WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, 3/23/98

Go Immediately To The Nitro Report

• Trivia: In Bill's 3/20 Thunder Report, the trivia question referred to Chris Jericho and Lance Storm's Smokey Mountain Wrestling days as the Thrillseekers. What was their name when they wrestled in the Canadian National Wrestling Association (CNWA) in Jericho's rookie year (1991)?
• Chan and Charlie here. Chan is making his monthly cameo appearance. As always with Chan, there are more useless informative notes and broad transitions than you can possibly imagine.
  • Speaking of which, look for the DDT Digest Online Guide to Billy Kidman soon.
  • If you have something you would like Chan to look into, e-mail us.
    • If you do send in a project make it feasible. For example, do not send in the task of listing all of the inadequacies of Hacksaw Jim Duggan, because even we do not have the time to compile a list that large. We would just like to say, that was a shot out to our boy Big Bill.
• Charlie received some good news when he learned that his two favorite people were members of Gold's Gym. Yes he saw at Gold's Gym Celebrity Members (http://www.goldsgym.com/OfficialSite/mecca/celebmem.html) that both Ric Flair and Ed O'Neil (Al Bundy from Married...With Children) are both members. Hulk Hogan is also a member.
  • In a related note, both Ed O'Neill and Chan share the same birthday - April 12. That's right, Chan turns 20 in less than two weeks. For all the Chanimaniacs out there, you can e-mail Chan to find out where to send gifts.
• Update: On the February 23rd edition of Monday Nitro, we made inquiries as to the history of wrestler Kaz Hayashi who wrestled the Ultimo Dragon on Monday Nitro. Evidently this was Japanese star Shiryu without his mask. The previous night he wrestled in a dark match with the mask on also against the Ultimo Dragon at Super Brawl VIII losing both matches.
  • We were unfamiliar with him because the name Kaz Hayashi has never been used. Some sites are claiming that Kaz Hayashi is Shiryu's real name. We not doubt this, but prior to his Nitro debut, the Great Hisa's Poruresu Dojo (http://www.puroresu.com/), one of the leading Japanese sites on the web, nor La Arena (http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/bruno/81/), one of the leading Lucha Libre sites had his real name. While this probably is his real name, Chan will offer two alternative suggestions for internet skeptics:
  • On 11/25/97, Shigekazu "Kaz" Hayashi was promoted to become the new President of Acclaim Japan, a game manufacturer (http://e3news.gamespot.com/news/97_11/25_acclaim/index.html). Since Shiryu is a young man, perhaps he is an avid game afficionado and took the name of one of the leaders in his favorite pastimes.
    • Now for the more Channesque theory: On 4/13/97, the Carlsbad 5000 was run in Carlsbad, California. At the conclusion of this race, a 59-year old competitor named, you guessed it, Kaz Hayashi finished 1023rd (http://www.runningnetwork.com/Cal/rr_04ec.html). We know that Shiryu was born on 5/18/73 in Tokyo, so he was not 59 at the time of the event, but perhaps he heard of it and was so pleased with Hayashi's performance that he took his ring name from this brave senior citizen.
• In any event it is surprising to see Shiryu in WCW. He made his name in Michinoku Pro Wrestling, the same league that produced one-time WWF light heavyweight wrestler the Great Sasuke and the current cornerstone of that division, TAKA Michinoku. Shiryu was listed at #226 in the 1997 Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500.
• Lodi has revolutionized the sign situation at WCW. Lodi has expanded from simply painting signs to using body paint as well. While fans have been using both signs and bodypaint for years at sporting events, few have combined them simultaneously and none as effectively as Lodi.
  • In recent weeks, he has had a peace sign on his chest (2/16 Nitro). He also has "Soy Bomb" written on his chest the night after the Grammy's when Bob Dylan's performance was interrupted.
• He took his "signing" to another level during a match with the Disco Inferno on the 3/21 edition of WCW Saturday night from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He entered the ring with "Disco Stinks" painted on his back. During opportune moments of the match he actually displayed signs:
  • Four separate signs with the words: "I", "Can", "Beat" and "Disco"
  • "Disco: Try Dance Lessons"
  • "Lodi: The #1 Chart Buster"
• In other Lodi news we have created A Guide to recent Lodi signs:
  • 3/20 Thunder: "Hey Brad- You better call somebody." This appeared during the Brad Armstrong-Raven match. This is in reference to Brad's brother Brian who happens to be half of WWF tag team champions with Billy Gunn who is noted for saying, "You don't know? Your @$$ better call somebody!" Armstrong and WCW refuse to acknowledge Brian's success as evidenced by the "Armstrong Curse" shirt.
    • Update: In our 1/31 {Pro} Report we commented on a debate between announcers Scott Hudson and Larry Zbyszko as to the chronological order of the Armstrong siblings. The correct order is: Scott (5/4/59), Brad (6/15/61), Steve (3/16/65) and Brian (5/20/69). Hudson was correct.
  • 3/15 Uncensored: "Use My Sign." This sign was used by Raven in his efforts against Chris Benoit and Diamond Dallas Page. Inside the sign was a Stop Sign. This is copied directed from Extreme Championship Wrestling.
  • 3/12 Thunder: "Deacons-Enjoy the NIT." Lodi stills wrestles on the North Carolina independent circuit. While Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina all were selected for the NCAA tournament, the Wake forest Demon Deacons of Winston Salem were not for the first time in eight years. There streak of seven consecutive tournaments tied them for seventh among active streaks. This was not used to incite "cheap heat" as most local references are for as the show originated from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For your information, Wake Forest was eliminated 72-68 in the NIT by the Vanderbilt Commodores, finishing their season at 16-14.
    • Ric Flair marks will recall that Flair was named honorary coach of the Demon Deacons for an encounter with Clemson on February 12, 1997. The story can be found on the WCW web site at http://wcwwrestling.com/news/special_reports/flair_coach.html.
  • 3/2 Nitro: "Want 2 Wrestle Call..." The number listed on the sign was the number to the WCW Power Plant, WCW's training facility.
  • 2/26 Thunder: "Pamela Fears Tommy." This was a reference to celebrity couple Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson. They are currently estranged.
  • 2/23 Nitro: "Hug Your Intern." Obviously, this is a reference to President Clinton and his alleged sexual encountered with fromer White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
  • 2/22 Super Brawl VIII: "Will Hold Signs For Food" during the Armstrong-Goldberg match. A Lodi testimonial.
  • 2/22 Super Brawl VIII: "Benoit we knew you'd lose" during the Luger-Savage match. This came in the pay-per-view after Benoit had lost his U.S. championship bout to Diamond Dallas Page.
  • 2/19 Thunder: "Omega Watch and Learn". Reference to independent promotion Omega Wrestling (http://www.whoowrestling.com/omega/index.html). The idea was suggested by Matt and Jeff Hardy after the 2/11 All-Star wrestling independent show which Lodi participated.
• Speaking of sign guys, ECW's Sign guy Dudley recently opened up his own official web site at http://thepedigree.com/signguy.
• Another ECW knockoff with Lodi could occur from a three-way dance tag team match. In it, Axl Rotten/Balls Mahoney/chair defeated Spike Dudley/Kronus/New Jack and the Dudleys. Yes, a chair was used as a partner. If a chair was used why not a sign. It might be a better partner than Vincent...
• In other Lodi news, rumored to join the Flock is Lodi's green-haired roommate Toad. You may recall Lodi's sign on the 2/23 Nitro: "Toad Clean The Pad." Toad and Lodi wrestle frequently for All Star wrestling (http://www.allstarwrestling.com). Their recent results:
  • On the 2/11 All-Star Wrestling show in Greenville, North Carolina, Lodi and Toad defeated the Border Patrol.
  • On the 3/7 Washington, North Carolina show, Lodi and Toad defeated Matt Hardy and Venom (substituting for Jeff Hardy).
  • Toad is also scheduled to appear for Southern Championship Wrestling (http://www.whoowrestling.com/scw/index.html) in Raleigh, North Carolina on 3/26.
• Another person rumored to be in Raven's Flock is Juventud Guerrera.
  • Air Juvi has been out with an injury but will return soon.
  • La Arena (http://www.fortunecity.com/olympia/bruno/81/), a top Lucha site recently reported that Guerrera's full real name: Name: Eduardo Anibal, 1^st surname: Gonzalez, 2^nd surname: Hernandez.. When Konan degraded him after defeating Lizmark Jr. on the 2/23 Nitro, Konan referred to him simply as Anibal Gonzalez.
  • Konan did lose his mask to Perro Aguayo in 1990 and also eventually lost his hair in a match so it is very hypocritical of him to degrade Juvi for something that he also did.
  • One of the benefits of Juvi dropping the mask is that he can now speak English. Yes, that is correct. Remember, prior to his bout with Jericho, Jericho translated for him, yet immediately after taking off the mask he began speaking English and has been doing so ever since. Perhaps, losing the mask, is an attempt to Americanize Air Juvi.
• Now onto the man who ended Guerrera's championship reign and took his mask, the man of 1,005 holds, Chris Jericho:
  • First, we will attempt to decipher one RSPW claim. On February 19th, TheDRofDesire@webtv.net: In his web site, he says he does a lot of surfing in the net. Today he used the word "Jerichoholic." Keep in mind that, that word was originally created here in RSPW. What do you think?" Jericho first used the term "Jerichoholic" on the February 2^nd Nitro prior to his match with Super Calo and to our knowledge this is the first public usage of the term. Any additional information can be sent to Chan.
  • Another reason we believe Jericho is the originator of the term is because Jericho is very creative and articulate. He has a degree in journalism from Red River Community College in Winipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
• Internet sources are reporting that WCW booking sheets have Jericho slated as cruiserweight champion through the month of May. Internet sources are often inaccurate, but since they resisted the urge to give Malenko the belt during his recent complaining, he may indeed keep it for a sustained period of time. Though tonight is only the 58^th day he has held the championship is the longest cruiserweight reign since Jericho defeated Syxx in Inglewood, California, on June 28, 1997.
  • The Jericho-Syxx match is significant because it occurred during a non-televised internet broadcast. Also on the June 30^th Nitro following the event, Jericho told Syxx that he beat him on Saturday night and Syxx responded that the only thing he beat on Saturday night was in the hotel room after the match.
• Further evidence of WCW's faith in Jericho is they plan to market a Jericho t-shirt in the near future. The shirt will sell for $20 and have "I'm a Jerichoholic" written across the back. The front will be a picture of a cocky-looking Jericho with the words "Lion Heart."
  • In addition, Deli Boy reported on the nWo hotline on March 18 that Booker T. and Goldberg will also be getting their own merchandise.
• Also, in a recent interview with Eric Bischoff on TSN's Off the Record (http://virtual- mktg.com/kpowell/headlines/messages/225.html). Bischoff commented that Jericho could compete with the heavyweights. We agree with this claim although we do not believe WCW has pushed Jericho in this direction.
  • When Jericho was going through his losing streak in December-January. His losses were too heavyweight competitors: Scott Hall (12/15 Nitro), Buff Bagwell (12/22 Nitro), Curt Hennig (12/29 Nitro), Diamond Dallas Page (1/5 Nitro and 1/10 WCW Saturday Night), ric Flair (1/8 Thunder) and Mongo McMichael (1/12 Nitro). Yet, all of his wins have come in cruiserweight matches. If WCW wants to establish him as a viable contender, he must first defeat heavyweight opposition.
• Scott Steiner's moniker has been changed once again.
  • On the February 26th edition of Thunder, Buff Bagwell announced that Steiner would be referred to as "White Thunder." Mark Madden reported on the WCW Hotline on March 18Sth that this would be changed to "Superstar" Scott Steiner.
  • The new name, "Superstar" is a tribute to former wrestler "Superstar" Billy Graham because Scott's facial hair resembles that of Graham's. The similarities between Graham and Steiner were not lost on RSPW readers. On February 23rd, when Scott debuted his new look, Mike Holcomb (mholc68@email.msn.com) noted the similarities. The following day, Ripclawe (ripclawe@aol.com) started the thread "Scott Steiner looks like SuperStar Billy Graham.
  • It is ironic that Scott would take the nickname of Superstar since Graham was an avid steroid abuser who lost his hip. Graham now goes around preaching about the disadvantages of steroid abuse. There is much speculation that Steiner himself is a steroid abuser.
    • The name appears to have been changed do to its racial implications. The name was a take off on former NBA player Darryl Dawkins' self-proclaimed nickname of "Chocolate Thunder." Dawkins was a rebel in the NBA after entering straight from Maynard Evans High School in an era when omitting college was unheard of. During his 14-year career with Philadelphia, New Jersey, Cleveland, Utah and Detroit he was known for breaking backboards and making strange claims such as originating from the "Planet Lovetron." Dawkins has since played with the Harlem Globetrotters.
    • WCW could not afford any racial issues at this time because they recently re-hired African Americans Vincent and Bobby Walker. Vincent and Walker were two of the few black wrestlers in WCW. While Vincent was evidently re-hired due to connections with Hulk Hogan, Walker was apparently re-hired more due to his rumored relative, Thunderbolt Patterson. Patterson, a former wrestler, not only supposedly has influence in WCW but also is a noted civil rights leader.
  • By changing Steiner's name, WCW missed a golden opportunity to re-establish its Baywatch ties. The last Baywatch movie (1997) was titled "Baywatch: White Thunder at Glacier Bay." Think of the feud they could establish between Steiner and Glacier. Ric Flair and Vader appeared on an episode of Baywatch in 1994.
  • In other Steiner news, the dog that Rick brought to the ring with him on the 3/9 Nitro is named Arnold. In a K-9 related note, Charlie recently dumped his girlfriend.
• We always mention the latest Bill Goldberg information so here goes:
  • Despite the events on last week's Thunder, most are speculating that a feud with the nWo will not be in the eminent future.
  • There has been some speculation that Goldberg will wrestle Saturn in upcoming weeks because he can hide his inexperience. YB reported on K-Rock and TooSweet's Wrestling Headlines that the two may meet at Spring Stampede in a match billed as Goldberg's attempt for a "60^th" consecutive victory.
  • Goldberg will be facing Fit Finlay at upcoming house shows. Finlay is a veteran and WCW executives feel Goldberg can learn from the veteran.
  • As stated earlier, Goldberg will be getting his own merchandise soon.
• Another movie based on the life of Andy Kaufman is coming out called "Man on the Moon." Jim Carrey has the featured role. Kaufmam had a stint in Memphis wretsling in the early 1980s.
  • Jimmy Hart has been confirmed that he will play himself.
  • Rumors circulated that Disco Inferno would play the role of Jerry Lawler, but Disco has denied speaking with the producers.
• In other news, Lee Marshall reported on the WCW Hotline that Bobby Heenan will be auctioning off the tuxedo he wore at WrestleMania III. Heenan managed Andre the Giant in his historic main event bout with Hulk Hogan.
• In other Hotline news, Gene Okerlund reported on Saturday that Atlanta sources did not confirm the rumors of Ultimate Warrior returning to wrestling in WCW. Rumors started when Warrior claimed on his website (http://www.ultimatewarrior.com) that he was once again training for sports entertainment.
• Other alleged newcomers to WCW:
  • Many sites are reporting that there is much scandal about the possible entry of Kevin Kelly to the nWo. The push of Bryan Adams infuriated many of the undercard wrestlers and if Kelly was hired it would create further animosity. Kelly was once managed by Madusa in Verne Gagne's AWA. Het achieved his greatest fame as ex-prisoner characters in the WWF as Nailz and in WCW as the Convict in the early-90s.
    • Kelly is notorious in wrestling circles for his hatred of Vince McMahon. When fired, he supposedly had to be separated from McMahon while choking him and he later made sexual allegations that were never substantiated.
    • At the Vince McMahon steroid trial several years ago, when asked if he had any animosity towards McMahon, he responded no. Yet when asked if he hated McMahon, he said yes. Kelly literally did not know the meaning of the word animosity.
  • Mark Madden reported on the WCW Hotline that Yokozuna would appear as "The Artist formerly Known as Yokozuna." We doubt this because he flunked a physical recently in New York. This would also prevent him from competing in most other states. Despite this, Hogan would like him to be involved to avenge an old loss and considering the amount of pull Hogan has been exhibiting lately, we would not be totally surprised to see him.
  • Because he has been mentioned in relation to two of his protegees (DDP and Raven), there has been much speculation about the return of Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The WCW Hotline has addressed the possibilities of him returning in a booking capacity. He was last seen in the World Wrestling Federation where he was fired for stealing a rental car and was recently reported to have signed a contract with Hammerlock Wrestling in the UK. Roberts has a long history of being unreliable.
  • Rick Rude sent shockwaves through the wrestling world when he utilized the "Rude Awakening" neckbreaker at the Uncensored pay-per-view. Immediately rumors of his return began circulating.
  • While the Rude comeback rumors were alive. Ted DiBiase has squelched rumors of his return claiming he has no interest in doing so.
• In contrast, a star who has made ways leaving has been Dean Malenko, though no one believes that he will be gone for long.
  • Malenko was reportedly displeased prior to his leaving because he felt he was being improperly booked. He also had been told that he would be booking a cruiserweight tournament which never transpired. Bischoff alluded to this tournament in several online chats.
    • In regards to Malenko's ineffective usage, Okerlund was correct saying he had lost four consecutive pay-per-view matches. What you may not know is that he did not wrestle in many pay-per-views, so had not won since Slamboree 1997 (5/18/97). Dean's losses were to Jericho (3/15/98 Uncensored), Eddy Guerrero (12/28/97 Starrcade), Jeff Jarrett (9/14/97 Fall Brawl) and an elimination tag team match to Chris Benoit/Steve McMichael when Jeff Jarrett turned on him (8/9/97 Road Wild). Maybe Okerlund was right.
    • In a related note, Mean Gene has apologized on more than one of his Hotline reports for his tirade at Uncensored. Okerlund has been incredibly insensitive in the past, particularly with Madusa's retirement. We do not believe he was attempting to turn heel in the segment.
  • Much speculation has been that he would like time off to spend with his infant, which DDT Digest readers know was born in December. His appearance at Starrcade was even in doubt due to the birth and only because of other cancellations was Malenko asked to appear. He reportedly was given a private chartered plane to whisk him to the arena and immediately back home.
• Another WCW cruiserweight who has been displeased with his position in WCW is the Ultimo Dragon.
  • The WCW Hotline is reporting that he will return and will reunite with Sonny Onoo.
  • In this reunion, Ultimo would receive the push he had been promised last November.
  • Ultimo's discontentment revolves around an incident at World War III on 11/24/97. He left his ill daughter's bed side to fly to the pay-per-view and was told he would defeat Yugi Nagata and as a result would earn five minutes in the ring with Onoo. When he arrived in Detroit he was told he would lose the match.
  • As we have stated, WCW has told Ultimo he would be pushed properly to no avail.
• There is one retirement of note this week. Women's star Akira Hokuto is retiring because she is pregnant with her first baby. Hokuto is married to former U.S. champion Kensuke Sasaki. Hokuto last competed in WCW in 1997. The WCW Women's Heavyweight World Title is currently vacant.
• For those readers in the Baltimore area, tickets go on sale for the July 14th Great American Bash at the Baltimore Arena box office. Curt Hennig will be on hand signing autographs and dancing respectively.
• In other upcoming WCW event news, WCW will be offering Malace at the Palace on the Internet on April 2nd. The show will originate from the Ice Palace in Tampa, Florida. The show will air Thursday at 7:30 because Thunder will be pre-empted on that date. Matches already advertised on the WCW home page (http://www.wcwwrestling.com) include: Hart-Savage, Flair- Hennig and a Hogan-Sting cage match.
• The nWo hotline also reported that WCW has reached an agreement with the Toronto Skydome. Toronto will be part of the WCW tour of Canada in June or July.
• Another upcoming show not sanctioned by WCW that will involve some WCW competitors will be the Brian Pillman Memorial show.
  • The event will be held on 4/29 at Pillman's alma mater, Norwood High School.
    • Norwood High School is located at 20220 Sherman Avenue in Norwood, Ohio, which is a suburb of Cincinnati.
  • Tickets will range from $12-$20.
  • The WCW Hotline reported on March 20th that the main event will be Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit.
  • ECW will be featured in the undercard bout: Chris Candido vs. Al Snow
  • Steve Austin will make an appearance on the show.
    • Stone Cold is also rumored to appear on the animated Fox television series "King of the Hill." In the show, Bobby will be an avid Austin fan, whose father Hank does not feel he is an appropriate role model.
  • For more information call the Norwood Recreation Center at (513) 531-9798.
• In addition to allowing their wrestlers to appear on the benefit show, WCW will be releasing a video tape called "The Best of Brian Pillman in WCW." As with the memorial show, all proceeds will go to Pillman's wife Melanie and her children.
• Recent online interviews:
  • Diamond Dallas Page (http://www.gamepro.com)
  • Kevin Nash (http://www.1wrestling.com/nash.htm)
  • Eric Bischoff from "Off The Record" (http://virtual- mktg.com/kpowell/headlines/messages/225.html)
  • Also Mike Mooneyham recently featured Nikita Koloff in the Charleston Post and Courier (http://www.charleston.net/pub/index/wrestling.html). Two articles are on that site including "No looking back for Koloff" which appeared this past week.
• This week's online interviews:
  • Arn Anderson will do a Prodigy chat. For further details, check his home page at http://www.arnanderson4ever.com/.
  • Also, ECW's Al Snow has an AOL chat planned for March 31st.
• This week's wrestling birthdays:
  • March 23 - Hiroyoshi Tenzan
  • March 24 - Barry Horowitz, Joe Savoldi, The Undertaker
  • March 25 - Jumbo Tsuruta
  • March 27 - Kenta Kobashi
  • March 28 - Derrick Dukes, Curt Hennig, The Warlord
  • March 29 - Michael "P.S." Hayes (Dok Hendrix), Ben Jordan
  • March 30 - Ron Garvin, S.D. Jones, Michael Wallstreet
• Now onto the NITRO REPORT:
• For our boy Steven and his girl Joycee at the Unofficial Bill Goldberg site, we are coming to you live from a city that loves horse racing, basketball and WCW-Louisville, Kentucky.
• The show opens with Roddy Piper walking to the ring to be interviewed by Mean Gene Okerlund.
  
  • Opening remarks:
    • Gene: We have heard you have been up on a mountain in Oregon pontificating.
      • That comment highlighted Okerlund's lack of knowledge of the English language.
    • Piper: Yeah I was constipated.
  • Piper announces the first bat match in the home of the Louisville Slugger on 4/19 when he and the Giant will participate in the first bat match against the nWo's Hogan and Nash.
  • Announces two matches later on the show: Nash-Giant and Piper-Savage.
  • Claims the Giant is backstage eating a "pound of bacon, a dozen eggs and three midgets."
  • Piper says he will teach the Giant to get nasty and will get him a bat so that he may "Smash Nash!"
  • Piper is obsessed with "Hey batter batter batter batter!" Says it three times.
  • He claims to be more psychotic that Savage and refers to his experiences in Alcatraz. We were disappointed that WCW did not use the pay-per-view from Frisco to relive those great Alcatraz memories.
  • He closes the interview with the classic line, "When I'm good, I'm good and when I'm bad, I'm better."
  • Camera closes in on a sign that reads "Real Men Wear Kilts."
    
• The Nitro Girls do a routine in which Kim is the last one spotlighted. Tonight, they are the Silver and Black Attack.
• Mike Tenay, Tony Shiavone and Larry Zbyszko are commentating. They announce that Sting will defend the World title against the #1 contender U.S. Champion Diamond Dallas Page.
  • Guess what, it's a pay-per-view quality show.
  • I actually won't argue with them this time.
  • Cruiserwight champion Chris Jericho and TV champion Booker T. will also compete.
• They show footage of Diamond Dallas Page from MTV Live last week.
  • They show highlights of the pay-per-view match.
  • They show Raven complaining about not being on the show.
  • Raven stole the championship belt from DDP after DDTing him through a table.
  • Rumors are abound that the DDP-Raven match at Spring Stampede will be a ladder match.
• Ultimo Dragon defeated Chavo Guerrero, Jr. (with Eddie Guerrero) with the Dragon Sleeper.
  • Charles Robinson is the referee.
  • Tenay claims, "Chavo's a real man!" For keeping his agreement with his uncle Eddy.
    • If it takes one to know one, we are in trouble.
  • Chavo got a two-count with a German suplex with a bridge.
  • Chavo received much of the early offense.
  • Chavo also got a two count with a fisherman suplex.
  • The match was relatively short and Ultimo only had one two-count before coming out of nowhere with the submission.
  • Eddy had a disgusted look on his face as his nephew lost.
  • Gene Okelrund interviewed Eddy and Chavo after the match.
  • Eddie claims that Chavo did not do what he said because he lost the match.
  • Eddie apologizes to the fans, and his brothers Hector, Mando and Chavo. It is the first time Mando has been mentioned in WCW, though Hector and Chavo have been used in the recent past as jobbers.
    
  • Eddie made him apologize to Eddie's mother.
  • Chavo, "I'm sorry grandma" were the only words he could get in edgewise.
  • Eddie said that he had a match later on in the show against a better Japanese competitor than the one Chavo, Jr. just lost to and he would demonstrate how it's done.
• Hollywood Hogan and Bischoff came out to Hendrix.
  • If there is one good thing about a talented performer dying in his prime, at least Jimi did not have to see Hogan come out to his music.
  • Somebody has a sign: "We worship the ground Hollywood Hogan walks on." Had to be a plant. Nobody is that demented. Next thing you know somebody will have a Vincent sign.
    
  • Zbyszko said 20 seconds into the segments, "I'm already bored!" Couldn't agree more.
  • Bischoff refers to Piper as the midget.
  • Hogan claims that with or without a bat, he is not afraid of Piper and Giant.
  • He refers to Piper's kilt as his sister's mini-skirt. Does Piper have a sister?
  • He later calls the kilt "an itsy bitsy teeny weenie yellow polka dotted mini-skirt." It is amazing how he can butcher other people's line.
  • Hogan claims Rupert Murdoch has inquired about his services after he acquires the Dodgers. Ironic since Murdoch is a rival of Ted Turner often linked with rumors involving the WWF.
  • "Hogan sucks chant" becomes clearly audible.
    • Zbyszko asks if he may join in.
    • Hogan claims they only day that because they are turned on by Piper's legs.
  • Hogan says that he has decided to make the Giant-Nash match a handicap match in which he will team with Big Sexy the Giant Killer.
  • The interview concludes with Bischoff claiming, "He's the man!"
  • It's a bad scenario when Hogan comes on before 9 o'clock. Not only is it too close to dinner time, but also there is no RAW to switch to.
• Bruise Cruise information: Go where Bill? You know where.
• Okerlund plugs the WCW Hotline. Hints that a man who has been absent has been cleared to return but has yet to decide. Ultimate Warrior?
  • He didn't interview anybody, he just plugged the hotline. Does that count as part of the commercial time? It must be thrilling for the people in the arena.
    
• Scott Steiner with Buff Bagwell defeated Wayne Bloom with the Steiner Recliner.
  • Billy Silverman is the referee.
  • Buff Bagwell measures Scott's biceps at 28 inches. Wonder if Hogan's 24-inch pythons are jealous?
    
  • Zbyszko: "Maynard G. Steiner." For you youngsters, this is a reference to "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." All of Zbyszko's references date him.
  • Tenay claims that Steiner calls himself the "Superstar." He says that is what Steiner refers to himself as. Superstar with his picture has been painted on the front of his trunks. It is official now.
  • The back of Scott's trunks now say, "Big Poppa Pump." His spelling not mine. Tony referred to him as "Big Daddy Pump." Any information on the origins should be sent to Chan.
    
  • Bloom and Steiner once feuded in early 1990 when Bloom and Mike Enos were the Minnesota Wrecking Crew II, who were associated with Ole Anderson. While they were more of a threat to the Steiners then, they still were not much of one.
  • It is a little known fact that the first match after Rick Steiner was injured in 1992, his partner was Buff Bagwell, then known as Marcus Alexander Bagwell. He wrestled with Buff at the same television tapings he won the television championship at (9/29/92).
  • Another short squash.
    
• Scott Padgett and Cameron Mills were shown in the front row. Just yesterday they both hit clutch three-pointers to help the Kentucky Wildcats defeat the Duke Blue Devils 86-84 to advance to the Final Four.
• The Nitro Girls then danced in the stands.
  
• Psychosis defeated Lodi with the guillotine legdrop.
  • Mickey Jay is the referee.
  • Tony incorrectly said they were going to Gene for an interview.
  • Lodi comes out with signs, "2-Nite," "I," "Am," "Luchador Lodi."
  • "Lodi wins" was on his chest and "Rush is Right" is written on his back.
  • Lodi's L-shaped sideburns are the coolest thing since Larry Zbyszko shaved a Z in his chest hair.
  • Tenay: "Is he arrogant and cocky or is he just a goof?" That's what we ask about Tenay.
  • Lodi took a dropkick from the top turnbuckle to the outside. The bump was not as impressive as it sounds, but still solid.
  • Psychosis hit a twisting corkskrew moonsault to the outside on Lodi. That was Tenay's description, not mine.
    
  • The third straight squash.
• Tony: "The most exciting entrance to the second hour you have ever seen." He really said it. Was there any doubt that we would watch a historic event tonight?
• Sting defeated Diamond Dallas Page...cleanly.
  • Nick Patrick is the referee.
  • They still haven't put Sting's name on the belt. It would seem that WCW has as much respect for that belt as they have for the tag team belts.
  • Tenay: "This is the biggest opportunity of his life." I'll take marrying Kim and the security of sleeping with her every night over the world title any day of the week.
  • Sting's first title defense against a non-nWo wrestler.
  • Zbyszko debates who to cheer for. Its okay for Tony and Tenay to act like marks, but not Zbyszko. It just doesn't suit him.
  • Sting went for the Scorpion Deathlock early in the match twice. He missed it once.
    
    Page got to the ropes the second time.
  • DDP gets the 2 count with a swinging neckbreaker.
  • Sting shoves off a Diamond Cutter.
  • DDP with another 2 count with an added twist to the 2nd move in his reportoire, the pancake.
    
  • DDP does the punches to the head in the corner with the crowd counting along. Sting can't be happy about that...you're only supposed to do that to heels.
    
  • Why is the World Title match in the start of the 2nd hour of the show? Couldn't be because the last RAW before Wrestlemania just started.
  • After a long breather for DDP, he hulks out of a chinlock.
  • Sting comes off the top.
    
  • DDP goes for another pancake, but Sting reverses it with a back-body drop.
  • DDP goes for the Diamond Cutter, but Sting holds the ropes and turns it into the Scorpion Deathdrop.
    • Very nice finish
      
  • Afterwards, Sting sets DDP up in the corner to his feet. Then Sting stands on the 2^nd turnbuckle and shows the sign for the Diamond Cutter. Sting hugs DDP and DDP raises Sting's hand.
    
• Charlie's here...
• Sorry I was late everybody, I was at Hooters once again.
  • I think a pre-Nitro Hooter's dinner is in line to be a weekly ritual.
  • You may have to excuse me, I had about 20 glasses of tea tonight, so........
• Nitro Girls in the house.
  • Man I love Chae
  • Any cute Asian girls out there who would like to talk to Charlie, send him an email.
• Nitro Party video.
  • Man those things suck.
  • Wait 'til we film a match of Charlie and his brother.
• Rick Fuller vs Lex Luger
  • At Hooter's, Joe mentioned that Luger looks like he was created in a lab experiment.
    
    • Looks like he's starting to "crinkle" like Hogan
  • Luger is fluffing his hair after every move.
    • Kind of like Kristen Ace Clement of the Lady Vols who fixes her hair after every shot or files her nails while sitting on the bench.
    • That was a note from Chan. I, Charlie, have a life.
  • 3 clotheslines, bionic forearm, and the rack. Another win for Lex.
    
• "My Favorite Wrestler Is.." Eddie Guerrero vs "The Subject of Chan's Theory" Kaz Hayashi
  • Chavo is following behind Eddie.
  • In the Johnson City report you may have noticed that we mentioned that we followed Eddie's music to the arena. That is legit, we heard it from where we parked and followed it to the arena.
  • Sign: "Deez Nuts"
    • Better look out for Doug Dellinger
  • Tenay: "Twisting Tae Suisodido dive"
  • Heenan: "Can you repeat that again in English"
  • Tenay: "Suicide Dive"
  • In response to "Eddie Sucks" chants, maybe Eddie should come out with his own version of DX's "S*UCK IT!" shirt.
    • That or, "Suck This" and follow with the thigh chop
  • Eddie hits a dropkick to reverse a moonsault.
    
  • Eddie wins via The Froggie
    
  • Fast paced match.
  • Eddie has Chavo raise his hand.
  • Ultimo Dragon comes in to check on Kaz. Eddie slaps Chavo for not jumping Ultimo Dragon.
• Special look at Bret Hart...
  • Where are we going with this?
  • Why not have a special look at WCW's most loyal employee, The Nature Boy?
• Konan vs Prince Iaukea
  • Special look at Konan
  • Just for Chan, Charles Robinson is the ref.
  • Speaking of no life, Chan just went to the other room for an update on Kristen Clement and the Lady Vols.
    • In Red's (Chan--he's a redhead) defense, Kristen is a fox.
  • Konan just dribbled Iaukea's head off the mat like a basketball. That had to hurt.
  • The last third of the match was really weird...a lot of pauses and blown spots.
  • In a surprise, Prince Iaukea wins with a suplex into a bridge for the 3-count.
    
• Purrrrrrrr, 1-800-BIG-BAZONGAS
• Clean Shaven Jericho vs Lenny Lane
  • Matt, don't let that make you shave.
  • Jericho says "Go Stanford" since Stanford is playing Kentucky this week.
  • Lenny Lane comes out and accuses Jericho of owing him $1000 for the Malenko incident.
  • Jericho: "You stole my outfit and my 'LoverBoy' tape"
  • Lane sucker-punches him.
  • Jericho is wearing his WCW Monday Jericho shirt.
    
    • I gotta get one sucka
  • Jericho wins via Liontamer
    
  • Billy Silverman was the ref
• Promo for Spring Stampede
  • They showed Goldberg followed by a bull. The announcers are claiming that they are from the same breed.
• Chan's dreamgirl, Ace Clement, just airballed a 3. I bet she fluffed her hair anyway.
• Time for Hr #3 at 9:56 p.m.
• Nash/Hogan vs Giant
  • If Hollywood would only stand amidst those flames.
  • Big Kev accompanies Hogan to the ring.
  • On a side note, Tony mentioned Goldberg's 59 wins which Chan mentioned earlier. Take that Tony!
    • Just 10 more wins and......
  • They have a debate about Giant's weight. Tony says 487 and Dave Penzer says 493.
    • Chan isn't the only one without a life.
  • Giant seems to be in a good mood tonight.
  • Mark Curtis is the ref.
  • Tony mentioned that the President of the American League is a wrestling fan.
    • That may be the only thing good about the American League, besides the Orioles. Sorry, we're Braves fans.
  • Hogan tags in Big Sexy, The Giant Killer to prepare the lamb for the slaughter.
  • The Disciple runs in and tries a Diamond Cutter to no avail, while a fan about 100 rows back bounces a wad of paper directly off of Leslie's head.
    
  • Giant chokeslams Eric Bischoff.
    
  • Giant is winner via DQ due to outside interference. Giant stands there with a giant booger hanging out of his nose (NOTE THAT IF YOU CLICK ON THAT LINK, YOU ARE VOLUNTARILY CHOOSING TO SEE THE GIANT WITH A BIG BOOGER HANGING OUT OF HIS NOSE). Upon seeing this, the announcers say that Bischoff "got the snot knocked out of him" to which Heenan added "Little goober".
• RAW note: DX just left the ring. I hope we don't hear anything in upcoming weeks about Tyson getting together with Chyna. Yuck!
• Nitro Girls for our pleasure.
• Chris Benoit vs Booker T
  • Time for Matt to mark out
  • This may in fact be the best match on the show and it received absolutely no hype.
    • ala Apollo 13, "Houston, Tony has a problem"
  • Mickey J is the ref
  • Stiff chops by Benoit
  • Has anyone other than Matt noticed how Benoit bends over every time he kicks someone in the gut?
  • Booker T is still wearing Breathe-Rights. He rules!!!
  • Tony said that Booker T is from top to bottom one of the finest athletes in wrestling.
    • I hope this doesn't mean that Tony was checking out Booker T's "bottom."
  • You gotta love a guy who breakdances in the middle of his match.
  • Benoit hits a superplex from the top rope, but doesn't go for the cover.
  • 3 rolling German Suplexes by Benoit and he still doesn't make the cover.
    
  • Booker T hits his sidewalk slam, and fails to make the cover.
  • Every guy may scream in pain, Booker may have legit racked himself on the top rope.
    
  • TV time limit has expired allowing Booker T to remain the champ.
  • At least they didn't telegraph it by continually announcing the time.
• Curt Hennig w/Rick Rude vs British Bulldog
  • Scott Dickinson is the ref
  • You think WCW could have spent more money to get a decent recording for Davey Boy's ring music.
  • Rude has joined the broadcast booth.
    • How ironic, Heenan is rude too.
  • Curt's yellow ring attire is very, uh, effeminate.
    • Maybe they should design it with a rainbow on his @$$.
  • Tony refers to Bulldog's running powerslam as an "Oklahoma Slam."
    • ????
    • Rude brings it up and leaves the booth. I think I would have too.
  • Bulldog hits the "Oklahoma Powerslam" and is distracted, and then handcuffed to the ropes by Rude. In other words, Bulldog wins via DQ.
  • Bret Hart comes in for the save and slaps the sharpshooter on Hennig. Then decks Bryan Adams, Vincent, Konan, etc.
    
  • Back to the Oklahoma Powerslam thing...Chan says that Tony's remark could have been made ala Dr Death Steve Williams.
    • That's why I think Chan should join the WCW broadcast team. That and he could be my "in" to the business.
  • For the 100^th time, Bret says that he knows what it's like to be screwed over. Someone in the crowd yells out to him "Bret screwed over Bret". Bret says: "Bret screwed over Bret, I don't think so" and gives the guy a dirty look.
• Bill Goldberg vs Renegade
  • Renegade claims that he knows how to defeat Goldberg
    • Hide his 'roids?
    • Note to WCW producers: Never let Renegade speak on TV again. Along with gaining a title. :-)
  • Nick Patrick will earn 30 seconds on the clock
  • Spear, jackhammer, win #60.
    
    • Damn he's getting a push.
    • Heenan: "The Sultan of Slam"
  • A 30-second match, and Goldberg's left eye was bloody afterwards.
  • Heenan is marking out big time
• You may read some RAW stuff. I mean, please, which would you rather watch....Savage vs Piper or Austin vs The Rock?
  • Piper may be older than Austin and The Rock combined.
• Roddy Piper vs Randy Savage w/Miss Elizabreast
  • Stone Cold will be on Regis and Kathie Lee this Friday
  • A fan has a Hot Rod shirt. Man, that shirt must be faded to see-through
  • He didn't scratch, but he did shake his head for what seemed to be an eternity.
  • Liz held onto Piper's ankle.
    
    • She can hold on to my _________
    • You fill in the blank
  • Ugh, I would have preferred that Piper leave his kilt on than him remove it to expose his blue BVD's.
  • Piper goes for a piledriver onto the concrete, but Liz scratches his back to break the hold.
  • Then he does what I would have done....plants a big one on her.
    
  • Piper locks on the sleeper and backs into Savage knocking Liz to the floor.
  • Nash brings in the bat to go for Savage, Hogan stops him, shoves Nash, and goes for Savage. Sting comes in with a bat until Savage nails Sting from behind.
  • Hogan and Nash take on Piper. The Giant comes in, takes both bats and clears the ring of all except Sting and Piper.
  • Giant does the Scott Hall fist pump. Poor Hall, back in rehab.
    
  • Replays are shown until fade to black
• Final RAW note: SCSA wins with the Stunner, then DX comes out and trash talks him. SCSA shoots the bird and Michaels teases a match as they fade to a news update that Boris Yeltsin has fired his entire cabinet.
  • Why is that funny?
  • We're sick
• See ya next week......
• Trivia answer: Sudden Impact

Andrew B. from Louisville, KY, sends this arena report:

Well, I have now attended my first WCW show, and a Nitro none the less. If anything, I now have a new appreciation for the live audience at Nitro. Commercial breaks are BORING! I've been to 3 previous WWF shows (2 house shows and a TV taping), but this was so much different. Anyway, enough of that....

• My friends and I arrived at Freedom Hall at about 6:30. Not too many people there yet, so we decide to wander a bit before we sit down.
• There's a disco ball hanging above the ring, so we assume that Disco Inferno will wrestle tonight. There is also a large box in the ring with what looks like a car battery on it. The reason behind this is beyond me at the moment.
• The sound crew is blaring theme music over the speakers, and they keep cycling the same tape. By the time the show starts at 7:30, they've run the damn tape like five times and I'm about to strangle the first guy that talks about Hulk Hogan.
• Price of 2 [small] slices of Papa John's pizza (best fraggin' pizza on the planet!) and "medium" (but extremely small-looking) Pepsi: $7.78.
• We start looking for our seats and find them, but some crew guy tells us our seats are closer to the ring. Hey, cool with us. We go down to the ring and some twelve year old (working crew no less!) tells us we're furhter back and takes us back to where we came from. I think I liked the first guy better. Apparently, WCW only hires the very best it can.
• By the time the show starts, it's apparent that this is a VERY pro-UK (University of Kentucky) crowd (GO 'CATS!) In fact, just about everyone who wasn't wearing a wrestling-oriented shirt was wearing a UK shirt. And in the home of the Cardinals, no less. BTW, in response to Mike Tenay's comments about the University of Louisville's basketball team being the "most accomplished team in college basketball history" (or something to that effect), that's not quite true. UofL's only won 2 national titles and had a 20 loss season this year. Just about every other Division I school has a better basketball track record than UofL. Anyway, enough of that. Back to wrestling...
• Penzer's in the ring and says it's time to start the show. That big box is still in the ring and I'm wondering why still.
• Goldberg's music cues up and the place goes crazy. He comes to the ring and stands in front of the box. He grabs what looks like jumper cables and jams them into the car battery. [Lame] fireworks go off behind him and the place goes silent. I don't think that's what we were expecting. However, when his music comes back on, the place erupts again. I'm left asking: "What just happened here?"
• t's at this point that I realize that we're sitting in front of like, 8 rednecks. Rednecks are the worst marks. They were loud and obnoxious the whole night. But, thinking back, so was everybody else. The problem was, I wasn't sitting in front of everybody else.
• Penzer comes back and announces that Scott Padgett and Cameron Mills of the UK basketball team are present. How convienient. Anyway, after that announcement, people from all over the place start mobbing the poor man for an autograph. Luckily for them, Padgett's a real nice guy. I should know. I went to school with the man.
• The Nitro Girls come out and do a routine where Kim indentifies each one. God, Spice and Fyre are even hotter in real life.
• When they leave, Penzer gets in the ring and EVERYBODY boos. HAH! He reads the rules while the Keystone Cops confiscate signs. I almost get repremanded for yelling out "Freedom of Speech!" Lucky for me they couldn't figure out who said it.
• When we went on the air, we went crazy when Piper talked about Louisville Sluggers, the chosen bat of street gangs everywhere.
• When Hogan came out and we started chanting "Hogan Sucks!", the rednecks behind us started yelling about how much we all sucked. I just love sitting in front of ignorant bigots, don't you?
• There is a guy in front on us with a sign that says: "I am Gay." And no, I'm not kidding.
• There's this Stone Cold Steve Austin lookalike sitting in front of us and he gets huge cheers when he yells at the guys in front of him (and most us behind him) to put their "damn signs" down. I like this guy already.
• WHAT YOU DIDN'T SEE: After Scott "Big Poppa Pump" Steiner won, he got up on the second turnbuckle facing the crowd and flipped the crowd a double birdie. And I thought I had bought a ticket to WCW, not WWF.
• During Luger's match, if you heard guys yelling out "Luger, sell a move!" that was us. In fact, I was watching the tape to see if we got on camera, and you can hear it, although it's extremely faint through Tony's jabbering.
• During the next commercial break, the Nitro Girls come back out and do handstands and while doing so, spread their legs WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE. God, I want to marry Spice (sorry, Bill). [Note from Bill: Don't apologize to me...it's Mr. Spice you have to answer to.]
• After 2 hours have gone by, the rednecks are talking about how Scott Hall's going to take the survey whenever the nWo music cues up. Guys, I don't think he's here.
• During the Jericho/Lenny Lane exchange, that Canadian flag sign to the left of Lane's head was my friend's. We took turns holding it during the night. Actually, it had "I Hate Canada" written on it, but I'm not surprised you can't see it.
• During a commercial, Penzer announces that Benoit will get a shot at the TV title tonight and the place BLEW UP. Louisville is Benoit country, apparently.
• When we come back from commercial, Hogan & Nash come out and I'm shocked that Hogan's wrestling before Benoit. I was the happiest little maniac in Freedom Hall at that moment since it implies Banoit is more important that Hogan, even though it's about ratings. I can dream, can't I?
• This is an amazing card so far, I'm thinking.
• All through this match, our beloved rednecks keep yelling "powerbomb that fat ass!" I don't think I've heard the word "ass" used so much since the last episode of South Park. The difference? South Park is cool as hell.
• When Benoit comes out, the place EXPLODED. You couldn't tell it on TV, but it he got one of the biggest pops of the night. I also noticed, through my trusty binoculars, that Benoit looked completely bewildered by the ovaition, but not ungrateful.
• Of course, when Booker T came out, he got a big pop too, but then he always does. Plus, it's hard not to do the "Raise the roof".
• Booker T's flames looked blue in the arena.
• There was a fight in the stands during this match, and when the cops broke it up, they beat the holy hell out of the guys involved. At least in the section I was in, and the cops got a HUGE pop for breaking up that crap.
• When the bell sounded, NOBODY was happy, and we made it known. (Probably because nobody thought they'd been wrestling for the full ten minutes.) For a few seconds, there was a "5 More Minutes" chant, but it died out when we started booing Mickey J and the sucky ending.
• A lot of people (at least around me) wanted Benoit to kick Mickey J's ass. I wouldn't have blamed him if he had.
• When Booker T went to the second turnbuckle, only the side of the arena he was facing made any noise. The rest of us just stood there bitching about the lame ending to such a good match.
• WHAT YOU DIDN'T SEE: After Booker T got down, Benoit got on the second turnbuckle facing our side of the arena, and the ENTIRE arena ERUPTED. I have a feeling Benoit will be pushing for Nitro to return to Louisville in the near future.
• Now, having said that, my friends and I were actually dumb enough to think that Benoit would win the belt. Well, he didn't lose, so we weren't completely wrong. I'm guessing he'll win it at Spring Stampede.
• As you could tell, the crowd was dead during the Bulldog vs. Hennig match. Only when Hart came out did anybody make any noise, but when he started talking, he got no reaction. I'm guessing his sympathy appeal is running out on him.
• Goldberg got an even bigger pop when he wrestled than when he lit those lame fireworks.
• You couldn't tell it on TV, but Goldberg got busted WIDE open during the match. I mean, we were like 60 rows away from the ring, but it was obvious from all the way back there.
• Piper got a huge pop. But when Hogan and Nash got into their little spat, they got an even bigger one. When Giant, Piper and Sting cleaned house, there was an even bigger one.
• After that, we left to beat traffic.