World Championship Wrestling by Jim Cornette

[Dubb]

Final card for WCW New Blood Rising
August 13th, 2000
Toronto, Canada

WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match:
Vader © defends against ???

Number One Contenders Match for WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match:
Booker T vs. Chris Benoit vs. Raven vs. Val Venis

Icon vs. Icon
Hollywood Hogan vs. Ric Flair

WCW Tag Team Championship Match:
Edge and Christian’s Last Chance
The Hardy Boyz © vs. Edge and Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz

Tag Team Match
Diamond Dallas Page and ??? vs. Perry Saturn and Scott Steiner

WCW Television Championship Match:
William Regal © defends against Jamie Noble

Open Challenge:
WCW Cruiserweight Champion Kaz Hayashi vs. ???

Six Man Tag Team Match
Winner of fall gets WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match At Fall Brawl
Billy Kidman, Juventud Guerrera and Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. CIMA, Dick Togo and Taka Michinoku

Bonus Questions

1. What will be the longest match on the show? tag titles
2. What will be the shortest match on the show? World title
3. Which wrestler will drop the fall in the number one contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match? Benoit
4. Across both matches, how many minutes in total will the challenger for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship wrestle for? 28 minutes
5. Who will gain the fall in the WCW Tag Team Championship Match? Jeff hardy
6. Who will take the fall in the WCW Tag Team Championship Match? Christian
7. Will Goldberg compete? If not, who will be his replacement? yes
8. Who will answer Kaz Hayashi’s open challenge? Evan Karagias
9. Who will gain the fall in the Cruiserweight six man tag team match? Rey mysterious
10. Who will drop the fall in the Cruiserweight six man tag team match? Togo
11. Will there be any surprise appearances? If so, how many and who? (If answer to this question is yes, bonus points will be awarded if correctly answering amount of surprise appearances and who the actual wrestler/s is/are. Please keep in mind that open challenge participant does not count towards this question) Yes. Mike Awesome *shrug*

 

[Stojy]

Thanks for all the predictions. A day later then anticipated because I got busy, but hope it's worth the wait.

 

[Hoss]

Even being as much as a fan of Benoit's wrestling as I am, I can't really rationalize giving him a big heroic push in a BTB. It's not offensive to me or anything, just also not something I can really be stoked about. So there's that.

I do really like the prospect of a Booker-Angle feud and you've given me the visual of Mean Gene interviewing prime asshole Kurt Angle so that's fantastic. Let's just hope you leave the beastiality out of this feud.

Regal and Noble sounds like a delightful matchup and I'm happy to see Noble get a good showcase. Regal and his chicanery of attacking before the bell was a nice touch.

I'm still having a really hard time wrapping my head around The Flock Probably one of the most off the wall stable compositions I've ever read in a BTB. I do love how you wrote for Steiner in this promo, while I think Raven didn't quite click for me. I find the internal strife of this group very fascinating though and it's obviously going to lead to some really compelling payoffs.

As we get past the Cruiserweight Tag Match and the battle of the icons I'm quickly realizing I won't be winning the prediction contest Color me shocked that Flair sprung a leak and we got shenanigans from The Flock and The Horsemen… but really, the match was very well-written.

Speaking of well-written matches, the tag title affair was a real barn burner befitting these three great teams. I figured with the stipulation of this match, Edge and Christian losing was kinda written on the wall. I was previously assuming this would be a segue to a breakup of the two, as they're obviously extremely promising singles stars, but being that it's only 2000, I'm actually not so sure. Could just be a set-up to Edge and Christian finding a new level of depravity to somehow finagle their way back to the gold. Will be interesting to see how this develops.

The continuing developments between The Horsemen and The Flock… they're really all over this show. I like the way you're handling it though and the backstage interaction between Benoit and Flair was a great addition.

Consider me on board for D'Lo.

Alright, this main event is a UNIT. First off, lovely touch with Raven once again donning the cameraman disguise only for Benoit to easily sniff it out. Love the arms tied up in the ropes spot. Vader's early dominance and Benoit's fiery comeback were great to read. Sounding like an incredibly impactful match, as it should be. The back superplex is nuts and I'm sure would've been quite beautiful to see. Ref bump… naturally. And here comes the calvaries. You knew the back-up from The Horsemen wasn't gonna go off without a hitch, no surprise Flair fucked up and drilled Benoit. I can definitely imagine the silence falling over the arena in that moment. Tully and Arn rocking up is fucking brilliant. I said just a few days ago how nothing was better to me as a kid than seeing Benoit cinch in the crossface on a monster, and Vader is perhaps my favorite monster ever, so this finish is really perfect for me. Benoit pulls it off, and I can easily imagine in that moment how cathartic that would have felt, but again, with the benefit of hindsight… I wish I could buy into it fully. Nonetheless, not gonna dwell on it too much. The match was exquisitely executed and a huge moment for the ongoing struggle between The Horsemen and The Flock, as well as this BTB as a whole.

Really awesome show, Stoj. Bravo.

 

[Roy Mustang]

Great opening fatal 4-way and the chaos in that match ruled. Benoit winning makes sense and I like Raven not being involved in the decision.

Also good solid mid-card matches with Regal and Mysterio next plus Angle explaining his actions and words from Raven were good follow up

Great triple threat match between the iconic teams. Edge and Christian losing how they did should lead into a feud with the Dudley Boyz so wonder what’s next for the Hardy Boyz. I really like you also banning them from ringside for all Hardy Boyz title matches too cause logically they would cost them the belts.

D’lo Brown is a fun surprise and makes sense for him to pick up the win here.

Great call back to the previous attempt to screw him by Raven and an awesome way to start the match off. The match was amazing and the perfect interference style main event you did so well in the ECW thread. Flair chair shot was a great fake out but glad Benoit won in the end.

 

[RDT]

Let's check out New Blood Rising!

Interesting to see Angle screw over Booker T in the US Title match. If I had to guess who was taking the fall in this one, I would have had to guess Val Venis. We'll see how well you can go with the "one guy thinks the other guy is a bad representative for the company because he was a criminal" angle. It's a tough one to write without getting into bad taste.

Good to see someone like Noble put up a fight against Regal, but makes sense that he wasn't winning here.

Expected spotfest won by Kidman, Juvi, and Rey was also fun!

War Games should be exciting.

I liked the opening line for Hogan vs. Flair. "It's worth noting that it seems like both men are taking this one seriously". I sure hope so! Flair didn't waste much time getting busted open I see. I was just thinking how this match needed Buff Bagwell in it...good on Noble getting some more screen time though. Flair making Hogan tap is a big deal, no matter the year.

Interesting and fun to see the Hardyz, Dudleyz, and E and C in a WCW Tag Title Three-Way. It's also fun to see the Hardyz actually win one of these after so many IRL losses to both of these teams in 2000 and 2001.

Malenko/DDP vs. Saturn/Steiner feels oddly placed on the card, but perhaps there's a bigger story that I haven't been able to follow as much. Also fun to have Curt Hennig get involved (and then just laid out, lol).

I truthfully don't know what to make of D'Lo vs. Hayashi. I'm guessing that was a breather match for the main event?

Main event had a lot of interference (this show felt like it had a lot of interference, if I had one critique of the show), but Benoit beating Vader is a really good underdog story, with the very end reminding me of Wrestlemania X where the babyfaces held Bret Hart on their shoulders.

Really good show. I do think a cut down on interference might be good to go but it still didn't detract from a fun show.

 

[Stojy]

Thanks for all the feedback on the pay per view. Hoping things will only get more fun from here.

Predictions Contest

Hoss Alexander
Match Results 3/8
Bonus Questions 1/11
Total 4/19

Roy mustang
Match Results 5/8
Bonus Questions 6/11
Total 11/19

Dubble J
Match Results 4/8
Bonus Questions 2/11
Total 6/19

Congrats to roy on the win. Bragging rights are yours lol​

 

[Stojy]

 

[PARANoIR.13]

Posting shows in JPEG? Fucking hell. If only we'd thought of that 10 years ago. Would've have saved a shitload of time and posted twice as many shows.

Anyway. This is interesting. PPV looked good. I'll try and catch up and keep an eye on this. Benoit as champion is a ballsy move.

Hope you're good mate.

 

[Hoss]

Show was a fun follow up to NBR. You've positioned yourself perfectly heading into Fall Brawl to have a huge Flock vs. Horsemen War Games match that I think is easily the hottest match you could book right now. Obviously with all the run-up still to come, there are several interesting things to keep an eye on with that feud. Who will be the Horsemen's fifth man? Will there be any dissension within The Flock, especially with Vader and Raven continuing to have their eyes on the same prize? Lots of fun dynamics at play in this one.

Good progression taking place in the Angle/Booker feud as well. D'Lo/Regal seems to be a feud that's starting up, which I can get behind. I definitely think D'Lo would make a great TV Champion. And of course, Los Conquistadores was a very fun gimmick so it'll be cool to see what you do with it. There's a pretty obvious end result to this, but I figure you'll throw some fun twists in there.

And of course I'm curious to see what Goldberg does upon his return at Fall Brawl, and if we're going to hear anything from the man leading up to the event.

Very nice work on Nitro, it was a very easy and enjoyable read this week.

 

[Stojy]

Thanks so much for the feedback. Even all these years later, I still mark for a Para cameo <3

 

[Hoss]

Very noice development in the Flock/Horseman feud. Really keeping me invested with these continual Flair fuck-ups, the uncertainty about who will join The Horsemen in War Games, and now these huge matches next week which will obviously have big implications for the group and promise to deliver some great chicanery at the very least.

Meanwhile I'm also curious to see the payoff of the Los Conquistadores storyline. Apparently whoever was under those masks wasn't Edge and Christian, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't competing in them anyways. But I think that would be the more predictable path. Do E&C have ringers? It's hard for me to get a read on that. I look forward to see what you've come up with.

Val Venis going over Kurt this week was also really unexpected. Maybe not in a good way. But, I'm open to stay the course and see where we end up. Sometimes it's best to not get what you want/expect right away. We'll see how Kurt responds to this loss because it's hard to imagine he just waits on the sidelines while Val gets that title shot.

Anyways, this was yet another entertaining Nitro here Stojy. The match quality was really on point for this one. Can't wait to see what's next.

 

[DTP]

WCW New Blood Rising 2000 – August 13, 2000:

I guess with your WWE 2024 endeavours I overlooked this last month. Let’s jump back in.

I’ve admittedly been out of the loop some in the past few weeks of booked television, but wow that is certainly an assortment of four guys in the opening four-way for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship opportunity. I am surprised that WCW never actually pulled this method in its’ final year. Setting up a number one contender for the World title on the actual pay-per-view show is an out-of-the-box idea, and that works in this period. Chris Benoit in my mind was the best possible choice to go with here, as Val Venis may have been built well but is laughable as an option. Raven has been built like a headline act, but I don’t think he would have been the right candidate here. Booker T has had his shine, but Benoit is the true man on the hunt here, and in 2000 rightly so.

William Regal low-key is one of my favourite WCW World Television Champions of all time. That title just felt right on him. Jamie Noble getting some shine was good to see, but he may still be too new and too young for the mantle just yet. I wouldn’t mind seeing him get something going as we approach 2001, though.

Raven’s Flock segment was fine, and admittedly without context I do like the spiciness of Vader not being featured in the mix despite being aligned with Raven in recent weeks. Add to the fact Raven was chasing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Unique six-man tag team match to determine a number one contender. It’s a very experimental way of doing things, and surely elicits hostility between members of the Filthy Animals and the Kai En Tai trio. I would love to see TAKA Michinoku have his time to shine as WCW World Cruiserweight Champion. Billy Kidman getting the win was a surprising choice, and I liked the drama in that finish.

It’s hard to see Hollywood Hogan as an icon again after having trailed Raven for the past few months. I could have done without seeing Hogan and Ric Flair go at it one more time, admittedly. The interference at least cast a spotlight on the likes of Buff Bagwell and Jamie Noble, even if they are unique choices for the Four Horsemen.

Another meeting of the Hardy Boyz, the Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian – the chemistry was just right there in 2000. I am looking forward to where E&C go after losing out on the WCW World Tag Team Championship for a last time during Jeff and Matt’s reign. I’m looking forward to seeing what you have in store after this blend of six stars comes to a natural conclusion.

Interesting tag team match, really showing how you have crafted and built stars such as Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko. Strange alliances here, but I’m not mad about it. It feels like there are a lot of factions in this era, and that could prove interesting where next month is concerned, with Fall Brawl seeing the return of WarGames.

I did not really understand why you had the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion lose an open challenge to a guy who can’t even contend for that title. It felt very random to see D’Lo Brown beat Kaz Hayashi – even with the attempted assistance of Kai En Tai, no less. I guess there’s a bigger story here, but it felt very random and didn’t do anyone any favours besides D’Lo. How we get to Hayashi defending against Billy Kidman next month will be interesting in the very least. I feel like you could have put anyone in Hayashi’s role, admittedly.

Chris Benoit capturing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship from Vader really summed up the idea behind the New Blood Rising name, with the now-former champ in the twilight years of his prime, and Benoit the natural option to go on the chase and win big. I could have done without the Flock’s involvement, but the main event read well. It felt like a tremendous blowoff to end the Flock’s reign of terror at the top of the card; and I suspect we are about to see Vader and Raven’s issues continue to escalate.

 

[Stojy]

Haven't forgotten about this one either. Kind of just want to have numerous BTB's to have an outlet for all my ideas, and I can just write for whichever one I feel like when I feel like it. Admittedly I was so tired as I was writing this, that I was writing it half asleep and multiple times I had to delete things that made no sense. Here's hoping none of those made the final cut.

 

[Stojy]

Haven't posted in here for awhile but haven't forgotten about this. I've got this Nitro, the next one which is the go home show, and then Fall Brawl all done and dusted, so if all goes well they'll all get posted before the end of November.

WCW Monday Nitro
September 4th, 2000
Dallas, Texas​

Match One
Billy Kidman vs. Dick Togo

Much like last week when Kidman was going against a member of Kaientai, fellow member of the group and the WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION KAZ HAYASHI is shown sitting backstage, watching the action on a monitor. Togo actually has no back up, coming to the ring alone. It turns out his confidence was warranted as early stages of the match see Togo take control. He seems to catch Kidman off guard with his blend of power, strength and quickness. Every time Kidman does adjust, Togo isn’t afraid to bend the rules and cheat to maintain the advantage also.

Eventually Togo sends Kidman crashing into the corner, before charging in after him, but Kidman avoids contact, and Togo crashes in the corner. Kidman takes the chance to climb to the middle rope, grabbing Togo by the head… TORNADO BULLDOG!!!

Togo is out of it after that, and Kidman begins heading to the top again, potentially thinking Shooting Star Press. As he steadies himself on the top rope, a desperate TAKA MICHINOKU SPRINTS DOWN TO RINGSIDE!!!

Togo’s stablemate waves his arms around like crazy, attempting to distract Kidman… SO KIDMAN LEAPS OFF THE TOP WITH A CROSSBODY… TAKING OUT TAKA ON THE OUTSIDE!!!

The high-risk move gets a huge pop from the fans, as Kidman immediately gets up and returns to the ring. He stalks Togo, who’s battling to his feet now, and when Togo turns around… HURRICANRANA!!!

NO!!!

TOGO CATCHES KIDMAN… AND DRILLS HIM WITH A LIGER BOMB!!!

TOGO KEEPS KIDMAN STACKED FOR THE PIN…1…2…NO!!! KIDMAN KICKS OUT!!!

Despite the kick out, Kidman is in trouble now, as Togo assesses and then slowly climbs to the top rope. Togo takes too long though, and as he steadies himself, Kidman greets him with a hard right hand. With Togo rocked, Kidman climbs up with him, before landing a few more shots. Once at the top with Togo, Kidman lands some more shots… BEFORE COMING OFF THE TOP WITH A FRANKENSTEINER!!!

KIDMAN CRAWLS TO THE BODY OF TOGO AND HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!! TOGO GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!

Taka was unable to stop Kidman, and now Togo is struggling so a panicked KAZ HAYASHI RUNS TOWARDS THE RING!!!

Sensing the opportunity, a recovered Michinoku leaps on the apron, doing his best to distract the referee. As this happens, Hayashi slides into the ring… AND RUNS THROUGH KIDMAN, SMASHING THE CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE ACROSS HIS SKULL!!!

The fans are furious as Hayashi quickly exits the ring, and then Taka hops off the apron. The referee turns only to see the aftermath as Togo makes his way to the top… BACK SENTON CONNECTS!!!

TOGO ROLLS OVER AND HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…3!!!

Winner: Dick Togo @ 7:38​

Knowing he stole one here; after having his hand raised by the ref, Togo is quick to escape the ring. As he backs up the ramp, getting some heat from the fans, he is joined by Taka and Hayashi, and the three of them celebrate together.

Hayashi has his Cruiserweight Title on his shoulder, and it looks as if Togo takes a glance at the title, just for a moment. Considering Kidman is the number one contender, Tony Schiavone wonders if this has any impact on the Hayashi vs. Kidman catch currently scheduled for Fall Brawl.

That’s something for Jim Cornette to figure out, as Kidman begins to recover in the ring, looking extremely frustrated…

…

We now head to the commentary booth, where TONY SCHIAVONE and DUSTY RHODES get some screen time to run down tonight’s card:

IN THE FIRST OF THREE BATTLES BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE WAR GAMES TEAMS FOR FALL BRAWL, DEAN MALENKO AND RIC FLAIR FROM TEAM HORSEMEN VS. PERRY SATURN AND RAVEN FROM TEAM FLOCK ​

D’LO BROWN AND THE DUDLEY BOYZ VS. KURT ANGLE, LANCE STORM AND WCW TELEVISION CHAMPION WILLIAM REGAL ​

IN THE SECOND MATCH INVOLVING WAR GAMES TEAMS, JAMIE NOBLE FROM TEAM HORSEMEN VS. VADER OF TEAM FLOCK​

AND THE FINAL MATCH INVOLVING WAR GAMES TEAMS, WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS BENOIT FROM TEAM HORSEMEN, WILL DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST CURT HENNIG FROM TEAM FLOCK

{Commercial Break}​

Upon returning from the break, we see the arena doors swing open, and arriving is none other than DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE. Does DDP know if he’s cleared and whether he’ll be able to compete on Team Horsemen in War Games at Fall Brawl? We’ll find out tonight…

…

Match Two
Bryan Danielson and Low Ki vs. Los Conquistadores

The masked men continue to show their incredibly fast improvement as a team since being taken under the wings of Edge and Christian. The Conquistadores dominate the newcomers to WCW for the most part, showing off their new aggression, and highly skilled double team moves. Danielson and Ki show signs of potentially one day being strong competitors though, having patches where they land some big strikes of their own, and they also show a fair bit of aggression.

It's short lived for the rookies though, as Los Conquistadores appear far too good. Just as Danielson and Ki might be trying to build some momentum, UNO TAKES OUT DANIELSON WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK!!!

The impact of the blow sends Danielson rolling underneath the bottom rope and to the outside. Inside the ring, Low Ki is actually swinging wildly at Dos, until Dos gets a nasty thumb to the eye. As Ki staggers away, trying to rub athis eye, Uno joins Dos, and they grab Low Ki… SIDEWALK SLAM/REVERSE DDT COMBO!!!

Tony Schiavone sarcastically calls out that they must have recently learned that one from their mentors, AS DOS MAKES THE COVER…1…2…NO!!! DANIELSON COMES FROM NOWHERE AND BREAKS UP THE PIN!!!

Danielson continues to clobber away at the back of Dos, before getting up, and TURNING STRAIGHT INTO A SPEAR FROM UNO!!!

Danielson looks like he’s definitely out of commission now, as Dos brings Low Ki back up… UNPRETTIER CONNECTS!!!

DOS PINS LOW KI…1…2…3!!!

Winners: Los Conquistadores @ 3:21​

The reception is very negative from the fans, who make it clear that they aren’t buying this new version of the Conquistadores at all.

Either way, the Mexican duo continue to celebrate, even signalling that the tag titles will be coming around their waists…

…

In a hallway backstage, we see KURT ANGLE walking, until he comes across the door of the office belonging to the WCW President. Angle knocks and pushes the door open, coming face to face with JIM CORNETTE, who seems to be sorting paperwork behind his desk.

Kurt Angle: Jim, I don’t mean to just barge in here, but I hadn’t heard anything and I need to know. Can Val compete at Fall Brawl?

Cornette was unimpressed with the barge in, but now he looks absolutely furious.

Jim Cornette: No, Kurt, Val won’t be competing at Fall Brawl. He won’t be able to compete until the end of the month.

Cornette stops there and looks back at his paperwork, leaving Angle looking bewildered.

Kurt Angle: Okay, so based on that, the United States Championship match at Fall Brawl will be me vs. Booker T…

The president shakes his head in disagreement, which shocks Angle.

Jim Cornette: No, it won’t be. There will be a US Title match as I have come up with a suitable replacement.

Angle’s jaw drops, he can’t believe his plan has backfired.

Jim Cornette: This suitable replacement deserves it more than you as far as I’m concerned. They are not responsible for Val being injured.

Cornette continues to stare a hole through the former Olympian.

Jim Cornette: So you can leave, Kurt, because the new number one contender to the US Title is not you.

Angle is speechless but furious as he huffs and puffs, before turning and storming out of the office. Cornette shakes his head, maintaining his composure and getting back to his apparent mountain of paperwork…

{Commercial Break}

Match Three
Jamie Noble vs. Vader

Realising he’s got a severe disadvantage in the strength department here, Noble is really clever as the bell rings. He focuses on sticking and moving, staying out of Vader’s grasp, before trying to focus on the legs of the big man. Vader absorbs some blows from the determined Noble, before arrogantly swatting him away. Vader shakes his head at Noble, clearly annoyed with the early stages.

Noble comes running back at Vader, and stupidly tries to lift him for a Scoop Slam but has no luck. Vader lands a few right hands, before sending Noble into the corner of the ring. Vader charges in after Noble… VADER SPLASH!!!

NO!!! NOBLE SIDESTEPS AND SENDS VADER CRASHING AND BURNING!!!

With Vader momentarily staggered, Noble sprints to the corner and climbs up to the top rope… FLYING CLOTHESLINE FROM NOBLE CONNECTS!!!

VADER STAGGERS BACKWARDS… BUT STAYS ON HIS FEET!!!

Noble is right back up, and he ascends to the top rope again, before jumping off… FLYING CLOTHESLINE!!!

NO!!! VADER CATCHES HIM IN MID AIR AND DESTROYS NOBLE WITH A CHOKESLAM!!!

It’s probably over now, but the former World Heavyweight Champion wants to inflict more punishment. Vader drags Noble to his knees… POWERBOMB FROM VADER!!!

Again, no cover. Instead, Vader drags the lifeless carcass of Noble to the corner, before Vader climbs to the top rope… BEFORE COMING OFF WITH THE VADER BOMB!!!

VADER STAYS ON TOP FOR THE PIN…1…2…3!!!

Winner: Vader @ 2:49​

There’s not much of a celebration from Vader, he seems to be in the zone. Instead, he gets his hand raised and walks to the back, getting close to the camera and yelling, “PEOPLE WILL DIE AT WAR GAMES”!!!

…

At the interview set, MEAN GENE OKERLUND stands by.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, accompanied by his Flock… RAVEN!!!

The camera zooms out to show RAVEN standing next to Mean Gene in a black leather jacket. THE FLOCK are standing a few steps behind, listening in.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Raven, you and your Flock have a number of matches scheduled tonight as we are only two weeks away from War Games at Fall Brawl. How do you ensure you keep the momentum heading into arguably the biggest match in WCW history in War Games?

Raven takes a moment, before grabbing a hold of CURT HENNIG, and dragging him forward, so he stands next to Raven and Okerlund.

Raven: Let me tell you how, Gene. Curt, tonight you’ve got the big main event match, when you take on Chris Benoit for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. You know tonight isn’t about the title though, tonight is about hurting Benoit before War Games.

Hennig nods in agreement and then Raven signals that he can go back and join the rest of The Flock.

Raven: Not only will Benoit be a shell of the man he once was come War Games, Gene, but look at the wedge that has been driven into the once strong unity of the Horsemen. Benoit and Ric Flair can’t figure out, they still don’t even have a fifth man.

As usual, Okerlund doesn’t look impressed with the strategy.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Okay, well Raven, as much as I’m sure the Horsemen have their issues that they need to figure out, there seems to be an issue that me plaguing you that I need to ask about. The way last week ended with that black baseball bat appearing in the centre of the ring, well all points to the idea of Sting returning.

Raven’s eyes go wide in shock/fear for just a moment, before he shakes it off and looks at the interviewer with disdain.

Raven: No, no, no, no no. You’ve got it all wrong. Sting is not coming back at Fall Brawl; he’s never coming back. I ended Sting, I ran him out of WCW. There’s nothing else that needs to be said about Sting, but let’s talk about what will happen. I will win at Fall Brawl and get the title shot I so rightly deserve.

With one last sturdy look at Gene, Raven nods for PERRY SATURN to follow him, as they are in tag team action against Dean Malenko and Ric Flair next…

{Commercial Break}

***

WCW HALLOWEEN HAVOC
OCTOBER 29TH, 2000
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

***​

After a video package hyping the PPV AFTER the next one, the injured VAL VENIS appears on our screen. He’s joining us via satellite, mic’d up from his home to talk about his condition and when he’ll return. Before our commentary duo can ask the first question, an irritated looking Val speaks.

Val Venis: I’m not doing this. I’m not answering questions, I’m not sitting here and talking for ten minutes, I’m not doing any of it. I agreed to this to make one thing very clear, I will be coming back to get Kurt Angle for costing me a US Title shot. Interview over.

Val gets up and rips the mic off and storms out of short, making it clear what he’ll be doing when he returns from injury…

…

Match Four
Dean Malenko and Ric Flair vs. Perry Saturn and Raven

Surprisingly, Raven and Saturn actually come out alone for this one, and it looks like we are going to get a two-on-two match, with no additional Horsemen or Flock members getting involved. On commentary, Tony Schiavone talks about the tense nature between The Horsemen which was clear for all to see earlier tonight, after what happened last week. Despite all of that, everybody is relatively impressed, as there seems to be no tension between Flair and Malenko, who work very well as a duo.

Saturn and Raven have a more sadistic side to them though, as they aren’t just looking to win a match, they’re looking to do damage here. They manage to isolate Flair and do so by focusing on his left arm. They’re brutal and focused with all the offense on the targeted limb, however Flair refuses to give in. The match turns when Raven whips Flair into the corner and charges in after him… FLAIR GETS A DROP TOE HOLD…

SENDING RAVEN FACE FIRST INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE!!!

With Raven knocked loopy, Flair is able to crawl across the ring unimpeded and make the tag to Malenko. It’s hot tag time as Malenko uses his speed and experience to take care of Raven, and Saturn who illegally tries to get involved to halt Malenko’s momentum. With both his opponents reeling, Malenko heads to the top rope… CROSSBODY FROM THE TOP TAKES OUT RAVEN AND SATURN!!!

This gets a big pop from the crowd, as Malenko gets straight back up, and focuses on the legal Raven… NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!!!

MALENKO MAINTAINS THE BRIDGE…1…2…NO!!! RAVEN GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!

Malenko is right back to his feet, where he sees Saturn attempting to sneak up in his peripherals, MALENKO NAILS A CALF KICK ON SATURN!!!

With Saturn down, Malenko grabs the still recovering Raven… TIGER DRIVER!!!

MALENKO MAKES THE COVER…1…2…NO!!! SATURN BREAKS UP THE COUNT AT THE LAST MOMENT!!!

Saturn now stays on Malenko, landing a few stomps before dragging him up… SATURN HITS AN EXPLODER SUPLEX!!!

Now Malenko is down as Saturn continues to ignore the referees pleas to leave the ring, and instead ascends to the top rope… FLYING SPLASH LANDS ON MALENKO!!!

On the apron, Flair has just managed to pull himself back to his feet, so Saturn sprints across the ring and knocks Flair off the apron. Saturn the finally leaves the ring, AS RAVEN DRAPES AN ARM OVER THE CHEST OF MALENKO…1…2…NO!!! MALENKO JUST GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!

Raven slowly gets to his feet and drags Malenko… INTO POSITION FOR THE EVENFLOW!!!

NO!!! MALENKO CHARGES FORWARD… AND RAVEN COLLIDES WITH SATURN ON THE APRON!!!

As Saturn shakes it off, Raven lets go of Malenko and stumbles forward… INTO AN INSIDE CRADLE…1…2…NO!!! RAVEN ESCAPES!!!

Both men bounce to their feet, but Malenko immediately scores with a Double Legged Takedown! Maintaining his grip on Raven’s legs… MALENKO LOCKS IN THE TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!!!

Raven screams in agony as the fans mark out for the hold, as it’s locked in right in the centre of the ring… SUPERKICK TO MALENKO FROM SATURN BREAKS THE HOLD!!!

Again, the referee is admonishing Saturn as he roughly hoists Malenko up onto his shoulders… DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!!

Now Raven is back up, and he’s annoyed at the pain from the submission hold. As Saturn watches on for Flair, Raven grabs Malenko… AND HITS THE EVENFLOW!!!

RAVEN HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…3!!!

Winners: Perry Saturn and Raven @ 8:35​

Once Raven is back to his feet, the referee raises he and Saturn’s hands, much to the irritation of the crowd. They then shrug the referee off, and Raven says something to Saturn which is inaudible due to the heat from the fans.

Saturn heard the instruction though, as he exits the ring and rolls Flair back inside. Before returning himself, Saturn grabs a steel chair. Instead of using the chair right away, Raven actually picks up Flair… ONLY TO DROP HIM WITH A SCORPION DEATHDROP!

Boos for the blatant use of Sting’s move, as a smug Raven now has a mic as well.

Raven: After what I just did to Ric Flair, if Sting really was returning, this would be out. He would come out right now and strike me down.

Raven closes his eyes and stretches his arms out to the side, waiting to be struck down. The fans try and start up a “STING” chant, but the longer the wait, they realise Sting isn’t showing up, so they begin hurling rubbish at Raven instead. The leader of The Flock opens his eyes, and smirks as he has to duck and weave rubbish.

Raven: Just like I’ve been telling everybody, what happened just now is proof that Sting is not coming back because I ran him out.

Heat from the crowd.

Raven: Much like ‘The Stinger’ himself, now the Horsemen are nearly dead. It’s groundhog day, because just like Sting, you can all allow me to finish the job.

Raven drops the mic and issues further instructions to his disciple. Saturn sets the chair up around the neck of Flair, and the fans begin to groan as Raven climbs to the top rope.

He’s going to break the neck of Flair, as Raven is now perched on top, absorbing the LOUDEST boos of the night from the crowd…

WHEN CHRIS BENOIT SLIDES INTO THE RING WITH A STEEL CHAIR!!!

Benoit swings the chair wildly, but both Saturn and Raven manage to escape before getting hit. The Flock slowly back up the ramp, as the furious WCW World Champion begs them to return to the ring.

The Flock stop at the top of the ramp, and Raven smugly performs his pose, arms out wide. Raven and Saturn watch on as a weary Benoit finally drops the chair, and checks on his Horsemen brethren, who remain down inside the ring…

{Commercial Break}​

We return from the break, and we’re at the commentary position where TONY SCHIAVONE and DUSTY RHODES are recapping Dick Togo’s surprise victory over Billy Kidman earlier tonight. They have been informed by WCW President Jim Cornette that by virtue of his victory over Kidman, Dick Togo has been added to the WCW Cruiserweight Championship match at Fall Brawl. So now at Fall Brawl, KAZ HAYASHI WILL BE DEFENDING HIS WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST BOTH BILLY KIDMAN, AND HIS FELLOW KAIENTAI MEMBER, DICK TOGO IN A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH!!!

…

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS BENOIT is in the back, all alone, performing some squats to warm up for his title defence tonight when a content DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE approaches him.

Diamond Dallas Page: Look, I’ll be quick because I know you’ve got your big title match with Hennig coming up. The doctors have cleared me to compete and I just talked to Jim about it. If The Horsemen still want me against The Flock in War Games, well, I’m in.

Benoit nods, his expression softening somewhat, as he shakes DDP’s hand.

Chris Benoit: I’m happy for you to be the fifth man, but it’s not my decision to make on my own. I’ll talk to the team after the show once they’ve recovered.

Page nods in understanding.

Diamond Dallas Page: Thank you, brother…

As DDP walks out of the area, it’s like a revolving door as ever the journalistic snoop, MEAN GENE OKDERLUND walks in. He has no shame for interrupting Benoit’s warm up.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Chris Benoit, If I may, just a quick one from me. My question is how are you going to stay focused on Curt Hennig and your WCW World Heavyweight Championship match tonight? You have Diamond Dallas Page wanting to be the fifth man, you have issues within the Horsemen. Just how will you stay focused?

Benoit shows no emotion as he takes a breath and answers.

Chris Benoit: I’m always focused on the task at hand and I will take care of Curt Hennig tonight. As for the Horsemen issues, the Horsemen have been separated and destroyed. We have not been at our best because Raven did drive a wedge between us.

Mean Gene nods along, clearly agreeing.

Chris Benoit: And tonight with everything going on, I considered NOT saving Flair, but I couldn’t do that. Because unlike Flair, I don’t just care about me, I care about more than myself. We will sort these issues out tonight and the Horsemen will walk into War Games as a unit.

Benoit then turns away from Gene and looks to continue with his warmup, which is a sign for Gene to sign off and leave…

…

Match Five
D’Lo Brown and The Dudley Boyz vs. Kurt Angle, Lance Storm and William Regal

In a cool little bit, which Regal especially seems to hate, to fit in with his tag partners tonight, D’Lo is rocking a pair of camo pants tonight. That’s right, he’s an honorary Dudley for one night only, that’s D’Lo Dudley Brown. Anyway, once the action kicks in, what incredibly noticeable is the newfound aggression from Angle. Even after taking out Venis, he’s still in a mood and it shows with the way he wrestles.

There are a couple of times that his partners even need to reel him in. Speaking of his partners, Regal and Storm show the potential to be a great tandem, with several examples of having good teamwork. Bubba is the man from the faces who gets isolated for the heat period, but he manages to turn things around and make the hot tag to D’Lo.

Storm is legal as D’Lo begins teeing off on him and having his way. It isn’t long until Angle comes in illegally to stop the momentum, Angle grabs D’Lo from behind… ANGLE SLAM!!!

NO!!! D’Lo lands behind Angle and shoves him forward…

INTO A JUMPING BACK ELBOW FROM D’VON!!!

A frustrated Angle immediately rolls tom the outside, slapping the floor in anger. Meanwhile, Regal now comes in to try and help Storm, but REGAL RUNS STRAIGHT INTO A SKY HIGH FROM D’LO!!!

The distractions were enough though, as Brown gets back to his feet… AND GETS HIT WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK FROM THE TOP ROPE FROM STORM!!!

STORM MAKES THE COVER…1…2…NO!!! D’LO KICKS OUT!!!

The Canadian bounces back to his feet, and he stalks D’Lo, waiting for him to battle up… SUPERKICK!!!

NO!!! D’LO DUCKS…

AND BUBBA COMES FROM NOWHERE TO DROP STORM WITH A BIONIC ELBOW!!!

As usual, Dusty marks out on commentary for the move, as a dazed Storm staggers to his feet… 3D!!!

Storm is down and out, as The Dudleyz notice Regal using the ropes to get up, so they run at him… DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE SENDS REGAL OVER THE TOP AND TO THE OUTSIDE!!!

The Dudleyz follow him out to keep Regal and at bay, whilst Angle is already halfway up the ramp, seemingly haven given up on the match. Inside the ring, D’Lo climbs to the top rope… LO DOWN CONNECTS!!!

D’LO STAYS ON TOP FOR THE COVER…1…2…3!!!

Winners: D’Lo Brown and The Dudley Boyz @ 8:14​

The Dudleyz are quick to join D’Lo back in the ring and the trio celebrate their victory together. D’Lo locks eyes with an annoyed Regal, and Brown signals that the TV Title will be around his waist soon enough.

As Regal argues against that notion, we see Angle storming up the ramp, still in a foul mood after the loss…

…

We’re in the backstage area, and the busy MEAN GENE OKERLUND is once again standing by.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Please welcome my guests at this time, they are the number one contenders to the WCW Tag Team Championships… Matt and Jeff, THE HARDY BOYZ!!!

The camera pans out to reveal JEFF HARDY and MATT HARDY, both looking in pretty good spirits.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Matt, Jeff, we’re less than two weeks away from Fall Brawl, but my question to you both is, how do you feel about the fishy situation involving the new champions, Los Conquistadors?

Matt and Jeff look at each other, before Matt decides to step forward.

Matt Hardy: We one hundred percent agree with you, Gene. There is definitely something strange going on with those two, and we’re going to get to the bottom of it at Fall Brawl.

Jeff Hardy: That’s right, they can enjoy their games for a little while longer, but we intend on taking off their masks at Fall Brawl and getting to the bottom of all of this.

Gene seems content with that answer and sends us to a break.

{Commercial Break}​

In the back, still looking in a mood as he walks down a hallway is KURT ANGLE. He continues to walk until he’s confronted by WCW PRESIDENT JIM CORNETTE, who looks equally unimpressed.

Jim Cornette: What the hell do you think you’re doing? You don’t walk out on a match that I booked.

Angle still looks annoyed, shaking his head at Cornette.

Kurt Angle: Whatever, I don’t need this. It’s ridiculous. What I do need is the opportunity I deserve. I deserve a sh-…

Jim Cornette: Let me tell you what you’re going to get. You’ll get the opportunity your behaviour is earning you at Fall Brawl. You will have a one-on-one match at Fall Brawl, against the returning BILL GOLDBERG!!!

The crowd pop hard from inside the arena as Cornette gives Angle one last look of disdain and walks off. Meanwhile, Angle looks to now be in an even worse mood than he did originally, and who can blame him…

…

The busiest man in professional, MEAN GENE OKERLUND is once again standing by in the back.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time, he is the WCW United States Champion… BOOKER T!!!

BOOKER T steps into shot, looking really flashy. Silk shirt, formal pants, bling on the wrist and the US Title on his shoulder. Booker looks on top of the world as he nods towards the legendary interviewer.

Mean Gene Okerlund: Booker, we now know that your title challenger will not be Kurt Angle at Fall Brawl. Do you have any idea who it might be?

Booker gives an honest shake of the head.

Booker T: Look, dawg, as far as I’m concerned, kickin’ Kurt Angle’s ass for ruining the match I was supposed to have sounded appealin’. I was really looking forward to facin’ Val Venis and avengin’ my loss to him last year around this time. That’ll have to be another day. At Fall Brawl, I’ll face whoever the mystery opponent is, and I’ll defend my belt like I’ve been doin’ all the time.

Short and sharp from Booker, who is ready for his title defence in just under two weeks.

…

***

A video package plays, showing highlights of some of the most gruesome, memorable War Games moments in the company’s history. There are then multiple men who have performed in these matches, giving their thoughts, and this includes: ANIMAL, ARN ANDERSON, BARRY WINDHAM, BOBBY EATON, CHRIS BENOIT, DEAN MALENKO, DUSTY RHODES, HAWK, RIC FLAIR, TULLY ANDERSON and VADER.

***​

We now get a shot in the back of WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS BENOIT walking down a hallway with the title around his waist.

We then immediately cut to CURT HENNIG, walking in a different area of the arena, surprisingly on his own.

It’s Benoit vs. Hennig and it’s next…

{Commercial Break}

***

Another video package plays, this one highlighting the history of the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CHRIS BENOIT and CURT HENNIG. It mainly focuses on 1997, with Hennig turning on The Four Horsemen to join the New World Order, followed by Benoit and Hennig then meeting in an instant classic at Starrcade 1997.

***​

During the entrances for the main event, on commentary, Tony Schiavone informs us that the WCW Championship match will be uninterrupted by commercials. It will be the first of many, as there is a new policy from the Board of Directors to not interrupt WCW Title matches with commercial breaks.

…

Match Six
WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match
Chris Benoit (c) defends against Curt Hennig

As soon as the bell rings, it’s clear that Hennig is playing mind games, doing his best to bother the already emotional World Champ. Benoit is ready to just fight, trying to get at Hennig, but Hennig continuously leans through the ropes, or leaves the ring, refusing to engage. This gets plenty of heat from the crowd, but Hennig doesn’t mind, as he tells Benoit from the outside that he’ll only get back in if he agrees to actually wrestle.

The intense Benoit is frustrated but eventually agrees, and when Hennig gets back in, Benoit is true to his word and they Lock Up. Even in the wrestling exchanges, Hennig tries to frustrate Benoit, constantly locking him in a Front Facelock and holding him down. Benoit is able to reverse though, and spin out, applying a Hammer Lock, which he then transitions into more general arm work.

Sensing he’s in a bit of trouble, Hennig digs his fingers into Benoit’s eyes, and that’s the end of the wrestling exchanges. As Benoit backs into the corner, rubbing at his eyes, Hennig unloads with right hands to the head, followed by elbows to the back of the neck. The champ explodes though, shifting Hennig into the corner and lights his chest up with chops.

A desperate Hennig drops to the canvas and bails to the outside once again, rubbing his chest. This time Hennig can’t engage with the annoyed fans… AS BENOIT TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A TOPE SUICIDA!!!

There is no reprieve from Benoit, as he’s right back to his feet after the big move, and he sends Hennig back inside. Once back inside, Benoit continues on the attack, really making Hennig pay, when BUFF BAGWELL AND SCOTT STEINER HEAD DOWN TO RINGSIDE!!!

Both members of The Flock leap onto the apron, and without hesitation, Benoit runs at them and knocks both men down to the floor… ONLY TO TURN INTO A DDT FROM HENNIG!!!

HENNIG HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!! BENOIT KICKS OUT!!!

Hennig shakes it off as he gets back, and he begins kicking Benoit in the stomach, slowly rolling him underneath the bottom rope and to the outside. The perfect one then heads to a corner of the ring and begins untying the top turnbuckle pad. The referee intervenes, looking to stop Hennig and fix the corner, but is completely distracted. Meanwhile, on the outside, Benoit struggles to his feet… STEINER RUNS THROUGH BENOIT WITH A LARIAT!!!

Steiner hastily picks Benoit up and rolls him back inside… AND HENNIG IMMEDIATELY COVERS…1…2…NO!!! BENOIT GETS HIS FOOT ON THE ROPE!!!

An irritated Hennig shakes his head, before bringing Benoit up and hammering away with some rights. Hennig sends Benoit to the ropes, but when Benoit comes back, he surprises Hennig with a Leapfrog, immediately followed by a Waist Lock… GERMAN SUPLEX!!!

Benoit maintains his tenacious grip around the waist of Hennig, and he drags them back up… SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX!!!

Benoit keeps his grip again and repeats the same process… FINISHING THE TRIPLE GERMANS!!!

His opponent is out of it after that, as Benoit puts a thumb across his throat to a huge ovation, signalling the end is near. Benoit climbs up to the top rope… DIVING HEADBUTT CONNECTS!!!

Benoit bounces around on the mat, holding his face, selling the blow. Using his veteran instinct, Hennig tries to roll outside the ring, but Benoit stops him… BENOIT HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!! BAGWELL PLACES HENNIG’S FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!

The champ is furious as he gets back up and sees Bagwell laughing at him. Benoit bounces off the ropes… BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK TAKES OUT BOTH BAGWELL AND STEINER!!!

Benoit is right back up, but Hennig once again meets him with a thumb to the eye. He lands a few more right hands to soften up Benoit, before sending him to the ropes. As Benoit bounces back to the centre of the ring… DOUBLE A SPINEBUSTER FROM HENNIG!!!

HENNIG MAKES THE COVER…1…2…NO!!! BENOIT JUST GETS HIS SHOULDER UP!!!

Hennig gets right back up, and this time he tells the fans, “I’M GONNA’ CRIPPLE HIM THE SAME WAY I DID FLAIR”! That can only mean one thing, AS HENNIG SETS BENOIT UP FOR THE PILEDRIVER!!!

NO!!! BENOIT GETS A DOUBLE LEGGED TAKEDOWN…

AND LOCKS IN THE SHARPSHOOTER!!!

Benoit’s got him locked in the middle of the ring, and he sits down on it, really leaning back… AND HENNIG TAPS!!!

Winner: Chris Benoit @ 12:55​

The ovation is huge from the fans, as Benoit overcame a three on one to retain the title. The ref gives him his belt, and Benoit raises it above his head… UNTIL HE’S ATTACKED FROM BEHIND BY BAGWELL AND STEINER!!!

They stomp on Benoit, and as they do, the boos get louder as PERRY SATURN AND RAVEN come down to join in the attack. To make matters worse for Benoit, Hennig recovers as well and it’s basically a five on one.

Raven steps outside the ring briefly but returns with a steel chair. The rest of The Flock hold Benoit up… RAVEN NAILS BENOIT WITH A CHAIR SHOT TO THE SKULL!!!

With things becoming dire for Benoit, DEAN MALENKO AND JAMIE NOBLE SPRINT DOWN THE RAMP AND SLIDE INTO THE RING!!!

Finally, The Horsemen reinforcements arrive, but with Benoit out of commission, it’s still five on two. Malenko and Noble immediately get swarmed and are unable to provide much resistance.

After softening them both up, Steiner grabs hold of Malenko first… STEINER SCREWDRIVER!!!

Now it’s Noble’s turn as ‘Big Poppa Pump’ grabs him… STEINER SCREWDRIVER!!!

All The Horsemen are out of it except for one, as now RIC FLAIR RUNS DOWN, and he’s wielding a steel chair.

Flair comes in and is swinging wildly, as The Flock attempt to maintain their distance. As Flair looks to advance on Steiner, Raven Chop Blocks him from behind.

Flair goes down, and drops the chair, and Raven immediately picks him up… EVENFLOW ON THE CHAIR!!!

Somehow, Benoit has managed to fight back to his feet, and as he sees this, he approaches Raven… BUT IS IMMEDIATELY DROPPED WITH AN EVENFLOW AS WELL!!!

With all of their rivals down, The Flock hold the ring, as Raven gets a microphone, but is forced to let the heat from the fans die down before he speaks.

Raven: What you are seeing in this ring tonight, this is a preview of War Games. This here tonight is proof that a house divided can not stand. And just like I did with the NWO, in thirteen days I will burn the house to the ground and rebuild it in my image.

Raven performs the ‘Raven pose’, basking in his glory, but the fans start up a “STING” chant. This clearly bothers Raven, as he gets red faced in anger, and kicks the bottom rope in frustration.

Raven: I’ve had enough of this crap. Next week, I will prove that all the talk is wrong, I’m calling Sting out!!!

Whoa. HUGE news there, and a big-time cheer from the fans for the idea of Sting potentially appearing on Nitro next week. Whilst Raven is now clearly in a bad mood, The Flock continue to stand tall over The Horsemen, seemingly well in control on the way to War Games…

END OF SHOW

***

WCW Fall Brawl
September 17th, 2000
Charlotte, North Carolina

War Games
Team Flock (Curt Hennig, Perry Saturn, Raven, Scott Steiner and Vader) vs. Team Horsemen (Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Jamie Noble, Ric Flair and ???)

Goldberg vs. Kurt Angle

WCW United States Championship Match
Booker T (c) defends against ???

WCW Tag Team Championship Match
The Hardy Boyz (c) defend against Los Conquistadors

WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match
Triple Threat Match
Kaz Hayashi (c) vs. Billy Kidman vs. Dick Togo

WCW Television Championship Match
William Regal (c) vs. D’Lo Brown​