WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, 09/14/98

• Fresh Ground Mailbag, anyone?

  • Barry P. from the Lodi Page writes:

    People say WCW has been going down the crapper lately, but at least they give you a warning when to change the channel (i.e. Danger! High Voltage!). If only Hendrix had included a line in Voodoo Child that went "Danger! Inflated Ego!"

  • "MaSteRE76", with a malfunctioning cAPs lOcK key, asks the question everyone wants to know:

    I don't get something about DDP's interviews. I don't get when he says "Hollywood Scum Hogan", why does he point the mic out to the crowd for them to say "Hogan". If he pointed the mic for them to say "Scum" that's a different story. But when he has them say "Hogan", it's not saying anything bad about Hogan and it sounds like they're cheering for him.

    I've wondered that myself. You're absolutely correct - it makes no sense. Much in the same way that the crowd chanting Goldberg's name in a taunting manner is encouraging to him. The rules of logic do not apply in these parts...

  • Jon just wanted to comment:

    Jericho once again proved to be the paragon of virtue thursday, I was cracking up at his "Goldberg-like" entrance...it would of been better if he was wrestling someone like...well...Norman Smiley! Gee..I wish I could be a Jerichoholic Ninja.

    Hey! Aldo! Look! Another Smiley fan! Maybe the Smiley lobby and the Armstrong lobby can get together and overthrow the WCW booking committee!

  • The Titan rocked on by saying:

    In case you didn't knew when Jericho was "lost" in the building before his match with Wrath on Thunder, that's exactly the same thing that happened in a scene of the movie "This is Spinal Tap", wich coincidentally is Jericho's favorite movie.

    In my best Saturday Night Live Johnny Carson impression - "I....I did not know that."

  • Ken McCary was fixin' to say...

    "Dirty South" is considered a compliment in urban circles. It originates from one of the hottest songs out now, Aaliyah's "Are You that Somebody?" - Kinda like how people in the South get down and dirty (partywise).

    See my response to the previous letter, since my average daily R&B consumption is zero or lower.

  • Clayton Lewis from the fine This Week in WCW page, has a theory to continue the "Chris Jericho Mailbag":

    I just thought of something (mainly because I have too much free time and don't get enough sleep). But Jericho appeals to a pretty wide audience.

    Look at the following:

    His entrance music starts with "Evenflow" from Pearl Jam, which appeals to the younger crowd or "Generation Next" as I call them. In the past couple of months he has made a number of music references, more notably:

    "I want you to want me." (Cheap Trick, appealing to 70's music fans.)

    "Oonta gleebin glotten globin." (Def Leppard "Rock of Ages," appealing to those of us in Generation X, at least for the most part.)

    "I am most definitely the walrus, goo goo ga joob." (Beatles reference if I'm not mistaken. Appeals to some of the older viewers.)

    As you can see, one of the reasons for WCW's popularity is none other that our Paragon of Virtue, Chris Jericho!

    Hope you enjoyed what comes out of my lack of sleep.

• Well, Fall Brawl was last night. From reading the general consensus on the 'net, you'd think that it was the worst PPV - ever. Now, while it certainly wasn't great by any stretch of the imagination, it was decent. Of course, you had the requisite nonsensical main event (on that note - somebody please do us all a favor and get Warrior out of here before he starts pulling bunnies out of a hat or something), but the undercard wasn't horrible. Raven/Saturn was a really good match, and we got to see good workers we don't normally get to see (Smiley, Silver King), along with an upset win (Konnan). Granted, it was C-/D+ material, but you'd think we were subjected to an Ed Leslie Battle Royale for all the complaining.

• We open up with a crowd shot in Greenville, SC, as the Nitro Girls dance.
  • Tonight, Goldberg vs. Sting.
  • The announcers talk about DDP's Wargames win.

• Tony and Zbysko are in the announcer booth alone, for some reason.
  • Tony says that Tenay is out getting the scoops on the Four Horsemen.
  • Tony says that the rumor is that the Horsemen may re-form tonight.
  • HUGE "We want Flair" chant.
  • Tony says Tenay is standing by.

• Tenay is at the Greenville airport.
  • We see a white limo behind him, along with a Lear jet.
  • The limo driver doesn't stop.
  • Tenay asks the pilot of the plane if Ric Flair was on the plane, but the pilot gives a big "No Comment."
  • The pilot shuts the door...gee, I hope they take the blocks out from under the wheels before they attempt to take off.
  • That must have been recorded earlier, as it's now quite dark in the Eastern time zone, while it was very bright in that shot.

• Tony takes us back to some footage from Thunder
  • We see The Cat's disrespectful assualt on two better athletes, the Armstrongs.
  • The only saving grace from that travesty was NORMAN SMILEY~!
  • We also see the locker-room confrontation between Smiley and Kitty B. Badd from Fall Brawl.

• Match 1: Alex Wright vs. Van Hammer
  • Alex Wright makes his way out!
  • Wright blows a kiss to the camera.
  • His opponent:
  • Woah! Van Hammer!
  • Hammer comes out looking like a hippie. He's got a tie-died peace sign shirt, round glasses, and a headband. This is like a bad acid trip.
  • No, wait! It's DUDE LOVE!!!
  • Hammer forces Wright into the corner, gives a peace sign, and says "Be cool, man."
  • Juvi vs. Kaz Hayashi tonight.
  • Sign: "Ron Jeremy Is My Dad"
  • Wright leapfrogs Hammer and dances.
  • Wright opens up with punches, and locks on a headlock.
  • Wright with an axehandle as Hammer ducks for a backdrop, and then floors him by the hair.
  • Wright teases a dropkick, but runs a shoulder into Hammer's gut.
  • It's been all Wright thus far.
  • Hammer hits a big backdrop, and a bodyslam.
  • Wright hits the floor to recover.
  • Kitty B. Damned is making his way to the ring, and kicks Hammer in the back of the head. This leads to a DQ.
  • Wright dances in celebration, and leaves Cat in the ring by himself.
  • Kitty gets on the mic, and tells WCW that they'll get somebody hurt.
  • Kitty says nobody here can beat him, even the rednecks in crowd.
  • Doug Dillinger and security come out, and take Kitty away.
  • Kitty goes out talking about how great he is. Snore.
  • The crowd chants "We want Flair" as we follow Kitty all the way out to the squad car.

• We see stills from Wargames last night.
  • Tony says Hart was injured last night.

• Mean Gene is in the ring (eventually)
  • Gene calls out Hart.
  • Gene refers to Hart as "Canadian Superstar."
  • Hart won't get a warm reception in Flair Country.
  • Hart comes out limping, with the US belt, and street clothes on.
  • Zbyszko: "All I know is that when the nWo says 4-life, they have a very short lifespan."
  • Hart's right knee if heavily taped.
  • Gene asks Hart what's on his mind.
  • Hart says that he's made a complete jackass of himself for the longest time, and was listening to the wrong people.
  • Hart calls Hogan "full of [bleep]." That bleep was 'crap.'
  • Hart says Hogan ran from him, but Hogan is scum.
  • Hart says that his doctors tell him it will be a long time before he wrestles again.
  • Hart says he never earned the US title, and doesn't deserve it.
  • Hart promises Hogan that he will be back, and will make Hogan's life a living hell.
  • Hart says he doesn't blame the fans for losing respect for him.
  • Roddy Piper slowly makes his way to the ring.
  • Hart backs up from an advancing Piper.
  • Hart doesn't look Piper in the eyes.
  • Piper says that he came out two weeks ago to tell Hart what a jerk he was.
  • Piper orders Hart to look at him.
  • Piper is laying a big guilt trip on Hart, talking about how lucky he is to have a family.
  • Piper says that Hart is not the first one to get conned by Hogan.
  • Piper's getting emotional, talking about Stu Hart.
  • Piper challenges Hart not to drown in his own sorrow, and to prove to the people how good he is.
  • Piper says that we can forgive Bret Hart, and gives him an affectionate slap on the head.
  • Hart asks the fans for another chance, and makes his way out of the ring.

• Somebody in the crowd has a sign that says "The Real Disco Inferno."

• We see stills from Raven vs. Saturn, including the HUGE Spicolli Driver on Lodi through the table.

• Match 2: Saturn vs. Kendell (sic) Windham
  • The siren song comes on to a big pop.
  • Saturn has a planet on his crotch. Better than moons over my hammy.
  • His opponent - Kendall Windham.
  • Windham is growing his hair back.
  • I'll let this slide, only because I'm a Windham family mark.
  • Windham opens up with big shots to Saturn.
  • Tony notices Kendall's Blackjack Mulligan-like black glove.
  • Kendall misses a couple of elbowdrops, and Saturn hits a big belly-to-belly.
  • Saturn pounds on Kendall in the corner while Mark Curtis is perched on the turnbuckles.
  • Saturn with a HUGE superkick.
  • Kendall opens up as Saturn comes into the ring.
  • A big back-elbow from Windham.
  • Windham locks on an armbar.
  • Saturn escapes with a snapmare, goes up top, but misses a splash.
  • Windham throws Saturn out of the ring.
  • Windham drops an elbow to Saturn's back from the apron.
  • Saturn throws Windham into the corner, starts pounding on him, but Windham goes to the eyes.
  • Windham drops a leg.
  • Saturn fights out of a chinlock, but Windham hits a knee to the gut.
  • Windham flips Saturn with the Flying Lariat, but Saturn kicks out at two.
  • That seals it - Wrestling Rules dictate that if you hit your finisher and don't get the pin, you're probably going to lose. The addendum to that is that if your opponent misses his, too, all bets are off.
  • Not like Windham had a chance anyway, but....
  • Windham goes for a bodyslam, but Saturn hits a small package. They're in the ropes, though.
  • Windham with a gutwrench suplex.
  • Windham misses a big boot, but Saturn sells it anyway.
  • Saturn starts to fight back, but Windham hits a low blow.
  • Windham with chops in the corner, and places Saturn on the turnbuckle.
  • Windham hits a belly-to-back superplex.
  • Windham hops up to the second turnbuckle, but Saturn avoids an elbowdrop.
  • Saturn avoids a corner charge, and rolls Windham up for two.
  • Saturn hits a T-Bone suplex.
  • Saturn floors Windham with a clothesline, and bodyslams him.
  • Saturn hops up to the second buckle, and hits a big elbowdrop for two.
  • Windham blocks a suplex, and turns it into a swinging neckbreaker.
  • Saturn blocks an Irish whip, and turns it into the Spicolli Driver for the win!!!
  • Good match!
  • Riggs, Horace, Sick Boy, and Lodi come down to the ring. Kidman is also with them.
  • Raven is in the crowd, yelling that the game is over.
  • Kanyon is with him.
  • Raven says that the Flock has had their 24 hours of freedom. The joke is now over.
  • Raven calls for the Flock to join him.
  • Saturn tells the Flock that they don't have to join Raven.
  • Saturn tells Riggs that he used to be a tag champion and he should do something with himself.
  • Lodi has a neck brace.
  • Saturn tells Horace that he could be a star. Horace throws his sign down, and stomps it.
  • Saturn tells Kidman he has more talent than anyone in the ring, and tells him to win the Cruiserweight belt.
  • Raven is still calling for the Flock to step back over the railing and join Raven.
  • Lodi starts to go, and Kidman tries to stop him.
  • The Flock walks to the back, leaving Raven.
  • Lodi still looks confused.
  • Saturn tells Raven it's mind over matter - The Flock doesn't mind, so Raven doesn't matter.

• Match 3: Renegade vs. Wrath
  • Someone is already in the ring.
  • However, his opponent will put him through the floor. It's WRATH!
  • His opponent - The Man Who Will Lead Hulkamania Onto WCW {Pro} - Renegade!
  • Renegade was probably the "First Warrior" in the cage last night.
  • Renegade tries to open up early, but Wrath will have none of that.
  • Wrath is just kicking Jobbergade down.
  • Renegade hits his handspring back-elbow, but Wrath no-sells it and hits a running shoulderblock.
  • Wrath sets up for the Meltdown, and plants Renegade with it. That's your match.
  • Wrath yells something at the camera.

• Voodoo Child comes on - "Danger! Inflated Ego!"
  • Eric the Airplane, Liz (boiing), Hogan, and Disciple come out.
  • Eric points out a sign: "Eric Bischoff's pen is bigger than Vince McMahon's"
  • Eric says that this is a brand new house for Hollywood Hogan.
  • Eric says: "Eric Bischoff is here, and Ric Flair isn't."
  • Crowd: "We Want Flair"
  • Hogan buzzword count: "nWoites, worship the ground I walk on"
  • Hogan calls Hart a sissy, and Piper too.
  • Hogan calls Warrior a coward who wouldn't face him. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
  • Hogan says that Warrior robbed him of his shot to "tear Goldberg's head off."
  • Hogan challenges Warrior to a match.
  • The ring fills with Lame Brand ® smoke.
  • When the smoke clears, Disciple is gone.
  • Hogan is running around like a ninny.

• We're back with Hour Number Two!

• Tony says that he received word that Kaz Hayashi is injured, and will not be able to wrestle Juvi tonight, so Kidman will get the shot.
  • Kick ass!!!

• Match 4: Kidman vs. WCW World Cruiserweight Champion Juventud Guerrera
  • Kidman makes his way to the ring.
  • He's not slapping hands or anything.
  • His opponent - the Cruiser champion, Juventud Guerrera!
  • Juvi: "This is my belt. This is forever."
  • Zbyszko: "Juvi and Kidman are in the same mold - not very big guys." Good for your cruiserweights, I think.
  • Tony notices that Kidman doesn't scratch as much anymore.
  • Juvi gets the big pops.
  • Kidman starts, but Juvi hits some chops.
  • Juvi ducks a clothesline, and floors Kidman with chops.
  • Juvi with ten punches in the corner, and sits on the top.
  • Juvi vaults over the ropes, and floors Kidman by the hair.
  • Juvi hits a missile dropkick.
  • Juvi holds the ropes open, and invites Kidman back in.
  • Kidman with a slingshot anklescissors.
  • Juvi goes for a leapfrog, but Kidman turns it into a powerslam.
  • Kidman locks on a chinlock.
  • Kidman drops a leg.
  • Juvi slides between the legs, and comes back up with headscissors.
  • Kidman eats boot charging the corner.
  • Juvi bodypresses Kidman against the ropes, sending both men to the floor.
  • Commercial.
  • As we come back, Juvi is hulking out of a chinlock.
  • Kidman tries a knee to the gut, but Juvi rolls him up for two.
  • A HUGE dropkick from Kidman.
  • Tenay has come back to the booth.
  • Kidman with the slingshot legdrop.
  • Tenay says he hasn't seen any Flair.
  • Juvi flips out of a German suplex, and Kidman hits the split-legged spinebuster!!!
  • Only two, though.
  • Kidman with an inverted powerbomb, and the crowd wants the pin.
  • Kidman with a mudhole stomp on Juvi.
  • Kidman with an avalanche clothesline, and drops an elbow.
  • Juvi slides out of a suplex, and hits a German suplex of his own.
  • The crowd is really getting behind Kidman.
  • Juvi goes up top.
  • Juvi with headscissors from the top for two.
  • Juvi avoids a corner charge, tries the JuviDriver, but Kidman avoids it!
  • Kidman turns it into an inverted suplex.
  • Kidman with a bodyslam, and goes up top.
  • Juvi catches Kidman on the top, and crotches him.
  • Juvi with a Frankensteiner off the top, and sets him up for the 450.
  • Kidman avoids the move, catches him in midair, and hits the split-legged spinebuster!!!
  • The crowd goes nuts as Kidman goes up top!
  • KIDMAN HITS THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • One......
  • Two...........
  • THREE!!!! KIDMAN WINS IT!!!!! KICK ASS!!!!
  • Kidman is the new Cruiserweight Champion!!!!
  • Saturn comes out and gives Kidman a standing ovation.

• In the back, we see JJ Dillon in a tux, going along with a group of security guards and Doug Dillinger
  • Dillon says that this is going to be a big night, and he'll let Gene be surprised like the rest of us.

• We see Jackie Chan with prerecorded comments to Larry Zbyszko about his new movie.
  • Aldo D.: "Who is that, Kaz Hayashi's translator?"

• We see Eddy Guerrero and Bischoff arguing
  • Bischoff asks Eddy when his daughter's birthday is. He says Eddy can send her a postcard.
  • Bischoff tells Eddy that he gets to go to Japan if he doesn't want to work here.

• Match 5: Barbarian (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. Davey Boy Smith
  • Jimmy Hart (in a rather plain suit) leads out Barbarian.
  • His opponent - one-half of the Old Age Inlaws, British Bulldog.
  • Bulldog seems to be rather "facey" tonight.
  • Stalemates to start, but Bulldog floors Barbarian with a flying shoulderblock.
  • Bulldog clotheslines Barbarian over the top.
  • Barbarian pulls Bulldog out to the floor, and sends him into the steps.
  • Bulldog is taking a beating on the floor.
  • Tony and Tenay talk about all the clues that Flair is here, and Zbyszko says "Yeah, yeah. And if you play the record backward, it says 'Paul Is Dead.'"
  • Barbarian with a kind of face-first bodyslam from the over-the-shoulder position.
  • Barbarian chokes Smith, and throws him into the corner.
  • Hart gets a choke in, too.
  • Man Bulldog is getting a gut.
  • Bulldog tries the Walking Powerslam, but Hart grabs Barbarian's foot.
  • Bulldog nails Hart.
  • Barbarian gets the advantage.
  • Barbarian goes for the Kick of Fear, but Bulldog ducks and hits what, I swear to God, was the weakest powerslam I've ever seen in my life to get the pin.

• Gene is in the ring with JJ Dillon
  • Gene says Dillon may be overdressed for the occasion.
  • Gene is talking about the Steiner vs. Steiner match.
  • Dillon says that Scott/Buff's situation was unacceptable.
  • The Executive Committee is ordering Steiner vs. Steiner II for Halloween Havoc. That will hopefully allow Scott's back to heal.
  • Gene starts to go to commercial, but the lights flicker, and some sort of maniacal laugh comes over the loudspeaker.

• We don't go to commercial, but instead see the Nitro Girls.

• The Nitro Party winner: Some guy from Buffalo, NY.
  • Incredibly bland party. There wasn't even anything to make fun of.

• Match 6: Jim Neidhart vs. ????
  • Jim "The Convict" Neidhart - the other half of the Old Age Inlaws, comes out.
  • Heenan has joined the announce crew.
  • nWo music brings out . . . .
  • Smoke fills the ring. Again. Sigh.
  • Warrior appears in the ring, with an unconcious Disciple.
  • Neidhart leaves the ring area.
  • Giant, Hogan, Buff, and the rest of nWo Hollywood come down.
  • Hogan says he'll handle this.
  • Warrior: "You missing something, Hogan?"
  • Warrior takes 10 minutes to call Hogan a coward.
  • nWo Hollywood surrounds the ring.
  • Warrior says that the disciple of a cowardly leaders cowers in fear in the presence of a Warrior, or whatnot.
  • Warrior accepts Hogan's challenge for Havoc.
  • Warrior: "The graveyards are full of cowards."
  • Lame Smoke ® fills the ring again, and when it clears, Warrior and Disciple are gone again.

• Match 7: Silver King and Norman Smiley vs. Scott Steiner (w/Buff Bagwell)
  • Yes!!! Silver King!!!
  • YES!!! He's teaming with NORMAN SMILEY~!!
  • Their opponents, from the nWo, Scott Steiner and.....Scott Steiner?
  • I can't believe they're going to job Smiley and King in a handicap job. That frickin' sucks.
  • Steiner clotheslines both opponents, and starts kicking them down.
  • Steiner poses.
  • Bagwell chokes Smiley, and puts his stovepipe hat on Smiley's head.
  • Steiner throws King into Smiley in the corner, and splashes both of them.
  • This is sad, sad, sad.
  • Scott press-drops Smiley.
  • Scott double-underhooks King right onto Smiley.
  • Sign: "Survey says: Norman Smiley".
  • Scott locks BOTH men in the Steiner Recliner at the same time, and gets a double-submission win.
  • Scott grabs his lower back after the match.
  • Scott has Buff rub his back for him after the match.
  • Buff: "Hey Norman, are you smiling?"
  • The price you gotta pay to get on a PPV these days, I guess.

• The Nitro Girls dance a bit more.
  • You can see Buff in the ring in the background doing the "cabbage patch."

• Tony goes back to Thunder, where Eric Bischoff challenged Arn Anderson.

• We have the fireworks for Hour Number Three!
  • Tenay says that he hasn't seen Arn Anderson tonight.

• Match 8: Giant vs. Meng
  • nWo music brings out Giant.
  • His opponent - in a match that was rumored to have originally a part of the PPV - Meng.
  • Meng is unusually restrained tonight.
  • Meng chops Giant in the corner.
  • Giant chops back, but Meng no-sells it.
  • Meng goes to work on the knee.
  • They're clubberin' each other.
  • Meng no-sells Giant's offense, and hits a side kick.
  • Giant pulls the strap down.
  • Meng avoids a chokeslam.
  • Meng has yet to sell anything.
  • A Giant headbutt doesn't faze Meng.
  • Sign: "Clemson Rugby"
  • They lock up, and Giant tries another ineffective headbutt.
  • Meng hits a thrust kick.
  • Meng goes for the Tongan Death Grip, while Giant goes for the Chokeslam.
  • Giant has the reach advantage, so he grabs Meng's throat, while Meng is grasping at air.
  • Giant plants Meng with the chokeslam, and gets the pin.

• Match 9: Scott Hall (w/Vincent and a drink) vs. Lex Luger
  • Vincent leads out Scott Hall, a tag belt (upside down) and a drink.
  • Vince has a paper-bag-wrapped bottle with him, too.
  • Hall needs to put an olive on the end of his toothpick to help the angle along.
  • Hall is stumbling around the ring, and his belt falls off.
  • Vince steadies Hall as he climbs the buckles.
  • This must be WCW (Hall) making fun of the WWF (Hawk) making fun of WCW (Hall). How surreal can you get?
  • Hall does his survey.
  • Commercial.
  • Wolfpac music brings out Lex Luger.
  • Hall tries to sneak up on Luger, to no avail.
  • Hall is sucking his gut in.
  • Hall flexes at Luger.
  • Sign: "Survey Says Alcohol."
  • Hall stalls a lockup.
  • Hall dances around Luger, refusing to lock up.
  • Hall finally locks up, but slips away.
  • It happens again.
  • Hall goes out to take a drink.
  • Luger has enough of that, and nails Hall.
  • Luger with a headlock, and they have a series of near-hiptoss reversals, but Hall gets to the ropes.
  • Hall goes for a lockup, but falls right on his back.
  • Hall rolls out of the ring.
  • Hall slowly makes his way back to the ring.
  • Hall counts along with the referee on the apron, entering the ring at 9.
  • Luger yells at Hall: "You're messed up. You're going to get somebody hurt out here. Come on!"
  • Eric Bischoff comes down the aisle.
  • Bischoff calls Hall to the floor.
  • Bischoff tries to get Hall to go back to the back.
  • Konnan and Nash come down the aisle.
  • Nash goes to talk to Hall, and he and Konnan try to get Hall to the back.
  • Hall asks Nash where he was when Hall's life was falling apart.
  • Hall starts arguing with everyone, and takes another drink.
  • Hall "pukes" on Bischoff and the camera.
  • Since "Papa Shango" still works for the other promotion, I assume that was from the drink.
  • That was uncalled for. This angle is quickly bordering on tasteless.
  • Hall rolls back in the ring, wanting the match to continue.
  • I assume this will be a no-contest, and we go to commercial.

• JJ Dillon makes his way to the ring, and a spotlight is on him.
  • Dillon calls Arn Anderson to the ring.
  • Arn, in a nice suit, comes out to Horsemen music.
  • Anderson slowly makes his way to the ring.
  • Dillon says he had a private conversation with Arn since the last time they were in the ring together.
  • Dillon says he's going to share with the fans what he said: Dillon says he owes Arn an apology for the things he said, even though his intentions were good.
  • Dillon apologizes to Arn, and passes the mic.
    
  • Arn asks if Dillon can smell it.
  • Arn says that that when 15,000 people blow the roof off a place, that's what a "pop" smells like.
  • Arn says that Dillon was a true friend, and said to him what everyone else has been saying.
  • Arn says he's going to start at the beginning, because tonight is a new beginning for the Horsemen.
  • Arn says that when he became a wrestler, it was the finest day of his life.
  • Arn talks about becoming a Horseman in 1986, and wrestling in great towns like Greenville.
  • Arn says that he's tried to uphold Horseman standards.
  • Arn says that a year and a half ago, he laid on an operating table, and Arn Anderson the wrestler died.
  • Arn says he didn't think he could be a Horseman, if he couldn't wrestle.
  • Crowd: "We want Flair."
  • Arn: "Trust me, everyone is going to get what they want tonight."
    
  • Arn calls the other three Horsemen down.
  • First, he calls out Mongo.
  • Mongo comes out in a snazzy tux.
    
  • Arn: "Chris Benoit - come on down."
  • Benoit still looks pissed, even in his tux.
    
  • Arn: "Dean Malenko, come on down!"
  • Malenko comes out to a pop, wearing his tux.
    
  • Malenko hugs the other Horsemen.
  • Arn goes on record as saying that if there's a finer wrestler than Chris Benoit, Arn doesn't know him.
  • Arn praises Mongo.
  • Malenko looks TINY compared to the other Horsemen.
  • Arn thanks Malenko for fighting the Horseman fight while Arn was out there yakking.
  • Arn: "I said you didn't get it. Well, I didn't get it."
  • Arn says that through the year 2000, Arn is going to bring the Horsemen back.
    
  • Arn says he won't be responsible for what happens next - the fact is, we don't wear white hats. YES!!!
  • Arn: "Ah! What a goof! I almost forgot the Fourth Horseman! RIC FLAIR, COME ON DOWN!!!"
    • "Thus Spake Zarathustra" comes on.....
    • RIC FLAIR IS BACK IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Flair, with tears in his eyes, makes his way down the aisle!
      
    • Flair gives a big WHOO!!!!
    • Flair walks tall down to the ring.
    • Arn bows to Flair.
    • Flair hugs JJ and the rest of the Horsemen.
      
    • Alex S. is crying right now because of Flair. Hear hear!!
    • Flair gets the mic.
    • Flair is tearful as the crowd goes nuts.
    • Flair: "Thank you....thank you very much. I'm almost embarassed by the response, but when I see this, I know that the 25 years that I spent trying to make you happy every night of your life was worth every damn minute of it!"
    • Flair: "Somebody told me that the Horsemen were having a party tonight in Greenville. Could that be true that the most elite group that Eric Bischoff said was dead is alive an well? Bischoff - this might be my only shot, and I gotta tell you, I'm gonna make it my best."
    • Flair: "Is this what you call a great moment in TV? This is real, this is not bought and paid for, it's a real life situation. Just like the night in Columbia, SC, when you looked at me, tears in my eyes, and said 'God, that's good TV'. It was real.
      
      Arn Anderson passed the torch, and it was real. You think Sting was back in the dressing room crying if it wasn't real?"
    • Flair: "This man [Anderson] is one of the greatest performers to ever live, and you squashed him in one night. Then you get on the phone and tell me - 'Disband the Horsemen, they're dead.' I looked at myself in the mirror the next day, and saw a pathetic figure who gave up and quit. And for that, I owe you, the fans, and these guys an apology."
    • Bischoff comes down, and Flair calls him an obnoxious, overbearing asshole.
    • Flair points at Bischoff and says "Abuse of power!"
      
    • Bischoff is yelling that Flair will never wrestle again.
    • Flair calls Bischoff a no-good son of a bitch.
    • Flair: "Fire me? I'm already fired!"
  • And with that, we go to commercial.

• Full transcript:

  [J.J. Dillion enters ring]

  J.J. Dillion: I would like to ask the enforcer Arn Anderson to come to the ring!

  [Arn Anderson enters ring]

  J.J. Dillion: I had a private conversation with you since you and I last appeared publicly in a ring such as this. And I feel that I owe it ... I owe to you, I owe it to all these great fans, and I owe it to myself ... To share with them publicly what I said to you, privately. And that is the fact that I owe you an apology for the things that I said to you. But my intentions were good. I meant well. Quite frankly, a friend doesn't say to another friend the things I said to you, or put you in the position that I put you into. And for that, I owe you an apology and I hope that you will accept my forgiveness.

  Arn Anderson: Can you smell it, J.J.? Take a breath, can you smell it? When 15,000 people blow a roof off a place, that's what pop smells like. Take a bow! What you said to me is what all those people have been saying to me for a year and a half -- and only a true fan would say that. They said, "Arn Anderson, stand up and be a man -- like you've always been!" And I couldn't hear those words, because something was in the way. And I'm going to start at the beginning, because you have to start at the beginning...because tonight is a new beginning for The Four Horsemen. [Tony Schiavone: Oh Yeah ... Bobby Heenan: What could that mean?] And when I was a kid like all kids, people asked you, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" There was no gray area for me. Always knew I wanted to be a wrestler. And when that finally happened to me, it was the proudest day of my life. And then in 1986, I started coming to the these towns -- just like Greenville, South Carolina -- as a Horsemen. And my life changed forever. And the doors that opened for me, I had never dreamed of. And wrestling the greatest wrestlers in the world -- in a town like this and all across this country -- showed me who I was. And everyday that I walk up since then, I tried to uphold the standards, that we -- you and I and the rest of us -- set for ourselves. About a year and a half ago, I laid down on an operating table, and when I woke up, Arn Anderson -- the wrestler -- was dead. And I thought to myself, "How could I be a Horseman if I couldn't be a wrestler?" Well, the fact is, I questioned my mind. [Crowd cheers We Want Flair] Trust me, everybody is going to get it -- what they want tonight ... Bischoff, Eric Bischoff ... And when I thought I could no longer be a Horsemen, Chris Benoit came to me first. And he said, "This could all happen." And with that prelude, I would like to bring the other three Horsemen down right now. [Bobby Heenan: This is history]. Steve "Mongo" McMichael, come on down!

  [Steve McMichael enters ring]

  [Tony Schiavone: What a wonderful night!]

  Arn Anderson: Chris Benoit, come on down!

  [Chris Benoit enters ring]

  [Bobby Heenan: What excitement, huh? ... Tony Schiavone: I'll let you speak for yourself here.]

  Arn Anderson: Dean Malenko, come on down!

  [Dean Malenko enters ring]

  Arn Anderson: [McMichael, Benoit, Malenko, and Dillion look upon Anderson] Now, before we go any further, Chris Benoit, you got this thing rolling, and I'm going to go on record saying, that if there's a finer wrestler in all the land than you, I don't know who it is. Your intensity the first time I saw you wrestle, made you something special. You are something special in my eyes. You knew what it was to be a Horsemen. You will carry that tradition way past the year 2000. "Mongo" McMichael, you're a hard-headed. A lot of times, you're hard to be around. But the fact is, in my eyes, you're all-man. You're a surviving all pro. And when this is all and done, if I've got anything to say about it, you will mean to this sport what you meant to the sport of football. Now Dean Malenko, I've been out here yakking for the last 10 years about what it meant to be a Horsemen -- work ethic. Respect for the business, respect for each other ... respect for the people that came before us. And while I was yakking the last year, and the last couple of months, you were out there fighting for the rights of The Four Horsemen. You exemplify exactly what a Horsemen has always meant -- over-achievement. Being the very best you could be, each and every day of your life, whether you were sick, or hurt, or whatever the case maybe. And it makes me proud. Now, and I'm going to say it one more time. I said, that you didn't get it -- well, I didn't get it. Because if there was ever a Horsemen, it makes me a little misty eyed, and real proud to call you this day ... The finest thing I can call you this day -- that's a Horsemen. Ladies and gentleman, for the year 2000, we're going to do exactly what all of you people across this nation have assked us. "Arn Anderson, bring back the Horsemen." And I feel it fair to tell you, I'm not going to be responsible for what hits next. Because, we don't wear white hats. We are not nice guys. And I can tell you this -- heads are going to roll! So, I've said it. Be careful for what you wish for, because now, you have it.
  Ohh, what a goof! What a goof! You know, I get accused of getting racked in the head a few times, and have a little touch of Alzheimer's. My, God, I almost for the fourth Horsemen. RIC FLAIR, GET ON DOWN HERE!!

  [Bobby Heenan: Here we go!]

  [Ric Flair enters ring]

  [Tony Schiavone: Ho Ho Ho, Hooo! One week ago, ladies and gentleman, when Mark McGwire hit 62, you said you'd always know where you would be on that day. Well, at 10:38 Eastern time, on Monday, September 14, you were part of Horsemen history. He is back ... Bobby Heenan: Look at the Horsemen of that man's eyes ... Mike Tenay: It tells the whole story ... Bobby Heenan: Oh, it sure does, Mike Tenay ... Mike Tenay: Words just do not do this moment justice ... Bobby Heenan: Look at the respect they show on Nature Boy]

  [Ric Flair, crying, hugs Horsemen]

  [Bobby Heenan: Boy, that looks good]

  Arn Anderson: Greenville, I give you the champ!

  Ric Flair: My, God. [Crying] Thank you. They're not stopping. Thank you. Thank you very much. I'm almost embarrassed by the response, but when I see this ... but when I know I spent 25 years trying to make you happy every night of your life, it was worth every damn minute of it! Now, someone told me the Horsemen were having a party tonight, in Greenville! Could that be true, that the most elite group, that Eric Bischoff said was dead, is alive and well?!? Bischoff, this might be my only shot. But, I got to tell you, I'm going to make it my best. Is this what you call a great moment of TV? That's wrong, because, this is real! This is not bought and paid for! It's a real life situation! Just like the night in Columbia, South Carolina, when you looked at me, tears in my eyes, and said, "God, that's good TV." That was real! Arn Anderson passed the torch! It was real, dammit! You think Sting would of beeing crying in the dressing room, like I was on TV, if it wasn't real? This guy [points to Anderson], my best friend, is one of the greatest performers to ever live. And you [referring to Eric Bischoff] ... you squashed him one night. Then you get on the phone and tell me, "Disband the Horsemen. They're dead." "Disband the Four Horsemen." Me, you know what? I look I myself in the mirror the next day, and I saw a pathetic figure that gave up and quit. And for that, I owe you, the wrestling fans ... I owe these guys ... an apology. Because, it won't happen again, where we let Bischoff disband what you think .......

  [Eric Bischoff makes his way out]

  Ric Flair: You're an overbearing asshole! You're obnoxious, overbearing ... Abuse of POWER! You ... abuse of power! Cut me off!

  Eric Bischoff: You will never ever wrestle here again!

  Ric Flair: Abuse of power! You suck! I hate your guts!

  Bischoff: My house. You're history!

  Flair: You are a liar, you're a cheat, you're a scam! You are a no good son of a bitch! Fire me! I'm already fired! Fire me! I'm already fired!

• As we come back, Tony is calling that the greatest moment in the history of Nitro.
  • The fans are chanting for Goldberg.

• Tony calls out Diamond Dallas Page
  • Page goes up to the raised seats before coming to the announce area.
  • Page takes Heenan's seat.
  • Tony congratulates DDP, who welcomes back Flair.
  • We see stills from DDP's win last night.
  • DDP says he's going to do color on the Goldberg/Sting match.

• Match 10: Sting vs. WCW World Heavyweight Champion Bill Goldberg
  • Michael Buffer is out to do the honors.
  • Sting gets the first entrance.
  • Goldberg makes his entrance second. It's the real Goldberg, not the Chris Jericho version.
  • The security guards escort Goldberg to the ring.
  • We're eight days away from Goldberg's one-year anniversary in WCW.
  • Goldberg quickly hits a powerslam.
  • Sting avoids a Goldberg corner charge, picks him up over his shoulder, and slams Goldberg into the corner.
  • Sting suplexes Goldberg, who no-sells.
  • Sting decides momentary retreat is the best strategy.
  • The crowd starts a "Goldberg" chant.
  • Sting with a kick to the gut, and they trade punches.
  • Goldberg gets the advantage in the slugfest.
  • Goldberg with a shoulderblock, and Sting hits a dropkick that Goldberg no-sells again.
  • Goldberg locks on the anklelock, but Sting is in the ropes.
  • They stalk each other.
  • Sting with a headlock.
  • Goldberg gets out of it with a belly-to-back suplex, but Sting holds the headlock.
  • Goldberg throws Sting off of the hold.
  • Sting wants a test of strength, which he quickly loses.
  • Goldberg releases the hold after pushing Sting into the corner.
  • Goldberg goes for a tombstone, but Sting reverses it!
  • Goldberg slowly gets up, and Sting hits the Stinger Splash!
  • Sting hits a second one, and tries to throw Goldberg down, but Goldberg doesn't go.
  • Sting hits a third, and avoids the Spear!
  • Sting takes the leg out, and tries to turn the Scorpion Deathlock.
  • Sting applies the Scorpion, but Goldberg tries to power out.
  • Sting continues to apply the hold......
  • Hogan makes his way down to the ring as Sting continues to apply the hold.
  • Hogan comes in the ring and kicks Sting in the head. Billy Silverman misses the interference.
  • Sting gets up, and eats the spear.
  • DDP leaves the booth as.....
  • Jackhammer. Splat. Win.
  • As soon as the three-count hits, Hogan attacks Goldberg.
  • Bret Hart limps to the ring to shove Hogan off of Goldberg.
  • Hogan leaves as Goldberg celebrates with the belt.
  • Hogan backs away from the ring as Hart and Goldberg tend to the injured Sting.
  • Goldberg helps Sting up as we fade to black......

Hello, our names are Norm and Fish. We just got back from the Greenville Nitro and it was an experience we'll never forget. Here's an arena report...

We arrived at about 5:30. We got to a gate near the building overlooking the wrestler's parking area. We saw a few wrestlers... Scott Hall crotched chopped everyone...he drove the car with a crew member. The Giant popped his head out the door about 15 feet from us. He smiled at us and waved...we said hey and waved back. No one rushed him for an autograph though.

The entire crowd outside was swelled with the possibility of seeing Flair. "We want Flair" chants were rampant, as were a few Goldberg chants. But EVERYONE was there to see Flair.

We got in about 7:15. We were seated behind the entranceway so we could see who was going to come in next. We were near the top of the building, but we could see everything fine. It was hard to hear what the wrestlers were saying some of the time from where we were., so we could see who was going to come in next. It was interesting to see that anyone who was going to do a run in would be in position about 10 minutes before they were supposed to go out. This gets important in a minute...

There were no dark matches. Penzer came out to a big pop, and as soon as he said the rules, people started booing.

"We want Flair" chants were going on all night and every 10 minutes at least.

It took Meng about 7 minutes to get up after that chokeslam.

The "Warrior Trapdoor" was so obvious..even from where we were. Hogan freaking out was funny....We just yelled at him to open up the trapdoor and stop acting like a moron. Guess he didn't hear us.

The Juvi/Kidman match was awesome...people solidly got behind Kidman midway through the match and he got one of the best ovations after he won. That was unexpected.

It was confusing with that match with Scott Hall...seeing everyone there who are supposed to be enemies talking with him. Fish thought he spewed on Bischoff, but he wasn't sure. Bisch ran to the back with his jacket scrunched against him and he had to change. I didn't know what happened until I read a Nitro report.

Dillon coming out in that tux gave me a clue that Flair was there...and then he called out Arn. We looked in the hall that proceeded the entranceway as Arn came out and we saw the blonde hair...everyone in our section started to freak out and go nuts. Word spread quick! Arn worked that whole thing perfectly. When Flair came out, that auditorium went absolutely nuts. It was literally shaking from the noise. There is no way to describe the feeling. Flair's speech was great...and when he called Bischoff a "son-of-a-b*tch", that place went crazy. It was beautiful. Flair left and gave a big Horseman sign to a huge pop before he exited. All I gotta say is Nature Boy...welcome back home! What an awesome moment man!

After the cameras went off the air, Goldberg helped Sting up and they embraced. Goldberg raised Sting's hand and they joined up with Hart at the entranceway. They all three grasped hands at the entranceway and raised them to a huge pop. One of the most professional things I've ever seen.

What a Nitro. I may not have been at McGwire's 62^nd homer, but being there to see the Horsemen reform was just as good!

The gates opened about forty-five minutes late. It was scheduled to open at 6:30 but didn't until about 7:15. Anyway there was a guy my two friends and I made friends with quick. We didn't say anything except we cheered for him as he waved the signs that said: "Goldberg Sux!" "ECW!" "RVD!" We went wild.

Once the card started (after we changed seats two times. They pulled our wonderful seats out to put the cameras in. Then they set us in the back row and we couldn't see crap. Long story from there.)

The crowd was into it from the start. "We Want Flair" chants were heard from before the show until his actual apperance. As soon as Kidman came out he got one of the five biggest pops of the night. When he won it was amazing! The crowd went bonkers. (Yeah a little cheesy, I know.) It was great to know I wasn't surrounded by 10,000 marks.

When Flair came out I thought I was going to go deaf. It was amazing. In my eight other wrestling events I never, EVER heard a crowd like this.

At the end of the show I went home happy. I am only twelve years old, have been a fan for years, been to eight other shows, but I will probably remember this more than my wedding day.

Five biggest arena pops: (TV does not capture everything)

1. Ric Flair
2. Arn Anderson
3. Bill Goldberg
4. Billy Kidman
5. Whole Wolfpack

Congrats to WCW for putting on an oustanding show.