Week of November 13, 2000
Nitro
London Lethal Lottery Quarterfinal Match: Mike Awesome & Bam Bam Bigelow vs Scott Steiner (w/ Midajah) & Sting
London Lethal Lottery Quarterfinal Match: Kronik vs Booker T (WCW World Heavyweight Champion) & Lex Luger
Recap package for last week.
Live from the London Arena in London, England for this edition of Nitro. Welcomed by Schiavone, joined by Stevie Ray and Tenay which is a nice change, no Madden tonight. The WCW roster makes their way out to the ring, followed by the CEO Ric Flair with mic in hand. He calls this the greatest collection of athletes under one roof in the world, the greatest company in the business today and he's proud to be there.
Onto business. He starts with Sanders saying he has a lot of stroke and rank as commissioner, decisions to make and he respects it, but Ric has the ability to override him at any time, and warns him to stay on track, play by the rules, give the fans what they want. He's realized Mike is the Cruiserweight Champion and hasn't been defending it, so Ric gives him 48 hours to figure out what to do with himself and the title.
Next he announces the first ever London Lethal Lottery for tonight. Eight of the great WCW stars have been picked at random, and made up into four teams, and they'll wrestle until one team stands. The winning team will face each other on Thunder, with the winner getting a World Title the night after Mayhem. So here are the teams: Mike Awesome and Bam Bam Bigelow, Booker T and Lex Luger, Alex Wright and Disqo, and Scott Steiner and Sting.
Steiner is nowhere to be seen though, and finally out he comes after a bit of ranting by Flair, along with Midajah. He's immediately decked by Booker and a huge brawl breaks out between the four teams. Some of the others at ringside go to the back but then they jump in the ring to get in on this.
Sanders and the Thrillers arrive.
Commercial
We get the first matches of the Lethal Lottery: Bigelow and Awesome will face Steiner and Sting, while Booker and Luger will face the Boogie Knights.
BBC reporter Roger Fraser met up with Crowbar earlier in the day, but they're immediately interrupted by Vito. He congratulates him on winning the Hardcore Title, reminding him that he helped him do it. Crowbar says he was meant to wear the belt and deserves to wear it, and would have brought it home with or without Vito's help. Vito says he took that title to the next level, something Crowbar can't do, he doesn't have the skills, determination or heart, and wants a shot at the title tonight. Crowbar says its time he step aside so he can take it to an even higher level, and grants him his title shot.
Lance is meeting with Sanders and doesn't want to wait until Mayhem for his shot at Rection. Sanders gives him his match. Then Steiner walks by. Sanders get shim to agree to anger management classes and he leaves to find out who put him together with Sting.
WCW Hardcore Championship: Big Vito vs Crowbar (c)
Crowbar starts dropping elbows on the mat for some reason, so Vito starts whacking him with a kendo stick, sending him out to the floor. Vito with a chair to the head, then an exchange of chops. Vito face first off the steps, then back drops Vito over the guard rail to the floor. Trash can to the head of Crowbar as they take the fight through the crowd, Vito in control. Crowbar whipped into the walls on the side of the bleachers as they head backstage.
Crowbar head first off a door, then Vito send face first into a trash can, then a lid to his head. Crowbar sent through a catering table before they head back out to the arena. Crowbar tossed into the aisle as Vito goes under the ring for a table, setting it up at ringside. Kendo stick to the ribs of Crowbar, then a short-arm clothesline sends Crowbar back outside. Vito sent into the guard rail, then a chair across the back. Crowbar connects with a crossbody from back in the ring. Vito blocks a suplex through the table and hits a swinging neckbreaker in the aisle.
Crowbar laid ont he table as Vito goes up top but Crowbar rolls off before Vito leaps. Lid to the head of Crowbar twice before Vito tosses the table into the ring. Trash can to the back of Crowbar before returning to the ring. Table set up near the corner, then Vito goes for a Mafia Kick but Crowbar ducks and we get a ref bump. Mafia Kick connects on the second try before Crowbar is laid on the table. Crowbar cuts him off though and now out comes Reno. Baseball bat to the back of Vito as Crowbar puts him through the table with a superplex to retain in 7:27. Not sure why that needed a ref bump, but that was a halfway decent match.
Nash arrives.
Commercial
Commercial for Mayhem.
Okerlund is backstage with Awesome and Bigelow. Awesome brings up how Bigelow took out his good friend Crowbar when he returned, and though he'd rather fight Bigelow than team with him, he'll put it aside for a title shot. Bigelow tells him to stop worrying about his punk friends, get his head together and worry about tonight. They leave in opposite directions.
Thrillers make their way out. Sanders says the results are in, and the winner for Biggest Achievement in the Biggest Swerve of the Year go to the Thrillers. He says the phrase "bigger and better equals less brains" isn't always so, he calls Nash a monster, the master manipulator, he can negotiate, manipulate, politic and bully his way into getting his way, he beats his opponents into submission, at least until last week. He says Nash hit a roadblock and found himself SOL, and he knows what that means now. Stasiak says Nash is supposedly the sharpest knife in the drawer but didn't see this coming, it was a perfect example of him falling victim to evolution. He tells Nash not to be ashamed because the best was taken down by the best, then asks how they look now?
Speak of the devil, out he comes. Nash says he's a long way from being extinct based on the reaction he got. He says he explained that a combustion engine ran on gasoline and they decided they could be pole position in the Indy 500. He taught them a lot, including to finish what they started. They didn't finish him and he's twice as dangerous as he ever was. Sanders suggests they finish it tonight, suggesting a Four Corners Match with Nash, Palumo, Stasiak and O'Haire. Nash doesn't care if he takes on all six, so Nash accepts. He says he knows all of them will be involved before the night's over, but guarantees Stasiak's ass is his.
Commercial
Okerlund is backstage with Sting. Sting says there's no strategy tonight, but it doesn't matter, that means he's at his best. He calls Steiner a freak and knows he has a few brain cells left, tells him to put his thinking cap on, if they can get through one match by themselves, Steiner gets his shot at Mayhem, and he can get back in the mix.
Ms. Jones is walking backstage and bumps into Elix just outside Cat's room, who doesn't get what she sees in Cat, he has everything Cat has. She says he's not over like Cat is. Cat comes out and throws water in Elix's face. Elix vows to take his girl and his pride tonight. Cat takes his challenge.
Bigelow and Awesome don't even wait for Sting to get to the ring, going after Steiner right away. Steiner send off the ropes into double elbows. Sting goes after Bigelow.. Steiner with a belly to belly on Awesome sends him out of the ring, while Sting hits a Stinger Splash on Bigelow, sending him out to the floor as well. Then Sting and Steiner trade blows before Awesome and Bigelow get back in. Scoop slam to Steiner and a headbutt by Bigelow as they become the legal men. Bigelow up top and misses a diving headbutt. Steiner with a clothesline and an elbow to the back.
Sting tags in. Bigelow rakes the eyes and Awesome tags in. Some quick back and forth, Sting tries to leapfrog but gets a belly to belly. Awesome sent off the ropes into a clothesline and Steiner tags in. Bigelow holds Steiner back as Awesome hits shoulder blocks. Bigelow tags in as Steiner is sent to the corner for a splash, then Sting is clotheslined off the apron. Awesome gets a boot to the face from Steiner, then Bigelow one to the gut, followed by a t-bone. Awesome with an Alabama Slam before Awesome goes up top, but Sting cuts him off. Top rope belly to belly and the Recliner on Awesome for the win in 3:38.
Bigelow attacks Awesome now with falling headbutts, then the Greetings from Ashbury Park.
Commercial
More of Jimmy Hart trying to get matches with DJs. Apparently some guy from Augusta, GA accepted first and proceeds to cut a promo on him.
Boogie Knights are in the back with Kronik. Disqo explains they don't want to have to face each other when they win it, or face Steiner, and suggests selling them their spot in the tournament. Clark isn't sold on it and Adams wishes them luck against Steiner. Clark suggests Disqo pay them to take the spot instead and Disqo obliges, too scared to face Steiner.
Filthy Animals are watching a monitor elsewhere backstage, watching what just happened and they pull Ric over to see it. He leaves to take care of it.
Okerlund is elsewhere elsewhere backstage with Booker. Booker says it makes no difference whether its Boogie Knights or Kronik, he's been in this situation before, and if he can get through this tonight with Luger, then beat the crap out of him on Thunder, he'll insure himself a little going into the PPV. He doesn't trust Luger though as far as he can throw him, makes it clear to Luger he has no love for him.
Wright is a little pissed Disqo's cost them a lot of money and in walks Ric. They blame each other for having the idea to sell their spot. Ric says they're big stars, but he likes this Kronik thing so will let it stand. He has a big surprise for them, and Disqo is happy because its his birthday.
Commercial
Okerlund is backstage with MIA, specifically with Rection. He says Storm is Canadian and a moron. Loco says Team Canada is on the brink of annihilation at Mayhem, but if they want to speed up the extinction process it's OK with them. Cajun wonders if Storm really is Canadian with how much he says Canadians are smart and superior. AWOL says that only sailors and male strippers are named Lance. Rection says that with the Misfits and fans behind him, Lance's days are numbered, and it's apocalypse now.
We see footage that WCW's guys invaded Battledome, and earlier in the day the Battledome guys invaded London. Terry Crews runs his mouth a bit on Doug Dillinger before Rick Steiner suddenly attacks as do the rest of the WCW crew.
Booker and Clarke start the match. Clark takes control in the corner with boos and a chop, then Booker sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a spin kick, then a side kick on Adams as he tries to intervene. Luger tags in, to the middle rope with a double axe handle. Clark tags in Adams who sends Luger to the corner. Luger rebounds with clotheslines and a suplex for two.
Adams sent off the ropes, ducks a running clothesline, Clark nails Luger in the back and Adams hits a piledriver. Clark back in with boots, then a short-arm clothesline for two. Booker knocked off the apron, then nails Clark with a side kick. Booker in, sent off the ropes, boot to the gut and the ax kick. Adams knocked to the floor as Booker is sent off the ropes into a knee to the gut. Low blow by Clark. Clark sent off the ropes into a clothesline for two.
Luger tosses Booker out of the ring, then Adams ets him with a full nelson slam. Booker with a missile dropkick and out comes Steiner. Booker tries for a Book End but Steiner lays him out with a pipe while the ref's back is turned. High Time for the win 4:38. This was a nothing match, but became quite a mess near the end.
Commercial
Okerlund is backstage with Kronik. Clark says it's all about Kronik and says they're a well-oiled, ass kicking machine. He says Steiner and Sting will find that out the hard way. Okerlund asks what happens if they win tonight and have to fight on Thunder. Adams says the guys would love to see them beat the hell out of each other, but that won't happen, he says if one wins the belt, they both do.
Four Corners Match: Chuck Palumbo vs Sean O'Haire (WCW World Tag Team Champion) vs Shawn Stasiak vs Kevin Nash
So Nash and Stasiak will start the match, with Palumbo and O'Haire in opposite corners on the apron, tag in/tag out rules, one fall to a finish. Stasiak then just tags Palumbo in before anything happens. Palumbo takes early control working the shoulder, then nailed with a clothesline. Palumbo whipped back and forth between corners followed by a sidewalk slam for two by Nash. Nash with his usual offense in the corner, then tells the other two to suck it.
O'Haire come sin for the save as he sends Nash off the ropes into a knee lift for two. Stasiak comes in and takes Nash to the corner with rights, then Nash is sent off the ropes into a back elbow for two. Palumbo tags in, Nash sent off the ropes into double back elbows, Palumbo covers for two, then again for two.
Palumbo choking Nash over the middle rope, then Nash face first in the corner before O'Haire tags in. Nash sent across the ring chest first, Sean with a foot on the chest for two before choking Nash. Palumbo back in. Nash sent off the ropes into double shoulder blocks. Stasiak tags in, but Nash fights back. Stasiak sent off the ropes into a big boot, then one for Sean and Palumbo. Sean clotheslined out to the floor.
Nash calls for the jackknife, but out runs Reno who attacks from behind. Nash chokeslams him, then the ref calls the match off in 5:12. I guess this is a no contest? Pretty boring match.
Sanders runs down too but Nash goes to jackknife him. Jindrak makes the save as the Thrillers all gang up on Nash. Sean goes up top with the Seanton Bomb.
Commercial
The Cat (w/ Ms. Jones) vs "Primetime" Elix Skipper
Elix sent off the ropes into a side kick. Cat dances, then Elix gets a waistlock only to be thrown to the mat. Cat with more side kicks and a spin kick, then mounts Elix in the corner for some rights. Elix drops him throat first on the top rope. Cat is tossed out to the floor before getting whipped into the apron, then a second time. Ms. Jones kicks Elix right in the side of the head before they return to the ring.
Cat with a double chop back in the ring, then Elix sent off the ropes, tries a sunset flip but Cat counters with a right hand and an elbow. Cat with another kick and a palm thrust, then misses a roundhouse. Elix with a back suplex before he pulls out his ring. Cat ducks, then misses a roundhouse but connects with a back kick. Elix sent o the corner and nailed with the Feliner for the win in 3:27.
Commercial
Plug for the WCW Trading Card Game.
Career-Threatening Streak Match: Boogie Knights vs Goldberg (16-0)
Boogie Knights immediately retreat from the ring, then Alex provides a distraction so Disqo can attack from behind. Disqo sent off the ropes into a boot and a pumphandle suplex. Alex with a missile dropkick from the top, then takes Goldberg to the corner for boots and chops that only piss him off. Goldberg takes control until Disqo attacks from behind. Goldberg whipped across the ring, then Disqo whipped toward him just to be speared in half. Alex tries a spin kick only to be caught and slammed down. Spear for Alex. Jackhammer to Disqo, then one for Alex and a double pinfall for the win in 1:49. (18-0)
Commercial
Plug for Mayhem.
Okerlund is backstage with Steiner and Midajah. Steiner says he doesn't give a damn about Sting or anybody, he has no friends and doesn't want any, and as long as he has his freaks nationwide it's all he cares about. He says he and Sting are gonna win Lethal Lottery and he's gonna beat Sting on Thunder, and at Mayhem he's gonna beat Booker's ass like he did at Havoc. Then he's going to celebrate with his freaks.
WCW U.S. Heavyweight Championship: Lance Storm vs Gen. Rection (c) (w/ Major Gunns)
Pre-Match: Lance wants to be serious for a minute and has a towel in his hand. He says he has no time for this or the fans, says he left his boys in the back and wants Rection to do the same. He knows Rection can't beat him one on one but he can still lose with dignity. He calls for the anthem, but like always it's interrupted.
They butt heads before Rection gets in the first shot and sends Storm off the ropes into a back drop. Storm sends him into the corner for some chops that Rection no sells, before delivering some of his own. Low blow by Storm before Rection is sent to the corner for a clothesline. Rection counters a belly to belly with a suplex, then a series of clotheslines, the last sending Storm to the floor into the guard rail. Rection pulls up the mats to expose the concrete but Storn counters with a DDT onto the mats. Back in the ring, Storm with a springboard dropkick for two.
Now some chain wrestling with Storm connecting with a jawbreaker. Rection avoids a superkick and connects with a clothesline, then Storm sent to the corner, caught on a floatover attempt with a powerslam for two. Then Team Canada run out with MIA right behind them and they fight at ringside. The ref gets distracted dealing with them as Rection hits a scoop slam, then goes up top. Then Guns turns on Rection by rolling Storm out of the way, putting something in his hand to nail Rection with. Storm covers but Rection kicks out.
Lance applies the Maple Leaf. Rection tries to get to the ropes, but then Guns throws the towel in. Storm wins the title in 3:52. Why was this not saved for the PPV?
MIA rush in to check on Rection as Gunns leaves with Storm.
Commercial
Okerlund is backstage with Storm and Guns. Guns says she has no explaining to do, removing her American bikini top to reveal a Canadian one to do all the explaining he needs, saying she's proud to be Canadian. Storm says MIA is falling apart, and says he'll finish Rection for good at Mayhem.
London Lethal Lottery Semifinal Match: Kronik vs Scott Steiner (w/ Midajah) & Sting
Sting and Adams start the match with Adams taking control with a piledriver immediately after being sent off the ropes. Gorilla press by Adams into a gutbuster for two. Adams sent off the ropes for a bulldog, then Sting off the ropes with a DDT. Sting sent off the ropes, Adams leapfrogs but they collide, then Sting falls into him with a low blow.
Steiner and Clark both tag in. Steiner shoves him into the corner for boots and rights and chops. Steiner caught with boots in the corner now and some chops before Clark is sent off the ropes into a clothesline and an elbow. Clark face first in the corner and a spinning belly to belly, followed by mounted rights by Steiner. Clark avoids a scoop slam and sends Steiner off the ropes into a shoulder block for two.
Steiner sent off the ropes and nailed by Adams from behind. Double teaming ensues, then Steiner sent off the ropes, ducks a double clothesline and Sting tags in. Atomic drop by Adams to Steiner, then a Stinger Splash on Clark, then another. Sting gets him in the Deathlock but Adams makes the save. Steiner tosses him out, then hits an exploder on Clark. Steiner tries the Recliner but Adams saves and hits the full nelson slam. High Time connects.
Midajah gets on the apron and distracts Adams. He gets slapped and Sting dropkicks him out of the ring. Clark goes for the Meltdown but Sting counters with the Deathdrop for the win in 5:38. Not a terrible match.
Steiner nails Sting from behind with a chair, then another shot to the back. Booker comes out with a chair and nails Steiner right in the head with it, then nails Sting with it for some reason.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Well this show was all over the place. Goldberg continues to be a highlight, and while the main event and Hardcore Title matches were alright, the rest was pretty forgettable. Sting vs Steiner could be a great match though at least, but they still haven't explained what happens if Steiner wins this and the title at Mayhem. Likely because it won't actually happen. With a runtime of 1:30:15, this show had a total of 35:41 of wrestling.
Thunder
Recap of Nitro.
Broadcasting from the Evening News Arena in Manchester, England for this edition of Thunder, with Schiavone, Tenay and Ray on commentary once again. Steiner arrives with Midajah and a straightjacket and is looking for Sting.
Big Vito vs Reno
They start fighting on the floor to start, trading blows until Reno takes control. In the ring, Reno takes him to the corner and they trade rights and chops, Reno taking control again. Vito sent off the ropes into a low dropkick. Vito sent off the ropes into a fireman's carry and mounted rights, then a knee drop off the ropes. Another dropkick from Reno, then Vito connects with a clothesline.
Mafia Kick then some chops in the corner from Vito, then Reno caught with a double underhook suplex. Vito goes up top and connects with the elbow, but only gets two. Jackknife cover for two. Reno sent off the ropes into a knee to the gut, then a back suplex. Vito goes back up top and hits a diving headbutt for two.
Jindrak and O'Haire run out and get on the apron. Jindrak distracts the ref and O'Haire connects with a superkick behind his back. Reno rolls the dice for the win in 3:23. It was good for how short it was.
Reno gets a mic and makes it clear he hasn't forgotten about Crowbar, says he's coming after his belt at Mayhem, tells Crowbar to roll the dice and take a chance if he feels lucky.
Ric is in his office to address some things. He reminds us he told Sanders to make a decision about the Cruiserweight Title in 48 hours, so expects an answer tonight. Then he makes Bigelow vs Crowbar for the Hardcore Title, since Bigelow's the last person to have a victory over him. Third, after seeing Storm and Rection's match from Nitro, he reiterates that Mayhem will be their last match together for the title.
Commercial
Okerlund is backstage with Team Canada. Storm has rechristened the US Title the Canadian Title once more, and challenges Booker for the World Title tonight, saying if he's half the man, half the champion Booker claims to be he'll accept. He says Booker's not getting out of the Maple Leaf this time around. Gunns tells Gene not to blame Canada, but to blame himself. Gene calls her a self-serving bitch and can't believe he once had the hots for her.
WCW Hardcore Championship: Bam Bam Bigelow vs Crowbar (c)
Pre-Match: Both bring a trash can full of weapons into the ring, Bigelow also pulls out three tables, sliding two in the ring and leaving one leaned against the guard rail.
Crowbar nails Bigelow in the head with a trash can as he tries to re-enter the ring, throwing it on his head. Crowbar slammed onto the outside table, then the apron, then the trash can to Crowbar's head. Crowbar is tossed into the crowd as Bigelow leans the table across the apron now, pulling Crowbar back to ringside, only to be sent through the table.
Back in the ring, a kendo stick to the back of Bigelow, then another trash can thrown into his head. Rights in the corner by Crowbar until Bigelow rakes the eyes, throwing him down onto the other two tables. Kendo stick across the back of Crowbar, then a scoop slam onto a trash can. Bigelow leans one of the two tables in the corner, then Crowbar jabs him in the gut with a kendo stick. Crowbar tries to lift him up only to be slammed into the table, then Bigelow ends up sending himself through it.
Bigelow tossed out to the floor and Crowbar takes him out with a crossbody. Chair across the back before he returns to the ring, tries a suicide dive only for Bigelow to nail him in the head with a chair. Chair to the back, then Crowbar dropkicks off the apron to send the chair back into him. Chair to the gut of Crowbar, then the head. Back in the ring, Crowbar can barely stand as he's nailed in the head with a trash can again, then Bigelow sets the third table up near the corner. Crowbar laid on top, then laid under it instead. Bigelow goes up top but Awesome pushes him off, sending Bigelow through the table as Crowbar rolls away. Crowbar retains in 6:06. Fun match.
Commercial
Okerlund is backstage with Booker. Okerlund asks if Steiner's starting to get to him, after he nailed Sting with a chair, and says Booker will defend against Storm tonight. Booker admits that everyone's starting to get to him, he's sick and tired getting left laying in the ring every week by Steiner. He says Steiner walks around like he's the greatest thing since sliced bread, but he's the World Champion and gets no respect, he's been there since 1992. He says Steiner will be someone's freak. Then he welcomes Storm to hell before leaving.
Awesome is making sure Crowbar's alright elsewhere backstage, allowing Bigelow to attack both of them until security pull him off.
MIA is elsewhere elsewhere sitting around, moping. Loco suggests they take some time apart after the PPV, maybe it's for the best. Rection calls AWOL by his real name as he goes to leave, and he thinks Chavo is right and they should split up. Then Loco gets defensive and Cajun pipes in and they argue a bit. Rection tells them to shut up and sit down, says he's depressed about what's happened but they can't do this, he needs them, they can't do this alone. They need to get back at Team Canada, and if they walk out, he says they'll prove to everyone that they ARE misfits, that they don't belong, that they're the B-team, everything they've worked for is done. They decide to stick together. Rection says Elix is involed in something with the Cruiserweights tonight and says it's time they show what MIA is all about.
#1 Contender's Six-Man Four Corners Elimination Match for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Kwee-Wee (w/ Paisley) vs Billy Kidman vs Rey Mysterio Jr. (w/ Tygress) vs Lt. Loco vs Cpl. Cajun vs Elix Skipper (w/ Major Gunns)
Elix and Loco start the match with a quick exchange, then Guns trips up Chavo before he hits Elix with a back suplex. Paisley and Gunns and Tygress start to go at it and the ref tries to get between them, AWOL comes out and gets slapped by Guns and tries to grab her, but security gets between them. The ladies are all led to the back.
Back in the ring, Elix has taken control as he sends Loco off the ropes, he flips over his back and hits a half-nelson suplex. Elix tags in Cajun, but they pull Elix back in and stomp away, the ref trying to pull them off but they just shove him away. So the ref calls for a DQ on both of them for a double elimination.
Commercial
So nothing happened during the commercial as far as I can tell, because when we come back, Elix is still laid out and the other three are on the apron. Then Kwee-Wee makes the cover but Kidman breaks it up for some reason. Kidman sent off the ropes and hits a headscissor, then a dropkick. Kwee-Wee down in the corner set up for a baseball slide below the belt by Kidman, then the Bronco Buster by Rey. Elix with a missile dropkick to Kidman and lands on his feet, then clotheslines Rey to the floor. Kwee-Wee hits his fancy facebuster on Kidman for an elimination.
Rey with a springboard senton on Elix then sends Kwee-Wee to the corner. Rey sent to the corner before sending Elixt to the apron, then floats over Kwee-Wee only to be caught in a full nelson. Elix with a springboard heel kick to Rey as Kwee-Wee covers for an elimination.
Elix right on the attack now and its a belly to belly for two. Kwee-Wee sent off the ropes to hit a flying forearm on Elix. Elix lures him in to send him to the floor and now out comes Duggan. Meng comes out to top him. Elix gets his hands on Meng and Kwee-Wee rolls him up for the win in 6:51. Too short and overbooked. I did like Loco and Cajun beating the crap out of Elix though. Also for some reason there's an echo on commentary.
Meng raises Kwee-Wee up on his shoulder.
Okerlund is backstage with the Boogie Knights, reminding us they were beaten horribly by Goldberg. Alex tells him to watch his mouth and calls him a bald old man. Okerlund says they got what they deserved after they were stooged off by the Animals. Disqo says it's time for payback, as Sanders has granted them a tag team match with Konnan, however Rey and Kidman can't be his partner. He says Konnan has 30 min to find a partner that can stand his long, lame promos, the material of which he stole from Disqo, to watch his back.
Commercial
Okerlund is backstage with Sanders. Sanders commends Kwee-Wee on his win, but says its another example of a hot shot kid who has total disrespect for a veteran like himself, saying it wasn't like that when he broke into the business less than two years ago. He says Kwee-Wee better take "that big ape of his" and put him in a cage and go alone, they're both going to be SOL at Mayhem.
Up walks Flair though to tell him he meant he wanted Sanders to defend tonight, not at Mayhem. But since Kwee-Wee has his title match for the PPV, Flair's flown someone in from the USA to get that title shot tonight.
Earlier in the day, Tenay did a sitdown interview with Buff Bagwell. Tenay says it's obvious Buff is frustrated based on his demeanor on TV and in the locker room. Buff agrees, says its frustrating that he was part of WCW when it was first put on the map along with Sting, and after 9 year being there its been a rush, from 700 people in the crowd to selling out the Georgia Dome, but knowing he put that much energy and time into something and not getting what he deserves out of it is what frustrates him.
Tenay thinks Buff has a bullseye on his back based on the reactions of the rest of the locker room, and asks if it's really just jealousy. Buff doesn't agree with that and says someone told him the other day it's not about what you say, it's how you say it. He thinks it's about who says it though, and uses a very vague example of something someone said that he would have gotten a ton of heat for if he said it, and they insisted its more about how you say it. He thinks there's just a lot going on trying to turn the ship around, and he knows he can be apart of it. He says if they give him the chance that WCW has given others, he knows he can be part of the team.
Tenay brings up Jarrett and how Buff was on the receiving end of a guitar shot, and wants his opinion on the man. Buff compares his nine years to Jarrett's one year, at least in this stint with WCW, but calls him a superstar and a great guy and talent, but he insists on having those same chances to show he can be a main player.
Tenay continues on and says that Jarrett's made it to the top, he's been World Champion, yet Buff has yet to make it to that elite level, to that status, and asks if it boils down to that opportunity. Buff says he's never even been US Champion, so yeah it does boil down to that. He talks about how the people get to their feet when they see him, and if you get cheered or booed you should get a chance, and people know they'll be entertained when he's out there, they know they're gonna get a good match, and doesn't understand why WCW pushes him to the side. Then he finishes by challenging Jarrett for Mayhem.
Commercial
Sanders is backstage on the phone with Jarrett about what just happened. Jarrett asks for some kind of favor and Sanders promises to make Buff's life a living hell.
WCW World Heavyweight Championship: Lance Storm (WCW Canadian Heavyweight Champion) (w/ Major Gunns) vs Booker T (c)
Pre-Match: Lance wants to be serious for a minute and needs the crowd's undivided, respectful attention. He says he's going to bring dignity back to WCW, like he has to the Canadian Title, he does the same to the World Title. He says as good as Booker is, he's not as good as the man from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Then he calls for the anthem and asks them to rise for their future World Champion. He nearly gets the full anthem played but Booker eventually comes out and interrupts.
Booker gets the better of a quick exchange with a shoulder block off the ropes. Lance takes control with a knee to the gut only to be taken down with a forearm and clotheslined to the floor into the guard rail. Booker loses focuses as he goes after Gunns, allowing Lance to drop him on the guard rail. Back in the ring, boots to the head and face first in the corner for Booker, followed by some chops. Booker with some rights as he turns it around, whips Lance across the ring. Lance gets the boots up and hits a dropkick for two.
Booker caught with a jawbreaker and a standing side kick knocks Booker to the floor. Booker face first off the apron then back in the ring. Storm with a springboard dropkick for two. Booker with a gut shot only to be dropkicked in the knee, then shoved off as he goes to target it. Booker tries a Book End but Lance counters with a swinging neckbreaker for a kick out. Booker counters an Irish whip and goes for the ax kick, but Lance avoids it, just to be caught on the second try. Then a spinaroonie for good measure.
Lance ducks the Harlem Side Kick and dropkicks the bad knee, sends Booker to the corner who floats over into a roll up. Storm rolls through and locks in the Maple Leaf, but Booker manages to get to the ropes and roll out to the floor. Booker drops Storm onto the guard rail twice before returning to the ring, then goes up top. Somewhere in all this Storm got a chair, maybe from Gunns, but Booker knocks it back into him with a missile dropkick for a near fall. Storm with a DDT onto the chair but Booker kicks out.
Storm goes up top but Booker crotches him as he staggers into the ropes. Booker tries a superplex but he's knocked off. Lance leaps off but caught with the Book End to retain in 7 minutes. Damn good match.
Gunns enters the ring and slaps Booker, then Elix comes in and he's back dropped. Duggan's there too as he sends Booker off the ropes, but caught with the Harlem Side Kick. Elix is nailed with the ax kick, then Gunns hits Booker in the back with the Canadian flag, which barely fazes him. Then he hits her with the Book End. Stevie Ray is just cracking up on commentary.
Commercial
Boogie Knights are walking backstage. Alex asks Disqo what happens if Konnan happens to find a partner. Disqo asks if Alex has money. Alex hands it over because Disqo has an idea.
Out comes Sanders for his title defense. Then Ric's music hits as he talks to security backstage, then makes his way out. He has some good news and some bad news for Sanders. The good news is he's changed his mind and that this will not be for the Cruiserweight Title, so Sanders is guaranteed to walk out with the belt. The bad news is, this very special contender is over the weight limit for the title by almost a hundred pounds.
"Above Average" Mike Sanders (WCW Cruiserweight Champion) vs Kevin Nash
Nash with a boot and a right, then takes Sanders to the corner for his trademark offense. Sanders tossed across the ring, then eats a snake eyes. Sanders laid over the middle rope as Nash drops a leg across the back. Sanders sent off the ropes into a sidewalk slam for two. We cut backstage to see security holding the Thrillers back much to Nash's glee. Sanders sent off the ropes into a big boot. Nash pulls down the straps and sets up for the jackknife, but the Thrillers eventually break through security and run out. Ref calls for the bell in 3:18, so I guess Nash wins by DQ.
Nash holds them off briefly but eventually the numbers game catches up to him.
Commercial
Trainer is checking on Nash again backstage.
Boogie Knights vs Konnan & The Cat (w/ Ms. Jones)
Disqo sent out to the floor as Cat knocks down Alex. Cat with a throat chop to Alex as he sends him off the ropes, just for Alex to hit a spin kick for two. Vicious boots by Alex before he dances, then hits an elbow. More boots then Cat is sent to the corner but avoids a splash. Cat with some kicks and a spin kick under the jaw. Konnan tags in, Alex sent off the ropes into a hip toss, then a low dropkick. Konnan with mounted rights in the corner, then Konnan sent off the ropes, kneed in the back by Disqo and Alex connects with a dropkick.
Disqo tags in and double teams Konnan. Alex with a clothesline off the ropes, then Disqo with stomps to the back. Konnan sent off the ropes, avoids a clothesline and spins around with a bulldog. Konnan sent off the ropes as Cat tags himself in with a kick, then a side kick to Disqo. Clubs to the side of the head of Disqo who then hits a neckbreaker, off the ropes and misses an elbow. Scoop slam by Cat and an elbow of his own. More kicks and a palm thrust, then Disqo sent off the ropes before he tags in Alex. Both off the ropes for a double down.
Konnan and Disqo tag in. Konnan takes control and hits a rolling thunder lariat. Disqo sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline, tries a stunner and Konnan hits one his own, covers but Alex makes the save. Disqo sent off the ropes into a DDT, Konnan covers and Alex saves again. Cat with a superkick on Alex who knocks the ref out as he falls backward. Another superkick knocks Alex over the ropes to the floor. Kronik make their way out to a good pop as Konnan hits a face jam on Disqo. Kronik attack Konnan and hit High Time. Disqo covers for the win in 6:05.
Commercial
Luger is backstage and up walks Okerlund, because Luger's supposed to do an interview, but he's busy reading Goldberg's book. Luger calls it riveting and you can't put it down, says he's learned many great things about Goldberg. Luger proceeds to rip out several pages as he talks about the book, but he never mentioned Luger in the book. Luger claims he discovered Goldberg in his gym but Goldberg couldn't be bothered to mention it in his book. He says it'll be ironic come Mayhem, he's the one who got Goldberg's career started and he'll be the one to end it. Goldberg can write that in his second edition from his hospital bed.
Career-Threatening Streak Match: Buff Bagwell vs Goldberg (18-0)
Goldberg with knees to the gut and a gorilla press, dropping Buff like a sack of bricks. Goldberg with boots in the corner, then Buff sent off the ropes, ducks a clothesline and hits a double-arm DDT. Goldberg pops up immediately as Buff struts and turns right into a spear. Jackhammer for the win in 2 minutes. (19-0)
Goldberg goes to leave but then helps Buff back to his feet and raises his arm.
Commercial
Booker leaves the building.
London Lethal Lottery Finals: Scott Steiner (w/ Midajah) vs Sting
Winner earns a World Title shot the night after Mayhem.
Pre-Match: Steiner comes out with a straightjacket, and Midajah with a lead pipe. Steiner gets the mic and clearly isn't watching the show, because he thinks Booker is still there and hopes is watching this backstage. He says what he does to Sting tonight is a preview of Mayhem, says that if Booker thought he was punked at Havoc, things are gonna get a lot worse. He says being in a cage is just to his advantage, no one can come in and save Booker's ass. As for Sting, well he's looking at a genetic freak, a physical phenomenon, Sting has no chance, and tonight he's gonna do to him what he'll do to Booker, and punk his ass.
Steiner wastes no time attacking Sting and taking him to the corner, delivering boots and rights. Sting sent off the ropes but he hooks the ropes and back drops Steiner to the floor. Steiner sent into the guard rail, then a chair across his back, then face first off the table as Sting says hello to Stevie. Steiner into the guard rail again across the floor before returning to the ring. Steiner sent to the corner and Sting hits a bulldog on the rebound.
Stinger Splash connects on the first try, but Steiner gets a boot up on the second. Sting tries a third but he's caught midair and hit with a belly to belly. Sting sent off the ropes into a clothesline, then an elbow and some pushups. Backbreaker by Steiner for two. Boots to the back of Sting, then one to the gut, then Steiner hits his spinning belly to belly for two. Knees to the face of Sting, then trapped in a surfboard. Sting fights back to his feet and delivers a boot and some rights. Sting of the ropes only to be caught with an exploder suplex for a near fall.
Steiner is getting pissed off at the ref before driving Sting into the corner, dropping him in a tree of woe. Steiner cranking the neck back from ringside followed by some boots to the ribs. More pushups. Sting avoids going face first in the corner before bouncing Steiner's face instead. Sting sent off the ropes just to catch Steiner in some kind of crucifix hold, then catches him with the Deathdrop and... it's over? I was not expecting Steiner to just lose clean like that. (5:17)
Sting tries to leave but Midajah blocks his path. He moves her but she pulls him back in with a handful of hair. Somewhere along the way Steiner got his pipe and was playing possum, as he attacks Sting from behind with it. Midajah gets the straightjacket as Steiner clotheslines him with the pipe, then puts him in the straightjacket. Midajah holds him up as Steiner attacks him again with the pip and wails away on him. Steiner applies the Recliner as the show goes off the air.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
For once I have very little to complain about here. Most of the matches were good, or at least a fun watch, mostly good segments. Nothing was utter shit on this show which is always a plus. Maybe I'm just getting soft after 7+ months worth of these shows though. With a run time of 1:32:17, this show had a total 40 minutes of wrestling.
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