War Times Revisited: 10/2/95

 Monday Nitro: The Mile High City is where all the action of Nitro takes place this week. There is some major stuff on tap including Lex Luger putting his career and title opportunity on the line against Randy Savage. The Arn and Flair tensions look to meet their boiling point as they face off in the main event.

    As Schiavone, Heenan, and Mongo intro the show they are interrupted by Flair. He shouts some shit about Arn Anderson that I could barely make out but he's hyped and so am I. 

Lex Luger vs "Macho Man" Randy Savage

    We get a replay of last week and see the damage that The Giant caused Savage and Luger. Also again showing the hint at Luger attacking Savage when he was down but instead The Giant getting in his way causing Luger to attack The Giant instead. Lots of questions heading into this match but we should hopefully get the answer here. The two lock up and roll all around the ring as they jockey for position. They continue until they fall outside and on to the floor.
    After a short commercial break, we come back and Savage is in the ring beckoning for Luger to join him. Luger slaps Macho Man and that pisses off Savage, he kicks Lex in the gut and sends him into the corner. Hitting him with a back elbow, Luger is sent to the outside once again. Savage tries to hit Luger with a suplex on the outside but Lex is able to reverse it into a neckbreaker. Press slam by Luger and he is very happy about it, I guess when you're shit you take what you can get.
    Savage tries to foil Luger's attempt at a hip toss and reverse it into a backslide pin. After some struggle, it finally looks like Savage is gonna be able to get him but Luger gets his foot on the rope. After halting Savage's progress, Luger gets a backslide of his own for the two. They both run off the ropes and collide in the middle of the ring, causing them to fall to the mat in unison. Savage with a flying double ax handle to the outside which sends Luger crashing into the metal barricades. Continuing the work he did with the ax handle, Savage drops Luger throat first onto the guard rail.
    Running knee to the back of Luger by Savage sends him into the turnbuckle. Quickly trying to Irish whip Luger, Savage gets it rever-oh no Savage reverses. Luger crashes into the corner alongside the referee. Savage up top and he hits the Elbow Drop and pins but the referee is still down. As Savage begins to wake the referee, The Giant makes his way down to the ring.
    I love how every time he comes down to interrupt he has the same camera angle, literally the same one each time. Chokeslam by The Giant onto Savage before he makes a swift exit. Luger did not see The Giant come down and attack Savage so when he comes to, he lifts Savage up for the Torture Rack. Savage can't keep his arm up after three drops so Luger is declared the winner and keeps his job alongside his #1 Contendership. A lot of boos and I don't blame them. If I had the choice of no Luger or more Luger I know which one I'm picking. 

Match Rating: 3/10

Eddie Guerrero vs Dean Malenko

    This match is scheduled to be Malenko vs Eddie but Disco Inferno's music begins to play. He comes out but doesn't get too long before Guerrero's theme plays and he scares Disco away. Dean comes out and he's wearing this hot pink gear that looks so, killer. I have no idea how I've never seen it before. Guerrero pushes Malenko off but her rolls back into a kip-up to confront Eddie once again.
    Malenko tries to monkey flip out of Guerrero's pin but Eddie gets to show off his agility now with a flip and landing on his feet. I can't put into words all the shit they did in that sequence but it was all great and crazy to think that it's all now just commonplace. People like to say how ahead of their time these guys were and it's very much true. You put this match on and see so much stuff you see now not only on the independent scene but on TV as well. Malenko and Eddie trade pinning combinations until Dean gets Eddie with a headlock with his legs but Eddie cartwheels out of it and into a clothesline.            Hulk Hogan is in the building, Jimmy Hart pleads with him to leave because The Giant is in the building but Hogan doesn't care (brother). He said that he doesn't care if The Giant kills him, all his Hulkamaniacs will carry it on in his honor. Now back to the shit I actually care about, this match. Looking for a monkey flip, Eddie gets put on the top rope but is able to use his skill to send Malenko to the outside alongside himself. Eddie with a big splash on the outside to a standing Malenko. Eddie tries to capitalize on it by getting Dean back in the ring and going for his Frog Splash but Malenko is able to get the knees up. Malenko looks for an ankle pick but Eddie reverses and flips Malenko over onto his back and sits down for a leverage pin and the win. After the match ends, Malenko walks over to Eddie and says Eddie got lucky and he wants a rematch. Eddie agrees and says any place, any time.

Match Rating: 6/10

    Mean Gene is in the ring to introduce the WCW Champion, Hulk Hogan. Hogan says that since The Giant is out here he must be in the back and that's where he's headed. As Hogan is circling the ring and slapping the hands of all the fans in the front row, someone dressed as an old woman throws white dust in his eyes and begins to attack him at ringside with a cane. The Zodiac and The Giant come down to the ring and it all starts to make sense as the old woman pulls off the headdress and reveals it to be Kevin Sullivan. The Giant rips the neck brace off Hogan and snaps his neck once again. Sullivan grabs clippers and begins to shave Hogan's mustache. The American Males come down to the ring only to get single-handedly decimated by The Giant. The Nasty Boys come running down and meet a similar fate.

Ric Flair vs Arn Anderson

    This starts a lot less tentatively than their encounter at Fall Brawl. Flair is not shying away from chops and punches this time. Arn begins to work the arm of Flair with stomps. Getting up and getting to the corner, Flair starts chopping away at the broad chest of Arn Anderson. Irish whipping Flair into the corner does Arn but Flair flips out onto the apron.
    Anderson looks for something but Flair ducks and pulls the top rope, sending Arn to the outside. A kick to the gut and chops from Flair as they fight on the outside. Anderson pokes the eyes of Flair which gets him some breathing room, Flair rushes Arn but Anderson reverses with a back body drop on the outside. Irish whip off the ropes and Arn hits Flair with a high angle spinebuster, he is too fatigued to get to the pin immediately. After some time he finally is able to crawl and put his arm over the downed Flair but only a near fall.
    Flair locks on a sleeper hold but Arn is able to escape and get Flair in one of his own. Flair slips out and pushes Arn chest first into the turnbuckle and into a back suplex. The Nature Boy locks in the Figure Four but Arn is too close to the ropes and grabs them. Flair keeps the hold on for a few seconds to further weaken the legs before breaking it. Flair looking for a dive to the outside but Arn able to get him with a shot to the gut as he was coming down. It seemed as if Arn was going for a piledriver on the outside but this time Flair reverses with a back body drop.
    Flair has this nasty bump on his back from what I assume was the bumps on the outside but God does it look bad. Signaling for the DDT, Arn is stopped when Flair uses the leverage of the ropes to hold on. Hammering away with fists to the head of Arn, Flair sees an opening and won't let it slip. Launching Arn off the ropes, Flair ducks as he anticipated Arn to go over for a back body drop but Anderson drops an elbow on Flair's head instead. Arn comes off the top rope but gets sliced with a chop from Flair on the way down. Figure Four in the center of the ring and Arn gives up but as he does Pillman comes running down to the ring and hits Flair with a top rope splash. Arn and Pillman start the beat down on Flair. After the beatdown, it is announced next week Arn Anderson will face Ric Flair in a steel cage match. 

Match Rating: 5/10

Overall Rating: 4.7/10


Monday Night RAW: This weeks show comes to us from Grand Rapids, Michigan. To start off the show we get a replay of last week's action when the Smoking Gunns regained the tag team championships from Owen Hart and Yokozuna. After that, we get right into the action as Razor Ramon makes his entrance.

Razor Ramon vs 1-2-3 Kid

    We get replays from their last two encounters, each time 1-2-3 Kid has come out on top, one time via roll up and the other time via help from Dean Douglas. Will 1-2-3 Kid continue to be the thorn in Razor's side or will Ramon finally get sweet revenge? We'll find out tonight. They lock up as the bell rings, Razor using his strength advantage early tosses Kid to the outside with ease. Ramon sends Kid into the ropes and rushes in for a clothesline but 1-2-3 Kid sidesteps and begins with a flurry of kicks on the big man. Razor tries again to send Kid into the corner but Kid up and over and more kicks, including a Sayama kick. Off the ropes with his quickness is 1-2-3 Kid but as he goes for a crossbody, Razor catches him for a fallaway slam. Spinning heel kick by the Kid is blocked as Razor holds his leg but Kid uses his other leg to hit Razor and escape his grasp. Kid goes for the pin but he's close to the ropes and Razor uses his strength to push off and send Kid outside under the bottom rope. Dean Douglas is shown at ringside, scouting the match as it rolls on. Big spinning heel kick by the Kid sends Razor spinning to the mat but only gets a two. A duo of leg drops has 1-2-3 Kid feeling good, he asks Razor to get to his feet and tries for another spinning heel kick but Razor scouts it and ducks. Off the ropes, Razor Ramon fires off with a lariat and the win. After the match, Kid slaps Razor and they continue to fight. I guess we have another match? Razor puts Kid in an abdominal stretch as the ref checks on Kid. 1-2-3 Kid ever defiant in the face of danger as he gets up and continues to taunt Razor with slaps to the face. During the commercial break, Razor pinned the kid with a powerbomb after catching him off the top rope but the Kid still wouldn't leave. So another match? Back suplex off the top rope by Razor. Razor looks like he's gonna hit the Razor's Edge but instead opts for a small package and the win. Razor brings the Kid to his feet, The Kid raises Razor's hand but not for long as he goes for a roll-up and the ref counts a two count? I have no clue what the fuck is going on at this point. As 1-2-3 Kid pleads for Razor to hit the Razor's Edge, Ramon just smiles and shakes his hand before leaving the ring. I guess that was the match. I don't know how to properly rate this. 

Match Rating: 3/10

Hunter Hearst Helmsley vs Barry Horowitz

    We get a rundown of the next In Your House show before we cut to the entrance of Barry Horowitz. They advertise a guilty or not hotline for OJ Simpson. Oh wrestling...why are you the way you are? Anyways the match finally starts, Horowitz and Helmsley lock up but Hunter quickly transitions it into an armbar. Takedown by Horowitz as he takes control of the waist and looks for something to subdue Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Striking in the corner from Hunter as he continues to weaken down Horowitz. Barry fires back with some forearms before Hunter launches him off the ropes. Reversing with a sunset flip powerbomb does Horowitz, he struggles and struggles but finally is able to get Hunter down. Hunter is able to fight out of it just in time as he kicks Horowitz in the head and fights out. Hunter works over Horowitz in the ropes, a lot of stomping on the face and grinding the elbow into the head. Doing it until the ref gets to a late point in the count and continuing again. Off the ropes, Horowitz manages to get Helmsley with a backslide for the two. Barry Horowitz off the ropes with speed as he hits a press and a pin on Helmsley but yet another near fall. Abdominal stretch into the roll-up by Horowitz and AGAIN only a two. Just like that, it's over as Hunter catches Horowitz with a pedigree.

Match Rating: 5/10

PG-13 vs Al Brown & Sonny Rogers

    PG-13 was a team that the WWF brought over in their working relationship with the USWA and consisted of J.C Ice and Wolfie D. Their gimmick was basically white rappers and it is not good. They show a pre-recorded promo in which PG-13 talks about how they are gonna take down the Smoking Gunns. Sonny and Wolfie start the match off, Sonny drops the leg on the arm of Wolfie. J.C Ice gets tagged in as he and Wolfie do a dropkick/Russian leg sweep combo. Wolfie gets tagged back in and they hit a double back elbow on Sonny before Wolfie drops an elbow drop. Now J.C back in and PG-13 hit a modified version of the Hart Attack finish. Back elbow into a double foot stomp by J.C Ice gets him a two count. The commentators get confused about who is who on PG-13 and now I think I've been calling them the wrong names this entire time but, to be honest, I don't care enough to go back and check. Al Brown finally gets tagged in as Sonny finally gets some space to make a tag. Wolfie D gets caught with a few body slams before heading into the corner and hitting Brown with a back suplex. Double kick to the gut and double Bulldog by PG-13, then Wolfie D tags in J.C Ice and they Wolfie grabs J.C as they do some tilt-a-whirl thing and finally J.C lands on Brown for the 1-2-3.

Match Rating: 1/10

Bret Hart vs Jean-Pierre Lafitte

    We get an ad with Doc Hendrix and some little girl modeling a Bret Hart T-Shirt. Where's my damn Jean-Pierre Lafitte shirt, you cowards? They exchange blows in the corner but Hart is not gonna win that game, as Lafitte gets the upper hand and pummels him to the ground. Strong whip in the corner by Lafitte, followed up by a clothesline. Hart tries to fight out of a headlock by Lafitte but is brought back down with a back elbow off the ropes. Bret finally finds a bit of a reprieve from the onslaught when he sidesteps Lafitte's splash and he falls to the outside. Hart hurries out after him and begins to fire away with punches until he is able to get him near the steps. Picking up Lafitte, Bret slams him down on top of the steel steps. Bret tries to use his speed but as he runs off the ropes, Lafitte grabs him and yeets him into the ropes. As Bret comes off the ropes Lafitte attempts a hip toss but Hart blocks it...or so he thinks, as he turns around Lafitte nails him with a lariat. Climbing to the top rope is Lafitte while Bret lays prone more than halfway across the ring. Flying high, Lafitte comes crashing down with a headbutt for a two count. Big splash in the corner by Lafitte as he begins to take control. Running off the ropes again is Hart, Lafitte ducks as he anticipates something else. Instead, Bret gets Lafitte with a small package for the two. Coming back from commercial as Jean-Pierre drops the leg down on Bret Hart. After slamming Bret to the mat, Lafitte climbs to the top rope and goes for a diving leg drop but Hart is able to get away in time. Bret tries to get in control but Lafitte is there at every turn. Hitting Bret with some sort of body press and then going for the pin only for Bret to push him off and send him rolling to the outside and onto the cameraman it seems. An atomic drop followed up by a clothesline by The Hitman as he tries to get on a roll late into this match. Sidewalk slam by Hart which sets Lafitte up for Bret's patented middle rope elbow smash. Lafitte up to the ropes once again, will this be it? Will this be the Cannonball? It's not, Bret gets to his feet and crotches Jean-Pierre before super-plexing him. Bret locks in the Sharpshooter and Lafitte gives up. After the match, Hart looks at Jerry Lawler who had been dissing him on commentary the entire match. They exchange words for a moment as Bret tries to walk to the back. Lawler gets more intense as he rips his jacket off and begins to yell over to Hart. Bret rushes over and starts to rain down punches on Lawler, sending him into the crowd as officials try to hold him back. As all this is happening, Isaac Yankem runs down to ringside and blindsided Bret Hart. It is announced that we will see Isaac Yankem vs Bret Hart in a steel cage match in a few week's time. 

Match Rating: 5/10

Overall Rating: 3.5/10

Final Thoughts: Interesting week for both shows. I give WCW the edge this week for a solid main event and that awesome cruiserweight showcase. Also felt the stories being built over there interest me more than the Lawler/Yankem/Bret stuff. Although I do wonder where the 1-2-3 Kid and Razor stuff goes from here. As always let me know what you think and what you thought about both shows. 

    

    



    












































    

War Times Revisited: 9/25/95

    Monday Nitro: Nitro comes to you from Florence, South Carolina tonight. We are going to hear from Hulk Hogan and possibly find out what's next with Lex Luger and Randy Savage. Before all that, though we are kicking it off with Alex Wright. 

Alex Wright vs Disco Inferno

    We haven't seen "Das Wunderkind" since the second Nitro where he faced off against Sabu. He was the victor there so he carries the momentum against Disco. Right as the bell rings, Disco gets the upper hand by attacking Wright in the corner. A back elbow followed by an elbow drop by Disco Inferno before dropping Alex to the outside. Alex Wright tries to get back into it as he launches off the ropes with a springboard dropkick. Wright employs a fast-paced offense and he's taking full advantage of it with a spinning wheel kick as all of a sudden the tides have turned. Football season must have kicked off. After all, Mongo wants you to watch Nitro because everyone knows San Francisco is gonna win. Man maybe Mongo ain't that bad after all. Anyways, Wright drops Disco to the outside and flies out with a crossbody to the outside. Alex tries a cartwheel escape but Disco grabs him and hits him with what I expected to be a belly to belly but just ended up being him dropping Wright's face on the middle rope. Running clothesline out of the corner by Disco as he starts to dance. High elevation on the dropkick by Wright as he sends Disco crashing to the mat from the top rope. Alex Wright begins to fire off some punches and European uppercuts to slow down Disco's momentum. Disco goes for a swinging neckbreaker but Alex Wright counters it into a backslide for the 1-2-3.

Match Rating: 3/10

    Hogan and Jimmy Hart are backstage as Hogan prepares to speak for the first time on Nitro since Fall Brawl. Hogan is sporting a neck brace from the injuries he sustained at the hands of the Giant. He says that he hasn't missed a workout since Fall Brawl. He even thought it wall all over once Giant snapped his neck but he's not done yet. Hogan says that he has built a bigger and stronger Monster Truck than The Giants and he wants to put them against each other. He also challenges The Giant for a match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. 

    Macho Man and Mean Gene in the ring to get some words from Savage about last week's confrontation with Luger. Savage asks where Luger is and almost on cue he comes running down to the ring in his wrestling gear. Luger says that Savage lacks respect for him and that maybe it will take more than going to war with each other, maybe they have to face each other. Luger challenges Savage to a match next week and puts up not only his WCW World title #1 Contendership on the line but if Luger loses he will leave WCW. The match is agreed on and we will see it next week. 

Kurasawa vs Sgt. Craig Pittman

    To anyone who doesn't know, Kurasawa is NJPW's, Manabu Nakanishi. At the time he is most known for breaking the arm of Road Warrior Hawk during a tag match at Clash of Champions. He looks like Hirooki Goto here and it's amazing. Pittman starts off the match with a headbutt to the gut and sends Kurasawa off the ropes and hits another one. Pittman launches Kurasawa over his shoulder as grips him with an armlock. Kurasawa tries to get back into the match as he fires off some kicks to the legs of Pittman and works his way to the chest until Pittman falls to the outside. Pulling the protective padding off, Kurasawa drops Pittman back first onto the hard concrete. Kurasawa begins to work over the arm of Pittman with a judo throw and a few stomps to the shoulder. Pittman works over the shoulder of Kurasawa as well, slamming him into the ring apron as they battle outside. Headbutts from Pittman followed up by a belly to belly suplex, after a headbutt he locks in an armbar. Kurasawa is able to get to the ropes rather quickly. He tries to lock in an armbar on Pittman but Pittman quickly reverses with a gut-wrench suplex. BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX FOR THE WIIIIIIN! Sorry got a little excited there but Kurasawa wins with a german pinning combo.

Match Rating: 3/10

    Pillman and Arn are in the ring with Mean Gene. Pillman says that ever since Arn beat Flair at Fall Brawl, Flair has been at the lowest of lows. Let's not talk about how Pillman lost to Flair though. Pillman says that while Flair looks for a partner, he and Arn will exercise their rights to bear arms, assemble (with a 4 Horsemen hand symbol), and to hospitalize anyone in their path. Arn says that the reason Flair can't find a partner is because he has spent years running over everyone and Arn was the only one who had his back and now he's not there now.

"The Taskmaster" Kevin Sullivan vs "Macho Man" Randy Savage

    We get a replay of what happened last week when Sullivan attacked Savage on the set of Baywatch. Savage starts off by running out of the ring and chasing Sullivan around the ring. He catches The Taskmaster by the foot as he tries to slip into the ring but gets caught with a clothesline on the outside by The Zodiac. Taskmaster puts the boots and Mongolian chops to Savage in the ring now. Placing Savage on the guardrail crotch first, Sullivan hits him with a very weak clothesline. Taskmaster continues to batter on Savage before Savage finds a window of opportunity and is able to flip Sullivan around in the corner. Working to keep himself in this match, Savage hits a back body drop on Sullivan on the outside which buys him some time. Flying ax handle from the Macho Man onto Sullivan as he begins to fire up. Savage sends Taskmaster into the ropes and pulls Zodiac in as he goes to work on him. The ref tries to step in but Savage throws him aside which is cause for disqualification. This doesn't stop Savage though, he slams Sullivan ontop of Zodiac and goes for the elbow drop. Sullivan moves but Savage still hits The Zodiac. The Giant makes his way down to the ring, he hits Macho Man with a chokeslam. Many wrestlers come down to help but The Giant single-handedly destroys them until Lex Luger makes his way down. Luger gets in the ring and it looks like he was going to join the Dungeon of Doom before The Giant grabs him and Luger fires away with punches. He too gets a chokeslam and The Giant looks unbeatable.

Match Rating: 3/10

Lex Luger vs Meng

    We come back from commercial and it looks like we have a match? Meng comes running down and begins to attack a downed Luger. Working on the neck of Luger with chops and boots to the throat is Meng. A piledriver from Meng, dropping Luger right on his head and neck. Suplex from Meng and the cover but only a two. Luger fights out of a shoulder claw from Meng and begins to fire away punches. It didn't last long though as Meng sends him off the ropes and catches him with a gut-wrench backbreaker. Every time Luger looks to be getting some momentum, Meng shuts him down quickly. Luger gets a big reversal as Meng was looking for a flying headbutt but Luger smacks him down. Fighting off a rushing Meng with boots in the corner, Luger goes for a clothesline but bounces right off the sturdier Meng. While the ref pulls away Luger after some boots in the corner, Meng pulls out a spike and hits Luger in the head with it for the win. 

Match Rating: 2/10

Overall Rating: 2.75/10

     Monday Night RAW: We get some clearing up about the wonky finish at the end of In Your House as due to Cornette's pleading, it has been decided that Shawn and Diesel would be stripped of the titles and they would be returned back to Yokozuna and Owen. This did not come without something extra though, as Monsoon ordered that Shawn and Diesel will get a title match down the line, AND Yoko and Owen will have to defend the titles tonight on RAW. Grand Rapids, Michigan is the host for tonight's action and we are starting right away.

Marty Janetty vs Skip

    Skip is already in the ring as he awaits the entrance of Janetty. Vince says this is the return of Janetty which would be his second return to the company. Jannetty starts off hot with leapfrogs, hip tosses, and dropkicks. The crowd chants for Sunny as she embraces Skip on the outside. After some more nice escapism by Jannetty, he hits a back body drop on Skip who rolls outside. Jannetty hugs Sunny and then ducks when Sunny goes to slap him, causing Sunny to slap Skip. As Jannetty runs the ropes, Sunny trips his leg. This causes Skip to get some sense of control, hitting Jannetty with a gut-wrench powerbomb. Hammering away with punches is Skip as on the ring ramp, Dean Douglas is seen doing his grading for the match. After the commercial break, Skip turns Jannetty inside out with a lariat. I like how Skip started with two straps on his shoulders and as the match progresses they just seemingly slip off until I notice both straps are down. Everyone knows you only pull your singlet straps down when you're gonna do your finish, smh Skip. German suplex by Jannetty helps him regain control for a moment and allows him to catch his breath. Skip goes for a hurricanrana but Jannetty counters it into a powerbomb. Crossbody press from Jannetty but he gets up as Sunny finds her way on the apron. Skip tries to take advantage but as he runs up, Jannetty flips him over the top rope. Marty hits the Rocker Dropper and finishes the match with a flying fist drop.

Match Rating: 4/10

Smoking Gunns vs Owen Hart & Yokozuna (c) WWF Tag Team Championship Match

    We get so many commercial breaks before this match finally starts but finally, we get to the in-ring action. Bart and Owen are running the opposite ropes, just missing each other until they cross paths when Bart ducks and Owen runs over him, Owen ducks a Bart clothesline and crossbody, Bart finally gets Owen down with a drop toe hold. Holding Owen in place, Bart tags into Billy as they demonstrate some nice tag work. Billy works over the arm of Owen for a bit, wrenching it before Owen is able to escape and fire off some punches in the corner. A drop toe hold from Owen allows him enough time to tag in Yokozuna. Yokozuna was the mystery partner for Owen when they beat The Smoking Gunns for the titles at Wrestlemania 11, pinning Billy Gunn. Dropping down under Yokozuna, Billy comes back up with a flurry of dropkicks as he tries to bring the big man down. He's finally able to drop him with a running bulldog and it gets a big pop. Billy Gunn tries to fight for a crucifix pin but Yokozuna uses his weight to reverse it into a Samoan Drop. Owen stomps out Billy as the ref is distracted by Bart trying to help his partner. The most reversed move in wrestling doesn't get reversed this time, Billy actually gets the sunset flip on Owen but only got a two. Off the top rope with a crossbody, Owen gets it reversed by Billy into a pin of his own for a two. Billy tries to tag in Bart but Owen is able to drag him to his corner and tag in Yokozuna instead. Yokozuna wears down Billy as he drives his claw into the shoulder and neck area. Billy is able to fight his way back and out of the hold, instead of going for a pin he goes off the ropes and is met with Yokozuna's elbow. Big splash from Yokozuna misses as now both men are down, Yokozuna crawls to tag Owen and Billy goes to tag Bart. Before Billy could tag out Owen grabbed him by the pants. Holding him with all his might before Billy jumps for the tag and gets it. Bart fires off some power moves and a clothesline before going for the pin, looked like Yokozuna was a bit late here, and almost fucked up the finish by not breaking up the pin. Billy and Bart launch Owen into Yokozuna and sends him down in the opposite corner. The Smoking Gunns hit their finish but the ref tries to get Billy out of the ring so he can't count the pin by Bart. Yokozuna goes to break up the pin but Bart rolls out of the way, causing Yoko to splash Owen. The Smoking Gunns get the win and are your new WWF Tag Team Champions. Diesel and Shawn come out to congratulate the new champs.

Match Rating: 5/10

    We get a preview of next week's RAW that will feature Jean-Pierre Lafitte vs Bret Hart and Razor Ramon vs 1-2-3 Kid. As The Smoking Gunns and Diesel & Shawn make their exit, Dok Hendrix comes out with Gorilla Monsoon in tow. Monsoon announces a few things, not only are we getting Taker/Mabel and Goldust's debut at the next In Your House but we will also get British Bulldog vs Diesel for the WWF Championship and Shawn Michaels vs Dean Douglas for the Intercontinental Championship. All of that and more as Shawn Michaels will face whoever the WWF Champion is at Survivor Series for the belt.

British Bulldog vs The Undertaker

    We start after a commercial break, Bulldog is outside as Taker begins the chase after him. Bulldog sends him off the ropes but Taker retaliates by throwing him down to the mat by the head. Signature jumping lariat by Taker keeps him in control early. Climbing on the rope and balancing, Taker looks for the Old School (shout out Jinsei Shinzaki) but Bulldog pulls him down arm first. Reverse Irish whip by Undertaker into a big boot. Bulldog drops Taker to the outside with a clothesline but Taker lands on his feet. Cornette tries to get involved but Taker grabs him by the neck until Bulldog comes outside and hits Undertaker with a chop block. Sending Taker into the steel steps, Bulldog allows himself some time to regroup as Taker nurses his knee from the chop block. Mo and Mabel are looking on at the top of the ramp as the show heads to commercial. Back in the ring now as Bulldog is working over the leg of Undertaker. Bulldog tries to Irish whip Taker out of the corner but Taker's knee doesn't let him get far. Locking in a single leg crab on the injured left leg of The Undertaker, Bulldog is in complete control at the moment. Bulldog looks for the running powerslam but Taker is able to just get away and hit a back suplex. Undertaker with the Old School but it takes its toll as he lands on he has put more pressure on the injured leg. Catching Undertaker off the ropes in a clutch and driving him down face first with a piledriver. Quick pins by Bulldog but each time Taker sits back up, almost unphased by all the attacks. Taker gets him goozled and sends him for a ride with the chokeslam, he does not go for the pin though. As Taker begins to get to his feet gingerly, Mabel comes back down to the ring. He climbs into the ring, Davey Boy knees Taker into the back which puts him in the arms of Mabel but not for long as he's driven to the canvas with force. The match is called off as DQ with Taker as the Victor. After the bell, Bulldog hits the running powerslam followed by a legdrop from Mabel. HBK and Diesel come running from the back to clear the ring. They stand tall for a moment before Yokozuna and Owen Hart come out and surround the ring. The Smoking Gunns come running to the ring to offer their support. The ring is a clusterfuck of competitors and managers alike. We come back from commercial as Taker is now to his feet, shaking the hands of those who came to his aid. The show ends with Diesel and Shawn posing as we get some more hype for next week's show.

Match Rating: 4/10

Overall Rating: 4/10

Final Thoughts: A particularly dull show from WCW this week helps WWF take the win here. Even a bridging german suplex finish could not get you the win here WCW, sorry. Although I do applaud both shows on their emphasis on stories tonight. Lots of interesting stuff ahead and it looks like WCW has its hands full trying to beat WWF next week. Let me know what you thought and who you think won in the comments below. 

WWF In Your House: Triple Header (9/24/95)

    In Your House: Saginaw, Michigan is the host for the action tonight and there certainly will be a lot of it. The show kicks off with a very '90s like intro highlighting some of the action from the past two In Your House special events while a lady sings an In Your House song. Lawler, Vince, and Jim Ross are on commentary for tonight's show. Ross was back here after a short stint in Smoky Mountain after being fired for leaking information to journalists. We were still about a year and some change away from him becoming the voice of RAW. Vince has Lawler and Ross predict the main event, Lawler thinks Owen will beat Shawn to become the new IC Champion and Ross predicts Shawn will instead lose to Yokozuna. That segues into the opening match...

Savio Vega vs Waylon Mercy

    Savio makes his entrance down to the ring and he has his signature (I think, he did it during his entrance) thumb-pinky hand gesture shaved into his head. It is not a good look at all, I don't know who allowed him to do this but they should be fired. Dan Spivey aka Waylon Mercy is probably most fondly remembered for this gimmick at least amongst WWF/E fans. It was said to be the inspiration for Bray Wyatt and can even see a goofier version of it done a little later in the form of Festus. The match starts off with a shaking of the hands from both men, Savio turns his back and Waylon goes to attack but Savio was too quick and moves.
    Vega wails on Mercy with some punches before launching him into the opposite corner and repeating. Savio Vega whips Mercy off the ropes but holds onto his arm as Waylon falls to the floor, that's a dislocated shoulder waiting to happen. Mercy finally gets some offense in with a knee to the chest of Savio followed up by a clothesline. A couple of chops onto Savio, help Mercy land a bodyslam onto Vega on the floor. Dok Hendrix (AKA Michael "P.S" Hayes) has some breaking news, Owen Hart is not here. This has serious implications for the main event.
    Back to the match as Waylon Mercy slams down Savio Vega with a sidewalk slam and a near fall. Mercy locks in his sleeper hold that he has used to finish off opponents. Just when it was looking like Savio Vega was going to be his next victim, he sends Mercy crashing headfirst into the turnbuckle and escapes. Waylon tries to lock the sleeper in again but Vega reverses it with a back suplex. Mercy and Vega share a couple punches before Savio gets the upper hand with a headbutt and a very high big boot to Mercy.
    Savio with some sort of weird crumpling pin, I'm not exactly sure how to describe it but it got a near fall. Waylon Mercy hits an absolutely disgusting brainbuster on Savio Vega but that wasn't enough. Snap German suplex by Savio Vega for another near fall. Savio in a last-ditch effort hits a spinning heel kick off the ropes and gets the victory. The front row that the camera could see was not very happy with this. 

Match Rating: 3/10

    A little segment backstage with Cornette and Gorilla Monsoon, Cornette says that Owen will be here and that he will be in the match. Monsoon is asked by Hendrix if the Triple Header main event is in trouble and he says that it is not. So, no matter what happens the match will go on.

Psycho Sid vs Henry O. Godwinn

    This match is the product of Psycho Sid being slopped by Godwinn on Superstars and going on a rampage backstage. Sid tries to work over Godwinn in the corner but Henry ducks and lays some punches in. A clothesline from Godwinn drops Sid to the outside as he has control early. The strength of Godwinn on display as he lifts Sid up off the apron and brings him into the ring with a suplex. He lands on his back though, which is still hurting from the powerbomb Sid gave him on Superstars.       Godwinn is a bit slowed after that but gets to his feet and goes for a bodyslam, his back continues to give him troubles as Sid fights out and drives Godwinn outside with a knee to the back. Sid continues to rain down on the back of Henry with ax handles off the apron. 

    A trio of body shots by Sid helps him Irish whip Godwinn hard into the corner, causing further damage to that back. Sid comes down with a camel clutch on Godwinn. After some time in the hold, Godwinn finally escapes only for Sid to come down with his full weight on the back of Godwinn. Sid once again locks in the clutch but Godwinn is defiant, again escaping, this time with elbows to the gut of Sid. Psycho Sid begins full steam into the corner for a boot but gets caught up after Godwinn slips away.
    Firing away with a few right hands, Godwinn gets the advantage once more with a shoulder tackle. He drops Sid with the Slop Drop (inverted DDT) but only gets a two before DiBiase pulls Henry's leg thus breaking up the pin. Henry Godwinn decides to have some words with DiBiase. After he chases him around the ring for a little bit he heads back to the ring where Sid is there to meet him with clubbing blows. DiBiase gets involved once more, pulling the leg of Godwinn as he runs the ropes which allows Sid to hit a big legdrop.
    Sid gets Godwinn hooked for the powerbomb and the win. DiBiase grabs the bucket and looks to slop Godwinn but Sid argues he should do it, they go back and forth for a minute before Bam Bam Bigelow comes down to attack Sid. In defense of Sid, Kama comes down and starts to beat up Bigelow. While all this happening, Godwinn gets back to his feet and creeps up behind DiBiase and grabs the bucket to slop him.

Match Rating: 4/10

    We cut back to backstage with Hendrix, Cornette, and Monsoon. Monsoon reiterates that the triple-header match will go on as planned. Either Yokozuna defends the belts 2 on 1 or Cornette finds a partner for Yokozuna and he will be a one night only co-holder of the WWF Tag Team Titles.

British Bulldog vs Bam Bam Bigelow

    Bam Bam does a cartwheel and gets some fire pyro for his entrance, pretty dope look. Davey Boy tries a couple times to get some momentum off the ropes but each time he is met with Bigelow driving his down to the mat. The camera's cut to Cornette trying to convince Psycho Sid to join Yokozuna in the main event. An Irish whip into the corner followed up by a shoulder tackle and bodyslam from Bigelow. He tries to keep the momentum going but misses with his running elbow drop.
    Bulldog locks in a headlock and weakens down Bigelow, not enough though as Bigelow fights out of it and looks for a falling headbutt and again Davey Boy gets out of the way. A couple strikes allow for Bulldog to lift Bigelow up for a suplex, Bam Bam was right back on his feet though. Two clotheslines from Bigelow have Bulldog reeling but when Bam Bam goes for a third he ducks and sends Bigelow to the outside. Davey Boy tries to suplex Bam Bam from the apron and into the ring but Bam Bam stops him and lifts him up and drops him down on the top rope, crotching him. Bam Bam climbs to the top rope and is looking for a big move, Davey Boy rolls further away but that doesn't stop Bigelow who lands a flying headbutt from up top.
    As Bigelow argues with the ref, Davey Boy cuts his leg out from under him with a chop block. Bulldog goes after the leg relentlessly, driving his knees into the leg along with leg drops have Bigelow writhing in pain. Bam Bam tries to fight Davey Boy off with an enzuigiri that Bulldog sells the hell out of, it doesn't last long though as Bulldog is right back on the attack. Davey Boy locks in a single leg crab and Bigelow looks to be close to tapping. Bigelow gets out of and duffs Bulldog with a punch that allows him some time to recuperate.
    Bam Bam looks for a move off the ropes but Davey Boy counters with a kitchen sink and a near fall. Bulldog lifts Bigelow up for a move but Bam Bam falls on top of him for a two count. Bulldog goes for a sunset flip on Bigelow but can't get the big man over, Bigelow falls down on top of Davey Boy suddenly. He doesn't go for the cover though, hitting a headbutt off the ropes and signaling for the top rope. He goes for the Bam Bam Sault but Davey Boy rolls out of harm's way. Bulldog to the top now, he comes off with a very odd-looking headbutt to the midsection for a two count. Bigelow goes for an Irish whip on Davey Boy but it's reversed, sending Bigelow into the turnbuckle hard. Turning back, Bulldog catches Biglow for the powerslam and the win. 

Match Rating: 5/10

Dean Douglas vs Razor Ramon

    Bob Backlund comes out here, I guess he's running for president? I don't know if that's shoot or not and I frankly don't care enough to look. Anyways, he comes out and just says big words that have no correlation to what he's saying, good to see he's taking the Donald Trump approach. After some more blabbering, he begins to introduce Dean Douglas. Douglas precedes to introduce Razor now, he calls him his opponent and loser so he gets his heat. Ramon comes running to the ring after getting his chain off and ducks Douglas' attack and drops him with a trio of punches, finally finishing it off with a nice clothesline over the ropes.
    Both men exchange headscissors' back and forth for a little bit before Ramon stops the pattern with a punch to the face and a pin for the two. Trying for a hip toss, Douglas gets hit with a dose of his own medicine as Ramon dumps him to the outside with a hip toss. We get another camera cut to backstage where Cornette is trying to get Mabel and Yokozuna to put their differences aside to team up in the main event. Douglas does this lucha-like reversal out of an arm lock that I don't know the name of, sorry I suck at this thing. Anyways it looked dope, that doesn't last long though as he runs off the ropes and tries for a crossbody seemingly but Razor catches him.
    Dropping Douglas down with a fallaway slam and the pin for a two count. Razor continues to work on the arm of Dean Douglas, why? I don't know but I'll trust him. Dean Douglas fakes out Razor on the middle rope and goes for a sunset flip powerbomb, oh Dean you know those never work. Razor doesn't go over and punches Dean as he sits down for the pin, Douglas reverses it into a pin of his own for a two count. Shoulder tackle by Razor and goes for another but Douglas drops him outside. Coming over the top rope with an ax handle, Douglas then slams Razor into the apron.
    Big bodyslam from Douglas gets the count up to 8 before he breaks it and gets back on the offensive with a big running knee to the back that sends Razor careening into the steel steps. Double ax handle from the top rope by Douglas and a two count. Douglas works over the back of Ramon but Ramon fights back with a punch to the face. It doesn't last long though as Douglas begins to work the back over again, every time Razor gets any momentum Douglas is right there to shut it down. Middle rope splash to the back of Ramon by Douglas but doesn't put him away.
    Douglas works a camel clutch, Razor lays in it for a few minutes before fighting his way out and getting Douglas on his shoulders. Falling back with Douglas but the damage might have been even greater on Razor Ramon. The ref begins the count to 10 as both men are down, getting to 9 before Douglas crawls to the pin on Ramon but Razor is barely able to get his shoulder up at 2. Razor puts Douglas on the top rope but Dean reverses it and goes for a twisting body splash but Razor follows through with it into a pin for a near fall.
    Douglas sends Razor headfirst into the referee, Douglas goes for his body splash but Razor ducks. While this is happening Backlund is trying to revive the ref but he changes his tone once Razor hits the Razor's Edge. 1-2-3 Kid comes running down to the ring and counts the pin, Razor thinks he won but turns around to see Kid there. There is pushing and shoving that allows Douglas to get a roll-up and the victory. Razor and 1-2-3 Kid get into an altercation after the match as their relationship appears to be officially severed.

Match Rating: 5/10

Jean-Pierre Lafitte vs Bret "The Hitman" Hart

    Bret cuts a promo before the match and says some corny ass Bret Hart things so you know he's gonna win. As Bret is making his entrance, he runs off the ropes with a tope that goes awry as Lafitte doesn't catch him and he almost lands on his head. The bell rings and this match is underway as Bret fires away with some punches on the outside. Lafitte tries to slam Hart's head into the turnbuckle but Bret reverses and does it to him instead. Jean-Pierre hammers away with fists in the corner on Bret, dropping him to his knees.
    Whipping Bret into the opposite corner, Lafitte goes for a lariat but Bret sidesteps. Arm drag takedown by the Hitman as he goes to work on the arm of Lafitte. Sending Bret off the ropes for a lariat does Lafitte, again it doesn't work as Bret gets him into a crucifix cover and a two. Bret tries to get Lafitte with a hip toss but Jean-Pierre crushes him with a lariat. Staying on the offensive, Lafitte stomps the gut of Hart a few times for good measure.
    Bret with a jackknife cover but only a two. Hart looks for a head butt in the corner but Lafitte sidesteps and sends Bret crashing hard, shoulder first into the post. Huge Irish whip by Lafitte sends Hitman crashing into the corner chest first, making a loud thud. Hitman dumps Lafitte to the outside and thinks he has him down for but Jean-Pierre lands on his feet. He drags Hart by his feet and to the outside to join him before whipping Hart into the steel steps.
    Lafitte hits a very high angled spinebuster after enduring some strikes from Hart. Oh shit, an actual successful sunset flip by Bret Hart here for a two count. Lafitte quickly out of it before snapping back with a lariat. I love this part, the commentators are hyping up Lafitte doing The Cannonball (his Swanton) but he does a Leg Drop instead. Back to the top rope by Lafitte and this time he goes for The Cannonball but Bret rolls out of the way.
    Atomic drop into a clothesline off the ropes sets Bret up for Sharpshooter. He tries to get it locked in but Lafitte kicks him off and sends him through the middle rope and to the outside. Lafitte goes off the ropes and to the outside as he looks for an outside Cannonball but misses and hits hard on the outside padding that didn't seem to soften the blow too much. Bret sends him careening into the steps shoulder-first as a measure of revenge from earlier on. Russian leg sweep by Hart and into the pin, only Bret Hart I tell ya.
    A Small package now and again only a two count for Hart. Bret's looking for his patented knee drop thing but Lafitte sticks a boot up and catches him in the face. Bret looks for another crucifix pin but Lafitte gets him on his shoulders and rolls through, landing his head into Bret's gut and going for the pin only for a two count. Lafitte whips Bret into the corner but Hart goes for the up and over reversal but Lafitte catches him. Bret struggles, holding onto the top rope with all his might but Lafitte pulls him away, in the process Bret falls on top of Lafitte into a pin. Only a two count for Bret though.
    Jean-Pierre goes for a pin on Bret after a knee to the gut of a rushing Bret, he puts his feet on the rope but still only a two. Running out of the corner with a grasp of Lafitte, Bret Hart is looking for a bulldog but Lafitte has other plans. He pushes off and sends Hart slamming hard into the corner, chest first. This prompts a pin from Lafitte but Bret gets his foot on the bottom rope to stop the count. Bret sends Lafitte into the ropes with a forearm as he gets a little tangled up for a minute. He escapes in time to miss a flying Hart and lets him collide with the ropes. Back to the top rope for Lafitte as he looks for a simple splash but Hart doesn't allow it, rolling away once again. Bret starts fighting to get Lafitte in the Sharpshooter from the grounded position and finally gets it, Lafitte can't take it and says I quit.

Match Rating: 7/10

    Cornette, Monsoon, and Hendrix are backstage again this time with Yokozuna's new tag partner, The British Bulldog. So for one night, Bulldog is one-half of the tag team champions and if is to pin either Shawn or Diesel he will win their respectful championship. He can also lose the tag titles for Owen and Yokozuna. We cut back to the ring where Alundra Blayze is modeling an In Your House shirt that advertises the now changed main event, who wouldn't want to buy that right?

British Bulldog & Yokozuna (c) vs Shawn Michaels & Diesel (c) Triple Header Title Match

    It's very obvious by the reactions of the crowd here that they are ALL for Michaels and Diesel but mostly Michaels. Bulldog and Shawn start the match off with an exchange of headlocks and holds before Shawn is able to float over. He pushes Bulldog into the ropes but Davey Boy holds on and shrugs off HBK. Shawn rushes towards Bulldog but slips under his legs, Bulldog grabs his legs but Michaels is too strong and flips him off, Bulldog shoots off the ropes but Shawn gets him over with a back body drop. Big clothesline sends both men over the rope but Shawn holds on and is able to lift himself back up and into the ring.
    Yokozuna comes into the ring as Shawn throws some shots at him before Diesel comes in with a right hand, dropping Yoko to the outside. Yokozuna and Davey Boy take some time to regroup on the outside before getting back in the ring. Davey Boy tags out to Yoko as he squares off with Shawn Michaels. Shawn coerces Yokozuna to charge him as they both do sumo poses, it was all mind games in the end though as Shawn slips under the massive frame of Yokozuna to gain an advantage. Lighting Yoko up with a few punches but it all goes wrong when Shawn tries to bounce off the ropes and use his speed as Yoko halts his progress with a back elbow.
    Yokozuna goes for a big elbow drop on Shawn but he rolls out of the way to tag in Diesel. He fires off a few shots on Yokozuna but gets dropped with a clothesline rather quickly. Not to be outdone though, Diesel with a clothesline followed by a big boot that sends Yoko to the outside. Bulldog comes in and starts to beat up on Diesel but I didn't see a tag and neither did commentary. I guess he's the legal man now as he lifts up Diesel, struggling at first but finally getting him up for the delayed suplex.             Diesel whips Bulldog in the corner a few times following that up with lariats in the corner. Shawn gets tagged back in as he climbs to the top rope, climbing atop the shoulders of Diesel to deliver a huge splash to Davey Boy. Only a two count as Bulldog is right back on the offensive, pressing Shawn up high before dropping him down on the top rope and tagging Yoko. Yokozuna drops him to the outside with a shot to the back, Davey takes advantage and slams Shawn into the steps before sliding him back inside. Yokozuna launches Shawn into the ropes HARD. No wonder his back was fucked all those years later.
    Bulldog gets tagged in and begins to key in on the back of Michaels, launching him over his head with a huge back body drop. The ever rare successful sunset flip executed here by HBK for a two. Off the ropes with a crossbody pin but again a two for Michaels. There was no tag between Yoko and Davey Boy but the ref's back was turned so Yoko is deemed legal. Yokozuna looks for the Bonzai Drop but Shawn slides away just in time.
    Diesel and Bulldog both get tagged in, Diesel like a house of fire as he is hitting on all cylinders with his offense right now. Yokozuna gets in the ring as does Shawn as all four men are in the ring at the same time, Shawn and Diesel whip Davey Boy and Yokozuna into each other. Yokozuna stays on his feet as Davey Boy is whipped into the corner and into Yoko again causing Yokozuna to topple onto Bulldog. Diesel is looking for the Jackknife but Cornette gets on the apron but quickly shoved off by Michaels. This causes the ref to be distracted as Yokozuna hits Diesel with a Samoan Drop. Sweet Chin Music by Shawn onto Yoko, sending him outside. Powerslam by Davey Boy and goes for the pin but Shawn breaks it up with a top rope elbow drop.
    Owen Hart comes running down to the ring as he tries to get involved, coming off the top rope only for Diesel to punch him in the gut. Hitting Owen with a Jackknife Powerbomb and pinning Owen. I guess that counted? I have no fucking idea why when you had this whole angle to make Davey interim tag champ just for that to happen. 

Match Rating: 5/10

Overall Rating: 4.8/10

    I think this match had its high highs and low lows. It wasn't awful, some weird booking decisions but other than that I didn't have a problem with it too much. The main event irked me a lot in the booking department though. How do you spend the whole show building a story just for it to be thrown under the bus in the final minutes of the match? Knocked down the overall rating for that match down a little as I just can't justify that finish. What did you think? Am I overreacting? Let me know 

    




    

War Times Revisited: 9/18/95

    WCW Nitro: Johnson City, Tennessee is the host for all of the fall out from last night's Fall Brawl. Lots of questions to think about such as are Savage and Luger fine? What does Flair have to say about Flyin' Brian's actions? Is Hulk Hogan okay? All those questions and more will be answered here tonight. Let's get into the action!

    Bischoff says there is an emergency and we cut to backstage where Mean Gene is on hand as an ambulance is being backed into the arena. The doors open up and reveal Kevin Sullivan and The Giant were inside. The Giant says that each time he has placed his hands on Hogan he has crumbled. He believes that he, not Hogan is the one true immortal. He is speaking in this weird hush yell tone and it is absolutely atrocious. He claims that his father, Andre the Giant would be standing by his side and helping destroy Hulkamania.

American Males vs Harlem Heat (c) WCW Tag Team Championship Match

    God I somehow forgot about this atrocious American Males theme and now I want to turn this off but I have a job to do. I guess this match was supposed to be between The American Males and The Blue Bloods but as Earl Robert Eaton makes his entrance he is attacked by both members of Harlem Heat. Booker gets on the mic and says that The Blue Bloods shouldn't have been here in the first place because he and Stevie are the tag champions. They offer Riggs and Bagwell a title shot and it is gratefully accepted. I don't get why the heels would put the titles on the line but okay? I guess we have a title match now.
    After some shoving and brawling the ref sorts things out and Stevie Ray and Riggs are the two to start off the match. Irish whip by Stevie but Riggs ducks under and hits a dropkick. Bagwell comes in and now it's a duel dropkick which drops Stevie Ray. Some double teamwork from The American Males as Bagwell gets tagged in. Stevie Ray able to hit a sidewalk slam and tags in Booker T. Big catching powerslam by Booker as Bagwell comes off the ropes. Booker goes for a leg drop but Bagwell slips away and tags in Riggs. Riggs gets hit with an Axe Kick and takes it all on his neck on a nasty looking bump.
    Stevie Ray back in the match as he rocks Riggs with a lariat and some boots. Booker absolutely decapitated Riggs with a wheel kick and Bischoff loses his shit on commentary. Only enough for a two though. Riggs hits Booker with a sunset flip but as Booker is falling down he tags out to Stevie Ray. Tag back in by Booker T as he looks for a flipping legdrop but once again misses. Scotty Riggs finally tags in Bagwell and he goes on the offensive. Sherri gets on the apron and looks like she's going to help her team secure a victory but right as that happens, Col. Robert Parker and sweeps Sherri away in his arms. Booker goes for a pump handle slam but Bagwell falls on top of him and gets the win and the tag titles! 

Match Rating: 5/10

    Ric Flair comes out for a promo to address Brian Pillman who he will be facing later on in the main event. He says that Arn broke the code and brought an outsider into their problems. Flair says that he will chop Pillman so hard that Boomer Esiason will feel it. After that, he will find Arn Anderson and kick his ass.

Mr. Wonderful vs Johnny B. Badd

    Last night on Fall Brawl, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff got a pep talk after a loss on Main Event. He was doubting if he was really Mr. Wonderful but after some words from Gary Spivey, he got his mojo back. This is his first match since then. He will be looking for some momentum but he'll be facing the #1 Contender for the US title in Johnny B. Badd. They mention on commentary that Johnny B. Badd has 9 stitches above his eye from last night's contest.
    Orndorff gets going right after the bell with a dropkick to the knee and then pounding away with short boots to the gut. Mr. Wonderful gets Johnny in the corner and chokes him before the ref pulls him away. Orndorff gets into a shouting match with the referee and even butts heads with him before focusing back on Johnny B. Badd. Hip toss and a powerslam from Johnny B. Badd before he goes to the top rope and goes for an ax handle on a downed opponent? I don't know why either. He didn't hit it though as Mr. Wonderful got his boots up.
    After a commercial break, we come back to both men down on the mat. Orndorff able to fight away control and get on the top rope. He goes for a big splash but Johnny slides out of the way. Johnny B. Badd drops Mr. Wonderful to the outside and after a short wait, finally hits him with a springboard crossbody on the outside. Back inside now, up top Johnny hits Orndorff with a flying ax handle and a kick out at two. Mr. Wondeful was looking for the piledriver but Johnny B. Badd fought out of it and hit a back body drop. A duo of clotheslines and he goes for a piledriver but he is reversed as well. Johnny B. Badd goes for a sunset flip but can't quite get him over before Orndorff sits down and gets the 1-2-3.

Match Rating: 3/10

    We get a clip from WCW wrestlers on the set of Baywatch. Savage is pumping some weights while some chicks in bikini's cheer him on. Out of nowhere, Kevin Sullivan comes running up on the beach in a fucking snow jacket. This man really was crazy huh? Dude was buggin'. Anyways, he slams the bar down on Savage's throat and chokes him.
    He tosses some sand in his face before Flair and others break it up. We cut back to the ring as Mean Gene introduces Macho Man. Very few men had swag like Savage did man, it's crazy. Gene asks Savage about Flair and Macho says he did not appreciate the Nature Boy's help. Macho Man claims he will take care of Sullivan all by himself.
    It seems the Luger/Savage beef isn't over, Savage claims that Hogan is not a good judge of character because of Luger cheap shotting Macho Man. Macho Man thinks that Luger, Sting, and Jimmy Hart will be new members of The Dungeon of Doom. As he says this Luger makes his way down to the ring. Luger says that Savage might be so upset because he is jealous that Luger is getting a title shot and not him. Luger wants a match with Savage and Savage is game. Looks like we'll have to wait another time for that match though. 

Ric Flair vs Brian Pillman

    Tempers flare (no pun intended I promise) immediately as the bell rings. Flair and Pillman slap each other until they grapple and Pillman drags Flair to the corner. Pillman hits Flair with a back elbow and then a few chops to the chest. Those chops would right away be shit on as Flair gets control and lights Pillman up with a few chops of his own. Dumping Pillman to the outside, Flair gets on the top rope and crowns him with a double ax handle to the outside. Pillman tries to escape up the ramp but the Nature Boy is not gonna let that happen. Grabbing him by his head and dragging back to the ring, Pillman takes advantage of the time it takes Flair to get back in the ring and takes control.
    The commentators mention a change in Pillman's attitude as of late, slapping Flair in the face and chest area which he would have never done before. Flair with the classic corner whip bump but ducks the Pillman line on the apron and hits on of his own. Flair tries to capitalize on this by climbing to the top rope but Brian catches him midair with a dropkick. Pillman goes for a pin and gets to two before the ref notices him using the ropes for leverage. He goes for the pin again but another near-fall.
    Brian begins to target the arm, slamming it against the turnbuckle, dragging Flair to the outside and slamming it against the barricade. In the little bit of WCW, I've watched thus far I've seen a variation of the "sunset flip, punch reversal" spot a lot, here it is again. Flair seems to have this match in control, for the most part, Pillman gets spots of offense but Flair right back in control. Climbing to the top rope once again, Flair looks for something big but before he can get going Pillman throws him off the top rope and climbs the adjacent one. Jumping off with a splash but no one was home as Flair slips away from danger.
    Flair looks for the Figure Four but Pillman gets him with a small package for the two. Flair hits this suplex I don't recall ever seeing before. He picks up Pillman in a knee breaker position but just falls back with a suplex. After the suplex, he immediately applies the Figure Four in the center of the ring. Pillman gives up but does not tap. Flair calls out Arn Anderson and grabs a mic. Flair says that whether it be this week or next week, he will kick Arn's ass.

Match Rating: 4/10

Overall Rating: 4/10


Monday Night RAW: RAW comes to us from Canton, OH tonight, and apparently this a special Thursday edition of RAW? That is...interesting. Not much time to waste as the show starts off with 1-2-3 Kid's entrance. Time to get into the action!


1-2-3 Kid vs Razor Ramon

    This is a rematch a little 2 years in the making, as 1-2-3 Kid made a name for himself at the expense of Razor in what is still hailed as one of the biggest upsets in RAW history. As Razor begins to enter the ring, 1-2-3 Kid puts the boots to him and tries to get an early advantage. A Savate kick in the corner followed by a wheel kick drops Ramon to the outside. 1-2-3 Kid ducks a hot Razor Ramon a few times and goes for a crossbody but gets caught. Ramon sets him in the corner and hits him with a big kick to the gut. Razor climbs to the middle turnbuckle and lifts Kid up for a top rope fallaway slam. A couple chops in the corner by Ramon before he tosses Kid halfway across the ring. A spinning slap sends 1-2-3 Kid rolling to the outside.
    Kid goes for a hip toss then flips out of it only to get hit with a chokeslam from Razor but kicks out at 2. 1-2-3 Kid uses Razor's aggressiveness against him as he sidesteps Ramon as he charged him. Going over the rope with a springboard dropkick is 1-2-3 Kid which was pretty dope. Spinning wheel kick by Kid and he only gets a 1 as Razor gets his foot on the rope. Again off the ropes by Kid as he does a Tornado DDT setup for a Sleeper Hold. Ramon begins to fade as he falls to one knee, Vince thinks this is a good time for a commercial break so away we go.
    Back from commercial as Razor is now on his back as Kid still has the sleeper cinched in. After 2 minutes struggling in the sleeper, Razor begins to fight back to his feet before dropping Kid with a back suplex. Both men are down for a while before Razor crawls over to the pin on 1-2-3 Kid but only gets a 2. Off the ropes and a duck down by Kid before he and Razor collide, also sending the referee to the outside. Dean Douglas comes running down as he lands a top rope splash on the notoriously bad back of Razor Ramon as mentioned on commentary on the intro to this match. Referee Earl Hebner and 1-2-3 Kid come to at the same time as Kid rolls into the ring and puts his hand over Ramon for the pin and the 3. After the match, we get a "Report Card" segment from Dean Douglas hyping up his match with Razor at In Your House. 

Match Rating: 4/10

Kama and Tatanka vs Savio Vega and Bob Holly

    Kama and Tatanka are managed by Ted DiBiase as a part of the Million Dollar Corporation. Savio Vega has all the white guys in Hawaiian shirts vibing to his entrance. This has nothing to do with this match but I damn near died at the most uninspired Kwang sign in the front row. It was just a small white paper with Kwang scribbled on it. Savio Vega with a hip toss and a duo of dropkicks to Tatanka. Kama runs in but gets the same thing and falls to the outside.
    Holly and Kama get tagged in respectfully as Holly uses his quickness and smaller size to his advantage as he's able to slip under Kama and avoid his big moves. Bob Holly beginning to work over the arm of Kama before tagging back in Vega. Kama able to drag Savio to the corner and get Tatanka back in the match. Savio looks for a thrust kick but Tatanka able to duck it and slip under the bottom rope to catch his breath. Tatanka grabs the leg of Holly who was waiting on the apron, this causes the ref and Vega to get distracted.
    Kama runs into the ring and starts to work over Savio Vega for a bit before Holly gets back in and fights him off. Kama and Tatanka use the referee telling Holly to get to his corner to fire off some double team maneuvers. Holly continues to try and help his partner but in doing so just allows for more double teams by the Million Dollar Corporation. Double clothesline by Tatanka and Savio Vega drops both men to the mat. Kama gets tagged in as does Bob Holly and Holly is fired up, fast-paced offense leaves Kama reeling. Top rope dropkick by Holly but the pin is broken up at 2 by Tatanka. Savio and Tatanka battle on the outside while up top Holly climbs for a top rope crossbody but Kama was I think supposed to reverse it but it does not look good at all. Almost looks like he dumps Holly on his neck, sheesh. Anyways, 1-2-3, and that's the match.

Match Rating: 3/10

Jean-Pierre Lafitte vs Brian Walsh

    Jean-Pierre Lafitte or as you might know him today, PCO. At this time they were trying him out as a singles guy and he was a pirate or something. The gear is very bad and I don't think anyone can make me think otherwise. He was in the middle of a feud with Bret Hart at the time that saw him steal the jacket of the Hitman. He had also stolen a pair of glasses that Hart had given a kid at ringside. The jobber he's facing tonight looks like a baby, man has the saggy white tights on, he's a dead man. Lafitte grabs him by the neck and forces him into the corner and puts the boots to him along with a few chops. He Irish whips Walsh into the other corner and goes for a splash but Walsh ducks. Walsh gets a standing headlock and runs Lafitte off the ropes, Lafitte comes back and goes for an attack but Walsh ducks under to avoid. This is a first, Bret Hart is on commentary via phone. 1995 certainly was something. Bret basically buries Lafitte's gimmick, "The fact that he's I don't know, supposed to be a Pirate...I didn't know Pirates existed anymore." Thanks, Bret, you asshole. Lafitte slams Walsh's chest on the ring apron a few times. Lafitte catches Walsh off the top rope and hits him with a belly to belly suplex. Lafitte climbs to the top rope and comes down with a Swanton. That is the finish and Lafitte gets the win.

Match Rating: 2/10

Owen Hart and Yokozuna vs Men on a Mission

    I do not envy the people that had to carry Mabel in on that big ass throne, shit must have fucking sucked. Owen Hart and Yokozuna were also in Camp Cornette at this point, that's a shame. King Mabel and Yokozuna have a staredown as this match begins. They aren't the starting two though, that distinction belongs to Owen Hart and Mo. A quick shoving contest ensues before Mo takes control with some clubbing blows to the back and a back elbow to Owen off the rope. Mo tosses Owen to the corner and is looking for a splash but all he gets is a face full of boot from Owen Hart, followed up by a clothesline out of the corner. Mo catches Owen with a big powerslam before tagging in Mabel. Lifting Hart up by his head and slamming him right back down does Mabel. Owen is able to avoid a corner splash by Mabel and begins to work him over with mounted punches in the corner. Mabel tags Mo back in, he sends Owen off the rope but Owen slips under only to get a kick in the back from Mabel on the apron. Yokozuna gets in the ring which allows for Mo and Mabel to team up on Owen in the corner. Mo goes for the sunset flip powerbomb on Owen but he sits down with it but Mo is able to flip him over into a pin of his own. He gets a two before Owen kicks him in the face to break up the pin. Owen gets Mo over the top rope and finally tags Yokozuna in. Yokozuna has no want to fight Mo, he wants Mabel and Mabel is happy to oblige. Mabel comes into the ring while Owen works on Mo on the outside. Mabel goes to help his partner back into the ring after Owen sends him crashing into the steel steps. Yokozuna gets to work on Mo, hitting him with a loud ass chop in the corner and then pummeling him with punches in the corner. After a commercial break, Mo and Owen are in the ring and both go for a spinning heel kick after coming off the ropes and they clash. They both get to their respective corners and tag out, Yokozuna and Mabel are now in for the first time as legal participants. They slug it out in the middle of the ring for a moment before Mabel comes off the ropes with a jumping lariat. Owen gets in the ring to help his partner but gets caught with a lariat of his own and then gets launched into Yokozuna. Mo gets tagged in now as he and Mabel hit Yokozuna with a double clothesline. Big lariat by Yokozuna after the kick in the back by Owen. Hart gets tagged in now and goes to the top rope, Yokozuna holds Mo in place as Owen comes off the top rope with a dropkick. Owen was looking for another top rope move but Mo crotches him up top hit him with a superplex. Yokozuna is able to break up the sure to be three count. Drop toe-hold by Owen and a legdrop from Yokozuna, Yoko holds the leg of Mabel so Owen can get the win.

Match Rating: 6/10

    A short pre-recorded promo Michaels and Diesel plays as the ring clears out. They claim that they will be walking out of In Your House as the new WWF World Tag Team Champions. We cut back to the ring with Owen and Yokozuna. Cornette hypes up Yoko and Owen a bit, he says that while putting up the tag titles is risky, the reward is much bigger. Vince says that Diesel and Shawn aren't ones to be scoffed at but Cornette mentions Yokozuna and Owen Hart's past accolades and how they should not be doubted either. Cornette also mentions that the last time Diesel and Shawn were a team they broke up and fought, he doesn't think that they trust each other and put their titles over their partners. 

Overall Rating: 4.5/10

Final Thoughts: I think WWF gets the edge here but not by a lot. I think the tag match here was a bit better than the tag title match on Nitro. Also was not the biggest fan of Pillman/Flair as I expected to be. I think Razor/Kid and the main event carried this show but the job tag match wasn't as bad as I thought. Decent stuff from both sides this week.

WCW Fall Brawl 1995

   
    Fall Brawl: This is the third installment of Fall Brawl for WCW and takes place in Asheville, North Carolina. The show advertises two title matches and two main events. In hyping up Flair vs Arn they say it is the "The match you always wanted to see but never thought you would." Very interesting billing but not necessarily wrong. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Tony Schiavone are on the call for tonight. They mention that The Giant ran over Hogan's motorcycle before the show as a way to further the Dungeon of Doom angle for the main event. Enough about that, it's time to jump into the action!

Flyin' Brian vs Johnny B. Badd

   It's mentioned on commentary that these two are friends and know each other very well. Pillman comes out with a very serious demeanor and a straight face. He means business. Johnny B. Badd on the other hand, very flamboyant and in your face as he always is. This match is to see who will become #1 Contender for Sting's United States Title. High stakes and a big match for both men. Also, it bears mentioning that there is a War Games match tonight so there is a two-ring set up that all competitors are free to use.
    Johnny B. Badd hypes up the crowd by throwing frisbees in the crowd, he botches a throw and hits the turnbuckle. The crowd is eating up everything he's doing, it's clear he's the fan-favorite in the beginning. Early signs of honor as Pillman extends his hand to Johnny and he accepts. An exchange of standing switches between the two as they try and feel each other out early on. Off the ropes and Johnny B. Badd does a very interesting roll under to evade and they do the duel dropkick spot to signify they are equals.
    Lots of evasive tactics as the two escape every hold the other puts them in. Johnny B. Badd with a La Magistral but it's too close to the ropes as Pillman extends his leg and can break the count. Pillman tries his hand at a sneaky pin but Johnny can kick out. Headscissors out of the corner by Pillman into a victory roll pin but Johnny again can escape. Somewhere in the past couple of minutes, Johnny B. Badd got cut open a bit.
    Brian was working a Boston crab but releases it for a straight punch in the face. Brian begins to heel it up, shouting at the camera "Who's the bad man now?" Big tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Johnny B. Badd for a two count. Johnny gets Brian in a modified surfboard hold as he gets to work on the back of Flyin' Brian. After a bit of struggle, Brian can get his hand on the rope and break the submission. Punches in the corner send Brian to the outside in retreat. Pillman bites the bloodied face of Johnny B. Badd. He better hope that he doesn't have Hep C.
    Johnny B. Badd comes back into the ring with a springboard legdrop across the face of Flyin' Brian for a two count. The two competitors collide in the center of the ring, Johnny's chin connecting with Brian's face. They are both down as the ref begins a 10 count. They both get up after some time just to be brought back down as Brian headbutts Johnny B. Badd and they both collapse back to the mat. Pillman is to his feet first as he sends Johnny into the turnbuckle. Michael Buffer the ring announcers announces that there are 5 minutes left of the 20-minute time limit. It honestly hasn't felt like it's been that long, this has been a super solid match.
    Johnny and Brian battle on the apron before Johnny B. Badd launches him over the ropes and to the outside. Heenan mentions he was close to hitting his back on the apron and breaking his back. Good to know they were pushing the hardest part of the ring narrative even back then. Johnny meets him outside with a flying crossbody over the rope. Sending Brian back into the ring, Johnny B. Badd looks to the top rope and dives before getting hit with a huge dropkick from Brian. Flyin' Brian lazily falls into the cover but it only garners a two count.
    Powerbomb in the center of the ring from Johnny B. Badd but no, that isn't even enough as 3 minutes remain in this match. Tombstone from Brian and no! Still not enough. Brian signals for the tornado DDT but Johnny can stop it and fling Brian to the mat. Pin but another two count looks like this is going down to the wire. Brian hits a Russian leg sweep into a koji clutch/abdominal stretch type submission. One minute left as Brian continues working over the rib area of Johnny B. Badd. Tutti Frutti from Johnny B. Badd which is what he called his left hook. He goes for the cover with under 30 seconds to go but Flyin' Brian is under the bottom rope. Flyin' Brian with a springboard lariat as Buffer counts down from ten. It was not enough as the time limit has expired.
    Since Sting must have a challenger, the referee states that the match will go to sudden-death overtime. Brian goes for a top rope dropkick but Johnny B. Badd has it scouted as he meets him with a dropkick of his own. Brian sinks in a sleeper hold and almost puts Johnny out but he gets his hand up at the third drop. Johnny B. Badd locks in a sleeper of his own now, but Brian counters with a back suplex. Johnny B. Badd hits a top rope sunset flip pin combo but only gets a two. This match is crazy.         Brian attempts a crucifix but Johnny reverses it for a sit-out pin but again only a two. Johnny B. Badd with the Badd Day (Super Frankensteiner) sadly for another two count. He just can't put away Flyin' Brian. Brian finally hits the tornado DDT but a delayed pin allows Johnny to kick out. Brian climbs the rope but Johnny B. Badd crotches him and launches him to the outside chest first on the metal barricade.
    Johnny follows it up with the Badd Mood (Somersault Plancha). Rolling Brian back into the ring, Johnny goes for a springboard twisting press but Brian gets the knees up. A near fall as Brian covers after the knees up. Brian hits an insane suicide dive as he covers so much distance. After getting back in the ring, Brian tries to go after Johnny B. Badd with some sort of corner springboard but Johnny ducks, and Brian crotches himself. They both run the roped and hit a double crossbody but Johnny B. Badd keeps control and pins, Brian, for the win. The crowd absolutely loses it, big pop and man was it well deserved. What a damn match.

Match Rating: 10/10

    Flair goes backstage and cuts a promo with Mean Gene. He talks about how Arn and he were closer than two men could be. They did everything together and bonded through similar life experiences. He mentions that this show is taking place in North Carolina, Horsemen Country. Instead of walking out side by side, they will be opponents. 

Cobra vs Sgt. Craig Pittman

    I don't know anything about these two dudes so I had to look up who they were and apparently, Cobra is Jeff Farmer, aka Fake Sting. That is...certainly something that happened. His theme song appears to be in Morse Code and it is very odd. Looking up Pittman it seems he was a legitimate veteran who just got into wrestling. At this time he is on a bit of a winning streak as his only loss coming to Jim Duggan via DQ after he failed to release his submission hold. So he still has not been pinned or submitted.
    As Pittman is supposed to make his entrance, he doesn't come out. Instead a private of some sorts come out. He begins to distract Cobra as Pittman repels from the ceiling and down to ringside. Stealthily crawling into the ring, Pittman detaches his sash of bullets from his chest and chokes out Cobra. The ref rings the bell and starts the match I guess. Pittman dumps Cobra to the outside and hits him with a diving single stomp to the back. Pittman gets launched headfirst into the turnbuckle via Irish whip from Cobra. Cobra climbs the top rope and goes for a dive but Pittman swats him down. Pittman applies his Code Red submission hold which is just an armbar and Cobra taps.

Match Rating: 1/10

Diamond Dallas Page vs The Renegade (c) WCW TV Championship Match

    Diamond Dallas Page was far from being one of the biggest babyfaces in the company at this point in his career. Actually, he was quite the opposite. He was a loudmouth, brash heel. The Renegade was WCW's failed Ultimate Warrior look-a-like. He was enjoying a nice run as TV champion until the real Ultimate Warrior basically said it wasn't him and WCW halted all his momentum.
    Renegade runs into the ring and scares DDP into the corner but he goes to his own corner and taunts while the bell rings, Page begins the attack on Renegade. Page launches Renegade into the turnbuckle, hits a Russian leg sweep, and transitions into the pin. Renegade kicks out at a strong one count. Looks like The Renegade has the same genetics as a Samoan, DDP headbutts him but does more damage to himself then he did Renegade. In his daze from the headbutt, Page rolls to the outside and hits his head on the turnbuckle. He falls into the lap of the front row as Renegade starts off after him.
    Standing lariat from The Renegade for a near fall. The Renegade goes off the ropes and looks for a big move but DDP ducks and sends him face-first into the ropes in a nasty looking bump. Spinning neckbreaker from DDP as he goes for the pin but calls for a very irritated Diamond Doll to hold up a 10 sign. Page dumps Renegade to the outside but he quickly jumps back to his feet as DDP starts to talk to Diamond Doll. DDP notices The Renegade getting to his feet and knocks him back off the apron.
    The Renegade goes for a sunset flip back into the ring but DDP just falls atop him and uses the ropes for leverage. Two count before Renegade reverses into a pin of his own. Dallas Page kicks him in the head and escapes the pin. Spear to the gut in the corner by DDP as the commentators make mention of this being the longest match Renegade has had up to this point. DDP goes for another spear in the corner but Renegade escapes and sends Page crashing into the corner hard. A pair of lariats by The Renegade before he pulls off a move you'd never see the actual Warrior ever hit, a cartwheel back elbow.
    Double ax-handle off the top rope for a very close near fall. DDP looks for the Diamond Cutter but Renegade shrugs him off and into a roll-up. It wasn't enough to put away Page though. One of the members of Page's ringside crew, Max Muscle gets on the rope to knee Renegade but it backfires as Renegade launches DDP into Max and sends him flying. Big powerslam from Renegade as he begins to climb to the top rope. Looks like he's going for a splash on Page but instead hits a diving lariat on the outside to Max Muscle. As Renegade gets into the ring, Max Muscle holds his leg and allows for DDP to hit the Diamond Cutter while the referee's back was turned. Pin and the win, DDP is your new Television Champion. 

Match Rating: 4/10

Harlem Heat vs Buck & Slater (c)  WCW Tag Team Championship Match

    I would be dumb to not mention it but man Harlem Heat had to have one of the best tag themes of all time no? That shit is such a banger. Apparently, Sherri (manager of Harlem Heat) and Col. Robert Parker (manager of Buck & Slater) are in some sort of a love interest angle. We'll see how that affects this match. Early pre-match antics Buck & Slater as they throw their jackets at Harlem Heat and have some words with them before being backed into their respective corners.
    The match starts off with Booker T and Dick Slater. After some corner stuff, Booker sends Slater into the corner and hits a strong lariat that causes Slater to catch his breath for a moment. Booker showing off a bit of technical prowess as he escapes a choke and tags out to Stevie Ray. Stevie puts the boots to Slater and goes for a pin, it was only a two before the ref notices Slater's foot on the rope. Some more teamwork allows for Booker to be tagged back in quickly.
    Slater drives Booker into the ropes, allowing for Bunkhouse Buck to tag in. Booker does the same, driving Buck into his corner and tagging in Stevie. A lot of feeling out and quick tags early on in this contest. Stevie starts choking and punching away at Buck on the ground. Booker gets tagged in and hits a nice heel kick.
    The commentators mention how Harlem Heat is trying to play Buck and Slater's game and not using their usual high paced offense. Harlem Heat has cut off the ring with frequent tags, Stevie Ray back in but before he can get his hands on him he rolls back to his corner and tags in Slater. Dick Slater and Stevie share strikes before Stevie backs him into a corner and lays some more punches on him. Slate fights out of it by hitting an atomic drop but doesn't get all of it. Swinging neck breaker by Slater and a pin for the two on Stevie. Booker gets tagged in but proceeds to get dumped outside by Slater and as the ref is distracted Buck hits him with a big body splash.
    Slater and Buck work over a nice double team on Booker as Buck gets tagged in. Slater drops Booker with a piledriver but he gets caught in the ropes so the time spent dragging him out allows for Booker to kick out. Booker looks for some sort of diving attack in the corner but Buck sidesteps him and sends him crashing into the turnbuckle. Slater gets tagged in and he antagonizes Stevie on the apron causing the ref to be distracted. Belly to back suplex by Slater for a two count on Booker.
    Frequent pins by Slater as he works over the chest and shoulders of Booker but each time he kicks out. Frequent tags and pins on Booker T continue from Buck and Slater. Booker is taking all the heat here. Booker finally finds an opening as he lands the Axe Kick. Crawling to his corner, Booker finally gets the tag to Stevie. Stevie Ray starts on his flurry of offense, power slamming Bunkhouse Buck for a two count before Slater breaks it up. Sherri and Parker kiss in the second ring as the Nasty Boys come in during a ref distraction and attack Dick Slater with his own boot and allow Harlem Heat to win the match and the Tag Team Titles.

Match Rating: 4/10

    Arn Anderson is backstage for a promo but first, we get a little video package to hype up Flair vs Arn. They mention that due to Hogan coming in, Flair has been on a quest to be the top wrestler in WCW and it has caused strains in his personal relationships. His friendship with Arn Anderson of course being at the forefront. Arn tells Mean Gene that he always has kept it straight and tonight he nervous because he has to face someone he holds closest to his heart. Arn promises to give it his all and promises that after tonight he will respect himself and Ric Flair will respect Arn Anderson. I know it doesn't help to be in a group with Ric Flair but man does Arn not get the respect he deserves on the mic. Every word he says you believe, that's a skill so many people lack nowadays.

Ric Flair vs Arn Anderson

    This match is being treated like a huge deal as it should, they show shots of the crowd with some WCW talent sprinkled in. The likes of The American Males, Flyin' Brian, Col. Robert Parker, and Big Bubba Rogers are all on hand to see this legendary encounter. They circle each other for a few moments, the commentators push the importance once more as they compare it to Yankees/Dodgers and Cowboys/49ers. I have to remember this is 1995 when the Cowboys were actually good.
    They finally lock up, Off the ropes, they go before Flair hits Arn with a shoulder tackle. Back up quickly to counter Flair into a drop toe hold is Arn. A nice counter has Arn feeling good as he lets out a celebratory "Woo". Arn shows his strength early on with pushes and slaps, the crowd is really into it. Anderson begins to surgically work on the arm of Ric Flair. Flair starts to realize what he's in for and tries to step up, just to get swatted down by Arn once again. Everything Flair does, Arn seems to have a counter for.
    After some work on the ground by Arn, Flair escapes and hits a big chop to the chest of Anderson. Both men are wearing knee pads but none of the pads even cover their knees. What's the fucking point of wearing them then? Anyways, Arn tries to lock in a sleeper hold but Flair backs into the corner to break it. Arn doesn't allow him long to recoup though as he dives knee first off the middle rope into the back of Ric Flair. Arn Anderson drags Flair to the corner and begins to smash his injured arm against the turnbuckle. The point being pushed on commentary is while Flair is an 11 time World Champion, ever since Hogan joined WCW he hasn't been the same. This lends credibility to the idea that Arn very well could come out the victor here tonight.
    Flair does his classic corner Irish whip bump and it leads him onto the apron where Arn meets him but he pulls the rope down and Anderson crashes to the outside. Flair comes off the top rope with an ax handle for Arn on the outside. Heenan compares this match to the Civil War, that's gonna be a yikes from me chief. Flair puts the boots to Arn as he lays under the bottom rope. Flair pins Anderson as he uses the ropes for leverage but the ref does not see it, lucky for Arn he gets the shoulder up each time.        Arn rocks Flair with punches in the corner before launching him over his head with a back body drop. Ric Flair tries to work over Arn on the outside but gets dropped with another back body drop. Flair drops Anderson with a big suplex onto the outside, the thud it made was gross. Back in the ring now, Flair begins again with a nice delayed vertical suplex. Both men are winded and down for a while, battling for advantage as they seem to be in a deadlock. Sunset flip attempt by Arn but Flair doesn't fall, Ric tries to punch Anderson's face but misses and allows for him to escape.
    Flair goes for the Irish whip bump once more but catches his leg in the top turnbuckle and is trapped in the tree of woe. Anderson doesn't hesitate to put the boots to him in the corner. Arn calls for the DDT and goes to hook Flair but he holds onto the ropes and escapes. Celebrating escaping a near loss he does a classic Flair flop. Flair tries to lock in the Figure Four but Arn holds one leg which doesn't allow Flair to fully lock in the submission. Ric finally locks in the hold and tries to get Arn to tap. In reality, Flair barely worked the legs so I don't see why Arn should be too worried about losing here but who knows.     Arn's shoulders hit the mat while trapped in the submission but gets a shoulder up in time. Flair spits in the face of Arn Anderson before Arn basically says "fuck you" and reverses the hold. Well, in theory, he does but flipping over onto your stomach during the Figure Four has and never will relieve the pressure. It's one of my most hated wrestling tropes. Flair sees a hobbled Arn and goes right after the knee with a chop block. Flair goes for the Figure Four again but Arn counters into a small package for the two. Flyin' Brian jumps onto the apron as he gets in Flair's ear. He decks Flair with a punch and Flair returns the favor before Pillman hits Ric with a kick to the back of the head and allows Arn to hit a DDT for the three. Fans are audibly unhappy and everyone is confused. 

Match Rating: 7/10

Dungeon of Doom vs Hulkamaniacs: War Games

    We get a hype package for the main event, reviewing the main points including Luger's involvement. The big thing going into this match is, of course, the doubt going into the match and if Luger can be trusted. Hogan says he and his team drank a gallon of Agent Orange, which from what I read is a herbicide used in the Vietnam War? This dude was on some other shit. From someone who only watched the WWE version of Wargames, this is a bit different. The only way to win is submission or surrender. No pins, count outs, or DQ's. It is announced that if the Hulkamaniacs win then Kevin Sullivan has to face Hogan 1 v 1 in the cage tonight.
    Sting is the first in for the Hulkamaniacs while Shark is the first member of the Dungeon of Doom. Shark begins a deliberate beat down on Sting, punching away and stepping on his chest. Sting was looking for the Stinger Splash but Shark ducks away to the second ring. He doesn't let them stop him from getting his hands on Shark though, while Shark's back was turned, Sting jumped to the second ring with a body splash. Using all his strength, Sting hoists Shark up and bodyslam him to the mat. He looks for it again but Shark falls atop Sting in what would usually be a pinning situation but there are no pins in this match.
    Sting's back is aching from the bodyslam and the Shark is like well...a shark when it smells blood and applies a bearhug. Sting finally escapes the hold after a long struggle. The Shark looks gassed already, lord help him. He tries to launch himself to the other ring but gets stuck between the two rings, strung across the top ropes. Sting gets in the middle area and begins to kick away at Shark's gut. Tossing Sting to one of the rings, Shark taunts but Sting is able to slip his leg and crotch him on the top rope.
    Sting locks in the Scorpion Deathlock as the time ticks down to a new entrant. It appears that Dungeon of Doom has won the coin toss and now owns the advantage in War Games. Zodiac is the next entrant. Sting holds onto the top of the cage and kicks off the Zodiac a few times before he finally falls. Sting locks in the Deathlock on Zodiac now but it is quickly broken up by Shark. Some double team offense on Sting before he is able to break away with a clothesline on the both of them. Zodiac fell but Shark stayed on his feet as gets back to work on Sting.
    Macho Man is now in the match and he is electric. He goes right after Zodiac and Shark, punches, and ax handle's galore from Savage. Savage goes for a Boston Crab on Zodiac but Shark is right there. As they work on Savage, their teammates work over Sting's arm by pulling it from under the bottom of the cage. Zodiac and Shark are controlling Savage and Sting with ease as Meng and Kamala work over Savage's leg like they did Sting's arm earlier.
    Kamala is the next entrant for the Dungeon of Doom. Kamala enters with a big Mongolian chop to the chest of Sting. Savage is working on Zodiac in the corner with punches but Shark comes up from behind and hits him with an atomic drop. Sting begins to fight back with punches, able to fight off Kamala before quickly being wrapped around by the big arms of Shark.
    Luger is the third man in for the Hulkamaniacs. He levels Zodiac and then decks both Kamala and Shark with a double lariat. Savage and Luger send Zodiac crashing into the cage and all of a sudden the Hulkamaniacs have new life in WarGames. Luger goes for a lariat on Zodiac but he ducks away and Luger hits Savage instead. Macho Man is not happy about it at all, he and Lex begin to scrap as Sting tries to separate them.
    Meng enters the match and the Hulkamaniacs are in control but they might not be for long as they wait a long two minutes for the arrival of their final member, Hulk Hogan. Meng single-handedly takes out the members of the Hulkamaniacs with headbutts and thrust kicks. Zodiac and Kamala work over Sting in the corner while Meng chokes out Luger in another. Hogan runs in and blinds Kamala, Meng, and The Zodiac with some sorta white powder, shout out Mr. Fuji.
    Fists reigning down from Hogan onto Shark. Hogan punches Zodiac back and forth as he bounces between the two rings. Zodiac's head gets smashed repeatedly into the top turnbuckle by Hogan. Luger and Hogan team up to send the Ugandan giant crashing headfirst into the cage. Hogan puts the camel clutch on Zodiac and Zodiac gives up. That felt very abrupt.
    As a part of the stipulation, Kevin Sullivan must now get in the cage with Hogan. He tries to escape but security plus Hogan's teammates are able to get him in the ring. Hogan just whips his ass, hits all his shit. Right as he goes for the leg drop, The Giant comes down the ramp. He does a bunch of jumps to show off his athleticism and the commentators lose their shit. The Giant snaps his neck and Luger and Savage run down to the ring to check on him. The screen fades to credits as the paramedics are called. 

Match Rating: 2/10

Overall Rating: 5/10
   
    The show was interesting to say the very least, It opened very hot but failed to keep the momentum throughout the rest of the show. Pillman and Johnny B. Badd blew my mind and my mood was immediately brought down by Cobra vs Pittman. The Tag Title match and TV title matches weren't bad but they didn't do much for me. Arn and Flair definitely lived up to the expectations and sets up something for tomorrow night with the Pillman stuff. That main event was the most boring thing ever, it seemed like it went back and forth between who had momentum each time a new person came in. I thought when Hogan came in it would pick up and it did for a minute and boom, over just like that. The post-match stuff was cool but not enough to redeem the match.