WCW February - April 1994 - 2/12, 2/13-4/23 Update, 4/30

[jackknight]

Commish said:

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING presents:
WCW SATURDAY NIGHT
February 12, 1994 (Taped 2/3)
Nashville, TN
The Nashville Arena
Ring Announcer: Gordon Solie
Broadcast Team: Mike Tenay, Dusty Rhodes and Lance Russell

This week's show opens with "Nature Boy" Ric Flair standing in front of the WCW logo, decked to the nines in a brand new blue robe.



RIC FLAIR: "It's all on the line, tonight. Masa Chono, you've got The Nature Boy in this ring for a best 2/3 Falls match. The winner goes on to challenge Big Van Vader for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Spring Stampede in Memphis, TN next month. But that's not all it means, is it? I made a vow more than three months ago that if I didn't regain that World Heavyweight Title by April, I'd walk away from the sport of professional wrestling. The truth is, it's coming down to the wire. I don't have much time left. I have one sure fire way to get that title shot at Big Van Vader - and Chono- that's to take you down right here tonight in front all these fans in Nashville and the millions watching on TV. Pal, you better believe that I'll do anything to make that happen.

"I've heard a lot in recent months. People that I used to associate with have claimed to have found wrestlers that will surpass my destiny - they claim that they made me who I am. Let me set the record. I won my first World Heavyweight Title on June 21, 1983 from Dusty Rhodes in Tampa, Florida. Who was my manager that night? No-one. Who was in my corner that night? No-one. I won the World Title on my own, with these two hands, these two legs, and this brain. Nobody made Ric Flair. And tonight, I prove it again. If I'm going out, I do it on my terms with nobody by my side besides these people. At the end of the day, I prove that I will always be the limo ridin', jet-flyin', kiss-stealin', wheelin dealin' Nature Boy that you fans have come to know… or I walk away. So tonight- it's all on the line. No shouting. No WOOOOOOOOS, well aside from that one. Just a match with the best Japanese wrestler of all time. Tonight, it's do or die for Ric Flair…"

WCW Saturday Night Theme (1994-1997)

WE GO LIVE TO THE NASHIVILLE ARENA-

Standing by are our intrepid broadcasts MIKE "THE PROFESSOR" TENAY, LANCE RUSSELL AND "THE AMERICAN DREAM" DUSTY RHODES. All three talk about tonight's best 2/3 falls match between Ric Flair and Masa Chono to determine the #1 contender to Big Van Vader's WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Plus, we'll see "Terrible" Terry Funk facing off against someone known as Mr. C. "Double J" Jeff Jarrett is here to name his terms on whether he will settle his proposed lawsuit against WCW and Johnny B Badd.

First, however, lets' go up to the ring see an exciting new tag team in action as James Vandenberg's Pitt Bulls face off against FIRE & FLAM: THE CYBERPUNKS…



Match #1: THE PITT BULLS vs THE CYBERPUNKS

Once the match begins, Cyberpunk Fire and Cyberpunk Ice manage to dominate early on and school Pitt Bull #2 by keeping him isolated from his corner. Cyberpunk Fire goes for an knee drop off the ropes, but Pitt Bull #2 manages to move out of the way and tags in his partner Pitt Bull #1. Pitt Bull #1 comes in and decks Cyberpunk Fire with a headbutt and then slams Cyberpunk Fire onto the canvas. Pitt Bull #1 applies a headlock that at times looks like a choke, but Pitt Bull #1 re-adjusts the hold every time referee Mickey Henson checks it.

Pitt Bull #1 eventually breaks the hold and then tags Pitt Bull #2 back into the match. Pitt Bull #2 immediately climbs to the top rope and goes for a splash of elbow drop, but Cyberpunk Fire backs out of the way and falls into his corner, allowing him to make the hot tag to Cyberpunk Ice. Cyberpunk Ice comes in like a house of fire and lands clotheslines on both of his opponents and Pitt Bull #1 rolls to the outside. In the ring, Pitt Bull #2 slowly gets back to his feet and when he turns around, he is greeted with a double super kick from the Cyberpunks from out of nowhere! Cyberpunk Ice makes the cover and Henson makes the count for the 1-2-3 before manager James Vandenberg can even react!

As the bell rings, Vandenberg is freaking out on the floor and he orders his Pitt Bulls to attack as the Cyberpunks celebrate. The Cyberpunks see it coming and soon a brawl has erupted once again. Several officials and preliminary wrestlers hit the ring to break up this brawl. Fans, the Cyberpunks have scored an upset victory here and the Pitt Bulls and their manager James Vandenberg do not seem happy at all! We may not have seen the last of this rivalry.

WINNERS: The Cyberpunks (12:34)

MIKE TENAY and LANCE RUSSELL discuss this development with the Cyberpunks making a major debut here on WCW Saturday Night by defeating the Pitt Bulls, who have dominated their opponents until tonight. DUSTY RHODES adds that these Cyberpunks could be a real force in the tag team division if they can keep up this momentum - and survive two very angry Pitt Bulls. Tenay sends us to commercial break…
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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MICHAEL PS HAYES is standing by with THE CAN-AM EXPRESS:



MICHAEL HAYYES asks DAN KROFFAT if he was impressed with teams like the Cyberpunks and the Pit Bulls, who could represent a new breed of tag teams. Kroffat says he was impressed by both teams, but he is not going to get caught up in praise because some day they will be the Can-Am Express' opponents. Hayes remarks that Kroffat and Furnas have surprised some wrestling journalists because they neither go out of their to court the support of the fans or disregard the fans completely.

DOUG FURNAS says he and Dan have always been most concerned with one thing: winning championship gold. Kroffat adds that they aren't concerned with whether the fans boo them or cheer them - they're only concerned with making sure that the WCW World Tag Team Champions Pretty Wonderful take them seriously. Orndorff and Roma better realize that if they underestimate the Can-Am Express even a little, it will mean that there will be new WCW World Tag Team Champions at Spring Stampede. Hayes thanks both men and then sends us up back up to the ring…
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We go back to ringside where MIKE TENAY announces that right here next week we will see a match that has been building for two weeks now as WCW World Heavyweight Champion Big Van Vader put his belt on the line against PN News. LANCE thinks that PN News will provide a challenge, but he's not exactly sure if PN has what it takes to dethrone Big Van Vader. DUSTY begs to differ, saying that anything can happen on any given night. He believes that PN News is big enough and powerful to wrest the title away from Big Van Vader, which would certainly have ramifications on the Spring Stampede main event.

Right now, however, let's get up to our next match…

Match #2: TERRY FUNK v MR. C

Some fans are bristling fight as Terry Funk makes his way down to the ring with his "good ol' boy buddy" Bunkhouse Buck. Funk is swinging his branding iron around like crazy, causing some members of the crowd to recoil. Funk steps into the ring and snatches the microphone from Gordon Solie…

TERRY FUNK: Gordon Solie, what in the dangnab is goin' on here! They sign me to face some no-name, Mr. C- I've never even heard of this punk. And yet he doesn't even the courtesy to come down to the ring first. I'M THE STAR, SOLIE!!!! I COME OUT SECOND!!! YOU HEAR ME?!?!?! SO WHERE IS HE?!?!?

The lights go out….

Fans the lights are out here in the Nashville Arena!!!

AND NOW THEY'RE BACK ON!!!

OK - what was that? Funk, Buck, and Solie are all standing in the ring perplexed by what just happened. Funk then points to one of the corners - WHERE A BARBWIRE COVERED BASBEBALL IS PROPPED UP AGAINST THE CORNER!!!

TERRY FUNK: What in the hell is that doing here? I didn't bring it out here. Buck, you didn't bring it out here. Solie, are you trying to play some kind of old game old man?!?!? BUCK, GO GET THAT THANG AND BRING IT HERE…

Bunkhouse Buck starts to walk towards the corner, when…

LIGHTS GO OUT AGAIN!!!!!

THE LIGHTS ARE OUT ONCE AGAIN HERE IN THE NASHVILLE ARENA!!!!

They stay off for several seconds and when they flash back on, in the corner and holding the barbwire baseball bat is…
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CACTUS JACK!!!!!!!

WE HAVEN'T SEEN HIM IN SIX WEEKS!!!!!!

CACTUS JACK IS BACK HERE ON WCW SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!!

Look at Cactus- he slams that barbwire baseball right across Bunkhouse Buck's forehead!!! Buck goes sprawling out to the floor as the blood begins to gush from his forehead!!!

And now from across the ring - Cactus points his baseball bat in Terry Funk's direction. FUNK BAILS OUT TO THE FLOOR!!!! HE MAY BE CRAZY, BUT HE AIN'T STUPID!!!! Terry Funk wants absolutely nothing to do with Cactus Jack's barbwire baseball bat, especially after it split open his buddy Bunkhouse Funk's forehead.

As Funk rushes his bloodied friend to the dressing room, Cactus Jack takes the microphone from Gordon Solie (who had stepped out to the apron) as the crowd roars with approval.

CACTUS JACK: TEEEEEEEEEEEEERRY!!!!! I'M BACK, TEEEEEEEEEEEERRY!!! You thought by kicking my down in my greatest moment of need that you'd rid your life of Cactus Jack, didn't you? You say I'm ungrateful. You say that Cactus Jack owes you everything. TEEEEEEEEEEERRY- YOU'RE RIGHT!!! BARBY AND I INTEND TO START PAYING YOU BACK EVERY CHANCE WE GET!!!! YOU'LL GET ALL THE PAYBACK THAT YOU CAN HANDLE TEEEEEERRY!!!! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?? BECAUSE I AM!!!! BANG BANG!!!!

The fans are going crazy as Cactus Jack poses on all four turnbuckles, before sliding out to the floor and heading back to the dressing room.

We thought he was gone forever, but fans CACTUS JACK IS BACK IN WCW AND HE HAS A NEW FRIEND - BARBY!!!!!!

WINNER: No Contest (0:00)
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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As we come back, MICHAEL PS HAYES is standing by in the ring with WCW Commissioner NICK BOCKWINKEL. Hayes reminds the viewers that Jeff Jarrett has filed a lawsuit against World Championship Wrestling and has threatened to press criminal charges against Johnny B. Badd for the following incident:

VTR - THREE WEEKS AGO ON WCW SATURDAY NIGHT: Jeff Jarrett is clearly stallig here as he's supposed to be performing his new single - but he's yet to strum a singe note. As Jarrett complains about the sound quality, the fans begin to cheer as Johnny B. Badd sneaks up from behind with the Badd Blaster in hand. Badd taps Jarrett on the shoulder, which Jeff shrugs off thinking it's one of his roadies. After a second tap, Jeff turns around as THE BADD BLASTER SHOOTS A TON OF CONFEIIT RIGHT INTO HIS FACE!!! Double J flails around all over the stage and drops to the ground as Johnny B. Badd runs down to the aisle way to shake hands with the fans. We then cut to footage of Jarrett being loaded into an ambulance with a white towel on his face, holding up a peace sign with his right hand.

As we go back live to the ring, "DOUBLE J" JEFF JARRETT has joined Hayes and Bockwinkel in the squared circle. Jarrett has a few bandages on his forehead and it looks like his face has a bad tan. Jarrett snaps the microphone from Bockwinkel as he goes to speak, saying that all he wants is an answer from Nick. Jarrett mentions that he's filed at $20million lawsuit against Ted Turner and WCW for creating a hostile work environment and he's also about to file assault charges against Johnny B. Badd. Jeff says he can make it all go away in a split second if WCW agrees to his demand.

Bockwinkel says that he doesn't like being held up by a man of Jarrett's caliber, but he's a position where he will at least listen to what Jeff has to say. At this point, JOHNNY B. BADD enters the ring and urges Nick Bockwinkel not to listen to this "Waylon Jennings wannabe" to which Jeff responds that Wayne never looked as good as he does. Jarrett says that he's glad that Johnny is here as well because this concerns him as well. Double J promises that he could have Badd behind bars for years if he presses criminal charges.

As things are about to get heated between the two wrestlers, Nick Bockwinkel steps in and asks Jeff Jarrett to get to his demands. Jeff says, "Demand, singular. I only want one thing from you and this all goes away. Just one thing." Bockwinkel tells him to spill it already so Jeff reveals that he'll drop all legal proceedings against WCW and will not press charges against Badd IF AND ONLY if WCW terminates Johnny B. Badd's contract and agrees to never hire him again!! Badd and the fans are shocked - Nick Bockwinkel seems taken aback as well. After taking a second to compose himself, Bockwinkel says he doesn't like the sound of this at all but he has no choice to bring it before the board. Nick promises Jarrett that he'll have an answer next week. Jarrett smirks as he leaves the ring while Nick Bockwinkel tries to explain to Johnny B. Bad that he has no choice but to run it past WCW's board of directors…
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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As we return to the announcers, MIKE TENAY expresses total shock that Jeff Jarrett will only drop his suit if Johnny B. Badd's WCW contract is terminated. LANCE remarks that he's known Jeff for many years and he doesn't quite understand what has gotten into this kid in recent months. DUSTY just shakes his head in disgust, saying he has a bad feeling about this whole situation.

Well fans, it's all come down to this. It's Best 2/3 falls between Flair and Chono for the #1 contender status. LET'S GO DOWN TO THE RING…

Match #3: Best 2 out of 3 falls: MASA CHONO vs RIC FLAIR

Masa Chono is out first with his manager Sonny Onoo. As he steps into the ring, Chono dismisses Onoo from the ringside area despite his manager's protestations. A lone spotlight then shines down on the aisle way as The Nature Boy walks that aisle for what has to be one of his biggest matches of recent memory. Referee Charles Robinson briefs both men before the bell rings and then signals for the match to begin. Flair and Chono lock-up to start us off here and Chono surprises The Nature Boy by kicking his right leg out from under him. Once Ric Flair goes down, Masa Chono grabs his right leg and dives into it with a brutal looking elbow drop. Flair kicks him away as he tries it again and manages to send Chono to the mat with his own shot to the gur as Masa Chono charges. Ric Flair keeps Masa Chono grounded with a nerve hold, but Chono reaches the ropes and Flair is forced to break the maneuver. Chono tries to go after Flair again, but The Nature Boy then decks him with a right hand and looks around at his cheering fans, but Masa Chono nails Flair from behind with a shoulder-thrust into his right knee. Masa Chono then manages to hoist Ric Flair up and plant him into the canvas with a hanging suplex. Chono then proceeds to work over the right leg of Ric Flair for the next several minutes.

Flair looks to be in trouble here as Chono reaches and really pulls back on a leglock. Chono has really tried to soften up the right leg and it may mean trouble if Flair gets the chance for his own Figure Four Leg Lock. Masa Chono has Ric Flair up and he jams The Nature Boy's right knee into his own with a brutal knee-breaker. Chono then signals for the end and locks Ric Flair in the single-leg crab and really cinches it in. Ric Flair is fighting with every inch of his body and the fans are really trying to give him the support to break the hold. The fans starting chanting "Nature Boy", which seems to fuel Flair to keep him reaching for the ropes. He's not giving up that easily! Finally, Ric Flair manages to reach the ropes as the fans go nuts. Masa Chono is forced to break the hold by official Charles Robinson. Masa Chono is absolutely furious! Chono immediately grabs Flair's leg again to lock in the hold, but Flair kicks him backwards and Masa Chono falls backwards and smacks his head on the canvas as we take our next commercial break.
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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As we come back from the break, Ric Flair is limping as he gets to his feet and as Masa Chono approaches, Flair nails him with a few right hands that send Chono reeling and he seems to twist his knee as he hits the mat. Flair is then somehow able to drop Chonowith an atomic drop and he climbs to the top, holding his right leg as he perches. Flair is trying to gain his footing on the top rope. Flair seems very shaky on that top rope, but he steadies himself. Chono slowly is able to pull himself up using the ropes and he turns around as Ric comes flying off with the cross-body block! That's the move he used to defeat Harley Race for the World Heavyweight Title back in 1983! Flair connects and stays on top for the cover as the referee counts the one-two-THREE!! FLAIR GETS THE PIN AND HE WINS THE FIRST FALL!!!

Winner of 1st Fall: RIC FLAIR (12:41)

The second fall begins as both men are slow to pull themselves. After some brief hesitation, the two men go to lock up. Chono rears back and Sundays Flair with a cheap shot before they hook up and lays in with a Mogolian chop to the shoulder. Masa Chono side-suplexes Ric Flair to the canvas and comes off the ropes with a corkscrew to Ric Flair's right knee. Masa Chono then works over Ric Flair with a leg lock and really wrenches back on it as the crowd cheers for Ric Flair to make a comeback. Flair attempts to turn it over, but then resorts of a typical low blow just as Charles Robinson is out of position. Ric Flair eventually fights his way back to his feet and shoots Masa Chono off the ropes and connects with a back-drop that rocks the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Ric Flair keeps the control momentarily and looks ready to finish off Masa Chono with the Figure Four, but Chono shoves Ric away as he attempts to lock in the hold and Ric Flair goes flying through the ropes to the arena floor. Ric Flair is in trouble out on the floor and he slowly gets back into the ring as Masa Chono leans against the corner and surveys Flair as he limps back into the ring. Ric Flair is back in and he manages to block a chop by Chono and floor the Japanese superstar with one of his own.

Ric Flair pulls him around and they are both slugging it out here and Masa Chono misses another overhand chop, which allows Ric Flair to nail him right on the butt of the jaw with a right hook. Masa Chono falls to the canvas and Ric Flair climbs to the top rope once again - possibly tempting fate to try again. Masa Chono realizes what's going on and pulls down on the top rope, crotching Ric Flair on the turnbuckle. Ric Flair falls back into the ring and now Masa Chono looks to be signaling for the STF. Masa Chono goes to lock the hold on, but Ric Flair jabs him off with a series of elbow strikes and then grabs Masa Chono by the hair. Flair proceeds ro slams his head into the canvas twice. Ric Flair has fought his way back to his feet and now he motions for Chono to bring it on as Masa Chono stumbles into the corner. Flair goes for another right hand, but Chono slides behind and he hooks the wait. Chono pops the hips - he drives Ric into the canvas with a belly-to-back suplex! Masa bridges it upwards into a pinning combination as Charles Robinson counts for the one-two-THREE!!! FLAIR KICKS OUT - BUT IT'S A SECOND TOO LATE!! MASA CHONO TAKES THE SECOND FALL WHICH MEANS WE'RE HEADED FOR A TIE-BREAKER.

Winner of 2nd Fall: MASA CHONO (23:34)

After a brief rest period, Flair makes his way back out to the center of the ring, motioning Chono to face him. Masa slowly complies and then slaps Ric across the face! A furious Flair rears back from a right hand, but Masa kicks him in the gut and then knocks him over with a savate kick to the chin. Chono is all over Flair and is pounding away at The Nature Boy. However, Flair somehow is able to turn him over and begins returning fire on Masa Chono. Flair gets to his feet and kicks Masa Chono in the knee and the sends him into the corner, where he lands some vicious chops onto the Chono's chest. However, Chono pops out of the corner and leveld Flair with a big spear. Ric Flair and Masa Chono are both down. Flair gets to his feet, limping, as he tries to pull Chono up. Chono responds with a shot to the stomach, but Flair head-butts Masa. Chono flops back to the canvas as Flair falls back against the ropes as we go to break.
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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As we come back - Ric Flair goes for the rolling knee drop, and he manages to hit two of them in a row - flinching after each one. This might not have been a wise choice by The Nature Boy. Flair winces in pain as he props himself against the ropes and he's going for another one, but Chono manages to move out of the way. Masa Chono gets to his feet and floors Flair in a sambo suplex and almost gets the three count, but The Nature Boy manages to kick out at the last second! Masa Chono is right back on him and he sends Flair sailing into the canvas with a Northern Lights suplex. Masa Chono goes for the cover, but Ric Flair once again kicks out at the last possible second! It's clear that Chono is ready to end this thing, but Ric Flair will not stay down. The crowd is tense as Masa Chono locks Ric Flair in his signature submission hold, the STF, and really wrenches back on it. The STF is an incredibly dangerous submission hold, but Flair is refusing to submit! Masa Chono applies more pressure and leans on the hold more and it looks as if Flair may be seconds away from submitting here! In what has to be a desperation move, Flair rears back and connects with an elbow that catches Chono on the jaw! Chono immediately falls back to the mat and gropes his jaw. Flair struggles to his knee, and propels himself up with some unknown strength.

And look at Flair now- he's going to town on Chono's right leg once again and this time he's doing it with malice. Flair holds out Chono's leg and then drives a leaping elbow smash into the knee! And now a second one! Another! Another! Another! Flair has dragged Chono over the corner and props his right leg up on the ropes and now begins stomping away at it. Flair is enraged and he now removes Masa's knee pad and begins slamming his elbows down on Chono's right knee. Flair shouts, "Now we go to school" and he looks to be applying the Figure Four! But just as he goes to cinch it in, Chono connects with a palm strike to the forehead which sends Ric back against the ropes. Flair presses his hand against his injured nose as Chono is getting up as well. Chono rears back and then drives into Ric with a shoulder-block that sends both men tumbling out to the floor. As Charles Robinson administers the count, Flair and Chono are fighting their way back up to their feet. Both men seem oblivious to the count as Flair tries to hook Chono into a suplex. Chon attempts to block, but Flair with a kidney shot. Ric tries to power him up, but that injured knee is hindering. Just as Flair lifts Chono off the ground, Robinson reaches his 10 count! Flair immediately drops Chono and now the two men both roll into the ring as Gordon Solie announces that in the third fall, both men have been counted out!

Winner: Double Count-Out (31:02)

WCW Commissioner NICK BOCKWINKEL enters the ring now as both Flair and Chono argue. Now, SONNY ONOO arrives as well to argue on behalf of his client. Flair wants a sudden death round. Onoo argues that Chono should be declared the winner because he scored the last actual fall. Chono shove his manage aside, motioning for Ric Flair to bring it on. Nick Bocwinkel seems frazzled as we take another commercial break.
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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As we return from break, NICK BOCKWINKEL gets on the microphone and announces that after hearing from Chono and Flair, he is ordering a fourth SUDDEN DEATH fall to begin immediately and he's banning Sonny Onoo from ringside to ensure that there WILL be a winner. No count-outs, no DQs. The winner will have to score a pin or submission.

Bockwinkel escorts a furious Onoo from the ringside area as our Sudden Death fall begins. No funny business this time as they lock up at first, but then Flair turns the tides by dropping to his knees and connecting with a low blow! Charles Robinson doesn't like it, but he can't do anything because this is one fall to finish! Flair lets out a "WOOOOOOOO" as Masa drops to his knees, shrieking in pain. Masa Chono manages to get to the ropes and as Ric Flair charges with a knee strike, Chono moves and Flair crotches himself on the middle rope. Turnabout is fair play, I suppose! Flair is hunched over in pain as Masa tries to shake off his own injury. Chono bounces off the ropes and connects with a forearm strike and goes for the cover, but he can't put Flair away. Masa Chono has Ric Flair up and he drives him to the mat with Ric's own signature knee breaker and then drops a twisting knee strikes across the Nature Boy's face. Chono works over Ric Flair with a leg lock of sorts for several minutes and he argues with some of the ringside fans as he wrenches back on the hold. Ric Flair manages to fight his way back to his feet and he breaks the hold, finally, with a series of elbow strikes to the gut of Masa Chono. Masa is dazed, but soon he is knocked over by a chop across the chest by Ric Flair! Ric then grabs Chono and hooks him from behind, scoops him up, and drives him into the mat with a Fisherman's suplex but he doesn't go for the cover. Both men are down now as we go to commercial again…
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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As we return, Ric Flair is clearly favoring the right leg that Masa Chono was working on and he perches as Masa Chono gets back to his feet. Flair limps as he hits the ropes and tries to propel himself into Masa, but Chono dives out of the way and Ric crashes and burns. Ric is down and it looks like he landed on that right knee, which Chono immediately noticed. Masa then pulls Flair into the center of the ring, spins his right arm around to mock the Nature Boy, and then locks Ric in - look at this! He has Flair locked in the Nature Boy's own Figure Four! There's nowhere for Ric Flair to go because he's locked right in the center of the ring, but he's valiantly fighting back and refuses to surrender. Masa Chono continues to apply pressure as the fans rise to their collective feet to chant "Nature Boy". Flair is screaming "Oh God" as his face turns beat red, but he begins pounding his fist on the canvas. Slowly, Flair powers Chono sideways - Masa fights it and keeps the momentum on his end. Ric won't give up! With everything he's got, Flair is able to power Chono to the side a now he's reversed the pressure of the hold onto Masa's knee! Flair now has the hold reversed on Chono and he's pounding the canvas to see the momentum. Masa fights it with everything he's got!!!! CHONO IS TRYING ONE LAST PUSH TO FLIP THE HOLD AROUND AGAIN - BUT HE CAN'T DO IT!!!! FLAIR'S GOT THE FIGURE FOUR CINCHED IT AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE THAT CHONO CAN GO!!! CHONO TRIES TO FIGHT AGAIN!!!! HE GIVES IT ONE LAST TRY AND THEN HE PULLS THE REFEREE CLOSE!!!! CHONO QUITS!!!! CHONO QUITS!!!! CHONO QUITS!!!

Fans, it's been four falls of pure hell, but Ric Flair has done it! He's beaten Masa Chono and he's secured a title match with Big Van Vader at WCW Spring Stampede! Most of all, though, Ric Flair has showed tonight that he's as good as anyone in the professional wrestling game today!!!

Winner of 4th Fall & the Match: RIC FLAIR (46:11)

Charles Robinson raises Flair's hand high as the fans cheer. Chono now approaches and he spins Ric around. These two just went though hell with one another and they're about to do it again, fans! Chono… offers his hand!!! WHAT A SIGN OF RESPECT FROM MASA CHONO!!!! Chono shakes Flair's hand and then drops out of the ring…

JUST AS PAUL E. DANGEROUSLY AND THE WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION BIG VAN VADER ARE SHOWN WALKING THAT AISLE!!!!



Nick Bockwinkel immediately steps between Big Van Vader and Ric Flair, but Flair wants none of that! Flair tells Bockwinkel to back off and he steps up to Vader. Vader shouts "WHO'S THE MAN" right into Flair's face several times, before Ric snaps back "I'M THE MAN!! YOU HEAR ME!!! I'M THE MAN!!" Paul E. Dangerously laughs as he hears this and feigns giving Flair a standing ovation.

Vader shouts to Flair, "SPRING STAMPEDE!!!! I KILL YOUR CAREER!!!!!" Flair nods his head in disagreement and then motions that he's taking Vader's big gold belt. Finally, Paul E. calls back his champion to leave the ring. Ric Flair stands tall on this night because he lives to fight another day… and he's earned a WCW World Championship Match at WCW Spring Stampede!!
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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MICHAEL HAYES is standing by backstage with "PRECIOUS" PAUL ELLERING and THE ROAD WARRIORS! Ellering offers congratulations to Ric Flair, saying that Flair has proved that he can take a licking and keep on ticking. Just like the Road Warriors can. The Ebony Express thought that they pulled a major coup these last few weeks with their sneak attacks, but all they have done is wake two sleeping giants.

ROAD WARRIOR HAWK shouts that he's sick and tired of getting knocked around by two rejects from the cast of Boys In The Hood. Hawk says that Tony Atlas may think he's a thug, but he didn't grown on the streets of Chicago like the Road Warrior is so he doesn't know what it's like to be a real bad dude. Hawk is on a roll he announces that a match has been signed for Spring Stampede - a Memphis Street fight. This means two things will happen. Firstly, a lot of stuff is going to be destroyed in the Mid-South Coliseum. And number two, Atlas and Ice Train will be leaving the arena with their heads detached. Hawk: "You don't like it? WE DON'T CARE!! OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WHAT A RUSH!!!!!" Michael Hayes throws us back to the ring for our standby match…
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The three announcers spend a few moments talking about how impressive Ric Flair looked in his victory over Masa Chono. Now, Ric Flair will face Big Van Vader at Spring Stampede… if Vader gets by PN News next week. That is a big IF. Right now, let's see the WCW World Television Champion The British Bulldog and his brother-in-law Jim "The Anivil" Neidhart in tag team action.



Match Four: THE BRITISH BULLDOG & THE ANVIL v TULLY BLANCHARD & JEFF GAYLORD

Blanchard seems to have taken the Missouri Tiger under his wing in recent weeks and they will receive a tremendous challenge tonight from the Bulldog and the Anvil. Blanchard and the Missouri Tiger try and attack Bulldog and Neidhart as they are taking off their ring jackets, but The British Bulldog and Jim Neidhart land some big right hands and clear the ring of their opponents. Once order is restored, the momentum goes back and forth for a few minutes with Jeff Gaylord looking particularly strong for his team. The finish however sees The British Bulldog drive Jeff Gaylord into the canvas with his running powerslam, and Jim Neidhart holds off Tullyas The British Bulldog pins the Missouri Tiger for the win. Fans, that powerslam could be in Lord Steven Regal's future come WCW Spring Stampede!

WINNERS: THE BRITISH BULLDOG & THE ANVIL (11:14)
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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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Our three broadcasters run down the major events from today's telecast including: the Cyberpunks surprise debut win over the Pitt Bulls, Jeff Jarrett's demand that WCW terminate Johnny B. Badd's contract, and Ric Flair's win over Masa Chono to cement him as the #1 contender to Big Van Vader's WCW World Heavyweight Championship. DUSTY hypes the title match as one for the ages and mentions that it might as well be a career match because it comes mere days from Flair's self-imposed deadline to win the world title by April or retire. LANCE says the eyes of the wrestling world will be on Memphis on March 27 to see if Ric Flair can bring home pro wrestling's only legitimate World Title one more time.

They also rundown the matches for next week

*JUST SIGNED*
1) 10-MAN TAG TEAM MATCH:
Marcus Alexander Bagwell & "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert
The Cyberpunks
Cactus Jack
VS
Tully Blanchard & Jeff Gaylord
The Pitt Bulls
Bunkhouse Buck

2) WCW US HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH:
Dustin Rhodes (champion)
VS
Van Hammer

3) TAG TEAM MATCH:
The Can-Am Express
VS
Lord Steven Regal & Sir William

4) ANOTHER TEST:
Gary Albright
VS
Ric Flair

5) WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH:
Big Van Vader
VS
PN News

MIKE TENAY: Fans, we'll see you next week for another exciting edition of World Championship Wrestling's flagship program WCW Saturday Night here on Superstation TBS! For Lance Russell, Michael PS Hayes and The American Dream, this is Mike Tenay saying good night and good luck!

© WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING, 1994

[jackknight]

Commish said:

All right, I know. This is not the ideal way to get back on track, but it gets me there nonetheless. Next weekend, a full version of WCW will return with a MAJOR announcement. In the mean time...



YOUR MAJOR HEADLINES:

Your New WCW World Heavyweight Champion Is:



That's right - "Nature Boy" Ric Flair fulfilled his promise to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship by the end of March or face retirement. At the TBS special "Spring Stampede '94", Flair overcame an onslaught from Big Van Vader and his manager Paul E. Dangerously to reach the top of the wrestling world again. The finish saw Dangerously try to throw a struggling Vader his cellular phone, only for Ric to intercept and knock it away. Flair then landed a low blow, which the referee didn't catch, and then scaled the top rope. Flair came off the top with a flying splash and stayed on top to win the title in the same fashion he did a decade before when he defied the odds to beat Harley Race. After the match, Dustin Rhodes, Dusty Rhodes, The Road Warriors, Marcus Bagwell and "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert all entered the ring to celebrate with Flair. A reluctant Dusty Rhodes even managed to shake his longtime enemy's hand.

That's not the end of the story, however. Immediately following the match, an irate Paul E. Dangerously told Lance Russell that he would enact the rematch clause, adding that he had an extra special provision added into the contract. Flair will be forced to defend the WCW World Heavyweight Title against Big Van Vader on April 30 at The Spectrum in Philadelphia! On WCW, Ric Flair said he didn't envisage starting his reign inside a steel cage because he admits he's had mixed luck with them in the past (beating Harley Race, losing to Dusty Rhodes), but he can't help but think the fire is back. Flair proved that Big Van Vader can be beat and he'll prove at The Spectrum that even if his opponent is a caged animal - that animal can't outwork a 60 minute man! Vader has not been seen since Spring Stampede in the arena, but short vignettes have been shown of the monster beating his head against a steel construction and punching his way through a solid metal beam. Paul E Dangerously has promised a very special surprise for "The Nature Boy" in store for next weekend...

Your WCW World Tag Team Champions Are:



At Spring Stampede '94, the incredible tag team of Doug Furnas and Dan Kroffat defeated Pretty Wonderful to become the new WCW World Tag Team Champions. In the match itself, Paul Orndorff proved that he's still as tough as they come by keeping up with the ring technicians, but his partner Paul Roma ended up dropping the fall after Dan Kroffat connected with a frog splash off the top rope. After the match, "Mr. Wonderful" showed that while he is still one of the best in the game, he's also a sore loser. After helping Roma to his feet, Paul Orndorff leveled his partner with a clothesline and drove him into the canvas with a leaping piledriver. Orndorff got on the microphone and screamed that he was sick and tired of being held back by Roma.

The new champions, meanwhile, well, they may be great wrestlers but they also don't seem to be getting over. Their title win drew a huge pop, but the fans haven't really taken to Furnas and Kroffat because they made it clear they don't care one way or the other about fan support. The growing amount of jeers increased during a WCW TV match where they defended their gold against "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert and his tag team partner Marcus Alexander Bagwell. After Bagwell appeared to crotch himself on the top rope after misisng a dropkick kick, the referee tried to tend to Bagwell. However, Furnas swept in and DDT'd Bagwell in order to score the pin. These guys aren't mustache-twirling villains. They're not immoral, they seem amoral. Due to the result, a frustrated Eddie Gilbert and Marcus Alexander Bagwell have asked for a rematch. Doug Furnas and Dan Kroffat will respond next weekend...

Your WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Is:



"The Natural" Dustin Rhodes continued his big run after turning back the challenges of Rick Rude, Steve Austin and Tully Blanchard in the last six months. He most recently squared off with "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko in a series of matches that went to 15, 20 and 30 minute time limit draws. In a match with no time limit at Spring Stampede '94, Dustin proved he's one of the premiere athletes in the sport today by pinning Zbyszko right in the middle of the ring with a running lariat. After the match, Larry Zbyszko surprised the fans, Dustin and the champion's father Dusty Rhodes by handing the WCW US Title to Dustin and shaking his hand.

The WCW United States Champion has several viable challengers lined up to take him on for the title. The impressive Paul Orndorff has been ruthless since dumping his former tag team partner and racked up wins over Erik Watts, Larry Zbyszko and "The Missouri Tiger" Jeff Gaylord. At the same time, "Captain" Mike Rotunda has returned to WCW with his Varsity Club (Gary Albright & Scott Norton). While Norton and Albright have scored some tag team wins, Mike Rotunda has been dominating singles competitors as well. Plus, Masa Chono is looking to rebound from his recent loss to Ric Flair by pulling a win over Rhodes...

Your WCW World Television Champion Is:



Lord Steven Regal proved how low he would sink to steal the WCW World Television Championship from The British Bulldog. As we saw in the weeks before the TBS special, the Bulldog had enlisted help from his brother-in-law Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart to counteract Sir Williams. At Spring Stampede '94, Neidhart showed his true colors by landing a low blow on Bulldog, which allowed Regal to apply a small-package pin to win! A pained British Bulldog looked on in shock as his brother-in-law handed the WCW World TV Title to Lord Regal.

On WCW, Lord Steven Regal revealed that unlike the Bulldog, Neidhart is descended from English nobility. Jim's great-grandfather was an Earl from the town of Leadworth, which was known as Anvil in the Renaissance era. Regal says that Neidhart realized that he should be associated with nobility, not commoners like the Manchester native Bulldog. At the end of the interview, Lord Regal and Sir William presented their new associate - Earl Neidhart of Anvil. Out came Jim Neidhart, without his trademark goatee but now with a handlebar mustache. It was mere seconds before the Bulldog stormed the set and began brawling with Regal, but Neidhart attacked his brother-in-law from behind and threw him head-first into the giant "WCW" logo on the stage. The Bulldog has been out with a severe concussion for three weeks, while Earl Neidhart and Sir William routinely cheat to help Regal win TV matches...

Cactus Jack - Terry Funk saga:

Cactus Jack had promised to enlist a special tag team partner for Spring Stampede '94 to face off with his former best friend Terry Funk and Bunkhouse Buck. After rolling in to the win to brawl with Funk and Bunkhouse on WCW Saturday Night, things got out of control and Jack was double-teamed. Suddenly the lights when out for several seconds and when they came back on...



ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER!!!! The Butcher enters the ring and jabs Buck across the forehead with his trademark fork, while Cactus Jack nailed his trademark clothesline over the top rope on Terry Funk. Eventually WCW officials and wrestlers were able to separate the two sides, so the No DQ match could be preserved for Spring Stampede. On the TBS show, Funk and Cactus ended up brawling through the crowds and to the locker-room. In the ring, Bunkhouse could not get Abdullah off his feet. It took four straight chair shots to knock The Butcher down and one more to keep him from getting up so he could score the pin. Rather than end the future, this match only seemed to stir it further. Funk and Cactus have been brawling all over WCW TV tapings for weeks with Nick Bockwinkel being forced to ban both men from WCW until he can find a match appropriate to settle things...

Goodbye Johnny B Badd:

As per "Double J" Jeff Jarrett legal threat to sue WCW for creating a dangerous working environment after Johnny B Bad blasted him with the Bad Blaster, WCW President Nick Bockwinkel was forced to terminate Johnny's contract. Jarrett was on cloud nine for two weeks, until he was forced to face a new competitor, the masked Mr. Tutti Frutti, on Spring Stampede '94. The flustered Jarrett was pinned after missing a charge into the corner. In the weeks since, Jarrett has insisted that Mr. Tutti Frutti is indeed Johnny B Bad and has ordered Nick Bockwinkel to make the man take off his mask. Bockwinkel told Jarrett he can do no such thing, but Jeff is free to pull the mask off Mr. Tutti Frutti himself. Double J has tried on three occasions to sneak up on Badd before and after matches to remove the mask, but Mr. Tutti Frutti has fought him off each time...

In Other News:

The Road Warriors won their Street Fight over The Ebony Express at Spring Stampede '94. After their match, "Captain" Mike Rotunda and his Varsity Club appeared in the aisle way to stare down the Legion of Doom... Young wrestler Billy Kidman has made quite an impression on fans by carrying a mirror down to the ring with him and admiring himself during matches. His finishing move, the Shooting Star Press, has also proved to be quite dangerous. His arrogance has seemed to draw the ire of Larry Zbyszko, who has been drawing cheers since shaking Dustin Rhodes' hand at Spring Stampede '94... The Pitt Bulls and the Cyber Punks have traded wins back and forth across the live events circuits. They will square off in a best 2/3 falls match at The Spectrum...

WCW Saturday Night will return next weekend with a full-length show!!!

[jackknight]

Commish said:

It's not on-time. For once, it's early!



WCW Saturday Night
April 30, 1994
Center Stage Theater
Atlanta, Georgia
Referees: Mickey Jay, Charles Robinson
Your Ring Announcer: Gordon Solie
Your Broadcast Team: Mike Tenay, Dusty Rhodes and Lance Russell

*The theme music and intro video play to open the show and as the music fades, the camera closes in on Mike Tenay, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and Lance Russell at the interview platform…

*Our three announcers welcome us all to this program with Mike Tenay hyping a major announcement from WCW President Nick Bockwinkel at some point during this program. Dusty hints that he's heard what the announcement and that's going to be big news for WCW fans. Lance and Mike urge the fans to stay tuned for Mr. Bockwinkel's comments, but also because we have all the major stars of World Championship Wrestling Today. Two titles will be defended as Dustin Rhodes puts the US Heavyweight Title on the line against Pit Bull #2 and Lord Steven Regal will defend his WCW World Television Title against Erik Watts. Plus, Paul E. Dangerously has promised a major surprise for WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair ahead of their match tonight (this show was taped 1 day earlier) in Philadelphia. Flair, incidentally, will be late to the program today because he is attending a local charity event. We'll also have The Legion of Doom, Jeff Jarrett and otherS in action as well. Fans, stay tuned because WCW Saturday Night will be right back after these commercial considerations…

COMMERCIAL BREAK

*Michael PS Hayes is standing by in the dressing room with WCW US Heavyweight Champion Dustin Rhodes, who will be in action in just a few minutes. Hayes mentions that Dustin has been quite a roll over the last year or so, having defeated the likes of Rick Rude, Steve Austin, Tully Blanchard and Larry Zbyszko to retain his gold, but now there are several new challengers on the horizon like Paul Orndorff, Mike Rotunda and Masa Chono. Dustin praises all three of those men for their skill, but he disagrees with some of their tactics. The Natural talks about coming to WCW a few years ago and constantly being forced to prove himself because of his famous last name. Dustin would never say he's eclipsed his legendary father, but he believes he's no longer in anyone's shadow. He thinks he's proving himself as "the measuring stick" here in WCW so he's challenging Paul Orndorff, Mike Rotunda, Masa Chono or anyone else to bring it on. Before Michael Hayes throws it up to the ring, Dustin Rhodes says he's going to show any potential challengers what he's capable of by defeating one angry Pitt Bull…

-1- WCW United States Heavyweight Champion "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes pinned Pitt Bull #2 (w/ James Vandenberg) at 8:45 after connecting with a running lariat. The wild and crazy Pitt Bull was a game challenger, but Rhodes' showed why he's turned back the very best by scoring a big win…

*Former WCW US Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard joins Lance, Mike and Dusty after the match and makes a snide comment about Dustin. Before he can even get rolling, Paul E. Dangerously interrupts and says he'd like to speak worth Tully Blanchard. A snickering Tully says he's happy to listen. Paul says we haven't seen The Four Horsemen riding here for a while, but he wants everyone to remember that at one time Tully Blanchard was one of Ric Flair's partners-in-crime. Yet, once Tully left for the WWF, we never saw him with The Four Horsemen again. Dangerously says he's looking to enlist a little insurance for tonight's steel cage match at the Philadelphia Spectrum and he believes Tully could provide he and Big Van Vader with information that could be of some value. So what he's asking is for Tully to join him in the back so they can perhaps discuss a business transaction…

*The fans buzz as Tully Blanchard cracks a smile. He steps up to the microphone and says it's true that he was a Horsemen and it's also true that he hasn't been affiliated with the group since leaving for the WWF. However, once you're a Horseman, you're never truly anything else. Tully says he and Ric Flair don't feel the same way about these fans, but he'll always have The Nature Boy's back so Paul can take his offer and shove it up his ass! Nodding his head in resignation, Paul E. Dangerously said he thought Tully might say that – it's just a shame Ric Flair isn't here. Within seconds, BIG VAN VADER comes from around the side and bashes Tully with a clubbing forearm! We haven't seen Vader on TV since he lost the title, but he's just attacked Tully Blanchard! Tully tries to fight back, but Vader guzzles him with some brutal shots to the head. He kicks Tully in the gut… AND THEN POWERBOMBS HIM ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR! Fans, Tully isn't moving here! That doesn't stop Vader, who connects with a big splash on the unconscious Blanchard. Paul E. Dangerously, meanwhile, is screaming into the microphone, "SURPRISE RIC!" WCW officials are out as Big Van Vader and Paul E. Dangerously make their way to the dressing room while we go to break…

COMMERCIAL BREAK

*As we come back, we see footage taken from the commercial break of a lifeless Tully Blanchard being loaded onto a stretcher and carried out of the arena. As we return live, all three announce denounce what Paul E. Dangerously and Big Van Vader just did. Dusty says he and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair never really have gotten along so he knows first-hand you don’t pull stunts like this on the dirtiest player in the game. The Dream predicts that Vader and Paul E. may not be prepared for Ric Flair's response. Mike Tenay reveals that Ric Flair has been told of what has happened and the WCW World Heavyweight Champion is currently on his way to WCW Saturday Night…

-2- WCW World Tag Team Champions The Can-Am Express (Doug Furnas & Dan Kroffat) defeated Billy Kidman & The Phantom at 6:45 after Dan Kroffat came off the top rope with a frog splash on The Phantom. The Can-Ams dominated this one from bell to bell and really punished both of their opponents…

*The Can-Am Express make their way over to the interview set to talk with our broadcast team. Mike Tenay mentions what happened a few weeks ago where Furnas and Kroffat seemed to take advantage of an injury suffered by Marcus Alexander Bagwell, in order to win a match. Doug Furnas just shakes his head in anger and asks just what these announcers expected he and Dan to do? They are the WCW World Tag Team Champions and their duty is to retain those titles, not make friends with their opponents. Doug says he and Dan have nothing against Bagwell and Eddie Gilbert, but they are not in the ring to help them win the WCW Tag Team Championships either. If Bagwell and Gilbert want a rematch, Furnas tells them to take it up with Nick Bockwinkel because The Can-Am Express will defend their titles against the teams they are ordered to face by WCW, but he and Kroffat aren't in the business of handing out personal favors…

-3- "Double J" Jeff Jarrett defeated "The Shah" Hack Myers at 5:32 after forcing Hack to submit to the Figure-Four Leg Lock. After the match, Mr. Tutti Frutti made his way out to ringside to taunt Double J, causing Jarrett to throw a fit, shouting that he knows the masked man is Johnny B Bad…

*At this point, WCW President Nick Bockwinkel makes his way out to the make a special announcement, but he first wants it to be known that both Big Van Vader and Paul E. Dangerously have been handed $500 fines and ejected from the arena, perhaps for their own safety. Now, WCW has been promoting a major announcement for weeks and since this is the premiere pro wrestling promotion in the world today, there are actually TWO major announcements. The first is that WCW will return to Pay-Per-View on June 12 when Bash At The Beach '94 emanates from the Knight Center in Miami, Florida! Nick announces that the WCW World Heavyweight Title WILL be defended on that night against an opponent to be announced in the coming weeks. The second blockbuster announcement is that he wants to confirm what the wrestling world has been speculating about for months. A new live hour of wrestling called WCW Nitro will air each Friday night starting on May 13 right here on TBS! Bockwinkel says that since WCW is where the big boys play, every week will feature a marquee caliber main event featuring the biggest and brightest stars in WCW. When WCW Nitro kicks off on May 13 with a double main event as The Legion of Doom take on The Varsity Club and a huge title match as Lord Steven Regal will put the WCW World Television Title on the line against The British Bulldog… in a best 2/3 falls match! There will be huge surprises each and every week when WCW Nitro begins it's domination of the sport in two weeks…

COMMERCIAL BREAK

*Dusty, Lance and Tenay marvel over the impending debut of WCW Nitro, which will debut from Orlando for the official kick-off of summer. The Varsity Club are out next with "Captain" Mike Rotunda saying he's very glad that his two associates will get a chance to teach the Legion of Doom just who the toughest men in the sport are. Brawlers aren't tough - they generally go down with a punch. Men like the Varsity Club know the ins-and-outs of wrestling, they know how to inflict and sustain the most dangerous holds in the sport. The Road Warriors can yell and scream all they want, but Rotunda insists that his men will tie them into knots in front of the world when WCW Nitro airs on TBS in just under two weeks. The Varsity Club's "Captain" also suggests he deserves a shot at the WCW United States Heavyweight Title and he thinks Bash At The Beach '94 is as good night as any. Rotunda dares Dustin Rhodes to face him on Pay-Per-View to test that little theory he put forth earlier that he's new "measuring stick" here in WCW…

-4- "Captain" Mike Rotunda (w/ Scott Norton & Gary Albright) pinned "The Missouri Tiger" Jeff Gaylord at 6:34 after driving into the canvas with the Fisherman's Suplex. Gaylord shows some fire, but he just can't keep up with Rotunda, who is one of the best wrestlers in the game today…

*VTR: We get a look at Dan "The Beast" Severn in the gym working out against several amateur and professional wrestlers. He matches the Greco-Roman wrestlers move-for-move, pinning three of them in a row. Then he steps into the pro wrestling ring and uses his skill to get submissions on three pro-style wrestlers, using three different moves: the kimura, the Fujiwara arm bar and the dragon sleeper. Fans, Dan Severn is a Beast and he will debut at Bash At The Beach '94 live on Pay-Per-View…

-5- The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Hawk & Road Warrior Animal) (w/ "Precious" Paul Ellering) defeated The Super Destroyers (I & II) at 4:32 after Hawk came off the top rope with a flying clothesline on Super Destroyer II. These poor masked jobbers are the victims of the patented Road Warriors squash…

*Michael PS Hayes is in the dressing room with The British Bulldog, who will face of with Lord Steven Regal in a best 2/3 falls match for the WCW World TV Title on the premiere edition of WCW Nitro. The Bulldog says that he and Regal have gone up and down the road for six months now, but he never thought Lord Steven would be so low as to buy off his own brother-in-law. Davey said he's had a lot of reservations about having to face off with Jim Neidhart, but the truth is the Anvil has gone off the deep end. The Bulldog is nobody's pushover so as much as he hates to say it, if Jim Neidhart tries to stand in his way, he'll knock him right out of the way. On WCW Nitro, he gets Regal in a best 2/3 falls, which means he'll get to make Lord Steven Regal suffer a little bit extra. The British Bulldog encourages all the fans to tune into WCW Nitro to see Lord Steven Regal finally get what's coming to him…

COMMERCIAL BREAK

*Marcus Alexander Bagwell and his tag team partner "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert join Dusty, Lance and Tenay before the next match. Eddie Gilbert tells them he's done a lot of bad things over the course of his career so he knows what a steel-eyed killer looks like when he sees one. These guys, the Can-Am Express, aren't nice guys, but he gives them credit for being up front with that. He also mentions how Doug Furnas told he and Marcus to take up the idea of a rematch with Nick Bockwinkel. Well they did just that a few moments ago and it looks like a return match will be signed in the coming weeks. Eddie says his partner, Marcus Alexander Bagwell is a real nice fellow, but he's teaching his young protégé that sometimes you have to, so to speak, fight fire with fire. Eddie Gilbert flashes that signature grin of his, while Marcus Alexander Bagwell adds that he and Eddie now how the Can-Am Express play the game now so they'll be ready when they step into the ring with the WCW World Tag Team Champions once again…

-6- WCW World Television Champion Lord Steven Regal (w/ Sir William & Earl Neidhart of Anvil) pinned Erik Watts at 8:49 after driving Erik into the canvas with a shoulder-breaker. Neidhart and Sir William got in plenty of sneak attacks from behind the referee's back, before Regal put his opponent down for the count…

*Cactus Jack is out next to cut one his typically bizarre, but engaging interviews. The man from Truth or Consequences, NM has been waging war with former mentor Terry Funk for months now, but they've yet to face off in a singles match. That needs to change. If Terry Funk truly thinks he can got to the extreme, he'll accept Cactus' challenge to meet him in the ring on WCW Nitro on May 13, one against one – "Bang! Bang!" As Cactus Jack walks off, we cut to the parking lot where WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair's limousine pulls in. The door flings open and Ric Flair storms out, charging his way towards the entrance as we take our final commercial break…

COMMCERIAL BREAK

*As we return to the arena, "Also Strauss Zarathustra" hits and the fans erupt as Ric Flair makes his way over to the broadcast position and snatches the microphone. Flair wastes no time in getting fired up, demanding to know where Big Van Vader is! He shouts it several times before Mike Tenay can answer that Paul and Vader have been ejected from the arena. Flair kicks the announce desk, drops the microphone and dives into the ring. The WCW World Heavyweight Champion hits the ropes, drops an elbow onto the canvas and then rips his shirt off, before rolling back out to the floor and taking the microphone again! Flair says that Vader and Dangerously have no idea what they've done – they've gotten personal with the dirtiest player in the game. Flair says he and Tully may not the closest of friends these days, but Blanchard will always be his Horseman brother. Everyone has asked him how he will react to being trapped in a cage with Big Van Vader, but now the question should be how will Vader react to being locked inside a cage with a raving lunatic, a man bent on attaining vengeance. Ric Flair tells all the fans in Philadelphia to come out to The Spectrum tonight because Big Van Vader will not only be beaten, he will not only be hurt, but he'll be shown first hand what happens when you mess with a Horseman! Ric storms off, leaving our three announcers to hype tonight's live event in Philly and also urge the fans from other parts of the country to tune in next week to find out just what happened…

Mike Tenay: Fans, we'll see you next week for another exciting edition of the World Championship Wrestling's flagship program WCW Saturday Night! For Lance Russell, The American Dream and Michael Hayes, this is Mike Tenay saying good night and good luck!

(c) 1994, WCW Saturday Night

[jackknight]

Commish said:

Philadelphia, PA
The Spectrum
April 30, 1994
Your Ring Announcer: Gordon Solie
Your Referees: Mickey Jay & Charles Robinson

1. "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff vs Erik Watts: The renewed vicious streak in Mr. Wonderful continued tonight as he pummeled poor Erik Watts from bell to bell. Orndorff finished off Watts with a leaping piledriver and then covered him with one foot to score the three count. It's becoming clear that the old Mr. Wonderful, the one who drove Hulk Hogan to the limit at the height of Hulkamania, is back! WINNER: "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff (6:34)

2. The British Bulldog vs "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko: The Bulldog is looking better than ever, but he faces a tough challenge in The Living Legend. Zbyszko keeps Davey on his game by keeping things mat-based for a while, but a running clothesline turns the tide in Smith's favor. The British Bulldog score the pin after connecting with his patented running powerslam. WINNER: The British Bulldog (9:34)

3. WCW World Tag Team Champions The Can-Am Express (Doug Furnas & Dan Kroffat) vs The Pitt Bulls: The mangy Pitt Bulls exerted some power moves early on, but they became exasperated by the Can-Ams ability to continually slow the pace down at key moments. The champions eventually retained after Doug Furnas landed a hanging vertical suplex on Pit Bull #2. WINNERS: WCW World Tag Team Champions The Can-Am Express (12:12)

INTERMISSION

4. "Double J" Jeff Jarrett vs Cactus Jack: The masked Mr. Tutti Frutti struck again as he made his way down to the ring late in the match. Jarrett seemed to be building moment and looked to be ready to apply the spinning-toe lock, but he became distracted by Mr. Tutti Frutti. That proved to be a big mistake as Cactus booted Double J in the stomach and connected with the double-arm DDT to score the pin. WINNER: Cactus Jack (13:45)

5. WCW World TV Champion Lord Steven Regal vs "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert: Gilbert was accompanied by his partner, Marcus Alexander Bagwell. Gilbert had compunction bending the rules whenever Regal did and seemed to have the in hand at several different points. Sir William and Earl Neidhart of Anvil attempted to interfere twice, eventually Bagwell began brawling with both of them. Soon, The British Bulldog ran down to help Bagwell run off Neidhart and Sir William to the dressing room. Back in the ring, Gilbert went for the Hot Shot, but Regal blocked it mid-move and turned it into a Lou Thez Press. The WCW TV Champion quickly followed up with a series of brutal kicks to the head. As a dizzy Gilbert stumbled back to his feet, Regal connected with the Northern Lights suplex and made the cover for the three count. Like him or not, Lord Steven Regal has proven once again that he can defeat the very best. WINNER: WCW World Television Champion Lord Steven Regal

6. Six-Man Tag Match: The Varsity Club ("Captain" Mike Rotunda, Scott Norton and Gary Albright) vs WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Dustin Rhodes & The Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Hawk & Road Warrior Animal): Once referee Mickey Jay gains control of the contest, Dustin Rhodes and Mike Rotunda start off the contest and Rhodes is able to take control with a series of right knees to the gut and then he drives Mike Rotunda to the mat with a side salto slam. Rhodes then made the tag to Road Warrior Hawk, who caught Mike Rotunda with a strike to the throat that the sent Mike Rotunda back into his own corner. The Captain reaches out his hand and receives a slap from of his Varsity Club teammates. Scott Norton was tagged in and he mauled Road Warrior Hawk right away with a series of hard right hands to the neck, which stunned Hawk and caused him to stumble into the ropes. Scott Norton then picked up Road Warrior Hawk and snap suplexed him to the canvas, before tagging in Gary Albright. Albright comes off the ropes with a corkscrew elbow smash into Road Warrior Hawk's chest and goes for the cover, but he can't get the fall this early on.

Gary Albright pulls Road Warrior Hawk to his feet and goes for the T-Bone Suplex, but Road Warrior Hawk counters and slams Gary Albright to the canvas with a belly-to-belly. Hawk dives into his own corner and makes the hot tag to Animal. Road Warrior Animal comes in and works over Gary Albright with some right hands and now Scott Norton and Mike Rotunda have hit the ring. Soon, all six men are brawling here! Gary Albright is now on the apron, but Road Warrior Animal hurls Mike Rotunda into him and Gary Albright flies off the apron and crashes to the floor! Scott Norton knocks Road Warrior Animal into the ropes and looks ready to attack him, but at the last second, Dustin Rhodes shoves Road Warrior Animal out of the way and eats a big running clothesline from Scott Norton himself! Down goes the WCW United States Heavyweight Champion. As Norton turns around, he gets caught with a boot to the stomach and shot to the throat that sends him out to the floor. Road Warrior Animal then throws Gary Albright to the outside and Gary Albright crashes into the steel railing as Road Warrior Hawk and Scott Norton battle up the aisle way.

Mike Rotunda charges at his opponent, but Road Warrior Animal picks Mike Rotunda up and press-slams him to the canvas as the crowd erupts. A stunned Mike Rotunda gets back to his feet and Road Warrior Animal unloads with a series of forearm bashes that rock the Captain of the Varsity Club and then floors Mike Rotunda with a running elbow smash to the forehead. Mike Rotunda hits the deck, flopping up for a second and then tumbling to the canvas again. As Rotunda slowly gets back to his feet, Road Warrior Animal is signaling for the end and he charges off the ropes. At the last second, Rotunda slinks back and Animal is going full speed as he crashes chest-first into the turnbuckle, knocking the wind out of the Road Warrior. Rotunda immediately hooks him, pops the hips and connects with a belly-to-back suplex that cracks Animal's head into the canvas and then bridges into a pin for the 1-2-3!! Dustin Rhodes tried to dive in and make the save, but he was one second too late! The Varsity Club gets a major win over Rhodes and the Legion of Doom! WINNERS: The Varsity Club (20:44)

INTERRMISION

7. WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair vs Big Van Vader: This match was taped to air on the inaugural edition of WCW Nitro! Big Van Vader attacked Flair as he entered the cage and roughed up the WCW World Heavyweight Champion for the opening minutes of the contest. The Rocky Mountain monster connected with a series of big elbow drops and even a big splash, but he just couldn't keep Flair down for the count. The crowd began to rally as Flair finally landed a shot to Big Van Vader's stomach and continued fighting his way back to his feet. Paul E. Dangerously attempted to slip his cellular to Big Van Vader, but couldn't quite get it to him. As he began to yell angrily at Vader to come get the phone, Flair kicked the cage causing the metal to blast Paul E. in the face!

In the next few minutes, Big Van Vader went for a series of overhand strikes, but Ric Flair shrugged them all off and leveled the monstrous former WCW World Heavyweight Champion with a hard right hand to the forehead and a series of his patented chops to the chest. As Big Van Vader pulled himself back up, he was flung face-first into the cage by Flair! The Nature Boy grated Big Van Vader's face against the steel, drawing blood from Vader's forehead. Flair then pulled off Vader's mask, decking him with several hard right hands to the face before biting in the true style of the dirtiest player in the game. As blood poured down Big Van Vader's forehead, Flair reared back and kicked him right in the nuts! That would be a disqualification in a regular match, but not here within the confines of the steel cage. The Nature Boy lets out a "WOOOOOO" and many of the fans respond in kind!

Flair was a man possessed as he shouted 'Now, it's time to go to school'! The WCW World Heavyweight Champion grabbed the big man's right leg and managed to lock in the patented Figure-Four Leg Lock! Big Van Vader was caught in the move right in the middle of the ring and he flailed around trying to escape. As the cheers swelled, Flair cinched the move in further as Big Van Vader struggled and eventually screamed out "I QUIT!" Fans, Ric Flair has forced Big Van Vader to submit, gaining the ultimate revenge on his opponent for what the big man did earlier today to Tully Blanchard on WCW Saturday Night. After the match, Flair climbed the cage and held up the WCW World Heavyweight Title for all the fans to see. Meanwhile, Paul E. Dangerously charged out to the dressing room on his own, while Big Van Vader lays out on the floor at ringside. WINNER: WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair (23:34)