We're a long way from Disney MGM as Nitro is in Casper, Wyoming for tonight's edition. It's two days removed from Hog Wild as the NWO have struck yet another fatal blow on WCW as Hollywood Hulk Hogan won the WCW World Championship, spraypainting it with the NWO logo. Larry Zybysko is upset that nobody in WCW had come to put a stop to the actions of the NWO. A lot of questions left to be answered as we enter a show that will feature a rematch between the Outsiders against Sting and Lex Luger. A rematch that was controversial after referee Nick Patrick seemed to get himself involved in the outcome of the match
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-ROUGH N READY & HIGH VOLTAGE VS THE DUNGEON OF DOOM-
In action it's Meng, Barbarian, Hugh Morrus, and casual clothed Kevin Sullivan taking on a pair of newer tag teams. Big Bubba Boss Man on the outside throws his drink at Kenny Kaos, allowing Morrus to get a cheap shot from behind. Kaos avoids a splash in the corner as High Voltage hit double shoulder blocks. Faces of Fear get in and attack both High Voltage members, landing a double back drop on Robbie Rage. Slater and Enos double team Barbarian, with Enos hitting a clothesline. Barbarian comes back with a boot and a cover, only for Robbie Rage to come in with a save. Tag to Sullivan who hits a knee from the tree of woe. He attacks the other members of hte opposing team as everyone gets in and brawls. Rage misses a flying cross body and Meng hits a kick, covering for three in a super rushed eight man. Post-match, Rough and Ready lay out Rage and Kaos.
Sting and Luger make it to ringside and say they're sick and tired of following the rules. Sting and Luger will have one more sleepless night. They don't care about controversy, they want it cleared up right now. They enter the ring to call out Hall and Nash. Sting says that if they have any guts, they'll come to the ring right here, right now. Nobody shows up. Sting says this comes as no surprise, since the NWO calls their spots. He tells them to come out and bring the baseball bats if they want. Eventually, they leave, still not receiving their answer.
Sweet sixteen. Sixteen weeks have passed so far since Glacier was touted. And the end isn't quite here yet, but I can say it is in sight. Another month, but we're almost there. Keep that blood running cold for a while more, guys.
-DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE VS RENEGADE-
Backstage segment with the NWO. Nash says they're in their gear, but they'll face Sting and Luger on their time. Hall says that they already beat Sting and Luger, and Hogan won the NWO title. They did what they said. He also chastises them for the claims about Nick Patrick. Hogan says that nobody has been smart enough to find out who the fourth man is, and teases showing him on camera. Hogan says he hates the title belt. Hall says that they definitely need to remove the plate since Giant is a loser, and so are Sting and Luger. Nash uses Hogan's "Whatcha gonna do" line, which Hogan feels doesn't fit the situation. To get back in the ring with Sting and Luger, the last few WCW fans might disown them at this point.
-KONNAN VS JIM POWERS-
Konnan fakes a handshake and lays into Powers early with palm strikes and knees. He transitions into an abdominal stretch. Powers comes back ducking a clothesline and landing one of his own. He follows up with a hiptoss and a body slam. Another clothesline sends Konnan rolling out in retreat. Powers flips Konnan over the ropes, but Konnan comes back with a hair pull. He then mocks the crowd as apparently he's now a heel because the Hogan turn inspired him. He locks in a leg lock, keeping a shoulder of Powers down. Loud USA chants as Konnan whips Powers in the corner. Boot from Powers who then rams Konnan multiple times into the buckle. Knee lift from Powers followed by a dropkick. Konnan boots Powers, then uses the ropes to pin Powers in a decent short match.
Mean Gene interviews Konnan post-match. He calls him a great international champ who compares himself to Hogan. Konnan seems to face opposite the hard camera and Gene points it to him. He tells Gene to shut up. People pay tickets to see him, they should be applauding. He says the New World Odor have stunk up the joint with their sneak attacks and bat attacks. He says he has a foolproof plan. He'll stick up for WCW. This was a bewildering promo and Konnan seemed extremely lost.
-CHRIS BENOIT VS RON STUDD-
Up next, Chris Benoit takes on Ron Studd. And while that name may not be familiar to you, you may recognize him more if he was covered in bandages. Yup, it's our old pal the mummy bumming Yetay! A size mismatch for sure, but benoit still slaps around big Studd. Studd throws Benoit in the corner and chokes at him, landing big clubbing fists. Benoit dropkicks the leg out and starts to work on it, dropping his weight on the knee. He continues by slamming the knee into the steel post. He tries a kneebreaker, but Studd lands some elbows and hits a body slam. He then foolishly goes up top rope with a bum knee, allowing Benoit to dropkick and land an impressive superplex off the top. Cover and the three in a surprisng squash.
Okerlund is back in the ring to interview Benoit, Woman and Elizabeth. Gene says he's lightheaded in Woman's presence. He interviews Benoit about his match with Giant at Clash of the Champions, then praises his double count out match with Malenko. Benoit admires Malenko's talents, but he didn't realize that he was in the ring with a man with an agenda. He promises to fulfill an agenda, but there's some obstacles in the way. He says that Giant is big by stature, but when he gets in the ring with the crippler, he'll cut him down to size.
-WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: HARLEM HEAT VS THE STEINER BROTHERS-
A rematch from Hog Wild in a thankfully less hostile crowd, it's the Steiners against Harlem Heat after controversy was abound with the involvement of Colonel Parker aiding Harlem Heat with a victory. It's hour two and Bobby Hennan and Eric Bischoff are on commentary. Bobby asks where Bischoff was last week, but Eric says he was busy last week. Totally not concerning at all. Steiners sneak attack Harlem Heat to start, sending Booker and Stevie outside to regroup. They return to the ring as Scott lands a powerslam on Booker, then follows with some grounded punches. Overhead belly to belly on Booker and a clothesline to Stevie makes them retreat again.
Tags to Stevie Ray and Rick Steiner. Stevie clubs down Rick with some forearems, but Rick comes right back with a back body drop. Cover, but only a two. Tag to Scott who applies a chinlock as we co to break. We return with Scott locking a crossface, then tagging in Rick. Booker is now tagged and tries a suplex, only for Rick to counter. Booker tries to retreat again, but Rick gives chase, only for Stevie to sneak attack with a massive clothesline, followed by a slam on the concrete. Rick is brought back in, but he recovers by slamming Booker. Tag to Scott who cleans house, and hits an underhook slam. Cover, but Stevie breakers it. Rick and Stevie brawl while Scott throws Booker over the ropes.
Scott tries to suplex, but Sherri grabs the leg and Colonel Parker trips over them, causing a DQ. The Steiners win by DQ, so no title change. Meanwhile, Harlem Heat are still angry at Colonel Parker, but Sherri calms things down, trying to say that they can make this work.
-WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: REY MYSTERIO JR. VS ULTIMATE DRAGON-
Speaking of rematches from Hog Wild, it's Rey and the Dragon going one on one again. Dragon lands some fast kicks, including one right to the head (Bischoff going wild with the "jump back side kicks" comments). Spinning torture rack backbreaker follows. Dragon then lands a fast handspring elbow to the chin of Rey, then a running powerbomb. Dragon plays to the crowd, then goes for a splash, only to eat a boot to the face.
-WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP: RIC FLAIR VS "MACHO MAN" RANDY SAVAGE-
When we return, Savage gets slapped by Elizabeth. Savage tries to jump out the ring at her, but Flair brings him back in. Another exchange of chops and punches, Savage getting the better again. He blocks a punch with one of his own and hits another back suplex. Savage slips off the buckle into an ax handle, then tries again, only to get a shot to the gut. Flair throws Savage out of the ring, allowing Woman to get a boot in. Flair kicks the knee, following with a knee breaker and a figure four. He uses the ropes for leverage until Savage finally flips him over. Savage's knee is in such bad shape that it allows Flair to hit a back suplex. Cover only gets a two.
Ax handle from Flair to the back. He goes up top, meaning that Savage throws him off. Savage throws him over the buckle and hits a clothesline. The referee holds Savage back, allowing Flair to nail the ref with a clothesline. Clothesline of the ropes and a flying ax handle over the ropes by Savage. He back drops Flair on the floor with a rough thud. He then tears up the ring mat, planning to piledrive Flair on the concrete.
Only for Hollywood Hogan to show up and nail Savage with a steel chair. Nick Patrick also shows up to replace the referee. Hogan interestingly doesn't touch Ric Flair, despite the two meeting at Clash of Champions this Thursday. Flair uses the ropes to cover Savage for the three. Two rope covers to win tonight. Dammit D'Lo.
After a recap of the ending to Hog Wild, Mean Gene interviews Hollywod Hulk Hogan. Hogan says the NWO is suddenly important around here. They transform the world title to the NWO belt. And now Savage is laid out. There's no stopping the New World Order, Brother. They attacked the WCW for a reason and they accomplished it. He says he didn't want a scar or a mark on Flair because when he steps into the ring at Clash of the Champions, he doesn't want any excuses. He then rambles about nicknames and can says that from now on, people like Flair are going to be in the proper category, and after Clash, Flair is going to be called the stupid little man.
-SCOTT HALL AND KEVIN NASH VS STING AND LEX LUGER-
Main event time as the Outsiders have accepted the challenge. Hall and Nash jump the barricade and enter the ring. Luger makes it to the ring, but there's no sign of Sting. Luger hits a double clothesline, then throws Hall into Nash. Sting jumps the barricade, landing a flying clothesline off the buckle and clotheslines Nash over the ropes. A taste of the sneak attack medicine from the WCW Faithful. Hall and Nash regroup, but Sting and Luger continue to take them out. Sting landing a plancha on Nash.
Hall beats down on Sting and brings him back into the ring, as Hall and Nash try to double team.
Luger comes in for the save as the faces beat down some more. But Nash lands a big boot and throws Sting over the ropes. But Nick Patrick doesn't disqualify them. They beat down on Luger some more until Sting comes back with a double clothesline. Stinger splashes on Hall and Nash, but Hall avoids, sending Sting over the rope again. Eventually the Horsemen show up and chase off Hall and Nash as the match is called off.
We get a replay as we see that Nick Patrick intentionally pulled Scott Hall out of the way of the Stinger Splash, further proving there's no controversy, only collusion.
Mean Gene interviews the Horsemen. Flair says he doesn't like Luger and Sting, but they'll play ball with them becaues they're WCW. He rambles a bit, but he tells Nash to try Mongo for a size, Hall should try Arn, and the fourth man sould try with Benoit. He promises that Hogan is going down, Horsemen style.
This was a Nitro that definitely got better as the show went on. The first hour was filled with bland squash matches, while the second hour felt like more storylines finally got time to build. Mainly the storylines involving the NWO and both the teams of Sting and Luger and the Horsemen. Most importantly building up the corruption of Nick Patrick, making for far less shades of grey. Unfortunately this also felt like a show with less importance, building up for the following show, Clash of the Champions. And as such, I gotta say that Last hour aside, it felt like a middling show at best. Nitro gets a B-.
WHO WON THE WAR WEEK #45: NITRO
Now, while Nitro wasn't too hot this week for the majority, it still felt like a far better buildup show than Raw did for Summerslam. Save for a great Owen Hart VS Shawn Michaels match, Raw mainly felt like a show for debuts and redebuts instead of building up the card for Summerslam. And like I said, that last hour of Nitro was still good TV, building up the NWO feuds with practically everyone at this point. It's win #26 for Nitro.
RAW:
September 25th, 1995
October 2nd, 1995
October 23rd, 1995
November 13th, 1995
November 20th, 1995
December 4th, 1995
December 11th, 1995
January 1st, 1996
January 22nd, 1996
February 19th, 1996
February 26th, 1996
March 11th, 1996
April 1st, 1996
April 15th, 1996
May 27th, 1996
June 23rd, 1996
July 15th, 1996
July 22nd, 1996
August 5th, 1996
April 1st, 1996
April 15th, 1996
May 27th, 1996
June 23rd, 1996
July 15th, 1996
July 22nd, 1996
August 5th, 1996
NITRO:
September 11th, 1995
September 18th-21st, 1995
October 9th, 1995
October 16th, 1995
October 30th, 1995
November 6th, 1995
November 27th, 1995
December 18th, 1995
January 8th, 1996
January 15th, 1996
January 29th, 1996
February 5th, 1996
March 18th, 1996
March 25th, 1996
April 22nd, 1996
April 29th, 1996
May 6th, 1996
May 13th, 1996
May 20th, 1996
June 3rd, 1996
June 10th, 1996
June 17th, 1996
July 1st, 1996
July 8th, 1996
July 29th, 1996
August 12th, 1996
July 29th, 1996
August 12th, 1996
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