Monday, July 27, 2020

War Times Revisited: 9/18/95

    WCW NitroJohnson 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.

Monday, July 20, 2020

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. 

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

War Times Revisited: 9/11/95

    Interlude: This Nitro is officially the second Nitro ever as the first one took place on September 4th, 1995 while RAW did not air due to the Westminster Dog Show. The first-ever Nitro did set up a lot of stuff so I'll breeze through the major happenings before heading into Nitro. The show opened with an exhilarating cruiserweight contest against the foreigner Jushin "Thunder" Liger and Flyin' Brian. Hulk fucking Hogan cuts a promo with a bunch of little kids in is Pasta-mania restaurant and hypes up his WCW Worlds Heavyweight Championship defense against Big Bubba Rogers in the main event. Ric Flair takes on Sting for the WCW United States Championship and retains via DQ from Arn Anderson who still has beef with Ric Flair. This match also famously saw the return of Lex Luger to WCW. 

   Scott Norton beefs with Mongo and Macho Man as we get hype packages for the debuting Sabu and Michael Wallstreet. Luger helps Hogan fight off the Dungeon of Doom only for Hogan to get bitchy and ask why he's taking his spotlight (brother.) Luger wants a title shot and is granted it next week on Nitro. Also, we saw the GOAT, Pepe McMichael

    WCW Nitro: 
Nitro emanates from Miami, Florida here tonight, before it was full of dumbasses and racists. It was just full of cokeheads at this point. Part of the hype for this episode is Hogan defending his World Heavyweight title against Luger and the debuts of Sabu and V.K Wallstreet. The commentary goes over the actions of last week which saw the title match get set and mention that Hogan's team is down a member. Vader is listed as AWOL for War Games this Sunday. After a bit of back and forth, it is time to get into the action!


 Sabu vs Alex Wright

       

   The announcers spend a lot of time during intros hyping up Sabu. Mongo even compares him to fullbacks from the NFL, who are known for their toughness and grit. Bobby Heenan brings up that he is banned in 17 countries. I don't know how much truth there is to that but hey, it sounds cool. They say suicide is a great way to describe his wrestling style, big yikes but I understand they are trying to get over the nickname and persona as a mad man. Oh, Alex Wright is here too as we get right into the action. 

   Not even spending time on a lock-up, Wright whips Sabu down with an arm drag but Sabu gets him right back with a choke transitioning into a springboard back leg drop on a seated Wright. Lots of dives and athletic maneuvers showcasing Sabu's willingness to risk his own body to inflict damage on his opponent. Trying to go for his patented Chair step up sidekick on the outside, Sabu misses as Alex Wright notices and gets out of the way and allows Sabu to crash side first into the metal barricade. Alex Wright begins to mount his first bit of substantial offense on the outside as the announcers put over the pedigree of Wright and how he has just turned 20 but has already toured all over the world. Beautiful dropkick from Wright off the top rope. The elevation was insane. 

   Wright continues to impress with a backflip off the top rope into a german suplex with a BRIDGE, only for a 2 count. After that Wright gets crotched up top and Sabu does some awkward head scissors off the top for what I thought was the win but I guess it wasn't? Sabu puts the boots to Alex Wright and looks for loot in the form of a table. Picking it up and placing Wright on it on the outside before springboarding from in the ring to the table which caused the ref to call for DQ and Wright gets the win


My Rating: *1/2


     Time for a Ric Flair promo after the result of last week's United States Title match. He comes out and talks about how last night was the first time in a long time he had a night on the town without his confidant, Arn Anderson. He says he and Arn were like Montana and Lawrence Taylor. The superstar and the cold-blooded killer. Amid this promo, the man of the night last week, Lex Luger makes his way down to the ring. Flair just hypes up Luger who he refers to as just "Package". He goes down his height, weight, and the measurement of his arms and chest. He says that Package is going to beat Hogan here tonight and that was it, they both leave and the promo is done. Also, I guess during all that somewhere along the way Arn Anderson vs Ric Flair is announced for Fall Brawl this Sunday. 


V.K Wallstreet vs Sting (c) WCW United States Title Match

   

   This is a bit odd considering I doubt Wallstreet wins this and it's his debut but ay it is what it is. During Sting's entrance, WCW would begin the infamous tactic of spoiling Raw as it was still taped during this time. They revealed that Shawn beats the big guy. Now I kinda wish I watched RAW before this. It's fine though. 

   Hot start for Sting out of the gate that puts Wallstreet on the defense early. The crowd is exploding for every little thing Sting does here. A sign of the times. Sting runs the ropes and looks to attack Wallstreet but he's able to sidestep and send Sting crashing to the outside. Announcers put over Sting's jumping ability as he lands a not so safe looking springboard shoulder tackle into the ring onto Wallstreet. 

   Sting bounces Wallstreet's head off the top turnbuckle a few times before giving V.K the worst looking high knee into the corner I've ever seen. We live in a world where Mandy Rose does a better high knee than Sting. Stinger Splash then up top for a flying crossbody and the win. This man beat Wallstreet with a flying crossbody, not even his finish. Pretty one-sided affair here. Used to put over Sting before his big War Games match. 


My Rating: 1/2 Star


Scott Norton vs Randy Savage


   Scott Norton's singlet is insane, it protects like nothing on his chest. Titties all out, chest all out. Mans is jacked to the gills. Norton jumps Savage right as he gets in the ring. The bell rings and Norton starts his assault off with a nice lariat. He's playing no games. He says that Mongo McMichael is next. 

   A couple of clotheslines from Savage drop Norton to the outside. He climbs to the top and crowns Scott with a flying double ax-handle. Norton applies a brutal looking bear hug on Savage before dropping him to the mat. The ref checks on Macho Man as it appears he might be hurt. The announcers say that his back might be injured. Norton smartly puts the boots to the injured back. 

   Norton gets him goozled as he drags Savage by the neck and onto the ring apron. He transitions it into a top rope hanging DDT. He tries to capitalize on this with a top rope maneuver but Savage can get out of the way and slam Norton to the mat. For the first time a while, Savage can catch his breathe and formulate a plan against the big man. Fiery comeback spot from Savage before it's looking like it's gonna be cut off by Dungeon of Doom. Savage launches Norton into the ropes where he hits Avalanche/The Shark who ends up falling into the ring and trapping Norton's feet. Macho Man climbs to the top and hits the Elbow Drop for the win. Norton is pissed off and gets in the face of Dungeon of Doom. 


My Rating: **  



Lex Luger vs Hulk Hogan (c) WCW World Heavyweight Title Match


  The announcers confirm Savage's injury from the last match and talk about how Hogan might be down another member for Fall Brawl. That weights heavy on Hogan's mind as he heads into another World Title defense. Feeling out process between the two early on before Hogan takes Luger down with a drop toe hold into a half nelson. Big suplex from Hogan but Luger stands right back up and flexes in his face. Hogan looks shook as the crowd erupts. After running the ropes and some elusiveness from Hulk, Luger gets him up for a suplex of his own and Hogan no-sells. He just repeats what Luger did the moment before. They are trying to put over that these two are indestructible. 

   Luger gets Hogan up in the torture rack. Announcers say that no one has escaped the torture rack. Hogan is fading, ref raises his arm and it falls twice. He barely keeps it up on the third on but Luger thought he had won so he drops Hogan's lifeless body back onto the mat. Luger begins to celebrate before the ref notifies him that he hasn't won. Luger goes for the pin but a kick out from Hogan. Hulk Hogan begins his comeback and hits the boot and legdrop. Right before he can pin Luger, the Dungeon of Doom run out and attack Hogan. 

   The match is called a disqualification. Sting and Macho Man run out to help Hogan fight them off. Hogan and Luger get in each other's faces and yell. Hogan and Macho Man ask why the Dungeon didn't attack Luger as well. Sting tries to reason with the group and says that this should be the team now that Vader is unavailable. After some arguing between all the men, Luger finally is let into the team..on one condition. If he gets his world title shot that Hogan owes him. 


My Rating: 1/2 Star



Overall Rating: *


  I think this show was kinda shit besides Sabu/Wright and Norton/Savage. Those two matches were solid for TV matches. I understand the gimmick they are pushing with Sabu but I still wish he got the win there. Putting Wallstreet in there against Sting just to job in his debut was kinda wack but eh. The show built up the PPV decently enough. We got an answer to who Hogan's new partner will be and Flair/Arn was announced which I think should be pretty good. Besides the main event of RAW getting ruined for me, I am excited to see what they have to offer.  


   

   Monday Night RAW: This show takes place two weeks after the Summerslam 1995 and the famous Ladder match between Shawn and Razor. Putting on a legendary performance doesn't allow these men any rest though as Shawn Michaels defends that very Intercontinental Championship against Psycho Sid. Razor Ramon on the other hand has to face off against the British Bulldog. This is hyped up as "The New Fall Season" and Vince throws out a bunch of baseball references I couldn't care less about. This particular RAW intro theme and video are not the best, it has some dude just whispering "I like it raw" in my ear. Hard 0/10 on this one. 



Razor Ramon vs The British Bulldog


  I am dying at the way that Vince asks Lawler a question about Razor attacking Dean Douglas in a video from weeks ago. He asks Lawler his thought and then has the biggest pop ever for Ramon's in-ring fireworks. Absolute gold man. WWF did have this dope video that showed Razor in the ring as British Bulldog entered. At first, I thought it was his titantron and it was a technical glitch but nope. Jim Cornette was accompanying Bulldog at this time and now I suddenly don't like British Bulldog. 
    They announce British Bulldog vs Bam Bam Bigelow for In Your House, man that is a mouthful of B's. The match starts with the two men exchanging arm locks as Bulldog tries to escape with some elusive flips. Ramon sends Bulldog over the top rope and hypes up the crowd. More work on the shoulder and arm area by Razor Ramon. Big suplex by Bulldog and Lawler believes that should be it. Oh, how the times have changed. 
    The announcers put over that Razor's back is still hurt from the ladder match as Bulldog goes to work on it with repeated forearms. Big press slam drops Razor onto his back as the show heads to commercial. I am convinced that the Press slam was the most over move in 1995 from this short sample size. Bulldog goes for the power slam but as he makes his way around the ring, Razor holds onto the ropes and uses his momentum to fall atop Bulldog and pin him. Vince gets a little excited and counts 3 even though the count was only 2. 
    Ramon dumps Bulldog off the top rope and hits him with a spinning...slap. I don't know man, Razor's cool so I'll let it go. A ref bump as Razor after a few minutes of struggling finally hits the Razor's Edge. Ramon crawls to the cover despite the ref being down as Dean Douglas runs to the ring. He does what I think is a flying knee drop from the top. Oh, shit here's 1-2-3 Kid! Douglas easily disposes of him though before he runs away. Bulldog hits the Powerslam and goes for the pin as the groggy ref tries to get to his feet. 1-2-3 Kid is on the top of the rope and hits a splash but the ref sees it and calls for the bell. 


My Rating: **


  Vince is in the ring with both Razor and 1-2-3 Kid after all the chaos. He mentions 1-2-3 Kid getting Razor disqualified but Kid wonders what about last week when Razor cost him his match. Kid takes offense to Razor's treating of him, he believes that Razor has always treated him like a kid even though they are friends. 1-2-3 Kid goes as far as to challenge Razor to a match next week on Raw. He proclaims that one win wasn't enough to take him seriously but maybe this second time will be enough. Razor in his awful accent calls Vince, "McMeng" and I love it. Razor accepts 1-2-3 Kid's challenge and the match is set for next week. 


The Smoking Gunns vs Rad Radford/Brooklyn Brawler


  Radford and Brawler start the match off by trying to get the jump on the much more established team. Double team Irish Whip sends Bart Gunn into the ropes but he holds on and slingshots Billy Gunn into the ring with a double clothesline onto the both of them. Then dual dropkicks but the Smoking Gunns. Brooklyn Brawler sends Bart Gunn off the ropes and he hits the knee of Radford who was sitting on the apron. Double back elbow by Brawler and Radford as they are getting way more offense then I thought they would. Bart Gunn is punching Brawler in the corner but flips off into a flying forearm to stop the cut off by Radford. The Smoking Gunns hit the Sidewinder which I had to look up the name to make sure I got it right. The pin and the win for Billy and Bart.


My Rating: *


  There's a Goldust vignette which hypes his debut in the company as the character. He mentions a Night of the Living Dead quote and likens it to the nightwalkers of the streets. Wearing black and purple similar to The Undertaker. He says that black and purple only shines darkness while gold only shines a light. Cool little promo here by him, nothing to complain about.


Isaac Yankem D.D.S vs Scott Taylor


  Yankem's theme is just teeth drilling and god does it give me PTSD. Thank goodness he would become Kane a few years later because man this is the worst thing I've ever seen. Yankem gets him goozled and hits the chokeslam. He surprisingly does not go for the pin, guess that wasn't his finish yet. Bodyslam into repeated elbow drops by Yankem. Isaac Yankem finishes off Taylor with the D.D.S which is just a DDT but he's a dentist, you get it? 


My Rating: 0 Stars


Psycho Sid vs Shawn Michaels (c) Intercontinental Championship Match


  If you didn't know who was going over already, they are promoting a Shawn Michaels hat and glasses combo for $25 plus shipping and handling, oh brother. Shawn has a little promo backstage before he makes his entrance. He sees a ladder and shudders in disgust as a callback to the ladder match. Thought that was pretty funny. It's mentioned on commentary that Sid vs Shawn was supposed to be the match at SummerSlam but Gorilla Monsoon chose otherwise and then we got the ladder match. 
    Sid launches HBK into the corner, in a preemptive maneuver he ducks but Shawn stops and waits for him to rise back to his feet before hitting him with a sunset flip. Sid doesn't allow him to get full rotation however as he escapes and tries to clock Michaels but misses. Flying clothesline and a few punches cause Sid to find refuge on the outside. Sid goes to throw Shawn over the ropes to the outside and taunt but Shawn skins the cat and drops Sid to the outside once more. Sid finally gets some fucking offense in with a spinebuster. The announcers talking about how Shawn has to use his speed to beat Sid like he hasn't gotten almost all the offense already. 
    Sid begins to work the rib area of Michaels with a few punches a kick in the corner which drops Michaels outside. This has nothing to do with the match but Psycho Sid has to be one of the few dudes to rock the top ramen hair and make it look good right? Psycho Sid did a kip-up out of grounded head scissors and it was the craziest thing I've seen on this show thus far. Sid has HBK goozled and drops him down hard with a chokeslam. Sid signals for the powerbomb but Shawn hits him with a back body drop to a big pop. Shawn goes on a flurry and finishes it off with a trio of superkicks to finally put away Sid. It started one-sided but I thought it became a decent little match as time went on.


My Rating: **1/2



Overall Rating: ** 


Final Thoughts: RAW beats Nitro by one star. Shawn vs Sid was the best match of both shows but Nitro had better enhancement matches. Overall not the most enjoyable experience with either show but I think WWF did just enough to get the win here for the week. What do you think? Let me know down below. This will be an experience but something I do enjoy and hopefully you guys do too. 

 

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 Lu...