The May/June issue of New Man magazine features Sting as the cover story and is now in stores. The story addresses many aspects of Sting's life that he hasn't talked much about in the media. The magazine can be picked up in the following stores:Or you can order a copy at newmanmagazine.com. You can also see a sneak preview and get a look at the cover.
- Barnes & Noble (limited US release)
- Family Christian Stores (entire US release)
- Mardel Bookstore (in Okla., Ark., and Texas)
- Borders (limited US release)
I was just thinking...If Hugh Morrus is now "Captain Rection" and Lash LeRoux is now "Corporal Cajun," does that make Chavo Guerrero "Admiral Amway" and Van Hammer "Major Mistake"?
Perhaps they can recruit Mike Jones to be "Lieutenant Lackey" or "Sergeant Sidekick," seeing as that's all he's ever done.
Hey Bill. Just my luck, I finally get a chance to pass along some in-person results and you're out of town. Oh well, I'll send it along anyhow and maybe it will be useful somehow. There were a few funny things that I don't think made it to TV. This was my first WCW (or any other pro wrestling) event and I was a little surprised by the experience.PreShow: After a little warm-up by Penzer, we got Bischoff and Russo out to talk to us. Vince definitely knows how to work the crowd. He mentioned how excited he was to be at the UC (home of the Bulls) right before the playoffs. Then he said (with the sarcasm dripping) that he didn't realize that the Bulls missed the playoffs. He said that the reason the Bulls aren't going anywhere is that Michael Jordan spit (or pissed, it was a little hard to hear) all over Chicago. He most definitely got the reaction he was looking for.
Match 1: Marmalukes vs. Team Package
Ric Flair got the best pop, but it wasn't as loud as I thought it would be. Probably the wrong match to start with, the crowd didn't really have a lot to get rowdy about since the wrestling skills were limited (that's the nicest way I could think to say it). They did get revved up when Luger put on the rack. I was personally relieved that they did the posedown on the runway so Luger's entrance was short.Match 2: Mancow (lame DJ) vs Jimmy Hart
Mancow got a great pop (sort of depressing since he is a really bad Howard Stern imitator). Everyone was into the match. They were smart and kept it short so it wouldn't get boring (thank God nobody taught Mancow a sleeper hold). The Kidman run in was almost a non-event. More people were watching Mancow leave. I was seated slightly behind the set up, so I got to see everyone enter and leave. Jimmy Hart was helped all the way out of the arena by two refs, holding his side (or back). I hope management appreciates him talking bumps from amateurs just to generate a few ticket sales. By the way, everyone in our section thought that Hale (or do you say Hail?) was Goldberg during the first match because he was warming up in back in the dark. He was a pretty big dude (not to mention bald) and kept egging the crowd on. It was pretty funny when we realized who he was (or wasn't).Match 3: The Wall vs. Scott Steiner
Big bumps, good crowd response. Poppa Pump had the crowd behind him all the way. He got a great pop and every time he did a big move got everyone standing. The end was a major letdown. We all wanted to see him plant The Wall.Match 4: Mike Awesome vs. Bam Bam Bigelow
Really confusing because it was hard to hear the audio from the interview. Awesome was great and got the crowd really going with the big moves. Virtually nobody cared about the Cat. He got a few boos, but people seemed mostly bummed that he interrupted a pretty good match. Awesome got a great pop for beating him. I've never seen one of Eddie G's frog splashes in person, but Mike's was incredible!Match 5: Buff & The Franchise vs. Harlem Heat
Buff got the biggest ovation so far. He seems to be about the only guy who actually choreographs his pyro and it made it much cooler. Other than the big strength demonstrations, really dull match. Hate both tag teams.Match 6: Booker vs. Sting
Oh yeah, this was great!!! Both guys got big pops (although Sting's was a lot louder). Very cool match. The crowd was into it the whole time. It should have been the first one of the night. Both guys were really impressive live. Sting's move for the win was outstanding. I'm really hoping they are forming a third group led by Booker to make WCW more interesting. That guy is a truly great pro wrestler.Match 7: Vampiro vs. Kidman
Everyone was bummed that Torrie wore too much clothing. Really impressive match that had good crowd response until Hogan showed up. Hulk showed why he's still working by getting the biggest pop of the night (far and away). The crowd stood the whole time until he went to the back. Unfortunately we were on the wrong side, so had to watch the monitors to see what was happening. Kudos to Russo for making people really want to see Hulk. Kidman walked out very slowly holding his head all the way out (we were guessing it was from the chokeslam that didn't break the table). Kind of a shame that Vampiro didn't get to finish it himself. His release powerbomb (if that's what you call it) may have been the best move of the night.Match 8: Terry Funk vs. Norman Smiley
Most of it was on the monitors only, so it was just like at home. Everyone was really bored. They got a decent hand when they got out, but it was the dog of the night.Match 9: Mike Awesome vs. Scott Steiner
Once again Big Poppa had the crowd on his side. Mike was still making big moves. Out of nowhere, Steiner started flipping the crowd off (maybe loud boos are better than mediocre cheers?). When Big Sexy came down the ramp, the place exploded. Easily the second biggest pop of the night. After the match, Awesome was rude to some fans off camera (couldn't tell if it was real or character) and when he went in back was acting very angry. Kev may have hit him just a touch harder than necessary.Match 10: Sting vs. Vampiro
The match itself could have been better between these two, but no complaints. Everyone loved it. Sting couldn't be more over.Match 11: 6-way
In the first bit of real serious heat, 2 Count had the crowd ready to riot when they started their song a second time. Nobody could figure out what were the rules or what to watch (a lot of action outside of the ring). Daffney got a big WOW when she did the Frankensteiner on Crowbar. The funniest moment of the night was her "scaring" Juvy by screaming at him. The action was smokin'. Crowbar is way to good to be working with guys like Candido. I also gained some respect for The Artist. His moves came across really well live. The second funniest moment of the night was Tammy Sytch falling flat on her butt on the ramp making her big WCW entrance. That had to hurt! By the way, the cat fight was very well received in the stands. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, David Flair got a surprisingly good response when he got in the ring. He seems to be on track to be a player some day. Unfortunately, Lash had virtually no opportunities or crowd response.Match 12: Team Package vs. Buff & Franchise
The only notable thing was Kronik (I thought I read that's how they would spell it) making their first appearance. My God those guys are huge. If Russo's got a hair on his ass he'll make them the biggest wrecking crew in the history of tag teams. It was kind of funny that they have the same finisher as the Harris Brothers, except they don't need the victim to have a running start in order to pull it off. The match was boring except when Ric blew his famous slingshot over the turnbuckle and Shane had to throw him into it a second time.Match 13: Scott Steiner vs. Sting
The match started off well, but we all groaned when the ref got knocked down. From where we sat, you couldn't even tell what happened, it almost looked like a fan ran in and grabbed Sting's leg. Really big letdown considering the build-up to the match. Actually, Steiner won his first match on a DQ, his second because of Kevin Nash and his third because of Vampiro. Way to make him seem like a champion Vinny-boy!Match 14: DDP vs. Jeff Jarrett
Fun match! Page sells his moves unbelievably. We couldn't see most of the stuff in the crowd, but we were having a good time anyway. Jarrett held his own much better than I thought. The biggest problem with the match was that Page came out of nowhere to get the shot. I think the crowd would have been more into a Sting-Jarrett match. The end was a complete mess! You can definitely tell Russo is back. We didn't see the Kimberly turn coming (good catch Big Mike), but what a way to piss off the crowd. How 'bout a clean finish for your marquee match guys (or even one of the last 3)?After the PPV went off the air, the group of champs made their way out. Page really impressed me by staying in the arena for about 15 minutes shaking hands, hugging, taking photos, etc...with just about everyone. I swear I was expecting him to go up into the stands and walk out for a beer. That guy was nothing but class. The group of "champs", on the other hand, walked out without even waving to the people stuck in the crap seats paying their salary.
Biggest pops:
- Hulk Hogan
- Kevin Nash
- Sting
- Buff
- Flair & Luger
Biggest heat:
Nobody else did well enough to merit a rank except possibly Russo and I refuse to give a script writer the same billing as a pro wrestler. No matter what he thinks of his ideas and ability, I tune in for guys like DDP, Sting, Booker, Vampiro, Kidman, etc..., not him or Bischoff.
- 2 Count
- The Wall
- Jarrett
Weirdest moment:
After Harlem Heat's match, Stevie Ray waited around behind the curtain (I assumed to greet Booker). When Booker walked by, they didn't even look at each other, then Stevie walked out. I never read any Internet rumors, but there is some serious heat between them for real (or Booker gets incredibly focused for matches like Goldberg does).
I don't think I can share in Big Mike's hyperbole, even though I had a decent time. In talking to a WCW employee during one of the matches, I used the term "guarded optimism" when asked if I was enjoying the evening. While the wrestling was decent in parts, there were no fantastic matches. Therefore, the storylines and "cut scenes" were needed to carry the evening. To an extent this worked, but only while the lurking feeling that WCW is headed down a road it has traveled previously stuck in the back of my mind. I have to think I would have felt slightly let down if I had ordered this pay-per-view in the comfort of my own home.Match-by-match, it all went down like this...
-Jon and Erik w/ Volvo vs. Scalpers w/ The Elements
Public thanks to the kind, diminutive gentleman outside the United Center who gave my friend Erik and I free tickets to get in. Imagine our surprise when it turned out these seats were in the twelfth row! That + free parking available on the street made up for the sudden downpour. Several stripper-types seen entering through the passes/comps section. United Center was 85%+ full to my eyes.
-The Marmalukes w/ Disco Inferno vs. Team Package w/ Ms. Elizabeth
Crowd fairly uninterested. Sorry that the Harris Boys had to be involved.
Harris Boys/Brothers = Negative Heat.
I wish WCW could find more for Disco to do. His reactions are enjoyable to watch.
This was the only match of the evening where the punches looked horrifically fake.
-Jimmy Hart w/ "Hale" vs. Mancow w/ various lackeys and several dirty whores.
Shockingly large amount of [positive] heat for Mancow. Please, don't encourage him!
As Mancow made his way to the ring, the harlets entering VIP style outside the United Center as I stood in the rain suddenly made total sense.
-The Wall vs. Scott Steiner in the first match of the US Title Tournament.
I wish someone would teach various wrestlers how to sell going through a table. The better the sell, the larger the pop, isn't that the math? Match was without drama or purpose. I am starting to think WCW is back to where it was a week ago. Matches so far have had no time to breathe or develop. Then again, this might have been a good thing given the talent involved.
-Mike Awesome vs. Bam Bam Bigelow in the U.S. Title Tournament
Awesome's agility for a man his size gives him an upside that The Wall or Sid lack. I hope he is built up correctly. For more on that, read on.
-Buff Bagwell and Shane Douglas vs. Harlem Heat 2000 w/ J. Biggs and Cash in the World Tag Team title Tournament
Ahmed Johnson is hiding somewhere inside of "Big T". No attempt is made to free him.
Perhaps Buff Bagwell could be fined for every time he uses the words "stuff" or "enough"?
That might help turn him into more than just a series of rhymes.
-Booker T vs. Sting in the US Title Tournament
Booker T's new music is shockingly great. Sounds like Emperor Penguin.
Sting gets largest pop of the evening so far [second only to Mancow]. Match is very enjoyable. Isn't it nice when both combatants can wrestle?
Double face ending helps all involved.
-Vampiro vs. Billy Kidman w/ Torrie Wilson in the U.S. Title Tournament
Match is overshadowed by Hogan's arrival and beatdown on Kidman. Crowd goes crazy. I can't commit to repeating the past like this, being aware of history and all. I will admit Hogan is more "compelling" in the last week than in recent years, but isn't Hogan's endless top card status what got WCW into this recent mess in the first place? I don't like where this is headed. Cops pulling guns a nice, if creepy, touch.
-Terry Funk vs. Norman Smiley for the Hardcore Title
Giving Funk the belt doesn't show me much from the Bookers that be. Crowd couldn't care less about Terry Funk at this point. Match is amusing for what it is, but I wish there was a younger Hardcore wrestler who could hold the title that people cared about. Blown spot at the end of the match where Rhodes threw Funk into the ladder that was propped up on the ropes. It looked like the ladder was supposed to swing up and hit Smiley in the face, Rube Goldberg style, but it missed Norman. I don't know how this played out on television.
-Mike Awesome vs. Scott Steiner in the US Title Tournament.
OK. Sure, Nash got a huge pop, but it just looks like history repeating itself again. Not to mention that jobbing Awesome to Steiner in his second WCW match doesn't do much to elevate him as a top-card big man. A shame and a waste I fear.
-Sting vs. Vampiro in the semi-finals of the US Heavyweight Title Tournament
I don't recall anything special about this match except that it happened in the same large room I was in and people cheered at various parts, especially at the end.
-Crowbar w/ Daffney, Shannon Moore w/ Shane Helms, Juventud Guerrera, Chris Candido, Lash LeRoux, and The Artist in a suicide match for the Cruiserweight Title
On paper, the match of the night in my eyes. In reality, a disappointment. Three Count continue to amuse me with their ability to get wonderfully cheap heat. Performing their "song" twice is a nice touch. I was under the wrong impression that all five wrestlers had to be pinned for the remaining wrestler to win the title. Sadly, this match was shorter and not as engrossing as the three-on-three match from the most recent Thunder. That match was a mess, but a charming one. This match is just a mess. Far too short, without any real chances for the talented men in the ring to show their chops. And, like with Terry Funk, WCW gives the belt to another wrestler who is nowhere near as over as other men the crowd could get behind in either a positive or negative way. All I want to see, besides people trying, is wrestlers that people care about wrestling. Indifference is the worst thing you could ask for if you want to bring viewers back. I'm sure Candido is deserving, but give us a reason to like/hate him before you make him the new champion. [No, Sunny does not make Candido interesting by proxy.] Did the broadcast catch Tammy tripping [excuse me, falling down] as she made her surprise entrance? It appears that may have happened, or so I was told. At least "The Artist" didn't win.
PS: When did Daffney learn to wrestle? Fantastic.
-Team Package vs. Buff Bagwell and "the Franchise" Shane Douglas w/ Vince Russo for the World Tag Team Championships
Highlight of this match was the war of words shouted between a very drunk guy [to the point he could not walk straight] in section 101 screaming "Package! <pause> Package! <pause> Package!" and the guy behind me in neighboring section 122 countering with "Buff! <pause> Buff! <pause> Buff!". This lasted the entire match, with occasional shouts of support from myself along the lines of "Referee! <pause> Referee! <pause> Referee!". Very amusing. I think it was at this point I noticed I was sitting across the isle from the moustached Bob Ryder.
-Scott Steiner vs. Sting for the U.S. Heavyweight Championship
The end result of this match was satisfying for the following reason: You now have a deserving champion and you have set up several deserving future champions to contend for this belt. In that regard, a success. No complaints.
-Diamond Dallas Page w/ Kimberly vs. Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
It is nice when wrestlers wrestle and it is nice when wrestlers understand what they have to do. This is what makes Jeff Jarrett great in my eyes. He knows what he has to do to get the story across, to get himself over as a heel and to elevate his opponent. The best heels are the ones who can be cowardly when necessary and can also be malevolent when need be. Match told a story well and the overbooked ending was necessary to set the future up. Jarrett's hard work makes him a deserving champion. DDP has shown me a good deal in the last week and tonight was no exception.
-After the broadcast ended:
New Blood celebrates in ring for a good long while. March out victorious.
Thanks to a friend, I got a free ticket to the Thunder tapings at the legendary Mid-South Coliseum (hereafter referred to as the Round House) in Memphis, Tennessee on Tuesday night. For those of you who have never been to a Thunder taping, let me give you an idea of what went on before the show started.First, WCW and a local radio station had three LARGE tents set up for the Thunder Tailgate party. Tattoo booths, a trivia contest, and catered by the world famous Rendezvous barbecue restaurant here in Memphis. Because Memphis is the king of barbecue, thank you very much.
Went inside the Round House, stopped at the souvenir stand and finally got my long-awaited 'Slapnuts' t-shirt! WOO-HOO!!! Even with the nWo logo on the back, it was a must-buy. Anyway, Bischoff walks out to tremendous crowd heat, and insults the crowd, telling us not to hold up any F.U.N.B. signs or start any F.U.N.B. chants, which as we all know, is just begging for us to do exactly that. Anyway, David Penzer takes the mic and warms up the crowd. We get the shameless plugging of DDP's book and the brand-new, 2nd day on the market, New Blood t-shirts. (Oh yeah, almost forgot, I got one of those too!) Then, we get the Worldwide tapings, consisting of 3 matches
Worldwide tapings:
*The Harris Brothers beat Cory Williams/Ashley Hudson, when one of the Harris Brothers pinned Ashley Hudson
-A Memphis special, as all 4 of these guys basically got their starts in Memphis. Like we've never heard that before. Almost EVERY member of the Millionaire's Club started in Memphis. Basically, your garden variety squash, as Ron & Don H-Bombed both guys into oblivion.
*Disco Inferno pinned Mike Rapada (Colorado Kid)
-Disco got a HUGE pop from the Memphis crowd (which I'd estimate at about 2000-3000 tops- for a rough estimate, the Round House probably seats 7000-8000 when configured for a wrestling event.) Rapada is probably better known as the Colorado Kid from whatever promotion Bert Prentice is running these days. Rapada got some offense, but Disco basically squashed him, ending it with the ChartBuster/Last Dance/whatever.
*Madusa pinned Mona
-Decent enough match, which Madusa won with a bridged German suplex. Mona got pretty good crowd pops, though. Pushed correctly, Mona could be really popular.
Now for Thunder
Thunder tapings:
Open with the Millionaire's Club waiting at the garage for the arrival of the New Blood- after the Thunder opening, they ambushed the New Blood and punk them out. The NB came to the ring, and Russo and Bischoff cut a promo on the MC. Russo called them out, and challenged them to a series of matches tonight under "New York Rules", which basically means that there are no rules. There will be no referees during the matches (which plays hell with pacing and knowing when to bring the match home)- if you can pin your opponent, you have to make your own three-count. Of course, this is accepted by Ric Flair, who is the spokesman for the MC tonight. Makes sense- let the one guy who can talk do the talking.
*Chris Kanyon pinned Jeff Jarrett (w/Kimberly)
-Jarrett cut a promo, then Kim cut one on DDP. Match was good enough for what it was- end came when Kim got in the ring to El Kabong Kanyon, but DDP ran in, stopped her, and after seeming to make up with her, DDP El Kabong'ed Kimberly. DDP then Diamond Cut Jeff, and Kanyon got the win.
*Total Package beat The Wall (Table match)
-Russo came out (w/security dragging Elizabeth) to the announcing table, followed by Flair. Bad thing about TV tapings- you can't hear the promo's at the table. Match was there, Luger racked Wall on the outside and dumped him through a table (I guess- couldn't really see what happened.) After the match, Flair chased Russo into the ring, and started for the Figure Four, until Douglas and Bagwell hit the ring to attack Flair. Kronik came out and chased off Buff and Franchise, leaving Flair in the ring. Kidman comes out, cut a brief promo on Flair, and the next match started.
*Ric Flair and Billy Kidman fought to a No-Contest (I guess)
-Flair and Kidman put on a pretty stellar match, actually. Near the end, Konnan and Rey-Rey ran in to help Kidman. Kevin Nash came out and powerbombed Konnan. Kidman tried to run away, but Hogan took him out. Mike Awesome then ran in, but ended up on the wrong end of a Nash powerbomb. Nash then announced that Awesome won due to "Outsider" interference.
*DDP pinned Vampiro
-DDP was in the ring, when Sting came out and hid up on the ThunderVision, covering himself with a black cloth, while the lights were out for Vamp's entrance. Vampiro headed out, and Sting attacked him. They went to the floor, where Sting dumped the red liquid (blood) on Vamp, dragged him to the ring, rolled him in, and DDP Diamond Cut him for the win.
*Sting beat Mike Awesome
-Awesome cut a brief promo, then the match started with Sting's entrance. They fought for a bit, until Awesome went to the floor. He shoved Chavo Guerrero Jr., who was sitting in the front row with the other Misfits In Action that were fired on Nitro (Lash Leroux and Van Hammer). All three beat on Awesome and rolled him back in the ring. Sting locked on the Scorpion Deathlock for the win.
Backstage, separate shots showed the New Blood coming apart at the seams, and the Millionaire's Club celebrating.
*Hulk Hogan beat Scott Steiner by countout
-Steiner cut a promo on Hogan pre-match. For whatever reason, Hugh Morrus came from the crowd to help Hogan. They beat on Steiner for a while, until Steiner and his entourage walked out, drawing the countout. Backstage, the New Blood was up in arms, as Bischoff tried to calm down Steiner and the rest of the NB.
*Kronik beat Buff Bagwell & Shane Douglas, when one of the Brian's pinned Douglas
-Pretty much a brawl, Kronik got the win with their finisher (looks like a double uranage) on Shane. They grabbed the tag belts, even though it was clearly not a title match.
Backstage, Bischoff was on the telephone, telling someone to come to the arena. They teased that it's Sid, with comments such as 'you're not far from here' and 'you know where it is'. New Blood came out to the ring and declared guerilla warfare on the MC, challenging them to a battle royal, since it was 11 on 11. MC came out, as Flair got the mic and accepted, on the condition that the winner will challenge for the WCW World Title at the Great American Bash.
*Ric Flair won the battle royal
-Basically, your average clusterfrick battle royal with anybody and everybody getting involved. With so many guys (and girls) involved in the match, it was difficult to tell just what was going on. Tons of added run-ins by practically everybody on the WCW roster- Mamalukes, Harlem Heat, Misfits In Action, etc. Madusa and Asya came out together, followed by Mona- all were eliminated quickly. Hacksaw Jim Duggan entered and cleared a few people out before leaving. Then, the first of two surprises- MACHO MAN RANDY SAVAGE entered to help the MC. He took out several NB members, before leaving the ring himself. The final four: Hogan, Flair, Kidman, Douglas. Finally, the surprise arrival that Bischoff called for- BRET HART ran out with a chair, and waffled Hogan, to eliminate him. Hogan pulled the ropes down to eliminate Kidman, leaving Flair and Douglas. Russo ran in as Flair started the Figure Four, but hit Douglas in the leg by mistake. Flair sent Russo out, then plastered Douglas with the bat, eliminating him, to claim the title shot at GAB.
On the outside, Kidman and Bischoff put Hogan through the announcer's table. Jarrett and DDP were fighting on the railing surrounding the ThunderVision. This is where the major screw-up happened. Earlier, Asya went to the right side of the set (on your TV screen) and stepped through the set, screwing up where a major spot was to occur. WCW crew managed to fix it somewhat, until WCW World Champion David Arquette came out with a guitar. He ran to that side of the set and crashed through the repaired spot. Seconds later, Jarrett shoved Page through another section right next to it, which was the originally intended spot, I assume. Honestly, I don't know how WCW is going to be able to edit that failed bit, unless they intended for that to happen, which I just can't see how that's possible.
During the commercial breaks, DJ Ran was in the hizouse, and actually did a damn good job keeping the crowd pumped for the entire night, which ran about 2 hours and 45 minutes. And for those of you clearly gay people out there who complain about the Nitro Girls, they also did their job REALLY well, in keeping the attention of the fans, and drawing tremendous reactions. Of course, that's because they're HOT. Nitro Girl checklist: Baby, Chiquita, Chameleon, and a new Nitro Girl who's never been on TV, Star. She's a tall brunette, not as endowed as Whisper was, but she's probably the best-looking one of the bunch, with Chameleon and Baby running a close second. Not to say anything negative about Chiquita, because she's pretty damn good-looking too. Otherwise, Thunder was actually a pretty solid show. Good wrestling from the guys (and girls), a minimum of the backstage nonsense, and a pretty coherently booked show. Even with the low attendance, the Memphis fans were really into the show with great reactions. Should come off looking good on TV.
From the town where I became an Arn Anderson mark (My friends and I found out that Arn had a sense of humor), Thunder comes to you from Springfield, Illinois.I drove over from Champaign but I picked up that it had been a while since any wrestling show had been in town so the place was pretty full. I would guess the arena was about 70% to capacity.
I saw Ric Flair and Terry Funk outside the arena before the show but wasn't able to talk to them.
They didn't start letting people in until 6:15 for a 7:00 start time so people were still coming in at 7. That is probably why they didn't start until 7:30.
Penzer did his announcements and introducted some the hosts of a local radio show. One of them was billed as the show's cruiserweight champion and he was at least 350 lbs. As the guy was leaving the ring, Pinzer went to Tony and told him he didn't realize Madden had a brother.
They taped three matches for Worldwide.
Tank Abbott and Rick Steiner squashed Corey Williams and Ashley Hudson. Tank actually showed a couple of wrestling moves.
Chris Harris lost to Curt Hennig. Hennig got a pretty good pop - despite him turned heel on Nitro the night before.
D.W. Douglas vs. Ernest Miller. Ernest was yelling at Bischoff in a promo before the match, foreshadowing a future storyline. Miller said he would beat him in less than two minutes. In a amusing bit, after the match Miller brought Penzer into the ring for the time of the fall. Penzer said saying "two minutes and" then Miller grabbed him. Penzer changed it to 1:57.
DJ Ran was introduced and he brought out the Nitro Girls. They danced in the ring. They were Chiquita, Chameleon, Baby, and a new one called Syren. They said this was her first show.
They started Thunder with a recap on the big screen of the previous night's Nitro. They pretty much did the show in real time so time was left between things for commercials.
The pyro opened the show. I'm glad I was not sitting near it because the arena got hotter and I was on the far side of it.
Immediately, Chris Candido and Tammy came out. Chris got the mike and talked about how things are with Tammy and the cruiserweight title at his side. Tammy then did her usual routine of removing the robe, wearing a silver skintight suit under it. Crowbar and Daffney came down for a cruiserweight title match. A pretty good short match with Crowbar working in most of his high spots (the splash off the apron - the somersault legdrop). Daffney did a frankensteiner to Candido which lead to a brief catfight. Candido got the win.
On the screen, Funk is in a locker room with the Cat, Kimberly, and Bischoff. Bischoff tells Funk to relinquish the title and Funk refuses. Funk leaves and Eric sends Miller to get Harlem Heat. The Cat says they are having problems and asks if he really wants them. EZE says yes.
Then Abbott and Steiner are shown arriving (after they already wrestled a Worldwide match) and a shot of the Goldberg truck.
They showed a skit of Russo with David, Daffney, and Crowbar in New York. Russo took David and Crowbar into a adult movie theater while Daff played in traffic.
Harlem Heat 2000 enter the ring and Stevie Ray cuts a promo on Funk (yes, using the term "Fruit Booty"). Funk entered as was attacked by all three guys. They beat on Funk and got into an arguement over who would pin Funk. Then Stevie held Funk for a garbage can lid shot from Big T. Funk ducked and it hit Stevie. Cash tried to talk to Big T and was decked. Stevie and T got into it and Funk slammed a chair into Cash and picked up the win. As security broke up T and Stevie's fight on the apron, Bischoff was on the screen fuming that Funk still had the belt.
DJ Ran played as Chameleon and Chiquita danced in cages.
Mike Teney interviews Vampiro on the screen. The interview gets to a point where Vamp brings Sting's crow out of a cage then talks about Ozzy Osborne biting the head off of a dove. He implies he is about to do the same to the crow when Sting attacks. Sting destroys Vamp and tells him he can "show him the light". Vamp chuckles.
DJ Ran with Baby dancing on the ramp.
Stasiak vs. Lash LeRoux. Lash changes his name to Corporal Cajun. Hennig comes ringside for commentary but gets involved in the match, attacking Lash. Stasiak gets the win and the Misfits In Action rush the ring. Hennig leaves through the crowd.
Russo in the locker room with Liz. He books Liz to wrestle Rhonda Singh. He hands Liz her wrestling gear and said he made a few changes.
Syren dances in an outfit like a cop and gives "tickets" to some of the fans. You can tell she is new because she really seems to not be use to the crowd attention.
Another New York skit.
Rhonda Singh vs. Liz - Liz is brought out by B & R Security. Russo's changes to Liz's outfit were that the camouflage pants were cut into shorts. Singh is easily handling Liz and Luger rushes the ring. He hit Liz's guards from behind and gets between Rhonda and Liz. Singh won't back down and she rushes him. She ends up getting racked (pretty impressive as Singh really didn't help Luger when he lifted her). Luger and Liz hug and Chuck Palumbo comes in with a bat when they aren't looking. He hits Liz in the back with the bat then works over Luger with the bat. Chuck then carries Liz back where Russo is waiting on the ramp.
After Luger leaves, Russo comes out with David Flair and Daffney. She is carrying the belts Flair had on Nitro the night before. David rants about how his father was never there for him. Russo calls out Arn Anderson. Anderson tries talking to David but Russo finally cuts him off. Russo reminds Arn that he said he might have one fight left in him. Russo makes a match between David and Arn (YES!!!!). Arn says "I may not be the Enforcer anymore but you sure aren't your old man" to David. Good heet and another great promo from Arn.
EZE talking to Palumbo on the screen.
Another screen clip of EZE talking to Funk about the hardcore title again. EZE books Funk in another match.
Palumbo vs. Funk for the hardcore title. This ended upgoing outside where Luger attacked Chuck and Funk got the pin. After the match, Luger works over Chuck trying to get Liz's whereabouts. Security maces Luger.
Horace and Hulk walking on the screen.
Nash arriving at the arena. Behind him you can see Norman Smiley panhandling with Ralphus holding up a "Will Wrestle for Food" sign.
Filthy Animals come to the ring (Kidman, Konnan, Rey, Juvi, Torrie, Eric) and Eric announces that if Horace will be fighting Kidman and if he loses - Horace is fired. If Hulk interferes, they are both fired. Match begins and at one point Kidman clotheslines the ref. Before the ref can DQ him, EZE says it is no DQ. He adds that falls count anywhere when Horace is on the arena floor. He makes it a handicap causing all the Animals to beat Horace down. After the beatdown, Kidman sends them out so he pin him. Horace kicks out and gives Kidman a nice Death Valley Driver - getting the pin. Bischoff says wait and adds Texas Death Rules. Bischoff hits Horace with a chair and they gang up on him again. Bischoff says with his fire he should be part of the New Blood and Horace spits in his face. All the Animals pile on Horace for the win. Hulk runs in to clear house. Bischoff hits Hulk in the back with a chair, no sell. Hulk chases EZE to the back. The Animals start beating on Horace again. Nash's music starts up. They leave as Nash enters with a bat. Russo on ramp and blood drops from above but most of it misses Nash. (The way it was set up couldn't really be aimed so the tube wasn't hanging straight down and missed him. Wonder how they will edit that.)
On the screen, Russo and EZE run to limo. Hulk and Nash attack limo with bats before it can drive off. No ending shown.
Arn Anderson vs. David Flair. Arn looks pretty good in the ring. Crowbar runs in and gets a spinebuster. David hits Arn with a statue. Crowbar throws out the ref while David puts on a figure four. Crowbar counts Arn's shoulders down.
NY skit in FAO Schwartz.
Rick Steiner introduces Abbott - who comes out to Goldberg's music. They talk about Goldberg and Rick explains that Scott had what he did to him on Nitro coming. Kronik comes out and says maybe we should see how tough you guys are. They fight and Buff and Douglas come to help. Buff and Douglas re-take their titles. Before they get away with them, Scott hit them on his way to the ring. Scott fights his way to the ring through B&R Security, Tank and Rick leave the ring as security swarms the ring. Scott and Knonik clear the ring.
Goldberg truck runs over car on the screen followed by a NY skit where David asks Daffney to marry him.
Main event - Awesome vs. Sting in a stretcher match. A short match where they immediately brawl on the ramp ( including Sting backdropping Awesome through a table) then head over to an ambulance in the arena. They fight on top of the ambulance and Sting reverses a powerbomb into a Scorpion Death Drop. Sting leaves Awesome on top of the ambulance and goes to the back to get out the stretcher. Vampiro is waiting where he spits a red mist in Sting's face and pulls him in. The ambulance drives away with Awesome still on top.
Penzer thanks the crowd and says he hopes to see us again.
Biggest pops:
Hogan, Sting, Nash, Luger, Scott Steiner (and the shot of Goldberg's truck)Biggest heat:
Bischoff, Russo, David Flair, Kidman, and Vampiro (when he interrupted the final match)The good: Candido and Crowbar was good. Most of the stuff with Luger was pretty good. Stevie Ray using Fruit Booty in his promo. Kidman / Horace wasn't bad despite all the extra happenings with EZE and the Animals. And seeing Arn Anderson in the ring just one more time made the trip worthwhile.
The bad: Harlem Heat were pretty bad once the bell sounded. DJ Ran got pretty annoying as the evening progressed. The Sting / Awesome match could have been real good if they were given more time. As short as it was, the crowd was ticked when Vampiro showed up.
The ugly: the blood missing Nash. Second week in a row where the show will have to be edited to cover up a mistake.