WCW BIG BANG
May 6 2001
Las Vegas, Nevada
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!! WINNER: BOOKER T
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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. WINNER: SUPER CRAZY
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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. WINNERS: CHUCK PALUMBO & SEAN O’HAIRE
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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. WINNER: LANCE STORM
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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. WINNERS: FILTHY ANIMALS.
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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!!! WINNER & NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: GOLDBERG
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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.
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