WCW August 1996 - 8/5, 8/12, 8/15, 19, & 8/26

[jackknight]

Hashtag said:

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’S BOMBTRACK opens the broadcast as the camera pans across a filled to the rafters Assembly Hall in Bloomington, IN!

8/5/96

Tony Schiavone, Dusty Rhodes, and Terry Taylor welcome everyone to the broadcast as WCW Monday Nitro is on the air! And what a telecast we have in store for you this evening. Former Heavyweight Champion of the World, The Stinger, makes his return to mat action for the first time since February of this year as he teams with the United States Heavyweight Champion Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat to take on current World Heavyweight Champion Curt Hennig and Scott ‘Flash’ Norton! But that’s not all fans, as a result of last week’s attack, Lance Storm teams with Rick Martel to take on Chris Jericho and one half of the Highlight Express Lenny Lane, Billy Kidman’s challenge to Psychosis of La Familia Nacido de Llamas has been accepted, all of that plus WCW Vice President Magnum T.A. will be with us to announce who will be receiving TV and Tag title shots at Clash of the Champions: Fan Appreciation. “With all of that in mind, let’s send it to ringside, and David Penzer take it away!”

DP: “The opening contest of Nitro is scheduled for one fall and Scott D’amore is your referee of record. Introducing first, they are members of La Familia Nacido de Llamas and weigh in at a total combined weight of 431 lbs.; they are EL DIABLO and GRAN AKUMA! And their opponents are from the United Kingdom and weigh in at a total combined weight of 459 lbs. David Taylor and The Union Jack, The Queen’s NEW Favorite Tag Team!”

The hooded Union Jack in his matching mask and tights are as British as Elton John and just as shiny. Jack matches up well with the luchadores in terms of size and speed and is able to keep up with his opponents. The brooding Dave Taylor grinds on the demons with his catch-wrestling base, the diversity of their attack gains the Empire the early control. Once La Parka made his way to ringside the complexion of the contest changed, and the additional distraction provided Akuma the opportunity to catch Jack with his devastating Shoryuken Uppercut as Diablo and Akuma snatch victory from the jaws of defeat!

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Commercial Break
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Dave Penzer: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and the official in charge is Randy Anderson. Introducing first from the Twain Riverboat on the Mighty Mississippi, 234 lbs.; The Gambler. And his opponent is the WCW World Television Champion, from the Jersey Show, DDP, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE!”

DDP makes quick work of his counterpart in this showcase for the champ. The end comes after a ferocious Diamond Cutter.

Mauro Ranallo introduces the newest WCW Broadcaster, the “Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko! Larry says that it’s great to be back in World Championship Wrestling where he held the World Tag Team Championship and had a great run. He also says that it will be nice to get back to the basics here, and “doing what I do best and that is telling it like it is.”

DP: “The next contest on Nitro is scheduled for one fall and senior official Nick Patrick is your referee in charge. Introducing first from Sweetwater, TX; he weighed in at 257 lbs. KENDALL WINDHAM! And his opponent to my left is from Oklahoma City and he weighs in at 227 lbs. Charlie Haas.”

The tall Texan is challenged early on from the young upstart fresh out of Seton Hall University. But the experience and size advantage possessed by Kendall is a tall task for the former all-American, and eating a Superplex did not help his chances. Windham sealed the deal with the Iron Claw and a pinfall.


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Commercial Break
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Tony, Dusty, and Terry welcome us back from break and reset what hall has gone down thus far. They mention the special Fan Appreciation Clash of the Champions upcoming in 10 short days. “Fans don’t miss out on your opportunity to visit beautiful Cincinnati, OH and see some of the finest wrestling action on the planet! Call the WCW Hotline often, with your parents’ permission.” Duthtay mentions how great it is to have Larry Zbyszko joining the WCW broadcast team, and Tony says that he eagerly anticipates working with the Legend. The Taylor Made Man tells Tony and Dusty to speak for themselves, and Dusty senses some resentment on the part of Taylor. Before anymore can be let out of the bag Tony sends it to Mauro Ranallo who is standing by with WCW Vice President Magnum T.A. with a special announcement, “Mauro…”

Mauro and Magnum are standing by in Ranallo’s interview nook, and Magnum says that he would also like to extend a warm welcome to the Living Legend, and mentions Bill Watts making him and some of the other boys watch Zbyszko/Sammartino’s cage match in 1980 on Closed Circuit and how great that match was. Maggie says that speaking of great matches, that is exactly what World Championship Wrestling plans to bring to the great fans at the Clash of Champions. And on that note he would like to announce that SCORPIO will be receiving a shot at Diamond Dallas Page’s World Television Title, and also that the Competition Committee has set up a match next week to determine who will get the first shot at Southern Justice’s Unified World Tag Team titles as KEVIN SULLIVAN AND HUGH MORRUS who have been on a roll as of late will meet THE NASTY BOYS one more time, this time, with a tag title shot on the line.

Penzer: “Already in the ring at this time, from Tampa, FL, weighing in at 236 lbs. David ‘Backbreaker’ Young. And his opponent comes to us from Tijuana, MX and weighs 195 lbs. he is REY MYSTERIO, JR!”

The messiah of the backbreaker gets his hands on his smaller foe early in the encounter and displays several variations of his name sake. But he is unable to cool the competitive fire that burns deep in little luchadore and Rey is able to fire up the audience quickly with his high octane offense. The Triple Jump Moonsault brings Mysterio another victory.

La Familia Nacido de Llamas has made their way to ringside and this week there is no escape for Mysterio as La Parka and Psychosis lay a thorough beating on Rey! Just as Psychosis is preparing to deliver a 2nd Top Rope Guillotine Leg Drop, Rey’s good friend and Psychosis’ opponent for tonight, BILLY KIDMAN runs in and makes the save. Leading directly into…

Billy Kidman vs. Psychosis

Kidman kicks off the match-up with the advantage over the masked luchadore. The firey youngster strings together some big moves and gets a near fall after a missile dropkick from the top rope. Psychosis is able to buy himself some time and space after raking Kidman’s face. Psychosis is firing on all cylinders as he sends Kidman to the floor, right at the feet of his partner. As Psychosis keeps referee Scott D’amore’s attention La Parka does a number on Kidman. That is until Rey Mysterio makes the save, and is firing away on La Parka! Psychosis leaps over the top rope, but Mysterio pulls La Parka into the way and the dastardly duo is in trouble as Kidman and Mysterio put the boots to them! D’amore has no choice but to throw this one out, but that doesn’t stop Kidman and Mysterio from exacting some revenge.


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Commercial Break
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DP: “The following contest is set for one fall and Randy Anderson is the referee. Introducing first from Monterey, MX weighing in at 224 lbs. he is SUPER CALO! His partner is from the Gulf of Mexico and he weighs 220 lbs. LIZMARK! And their opponents, led to the ring by Colonel Rob Parker they are the WCW Unified Tag Team Champions of the WOOORLD, Big Bubba and Tony Anthony, the team of SOUTHERN JUS-TICE!”

The luchadores quick pace see marginal success in the early going, but Calo and Lizmark’s offense doesn’t suit them well in this one. Once Rogers and Anthony get their hands on the masked Mexican grapplers they manhandle them and the “clubberins’” begin. Calo and Lizmark display tons of heart and kick out “against their better judgment,” according to the Taylor Made Man, but Lizmark was unable to withstand the Bubba Side Slam.

Tony, Dusty, and Taylor reset the show and first discuss tonight’s big main event featuring the return of none other than THE STINGER! And how promising it is to hear that Sting is talking to JJ. Dusty says he can’t wait to see how Sting looks, but can promise us that ring rust will play a factor. Tony and Terry agrees, “while Sting has been changing light bulbs in arena’s across the country Curt Hennig and Scott Norton have been wrestling,” says the Taylor Made Man. Tony says that is a good point, and on top of that neither man “has ever looked any better than he does right now,” but before we get to that the guys discuss the upcoming match and Chris Jericho’s statement 2 weeks ago about his personal history with Lance Storm virtually “guaranteed” that Storm would lose his Generation NeXt Championship.

Which he and the Highlight Express followed up last week by attacking the champ after a hard fought match against El Diablo of La Familia. Terry Taylor says what he doesn’t understand is Rick Martel’s involvement, “he doesn’t have a horse in that race.” Well maybe, “Tewwy its cause it’s da right thing to do, know whattum talkin’ bout? Well course you don’t.” Well said Dream, well said.

Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen this is a special challenge match scheduled for one fall with Scott D’Amore officiating. Introducing first, now residing in Nova Scotia, RICK MARTEL! And his partner is from Calgary. Alberta. Canada and is the WCW Generation NeXt Champion, LANCE STORM! And their opponents are accompanied to the ring by Christian Cage; first, from Long Island, New York he is the former World Television Champion, CHRIS JER-I-CHO! And his partner is from Long Beach, California, he is LENNY LANE!

Jericho took special exception to Martel “embarrassing” him last week by shoving him off the turnbuckle and has a little something extra on his chops for the former World Tag Team and AWA Heavyweight Champion. Storm and Jericho locked up in a couple of memorable offensive exchanges. Including each man getting near falls on the other after landing echoing enzuiguiri’s. Lenny Lane was not to be out done and shined for a portion of the match as well, nearly picking up the biggest victory in his young career after hitting the Highlight of the Night split-legged moonsault on Martel, he and Christian were incredulous with the ref afterwards, which resulted in Lance Storm slingshoting Cage into the ring, double noggin knockin the Express and dropkicking them to the floor before hitting Lenny with a suicide dive. That wasn’t the last time Christian’s influence was felt though, as he held Martel’s foot causing him to get blindsided by the Triangle Dropkick from Jericho on the apron, which allowed Jericho to hit the Lionsault in-ring moonsault, grabbed a handful of tights and got the 1……….2………..3 on Martel.

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Commercial Break
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David Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen this is your MAIN EVENT of Nitro scheduled for one fall and WCW senior official Nick Patrick will be the referee. Introducing first, being led to the ring by the First Lady of Professional Wrestling Miss Elizabeth and being accompanied by Buff Bagwell; they hail from the great state of Minnesota and weighed in at a total combined weight of 536 lbs. SCOTT ‘FLASH’ NORTON and the HEAVY-WEIGHT CHAMPION of the WOOOOORLDDDD CURT HenNIGGG! And their opponents are accompanied to the ring by the ‘TOTAL PACKAGE’ Lex Luger and weighed in at a total combined weight of 488 lbs. first from Charlotte, NC he is the WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, he is RICKY ‘THE DRAGON’ STEAM-BOAT! And his partner is from Venice Beach, California, THIS issss STINGGGG!

vs

While Tony, Dusty, and Terry speculated that ring rust would play a factor in the performance of Sting, none of that was visible at the onset of this one! The new-look Stinger went completely ape shit in the early going, rendering The Dragon little more than a cheerleader on the apron. The chest beating, butt whoopin’ delivering “Franchise” of WCW had Curt and Norton bouncing all around the ring, off their game, and the capacity crowd rocking here in Bloomington! But adrenaline only goes so far, and then the ring rust became noticeable in the Stinger and Norton and Hennig took over. After nearly putting Sting away with a German Suplex and bridge the champ slapped the mat in frustration, and had a slap to the face for The Dragon, drawing the US Champ into the ring, allowing Hennig, Norton, and Bagwell to triple team the Stinger in the corner! Lex hops on the apron trying to get Nick Patrick’s attention, but that doesn’t do his buddy any favors.

When a fan jumps the rail at ringside and is in the ring!!! The fan grabs the World Heavyweight Champion by the head of the hair and CHOPS away! The fan starts strutting, THAT’S NO FAN AT ALL!!

“GET THE CAMERA OFF HIM!” Instructs Tony. The camera is on him, Dusty, and Terry who scramble for a moment, and describe the fight, but never the fighter before finally going to break. “We’ll be back in a moment fans…”

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Commercial Break
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“WOOOOOOOOOOO! You all know who I am! I am the ECW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, I am the NATURE BOY, by God, the dirtiest player in the game, the kiss stealin, wheelin’ dealin…”

Flair hits the ropes, elbow drops the canvas, “limousine ridin’, jet flyin’, son of a gun who has kissed the girls WORLD WIDE, and made em all cry! And Curt Hennig, pal, I been hearing everything you been saying, and you wish, oh so badly you wish, you get down on your perfect knees, and you pray to God that you could be Ric Flair, even if only for a day. You might as well be praying to me Hennig, WOOOOO! The Wrestling God! And I’m telling it like it is, when you are Ric Flair, pal, you don’t have to be a member of the WCW locker room to kick CURT. HENNIG’S. ASS!”

Naitch slams the mic down, throws the ECW Championship over his shoulder, and crazily WOOOO’s into the camera Tony wraps it up, “fans, we are out of time, see you next week!”

[jackknight]

Hashtag said:

Rage Against The Machine’s BOMBTRACK opens the broadcast as the camera pans across the rockin’ Celeste Center in Columbus, OH!
8/12/96

Tony Schiavone, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, and “The Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko open up the broadcast discussing last week’s monumental edition of Nitro, as an unexpected and uninvited guest made his way to Bloomington, IN seeking revenge on the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and throwing the broadcast into total chaos. Per the non-finish to last week’s big main event, President JJ Dillon and Vice President Magnum T.A. announced earlier today tonight’s main event featuring the United States Heavyweight Champion taking on the World Heavyweight Champion as Ricky Steamboat goes one-on-one with Curt Hennig. If you called Mauro Ranallo on the WCW Hotline anytime today you would also know the massive main event signed for Clash of the Champions: Fan Appreciation this Thursday night and that Mauro Ranallo would be with us later to run down the entire card!

Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen the first contest of Nitro is scheduled for one fall; Scott D’amore will be your official in charge. Introducing first, he is a member of Combustible Element and weighed in at 202 lbs. he is Flaming Youth! And his opponent is from Tijuana, MX and he weighed in at 199 lbs. REY MYSTERIO, JR!”

Rey is coming off getting a taste of revenge on his rival Psychosis along with his good buddy Billy Kidman last week and is really working at a break neck pace this week. Flaming Youth is a quick youngster himself however, trying to make a name for himself. Unfortunately for Youth, Mysterio was firing on all cylinders, and there is no escaping the Triple Jump Moonsault!

After the contest Mauro Ranallo caught up with Rey, Jr. who said that he has been doing a lot of thinking over the past week, and that neither he nor Billy would be able to get where they want to go if they are constantly looking over their shoulder wondering when La Familia will attack them once again. Well the mystery man believes he has a solution for that problem. And that if Psychosis has the guts to accept his challenge, the esteemed Vice President of WCW has already given Rey Rey the green light, all Psychosis has to do is show up at the Clash of Champions and meet Rey in A MEXICAN DEATH MATCH!!!

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Commercial Break
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WCW correspondent Kimberly is standing by with Col. Rob Parker, ‘Beautiful’ Bobby, and the Unified Tag Team Champions of the World, Southern Justice. Bubba and Anthony are all smiles, even though the scars of war remain stitched across the forehead of Tony, keeping him from being able to compete once again. Rogers says that come the Clash his partner will be ready to go, and it doesn’t matter if it’s the Dungeon of Doom or The Nasty Boys, “me and D dub are going to put the same hard time on ya, that sent Harlem Heat whimperin back home, hahahaha.” The Col. says that the Stud Stable has staked their claim as the most dominant Stable in all of WCW and that his boys will continue that trend. The Col. has one question for “the pretty little interviewer,” and wonders when her man will accept the challenge of Bobby Eaton, because “he will never be the greatest World Television Champion until he gets past Bobby!”

DP: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will be officiated by Randy Anderson. Already in the ring to my right, weighing in at 330 lbs. this is ICE TRAIN! His opponent is led to the ring by Col. Robert E. Lee Parker and he is one half of the WCW Unified Tag Team Champions of the World, from Cobb County, GA weighing in at 323 lbs. BIG BUBBA ROGERS!”

This one was bowling shoe ugly, but the big behemoths locked horns in a grueling affair. Dusty says that this match is literally like watchin’ two old bulls going at it in the pasture competing over the herd. Larry agrees and says that the difference will be Bubba’s experience and ability to extend the match, and Larry Legend was absolutely correct. Rogers drug Train into deep waters and drowned him before planting the big man with the Bubba Side Slam, picking up the duke.

The guys send it back to Kimberly, who this time is joined by the WCW Generation NeXt Champion Lance Storm and Rick Martel. Storm says that he got word earlier that the Highlight Express accepted his challenge and will take on him and his mystery partner at the Clash. Storm just got off the phone with his partner who says he can’t wait to get to WCW and show “those two knuckleheads” they messed with the wrong mystery partner. Martel says that he is very much looking forward to locking up with Jericho one-on-one at the Clash because he feels as though he might actually get a fair match with the Highlight Express preoccupied. Martel says it’s about time Jericho and the HX learn a lesson in respect, and that he, Storm, and their partner are just the guys to teach it to them!

DP: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will be officiated by senior official Nick Patrick. Introducing first, he weighed in at 225 lbs. and is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. One half of the Highlight Express, CHRISTIAN CAGE! And his opponent now resides in Nova Scotia, Canada and weighed in at 234 lbs. He is a former World Tag Team Champion, RICK MARTEL!

Martel and Christian have come out alone for this match-up and proceed to tear the house down and light the crowd on fire with their back and forth, fast paced encounter. Martel used le maristrohl, and also a piledriver to get near falls. Christian answered with a tornado DDT and a Crucifix bomb resulting in near falls as well. These two athletes matched up evenly, which was too close for Cage’s besty Lenny Lane to sit back and watch. Unfortunately for the Highlight Express, GenX champ Lance Storm was keeping a close eye on this encounter as well. His interruption through off the Express’ timing on an attempted tactic, allowing Martel to hit Christian with a picture perfect dropkick and wrap the youngster up tight in a small package to pick up the victory, and gain some momentum heading into a big match against Chris Jericho at the Clash!

Speaking of the devil, The Long Island Loud Mouth has made his way to ringside and jumped Lance Storm from behind before hopping into the ring, directing traffic, and orchestrating an assault on Rick Martel. Tony, Dusty, and Larry are expecting Storm’s mystery partner, but it is Doug Dillinger and the WCW super security squad who make the save.

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Commercial Break
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We return from break and Kimberly is standing by with her man, the WCW World Television Champion Diamond Dallas Page who says that Scorpio will be a tough match-up this Thursday at the Clash, and that while DDP has “mad respect for Primetime’s game,” you better believe that Page will be bringing his A game, and that nothing will stop him from going down in history as the greatest Television Champ of all time. Speaking of which DDP address’ Col. Parker and Beautiful Bobby and says that he also respects everything Eaton has accomplished in the biz, and that DDP would never overlook anyone, “and if Bobby wants a shot, I am down for that, it’s up to Mags, JJ, and the suits, but” the next time Col. Parker has something to say, he’d better say it to Page cause where he comes from approaching DDP’s lady about business is “the quickest route to BANG! A diamond cutter, and an ER bill.”

David Penzer: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and Scott D’amore will be your referee in charge of the action. Introducing first, weighing in at 268 lbs. and hailing from St. Paul, MN, ‘Bad’ Barry Darsow! And his opponent is being led to the ring by the ‘Godfather’ Samu, he weighs in at 305 lbs. and is a member of Dem Aloha Boys, this is ROSEY!”

The large Samoan youngster had his hands full with the rugged veteran in this one, but the athleticism of Rosey made up whatever experience he was lacking as he was able to muscle his way out of each of Darsow’s advantages. Rosey turned up the intensity a couple of notches in his striking game and incorporated Samu’s Super Samoan Driver into his offense. Larry says that not going for the cover right then might not cost him tonight, “but when you have your opponent down you have to go for the cover, the recovery abilities of these guys will spin your head.” Tonight though there was no backlash as Rosey turned Darsow into a grease spot in the middle of the ring after landing a Superfly Splash from the top!

We go to Mauro Ranallo who is standing by with the #1 Contender for the World Television Championship, Scorpio. And ‘Primetime’ says that it’s about time WCW brass got “they head out they ass” and realized that Primetime deserves the gold, the big paydays, “that paper homey, I know you feel that Mauro.” Scorpio says he heard Page out here talking earlier, and it’s good that “he got respect fuh me,” but worrying about Parker and Eaton ain’t respect. Scorpio won’t be issuing any challenges to Page’s ole lady, what he will be doing is ending “dat pipe dream you got of being da best,” Scorpio says that its Prime’s time to shine and that Page “will get smoked” at the Clash.

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Commercial Break
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“Hello wrestling fans, Mauro Ranallo here in the Clash of Champions Control Center. WCW has a huge night of wrestling action in store for everyone here live on the Superstation at 7:05 eastern time.” And what a main event we have in store. The “new and improved” Stinger teams up with the ‘Total Package’ Lex Luger and United States Heavyweight Champion Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat to take on World Heavyweight Champion Curt Hennig, Scott ‘Flash’ Norton, and Buff Bagwell in a 6-Man ELIMINATION TAG BOUT! And what that means is that the match will not end until one entire team has been eliminated, and eliminations can occur by disqualification, count-out, pinfall, or submission. “I cannot wait for that one!” Also on the card:

World Television Championship: Diamond Dallas Page defends against Scorpio!

Unified World Tag Team Championship: Southern Justice defends against the winner of tonight’s Nasty Boys vs. Kevin Sullivan/Hugh Morrus match-up!

Mexican Death Match: Rey Mysterio, Jr. and his arch nemesis Psychosis lock up one on one. “The Mexican Death Match operates like a traditional death match in that the contest can have an infinite amount of falls, but after each fall, the loser of that fall will have until the count of 10 to answer the bell for the start of the next fall. The match continues until one athlete cannot answer the 10 count. No rest period between fall and 10 count.”

The Highlight Express, Christian and Lenny, team up to take on Generation NeXt Champion Lance Storm and a MYSTERY PARTNER!

Special Challenge Match: Chris Jericho meets Rick Martel.

!!!Also scheduled!!!
Meng goes one-on-one with Ice Train … The Queen’s Favorite Tag Team David Taylor and Union Jack take on Bobby Blaze and Danny Inferno, two-thirds of the Combustible Element … The missing element of Combustible Element, Flaming Youth meets Billy Kidman … La Familia Nacido de Llamas members La Parka and El Diablo are set to meet Super Calo and Lizmark … The ‘Black Heart’ Kendall Windham meets Aloha Boy Rosey …

Tony and Dusty are now joined in the booth by Terry Taylor and reset the show. Terry wants to discuss last week and what, “or better yet WHO we saw.” He knows he can’t go into specifics, but what ramifications will there be after his appearance? Tony says that is a great question, and wonders if last week was an anomaly, or was it the opening of the flood gates? Dusty says only time will tell, but he is looking forward to seeing how things play out, not only with he whom they cannot mention, but with tonight’s main events. Terry says that what seems to be lost in all of this is the new-look Stinger. Tony says that while we still have yet to hear from Sting, his demeanor last week was certainly noticeably different. Dusty really likes what he saw from the Stinger last week, he looks in great shape and appears to be in a good frame of mind heading forward.

DP: “The next contest on Nitro is scheduled for one fall with Randy Anderson in charge of the action. In the corner to my left, accompanied at ringside by Flaming Youth; they weighed in at 472 lbs. Bobby Blaze and Danny Inferno, the Combustible Element! And their opponents, first from the Windy City, he weighed in at 275 lbs. the ‘Total Package’ LEX LUGER! And his partner; 252 lbs. from Venice Beach, CA, this is STIIIIIIIING!”

Sting once again showed no signs of ring rust and was pushing the pace in this one as he and Luger really strutted their stuff and hit all of their trademark offensive maneuvers. Sting locked Inferno in the Scorpio Death Lock to earn a submission victory.

Mauro Ranallo is standing by with the Heavyweight Champion of the World Curt Hennig who says that the crazy old bastard who crashed the party last week must’ve finally “flown over the Cuckoo’s nest,” if he thinks he can show in “MY” company, Pearl Harbor him from behind, and think that will be the end of things. The game has changed, and now that “the ECW Champion” has “utterly lost his mind,” Curt Hennig would put him out of his misery, and “just like everything else in my life, I will do it, PERFECTLY.” And Ricky Steamboat better not think that Curt Hennig has forgotten about him, oh no indeed not, the champ remembers how Steamboat stole the US Championship off of the “most dominant and deserving champion” in the long history of that title, and tonight “Dragon, you go back to the bottom of the food chain!”

Tony, Dusty, and Terry say that the champ certainly looks focused, and he better be with the former champion apparently looking to strike at anytime. The guys set up the #1 Contender’s match coming up and go over the success that Kevin Sullivan and Hugh Morrus have seen since the Great American Bash. Tony says he really like the pairing because of their unpredictability. Terry agrees and says that Sullivan is a master of mind games and motivation, and has Hugh and Meng more motivated than they’ve been in a long time. Dusty says he is really looking forward to this one, the Nasties are one of his favorite teams, yet he knows Sullivan as well as anyone, and that anything could happen.

Penzer: “The following contest is a #1 Contender’s match for the WCW Unified World Tag Team Championship and is scheduled for one fall. Referee Scott D’amore will be in charge of the action. Introducing first from Nastyville, at a total combined weight of 577 lbs. Brian Knobbs, Jerry Sags, THE NASTY BOYS! And their opponents coming down the aisle weighed in at 502 lbs. and reside in the deepest recesses of the outer limits; Hugh Morrus, ‘Taskmaster’ Kevin Sullivan, THE DUNGEON of DOOOOOM!”

Sullivan and the Dungeon have been at war with the Nasty Boys in recent weeks, even resulting in the exile of the Barbarian, so there is no love lost here. After running his younger brother and his partner Big Nasty, Sullivan and Morrus had put together quite the winning streak in July. They are tested here by perennial contenders and former champions the Nasty Boys. Sags and Hugh engaged in an exciting exchange that led to Morrus sending his large frame up and over the top rope, SUICIDE DIVE, and taking Sags out. This enabled Sullivan and Morrus to get the advantage on Brian Knobbs and after a double stomp to the gut and the No Laughing Matter Moonsault, the Dungeon earned a date with Southern Justice!

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Commercial Break
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Dave Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen, the next contest on Nitro is your MAIN EVENT of the evening. It is scheduled for one fall with television time remaining, and senior official Nick Patrick will be in charge of the action. Introducing first; hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina and weighing 230 lbs. he is THE United States Heavyweight Champion: RICKY ‘THE DRAGON’ STEAM-BOAT! And his opponent, being led to the ring by the ‘First Lady of Professional Wrestling’ Miss Elizabeth, is the Heavyweight Champion of the World. He weighed in at 242 lbs. and hails from Robbinsdale, Minnesota. He is the self proclaimed ‘Perfect Champion,’ CURT HENN-IG!”

Steamboat starts off quickly with a side headlock take down. Curt grabs a head scissors to free himself, but the Dragon ties up his legs and negotiates his way out of the predicament. DEEEEP armdrag puts Hennig down once again and Ricky back in control. This goes on for several minutes and the ‘perfect’ champion doesn’t seem to be able to get out of the blocks against the Dragon. That is until a well placed thumb to the eye slows Steamboat down. Now it’s Curt’s turn on offense, and he uses a couple of armdrags. Not quite as deep as Steamboat’s but good, Hennig is feeling awful proud of himself at this point, and believes he has things wrapped up after a Northern Lights Suplex and bridge, but he is unable to keep the Dragon down for three! Hennig delivers the running, flipping neck breaker, and sends Steamboat’s head back into the mat. Curt lets out a “WOOOO,” before strutting around the ring. He drapes Steamboat’s foot across the bottom rope; he leaps up, and crashes down hard across the knee. A clear message is being sent as Hennig cinches Steamboat up, FIGURE FOUR! FIGURE FOUR! The Dragon is writhing in pain as Hennig grabs the bottom, and then the middle rope for additional leverage. Steamboat refuses to quit. When suddenly someone breaks Hennig’s grip on the middle rope…

HE’S BACK!

Flair gets two handfuls of Curt’s face and drags him under the bottom rope to the floor. Nick Patrick calls for the bell, Hennig vs. Steamboat is over, but Hennig and Flair is just getting started! The Nature Boy is lighting the Champion up with chop after chop. Curt thumbs Ric in the eye and hammers away at him before Irish whipping him into the guardrail. Curt takes the opportunity to start heading up the aisle, only to have Flair come chasing after him! Flair jumps on his back and takes him down in the middle of the aisle! Rights and lefts, Curt rolls him over and delivers some big shots of his own, WHAT A FIGHT! Oh man, here comes Doug Dillinger and WCW super security, followed by Bagwell and Norton, finally able to break things up!

Tony, Dusty, and Terry discuss the wild ending to what was developing into one of the all-time great Nitro matches. The Taylor Made Man says that something has to be done about this, “that nut running in here like that is going to cause a serious injury to someone, sooner rather than later.” Tony agrees with that, but says that Curt brought all of this upon himself by bringing up the ECW Champion and the Horsemen. Dusty agrees with that and says that right or wrong, it sure is exciting! “Fans don’t you dare forget about the Clash of the Champions: Fan Appreciation this Thursday night! You only have one day left in the Super Fan Sweepstakes to get an all expense paid trip to Cincinnati for the Clash, for The Dream, Larry Zbyszko, Mauro Ranallo, Terry Taylor, and our whole crew, I’m Tony Schiavone, see you Thursday Night!”

[jackknight]

8/15/96

Hashtag said:

Matches taped for WCW syndication

On commentary:

The opening contest of the night featured Billy Kidman taking on Combustible Element’s Flaming Youth in highly competitive, fast paced match-up. Youth saw some success, but was unable to keep any momentum going. The end came after Kidman was able to reverse Sliced Bread #2, planting Youth in the center of the ring and then getting the crowd to their feet after hitting the Shooting Star Press.

The ‘Blackheart’ Kendall Windham defeated Aloha Boy Rosey w/’Godfather’ Samu by pinfall with the Iron Claw after what was a helluva one-one-one encounter. Rosey controlled much of the early going, seeing the veteran Windham capitalize on mistakes, and yet being able to overcome them through athleticism. Late in the contest though Rosey clobbered the ringpost after trying to Avalanche Kendall in the corner and Windham seized the opportunity to apply the Claw and pick up the victory.


Dave Taylor and his new, hooded partner, Union Jack, the Queen’s new favorite team took on Bobby Blaze and Danny Inferno of Combustible Element, and displayed as much cohesion as Taylor and his former partner possessed if not more. Taylor’s rugged style mixed with Jack’s aerial offense make them a dangerous combination and a stern test for anyone. Taylor picked up the duke for his team after forcing Danny Inferno to submit to the Regal Stretch STF.


In more tag team action, La Parka and El Diablo of La Familia Nacido de Llamas locked up with Super Calo and Lizmark, Jr. in a fast paced, Lucha Libre centered, chaotic affair. Just when one man seemed to be getting on a roll, his opponent would find a different, more flamboyant counter to surprise them with. La Parka’s size advantage over the other luchadores proved to be problematic for his opponents and he was able to put Lizmark away with the Tequila Sunrise Death Lock.

Meng w/Kevin Sullivan and Ice Train had an interesting back and forth match-up. Train did surprisingly well in the early goings, but it wasn’t long before the savagery of Meng reared its ugly head and the Tongan Killin’ Machine flipped a switch and ran through the big Coloradan like a buzz saw! The Tongan Spike to the throat would have been enough to finish the contest, but Sullivan demanded one more. Meng obliged, and then locked in the Tongan Death Grip until Train’s body stopped quivering. Meng almost had the decision reversed on him, but Sullivan was able to drag him off his prey, I mean opponent.

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Rage Against The Machine’s BOMBTRACK opens the broadcast as the camera pans across the packed to the rafters Cincinnati Gardens!

The camera stops on a group of service men in their camo, Tony says that each service member here tonight is here as a thank you from World Championship Wrestling. The camera then pans across the fans who won their tickets over the WCW Hotline. “Hello wrestling fans, I’m Tony Schiavone, and the Clash of the Champions: Fan Appreciation is on the air!” Tony is joined by the ‘American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes and the ‘Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko for tonight’s mega broadcast. Six big matches in all, including two title defenses, a Mexican death match, and a six-man elimination tag match featuring the World and United States Heavyweight Champions, the former champions, and the Stinger! So without further adieu let’s kick things off, “Dave Penzer, take it away!”


DP: “Ladies and gentlemen this is the opening contest of the Clash of the Champions and is set for one fall. Scott D’amore will be your referee in charge of the action. This is a special challenge match with a 20 minute time limit. Introducing first, now residing in Nova Scotia, Canada, weighing 238 lbs. RICK MARTEL! And his opponent, 225 lbs. from Long Island, New York, the ‘Lionheart’ Chris JER-I-CHO!”

This challenge match came about after Jericho felt disrespected and embarrassed at the hands of the former World Tag Team Champion, Ricky Martel. The braggadocios youngster showed that here in the early stages of the bout, lighting Martel’s chest up with chops, and catching him “diweckly in the kissah” with multiple leaping, spinning side kicks. This aggression gained Jericho the early advantage, but also gave Martel, who is no stranger to stretching the rules, the opportunity he needed to mount a comeback. After returning the favor with some well placed dropkicks to the mush, Martel went for the Boston Crab. Jericho, being proficient in the hold himself was able to reverse it from his back! In an amazing display of athletic ability the Long Island Loud Mouth spun right out of the grip of Martel, tucked under, took out Rick’s legs and locked in the LIONTAMER modified Boston Crab! Jericho is yelling at Martel to give it up, and finally leaves him with no other choice after bringing his own knee down across the back of Rick’s head. Brutal!

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Commercial Break
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Mauro Ranallo joins the booth and says that the WCW Hotline has been abuzz all week about the identity of Lance Storm’s mystery partner here tonight, but all that Mauro has been able to muster is that a masked man signed the contract. He spoke with the Highlight Express earlier this afternoon, and as usual they were entirely confident. Larry and Dusty discuss the potential in the young tag team, but also suggest that they’d better not overlook anyone, Larry even brings up a time when he and his partner were overconfident heading into a Clash of Champions against an opponent and their mystery partner, and Dusty’s kid and Ricky Steamboat defeated the Enforcers for the WCW World Tag Team Championship!

Penzer: “The following contest of the Clash of Champions is scheduled for one fall with Randy Anderson in charge of the action. Coming down the aisle, at a total combined weight of 426 lbs. Lenny Lane and Christian Cage, the HIIIIGHLIGHT EXPRESSSSS! And their opponents, first, he hails from Calgary. Alberta. Canada. And he is the WCW Generation NeXt Champion, LANCE STORM!!

The champ comes out with a microphone in his hand. And introduces his partner,

THE FALLEN ANGEL

The GenX champion and his painted partner come flying down the ramp, slide into the ring and take the fight directly to Lenny and Christian. The Highlights come right back and the fight is on! Lenny and Lance spill out onto the floor where the Champ drops Lane, only to be caught by Christian with a suicide dive! The pompous youngster is certainly proud of himself, but he’s forgotten one detail. And here he comes; THE ANGEL SOARS over the top rope, FLIPPING SENTON onto Christian and the Angel ends up on his feet! This one settles down into a back and forth tag team match, featuring outstanding tandem offense from the Highlight Express which illicit more Midnight Express comparisons from Dusty, to which Zbyszko says, “more like The Enforcers.” But the leader of the next generation, Lance Storm, would not be denied here tonight and put together a series of offense on Lenny Lane that few in WCW would be able to withstand before planting Lane with his Corkscrew Brainbuster, tagging in the Angel and taking Christian out! Angel runs across the ring, jumps over Lane and up to the middle rope, he hops to the top rope, B.M.E. Best Moonsault Ever! 1…..2....3!


WCW Correspondent KIMBERLY is standing by in the locker room area with a special guest…

Don ‘the Natural’ Callis says that he has been around the Wrestling World, scouting the best talent in the business, and that he has the credentials to prove that he is without a doubt the best agent in the biz today! Not only that but he already has clients under contract, and that World Championship Wrestling, James Julius Dillon especially, would no longer be able to exploit them!

“And that means very bad news for you Rey Mysterio!” Not only are his boys “without shame, demonic and ruthless, they are BORN of the the FLAME,” and Rey Mysterio will find out what happens when madness and mayhem meets strategy. Callis looks at his boys, “ondelay mi familia.”

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Commercial Break
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David Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen the next match is a MEXICAN DEATH MATCH and will continue until one man cannot answer referee Nick Patrick’s count of 10! The referee will begin his count after each pinfall or submission. The competitors in the ring at this time; first from the fiery depths, weighing in at 216 lbs. he is accompanied by The NATURAL Don Callis, he is PSYCHOSIS! And his opponent is from Tijuana, MX and weighed in at 190 lbs., REY MYSTERIOR JUNIOR!”


This battle between luchadores has been a fast and furious roller coaster ride of offensive displays. But the tone of this contest begins quite different. Larry Legend points out how much of Mysterio’s offense is made up of surprise pinning combinations and how ineffective they are in this contest as they wouldn’t keep Psychosis down for a 10 count after the pinfall. Mauro says that is a great point, and leads one to wonder how intelligent it was for Mysterio to make this challenge. There is a noticeable difference in Mysterio’s offense, as he performs his offense closer to the ropes and turnbuckles. So that each time he snapped off his quick offense, Psychosis ate some turnbuckle, or was hot-shotted across the ropes. Brilliant strategy, that Callis and Psychosis weren’t prepared for. The first pinfall occurred when Rey hit his triple jump moonsault that saw Psychosis reach his feet at the count of 6.

Now Psychosis was reeling and took the contest to the floor, where he exacerbated his size advantage by taking advantage of his surrounding, and sending Mysterio crashing into the post, ring steps, and the guard rail! Psychosis picked up his first pinfall of the bout after taking Rey down with a Huracanrana off of the apron and to the floor. The valiant technico was able to reach his feet at 8! The bout raged on and saw the luchadores work their way up the aisle and to the Clash of Champions set!! Psychosis thought for sure he had the victory after hitting his GUILLOTINE LEG DROP off the stage and onto Mysterio on the CONCRETE FLOOR! After the pinfall Mysterio just barely pulled himself to his feet with the guard rail at 9 and 7/8ths. Psychosis was livid. The Natural was able to calm his charge down, but the lapse allowed for Rey to gain his wits.

Psychosis took off after Mysterio and took a dropkick to the kneecap that resulted in the rudo ramming the staging area face first! Mysterio then hit a splash from the stage to the floor that picked up the 1, 2, 3! And now the count is on! Psychosis just makes it to his feet at a count of 8! Both men are really struggling to even throw punches at this point, but they continue to fire away at their hated rival. That’s when The Natural unfolded a chair and set it up behind Mysterio, and Psychosis took the opportunity to dropkick Mysterio, who went flying into the chair and crashing the back of his head hard down to the pavement! Psychosis then began using the steel chair up and down, left and right, all over Rey Rey! Psychosis concentrated his attack on the legs of Mysterio before finally (mercifully) making the cover, 1….2….3… Now Nick Patrick begins counting. Mysterio begins stirring at 6, he is grabbing at the stage, pulling with everything he has, but Mysterio collapses back down to the floor at 8. Rey makes one last ditch effort, grabbing the top of the barricade with both hands; amazingly he pulls himself up, but is never able to get his feet underneath him, 10! That’s it!

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Commercial Break
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Terry Taylor joins Dusty and Tony in the booth for the following contest and says that he wouldn’t miss this Tag Team Title match for anything. Bubba and Anthony have been “bulldozers” here in WCW since coming together under the tutelage of the Col., but tonight they meet the incomparable and unpredictable Taskmaskter and Hugh Morrus, anything could happen!

Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the WCW Unified Tag Team Championship of the World. When the bell rings, the man in charge of the action will be Randy Anderson. Introducing first, at a total combined weight of 486 lbs., Hugh Morrus and ‘Taskmaster’ Kevin Sullivan, the DUNGEON of DOOOOOOM! And their opponents are led to the ring by Col. Robert Parker and weighed in at a total combined weight of 571 lbs., they are the defending champions, Big Bubba Rogers and Tony Anthony, SOUTHERN JUSTICE!”

Anthony and Morrus kick this one off, and a helluva fist fight erupted. That could be the theme of this contest. Hugh did more wrestling than anyone, but that was high impact moves. Bubba was a real difference maker in the contest, but so was Sullivan whose style through off the champions. Sullivan and Morrus had control of the contest, and Bubba had to save Tony after he was planted by the No Laughing Matter moonsault. Sullivan hit the double stomp on Bubba, causing Anthony to break up the pinfall attempt, resulting in the match breaking down. In the chaos Bubba was able to catch Sullivan in his patent Side Slam and pick up the duke in a hard fought contest.

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Commercial Break
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Mauro Ranallo is joined by Sting, Lex Luger, and the United States Heavyweight Champion Ricky Steamboat, who are all fired up to get their hands on Hennig, Norton, and Bagwell tonight. While they can understand the frustration exhibited by, “the ECW Champion,” it has been quite the nuisance trying to get their hands on Hennig. But that is just fine because here tonight in the Cincy Gardens their chance is just a few minutes away!

WCW Correspondent Kimberly is joined by her man Diamond Dallas Page as he is just moments away from meeting Scorpio for his prized World Television Championship. Page says that tonight his path to greatness crosses the path of the man, “who likes to call himself Primetime.” Well tonight, live and in color, on TBS PRIMETIME, only one man can shine bright tonight and Dallas is betting on, “D.D.P. BAAANG!”

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Commercial Break
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DP: “Ladies and gentlemen the semi-final contest at the Clash of Champions is scheduled for one fall and it is for the WCW WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP! When the bell rings your referee in charge of the action is Mr. Scott D’amore. Introducing first, he hails from Denver, Colorado and weighed in at 238 lbs. he is the Dis that don’t Miss, he is PRIMETIME, he is SCOOORPIO! And his opponent is the defending champion. From the Jersey Shore, he weighs 242 lbs. DIAMOND DALLLLLLLLAS PA-GE!”

Page and Scorpio lock up, and it’s the high flyer from Denver who takes the early advantage, outwrestling the champion in the early going. Page seems to have been expecting a faster pace from the challenger or something else because he is really off his game. Primetime continues to work over the champion. Now that he has Dallas down he decides it’s time to pick up the pace. Spinning leg lariat drops Page, standing moonsault gets the 1…….. the 2……… and NO! Page gets the shoulder up. Scorpio goes to meet the champion with the “dropsault” dropkick, but Page sidesteps him and catches him on the way down gut first across his own knee! Now it’s Page’s turn to wear down Scorpio, and his move of choice, side headlock, objective, soften him up for the best finisher in the sport, the Diamond Cutter. Page hits Scorpio with a knee lift, and a running bulldog. DDP sets up in the corner, he measures Scorpio for the Diamond Cutter, but Scorpio sends Page flying into the ropes, and catches him on the return with a forearm smash right into the kidneys.

“Fans don’t you dare go away! The tape machines are rolling…”

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Commercial Break
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We return and Scorpio has Page covered, 1…….2……….NO! Primetime questions the count. We cut to a split screen replay of Scorpio hitting a springboard leg lariat from the top rope. Time is starting to tick down now, and Scorpio is going after it! Page seems to be trying to hold on as Penzer announces 3 minutes remain! Dropsault from Scorpio, now Prime goes out to the apron, Slingshot twisting splash! He hops up and heads to the top rope! Is he going for the 450? Page hops to his feet and shakes the ropes, Scorpio straddles the top turnbuckle. Page seizes the moment, hooks Scorpio up, BANG! Diamond Cutter from the top! 1….2……..3! DDP Survives!

“Fans don’t you dare go away, when we return, it’s out SIX MAN ELIMINATION MAIN EVENT”

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Commercial Break
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It’s Tony Schiavone, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes, and the Living Legend Larry Zbyszko welcoming us back from break as they run down tonight’s results. After 2 consecutive weeks of, “we’ll just call them interruptions,” Lex Luger, Sting, and Ricky Steamboat get what they’ve been waiting for, they get the World Champ, his heavy hitter Scott Norton, and their buddy Buff Bagwell all in the ring at once. No sneak attacks, no surprising anyone, “each and every man in this match had better be at the top of their game, Tone.” Well said Dream, well said.

David Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is scheduled for one fall with television time remaining and is your Clash of Champions MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING! Your referee in charge of the action is WCW senior official, Mr. Nick Patrick! Introducing first, from Charlotte, North Carolina he is the United States Heavyweight Champion, RICKY ‘the Dragon’ STEAMBOAT! From the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois, ‘the Total Package’ LEXXXX LUGER! And their partner, from Venice Beach, California, this is STIIIIING!”

DP: “And their opponents are led to the ring by ‘the First Lady of Professional Wrestling’ MISS ELIZABETH! First from Marietta, Georgia, BUFFFFF BAGWELL! From Minneapolis, Minnesota, this is SCOTT ‘Flash’ NORTON! And their partner is the WCW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD! He hails from the perfect city of Robbinsdale, Minnesota; CUUUURRT HENNNNNN-IG!”

DING DING DING

Steamboat and Bagwell start this one off, and the action is hot and heavy as the Dragon gets the youngster into the wrong part of town. Big chop lights up Bagwell who looks for consoling, but finds the BIONIC FOREARM of Lex Luger instead, then a Judo Chop to the side of the neck from the Stinger! Chop, Forearm, Chop, Chop, Forearm, Chop, Bagwell doesn’t know whether to shit or go blind, yells, “NOW WAIT A DAMN MINUTE!” But eats a double chop from Steamboat across the face! DEEP Armdrag from the Dragon catches him coming in, JACKKNIFE COVER, 1…….2…….3!!!!

BUFF BAGWELL ELIMINATED

Bagwell, Norton, and Hennig are beside themselves! They cannot believe it, the US Champion caught Bagwell by surprise and he is history. “Fans, we will return with more of this HUGE main event, don’t you dare go away!”

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Commercial Break
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We return to see the Heavyweight Champion of the World snap maring Steamboat into his corner, Hennig measures him, running, flipping neck breaker, and he tags out to the man that Steamboat defeated for the US Championship, big Scott Norton, who wastes no time putting a beating on Steamboat. The Dragon fires back, but not enough mustard behind his shots, so Steamboat BITES NORTON ACROSS THE NOSE!!! Ricky flips, and rolls, he tags in LUGER!

Lex comes in delivering clotheslines, forearm shivers, and big right hands like he is the Red Cross, but takes too long to admire his work and gets caught from behind by Hennig, and taken out with a lariat from big Scott! Now Hennig comes in the legal man and goes off on the former World Champion Luger. Running bulldog is followed up by a measured knee drop across the forehead, and then Hennig PILEDRIVES LUGER! 1……2………..NO! Luger barely gets the shoulder up, and Hennig fires him into the corner, tags in Norton again, and takes the chance to lay a 2 on 1 beating on Luger! Norton nearly decapitates Luger with a running clothesline in the corner, Lex stumbles out to Norton, POWERBOMB! He hooks the leg, 1……..2………….3!!

LEX LUGER ELIMINATED

In hurries the Stinger who brings the fight right to Norton! Sting has gone ballistic. He fires Norton into the corner, STINGER SPLASH! He is going for the Scorpion Death Drop, but Hennig waffles Sting in the back of the head! Sting and Norton are both able to make the tag, and here comes Steamboat and Norton! Steamboat ducks under the big man, hits the ropes, ducks under again, hits the ropes, ducks under the clothesline, hops onto the shoulders of Norton, VICTORY ROLL, 1…….2………..NO! Steamboat hops up, inside cradle gets the 1………the 2…………NO! Now the Dragon hits the rope, RUNNING CROSS BODY, but Norton catches him, and SLAMS him down hard!

Flash whips Steamboat into the corner where Hennig is waiting and chokes the Dragon with the tag rope! Of course Norton has the ref’s attention. Now he tags in the Champ, delayed vertical suplex plants Steamboat, “WOOO!” Hennig screams as he lifts Steamboat and drops his shin across Hennig’s thigh. Hennig drapes his leg across the bottom rope, he leaps up, and crashes down on Steamboat’s leg. Curt sets him up, FIGURE FOUR! NO! Steamboat reverses it into an inside cradle, 1……..2………..3 NO! Curt kicks out and boots Steamboat in the gut, he perfectly executes his Fisherman Suplex and bridges, 1…….2………3!!

RICKY STEAMABOAT ELIMINATED

Now it’s the Stinger going solo against the World Heavyweight Champion and his heavy hitter! Sting is in big trouble and knows it as he tentatively enters the ring. Hennig is begging him to come to the corner where he and Norton are waiting but the Stinger is too smart to play that game.








“HEY! IS THIS THING ON! Get out of my way Dillinger!!!!”

HE’S BACK!!!

Doug Dillinger and the WCW Super Security Squad are holding back the ECW Heavyweight Champion, but he has a microphone in his hand!


“Hennig, HENNIG! WOOOOO! Come get some, otherwise you will always be known as RIC FLAIR’S ***CH!”


Hennig is on the middle rope screaming at the invader, and when he heard that Hennig went crazy, THERE GOES CURT SPRINTING UP THE RAMP! LOOK OUT DOUG! Hennig leaps right onto Dillinger’s back and he and Flair have hooked up! “That ain’t near enough folks Dougie!” Meanwhile, Nick Patrick’s count is ongoing, 6……….7………..8……….9…………10! Curt’s been counted out!

CURT HENNIG ELIMINATED

“Fans you would have to be in the Gardens tonight to believe this atmosphere, we will be right back with the conclusion of the main event, don’t you dare touch that dial!”

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Commercial Break
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We return to see the massive arm of Scott Norton wrapped firmly around the head of Sting, whose facepaint is disappearing little by little as he gets worn down by the super heavyweight. “GIVE IT UP STING,” demands Norton, but that only serves to get the blood pumping in WCW’s franchise. The Stinger manages to get back to his feet, as he begins elbowing his way out of the chinlock, he shoots to the ropes, but Norton grabs a handful of Sting’s hair and jerks him down to the mat. Senior official Nick Patrick backs Norton up and as they jaw away, Sting gets back up to his feet with a determined look in his eyes, he pulls down both straps and beats his chest before tearing into Flash Norton! Chops, kicks, and a big elbow strike puts the super heavyweight on one knee. The Stinger hits the ropes and drop kicks the other leg out from under Scott, who SMASHES the canvas nose first! Sting heads to the top rope, he FLIES OFF! SPLASHING DOWN across the barrel chest of Norton! Sting gets Norton up, steps behind him with a handful of hair, Scorpion Death Drop, 1………..2………3!!
SCOTT NORTON ELIMINATED




DP: “Ladies and gentlemen, the winners of the match Ricky Steamboat, Lex Luger, and the sole survivor, STING!!”

As the Stinger catches his breath after a hard fought victory and celebrates with the audience in the front row. Tony, Dusty, and Larry are kindly freaking out trying to hear what is going on in their headsets, “fans I’m not sure what’s going on, but… I think we have a camera in place…”

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We go to the parking lot where RIC FLAIR AND CURT HENNIG have each other by the throat with one hand and face gouging with the other. They slam against one car, and into another, before hitting the pavement and rolling around. They thumb each other in the eye, and as they turn in agony, they find weapons; Flair has a TIRE IRON! Hennig has a WRENCH!

“FANS WE’RE OUT OF TIME! See you Monday Night for Nitro”

[jackknight]

Hashtag said:

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’S “BOMBTRACK” opens the broadcast as the camera pans across a rocking and rolling Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City!

8/19/96

“Welcome fans, WCW Monday Nitro is on the air!” Tony Schiavone, the ‘American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes, and the ‘Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko welcome us to a loaded broadcast. Just 4 days removed from “Clash of Champions: Fan Appreciation, and fans if you missed it another replay airs tomorrow night at 9:05 eastern time!” The guys go over the Clash card, and wanted to be sure and point out that immediately following the conclusion of the broadcast, Doug Dillinger, Magnum T.A., and WCW’s super security squad were able to break up Curt Hennig and the ECW Champion’s parking lot fight, and “luckily no tire irons were used.” Tony says that their broadcast colleague Mauro Ranallo is standing by in the back with a special bulletin, “Mauro…”

“Thanks Tony!” Mauro is positioned right outside of WCW President JJ Dillon’s office, and the one thing he can tell us for sure is that JJ, and WCW Vice President Magnum T.A. have been having “closed door meetings all day,” and have not been able to give any comments regarding the, “special guest” who is scheduled to meet with JJ and Magnum sometime tonight. Mauro’s source said that he could not give out any names, but that the man having meetings with JJ and Magnum was “one of the most power and influential men in the sport, and his appearance in WCW could possibly shake the wrestling world to its foundations!” Hyperbole? Possibly, one thing is for sure though, Mauro Ranallo will be on hand all night long until he finds out exactly who this “pro wrestling power player” is.

The opening contest of Nitro featured Knobbs and Sags, the Nasty Boys picking up an impressive victory over the wily veteran duo of Reno Riggins and The Gambler. The Nasties hit all of their trademark offense and Sags finished The Gambler off with his devastating top-rope elbow drop to pick up the 1……..2……….3

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Commercial Break
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We return from break to a series of still photos with Terry Taylor voicing over highlights from the unbelievable Mexican Death Match between Psychosis and Rey Mysterio at the Clash. We are then taken to WCW Correspondent Kimberly who has a special interview with the new agent for La Familia Nacido de Llamas

Callis is all smiles after his man Psychosis “took out that runt, that pip squeak, Rey Mysterio.” At his own game mind you! Don’t forget it was Mysterio who asked for the MDM, and he got exactly what he asked for. Now the one advantage that Rey Mysterio had over his opponents, his speed, his agility, and his quickness, “now he no longer has that! One last thing, and this is a message to everyone in WCW’s generation neXt, Mi Familia is demonic, disturbed, and without shame. We are BORN OF THE FLAME.”

The big words of Don ‘the Natural’ Callis were certainly backed up by his boy La Parka, who came out holding a steel folding chair and playing it like a guitar while jiving. Of course the chair was only for Callis. La Parka and fellow luchadore Lizmark, Jr. went on to have an exciting back and forth encounter. Lizmark appeared to be on the verge of victory as he ascended to the top rope, but his Skytwister Press found nothing but canvas, and Lizmark was forced to tap to the Tequila Sunrise Deathlock. After the contest La Parka set the folding chair up inside the ring over the top of Lizmark’s prone body and “began jiggin’” says Dusty.

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The Taylor Made Man was on location at the Homestead of Col. Robert E. Lee Parker. The pair is shown in Parkers “smoking room,” a humidified room with fine chairs, wearing their stunning smoking jackets, puffing on the finest hand rolled Cubans, “cause The Col. spares no expense for his pals.” Parker says he knew when he put Bubba and Anthony together, that none of the teams in WCW would be able to stop them. With his leadership, and his guidance, and their unparalleled brawn and determination, “we were bound for greatness together.” Big Bubba Rogers, “Beautiful” Bobby, and Tony Anthony all enter the room, wearing their own personalized smoking jackets. Anthony says that it sure is nice to be “livin’ life high on the hog,” and Rogers says now that he and Tony have cleared out the tag team division, “maybe we’ll come run the Polka-dot Dream out the booth for you Terry.” The gang has a big laugh as Taylor signs off.


The Fallen Angel made his debut at the Clash of the Champions, even picking up the pinfall as he and GenX Champ Lance Storm defeated the Highlight Express. Here he makes his Nitro debut, and has more than his hands full with Christian Cage. The youngsters matched up quite well and had a real competitive match-up. The wily Christian was able to get his knees up just in the nick of time to save himself from the B.M.E., the Angel valiantly kicked out of the small package attempt. Cage and Angel exchanged strikes in the center of the ring, and Christian was able to reverse the Angels Wings Modified Tiger Driver into a hotshot across the top rope that sent his masked counterpart reeling across the ring, and leaving him open for the Frog Splash from the top rope, and a big win for Christian.

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WCW Correspondent Kimberly is knocking at a dressing room door, announcing herself to whoever is in there. Finally when the door opens, it’s the First Lady of Professional Wrestling Miss Elizabeth and Buff Bagwell heading to the ring, and there is plenty of laughter. A raspy voice in the background finally lets out a whistle and tells the interviewer to, “come on in and have a seat, sweet thing.” Kimberly must object, and asks that the interview be conducted outside. “Interview, what interview?”

IT'S RAVISHING RICK RUDE!

“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” As the Ravishing one is checking out Kimberly he says that he is just here catching up with old friends. That he, Curt, and Scott Norton have known each other for a lifetime, and that Rick, “just so happened to be in town.” Rude says he’s been keeping up with Curt and Flash, they’ve been wanting him to meet Bagwell, see if “the Ravishing One believes he can cut the mustard.” But right now, Rude would be much more interested in seeing if….

HE’S BACK

The ECW Champion has his title over his shoulder and a glass of champagne in his hands. He walks up to the Rude and Kimberly interview, not paying Rude any attention, “honey, you are lookin’ live tonight. Don’t worry, don’t worry, lady, the Nature Boy ain’t here to fight tonight.” What Ric Flair is here tonight to do is to issue a challenge! WOOOOO! At this point the World Heavyweight Champion Curt Hennig and Scott Norton are behind Rude, Doug Dilinger and WCW super security squad are there to ensure the safety of Kimberly and the camera man. Naitch says that next week, right here on Nitro, he will have himself a tag team partner, and that, “if YOU, Curt Hennig, or YOU, Rick Rude, or any your lifelong Minnesota friends got the guts; my lifelong best friend just so happens to be from Minnesota also, and we will be waiting for you, next week on Nitro! WOOOOOOOO!”




Tony, Dusty, and Larry are confused yet excited. That if this match is actually allowed to take place next week, it would be one of the biggest main events ever brought to you on free television. World Heavyweight Champion Curt Hennig teaming with multiple time World Champion Rick Rude who is not a member of the WCW roster to take on another companies top champion, WCW and Pro Wrestling legend Ric Flair and a partner that Flair says is his best friend and also from Minnesota?! Ever the realist Larry says he wouldn’t get his hopes up because of all the paper work, contracts, copyrights, etc. and it would be a “miracle,” for this to actually go down. Dusty feels that where there is a will there is a way, and if the top 2 wrestlers in the sport, the World Heavyweight Champion and the ECW Champion want something bad enough, they could make “mountains move.”


Youngsters Charles Haas and David ‘Backbreaker’ Young are chock full of bad attitude, and try to take the fight to David Taylor and Union Jack in the early going. But the Queen’s favorite tag team has superior grappling skills at this juncture in their careers and are able to quell the fiery youngsters. Union Jack got his turn at applying the infamous Regal Stretch version of the STF and forced the submission out of David Young.

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Commercial Break
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“Welcome back to Nitro fans,” still very little to report to you at this time. Vice President Magnum T.A. has made his way in and out of President Dillon’s office various times throughout the night, but is very tight lipped. JJ himself has not been out of the office, and has been on the phone each time I’ve been able to get a peek inside. As soon as I have…..




“Excuse me guys, I’m late for a meeting…”

“And when Eric Bischoff is around, it can mean only one thing, that business… is at hand"

Mauro Ranallo is stunned as the Executive in charge of Eastern Championship Wrestling, Mr. Class himself, Eric Bischoff is the special guest of JJ Dillon! As the door opens, the exec’s exchange pleasantries, “let’s hash this out,” “I loved your ideas as well.”

A stunned Mauro sends it back to Tony, Dusty, and Larry who seem at a loss for words. Larry says, maybe his pessimism got the best of him earlier, and maybe that big tag team challenge match will go down on Nitro next week!




WCW Generation NeXt Champion Lance Storm has had his share of problems with Chris Jericho and the Highlight Express in recent weeks. A big tag team win at the Clash left the champ unsatisfied apparently as he takes it too Lenny Lane early in this contest. Lane however is a scrappy grappler who is not above bending the rules, and finds himself in control of the champion at various points in the match. Lane’s problem was that Storm is has more technique, and could get himself out of trouble, and Lenny could not do the same finding himself in the Maple Leaf Half Crab. After clawing his way to the ropes, Lane’s situation went from bad to worse as he felt a German suplex from the champ and the devastating Corkscrew Brainbuster put him away, after an exciting contest.

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WCW Correspondent Kimberly is standing by with Sting and the Total Package Lex Luger. Both men have big matches tonight; coming off an epic Six-Man Elimination tag at the Clash, can either be 100%? Lex took a brutal Powerbomb, and Sting ended up the sole-survivor. Lex says that the biggest wound he took from the Clash was against his pride. An eight-day World Title reign is about the only thing worse than no title reign, and the Clash was his big opportunity to make amends with himself, to be able to look into the mirror again. His buddy Sting says that Lex Luger better be focused on Chris Jericho in tonight’s main event because that kid is more than a handful. Speaking of more than a handful, that’s exactly what the Stinger is. Sure he took a pounding at the Clash, but that won’t stop him from “letting the shark out of the cage” tonight against Buff Bagwell. Buff was highly embarrassed after his quick exit from the Clash match and asked for this match-up with the Stinger, and while WCW’s franchise player appreciates the gumption, the “Buffster” will be in for another embarrassment tonight, “OWWWWWW!”


Penzer: “The following contest of Nitro is scheduled for one fall. When the bell rings; your referee in charge of the action will be Randy Anderson. Introducing first, being led to the ring by the ‘First Lady of Professional Wrestling’ Miss Elizabeth; he is from Marietta, Georgia. He weighs in at 241 lbs., BUFF BAGWELL! And his opponent hails from Venice Beach, California and weighed in at 252 lbs. Ladies and gentlemen, this. Is. STIIIIIIING!”

w/
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Buff marches right up into Sting’s face and is giving him the ‘what for,’ obviously extremely bent out of shape after what happened at the Clash of Champions. Bagwell starts poking the chest of the Stinger, who has a ‘can you believe’ this look on his face as he gets the jelly-neck, walking Bagwell down and giving him the what for. Bagwell immediately goes to the eyes, follows that up with a boot to the gut, and then scrapes Sting’s eyes across the top rope! “HAHA! You see that babe?” Buff calls down to the First Lady. “His stuff is weak babe,” the encouraging reply of Miss Elizabeth. Bagwell begins elbowing down across the back of the Stinger’s neck, softening him up for the Blockbuster. The Buffster hasn’t forgotten how to throw a textbook dropkick either, further whiplashing the neck of WCW’s most popular athlete. Buff fires Sting into the ropes, he hops on his back, SLEEPER HOLD!

Bagwell has been all over Stinger from the opening bell, and has the sleeper locked in tight. “I got him, I got him, I got him babe! Woah, woah” Sting feels the adrenaline of the capacity crowd and battles back up to one knee, and then all the way back to his feet, and he drives Bagwell back first into the turnbuckles. Sting fires back elbows into the temples of his opponent from both sides and flies across the ring, and back again STINGER SPLASH! SCORPION DEATH LOCK! Sting has it locked in, but Bagwell is scratching, clawing, and doing everything he can, as he is just centimeters away, Miss Elizabeth nudges the ropes and helps her man out! Only momentarily though as the Stinger pulls Bagwell up by the ears, knees him in the ribs, and steps behind him. SCORPION DEATH DROP! 1….2…….3!

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Dave Penzer: “The following contest is your MAIN EVENT of the evening and it is scheduled for one fall with TV time remaining. When the bell rings the man in charge of the action will be WCW Senior Official; Mr. Nick Patrick. And now, introducing first in the corner to my left; he hails from Long Island, New York and weighs 229 lbs. He is the former Inter-Promotional and Television Champion of the World. He is the “LIONHEART” CHRIS JER-I-CHO! And his opponent in the corner to my right weighed in at 275 lbs. and is from the Windy City; Chicago, Illinois. He is the former United States and 2x Heavyweight Champion of the World. ‘The Total Package’ LEX LUUU-GER!”

vs.

Jericho quickly shoots in and goes behind Luger, displaying his quickness advantage. Then it’s Luger displaying his power advantage as he breaks the grip of Jericho and takes an arm wringer. He twists it tighter, and then jerks Jericho down to the mat violently. Luger follows him down and stays on the arm, this time with the armbar. The Hart Dungeon trainee knows that he has to get moving, and can’t let the bigger man lean on him. Jericho bridges up, he flips up an over using the ring ropes, and then hip tosses Luger over the top! Judgment call from the ref determines it was the momentum that carried him over, “good no call there,” says the ‘Living Legend.’ Jericho darts across the ring and baseball slides both feet into the face of Luger, and follows it up with a slingshot body press down onto Luger, “C’MON BAY BAY!”

Jericho is fired up as he gets the Package back into the ring, but the former Heavyweight Champion of the World catches his second wind after ducking a clothesline and catching Jericho with a diving bionic forearm. Luger fires some big rights to the side of the head of Jericho and backs him into the corner where he delivers a couple shoulder blocks to the ribs. Lex charges in and connects with a big clothesline in the corner; Jericho staggers out to the center of the ring and face plants! Luger is calling for the Rack and firing up the crowd. He goes in after Jericho, he gets him up, but JERICHO REVERSES! He drops down and rolls Luger up, he grabs the ROPES! 1……….2………… Nick Patrick sees the infraction of the rules and stops his count, drawing the ire of the Long Island Loud Mouth! That lapse in judgment proved to be a costly one as Luger adjusted Jericho’s attitude with his piledriver and picked up the 1…….2……….3!



Larry says we may’ve just witnessed Lex Luger’s best match this year. He looked outstanding after being pushed to the limits by Jericho. Duthtay agrees and says that he can’t believe what all went down tonight on Nitro, “just what in da hell iz da ECDubya Pwesident doin’ here?” Tony says he isn’t sure, but he can only hope that seeing Eric Bischoff here tonight “means that we will get the tag team dream match of dream matches.” The challenge has been issued by ECW Champion and WCW legend Ric Flair. He says that he has a partner, and gave us a hint as to who it might be saying that his partner is also “from Minnesota, and his lifelong best friend.” And we don’t need too many guesses to that one do we? The challenge has been accepted by the Heavyweight Champion of the World Curt Hennig and his lifelong best friend, former multiple times World Champion, ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude! "Fans for our entire crew, I'm Tony Schiavone saying so long, and don't you dare miss Nitro next week!"

[jackknight]

Hashtag said:

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’S BOMBTRACK opens the broadcast as the camera pans across a jam-packed Hilton Coliseum on the campus of Iowa State University!





8/26/96

“Hello wrestling fans, WCW Monday Nitro is on the air!” Tony Schiavone, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, and The Living Legend Larry Zbyszko welcome us to a loaded show. After the shocking revelations on ECW this past Wednesday Night, will Arn Anderson team up with his Showdown in Charlotte opponent, Ric Flair here tonight only 3 weeks out from that epic joint pay per view venture? One thing is for sure, Rick Rude and Curt Hennig are not concerned with the “family squabble” between Arn and Ric. On top of that WCW President JJ Dillon will be on hand to announce the WCW Main Event, and fans, it is a match a DECADE IN THE MAKING! WCW Vice President Magnum T.A. will also be on hand with even more Showdown in Charlotte news. “But first let’s get to the action, David Penzer, take it away!”


Match 1
In an electric beginning to Nitro the Luchador known as Super Calo and his masked English counterpart, Union Jack, put on quite the aerial display of offense. Jack displayed a good arsenal of grappling maneuvers that kept Calo’s offense at bay. But one big mistake by Jack cost him the ground advantage, resulting in Super Calo connecting with a Crucifix Bomb and hold for the 1…..2……3!

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We return from break and Mauro is at the interview position, standing by with a man appearing in WCW for the first time in nearly 4 years, he is the former Heavyweight Champion of the World, as well as a recent stint as the Extreme Heavyweight Champion, “THE ALL-AMERICAN RON SIMMONS!”

Big Ron says that it’s nice to be in WCW once again, that it was here he got his first opportunity to make a name for himself, and it was here that he formed one of the greatest tag teams of all-time with his brother Butch Reed, and that it was here where he became the very first African American World Heavyweight Champion, “and you don’t forget things like that.” So WCW will always hold a special place in his heart. Ron says that everywhere he’s been, he always keeps up with WCW and ECW and, “all the best wrestling in the World.” He is excited to see WCW and ECW working together and even more excited that he gets to wrestle a tune-up match here before he makes his official ECW debut.

Match 2
Big Ron proves that he certainly hasn’t lost a step since his WCW World Heavyweight Championship days as he makes an awfully impressive Nitro debut against the spunky up-and-comer, David ‘Backbreaker’ Young. In this contest though the only backbreaking occurred when the Florida State Hall of Famer planted Young hard in the middle of the ring with his patent powerslam and followed it up with his violent version of the spinebuster for the 1………..2………3!

WCW correspondent Kimberly is standing by with multiple times World Champion “Ravishing” Rick Rude and the current Heavyweight Champion of the World Curt Hennig, and they have plenty of news for The Soul Stealer Papa Shango who stole a victory from Rude this past Wednesday on ECW tv. We go to a clip of Shango’s henchmen going after Rude after the contest, only to see Hennig, Scott Norton, and Marcus Bagwell make the save!

Rude says that he, Curt, and Flash grew up together in Robbinsdale, MN and that they are always, “just a phone call away.” And in case anyone missed ECW Weekend Warriors, Rude and Hennig want to make things perfectly clear, an issue has been challenged to Papa Shango and all his goons, “At WCW/ECW’s Showdown in Charlotte, we will find out how tough you really are!”

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Commercial Break
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We return from break and President of World Championship Wrestling; Mr. JJ Dillon is standing in the ring and would like to bring out his friend and colleague, the Executive in Charge of Eastern Championship Wrestling, Mr. Eric Bischoff!

One thing is for sure, and that is, “if Eric Bischoff is around, it can mean only one thing… That business is at hand.” Eric and JJ go over the MONUMENTAL announcement from ECW last week that these two top wrestling promotions would come together for one night only in Charlotte, North Carolina on September the 8th for “SHOWDOWN IN CHARLOTTE!”

JJ says that when they got together last week to discuss their “mutual Flair problem” the first thing they noticed was the business sense of their counterpart, and that the opportunity in front of them was one that could not be passed up. JJ goes on to say that while the last match on the card “had to be Ric Flair vs. Arn Anderson,” the exec’s feel like a card of this magnitude has multiple main events. And right now they would like to announce the 2nd main event of that card. It is a match a decade in the making. In a rematch of one of the greatest matches of all time the WCW UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION RICKY ‘THE DRAGON’ STEAMBOAT would take on THE EASTERN STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ‘MACHO MAN’ RANDY SAVAGE!

Eric says that he cannot wait to see that match take place. And that while he was here, “JJ why don’t we go ahead and announce the other plan…” JJ nods in agreement. “FOR THE FIRST TIME IN WRESTLING HISTORY” we will all be witness to a LOSER TRADES PROMOTION MATCH! Now what this means is that JJ Dillon will select an ECW wrestler that he would like to have join WCW, and Eric will select a WCW wrestler that he would like to have in ECW and at the pay-per-view these two wrestlers will go one on one, and the loser will have to SWITCH PROMOTIONS! “Well Eric, now is as good a time as any to announce the participants, I know who I’m selecting.” Eric tells JJ to go ahead because he is ready as well.

“From ECW, we select…”

Eric makes a slight grimace, “excellent selection JJ. I must say that I have total confidence in Mr. Regal. So without any further adieu, the ECW fans believe it’s about time for this to happen, from WCW we selct…”

Eric and JJ shake hands in the ring as Tony tries to breakdown what a helluva contest that should be before sending us to break, just before we go though, Chris Jericho is seen PITCHING AN UBER FIT backstage!! The announcement obviously doesn’t sit too well with the ‘Lionheart!’

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The Taylor Made Man is standing by once again with the Stud Stable. The group has a big laugh about last week’s “Smokin’ Section Segment” and continue making fun of The American Dream Dusty Rhodes. Bubba says that some of the most fun he has ever had in his career has been beating up “that Texan plumber’s son.” Col. Robert E. Lee Parker says that his boys have every intention of leaving their mark on WCW permanently, “and not a stain like Dusty Rhodes, but that their impact will be felt ever more, now come on boys lets head to the ring…”

As Col. Parker leads the Unified Tag Team Champions of the World to the ring for tag action, Dusty Rhodes has a serious look on his face, so much so that Tony and Larry feel the need to calm him down a bit. Dusty says, “not to worry fella’s I will be professional, for now…”


Match 3
Southern Justice locks up with the veteran duo of Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton, collectively known as the Fantastics. Fulton and Rogers have been in the ring with the biggest and the baddest throughout their careers, and take the fight to the champs in the early going. Bubba was able to catch Fulton coming off the ropes as if he were a child and slam him down hard, switching the momentum. Anthony works over Fulton, but is unable to keep him from reaching Tommy Rogers, who comes in a house of fire! Rogers can only take on both big men for so long before the odds catch up to him though. Bubba takes Tommy’s best shots, and is reeling, but is still able to catch Tommy in the Bubba Side Slam for the victory.

After the contest though the Stable is not finished! Beautiful Bobby, whose storied history against the Fantastics is still fresh in his mind, comes in and begins stomping away at Rogers and Fulton, soon to be joined by Bubba and Anthony! That is until…

THE AMERICAN DREAM hits the ring, with a steel chair in his hand! He swings wildly, just missing the members of the Stud Stable, and the Col. is able to rally his troops at ringside. Dusty is giving them the what for before checking on his fallen buddies the Fantastics…

Mauro Ranallo is standing by with WCW’s Vice President, Mr. Magnum T.A. Magnum says he is very excited about this new, “fan friendly” joint venture, and that some of the matches already announced are worth the price of admission or pay per view. One thing is for certain, all the fans will want to be sure to tune into WCW and ECW television each and every week to keep up to speed.

Now, in a deal finalized just minutes ago, right here on Nitro next week, Chris Jericho and Sir William Regal will be competing in one-on-one competition. And as a showcase of their talents, we have brought in two Japanese stars to challenge them in “International Dream Matches.” Koji Kanemoto and Shinjiro Ohtani have risen to the top in New Japan Pro Wrestling and are believed to be their future, next week they meet two men that WCW and ECW are banking on being one of our futures!

Not only that, “but Mauro, I’m personally excited about this next one.” In yet another WCW vs. ECW match-up live on pay per view, an 8 Man Elimination contest is scheduled between Team WCW and Team ECW. “And as our Captains, they will be returning home to WCW on Sept. 8th, RICK and SCOTT the STEINER BROTHERS!”

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Papa Shango and Brimstone, are sitting around a little table in a dark dark room. There are Voodoo dolls everywhere and a large crystal ball in the middle of the table…

Papa starts dancing, and chanting, and shaking his voodoo wand as Brim and BJ sit back in a meditative state humming away. Shango’s chant is repeating, and it grows louder and louder and louder, and then BAM! “The Soul Stealer summons from the great beyond demons to do my biding, partners that would be fitting, and the dark task master should appear…”

WHERE THE HELL DID HE COME FROM!!! Brim and BJ are stuck in their trance as Papa Shango looks over the figure in front of him. The camera zooms in on their demonic faces. Shango: “Behold Ravishing one, you are not the only one with friend, bwahahaha.” Sullivan: “The Dark Circle of Doom is coming for youuuuu.”

Commercial Break
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Match 4
Dem Aloha Boys w/ ‘Godfather’ Samu took on The Gambler and Reno Riggins in a tag team encounter. The Island boys showed a sense of urgency, looking for finish their opponent with each and every move they through at them. Rosey planted Riggins with the Super Samoan Driver and tagged in Iaukea who flew through the air and picked up the victory with the Superfly Splash!

After the contest ‘Godfather’ Samu says that he has a message for Magnum T.A., and that if he is looking for two guys to defend WCW’s honor alongside the Steiner Brothers, then he believes that Iaukea and Rosey are just the men for the job!

Mauro Ranallo is now standing by with ‘The Franchise’ Sting who has a match against an unfamiliar foe tonight as he meets La Parka of La Familia Nacido de Llamas. The Stinger says that La Parka is a tough wrestler, and he will really have to keep his head on the swivel with The Natural at ringside. But that’s just fine with Sting, he feels refreshed; he feels renewed. With all this talk of “joint ventures” and “whose coming next” or “whose going to ECW,” Sting still has not forgotten about what is coming up just after WCW/ECW Showdown in Charlotte, “and that is Fall Brawl featuring War Games.” That is where the Stinger’s mind is at. He knows who he wants in there, and he knows he has partners, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see if the Stinger gets his wish!


Match 5
The Stinger met La Parka in this contest, and the largest of the luchadores from Mexico, surprisingly, matched up well with the former Champion in the early going. With The Natural sitting in his chair that La Parka once again graciously brought to the ring nodding in approval, La Parka was feeling confident as he began doing his trademark jig. When the Natural finally got his attention, it was too late and the Stinger met him with a dropkick to the grill! Sting went to work on La Parka before firing him into the corner, STINGER SPLASH! He drops the man down, he hooks him up, SCORPION DEATH LOCK! And that’s all she wrote!


Mauro Ranallo is standing by once again, this time with, “Gimme that microphone and step back Junior.”

“Double A! I know you’re in the building, and pal to say that the Nature Boy is baffled by your decision to go one on one with the WRESTLING GOD! And on top of that, you want to fight him at the top of Mt. Olympus? In Charlotte?! Enforcer, we go a long loooong way back, and I will forgive you, ONCE! All you have to do, is come to the ring behind your leader just like in the old times, and we will put a beating on Hennig and Rude, and…”

Arn comes out flanked by JJ Dillon and Magnum T.A. “You obviously have lost your damn mind Ric. My leader? Stand behind you? I was always your equal, your partner, and walked by your side. But that was a long time ago cuz. Long before you tarnished and SPIT all over the legacy that I ARN ANDERSON created! I made Eastern Championship Wrestling, with guys like Rick Rude and Randy Savage. And you want me to come fight Rick Rude because you picked a fight with him and his best friend? I don’t have been with either man, I will say this though, if I hear one more joke about the Horsemen or the Enforcer from Hennig, or Bagwell, we will have serious beef. Until then, Naitch, it’s time for you reap what’s been sewn by your own hands!”

Flair is flying off the handle! He slings his robe to the ground, he grabs a steel chair and tries to go after Double A who doesn’t budge! JJ and Magnum come in between them, but the verbal battle from The Nature Boy and The Enforcer is heated to say the least!

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Commercial Break
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We return from break and ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson has joined Tony, Dusty, and Larry at the announce booth. He has quite the history with each of these men, and is shaking hands, and being nice, but “please guys, don’t ask me any more Flair questions, that issue will be completely resolved in due time…” Resetting the show we have had several big announcements regarding Showdown in Charlotte. Not only will Ric Flair take on Arn Anderson in one main event, but a rematch a decade in the making, will also be held as Champion vs. Champion: Ricky Steamboat meets Randy Savage. Curt Hennig and Rick Rude’s challenge to Papa Shango has been answered and will somehow involve the Dungeon of Doom! Chris Jericho will meet William Regal and the loser must switch promotions! Team WCW vs. Team ECW 8 man elimination tag, “FANS YOU CANNOT MISS THIS EXTRAVAGANZA LIVE! AND ONLY ON PAY PER VIEW!”


Dave Penzer: “The following contest on Nitro is scheduled for one fall and will be 6 Man Tag Team Action. When the bell rings; Randy Anderson will be in charge of the action. Introducing first, led to the ring by ‘The Natural’ Don Callous; they weighed in at a total combined weight of 642 lbs. Psychosis, El Diablo, and Gran Akuma, LA FAMILIA NACIDO DE LLAMAS! And their opponents, first from Tijuana, Mexico weighing in at 190 lbs. REY MYSTERIO, JR.! His partner weighed in at 219 lbs. and hails from St. Paul, MN BILLY KIDMAN! And their partner is the WCW World Television Champion, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE!”

Kidman and Mysterio have all kinds of personal beef with the family, and have brought with them some super back up here tonight. This one is a wild one at the get-go with the high flyers doing their thing in the ring, around the ring, from the ring out. Psychosis decides to take things to the streets and is putting a whoopin’ on Mysterio at ringside, which draws his buddy Billy down for the save, only to be joined by Akuma. The problem was that this left El Diablo in the ring to deal with the hottest wrestler in all of WCW right now, and DDP finished off his masked counter-part with BANG! Diamond Cutter, 1…….2……..3!

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We return from our final commercial break with Arn Anderson still at the booth, and he has a question for Dusty. The Dusty Rhodes he knew would’ve punched Bubba Rogers in the teeth for the first Polka-dot joke, "so exactly what is going on with you Dusty?"

“Well Arn, the Dweam is only partially retired, you know what I mean? When I’m here to do commentewwy, dat’s all I do. But I will have me a talk with JJ and Mags. I’m that same Duthtay Woads, I just lettin’ it simma’ Arn.”

Speaking of simmering, this hatred between Ric Flair and Curt Hennig has carried on for well over a year, and across two different wrestling promotions. With the way things have been shaking down, Ric Flair’s attention had better be on Arn Anderson, and Curt has signed on to help his pal Rick Rude. Larry says in his mind that makes tonight’s match-up even more dangerous. Each man involved has bigger fish to fry, and aren’t looking to wrestle here tonight. “I fully expect someone to end up hurt in this one guys.” We certainly hope not Larry!


Dave Penzer: “Ladies and gentlemen the following contest is your MAIN EVEN of Nitro and is scheduled for television time remaining. Senior official Nick Patrick will be in charge once the bell rings. Introducing first; they are from Robbinsdale, Minnesota and weighed in at a total combined weight of 488 lbs. The Heavyweight Champion of the World CUUUURT HENN-IG! And his partner is the former Heavyweight Champion of the World; he is Simply Ravishing RICK RUUUUUUUDE! And their opponent is the Eastern Heavyweight Champion, ‘THE NATURE BOY’ RIC FLAAAAAAAAIR!”

Partner? Ric Flair don’t need no stinking partner! Not when he has a STEEL FOLDING CHAIR IN HIS HANDS!!! Curt Hennig is unafraid and takes off after Flair and they are going at it tooth and nail at ringside! Naitch starts to get the better of the fight, and is lighting up the Champion with chops echoing throughout the Hilton Coliseum! But Rick Rude, who has had his own problems with Flair, is not about to stand by idely, and comes out after Naitch. Now it’s Rude teaching the lessons! Nick Patrick is pleading with the guys to get into the ring, but they aren’t listening. PATRICK WAVES THINGS OFF! THE BELL IS RINGING!!

But Hennig and Rude are just getting started! The roll Flair into the ring, and plant him with a Flapjack and then Rude lifts him up and drops the ECW Champ RIBS FIRST into the knees of Hennig! The duo is having themselves a good laugh as Hennig rolls to the floor and finds Ric’s original tag team partner. Rude is hold Flair in place, and here comes Hennig!

ARN ANDERSON HITS THE RING!

He jerks the chair out of the hands of Hennig, who looks ready to fight the Enforcer. Arn says something to Rude, who nods, Anderson nods back but eyeballs the shit out of Hennig. Rude and Curt make their exit, and Arn turns to Ric. Tony says he’d give his pinky toe to be able to read lips at this point. Flair points at Arn and seems pissed off, which blows Arn’s mind. Now these two former best friends are in each other’s face screaming away! FLAIR SWINGS! Arn catches it! He spins Flair around SPINEBUSTER!!!! Arn walks across the ring and grabs the ECW Heavyweight Championship and holds it high…