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Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs Yoshihiro Tajiri The former Cruiserweight champion and member of the esteemed Guerrero family, Chavo Guerrero, looks to get back on track with a win in the opening contest of Thunder, facing off against new comer Yoshihiro Tajiri, who is coming off of a tremendous run in Extreme Championship Wrestling. The commentary team, joined by “The Professor” Mike Tenay, allude to this by saying he cut his teeth on the American scene in “barbwire city”. As the two engage in a collar and elbow tie up, Chavo Guerrero makes the first move, trapping Tajiri in an arm wringer, but the Tokyo native counters with an arm wringer of his own before snap marring Chavo Guerrero Jr to the mat for a flash pin, but doesn’t even get a one count. Any time Guerrero manages to get the upper hand, Yoshihiro Tajiri quickly counters, frustrating the former Lt. Loco. Instead of chain wrestling, Chavo switches tactics, kneeing Tajiri in the stomach before Irish whipping him into the ropes. Tajiri bounces off the ropes. Chavo Guerrero swings his arm out for a clothesline, but Tajiri ducks underneath Chavo’s arm, stops on a dime and— THWACK!! Chavo Guerrero Jr’s head rocks back, seemingly in a daze as he gazes up towards the ceiling from a pin point side kick to the chin. Tajiri takes off towards the ropes, performing a handspring into them, using the momentum of the ropes Tajiri back handsprings towards Guerrero with a Flying Elbow. The Japanese Buzzsaw waste no time going for the cover, but only gets a count of one. Chavo Jr crab walks to the ropes, using them to aid himself getting up. As he turns around, Tajiri’s right leg is coming at his head with a round kick, but Chavo narrowly avoids it and shoves Tajiri into the ropes. Yoshihiro Tajiri’s chest hits the ropes and he ricochets off as Chavo Guerrero drives an elbow into Tajiri’s back. Chavo Guerrero spins him around and sets up for a Powerbomb, but Tajiri reverses it into a Flip Over DDT!! Chavo Guerrero Jr’s head is spiked into the mat. Another cover from Tajiri yields a count of two this time. Tajiri further displays his martial arts expertise mixed with some dazzling Lucha Libre. After every highlight reel maneuver Tajiri performs, it seems he’s getting closer and closer to victory. However, Chavo Guerrero Jr, keeping up with the Guerrero family tradition of lying, cheating, and stealing (I know this phrased was coined in WWE, but WCW did allude to this same thing when Eddie was there), drops to his knees pleading with Tajiri for mercy before he grabs a handful of The Japanese Buzzsaw’s tights and flings him through the middle rope out to the floor. A loud thud echoes through the arena as Tajiri collides with the mat on the floor. Chavo Guerrero Jr is admonished by referee Charles Robinson before Chavo Jr rolls to the outside and throws Tajiri face first into the corner post, following up with an Irish Whip into the guard rail. For the next several minutes of the match up, Chavo Guerrero Jr is in the driver seat, showing everyone why he was recently the champion of the Cruiserweight division. Chavo Jr body slams Tajiri into the mat with authority before climbing out on to the apron and leaps over the top rope for a somersault senton, a trademark maneuver of his uncle Eddy Guerrero. Chavo only gets a count of two for his efforts. The grappler formerly known as Lt. Loco proceeds to use his size against Tajiri, firing off a series of European Uppercuts that rock the Japanese Buzzsaw. However, Yoshihiro valiantly fights back with a punch combination followed by two roundhouse kicks to the chest. A round kick to the head drops Chavo Guerrero to his knees. Tajiri proceeds to size him up before swinging a Side kick to the face, but Chavo Guerrero evades it and goes for a roll up pin. He only gets a count of two. Chavo goes to work on the leg of Tajiri, performing a Aregentine Leg Lock. Tajiri refuses to submit to the hold. Chavo even breaks out the Loco Lock which is his rendition of a Cross-legged inverted STF. Still, Tajiri shakes his head “no”, letting Charles Robinson know he still refuses to submit. Eventually, Tajiri manages to escape the hold and attempts a front dropkick to a kneeling Chavo Jr, but the former Cruiserweight champion catches Tajiri’s legs and rolls into a single legged Boston Crab, pulling back as much as possible to place a lot of torque on Tajiri’s knee. A few more minutes of punishment from Chavo Jr before he sets up for the Gory Bomb, but Tajiri rallies back hits the Buzzsaw Kick, stunning Chavo Jr for the Buzzsaw Brainbuster for the pin fall victory. WINNER: YOSHIHIRO TAJIRI |
Jerry Lynn vs Mark Jindrak The thirteen year veteran Jerry Lynn certainly isn’t going to win a test of strength against the younger 6’6 253lbs Mark Jindrak, so Lynn implements a more grappling base approach while trying to keep out of Mark Jindrak’s grasp. The former Mr. JL certainly frustrates the two year pro, who argues with the referee that Jerry Lynn could be using illegal tactics to gain an advantage over him. Stacey Keibler walks out at the top of the ramp to watch this bout with great interest. Eventually, Mark Jindrak takes notice of Stacey’s presence, briefly flashing a smirk before focusing back in on Jerry Lynn. For a man his size, Mark Jindrak is very agile, hitting a Springboard Asai Moonsault after being whipped into the ropes by Jerry Lynn. In a bit of innovation, Jindrak hoist Lynn into the air in a Powerbomb position before launching Jerry Lynn over his head and dropping him chest first into the top rope, knocking the wind out of Lynn. Jerry Lynn doesn’t have time to catch his breath as he gets turned inside out by a devastating Lariat by Jindrak. This sequence only gets a count of two, but Stacey Keibler likes what she sees, applauding Jindrak. Stacey makes her way down towards ringside, flashing a smile at Jindrak, who appears a bit smitten. He poses to Keibler’s delight. This distraction allows the grappler formerly known as Mr. JL to regroup and mount some offense on the young Jindrak. Jerry Lynn begins using his quickness against Mark Jindrak to maintain an offensive advantage and keeping the inexperienced Jindrak off balance and frustrated. Keibler slams her fist against the canvas to rally behind Jindrak. At this point Shawn Stasiak has marched down to the ring, arguing with his valet/love interest. The two begin to argue with Stacey pleading her innocence in this situation. Mark Jindrak wipes out Jerry Lynn with a superkick. Instead of going for the cover, Jindrak rolls to the outside putting himself in between Stacey and Shawn Stasiak with the two arguing and getting into a shoving match. Jerry Lynn planchas over the top rope, wiping out Stasiak and Jindrak. An unintended collateral damage in this maneuver is Stacey. Nick Patrick, the referee for this bout, goes to check on Keibler, throwing up an “x” symbol for the ringside doctor. Jerry Lynn pays no attention as he rolls Jindrak back into the ring. An angry Shawn Stasiak gets up and slides into the ring, clubbing Lynn in the back of the head. Jerry Lynn doubles over with Stasiak hoisting him up in the air for his iteration of the Death Valley Driver he refers to as “The Perfect Plan”. Lynn is on the ground unconscious with Shawn Stasiak giving him a few choice words. Mark Jindrak launches Stasiak over the top rope and hurries up to cover Jerry Lynn. At this point, the ringside doctor is by Stacey’s side and Nick Patrick slides into the ring to count the pin. MARK JINDRAK |
Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire vs Jung Dragons (Jimmy Yang & Kaz Hayashi) It’s the first since WCW’s return the Jung Dragons are in action. They look ready to go, but unfortunately for Kaz Hayashi and Jimmy Yang, they are competing against the very angry WCW Tag Team Champions of the World, who have had their championship titles stolen by The Outsiders. It’s noted on commentary due to the brawl The Outsiders and The Champions had on Nitro in the Casino that WCW officials have ruled the two teams will not be allowed to touch one another until Palumbo’s punches noticeably seem stiffer, but Sean O’Haire throws punches and kicks that could be near knock out blows. O’Haire even risks losing the bout by not breaking before the count of five. Despite being angry as well, Chuck Palumbo has to step into the ring to join the referee in reasoning with a very disgruntled O’Haire, displaying a near psychotic gaze. Sean O’Haire pushes through the Charles Robinson and Chuck Palumbo and biel throws Kaz Hayashi twice. Jimmy Yang attempts to save his partner, but he gets a superkick to the face, stunning Yang before he’s launched over the top rope, crashing into Kaz Hayashi!! At this point, Palumbo convinces O’Haire to tag out. While Palumbo goes to work on Hayashi, a thumb to the eye changes the momentum. The Jung Dragons proceed to make quick tags with high octane offense in hopes of putting Palumbo away, but to no avail. The offensive onslaught of Jung Dragon is short lived as Palumbo manages to hit a leaping European Uppercut to Yang, driving both men to canvas before Palumbo tags in O’Haire. Sean O’Haire leaps into the ring hitting a series of kneeling Clotheslines to Yang and Hayashi followed by a pair of spin wheel kicks, finishing off with a two back suplex side slams. O’Haire goes for the cover on Hayashi, but Jimmy Yang breaks it up. Chuck Palumbo is back in and Jungle Kicks Yang, sending him flying through the second rope out on to the floor. During this sequence, Kaz Hayashi rolled out on to the apron. He springboards off the ropes, looking to catch Palumbo by surprise but he eats a Jungle Kick to the face. Sean O’Haire waste no time coming off the top rope with a Seanton Bomb for the victory. WINNERS: CHUCK PALUMBO & SEAN O’HAIRE |
3 Count (Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore) & Bam Bam Bigelow vs Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman, Konnan, & Rey Mysterio Jr) Unlike Bam Bam’s last encounter with The Filthy Animals, his partners for tonight are more cohesive. The trio use the quickness of Karagias and Moore to counter act that of Kidman and Mysterio while using the advantage of Bigelow’s size and strength. Bigelow and 3 Count attempt to isolate Konnan, who has a history of injuries as of late. Bam Bam Bigelow performs a Samoan Drop which is followed up by a moonsault from Evan Karagias which is followed up by a 450 Splash from Shannon Moore for a near fall. K-Dawg, using the height and weight disparity between himself and Moore, manages to get on the offensive, tagging in Billy Kidman before Irish Whipping him into the ropes and as he bounces back to the center of the ring, Billy Kidman connects with the jaw of Shannon Moore with a Dropkick. The Filthy Animals begin to find their rhythm, making quick tags and using double teams and triple team maneuvers to cut off the ring and maintain control of the match. Meanwhile, The Beast of The East paces back and forth on the apron, barking words of “encouragement” to Moore. Evan Karagias stands up for his partner to Bam Bam, but Bigelow is none too happy with Karagias’ retort. Shannon Moore is only able to tag out to 3 Count partner Karagias after Bam Bam performs the Body Avalanche to Kidman after illegally entering the ring. From this point on, 3 Count and Bam Bam Bigelow put the Filthy Animals’ Billy Kidman on the defensive. 3 Count make quick tags in and out with Bigelow quarterbacking the team, calling out moves and strategies. At any point it seems Kidman is managing to turn the tide, Bam Bam Bigelow steps in to shut him down. The Beast From The East occasionally cast a side eye at 3 Count or shouts disparaging words at both of them, refusing to lose a second time to The Filthy Animals in six man tag action. Kidman finds himself trapped in his opponent’s corner with Evan Karagias hip gyrating to the dismay of the audience and Bam Bam before charing into the corner Kidman gets the boot up. Evan Karagias stumbles back as “The Kid” delivers shots to both Bam Bam and Shannon Moore, knocking them both off of the apron. Kidman hops up to the second rope, leaping off for a Flying Back Elbow. Both men are down. Bam Bam and Shannon Moore pop back up on the apron, holding out their hands for a tag. Meanwhile, Konnan and Rey Mysterio Jr are firing up the crowd, waving their arms high into the air and stomping their feet as they hold out for the tag. Kidman tags in Mysterio. Evan Karagias tags in Shannon Moore. Rey Mysterio Jr comes in like a house of fire, ducking a clothesline attempt by Moore hitting a front drop kick. Bam Bam Bigelow enters the ring and gets hit with a Spinning Heel Kick that sends him stumbling back into the ropes dazed. Mysterio launches himself towards Bigelow, sending him flipping over the top rope with a Crossbody. However, Mysterio manages to hang on to the top rope, landing on the apron. Shannon Moore gets on his feet with Rey Mysterio spring boarding off the top rope with a Hurricanrana into a cover. ONE!!!! TWO!!! THREE!!! WINNERS: FILTHY ANIMALS |
AJ Styles vs Blitzkrieg Blitzkrieg, who has been retired from the sport for a bit of time, returns to World Championship Wrestling looking to gain some momentum by defeating the young hopeful AJ Styles, who is gaining some momentum since being in the Cruiserweight Ladder Match. Despite being out of competition for a bit of time, Blitzkrieg seems as if he hasn’t missed a bit in the ring, frustrating the young Styles, who can’t seem to find his rhythm offensively as Blitzkrieg seems to be slightly faster than AJ Styles. The former Air Styles is becoming seemingly frustrated by the events transpiring. The momentum swings into Styles’ favor after he ducks a clothesline and delivers a sick Pele Kick. AJ Styles, being the heavier of the two wrestlers, shows his deceptive strength, grounding the unsung phenomenon of Blitzkrieg. One impressive feat of strength in particular is AJ Styles is a Torture Rack turned into a Sitout Powerbomb for a near fall. Ultimately, a Spiral Tap picks up the victory for the up and coming AJ Styles. WINNER: AJ STYLES |
Chris Kanyon vs Mark Jindrak It’s a man with unmatched creativity in offense pitted against a man with raw athleticism. Jindrak has the height advantage, but Kanyon has the weight advantage by 17 pounds. Kanyon looks to ground Mark Jindrak in the early going, performing a modified Surfboard stretch where the arm is trapped behind Kanyon’s knee as he traps Jindrak’s legs between each other for added pressure. After Jindrak escapes and fights back, he’s cut off and finds himself locked into a reverse Boston Crab. Joey Styles and Jerry “The King” Lawler put over the unique offense Kanyon employs. They note the pure athleticism of Mark Jindark as well. While it does serve him well, he’s a former Tag Team champion with former fellow Natural Born Thriller member Sean O’Haire, however he’s still very young in his wrestling career. A fact Chris Kanyon takes full advantage of in order to be on the offensive a majority of the opening of this contest. However, Jindrak’s fortune changes once he, and the rapid fans, catch sight of Stacey Keibler, saunters down the aisle towards ringside. Stacey pounds her fist into the apron, rallying behind Mark Jindrak. The fans, mostly the men who admire Stacey, join in as well- much to Chris Kanyon’s chagrin. It’s at this moment Mark Jindrak hits a clothesline, sending Kanyon flipping inside out before smashing into the canvas with authority. The grappler formerly known as Champagne Kanyon crawls to the corner, trying to catch his breath. However, he doesn’t get a chance to catch his breath as Mark Jindrak drives his shoulder several times into Kanyon’s stomach. Jindrak takes a moment to pose for the audience, Stacey more importantly, who reacts with a sheepish smile. To show off a bit more, Mark Jindrak performs a delayed vertical suplex to show off his great strength. An impressive feat considering Kanyon is 6’4 270lbs. Once he completes the maneuver, Mark Jindrak kips up, posing for Stacey, who applauds. Stacey’s attention is taken off of the match when a disgruntled Shawn Stasiak storms down to ringside, arguing with Stacey after telling her stay in the back. Mark Jindrak hits Kanyon with an impressive Dropkick before, sliding outside of the ring to confront Shawn Stasiak. The two men exchange words with Stacey attempting to get in between them to diffuse the situation. Perfecshawn moves her out of the way. Mark Jindrak gives Stasiak a shove before rolling back into the ring. Meanwhile, Chris Kanyon has the referee’s attention, complaining about a possibly broken jaw as a result of the drop kick. Mark Jindrak slides back into the ring. Shawn Stasiak is right behind him, grabbing ahold of Jindrak and performs his iteration of the Death Valley Driver he calls “The Perfect Plant”. Stasiak rolls out of the ring. Stacey Keibler immediately berates him for his actions, but PerfecShawn blows her off and moves up the ramp. Chris Kanyon capitalizes on this moment and does a lateral press for the victory. WINNER: CHRIS KANYON |
Filthy Animals (Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio Jr) vs Jung Dragons (Jimmy Yang & Kaz Hayashi) The last Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions are off to a hot start against the Jung Dragons, getting the better of the duo in the early going, but Yang and Hayashi manage to bounce back and keep pace with the Animals. Billy Kidman displays a bit of mean streak as he’s in the ring with Kaz Hayashi, a side of him we haven’t from him before. It’s almost as if he’s a brawler of sorts, hitting Hayashi with a series of European Uppercuts. The Jung Dragons eventually use this intensity to their advantage to gain the upper hand, frustrating Kidman even more. Eventually, The Kid rolls to the outside, kicking the guard rail in frustration. As Kidman paces around ringside, Konnan attempts to calm his friend down and discuss strategy, but Kidman doesn’t seem to keen on listening, waving off K-Dawg as he rolls back into the ring. Rey Mysterio even insists on getting a tag, but Kidman opts to continue battling on Jimmy Yang, who entered the bout after a series of tandem maneuvers with Kaz Hayashi. The Jung Dragons are in the driver seat. In order to throw the Filthy Animals off of their game even more, they attempt to goad Mysterio into the ring several times. The Giant Killer bites when Yang slaps him across the face. As Mysterio is blocked by the official from entering the ring, Yang and Hayashi begin to strangle Billy Kidman and double team him. They eventually work Kennan’s nerves enough that he climbs on to the apron in protest, arguing with official about some of the missed calls he’s made which have allowed the Jung Dragons an illegal upper hand. While the referee’s back is turned, The Jung Dragons attempt another illegal double team, but Kidman manages to mount a bit of comeback, fending off Jimmy Yang and knocking him to the outside with a desperation dropkick. At this point, Hayashi kicks Kidman in the groin, goes for the cover ONE TWO BILLY KIDMAN KIKS OUT The Jung Dragons are stunned. Hayashi goes to whip Billy Kidman into the ropes, but is reversed by Kidman. Kaz Hayashi bounces off the ropes and ducks a clothesline attempt by Billy Kidman. As he ducks, he manages to grapple with ahold of Kidman’s wrist, spins around, and Irish Whips Billy Kidman into the ropes. Kidman bounces back, ducks a clothesline attempt of his own, comes off of the ropes and leaps into the air for a crossbody, but Kaz Hayashi has the same idea. KIDMAN AND HAYASHI COLLIDE!! DOUBLE CROSS BODY!! Both men are lying on the mat in agony. Kidman is the first to start, clutching his ribs as he crawls to the Filthy Animals’ corner with his left arm stretched out. Jimmy Yang urges his Jung Dragon partner to hurry up and make a tag himself. Somehow, Billy Kidman manages to leap through the air to make a desperate tag to Rey Mysterio Jr, fans cheering with excitement. At the same time, Kaz Hayashi makes the tag to Jimmy Yang, who leaps over the to rope hits the ground burst into a spring in hopes of cutting off Rey Mysterio Jr. Mysterio practically decapitates Yang with a Spinning Heel Kick! Kaz Hayashi sprints towards Mysterio and gets the same treatment for his troubles. Yang is back up and Mysterio charges at him, but finds himself being twist around in the air in a Tilt-A-Whirl motion. Jimmy Yang looks like he’s setting up for a side slam, but Mysterio manages to perform a Head Scissors Takeover. Double Dropkick from Mysterio to the Jung Dragons. Rey is feeling. Konnan is slapping the mat as the fans begin to stomp with excitement. Rey Mysterio motions for the Bronco Buster. Both Jung Dragons are in the opposites corners in a daze. Mysterio charges at Kaz Hayashi and connects with the Bronco Buster. The crowd cheer. Mysterio points over to Jimmy Yang, asking the crowd if he should get the Bronco Buster. The crowd respond in the affirmative. Rey Mysterio obliges them. Mysterio makes his way towards the apron, appearing to set up for the Springboard Hurricanrana, a trademark maneuver of his thats won him many matches over the years. However, Billy Kidman tags himself back in, puzzling Konnan on the outside, who begins to yell at Kidman. Rey Mysterio Jr, too, is caught off guard. He begins to have words with The Kid, who assures Mysterio that everything is under control. Kidman proceeds to go to work on Jimmy Yang, throwing a series of forearms before he goes to whip him into the ropes, but Jimmy Yang reverses BILLY KIDMAN CRASHES INTO REY MYSTERIO!!! Kidman stumbles for a moment before leaning over the rope to check on Mysterio. Jimmy Yang drops Billy Kidman with a superkick. Yang mounts Billy Kidman up on the top rope. The Jung Dragons perform the Iconoclasm/Release Powerbomb finisher for the pin fall victory. WINNERS: JUNG DRAGONS |
Al Green & PG-13 (J.C. Ice & Wolfie D) vs Scott Steiner Before the bell sounds, Big Poppa Pump takes down PG-13 with a Double Clothesline. Scott Steiner begins to batter Al Green with a series of right hands before taking him to the mat with a spinning Belly to Belly Suplex. The Big Bad Booty Daddy focuses in on Wolfie D, hitting him with clubs to the back before launching him across the ring with an Overhead Belly To Belly Suplex. This isn’t a match so much as a massacre for poor Al Green and PG 13. Scott Steiner, having fought with Goldberg all throughout the day, is taking his frustrations out on the three wrestlers who have the unfortunate task of being his opponents. Steiner Pump Handle drops J.C. Ice before hitting Wolfie D with a Tilt-A-Whirl Slam. “Big Poppa Pump” Scott Steiner locks in a double Steiner Recliner on PG-13 for the submission victory. WINNER: SCOTT STEINER |
WCW UNITED STATED CHAMPIONSHIP Curt Hennig vs Booker T (c) Booker T is rearing to go, but the veteran Curt Hennig attempts to keep the pace of the match to a slow crawl, hoping this will throw off Booker T’s game plan. Schiavone and Callis note the slap that happened earlier in the broadcast during Booker T’s interview with Scott Hudson, recognizing the mind games Curt Hennig is playing. Tony Schiavone theorizes between the slap and deliberate slow pace Hennig is trying to employ is because he hasn’t been in action in over a year and may not be able to keep pace with the active and energetic Booker T. Don Callis counters this argument by acknowledging Hennig’s experience and advantages being a second generation wrestler as he is the son of Larry “The Axe” Hennig. Despite attempting to keep the match at a slow pace, Booker T is the on the offensive. Every time it seems momentum is starting to swing firmly into Booker’s favor, the former Mr. Perfect rolls out of the ring, frustrating both the fans and the champion. Hennig climbs up onto the apron and as Booker T goes to meet him at the ropes, The Robbinsdale native drops back down to the floor, demanding the official gets Booker T back from the ropes. Curt Hennig re-enters the ring, demanding Booker T to not be a “coward” and lock up with him. The United States champion obliges. As they collar and elbow tie up, Curt Hennig spins out and applies a Hammerlock onto Booker T, who reverses into a fireman’s carry, dropping Hennig to the mat and applies a headlock, trapping Hennig in the center of the ring. Eventually, Hennig manages to slip out and applies an hammerlock before transitioning into a side headlock. Booker T manages to work his way back up to his feet, still trapped inside Hennig’s headlock, but manages to shove him off into the ropes and drives into Hennig with a shoulder tackle. The United States champion is in control and Curt Hennig attempts to cut corners, but Booker T thwarts any attempts the second generation wrestler tries. The crowd is rallying behind Booker T, raising the roof as they done for years dating back to his time in Harlem Heat. The man from Harlem, New York is on a mission and there’s no slowing him down. That is until Curt Hennig zones in on the left leg, hoping to reaggravate Booker T’s injury The crowd share their disapproval with this tactic and Curt Hennig responds with a crude gesture, letting everyone know he doesn’t exactly care how they feel. A figure four leg lock applied by Curt Hennig seems as if it could spell the end of another championship reign for Booker T. We could be witnessing a Dual Champion turn into “no champion” should he submit. Booker is stuck in the the middle of the ring. He can’t scoot himself closer to the ropes. Curt Hennig sinks the hold in as deep as he possibly can. He gets two near falls for his efforts. However, Booker T manages to raise his shoulders off the canvas and responds in the negative when asked to submit. (Formerly) Mr. Perfect begins to taunt the U.S Champ, paint brushing him with slaps across the the face repeatedly, demanding the Harlem Heat member surrender to the hold. The slap does nothing more than irritate Booker T, who gives Hennig one good hard smack back right across the cheek bone. The slap was so strong that Hennig’s face starts to swell instantly. Booker T rocks back and forth before he manages to reverse the hold on Hennig, who quickly tries to escape, favoring his knees as he lifts himself up with the aid of the ropes. Booker T mounts a comeback and caps it off with the windmill breakdown move that has become known as the “Spinaroonie”. BOOKER T CATCHES CURT HENNIG WITH THE HARLEM SIDE KICK. Booker T raises the roof as he yells out to the fans. Hennig staggers back to his feet hunched over. Booker T hits the Axe Kick and immediately goes for the cover, hooking the far leg of Hennig. ONE!!! TWO!!! THREE!!! STILL UNITED STATES CHAMPION: BOOKER T
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James Maritato vs Super Crazy James Maritato, the former leader of the Full Blooded Italians and heralded shooter, attempts to keep The Insane Luchador grounded, constantly shooting for a single or double leg. Super Crazy evades several attempts because of his superior speed and attempts to keep the action quick. The Sicilian Shooter manages to keep up with the fast paced Mexican wrestling style known as Lucha Libre, but James Maritato is visibly frustrated not being able to wrestle his style of match. Maritato finally gains the upper hand of the bout by pulling official Charles Robinson in the way as Super Crazy appeared to be going for a dropkick. Super Crazy stutter steps and hesitates on the jump, allowing James Maritato the opportunity to deliver a chop block to the quadricep area of The Insane Luchador’s leg. This keeps Super Crazy grounded for the Sicilian Shooter to go to work. Super Crazy rallies back after catching the former Little Guido with a boot to face as James Maritato charges at him in the corner and suffers a Spinning Heel Kick. Both men are down. Super Crazy rallies back. Hits a perfect Trifecta Moonsault getting a near fall, but manages to capture the victory with a Crazy Bomb. WINNER: SUPER CRAZY |
3 Count (Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore) vs Mark Jindrak & Shawn Stasiak w/ Stacey Keibler Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak may have agreed with Stacy to work together, but they didn’t say they wouldn’t attempt a game of one-upmanship in order to appease the woman formerly known as Miss. Hancock (Russo’s humor is abysmal). Mark Jindrak shows off he is not only a strong and powerful wrestler, treating Shannon Moore like a rag doll with his offense, but he is very agile as he manages to sit Shannon Moore on the shoulders of Evan Karagias before hitting a spectacular Dropkick. Shawn Stasiak displays his knowledge as a second generation wrestler, being the son of Stan “The Man” Stasiak, showcasing sound technical wrestling. Surprisingly, Jindrak and Stasiak work together in performing some tandem offense as they isolate Evan Karagias in their side of the ring, proving there is some cohesiveness left over from their days in the Natural Born Thrillers. Stacy Keibler allows approves of what she is witnessing. However, things begin to go awry after Mark Jindrak clobbers Shawn Stasiak with a forearm to the face after Karagias manages to escape from PerfecShawn’s grasp. The two men engage in a shoving match, arguing back and forth about who is at fault for this mishap. Stacy Keibler attempts to get the men back on track. However, this miscommunication allows for 3 Count to gain the upper hand in the bout. Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias use their speed and agility to their advantage to keep the bigger Stasiak and Jindrak off balance whether one on one or in tandem offense. A Jumping Bicycle Kick from Mark Jindrak to both members of 3 Count followed up with a Samoan Drops seems to be setting up for a victory for the former Natural Born Thrillers. However, Shawn Stasiak wants to be the one to make the cover. While Jindrak and Stasiak argue, Stacy Keibler is on the outside attempting to get the team focused. Evan Karagias shoves Jindrak into Stasiak, sending him flying through the second rope, and rolls up Mark Jindrak. ONE!! TWO!! THREE!!! WINNERS: 3 COUNT |
Lance Storm vs Norman Smiley Before the hiatus, Norman Smiley was attempting to break away from the hardcore wrestling style and back to what brought him to the main stage. In the opening minutes of the match, Norman Smiley shows he’s very adept at technical wrestling that earned him the moniker of “Black Magic” in his time in Mexico. Lance Storm might be a graduate, (or survivor depending on how you look at it) of the Hart Dungeon, a place known to churn out fantastic mat based wrestlers, thus making the former Triple Crown championship supremely confident at beating Norman Smiley. The confidence morphs into arrogance as Lance Storms counters a standing hammerlock into one of his own, but Norman Smiley quickly escapes from Storm’s clutches with a Drop Toe Hold into a front face lock, forcing Storm towards the ropes to stick his foot under the rope, thus making the official call for a rope break since his foot broke the plane of the ring. Norman Smiley gets the better of Lance Storm several more times. The overconfidence of Storm has been replaced with frustration. The (former) Impact Player is reduced to quarreling with Nick Patrick, claiming “Screamin” Norman has grabbed a handful of his hair. Despite there not being much to grab onto. Lance Storm grabs a handful of Norman’s hair to secure a side headlock. The Black Magic is able to slowly push Lance Storm into the ropes and push himself free of the head lock. Storm manages to leap over Norman Smiley’s drop down attempts, but misses a wildly swung clothesline, allowing Smiley to wrap his arms around Storm’s waist and drives him into the ropes for an O’Conner Roll, but Storm manages to grab a hold of the ropes. Smiley rolls back alone and ducks under another clothesline attempt. Storm hits the ropes and he’s tripped with a drop down by Norman Smiley. Smiley goes for the cover gets a count of two and stands back up to perform his trademark dance, pissing off Lance Storm, who is already feeling a bit of embarrassment by being outwrestled so far. At this point, Lance Storm rolls to the outside, creating separation between himself and Norman Smiley pacing back and forth seemingly formulating a new strategy. Black Magic marches towards the ropes, but Nick Patrick pushes him back so Lance Storm can re-enter the ring. Lance Storm demands Patrick keeps Norman Smiley back. Finally, Storm is back in the ring, demanding Norman meet him in the middle for a knuckle lock. Storm kicks away Black Magic’s right hand and applies an outside Top Wrist Lock, sweeps out Smiley’s leg to drop him onto his back, and transitions into a cross armbreaker that is countered into a pinning predicament by Norman Smiley. Lance Storm quickly kicks out and catches Norman Smiley by surprise with a Leg Lariat, goes for a lateral press for a count of two. Storm ascends to the top rope, looking for some aerial maneuver, but we will never know what cause Norman Smiley catches him with a beautiful picturesque Dropkick, sending Lance Storm crashing to the outside. Norman Smiley fires up the crowd, who cheer wildly for Norman. Lance Storm, clutching him back, kicks the guard rail out of frustration. He forgets about the pain in his back and focuses on the stinging sensation his shin. The audience and commentators laugh at Lance Storm’s misfortune. Norman Smiley grins, he is no rush to meet Storm on the outside. Instead, he assumes a fighting stance and urges Lance Storm to come back into the ring to continue wrestling. The former Triple Crown champion climbs back into the ring, circles around Norman Smiley before going in for a collar and elbow tie up, but Storm drives a knee into Smiley’s midsection. Storm applies a side headlock. The Black Magic pushes Storm into the ropes, looking to shove him off, but Lance Storm is able to keep a grasp on the side headlock. Smiley presses down on the back of Storm’s knee, forcing him to the ground and applying a side headlock of his own. It’s a seesaw battle. Offensively, Norman Smiley has dominated until Lance Storm uses the stun gun to gain the advantage, grounding Norman Smiley and beginning to work on The Black Magic’s left leg, hoping to wear him down enough to apply his version of the Single legged Boston Crab, known as The Canadian Maple Leaf or Calgary Crab. Storm hoist Smiley up with his leg bent and drops him down on to his knee before dropping an elbow into the side of The Black Magic’s quad. He wraps up Norman Smiley’s foot to apply more pressure. Anytime Smiley attempts to rally back, Lance Storm attacks the knee. Eventually, Lance Storm sets up for a Superkick, but Norman Smiley is able to side step his approaching opponent, hooks the waist, and launches Storm through the air with a German Suplex. Both men are down. Norman Smiley favors his left leg for a moment. Black Magic rallies back and sets up to apply the Crossface Chickenwing, but Lance Storm manages to block it as he approaches the ropes. The Triple Crown champion slips his right leg through the middle rope. The referee tries get Norman Smiley to relinquish the hold, but he tries to pull Lance Storm out of the ropes. Lance Storm manages to slip out for a roll up with his feet on the ropes to secure the pin fall victory. WINNER: LANCE STORM |
Elix Skipper vs Tony Luke vs Yoshihiro Tajiri Tony Luke, formerly Tony Marinara/Mamaluke, starts off the bout by blindsiding “Primetime” Elix Skipper with a stiff forearm to the jaw. He goes to throw a clothesline at Tajiri, but The Japanese Buzzsaw ducks under and lands a sidekick with pin point accuracy to Luke’s jaw, who drops to the mat instantly. Yoshihiro Tajiri waste no time going for a cover, but it’s broken up by Skipper with a Springboard Leg Drop. Skipper lifts up Tajiri, whips him into the ropes, and Tajiri bounces back to the center of the ring being hoisted in the air for a Tilt-a-Whirl. In an impressive display of strength from Elix Skipper, he twirls Yoshihiro Tajiri behind his back spins around and drops to his knees with a Torture Rack Backbreaker. Tajiri writhes on the mat in agony, favoring his back. Primetime hypes himself up, taunting for the crowd who gives him a mixed reaction. Tony Luke flips Elix Skipper with basement dropkick to the quad, practically knotting up the muscle for Skipper. Primetime rolls to the outside, hoping to get a breather and work out the kinks, but Tony Luke, being aggressive, follows him to the outside. The two begin trading blows. Meanwhile, Yoshihiro Tajiri climbs out onto the aprons, leaps up the second rope for the Asai Moonsault, taking out both of his opponents to the pleasure of the crowd. Tajiri rolls Skipper back into the ring and goes to do the same with Tony Luke, but gets a knee to the gut and whipped into the corner post. Tony Luke rolls back into the ring, going for a Clothesline, but Elix Skipper performs The Matrix dodge, looking for a Standing Spinning Heel Kick, but Tony Luke launches Skipper through the air with a Captured Suplex for a count of two. Tony Luke attempts to the stay on the offensive, hitting Skipper was a series of forearms. Eventually, Luke snap mares Skipper to the canvas and applies a modified head scissors. While Tony Luke, formerly Tony Marinara Tony Mamaluke, can do some acrobatics like Primetime, he’s far more adept at mat wrestling, being a student of “The Iceman” Dean Malenko. He learned from from the man of a 1000 Holds, but Tajiri’s combination of martial arts and lucha libre prove to be more than Luke can bargain for. “Primetime” Elix Skipper also posses deceptive strength, manhandling both individuals when needed to get the the upper hand. It’s a back and forth battle between Skipper and Tajiri with Tony Luke being crafty to gain momentum. “Primetime” Elix Skipper gets a series of near falls. One comes from a Springboard Leg Drop to Tajiri. The other comes from Sudden Death (Air Raid Crash) to Tony Luke. Skipper is beside himself. Another close call comes form the maneuver dubbed “New School”, a tight rope walk across the top rope to perform a Hurricanrana to Tony Luke. Elix Skipper goes for the Play of the Day, but Tajiri blitzes him with a punch/kick combination that drops Primetime to a knee. Yoshihiro Tajiri sizes him up and connects with pin point accuracy on the Buzzaw Kick, the round kick to the head, for the pin fall victory. WINNER: YOSHIHIRO TAJIRI |
Diamond Dallas Page vs Scott Norton While height favors The Master of the Diamond Cutter, size is on the side of the former IWGP Champion Scott Norton. Despite this disadvantage, DDP charges forward, locking up with Scott Norton. The two men jockey for position. Dallas Page gradually pushes Norton a step back, but Scott “Flash” Norton shoves DDP, sending him into the mat and rolls to his feet into the corner, assessing the situation. Undeterred, DDP steps to Norton again for another Collar and Elbow Tie Up. A struggle again ensues, but ends in the same result. Diamond Dallas Page is shoved back down to the canvas. Norton growls, showing off his size, as DDP smirks and scoots back before standing up. It looks as if Page is readying himself for another lock up, but DDP ducks under Norton’s advancement. As Norton turns around, he’s met with a series of right hands followed by a huge left hook from Dallas Page, staggering the big man around before he collapses through the ropes to the outside. “The Franchise” Shane Douglas is seen walking through the crowd and gets him a set front row, unhappy with what he has just witnessed. Tony Schiavone notes Shane Douglas was not scheduled to appear or even be in Las Vegas tonight. Stevie Ray makes not of the attack Douglas took on DDP at the first Nitro of the reboot of WCW as well as wanting to be the only Franchise of WCW. Scott Norton climbs up on to the apron. Nick Patrick has prevented DDP several times from going to the outside, looking to keep the match clean and in the ring. As Norton steps back on to the apron, Pages moves Patrick out of his way and advances on him, hitting another series of punches that have varying effects on Scott Norton. A headbutt from Scott Norton sends Diamond Dallas Page stumbling back, allowing Norton to re-enter the ring, and goes for the huge lariat but Page ducks at hits a Discus Clothesline that shockingly takes Norton off of his feet. However, DDP only gets a count of one. It’s a cat and mouse game thorough out this match. Diamond Dallas Page uses his quickness to evade the monster Scott Norton. It seems to be successful for a while. That is until DDP attempts to dive over the top rope only to be caught by Scott “Flash” Norton, who drives him into the corner post around the small of the back. From this point, Scott Norton dominates Diamond Dallas Page. The Man from The Jersey Shore attempts to rally back, but Norton shuts him down repeatedly, continuously working over his lower back. The commentary team notes for about a year or so, DDP was plagued by rib injuries as well as a back injury that could have ended his career. “The Franchise” Shane Douglas applauds the display he is witnessing. No matter the punishment DDP sustains, he does not quit, kicking out at every pin fall and refusing to submit. It comes to a point Scott Norton grows angry at his inability to put DDP away. Norton even argues with the referee- much to Shane Douglas’ dismay, who begs him to stay in control of his emotions and focus on DDP. Scott Norton whips Page into the ropes and grabs ahold of him for a Belly to Belly Suplex, but DDP turns it into a Jumping DDT refereed to as The Diamond Dream. As this point, DDP makes the come back, and Scott Norton can’t find a response. Diamond Dallas Page raises the Diamond Sign (not to be confused with the Rocafella hand gesture that Jay-Z will be sued for in a few years from 2001) high in the air. CHRIS CANDIDO sprints down the aisle, sliding into the ring looking to attack DDP, but Page cuts him off with a big upper cut. Scott Norton, shaking the cobwebs off, gets to his feet and finds himself locked in a gravate that sets up for The Diamond Cutter, the fans rise to their feet with anticipation, they’re eager to see the most popular finishing maneuver in WCW history. However, Shane Douglas delivers a shot to the lower back of Diamond Dallas Page. Nick Patrick calls for the bell.
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