"

"Just letting you know you've got a match with Hogan tonight. Together. As a team. I figure Luger's run his mouth enough since Starrcade about how he wants a war with us, about how we're dead, about how we have no chance. I figure you and Hogan can warm up for Saturday by taking out him and Flair."

Nash smirks at Hall "That sounded rehearsed to me."

Hall grins back "Yeah. Sounds like he'd been preparing it for a while."

"You'd think he could come up with something better, given that he put time into it."

"Yeah, I was pretty disappointed."

Hall seems to notice that Bischoff is still standing there.

"What are you still doing there? Yeah, I'll do the match. Run along now."

Angry, Bischoff opens his mouth to speak, but thinks better of it, and heads out, slamming the door behind him on his way out.

Vicious and Delicious vs The Giant and ?

Vicious and Delicious make their way cockily to the ring accompanied by Vincent, head of nWo security. They take their time posing, showing off their muscles. Out next is The Giant, all alone, who wears a determined look as he strides to the ring. Bagwell laughs to Norton about how Giant couldn't find a partner. The Giant steps unintimidated over the top rope, and looks ready to take both men on on his own. They slowly close in on him like wolves who have cornered their prey, as he gets his hackles up. Suddenly, the sound of Timpani and Brass heralds the arrival of Goldberg, who comes charging down the ramp as Giant laughs and Bagwell and Norton look shocked. Goldberg hits the ring, and quickly clears it alongside Giant, Bagwell and Norton collecting themselves on the outside. Giant and Goldberg don't give them time, however, stepping out of the ring, and besting Vicious and Delicious in a brawl on the outside. The Giant hurls Bagwell into the ring, and begins tossing him from post to post, until charging into him in the corner, only for Bagwell to removes the padding and roll out of the way, Giant busting himself open and staggering backwards, dazed. Bagwell dives across to Norton, tagging him in, and the big guy works the stunned Giant over. Eventually, Giant is able to get his boot up on a charging Norton, downing him. Giant staggers to Goldberg, making the tag as Norton makes one to Bagwell. Goldberg dominates Bagwell, drawing Norton in. The Giant comes in to even things out, and ends up brawling up the aisle with Norton, while Goldberg finishes Bagwell off with a Jackhammer.

Winners: The Giant and Goldberg

Mean Gene Okerlund is backstage with Ric Flair.

"You might wonder why I asked for this interview, huh, Mean Gene?"

"I was curious, I'll admit."

"Well, Gene, you see, it's like this. Lex Luger has to find himself a partner for tonight, and I'm here to say that that man is me. Now Lex, it's nothing personal. I don't want to be your new best friend now Sting won't return your calls. Don't get me wrong, I got no love for Hogan, and Hall's nothing but a no good punk! But it's not about you! And it's not about them! It's about Saturday night, baby! Woo! Because I'm the best wrestler in the world, but on Saturday night, at Souled Out, I go one-on-one with the second best wrestler in the world! And if he's just real lucky that night, he's going to look like he's better than me. And that just ain't true! So tonight is about having a match to warm me up for Bret on Saturday. I'll see you three in the ring, woooo!"

Flair struts away from Mean Gene, ending the interview.

Chris Jericho and Fit Finlay vs Chris Benoit and Davey Boy Smith

A flurry of fast offence between Benoit and Jericho starts the match off, with Benoit getting the better of it. Benoit starts to throw impressive suplexes, looking directly at Smith as he does so. Smith tags in and attempts to one-up Benoit with his slams, until Jericho is able to rake the eyes. Jericho follows up with an enzuigiri, a DDT and a top rope dropkick. Benoit stands on the apron and shakes his head sadly, as Jericho tags Finlay in. Finlay starts to beat on Smith, but Smith makes an impressive comeback, silencing Benoit's criticisms from the apron. Smith tags Benoit in, and Benoit starts to have a hard hitting brawl with Finlay, which Finlay gets the better of by driving Benoit headfirst into the turnbuckle. Finlay works Benoit over in the corner, and its only when Finlay misses a charge in the corner that Benoit is able to tag out to Smith. Smith enters, and starts to punish Finlay with high powered slams. Jericho comes in to help him, drawing in Benoit, who takes it to Jericho. Soon, Jericho is locked in the crossface in the middle of the ring while DBS hits his running powerslam on Finlay, the ref counting the three count on Finlay as Jericho submits to the crossface. There's a tense staredown between Benoit and Smith before they leave the ring.

Winners: Chris Benoit and Davey Boy Smith

The TV champion Booker T makes his way down to the ring next, microphone in hand. He steps between the ropes, and starts talking.

"Let me tell you, it's good to be a champion. You know you one of the best, and you know you gonna have to keep fightin' to prove it, an' keep winning, 'cause if you lose, you ain't one of the best no more. Least, I do. One sucka don't seem to know that is Diamond Dallas Page, United States Champion, but you might know him better as the sucka I beat last week. Now, I put my belt on the line, but he din't put his. I should be US champ too, but that sucka scared."

DDP's music hits the speakers, and out to the ring comes the US champion, with the belt over his shoulder, a microphone in his hand, and an angry look on his face. He steps between the ropes, and says "I'm scared, huh? Tell you what, this Saturday, Souled Out, I'll put my gold on the line. You got lucky last time. It won't happen again." DDP drops his mic and turns to leave, as Booker raises his to speak. SUddenly, Page turns around and hits Booker out of nowhere with the Diamond Cutter. DDP picks up Booker's microphone and tells him "Just a taste of Souled Out. Remember, I can get you with that from anywhere in the arena sucka." before leaving.

We cut backstage to Kidman sitting in a corridor in an imitation of Raven's posture when he sits in the turnbuckles. Raven is standing next to him, leaning against the wall and holding a microphone.

"For a long time, my flock has had to remain in darkness, in obscurity, and I promised them salvation. I promised them that our flock would make its mark on WCW. This Saturday, Eddy Guerrero, you stand between this man and the light he has been so often kept from, and I pity you, for what awaits you, and for your job. Your job at Souled Out is to be a messenger, a messenger to every champion in WCW,a sign of what'll happen to them. No more will we hide in the shadows, be the neglected unwanted sons of WCW. We're taking what's our, and we're taking it by force, quote the Raven, nevermore."

Scott Hall is the first to make his way out for the main event of the night, accompanied by Kevin Nash, who stands outside the ring. Hogan comes out with Savage at his side, and there's obvious tension between the 4 nWo members. Luger and Flair, in contrast, come out together, and present a unified front, discussing who should start, while Hall and Hogan argue.

Scott Hall and Hollywood Hogan vs Lex Luger and Ric Flair

Flair and Hall start off, circling each other. Hall slaps Ric across the face, then tag himself out, and Hogan in, before Flair can look to repay the favour. Hogan doesn't look much pleased at being sent in to receive Flair's wrath, but has no time to argue with Hall, as as soon as he's stepped through the ropes, Flair starts lighting his chest up with chops. Hogan is pressed into his corner, where Hall puts his hands up, making no offer of tagging Hogan out. Flair whips Hogan into another corner, and proceeds to work on his leg. Hogan fights back with punches, causing the pair to trade shots in the middle of the ring. Eventually, Hogan throws a right with such force as to send Flair staggering backwards several steps. Flair and Hogan both seek to make up the distance by charging in with a clothesline. Both connect, and both men go down, and head towards their corners for a tag. Flair reaches Luger, but Hall drops from the apron to talk to Nash, making Hogan unable to tag him. Luger closes in on Hogan, and bodyslams him, before slapping on a chinlock. Savage argues with Hall, telling him to get back up on the apron,which he obliges, standing on the apron, putting a toothpick into his mouth and lounging casually against the turnbuckle. Hogan powers out of the chinlock, and starts to throw elbows into Luger's midsection, then throw punches once Luger is doubled over. Luger stunned, Hogan turns around and slaps Hall across the face to make the tag. Hall steps in, clotheslines Luger down, and heads back to his corner to spit his toothpick in Hogan's face. Hogan tries to step into the ring, but Charles Robinson stands in his way, telling him to go back to their corner. Hall uses the distraction to give the rising Luger a low blow. Hall works Luger over for some time now, while Flair and Hogan both fume on the apron. Luger starts to make a comeback, and throws forearms at Hall. Each forearm makes him take a step backwards, and Luger drives away with the forearms, too focused on getting revenge to notice he's driving Hall back into his own corner. Even with Hall in the same corner as Hogan, and taking this beating, however, Hogan doesn't help him out by tagging in, Hogan putting hands up, mirroring Hall's refusal to help Hogan against Flair. Hall uses a thumb to the eye to interrupt Luger, and then throws a punch to send him staggering. Just as Hall has things back in hand, Hogan slaps Hall on the back, bringing himself back into the match. Hogan and Luger brawl for a while, the action working its way close to the ropes, at which point Luger lariats Hogan with enough force to send them both tumbling over the top rope, landing near Nash. Nash steps back, letting Luger take it to Hogan, which brings Savage over to shout at Nash, which quickly comes to blows. Luger and Hogan are both on their feet now, and trading fists. Meanwhile, Flair has clotheslined Hall over the ropes, and is taking it to him outside as well, paying him back for the slap at the start. The bell rings as the count reaches 10

Double Count Out

During the wild brawl, Nash takes Savage out, and goes to help Hall, the two Outsiders ganging up on Flair, which draws Bret Hart out to make the save. After Bret and Flair have fought The Outsiders off, Flair turns on Bret, and the seven man brawl is watched in the rafters with interest by Sting as Nitro goes off the air for the last time before Souled Out.

WCW Souled Out: January 24th, 1997

Lex Luger vs Sting WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match

Scott Hall vs Hollywood Hogan Number One Contendership Match

Bret Hart vs Ric Flair

Booker T vs Diamond Dallas Page WCW US Title Match

Billy Kidman vs Eddy Guerrero WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match

The Giant vs Buff Bagwell

Chris Benoit vs Davey Boy Smith

Plus the nWo and WCW each pick a man to go one on one with each other.

[mlsq42]

Good so far... Although any chance of numbers, or are we waiting till after RTB ends for them to start appearing?

[damnediarist]

As in segment numbers?

[mlsq42]

As in the rating for the matches and such...

[damnediarist]

Not a big fan of them myself, but I can add them, I guess.

[mlsq42]

Nah, that's cool, just wondering. You post how you like dude. You're doing more than me.

[damnediarist]

Okay, I know there's no update this week. In fact, its on hiatus indefinitely. Before people call bullshit, on Wednesday to Friday, I work from 5am to 6pm. Those are good days. At the weekend, I work from 3am to 3pm. Monday and Tuesday, I primarily want to lie down and die, and while I could keep it updated, it wouldn't be to a standard I like. It might resume around about September, or who knows, maybe I'll write it through pain and exhaustion, but there you go. Thought people should know. It's worth noting that I also have two other writing projects I'm doing at the same time, so...yeah.

[mlsq42]

That's totally understandable dude. You do what you have to.

[damnediarist]

Okay, so in awesome and surprising news, I have a bit more time on my hands now. So uh, still sporadicer than usual, but will keep existing. Yay!

January 24th, 1998: WCW Souled Out

The dark match before the show sees Chris Jericho best Juventud Guerrera in an exciting, fast paced contest, Jericho strutting around and showing off before, during and after the match, as Raplhus enthusiastically claps. Before being downed by the Liontamer, Juventud was able to hit a moonsault to the outside, popping the crowd big.

(Crowd:69 Quality:90 Overall:79 )

WCW vs nWo match

The PPV proper opens with Curt Hennig making his way to ringside, accompanied by Rick Rude, microphone in hand. "It's no surprise, folks! WCW wanted to send a guy out to face an nWo representative. Now, I don't know what 2-bit, no good, punk loser WCW is sending out. But the nWo made the perfect choice. Don't get your hopes up for another technical clinic from me, folks. I'm just gonna crush this shmuck, whoever this"
He is interrupted by Jim Neidhart rushing the ring, and smashing him with fists to the cheers of the fans. Rude attempts to get involved, only for Neidhart to toss him over the top rope. Neidhart forces Hennig into a corner, and thrusts his shoulders repeatedly into Hennig's midsection. Neidhart pulls Hennig out of the corner by the hair before vertical suplexing him and covering for two. Neidhart drops an elbow before pulling Hennig back to his feet, only to be hit with a low blow. Neidhart doubles over, and is rolled up for two by Hennig, who transfers to an armbar. Neidhart slowly pushes out of it, and whips Hennig into the ropes, going for a clothesline as Hennig heads back. Hennig ducks the arm, and is able to neckbreaker Neidhart for two. From here, Hennig puts the boots to Neidhar, and generally works him over with chinlocks, headlocks and boots. Neidhart eventually powers out, and starts to lay into Hennig, hitting him with a barrage of punches. The shots are so rough and frequent that the ref warns Neidhart, time Hennig uses to recover. The two tie up, and Hennig's superior skill outdoes Niedhart's strength, allowing him to hit Neidhart with a series of crisp suplexes and slams. Hennig chokes Neidhart on the bottom rope, drawing the referee over to admonish him. While the ref is distracted, Rude takes over choking Neidhart on the bottom rope. Hennig drags Neidhart to the middle of the ring as Rude lets go, and tries for a figure four, only for Neidhart to use his strength to push Hennig away. Neidhart reaches his feet, and clotheslines Hennig. Hennig is beaten all around the ring by Neidhart, but when Neidhart hits the ropes for a lariat, Rude pulls on the top rope, causing Neidhart to stumble over the top to the outside, buying Hennig time to recover. Neidhart tries to re-enter the ring, but Rude grabs his legs, allowing Hennig to stomp on him while obscuring the ref's view of Rude. Hennig picks Neidhart up from here, and delivers a Perfect Plex for three. Him and Rude quickly flee, as Neidhart slowly gets up, looking angry.

Winner: Curt Hennig (nWo)
(Crowd:74 Quality:70 Overall:72 )

Booker T vs Diamond Dallas Page(c), WCW United States Title Match

The two shake hands at the beginning, before engaging in an even handed chain wrestling exchange. This neither man's speciality, however, they quickly switch to brawling, Booker T answers Page's fists with kicks, which down Page. Booker drops a knee on Page, and scoops him up for a bodyslam. Page is whipped into the turnbuckles next, Booker following with a leg lariat which Page rolls away from. As Booker stumbles back, Page goes for the Diamond Cutter, but its far too early, and Booker is able to push Page away, catching him with a kick to the jaw as he turns back around. Booker pulls Page up, but Page is able to move behind Booker and hit a neckbreaker. Page has the advantage from here, and works Booker over until Booker is able to come back with a flurry of kicks ending in a superkick that sends Page stumbling away and tumbling over the top rope, landing on the apron. Page pulls himself up, as Booker charges in for another superkick. He ducks this one, however, and pulls on Booker's leg to drag him onto the apron. Booker reaches his feet, only to catch a Diamond Cutter from the apron to the outside, popping the crowd huge. Both men are down on the outside, and the ref's count reaches 5 before Page pulls Booker in. Page covers Booker, but the time between the move and the cover means Booker has recovered enough to kick out at just the last second. Page pulls Booker up for another cutter, but is pushed away, and stumbles towards the turnbuckle. He turns back around to face Booker, who rushes him with a running forearm that sends him back into the tuunbuckle. Booker drops as well, the effort taking the last of his strength. Pulling themselves up in the corner together, the two trade shots at extrememly close quarters before Booker grabs Page by the head and roughly tosses him across the ring. Booker charges at Page as he gets to his feet, but Page is able to hit a second Diamond Cutter, and cover for three this time. The two shake hands after the match, and Booker T buckles the belt around Page's waist in a show of respect.

Winner, and still WCW United States Champion: Diamond Dallas Page

(Crowd:77 Quality:77 Overall:76 )

Billy Kidman vs Eddy Guerrero(c), WCW Cruiserweight Title Match

The fans are unsure of who to get behind in this one, causing it to suffer at the start, before the fast paced action picks them up. After a hard fought battle, Kidman secures a win with his Shooting Star Press.

Winner, and new WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Billy Kidman

(Crowd:67 Quality:87 Overall:77 )

Buff Bagwell vs The Giant

Were Jim Ross calling this one, he'd probably say it was "bowling shoe ugly". The two brawl in the ring, brawl outside the ring, brawl inside the ring again, Bagwell unable to withstand The Giant's assualt for long, or put up much more than token resistance, while Norton paces outside the ring. When The Giant gets Bagwell's throat in his hand, Norton has seen enough, and hits the ring. The Giant is able to chokeslam Bagwell before Norton reaches him, taking Bagwell out of the equation. Not caring for subtlety, Norton outright assault The Giant in plain sight of the ref, drawing a disqualification win for The Giant. The two brawl to the ring, and all the announce team can talk about is their amazement at the fact that Scott Norton seems to be on even footing with The Giant, something we've yet to see in WCW.

Winner by DQ: The Giant

(Crowd:80 Quality:62 Overall:74 )

Davey Boy Smith vs Chris Benoit

The two shake hands respectfully at the start, before tying up. Davey uses his strength to slowly push Benoit back. Benoit in the turnbuckle, he's rocked by huge forearm shots by Smith, before Smith starts to whip Benoit across the ring, only for Benoit to turn it into an armdrag. Benoit doesn't relent, dropkicking Smith as he tries to stand, before locking on a cross armbreaker on the mat. Smith uses his power to get his free arm on the ropes. Benoit breaks the hold and drops an elbow on Smith. He then turns smith over, laying his other arm across the ropes, and dropping an elbow on it too, clearly softening the location up for a crossface later. Benoit pulls Smith up and lights his chest up with chops, only to be answered with forearm shots. The two engage in a whirling melee around the ring, Benoit matching Smith's strength with his unrivalled intensity in the ring. The whirling melee ends when Smith is able to grab Benoit's hand as he tries to chop at Smith. Smith grabs the other arm, and suplexes Benoit over his head, bridging for a two count. Smith picks Benoit up for a press slam, but Benoit drops behind Smith once he's lifted above Smith's head, and hits Smith with a trifecta of german suplexes, bridging on the last one for two. Benoit returns to the arm, only for Smith to grab his head and roll him up for two. Benoit wraps him legs around Smith's arm after kicking out, returning to the cross armbreaker. Smith powers to his feet, but Benoit refuses to let go, dangling half in the air, half on the mat by Smith's arm. Smith pulls Benoit up, and hits him with a sort of improvised powerbomb, covering him for two as Benoit finally lets go. Smith pulls Benoit up, and picks him up on his shoulders for a running powerslam. As he starts running, however, Benoit slides over his back, dragging Smith down by the arm, and locking the Crossface on. Smith is in intense pain, screaming with his hand trembling above the mat, but he somehow finds the physcial and emotional strength to pull himself to the ropes. Benoit smashes at Smith's chest with chops as he pulls himself up on the ropes, and Smith tries to escape, only to keep being light up until he's in the turnbuckle. Benoit hoists Smith onto the top turnbuckle, and follows him up for a superplex, but Smith resists, and the two struggle on the top, until Smith is able to elicit a loud response from the already pumped crowd by powerbombing Benoit from the top rope. Smith follow up with an elbow drop from the top, and covers. Benoit amazes the crowd and Smith by kicking out. Smith hoists Benoit up, and is able to hit the running powerslam this time, finally putting Benoit away for three. After the match, the two shake hands and hug to a loud ovation.

Winner: Davey Boy Smith

(Crowd:77 Quality:84 Overall:80 )

Ric Flair vs Bret Hart

Great though the last match was, however, this match may well top it. Flair is angry at the lack of respect Bret has shown him, and it shows, as the match starts off with a flurry of vicious knife edge chops. After the initial surprise, Bret is able to return with forearms of his own, which stagger Flair. Bret comes charging in with a clothesline, only for Flair to duck, and clip Bret's knees out from behind once Bret has run past him. Flair proceeds to work Bret's left leg, keeping him grounded and setting him up for the figure four later on. Bret is able to reach the ropes while in a leg lock, and Flair is forced to break the hold. Bret reaches his feet, and the two circle each other, Bret obviously favouring his right leg. The two tie up, and Bret is able to slip behind and execute a back drop suplex, bridging for a two count. Bret pulls Flair up, and scores a backbreaker. As Flair lies on his front on the mat, Bret drops an elbow onto his back. Not letting up his assault on Flair's back, Bret drags him to the turnbuckle, and sets him up for a superplex. As the two jockey for position on the top rope, Flair thumbs Bret in the eye, giving him enough opportunity to kick him off the top rope to the apron. Flair waits for Bret to regain his feet, and flies through the air with a crossbody, hitting Bret with the manoeuvre, much to the shock of Mike Tenay. It only gets a two count, however. Flair sets to wear Bret down with a front face lock, which initiates a series of reversals on the ground. Both men stand from their chain wrestling clinic on the ground, and circle each other warily. Bret lunges in for the tie up, only for Flair to duck under his arms, and hook Bret's leg out from under him. Flair drags Bret away from the ropes by the leg, and sets to apply the Figure Four. Bret is able to leverage himself forwards, however, grabbing Flair by the head, and pulling him into a roll-up. Charles Robinson dives to the mat, and makes the count: 1, 2, 3! Both men stand as Bret's music plays, and Flair paces away from Bret, running a hand through his hair and looking frustrated at the loss, as Bret raises his arms and heads up the ramp.

Winner: Bret Hart

(Crowd:100 Quality:81 Overall:94 )

Hollywood Hogan vs Scott Hall

Predictably, Kevin Nash walks to the ring with Scott Hall, while Randy Savage accompanies Hollywood Hogan. Scott Hall uses his wrestling proficiency to keep Hogan from building up momentum at the start of the match. Hogan is able to power out, and start to build up steam, however. Hall is able to cut off the beating with a thumb to the eyes, which draws a similar cheap shot from Hogan. The two begin to brawl in the ring, an exchange which ends when Scott Hall is able to superplex Hogan. Hall hoists Hogan up onto his back for the Outsider's Edge, only for Hogan to drop off, landing on his feet behind Hall. Hogan dazes Hall with punches, before hitting the ropes for a clothesline. As he does, however, Nash grabs his legs, tripping him, and causing him to stumble forwards. Hall takes advantage of Hogan's loss of balance to kick him in the gut, and deliver the Outsider's Edge successfully this time. He lies across Hogan for the pin, only for Savage to roll in and break it up by landing a running kick on Hall. Nash slides into the ring, and begins brawling with Savage, as Charles Robinson is left with no choice but to call for the bell. The ring announcer calls out that the match has been ruled a no-contest due to interference.

Winner, and no.1 contender to the WCW WOrld Heavyweight Championship: Scott Hall

(Crowd:99 Quality:54 Overall:85)

Lex Luger vs Sting(c), WCW World Heavyweight Title Match

This match is a straightforward back and forth exchange of power moves, each taking the best the other has to offer. Eventually, Sting is able to score the Scorpion Deathdrop, and cover Luger for the three count. After the match, Luger offers Sting a handshake, only for Sting to walk silently away from him with the World Title over his shoulder.

Winner, and still WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

(Crowd:87 Quality:66 Overall:80)

Overall Show Rating: 79
Highlight:Bret Hart vs Ric Flair (94)
Lowlight:Curt Hennig vs Jim Niedhart (72)

Wow. Wasn't expecting not one, but three matches to be better in the ring than Bret and Flair. The roster is there to have some awesome main events if I elevate the right guys. Although it's not surprising that Bret/Flair took the highest overall by a long way, and really pulled the overall show rating up. Also, Hall and Hogan managed to have an even worse match than Bagwell and Giant. Shame on you, guys, shame on you...


EDIT: Realised that Hennig/Neidhart had the same finish as Hall/Hogan, so the first is changed.

[damnediarist]

January 26th, 1998: WCW Monday Nitro

From the announce desk, Tony Schiavone hypes the card for this week's edition of Monday Nitro: DDP and Booker T will each choose a partner for tag action tonight, in the lead up to the thrid match of their trilogy next week, which will see both men's titles on the line. Meanwhile, both the Cruiserweight title and Tag titles will be defended, and two powerhouses will do battle as Scott Norton faces Perry Saturn. The fallout from Souled Out is sure to come tonight as well. This Nitro, Schiavone promises us, will be the greatest night in the history of our sport...

The first Nitro after Souled Out opens up with the new WCW Cruiserweight champion Billy Kidman heading to the ring to defend his title against Ultimo Dragon, the man who was cheated out of facing Kidman for the belt at Souled Out.

Billy Kidman(c) vs Ultimo Dragon, Cruiserweight title.

The two immediately set a blistering pace, firing up the live crowd. Dropkicks, leg lariats, headscissors and armdrags are traded at lightning speed, interspersed with dramatic dives to the outside, until Kidman is able to hit the Shooting Star Press to win this bout.

Winner and still WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Billy Kidman

(Reaction: 59% Quality: 97% Overall: 78%)

After the bout, Rey Misterio Jr., the man Kidman cheated to beat to win his title shot hits the ring, hurracaranas Kidman and hits him with his own title belt, sending a clear signal to the champion before walking away.

We cut backstage to the nWo locker room, where all is not well. The B-squad look on in nervous tension as Hogan and Savage stand in the centre of the room, trading shouts with Hall and Nash. Hogan's voice booms "All this talk about doing right by your boy, Nash! What's it come to? Comes to you just cheating it for your boy! Who's that do right by, huh?"

Nash responds: "It does right by him. He won that shot, he never should have had to defend it against you, you miserable selfish old bastard."

Hogan bristles at this, and thunders towards Nash, only for Savage and several members of the B-squad to step between them. He takes a breath, and turns to Hall "And you, you know I could take you out back and beat you like a dog any day."

Hall turns his toothpick around in his mouth carelessly "Anytime you want, old orange. I'll beat you down, and when the time's right, boom! Outsider's edge. Just like Saturday night, brother."

Things look ready to kick off between the two duos when Eric Bischoff enters

"Just what the hell is going on here? What is this? You think we can get WCW beat like this? That we had them on the run for a year and half by fighting among ourselves? I'm going to go sort this out with Zybysko. You four just stay the hell away from each other until then."

Bischoff storms out, and is shortly followed by Hogan and Savage, who leave after shooting one last angry glare at the Outsiders.

(86%)

Disco Inferno dances his way out for his match up next, but looks significantly less happy when the brass and timpani signal the identity and arrival of his opponent: Goldberg.

Disco Inferno vs Bill Goldberg

This one is over quick, as you may well imagine. Inferno dances around Goldberg, trying to stay out of harm's way, and it works...for a while. Goldberg eventually gets his hands on Inferno though, and it's not long before the Jackhammer ends this match

Winner: Bill Goldberg

(Reaction: 61%Quality: 76% Overall: 68%)

Bischoff knocks on the door of Larry Zybysko. A voice from within tells him to enter, and he does. Larry treats his former foe with mock friendliness.

"Eric! Great to see you! And how is the former President today?"

Bischoff smarms as only he can

"Hey there Larry. I gotta a proposition for you. One that'll make us, you, a lot of money on pay-per-view. One that'll make Superbrawl a can't miss prospect. Are you ready for this? Sting defends his world title against Hollywood Hogan and Scott Hall. How's that sound? Sounds pretty unmissable, right? Tell you what, I'll even let you claim the idea was yours, how's that sound?"

Larry pretends to think about it for a moment as he lounges in his chair

"Well, Eric, you know, that sounds like a good idea. But I've got a better one. We find Sting a challenger who wins their matches by being the better man, not by having the most pals in his corner, and the two of them, oh, I don't know, wrestle, while your boys sit idly by, see how it's done. Now get out of my office, you've got no power here any more, and neither do your new world order buddies."

(86%)

Scott Norton vs Perry Saturn

The two strong wrestlers brawl violently in the ring, trading punches, chops, slams and suplexes. In the violence and chaos, the ref is bumped, but the two don't care, and continue to fight it out. Norton is so involved with pummelling Saturn in the croner, in fact, that he never notices The Giant come down the ring. The Giant steps over the ropes, taps Norton on the shoulder, and chokeslams him when he turns around, exacting revenge for Souled Out. Saturn grabs Norton, and locks him in the Rings of Saturn until the referee comes to and calls the submission.

Winner: Perry Saturn

(Reaction: 63% Quality: 76% Overall: 69%)

Evidently not wanting to wait for their match, the two teams of The Faces of Fear and The Steiners come out onto the ramp, brawling.

Steiners(c) vs Faces of Fear, WCW Tag Title Match

They gradually fight their way down the ramp, where the still dazed referee calls for the bell in a vain attempt to regain order over what is essentially more of a fight between two teams of hard men looking to prove themselves the hardest than it is a wrestling match. Eventually, under threat of disqualification, the two teams begin to wrestle a standard match, and it becomes clear that in this respect, the Steiners have the upper hand, punishing Meng and The Barbarian with brutal suplexes, the crowd excited to see such large men manhandled. The Faces of Fear attempt to mount a comeback, but it's not long before Meng succumbs to a Steiner Line.

Winners, and still WCW Tag Team Champions: The Steiners

(Reaction: 66% Quality: 65% Overall: 65%)

Raven is seen backstage, approaching the same office Bischoff recently left. He knocks on the door, and when the voice tells him to come in, he opens the door and enters, telling Zybysko "I've got something I think you need to hear", before shutting the door, leaving the cameraman outside.

(81%)

Booker T and ? vs Diamond Dallas Page and ?

Booker T's partner comes as no surprise: his brother, and partner in Harlem Heat, Stevie Ray. The two head energetically to ringside, and pace around, awaiting the arrival of Page and his partner. Page comes out accompanied by Davey Boy Smith. Page and Booker start off, and pick up where they left off on Saturday night. Each now a bit wiser to the other's styles, the first few minutes are mostly taken up by counters and reversals. The match gradually picks up pace before Booker tags in Stevie. Stevie uses more of a straighforward brawling style to his brother, and the whiplash in fighting style disorientates Page, allowing Ray the advantage. The two are able to keep Page on their side of the ring for some time, using quick tags to stay fresh, as Smith waits impatiently on the apron. Page is eventually able to Side Russian Legsweep Stevie Ray, and throw himself across the ring to tag Smith, who cleans house on Harlem Heat. It comes down for a while to Smith vs Booker, and Smith seems to have control until he decides to trade shots with Booker, underestimating the power of Booker's kicks. Booker gets Smith doubled over, and goes for the scissors kick, only for Page to hit the ring, interrupting the move to fight with Booker. Ray comes in, and brawls with Smith for a while, Smith getting the better of it, and scoring a running powerslam to win the match as Page and Booker brawl outside.

Winners: Diamond Dallas Page and Davey Boy Smith

(Reaction: 81% Quality: 82% Overall: 81%)

As Page and Smith comes back through the apron, Smith is greeted by Roddy Piper, who slaps him heartily on the back. "Impressive showing there kid, impressive showing! I can see we're all going to have to keep an eye on you in future." The two shake hands, and Smith shows a wide grin once Piper's gone at the compliment from such a respected veteran.

(87%)

The end of the show sees Bret Hart take to the ring, which he struts proudly around, holding a microphone. "Well, there was a lot of talking, but on Saturday night, I finally got all of that between me and Ric settled. And now that we all know that I'm the better man, I can finally focus on where I belong. See earlier, Larry Zybysko talked about people proving themselves as wrestlers for title shots at Sting. Well, look no further than the best there is -"

He is cut off by the sounds of Also Sprach Zarathustra, and the arrival of Ric Flair, who heads quickly to the ring, a microphone in his hand. He gets up close to Bret, waits for the music and the pop to die down, and gets to talking. "Bret, you beat me by luck on Saturday. That doesn't make you the best, that makes you the luckiest there is, was, etc. You come down here, calling Sting out for a title shot? You're just trying to move away. You just don't want to give me a rematch, because you know I'll embarrass you, you know that your win was nothing but a fluke!"

Bret takes a step back, and raises his own microphone "Ric, I've moving onto bigger and better things than another match with you. Another match with you would be pointless, Ric. It would just reinforce what everyone knows. You were great once, Ric. I'm great now. This is my time, and I'm not wasting it with you."

(94%)

Bret makes to leave, only for Flair to grab him by the arm. He turns around, and tells Ric

"Let me go."

"Not until I get my rematch."

Bret considers for a second, lowering his head. Then he throws a sucker punch at Flair, knocking him to the ground, his nose bleeding. Bret raises the microphone to his mouth, saying "It's over, Ric. Move on" before throwing the microphone to the ground, and walking away from the ring as Nitro ends.

(96%)

Overall Show Rating: 82%
Highlight: Bret Hart floors Ric Flair (96%)
Lowlight:Steiners vs Faces of Fear (65%)