WCW Lives: Phase One

[Gambit]

WCW BIG BANG
May 6 2001
Las Vegas, Nevada ​

The relaunch of Wold Championship Wrestling commences from The Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada with a spectacular pyrotechnics display. We get rapid cuts across the rabid crowd, excited for the night to come. A voice familiar to an extreme fan base is heard welcoming the crowd. This is Joey Styles, the new voice of WCW. He introduces the crowd to the new owner of WCW Eric Bischoff, who. Comes out to his trademark song from Desperado “White Train” by Tito & Tarantula. Bischoff thanks the crowd in attendance as well at home for watching The Big Bang. He promises the great action tonight which will set the standard for WCW programming to come. The 83 Weeks Mastermind promises the inmates will no longer run the asylum. The problems that plagued World Championship Wrestling in the past will not be a factor anymore. He acknowledges the mistakes he’s made in the past and hopes to atone with a bigger and better WCW. We’ll see familiar faces as well as new faces- tonight and in the coming weeks on WCW Nitro.

The crowd cheers in approval.

The cheers turn into shock then adulation as Jerry “The King” Lawler emerges from behind the curtain to cut off Easy E. The King of Memphis declares it doesn’t matter that Bischoff signs his checks because he won’t be “kissing his ass”. He didn’t do it up in New York and he won’t start now. Lawler proceeds to mock Joey Styles, congratulating him on finally making it to the big time and say maybe he’ll learn what a real announcer sounds like sitting next to The King. Joey Styles quips he might as long as Jerry’s wife doesn’t get him fired. Styles covers his mouth and begins to back pedal as The King balls up his feet threatening to sock Joey Styles.

Eric Bischoff interjects before any harm can come to his new play by play commentator, announcing the first bout of the evening would be for the WCW United State Championship with champion Booker T defending against Diamond Dallas Page!

On commentary, Joey Styles notes Booker T is both the US championship as well as the WCW World Heavyweight champion, explaining that Booker refused to relinquish the US title and wants to be a fighting champion and defend BOTH Championships! While he’s aware who his US title challenger will be the man challenging for the Heavyweight championship of the World is a Mystery Opponent. Lawler ridicules Booker for making such a decision, proclaiming him to be selfish (and noting Scott Steiner should still be WCW champion).

WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP Diamond Dallas Page vs Booker T(c) In terms of popularity, both men are evenly matched. In terms of accolades, Booker T has the edge as well as experience. Because he is wrestling twice tonight, Booker T looks to end the bout early with various pin fall attempts from a school to a back slide. Diamond Dallas Page is also moments away from connecting with a Diamond Cutter, but Booker T narrowly escapes. It’s a seesaw match with no clear advantage for either men. That is until Booker T manages to get himself hurt by missing the Harlem Side Kick and hitting the top rope with great force. As Booker is prone on the canvas clutching his leg, The People’s Champion wisely takes advantage and goes to work on Double Champion’s injured leg. Page even shows a nasty side as he wraps Booker T’s leg around the post, performing a Figure Four Leg Lock around the corner post, a maneuver that put “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan at Spring Stampede 2000, the same event where DDP won his first World title. Showing the DNA of a decorated battle tested champion, Booker T fought valiantly despite injury plaguing him. However, The King of Bada Bing shuts down in offense Booker T can muster by focusing on the leg. Joey Styles and Jerry Lawler put over Diamond Dallas Page’s creativity in applying the Diamond Cutter from almost anywhere. They also note Booker T has the Harlem Side Kick, Harlem Hangover, The Book End, and the Scissor Kick, but with the injury to the leg those maneuvers won’t be effective. DDP applies a Boston Crab, seemingly close to victory. Booker’s right hand raises into the air, appearing to come down for the tap out, but right before it hits the mat, The Double Champion stops himself. In a last ditch effort, Booker T uses all the leg strength he has to push The People’s Champion off of him. Page stumbles forward turns around, walking right into the BOOK END!! But DDP elbows his way out of harm’s way, hooks Booker’s head for the Diamond Cutter, but The Double Champ is able to escape Page’s grasp. The Master of The Diamond Cutter goes for the a Clothesline, but Booker T ducks and rolls Page up for a school boy. ONE!! TWO!! THREE!! Spoiler: WINNER WINNER: BOOKER T ​

The crowd comes alive with cheers. Booker T raises his arms high into the air in victory, but still favoring his leg. Meanwhile, DDP sits up on the canvas visibly frustrated. Jerry Lawler believes Booker T cheated while Joey Styles declares The Booker Man to be a fighting champion through and through. The two ponder how the leg will hinder the main event World Heavyweight title bout. Jerry Lawler also teases he may be the one who faces Booker later on tonight. As Booker T celebrates, DDP gets up and marches over to The Double Champion, spinning him around to be face to face. Booker T drops the titles, readying himself for another fight. Diamond Dallas Page shoots Booker T a cold gaze before nodding in approval and extending his hand out to The US/World champion, who willingly accepts the handshake. The crowd applauds as DDP raises Booker T’s left arm high into the air- much to the chagrin of Jerry Lawler.


In the interview area, Scott Hudson is standing in between Billy Kidman, Konnan, and Rey Mysterio Jr collectively known as The Filthy Animals. Kidman and Mysterio have the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team championships around their waist. Tonight, they face off against Mark Jindrak, Shawn Stasiak, and Bam Bam Bigelow. Scott Hudson briefly touches on Jindrak and Stasiak teaming together in The Natural Born Thrillers and are no stranger to the Filthy Animals. A fact Konnan says they don’t sweat because The Filthy Animals are always ready to go (bowdy, bowdy as I would imagine he’d say in the year 2001). Hudson questions Kidman and Mysterio on the WCW World Cruiserweight championships and if they will be defended. Kidman states they’ll take on anyone who steps up whether they’re from WCW or not. Jindrak, Stasiak, and Bam Bam enter the scene. The infamous “Beast of The East” explains to The Animals they need not worry about future competition, but instead the guy’s standing in front them. Mark Jindrak agrees with that sentiment, continues on stating they’re bigger, stronger, and faster than The Filthy Animals. Stacy Keibler enters the scene, getting handsy with Shawn Stasiak. Konnan interjects calling the physique of Jindrak “show muscles” and him and his teammates wouldn’t bust a grape in a fruit fight. Rey Rey finishes it off saying they’ll get on their legs like the dogs they are (actual Rey Mysterio line from Filthy Animals era) and emerge victorious.

NUMBER ONE CONTENDER CRUISERWEIGHT LADDER MATCH AJ Styles vs Elix Skipper vs Jimmy Yang vs Super Crazy A contact hangs from the rafters of the Hard Rock Hotel. From the opening bell, it’s a blink and you’ll miss it endeavor. AJ Styles, briefly known as Air Styles apart of the Air Raid tag team, is making his singles debut. Meanwhile Super Crazy, who gained American notoriety in ECW, is making his WCW debut. Jimmy Yang, who for the last year and half, has battled in numerous Ladder Matches seems to be at home in this environment. Yang and Skipper (who Joey Styles ponders if still has citizenship in Canada) team up to dispatch of Super Crazy and AJ Styles before fighting each other. As this is Super Crazy’s first time being featured in the big leagues, he pulls out all the stops, impressing the Las Vegas crowd. As he performs the triple moonsaults on Elix Skipper, before he connects with the third one- he places the ladder on top Primetime. The young up start known as AJ Styles performance is either on par or better than the rest. Jimmy Yang Irish Whips AJ Styles into the corner where a ladder is set, hoping to cause damage. However, AJ Styles leaps up the rungs, moonsaults and catches a hold of Yang’s neck for a Reverse DDT!! In another form of ingenuity, AJ Styles has Super Crazy up in a Torture Rack before spinning him around into a Powerbomb on a ladder! As Super Crazy, Elix Skipper and Jimmy Yang battle on the outside, AJ Styles leaps over the top rope with the FOSBURY FLOP! Elix Skipper, despite being a spectacular athlete, shows a more vicious side than his opponents. He even uses a chair to force Super Crazy off of the ladder as he was inches away from grabbing the contract. The man nicknamed “Primetime” displays the surprisingly explosive power he possesses, launching Jimmy Yang across the ring with a Butterfly Suplex into a stack of ladders. It would seem “Primetime” Elix Skipper is going to emerge the winner and number one contender, but AJ Styles will not be denied. It looks as if he’s going to be the one to grab the contract for the number one contender ship, but Elix Skipper hammers into him with a series of rights before putting himself on the same side with Styles and connects with the Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex. It seems as if Skipper is primed to win, but Super Crazy hits him with a springboard Hurricanrana, sending Elix Skipper flying to the outside of the ring, thus allowing The Extreme Luchador to ascend to the top of the ladder to grab the contract. Spoiler: WINNER WINNER: SUPER CRAZY ​

The highlight reel displays the crash crash style action of this ladder match. Joey Styles praises the performance of AJ Styles (no relation despite King’s assumption. They also make a subtle Brian Christopher joke). However, they praise the victory of Super Crazy for his amazing performance in this Ladder match. The audience applauds Super Crazy in his celebration and for his performance tonight. However, the celebration is short lived as “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” by ODB plays as “Sugar” Shane Helms, the WCW Cruiserweight champion, walks out and enters the ring, applauding Super Crazy, who’s eyes are fixated on the Cruiserweight championship over his shoulder. “Sugar” Shane takes notice, proceeding to hold the prestigious championship high in the air to cheers. Super Crazy motions to his waist, signifying it will be his soon enough.

In the trainer’s room, Booker T is being tended to by the medical staff. Scott Hudson enters the scene, questioning if The Double Champion will be able to defend his World title later tonight, reiterating no one knows who the opponent could be. Hudson ponders if it could be “A Man From Venice Beach” or “A Total Package”. Perhaps, this Mystery Opponent could be debuting from a promotion located in Barbwire City. The 110th Street (by way of Houston) native declares it doesn’t matter to him who it is nor will he back out or cower away from a fight. He’s going to prove why he’s the Heavyweight Champion of the World.

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS The Steiner Brothers (Rick & Scott Steiner) vs Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire (c) Tonight marks the official reunion of Scott and Rick as a tag team, having a one off on the March 5th 2001 edition of Nitro against DDP and Booker T. The duo jump start the bout by blindsiding the champions, dispatching of Sean O’Haire and focus the attack of Chuck Palumbo. It’s as if Big Papa Pump and The Dog Face Gremlin haven’t stopped teaming with how in sync the Brothers Steiner are as they dissect Palumbo. However, the self professed “Main Event” is able to rally back and tag in his partner Sean O’Haire, who puts the Steiners on their heels. While they may have been apart of the Natural Born Thrillers stable, a group of Power Plant graduates, Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire have only been a true tag team for four months at this point, but they’re showing why despite being a green team and wrestlers individuals they are the World Tag Team champions, being able to adjust on the fly in order to gain an advantage. The dominance of O’Haire and Palumbo seems to come when they have Rick Steiner isolated in their side of the ring. While The Steiner gain momentum and stay on offense with Scott Steiner in the ring. The King, being the shit stirrer he can be, speculates if Rick Steiner maybe losing a step or two. Joey Styles dismisses this notion by reminding The King they haven’t teamed in quite sometime. Despite these talks of decline, a mule kick from Rick Steiner to Chuck Palumbo followed by him grabbing a hold of the second rope for leverage, The Dog Face Gremlin almost secures The Steiners their 8th WCW Tag Team title reign, but Palumbo somehow manages to kick out. Towards the end of the bout, Scott Steiner hoist Palumbo on to his shoulders. Rick Steiner leaps off the top rope for the Bulldog to complete the Steinerizer CHUCK PALUMBO TURNS IT INTO A VICTORY ROLL!!! Big Papa Pump kicks out before the count of the three, shoving Palumbo off with authority. The force sends Chuck into his team’s corner, allowing him to tag in Sean O’Haire. Scott Steiner tags in Rick Steiner, who goes for a clothesline, but Chuck Palumbo ducks, hits the Jungle Kick (Superkick), setting up for the spectacular Seanton Bomb by Sean O’Haire for the victory. Spoiler: WINNERS WINNERS: CHUCK PALUMBO & SEAN O’HAIRE ​

It’s another successful victory in the new tandems short reign. The crowd seem to be behind them. However, the crowds cheers grow louder as….



THE OUTSIDERS ATTACK!!


The founding fathers of the nWo take out Palumbo and O’Haire with baseball bats. Joey Styles goes crazy on commentary at the arrival of “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, noting the latter hasn’t been seen in WCW since SuperBrawl 2000. Rick Steiner staggers over to the duo ready to celebrate with them, seemingly under the impression they are all on the same side, but Nash drives the end of the bat into the Dog Faced Gremlin’s stomach before hitting him in the back. Scott Steiner is no exception either with The King stating there is no love loss with Nash over “The Big Bad Booty Daddy”, who retired Nash in WCW at SuperBrawl Revenge three months ago. The final image of this assault is The Outsiders holding the World Tag Team championships high in the air in triumph. In fact, Hall and Nash leave WITH the titles and Lawler stating possession is nine tenths of the law.

James Maritato vs Lance Storm James Maritato, formerly known as Little Guido in ECW, makes his debut against the decorated Lance Storm. This bout is a pure technical wrestling. Joey Styles puts over the fact Lance Storm is a graduate from the famous Hart Dungeon while Maritato studied under legend Billy Robinson, who trained the likes of “Playboy” Buddy Rose, Ric Flair, and Johnny Saint- thus explains why James Maritato is able to go hold for hold with Lance Storm. The Sicilian Shooter even comes away with several near falls on the man who held three titles at once in WCW. The crowd, due to Lance Storm’s entrance and developed disdain for his Anti America rhetoric, seems to be rallying behind “The Sicilian Shooter” James Maritato. Lance Storm, despite being a villainous figure in World Championship Wrestling, doesn’t resort to any underhanded tactics to gain an advantage- even when he’s presented with the opportunity. A fact Jerry Lawler says is cause Storm is Canadian, and they never break any rules. All of this good will goes out the window as Lance Storm drives his thumb into Maritato’s eye before hitting the Superkick for the later press victory. Spoiler: WINNER WINNER: LANCE STORM ​

Joey Styles demonizes Calgary native for taking the low road after staying clean for the majority of the bout. Styles praises James Maritato’s technical prowess, stating The Sicilian Shooter could possibly become either Cruiserweight champion or United States champion because of it. Maritato acknowledges the fan’s respectful applause to his performance.

Joey Styles and Jerry Lawler hype the Main Event, speculating who exactly will be facing Booker T and how his leg will be in the bout. Jerry Lawler doesn’t hold out too much hope for Booker T. However, before Styles can defend the Double Champion, the sounds of Deep Purple’s “Perfect Strangers” begins to play, signifying the arrival of “The Franchise” Shane Douglas. He’s wearing dress pants and a gold silk button up shirt with a big scowl. As he begins to talk, he tells the crowd while he’s been called “The Franchise”, he hasn’t really felt like one. His return to WCW, while fruitful in certain aspects, hasn’t gone exactly the way he had hoped. As this new era begins, so begins the renaissance of the man who “carried a revolution on his back”. Shane Douglas promises to do the same to WCW- politics be damned. The Franchise promises by this time next year he will be on top of World Championship Wrestling, come hell or high water.

Bam Bam Bigelow, Mark Jindrak, & Shawn Stasiak vs Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman, Konnan, & Rey Mysterio) The Filthy Animals are well oiled machine, but their opponents are individuals trying to be the star of the team. Shawn Stasiak is busy focusing his attention on Stacy Keibler or trying to impress her (The King is doing the same). Mark Jindrak shows an impressive athletic feats such as leaping to the top rope to catch Billy Kidman with a Hurricanrana. Bam Bam Bigelow, the veteran of his team, attempts to get them all working together and to wear down the smaller more agile opponents. The Beast From The East attempts fail. However, momentum shifts to their favor when Bam Bam knocks Konnan off of the apron into the guard rail sternum first. K-Dawg is on the floor struggling to breathe. However, Jindrak and Stasiak put the boots to Mysterio and Kidman, who are on the outside attempting to aid their friend, before rolling Konnan back into the ring to suffer more punishment. The beating is so bad at one point referee Mickie Henson begins to consider calling an end to the bout, but Konnan refuses. Disfunction between Stasiak and Bam Bam begin to have a disagreement, apparently there’s still some bad blood from their bout at Night of Champions, this allows Konnan to take out Stasiak a clothesline before tagging in Rey Mysterio Jr, who comes in taking out Mark Jindrak and Stasiak with a springboard dropkick. Mysterio and Kidman dispatch of the trio, even taking advantage of miscommunication as Bam Bam clock Jindrak with a headbutt after Billy Kidman moved out of the way. The Cruiserweight Tag Team champions show why they are the team to beat. Stasiak winds up taking the Shooting Star Press from Billy Kidman. Spoiler: WINNER WINNERS: FILTHY ANIMALS. ​

Booker T is seen backstage with the WCW World Heavyweight championship around his waist with the United States Heavyweight championship strapped over his shoulder headed towards the go position with a slight limp. While the limp isn’t bad it’s noticeable especially with the wincing on his face. As Booker T makes his way towards the ring, the limp seems to be dissipating. Joey Styles wonders if the adrenaline is taking affect. Jerry Lawler believes Booker T is trying to convince himself he’s able to go. Styles speculates on if the challenger could be man regarded as “The Whole Show”, a former World champion from Venice Beach (a surfer or a man who fancies himself a Hollywood actor), or someone completely new to WCW.


The World Heavyweight champion bounces about in the corner until…

A drum roll begins.

A cadence familiar to fans who erupt in deafening cheers.

While the WCW World Heavyweight champion bares a shocked expression on his face.

This…. is…… GOLDBERG


The man with the 173 win streak marches towards the go position flanked by armed guards. Da Man emerges from the smoke and sparks as he normally does. Joey Styles puts over the incredible rise of Goldberg when he emerged in WCW, listing off all the major wins he’s had also noting he too held the World Heavyweight title and US title simultaneously as well. Jerry Lawler considers Booker T to be a possible lamb lead to slaughter.

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Goldberg vs Booker T(c) Booker T has his game face on, gutting out the pain, ready to defend his championship. Across the ring is the stoic Goldberg, who doesn’t take his eyes off of Booker T even for a second. As soon as the bell sounds, Goldberg BURST OUT OF THE CORNER SPEAR!!! NO!!! BOOKER T leap frogs him! Goldberg collides head first into the second turnbuckle, jamming his neck in the process. Booker T doubles over favoring his injured leg. He can’t capitalize. The King: It’s your chance, Booker! Put him away! Joey Styles: He can’t. This golden opportunity could be squandered. And in no part because of Booker T! His left leg sustained damage in his match against DDP. Booker T shakes his leg to get some feeling back into. He turns around, now looking to capitalize on this moment when. GOLDBERG SPEARS HIM NEARLY OUT OF HIS BOOTS! Goldberg pop up, mean mugging and posing for the hard cam. He signals for the Jackhammer, the crowd cheers. Goldberg hoist Booker T high into the air, marching around before dropping him to the mat with sickening authority and performs his trademark leg trapped pin. ONE!!! TWO!!! THREE!!! Spoiler: WINNER WINNER & NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: GOLDBERG ​

The crowd is electric. Pyro explodes and confetti falls from the sky. Referee Nick Patrick awards Goldberg the WCW World Heavyweight championship, marking his third reign with the championship. Da Man celebrates with his prize, Booker T lays off into far corner now favoring his ribs and leg. He’s practically to the point of tears. His body gave out on him. The final image we see on The Big Bang is Goldberg raising The Big Gold high into the air.

 

[Gambit]

May 7th 2001
Las Vegas, Nevada



Triumph..

Images of Super Crazy, Lance Storm, The Filthy Animals, Palumbo & O’Haire winning their respective matches.

Agony…

From Booker T retaining the United States championship against Diamond Dallas Page to losing the WCW World Heavyweight championship to Goldberg at the end of the night due to the leg injury he sustained early in the night.

Making a statement…

Highlight of the insane Ladder Match between AJ Styles, Elix Skipper, Super Crazy, and Jimmy Yang are shown in motion as well as still images.

Old threats….

Kevin Nash and Scott Hall- The Outsiders- decimate the WCW World Tag Team champions, Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire, before stealing their championships.

New faces…

Quick cuts of AJ Styles, Super Crazy, Jerry “The King” Lawler and James Maritato are shown.

Same dominance….

Goldberg hitting the trademark Spear and Jack Hammer before capturing the WCW World Heavyweight championship…

THE BIG BANG!!!


WCW Anew

The scene transitions to Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the new home of WCW. We get a quick pyrotechnics display with shots of the raucous Vegas crowd before settling at the announce booth where Tony Schiavone and Jerry “The King” Lawler are sitting.

Tony Schiavone: It’s WCW. It’s Monday night and this is Nitro, coming to you live from Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m Tony Schiavone, alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler. And Jerry, we are twenty four hours removed from perhaps one of the most defining nights in World Championship Wrestling.

Jerry Lawler: It was peddle to the metal from the word go, Schiavone. Booker T entered as a double champion, but left twenty pounds lighter. Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire upset THE STEINER BROTHERS! One of the premiere tag teams in our sport. Lance Storm and James Maritato went hold for hold with one another. Let me tell you, it was wild!

Tony Schiavone: You’re right about that, King. And as you mentioned earlier, Booker T was both the World Heavyweight champion and the United States champion going into The Big Bang. However, he was defeated in the main event against the returning Goldberg. But let's not dismiss the fact Booker T suffered an injury to his left leg in the bout earlier in the evening against Diamond Dallas Page. Booker leaped over Goldberg as he went for the Spear, but as he landed he aggravated the injury.

Jerry Lawler: And he was stupid for doing it! Booker T could have taken the easy way out and kept both championships, but no he wanted to do it the right way. He lost the most important championship in WCW- The World Heavyweight title!

Tony Schiavone: We’ll hear from Booker T later tonight. Also tonight, WCW Cruiserweight champion “Sugar” Shane Helms will be in action, taking on Chris Candido. Also tonight, in our main event Goldberg will be teaming up with Diamond Dallas Page to take on the reformed Steiner Brothers.

AJ Styles vs Jamie Knoble ​ Despite being 24 hours removed from an intense Ladder Match, AJ Styles shows little signs of slowing down, wowing the crowd with high octane, aerial offense. In an impressive sequence, Jamie Knoble goes for a Back Body Drop, but AJ Styles performs a round out flip to evade- hitting the ropes and sliding under Knoble’s feet and leaps onto his shoulders for a victory roll for a count of two. After performing a backbreaker/gutbuster combination maneuver, Styles begins to favor his lower back. Tony Schiavone notes how the Ladder Match must have taken a toll on Styles’ body despite his fast start. Jamie Knoble begins to take advantage of this weakness shown by Styles, focusing the majority of his attack on the back of the former Air Raid member. Knoble showcases a more rough and rugged style for the Cruiserweight, a division that prides itself on a more lucha libre like style. A fundamental move such as an Abdominal Stretch looks like it could put AJ Styles out, but somehow the scrappy Georgia native finds the will to continue and escape from the hold. After a series of flying forearms followed by a Discus Lariat, it seems that Styles was in the driver seat, but Jamie Knoble soon dashes these hopes with Liger Bomb he countered from a Hurricanrana attempt. Although he went for the lateral press, he only got a 2.99 count from referee. Jamie Knoble’s over confidence proves to be his down fall. As Jamie Knoble sets up for a Tiger Bomb, AJ Styles is able to counter out and connect with the Pele Kick and step up for The Styles Clash for the victory. Spoiler: WINNER AJ STYLES ​

Tony Schiavone: What a win by AJ Styles. This kid is very impressive, Jerry.

Jerry Lawler: He isn’t bad for a hick from Gainesville. I’ll be surprised if he could even spell AJ. Though he stole this victory from Jamie Knoble with that handful of tights.

Tony Schiavone: Stop it, King. He didn’t grabbed a hold of the tights. AJ Styles won this match fair and squar- wait a minute! Fans, I’ve just received word from our production truck that The Outsiders have a camera crew standing by. Let’s see Scott Hall and Kevin Nash have to say.

​

The scene cuts to Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, wearing the stolen Tag Team championships around their waist, are walking through a parking garage.

Scott Hall: Man, Easy E got us a spot in Vegas? Does he wants us at work or not?

Kevin Nash: What’s a little RnR every now and again, huh? Bottle of Rose and black jack?

Scott Hall: Not for me. You know I’m already on double secret probation. ‘Sides, I ain’t getting that Turner check anymore.

Kevin Nash: You’ll be alright.

Big Sexy pats the Tag title strapped around Hall’s waist.

Scott Hall: Yeah, mang. Hey, you think we get a raise from these?

Kevin Nash: It’s already top dollar cause we’ve got them.

The Outsiders get to the door and walk through. It isn’t The Joint, the location for Nitro, they walk into, but the casino of the Hard Rock.

Kevin Nash: Let’s make some moolah!

The Bad Guy yells out to everyone in the casino.

Scott Hall: Attention, everyone. Whatever you win, we get 75 percent. Favorite Nations winnings, alright? Let’s make some money, Kev.

Jerry Lawler: You think they’ll wind up in the high rollers suite, Schiavone?

Tony Schiavone: We thought Hall and Nash would be here at Nitro, but instead they’re at the Hard Rock Casino.

Jerry Lawler: They’re the champs. Let them live a little.

Tony Schiavone: They’re not the champs. The World Tag Team champions are Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire. The Outsiders just showed up at The Big Bang and sneak attacked Palumbo and O’Haire. Folks, we’ll be right back.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

​

Nitro resumes with The Outsiders at the Craps table flanked by several voluptuous women. Kevin Nash is shaking dice palmed in his hand.

Scot Hall: Let’s go Vinnie Vegas.

Kevin Nash: Will Daddy get a new house in the Hamptons?

Kevin Nash throws the dice. The crowd around the table cheer. A blonde lady begins to caress the chest of Kevin Nash, drawing his attention. Big Sexy lays on the “Big Sexy” charm.

Tony Schiavone: Oh my God. Are we serious right now?

Jerry Lawler: Well, they don’t call him Big Sexy for nothing right? Don’t be a sour puss cause you’ve got a bridge troll back home, Schiavone.

Tony Schiavone: It’s just one big party for The Outsiders. Everything is a big joke.

​

Mark Jindrak vs Shawn Stasiak w/ Stacy Keibler Instead of focusing on the match, Shawn Stasiask’s attention is on his physique and the woman in his corner, the lovely long legged Stacy Keibler, who seems to be just as into Stasiak as he is into himself. Every thing Shawn Stasiak, who is the self professed Mecca of Manhood, does in the match is to impress Stacy, who applauds his success. Meanwhile, Mark Jindrak keeps his mind on the task at hand trying to put away Stasiak. The Mecca whips Mark Jindrak into the corner, but Jindrak leap up onto the top rope for a Springboard Cross Body for a near fall. This feat makes even Stacy Keibler take notice, a fact that doesn’t get by Shawn Stasiak, who begins to brow beat his valet. Stacy Keibler expresses innocence and her love for Stasiak. The spat allows Mark Jindrak to capitalize and maintain the offensive. However, a thumb to the eye minutes later changes fortune for Stasiak, who begins to punish Jindrak for catching Stacy’s eye- even momentarily. The former Natural Born Thriller plays off of Stacy’s wandering eye and poses for her after hitting a series of punches to Stasiak in the corner. However, Stacy Keibler shows where her allegiances lie as he grabs ahold of Jindrak’s leg when he sets up for the Mark of Excellence (Back Suplex Side Slam), drawing the attention of Jindrak to allow Stasiak to perform the Stasiak Plex (Fisherman Suplex) for the victory. Spoiler: WINNER SHAWN STASIAK ​

Diamond Dallas Page is entering the arena pulling is bag behind him. Suddenly, a door opens and out pops Shane Douglas blindsiding DDP.

Tony Schiavone: What?! Shane Douglas?! Douglas is attacking DDP!

Jerry Lawler: Can you blame him? DDP is from Jersey! That alone warrants a beating!

The Franchise throws DDP head first into the wall before battering him with clubbing blows. Douglas follows up with The Pittsburgh Plunge (Fisherman Buster) into a roadie crate.

Tony Schiavone: Dear God!

Jerry Lawler: Short trip, but bad landing for DDP!

Tony Schiavone: What in the world?! Why is Shane Douglas attacking Diamond Dallas Page?

Jerry Lawler: Well, he promised a new Franchise. A more focused Franchise. Perhaps he’s sending the message to the rest of the locker room.

Before any more harm can come to DDP, Goldberg arrives, forcing Shane Douglas to flee from the scene. The WCW World champion kneels besides Page checking on him.

Goldberg: Somebody get medics! Page. Page.. you okay?

COMMERCIAL BREAK

​

Nitro resumes with Scott Hudson in the interview location with a disgruntled WCW World Heavyweight champion Goldberg.

Scott Hudson: Fans, if you’re just tuning into Nitro, you’ve missed a horrible scene. “The Franchise” Shane Douglas attacked Diamond Dallas Page has he arrived to The Joint. He was supposed to team with this man, World Heavyweight champion Goldberg, against The Steiner Brothers. Goldberg, I gotta ask, what’s the condition of Diamond Dallas Page?

Goldberg: He’s out. Plain and simple. The way he landed, he suffered a stinger. The doc won’t allow him to compete.

Scott Hudson: Has the Championship Committee offered up a replacement partner for you?

Goldberg: I don’t need one. I’ll take on The Steiners by myself.

Goldberg snarls before exiting the scene.

Scott Hudson: Well, you’ve heard it from “Da Man”. WCW Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg is going to 1 on 2 against The Steiners. Let’s send it back to Joey Styles and Don Callis.

​

The scene cuts to the announce booth with a stunned Joey Styles sitting besides a bemused Don Callis.

Joey Styles: Folks, welcome back to Nitro. It’s hour number two. I’m Joey Styles alongside Don Callis. We just heard DDP is out of the Main Event and Goldberg is going to go at it alone against Scott and Rick Steiner!

Don Callis: If you ask me, I think Goldberg is biting off a little more than he can chew! Sure, he’s big, strong. He’s the Heavyweight champion of the World, but he’s taking on one of the most decorated tag teams in the sport of professional wrestling! The Steiners aren’t to be taken lightly. Even if you’re the mighty Goldberg!

Joey Styles: No one can ever question Goldberg’s tenacity. That’s for sure. Another guy you can’t really question is “Sugar” Shane Helms! The WCW Cruiserweight champion. Ever since he broke away from 3 Count and be on his own, he’s been on a tremendous run, beating Chavo Guerrero Jr for the Cruiserweight championship at Greed.

Don Callis: The kid’s got a great look. He’s got the hot babes in The Sugar Babies. He’s no doubt a force to be reckon with in The Cruiserweight division. He’s the man to beat. However, his opponent tonight, Chris Candido, is no push over himself. He’s a former Cruiserweight champion himself. He’s got the experience. “Sugar” Shane is going to have his toughest task to date.

​

Chris Candido vs “Sugar” Shane Helms The Vegas crowd was quite thrilled at the arrival of “Sugar” Shane Helms, entering with The Sugar Babies dancing before he makes his entrance. In the crowd watching this bout with a keen eye is Number One contender Super Crazy. The bell sounds and the two men lock up. Chris Candido, being the heavier of the two, backs Shane Helms into the corner, forcing Charles Robinson to count to get them to break. Chris Candido backs away with shenanigans, motioning for Helms to meet him in the center of the ring for another lock up. As they engage in a collar and elbow tie up, Chris Candido forces “Sugar” Shane back into the corner once more. Charles Robinson calls for the break again. A sly smile appears on Candido’s face as he backs away, but this time he throws a punch- Shane Helms ducks out of the way and begins to unload with a series of right hands. The man who doesn’t need a gimmick throws a Clothesline, but Helms ducks it and drops him to the mat with Fireman’s Carry into a pin. However, Candido reverses it, trapping “Sugar” Shane in a Crucifix Pin. Shane Helms’ feet are kicking about for a second before he’s able to push himself back over before trapping Candido with a side headlock. Candido’s arms and legs are flailing about- seemingly annoyed he got caught by the Cruiserweight champ. Chris Candido escapes the headlock several times, but “Sugar” Shane manages to find creative ways to reapply it. The final time Chris Candido shoots Helms into the ropes, who bounces off of them and leaps into the air with a Thesz Press, wildly throwing punches and Candido tries to scramble away, finding refuge on the floor. At least, that’s what Chris Candido thought. He’s caught by surprise with a Frog Splash like Crossbody by “Sugar” Shane Helms! As The Cruiserweight champion rolls the former Skip back into the ring, he sets up for his version of the Superkick- Sugarsmack. When Candido turns around to face Helms, “Sugar” Shane burst out of the corner, ready to unload, but Chris Candido catches his foot spins him around and into a Manhattan Drop followed up with a huge pull in Lariat. Mr. No Gimmicks Needed goes for a cover, but only gets a two count. Candido takes his frustrations out with a series of stomps. Chris Candido does his best to take advantage of the size advantage his has over Shane Helms, but “Sugar” Shane displays his creative mind for offense with unique maneuver such as The Crossface Halo (Straight Jacket Sitout Sleeper Slam), Underdog Drop (Double Underhook Mat Slam), and Straight Jacket Russian Leg Sweep from the second rope. After the unique Russian Leg Sweep from the second rope and near fall, Chris Candido begins to beg off, hoping to appeal to Shane Helms sympathy, but it doesn’t. Nor was it expected to work, Chris Candido, being the veteran in this situation, lured Helms closer to the ropes to drive him throat first into the second rope. The crowd doesn’t appreciate this tactic. Don Callis on commentary calls it genius. Super Crazy doesn’t appear to thrilled and even cheers on Helms. Candido targets the head and shoulder area of Helms, hoping to put him away as a result, but “Sugar” Shane shows his resilience. Both men are down after Shane Helms manages to turn the Top Rope Powerbomb called the Blonde Bombshell into a Hurricanrana. A series of forearms followed by an Atomic Drop that leads into a leaping Neckbreaker gets Helms a near fall. Candido gets to his feet, cutting off “Sugar” Shane’s attack with a boot to the gut, setting up for a Pump Handle Slam- he’s countered with the NIGHTMARE ON HELM STREET! Shane Helms gets the cover and the win. Spoiler: WINNER SHANE HELMS ​

Shane Helms is handed the Cruiserweight championship before his hand raised by referee Charles Robinson.

Joey Styles: Well, Shane Helms have been christened the “Sensation of Innovation” and he showed that here tonight.

Don Callis: Oh yeah, this kid is a tremendous talent. Not much of a singer from what I’ve heard, but if he came to me in my previous position. He could have had a network backing for sure!

Joey Styles: Not quite sure he fit that demographic. However, what he do know is Super Crazy got an up close look at what he can expect when these two meet June 17th at The Great American Bash!

Don Callis: This is uncharted territory for Super Crazy. I know he’s a stalwart in Mexico and built himself a reputation in Japan, but here in World Championship Wrestling, when it comes to the Cruiserweights, “Sugar” Shane is king!

Super Crazy hops over the guard rail and enters the ring, applauding Shane Helms efforts. Helms gives his thanks. The Insane Luchador stares down at the Cruiserweight title being held by Helms, who raises it up to eye level for Super Crazy with a smile on his face. The camera picks up some remarks being exchanged.

Shane Helms: Yeah, it’s pretty ain’t it? This is as close as you’re going to get to it as long as I’m the champ. I’m sorry, but that’s just how it is.

Super Crazy grins, making the motion across his waist signifying the championship belt around it. “Sugar” Shane disagrees as he gets swarmed by the Sugar Babies (Nitro Girls Spice, Chae, Syren and Starr to be exact) who join in his victory. Super Crazy slowly backs away never taking his eyes off of title before exiting the ring.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

​

From the break, we see a still image of Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire with text that reads “During The Break”.

Joey Styles: Welcome back to Nitro. Folks, last night at Big Bang, The Outsider attacked the champions, Palumbo and O’Haire, and stole the titles. We saw them earlier at the Casino. During the break, the Champions arrived in search of the Outsiders.

Sean O’Haire barges into every room he sees while Chuck Palumbo questions the arena and WCW personnel he comes into contact with.

Don Callis: Well, as we saw earlier, The Outsiders aren’t here. They’re out living it up in Sin City.

Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire spot a guy wearing an Outsiders t-shirt. Sean O’Haire marches over to the individual, grabbing ahold of his collar.

Sean O’Haire: You! Have you seen The Outsiders?!

Guy: No, sir. No. I haven’t seen them!

O’Haire throws the man into the wall.

​

Joey Styles: Well, the champions are on the hunt. Perhaps, someone will point them into the right direction. Now, we show you someone who’s ready to make WCW his name. Some would say he has a bit of an ego to him.

Don Callis: And those people have severe confidence issues! This man has the same mindset of a Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky. He’s just that good.

It’s a serene image of what could be a large pond with a small island in the center surrounded by bonsai trees. Among them is an individual doing Tai Chi.

I’m unlike anyone in professional wrestling.

Cut to gym where the individual does a split in between two chairs.

The way a painting conveys a feeling or emotion is the way I approach wrestling. It’s my form of expression.

The individual performs a series of snappy kicks.

After the first time you see, on the next show, they’ll be chanting my name from the beginning of the show until I show up.

A close up on the individuals feet before putting up to reveal…

ROB VAN DAM

And I am the whole damn show!

​

Back at The Joint arena (how ironic), as a smattering of fans begin chanting the initials of Rob Van Dam.

Joey Styles: Make no mistake about it. One of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling- Rob Van Dam- is on his way to WCW.

Don Callis: Guaranteed high times from Van Dam, one of the best high flyers in the world who I’m pretty sure he’s not even a Cruiserweight.

Mike Awesome vs Shane Eden Referee Mark “Slick” Johnson doesn’t have time to ring the bell for Mike Awesome pummels Shane Eden in the corner, finishing off the assault with a Body Avalanche in the corner. Awesome climbs out on to the apron, launching himself back into the ring with a Slingshot Splash. Shane Eden manages to kick out before the count of three and wisely rolls to the outside for safety. SPRINGBOARD PLANCHA BY MIKE AWESOME! Mike Awesome rolls Shane Eden back into the ring. Eden charges at Awesome, who launches the unfortunate up and comer into the air with a Chokebomb! Awesome goes for the cover, but lets up at the count of two to the dismay Slick Johnson and the crowd. Don Callis: Have you ever witnessed a murder, Joey Styles? Joey Styles: Is this what the poor souls who found themselves in the lion’s den of the Roman Coliseum must have felt like? This poor guy Shane Eden is getting decimated! Mike Awesome ascends to the top rope, launching himself with a Clothesline that nearly decapitates Shane Eden. Awesome doesn’t go for another cover. Instead, he chooses to stalk Eden, daring the young man to get up. Shane Eden unloads with a flurry of forearms and punches before he runs into the ropes. He leaps into the air— Mike Awesome catches him and launches him with a Overhead Belly To Belly Suplex. After this move, Mike Awesome takes Shane Eden out with the Awesome Bomb for the pin fall victory. Spoiler: WINNER MIKE AWESOME ​

Unfortunately for Shane Eden, the massacre isn’t over. Mike Awesome has rolled out to the floor, walked over to the Time Keeper’s table and grabbed himself a steel chair. He rolls into the ring batter Shane Eden across the back repeatedly, bending the chair in the process.

Joey Styles: Get in there ref!

Don Callis: Do you really think Slick Johnson has a death wish?

Joey Styles: What in the hell has gotten into Mike Awesome?

Mike Awesome rolls out of the ring and begins a search under the ring. Awesome pulls out a table to the delight of the fans. The former “Fat Chick Thriller” sets up the table at ringside. Awesome rolls back in kicks Shane Eden in the stomach and hoist him up in the air in a Powerbomb position.

Joey Styles: Oh my God! No, Mike, c’mon! Stop this! Somebody stop this!

Don Callis: I really hope this guy’s got the number to a good chiropractor… or his girlfriend or wife has the city morgue on speed dial.

Mike Awesome charges towards the ropes and throws Shane Eden.


AWESOME BOMB THROUGH THE TABLE!!


The crowd is stunned. Mike Awesome snarls at his stares down at Shane Eden. Referees, WCW management, and paramedics come rushing in.

Joey Styles: If you didn’t know before, you know this fact now. Mike Awesome is one sadistic human being!

Don Callis: It’s a new day in WCW. And he’s put everyone on notice!!

A gurney has been wheeled down to ringside. The paramedics get Shane Eden on before placing him in a neck brace. Mike Awesome taunts the crowd before exiting.

​

We’re back in the casino. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are now sitting at the black jack table, laughing and having a grand old time.

Scott Hall: Kev, I’m feeling pretty lucky tonight.

Kevin Nash: You’ve got the Midas touch.

Scott Hall: In fact, I think I’m going to put this up.

Scott Hall hoist the Tag Team championship up in the air, grinning ear to ear. He places the championship down in the center of the table. Kevin Nash feigns shock.

Kevin Nash: I’ll see your Tag strap, and I’ll raise you the Buffett per diem!!

The Outsiders start chuckling- until they’re blindsided by Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire!!!

The four men begin trading punches. It’s Palumbo trading shots with Nash. While O’Haire is getting the better of Hall until The Bad Guy gives a thumb to the eye. Hall snatches a drink tray from the waitress. The drinks go flying through the air. Scott Hall smashes Sean O’Haire across the head with the tray!

Scott Hall goes to aid Kevin Nash. The duo begin to double team Chuck Palumbo, throwing him into a nearby black jack table. The Outsiders take turns giving Palumbo punches. Palumbo manages to block a shot by Hall before hitting him with an uppercut.

Sean O’Haire is back into the fray. They pair off again and disperse in separate parts of the casino.

At one point, Scott Hall finds himself getting launched over the bar counter by Palumbo and O’Haire.

Kevin Nash even Jack Knife’s Sean O’Haire into a Poker table.

Chuck Palumbo gets hit with a Baccarat pallet by Kevin Nash- it breaks in half.

Scott Hall is launched into a slot machine by Sean O’Haire. Coins begin to pour out on to The (former) Bad Guy.

Finally, Casino security and police officers step in, separating the four men. In the course of the chaos, The Outsiders manage to get ahold of the Tag Team titles and flee.

Sean O’Haire: This isn’t over! You hear me?! We’re coming for you.

Chuck Palumbo: Where ever you two go, we’re going to be right there!

The four men taunt want another as the police escort The Outsiders from the casino, keeping Palumbo and O’Haire inside. O’Haire paces around like a caged animal ready to bounce, swatting the hands of the guards away.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

​

Scott Hudson is standing beside The Steiner Brothers. “Big Papa Pump” Scott Steiner is using a resistance band, pumping up the already enormous biceps.

Scott Hudson: Scott. Rick. In just a few short minutes, the two of you are set to face World Heavyweight champ-

Scott Steiner: I don’t give a rat’s ass about Bill Goldberg! You beat Booker T last night? Big deal, I’ve beaten Booker T numerous times. We’ve got unfinished business with you! You should have stayed gone, Goldberg. Now, we’re going to make sure it stays that way. I’m gon- we’re going to beat your ass! You stupid bald headed sonovabitch!

Scott Steiner shoves Scott Hudson out of the way. The scene cuts to the announce booth where Joey Styles and Don Callis are standing by.

Joey Styles: Well, no one ever accused Scott Steiner of being eloquent. Also, ladies and gentlemen, per WCW officials, we will not be having the interview with Booker T tonight. The United States champion arrived not too long after the start of the show, he refused to conduct the interview with Scott Hudson. We will, however, hear from Wednesday on TBS for our broadcast of Thunder.

Don Callis: If you ask me, Joey Styles, I think Booker T is being a sore loser. He lost the World title. Big deal. You’re still the US champ! Is that good enough?! What a baby.

Joey Styles: Booker T is one of the most decorated champions in World Championship Wreslting, Don! Last night, was a heart breaker for sure. After all, he successfully defended the United States championship in the opening of Big Bang. He tweaks his leg in the bout, but refuses to back out of the scheduled Main Event. Where he was facing a mystery opponent. He showed no fear. If his leg didn’t give out leap frogging Goldberg, and not gotten caught with The Spear, Booker T very well could be here tonight as the WCW World Heavyweight champion. Booker is going through all types of emotions I would imagine.

Don Callis: Well, hopefully Stevie Ray can pull him out of the papoose and he can explain himself Wednesday night.

The Steiners (Rick & Scott Steiner) vs Goldberg Despite the two on one advantage, Goldberg dominates the brother Steiners in the early going. Goldberg drops both Steiners with an O-Goshi and See Nate (Shoulder Throw) throws, displaying the MMA background of Da Man. In an impressive fashion, Goldberg manages to perform Military Press Slams on both Scott and Rick. Goldberg nearly traps Rick with an Arm Triangle (Kata Gatame), but Scott Steiner intervenes. Nick Patrick attempts to restore order as tags are supposed to be the only way to be in the ring, but the unhinged Scott Steiner ignores Patrick’s admonishment. Big Papa Pump begin to unload on Goldberg with a series of stomps before hitting him with quick Bret Hart style elbows. Scott Steiner gives his brother a moment’s reprieve, allowing him to get into the driver seat of the action, but Goldberg ducks under a Steiner Line attempt with a sickening Spinning Back Side Kick! Several more times the brothers use the numbers to gain the advantage, but somehow Goldberg manages to swing the pendulum of momentum back into his favor, being the near unstoppable force he is. However, Rick Steiner pulls the top rope down as Goldberg attempts to shoot into, sending him spilling to the outside and hitting the floor with authority. The Steiners take turns performing Suplex variations- from Belly to Belly to Half Hatch Suplexes. Rick and Scott make quick tags to keep the fresher man in. Something they do especially after Goldberg manages to mount some sort of offense before getting shut down. In a blast from the past, Rick Steiner has Goldberg propped up on his shoulders as Scott Steiner stands on the top rope before coming off with A DDT!! The Steiner DDT!! ONE!!! TWO!!! GOLDBERG KICKS OUT!!! The crowd erupts with excitement. Both Scott and Rick share a look of disbelief. The Big Bad Booty Daddy decides to argue with Nick Patrick’s cadence for the count, but Nick Patrick is playing by the rules. Rick Steiner attempts The Key Lock submission, but Goldberg manages to block it. A frustrated Scott Steiner begins to stomp away at Goldberg. Scott Steiner connects with The Pump Handle Drop before hitting a bicep pose followed by an elbow drop. Hooks the leg for the lateral press but only gets a count of two! In a shocking move, Scott Steiner looks like he’s setting up for Steiner ScrewDriver, but Goldberg wiggles for and— SUPERKICK BY GOLDBERG!! Rick Seiner comes in, looking to take out Goldberg when SPEAR The crowd explodes with cheers. Goldberg poses to audience both in the arena and at home, letting out a feral scream with a craze look in his eyes. Everyone knows what’s coming next. He picks up Rick Steiner into the air. DROPS HIM WITH THE JACKHAMMER Goldberg hooks the leg for the pin. ONE!!! TWO!!! THREE!!! Spoiler: WINNER GOLDBERG ​

The audience celebrates Goldberg’s victory.

Joey Styles: He got ‘em!!

Don Callis: Well, the plan by The Steiners to take out DDP to be able to pick the bones of Goldberg didn’t work!

Before Goldberg can celebrate the victory, Scott Steiner hits him in the back with a lead pipe!!!

Joey Styles: Oh my God! He hit hi with a pipe! Scott Steiner is a deplorable.

Don Callis: He’s just readjusting Goldberg’s back. What a guy.

Goldberg drops to canvas. Big Papa Pump repeatedly hits him in the back with the pipe. Scott checks on the Dog Face Gremlin momentarily before the duo put the boots to the WCW World Heavyweight champion. Nick Patrick is attempting to break it, calling for the bell several times to no avail.

Joey Styles: C’mon, stop this! Haven’t you done enough?!

Don Callis: Are you going to go in there and ask him that, Joey Styles? It’s Big Papa Pump’s world and we’re just living in it!

Scott Steiner applies The Steiner Recliner. Goldberg tries to fight out of the hold, but can’t escape. Slowly, The WCW Heavyweight champion begins to fade. Finally, after several seconds of being trapped in The Steiner Recliner, Goldberg passes out.

Don Callis: Goldberg may have won the battle, but I think Scott Steiner has won the war.

Joey Styles: The World Heavyweight champion is out cold! Rick and Scott Steiner have done a number on Goldberg! Folks, we’re out of time. We’ll see you on Thunder!!

Nitro comes to a close with The Steiner Brothers standing over the prone body of Goldberg.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WRESLTING 2001 (C)​

 

[Dubble J]

Big Bang:

This is a pretty hard show to execute because it's basically a PPV with zero build since WCW had nothing to work with in terms of weekly programming and we weren't quite into the era where social media alone could build up such a one off PPV (ie All In). So as a result, the show is just a bunch of mostly random matches but that's through no real fault of your own.

Kicking off with two of the bigger names left in WCW is smart with DDP and Booker, though I'd probably prefer DDP to be competing in the World title scene and a younger name getting the shot at the US title, but again I like the idea of these two opening the show. Booker T definitely has to be front in center of any WCW reboot and I like DDP giving him the respect post match.

Cruiser ladder match next is another good choice as it'd no doubt be a fun spotfest the crowd would eat up. The addition of Super Crazy to the WCW Cruiserweight scene will be fun and I think he's a good choice of a winner. I appreciate any restraint in a rapid push of AJ Styles who at this point was a step above enhancement talent (since Air Raid did get a decent showing in the cruiser titles tournament).

I'm all for Palumbo & O'Haire being the tag champs and a big win over the Steiners though Scott is coming off being a relatively dominant world champion so seeing him be the one to take the pinfall is surprising. Outsiders returning could be fun.

James Maritato doesn't do much for me but I mark for Lance Storm so glad he at least went over here. Big things for him I hope in this BTB!

Also glad to see Shane Douglas coming back in.

Minor notice that the "vs." is left out in the Filthy Animals six man tag, I wouldn't complain if you abandon the Cruiserweight Tag Titles...not sure its sustainable and would prefer the Animals being in the mix for the World Tag Titles myself.

And as for the Main Event... I can't say I'm too thrilled about it, tbh. As I mentioned earlier, I feel like Booker T should be positioned as "the franchise" of the new WCW so I really am not a fan of Goldberg coming and plowing over him. I know he had the injury he was selling, and yeah if you're going to use Goldberg, having him be a wrecking machine is the best way to do it - I just hate that it was Booker that had to be the one to get wrecked here.

Overall, given the restraints you had to work with, it was a fun little show but I look forward to seeing you be able to build some programs through the weekly shows.

And with that, I'll move on to Nitro:

Cruiserweight action to start the show makes sense. I'll go back to what I said before and hope you don't Jesus push AJ in this and let it be a more slow, realistic build but at the same time, Jamie Knoble is pretty low on the totem pole as well so I'm fine with the win here.

Liked the little tease in the Jindrak/Stasiak match with Stacy, wonder if that'll be something to keep an eye on.

I'm down for a Shane Douglas/DDP feud if that's where this is going!

Nice write up for Helms and Candido that put both guys over well I think but Helms was obviously winning here but he looks strong by getting that slightly elevated match write up.

Huzzah for the impending arrival of RVD!

Loved how you put over Awesome as a monster. That's the way he should be booked!

Again I find myself struggling with the main event's booking. While I appreciate the post match beatdown they gave Goldberg afterwards, I'm not sure as a fan I'm going to care too much about a potential Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg match (if that's what this is building to) if Goldberg was able to beat them both in a handicap match cleanly. At least Rick took the fall but two shows back to back as painted the former champ Big Poppa Pump in a pretty bad light. Maybe if Rick had taken the fall at Big Bang and then maybe Scott abandons him during the Handicap match to allow Goldberg to finish him off, Scott then attacks Goldberg after the match. BPP doesn't really need to be associating himself with Rick at this point, he's way above him in the hierarchy.

Obviously it's still super early and there's a story you're probably going for - but it's not the greatest of starts to the new WCW for the two guys who carried WCW in it's later days, Booker and Big Poppa Pump, lol.

Hopefully I'm not sounding too critical because I am liking what I'm reading and am excited to read more. The world title scene is what I'm lowest on while everything else shows a lot of promise moving forward that I can't wait to see develop.

 

[Gambit]

Big Bang:

This is a pretty hard show to execute because it's basically a PPV with zero build since WCW had nothing to work with in terms of weekly programming and we weren't quite into the era where social media alone could build up such a one off PPV (ie All In). So as a result, the show is just a bunch of mostly random matches but that's through no real fault of your own.

Kicking off with two of the bigger names left in WCW is smart with DDP and Booker, though I'd probably prefer DDP to be competing in the World title scene and a younger name getting the shot at the US title, but again I like the idea of these two opening the show. Booker T definitely has to be front in center of any WCW reboot and I like DDP giving him the respect post match.

Cruiser ladder match next is another good choice as it'd no doubt be a fun spotfest the crowd would eat up. The addition of Super Crazy to the WCW Cruiserweight scene will be fun and I think he's a good choice of a winner. I appreciate any restraint in a rapid push of AJ Styles who at this point was a step above enhancement talent (since Air Raid did get a decent showing in the cruiser titles tournament).

I'm all for Palumbo & O'Haire being the tag champs and a big win over the Steiners though Scott is coming off being a relatively dominant world champion so seeing him be the one to take the pinfall is surprising. Outsiders returning could be fun.

James Maritato doesn't do much for me but I mark for Lance Storm so glad he at least went over here. Big things for him I hope in this BTB!

Also glad to see Shane Douglas coming back in.

Minor notice that the "vs." is left out in the Filthy Animals six man tag, I wouldn't complain if you abandon the Cruiserweight Tag Titles...not sure its sustainable and would prefer the Animals being in the mix for the World Tag Titles myself.

And as for the Main Event... I can't say I'm too thrilled about it, tbh. As I mentioned earlier, I feel like Booker T should be positioned as "the franchise" of the new WCW so I really am not a fan of Goldberg coming and plowing over him. I know he had the injury he was selling, and yeah if you're going to use Goldberg, having him be a wrecking machine is the best way to do it - I just hate that it was Booker that had to be the one to get wrecked here.

Overall, given the restraints you had to work with, it was a fun little show but I look forward to seeing you be able to build some programs through the weekly shows.

And with that, I'll move on to Nitro:

Cruiserweight action to start the show makes sense. I'll go back to what I said before and hope you don't Jesus push AJ in this and let it be a more slow, realistic build but at the same time, Jamie Knoble is pretty low on the totem pole as well so I'm fine with the win here.

Liked the little tease in the Jindrak/Stasiak match with Stacy, wonder if that'll be something to keep an eye on.

I'm down for a Shane Douglas/DDP feud if that's where this is going!

Nice write up for Helms and Candido that put both guys over well I think but Helms was obviously winning here but he looks strong by getting that slightly elevated match write up.

Huzzah for the impending arrival of RVD!

Loved how you put over Awesome as a monster. That's the way he should be booked!

Again I find myself struggling with the main event's booking. While I appreciate the post match beatdown they gave Goldberg afterwards, I'm not sure as a fan I'm going to care too much about a potential Scott Steiner vs. Goldberg match (if that's what this is building to) if Goldberg was able to beat them both in a handicap match cleanly. At least Rick took the fall but two shows back to back as painted the former champ Big Poppa Pump in a pretty bad light. Maybe if Rick had taken the fall at Big Bang and then maybe Scott abandons him during the Handicap match to allow Goldberg to finish him off, Scott then attacks Goldberg after the match. BPP doesn't really need to be associating himself with Rick at this point, he's way above him in the hierarchy.

Obviously it's still super early and there's a story you're probably going for - but it's not the greatest of starts to the new WCW for the two guys who carried WCW in it's later days, Booker and Big Poppa Pump, lol.

Hopefully I'm not sounding too critical because I am liking what I'm reading and am excited to read more. The world title scene is what I'm lowest on while everything else shows a lot of promise moving forward that I can't wait to see develop.

I wrote the wrong Steiner taking the fall for Big Bang…. Whoops! But thank you I appreciate all your feedback. Admittedly, the ending of Big Bang went as Eric Bischoff stated he would have ended it had it gone the way he liked. A fun story is ready to unfold. I also enjoy the idea of there being changes like younger talent getting a focus and just a tiny bit of that old WCW where a Goldberg is on top to make it believable and something to build off of instead of instant everything’s changed.

No harsh feedback at all. Like you said this is the beginning of the WCW story. And I hope with how things unfurl you’ll enjoy the ride.

 

[Gambit]

*Fixed some errors in the Big Bang for visual and storytelling purposes Thanks Dubb. haha

 

[Stojy]

I actually don't mind ending for The Big Bang and kicking off the new WCW with The Berg as champ. Their biggest star ever, might as well utilize him to draw people back in. At least the leg injury and having already competed gives Booker something to work with moving forward, however if Booker does just fall into the mid card now given that he's the US Champ, I probably wouldn't be the hugest fan of that. He should be pushing for your number two face spot in my opinion.

I like most of what you're doing in here so far. The Nash/Hall stuff is fun, especially if it leads to them eventually putting over Palumbo and Sean O'Haire. Douglas/DDP could be fun, looks like you're using the Cruiserweight division the way it should be used as well. Van Dam coming in right off the bat should further strengthen your mid card, and I'm excited for the possibilities with Mike Awesome.

A real small thing, but it's 'Big Poppa Pump', not Papa. That just really bothered me when reading lol. Also as a whole, not the biggest fan of Thunder being right back in play in terms of realism, and giving WCW a fighting change. And with the aftermath of the main event of Nitro, as Dubb referred to, you've definitely made yourself quite a challenge in terms of making Scotty Steiner look like he can compete with The Berg now.

Liking a lot of this though and definitely looking forward to more. Graphics are fire too so kudos to whoever did those.

 

[Gambit]

NEWS

Buff Bagwell lasted less than a month since arriving to the World Wrestling Federation. Bagwell had already been on thin ice for Judy Bagwell, Buff’s mother, calling to inform Jim Ross, the head of talent relations, that her son would not be able to make several house shows over the weekend. An incident with Tommy Dreamer at a training session for ECW talent to get adjusted to the WWE ring- which is 20x20 as opposed to 18x18 with ropes instead of cable. Rumors say a water bottle being thrown sliced Bagwell’s forehead in the incident.

Shane Douglas has found himself in a legal battle with The World Wrestling Federation over the trademark of the “Triple Threat” name. WWF legal counsel Jerry McDevitt contends the name was purchased along with other assets from ECW- which McMahon bought from bankruptcy. However, Shane Douglas contends he owned the trademark after purchasing it from Heyman when rumors began swirling that Extreme Championship Wrestling could be folding, four months before any official purchase by the WWF.

Eric Bischoff is speculated to be meeting with New Japan Pro Wrestling with the hopes of continuing the partnership they’ve shared since the early 90s. The booking of Jushin Liger and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship at the hands of Vince Russo caused the relationship to be strained in WCW. However, with Russo no longer employed in the promotion as well as new management, it seems likely we may see the likes of Muta, Liger, and Masahiro Chono on WCW programming in the near future.

Norman Smiley and Fit Finlay have been hired on as agents for WCW as well as trainers. Eric Bischoff hopes to fine tune talents like Sean O’Haire (Bischoff has a vested interest in), Mark Jindrak, AJ Styles and Chuck Palumbo. They’ve also been aiding in developmental talents James Storm, Chris Harris, and Christopher Daniels. ]They all have made sporadic appearances as enhancement talent on Saturday Night and Worldwide. Daniels famously suffered an injury in a dark match against Mike Modest that sidelined him for a bit. These three were the only ones on a developmental deal who survived the transition from Turner. Before Smiley and Finlay’s hiring, Bischoff had them float around the independence and trusted training programs.

While nothing official, this could be the marking of a new iteration of The Power Plant. Although most of this training occurs on days in between the tapings of Thunder and Nitro, which are happening every two weeks at the time of this writing.

Although Bischoff had reservations of having two lives airings followed by tapings of Nitro and Thunder in the following days, The Fusient Media partners want to cut down cost for the time being.

Also changing is WCW Pay Per View content. Instead of having a pay-per-view once a month, they will now hold five a year. In the months where there isn’t a pay per view, they hope to have specials. Possibly bringing back the “Clash of The Champions” branding in order to do so. There is on going negations with FX, but these are in the early stages. No dates or time slots have been discussed.

The pay per view schedule is as follows.

​

SuperBrawl - February
The Great American Bash - June
Bash at the Beach - August
Halloween Havoc - October
Starrcade - December

 

[Roy Mustang]

NEWS

Buff Bagwell lasted less than a month since arriving to the World Wrestling Federation. Bagwell had already been on thin ice for Judy Bagwell, Buff’s mother, calling to inform Jim Ross, the head of talent relations, that her son would not be able to make several house shows over the weekend. An incident with Tommy Dreamer at a training session for ECW talent to get adjusted to the WWE ring- which is 20x20 as opposed to 18x18 with ropes instead of cable. Rumors say a water bottle being thrown sliced Bagwell’s forehead in the incident.

Shane Douglas has found himself in a legal battle with The World Wrestling Federation over the trademark of the “Triple Threat” name. WWF legal counsel Jerry McDevitt contends the name was purchased along with other assets from ECW- which McMahon bought from bankruptcy. However, Shane Douglas contends he owned the trademark after purchasing it from Heyman when rumors began swirling that Extreme Championship Wrestling could be folding, four months before any official purchase by the WWF.

Eric Bischoff is speculated to be meeting with New Japan Pro Wrestling with the hopes of continuing the partnership they’ve shared since the early 90s. The booking of Jushin Liger and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship at the hands of Vince Russo caused the relationship to be strained in WCW. However, with Russo no longer employed in the promotion as well as new management, it seems likely we may see the likes of Muta, Liger, and Masahiro Chono on WCW programming in the near future.

Norman Smiley and Fit Finlay have been hired on as agents for WCW as well as trainers. Eric Bischoff hopes to fine tune talents like Sean O’Haire (Bischoff has a vested interest in), Mark Jindrak, AJ Styles and Chuck Palumbo. They’ve also been aiding in developmental talents James Storm, Chris Harris, and Christopher Daniels. They all have made sporadic appearances as enhancement talent on Saturday Night and Worldwide. Daniels famously suffered an injury in a dark match against Mike Modest that sidelined him for a bit. These three were the only ones on a developmental deal who survived the transition from Turner. Before Smiley and Finlay’s hiring, Bischoff had them float around the independence and trusted training programs.

While nothing official, this could be the marking of a new iteration of The Power Plant. Although most of this training occurs on days in between the tapings of Thunder and Nitro, which are happening every two weeks at the time of this writing.

Although Bischoff had reservations of having two lives airings followed by tapings of Nitro and Thunder in the following days, The Fusient Media partners want to cut down cost for the time being.

Also changing is WCW Pay Per View content. Instead of having a pay-per-view once a month, they will now hold five a year. In the months where there isn’t a pay per view, they hope to have specials. Possibly bringing back the “Clash of The Champions” branding in order to do so. There is on going negations with FX, but these are in the early stages. No dates or time slots have been discussed.

The pay per view schedule is as follows.

​

SuperBrawl - February
The Great American Bash - June
Bash at the Beach - August
Halloween Havoc - October
Starrcade - December

Nice news update and not shocked Buff got himself in trouble. I like the idea of seeing some of the early TNA guys jumping in here. Only feedback is the white text was a tad hard to read on the grey background. Was fine when I highlighted it tho

 

[Gambit]

Oh dang. My bad. I have the board set to the dark mode and it automatically seems to make the font white.

 

[Chris]

Oh dang. My bad. I have the board set to the dark mode and it automatically seems to make the font white.

If you remove the formatting from that text it should be white on the dark font and black on the light font

 

[Chris]

White black no color

Try this test in different skins to make sure I'm not wrong lol

 

[Gambit]

Mucho gracias. I’ll have to fix it. This time around it’s probably cause I goofily hit the white color hex in the tab when making the post on my phone instead of just highlighting the parts I wanted red after making the post.

 

[Stojy]

I like a lot of the news here. Smiley and Finlay are good to have as trainers, but lets get Finlay in the ring at some point please. Good move to have the PPV schedule reduced also. A shame Russo isn't still around to book the inevitable Bagwell and Dreamer water bottle on a pole match.

 

[White Rhyno]

Congrats on BOTM, man. Catching up now and its very well deserved.

Your layout is very easy to read and enjoy.


* I really enjoy your character work with the Outsiders. Both guys sound like they did and real life. Pairing them with O'Haire and Palumbo will give two workers in the beginning of the career the rub they could really use at the beginning of their careers.

* Giving Booker an out with the leg injury helps keep him strong AND lets WCW's most popular mainstream star be the champion. It was the smart choice and lets you build up to a rematch.

* Having Shane Douglas attack Page is interesting. I've seen very few writers capture the greatness of a heel Shane Helms from ECW. I never saw it in WCW, in real life. Maybe you can bring the old Franchise to life.

* The Steiners and a lead pipe in the ring... it ended like a game of clue almost. Steiner vs. Goldberg could be a good tent pole match-up to build to another PPV.

All in all, good work, Gambit.

 

[Gambit]

LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
THE JUKE JOINT ARENA
HARD ROCK

The first THUNDER for the relaunch of World Championship Wrestling.


IN ACTION

WCW World Tag Team Champions CHUCK PALUMBO & SEAN O'HAIRE collide with the JUNG DRAGONS

YOSHIHIRO TAJIRI DEBUTS against CHAVO GUERRERO JR


THE FILTHY ANIMALS take on BAM BAM BIGELOW & 3 COUNT

ALSO!!!

SHANE DOUGLAS answers why he attacked Diamond Dallas Page

SCOTT HUDSON'S SIT DOWN INTERVIEW WITH WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPION BOOKER T

THE STEINER BROTHERS

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!




(A long unintended absence but I'm back (jury's still out if I'm better than ever). Hope those who enjoyed the first two shows come back and for anyone new- welcome!​