Superbrawl 1995

Superbowl V February 19th, 1995 from Baltimore, Maryland

Paul Roma Vs. Alex Wright
JIP from the off, the Network said something about technical difficulties in its original form, I guess WCW cut the opening and some of this match off its master copies or what have you. Mr. Wonderful walks out as Alex has Roma on the mat, Orndorff was Romas tag partner. Romas hair is magnificent if he'd had it like that during the Horsemen debacle it would've been more acceptable. Roma hits a trio of rib breakers as he's on top, is this the famous match where he was meant to put over Wright and make him look good? Wright starts a comeback on the apron but when he slingshots in Roma hits him. A backside gets Wright 1 and an inside cradle gets 2. Paul Roma kind of resembles Ken Shamrock in a Liu Kang wig, he at times reminds me of Owen Hart too. There's a slight boring chant as Roma has a chinlock. Wright misses a dropkick as Roma holds the ropes. Roma hits an elbow off the top and Heenan declares Wright's career is over. They make a mess of a hip toss though may of been intentional. Wright hits a crossbody but Orndorff breaks the pin. Wright dropkicks Roma into Orndorff and rolls him up for 3. Had to stop the analysis as I had a mini rave to Das Wunderkids theme. *1/2 Roma wasn't trying and not in a he's bad way more in a screw management I'll do it my way way and not help Wright. Good hair though. 

Mean Gene is with Harlem Heat and Sherri, Gene gets Book and Stevie mixed up. Book says they've got a new move concocted and its gonna be a Halrem Hangover tonight.

Bunkhouse Buck (w/ Col. Parker and Meng) Vs. Jim Duggan
We see Savage on the WCW Hotline. Duggan pummels Buck whilst holding his flag and gets a USA chant going. Duggan is sent I to the ring post then back in Buck drops down but rather than jump over him and run the ropes Duggan hits a knee drop making Duggan the smartest man in WCW. Someone in an ECW shirt opposite the hard camrta walks off screen twice and both times people follow them, hmmm wonder of it was wrestling fans following to knock sense into the ECW fan? Duggan's been on top for most of this bar the odd Buck shot. Buck does a back rake but without the power of Hollywood's pythons it doesn't do anything. Meng is ring side in a suit and there's someone in the front row looking just like him suit and all, my god is that a Terminator style Meng from the future sent to destroy 1995 WCW so that the nWo never happened and WCW didnt become what it did in 99. Parker is on the apron and Duggan hits him then hits 3 point stance on Buck for 3. PM Meng savate kicks Duggan into whatever time the future Meng was from then uses the Vulcan death grip to KO him. *1/2

Mean Gene is with the Nasty Boys, not sure I've ever heard Nasty Boys talk.

Kevin Sullivan (w/ The Butcher) Vs. Dave Sullivan
Dave sends Kevin ringside early where he gets a shot in on Butcher who looks like Mongo in Surfer Sting attire. Butcher trips Dave but all's fair with karma man. Kevin has the advantage now but theres nothing real noteworthy happening. Dave bounces Kevin off the turnbuckle 10x but is then distracted by Buthcer so Kevin knocks Dave into Butcher and rolls him up for 3. Butcher is selling his face ringside as the announcers note his past surgery. *  I think this is when Butcher became the man with no face, Butcher had about 657 gimmicks and all were pretty, pretty bad.

Mean Gene is with Big Bubba and Avalanche or Bossman and Earthquake if we use WWF talk. WWE stopped the Renegade/Warrior thing and surely had some sort of right to do something over the Earthquake/Avalanche thing if Vince was feeling petty, not that a McMahon ever is of course.

WCW Tag Titles - The Nasty Boys Vs. Harlem Heat (c) (w/ Sherri)
Unsure which match this is out of the 634 they had around this time. We see Sting on the WCW Hotline probably on the line to the face make up artiste giving her or him their P45. Book says he'll knock a fan into next week, to be fair he'd be doing him a favour. I don't know how far behind the times Baltimore was in 1995 but a fan looks like he's straight out of Lord of the rings, big beard, cloak and may of even had a cane. Knobs slaps Book which ignites a fire, albeit a short one, in Book. Stevie in as Book is either a great seller or really hurt. Nastys pummel Stevie in the corner and then work on his legs, who would've thought the Nastys would show any sense? Heat stop the Nasty dominance as Stevie cheapshots Saggs and Booker dropkicks him to outside. Nastys regain control but Book sends Saggs ringside where Stevie and Sherri get shots in. The guy like M3ng in the crowd has a Harlem Heat look-a-like next to him, possibly to warn them about the version of Harlem Heat with Big T in fact maybe he did get word to Booker and that's why he wasn't in that version. Heat have taken over with Saggs as the Nasty-in-peril. Knobs in and he's cleaning trailer,  fans liked his double DDT. Saggs dumps Book over the top then Sherri accidently hits Stevie and he's rolled up for 3 but the decision is reversed due to Book being thrown over the top and Harlem retain. ** I appreciate the psychology - Nastys working the legs and then the heat segment but the ending is an insult, the first ref saw the over the top bit so why did he count the pin then have to get consulted by another ref?

Mean Gene whos tan is almost permeating out of the TV screen is with Sting and Savage. Randy says I'm not talking which is talking really, kind of like Butcher gimmick 846 the man with no name when that is his damn name.

They hype uncensored and note its uncut of course that match featured the Blacktop Bully Vs. Dustin Rhodes match that was indeed edited due to blood. Cost both of them and the 'producer', or whatever these days, their jobs I think. Holiday would soon follow.

The Blacktop Bully (w/ Col. Parker) Vs Dustin Rhodes
Nick Bockwinkel, the commissioner, bans Meng from ringside. Bully is Demolitions Smash. Dustin is a year or so, give or take a few months, from the Goldust era. Dustin is on top straight away without losing his Natural jacket. Bully hits a chopblock after Dustin does 10 corner punches. Bully does HBKs bit of lying across the turnbuckle after a whip. Dustin had an armbar type move so Bully tries to slam him but Dustin keeps it applied. KFC chant or something aimed at Colonel. Fake Meng and Booker in the front row do some hand sign, possibly thinking damn why did we travel back to 1995 and have to see this? Not sure a match has ever done so much yet so little, nothing noteworthy for a fair few minutes here. Bobby Heenan says take him home right now, sadly not loud enough for them to hear and think the ref said it and indeed take it home. Can't the fake Meng run in to confuse the ref and call for a DQ? Dustin hit the bulldog, after Bully helpfully turned around, but Parker causes a rope break. Suplex to Parker, I thought Bully was gonna win then. Rhodes goes to suplex Bully but Parker holds his foot and Bully falls on top for 3, never got how holding the foot would hold someone down for a pinfall. *1/2 Booooooooooooooooooring, boooooooooooooooooring.

Justin Trudeau was recently pulled up for 'blackface' in 2001 well Mean Gene seemed to do it here in 1995, Vader has words for Hogan.

Mean Gene is now in the aisleway and brings out Ric Flair, who was retired at Halloween Havoc the previous year. Gene asks Flair if he was in Vaders limo. Naitch says he'll be in the crowd and goes to his seat in the front row.

Avalanche/Big Bubba Vs. Sting/Macho Man

 Big Bubba is Bossman/The Boss/Guardian Angel. This is Savage's WCW PPV in-ring debut, he appeared at Starrcade to help Hogan but didn't wrestle. Sting fails to get Avalanche off his feet then Bubba gets a shot in from the apron and Sting is on the defensive. Big Bubba is pinballed between Savage and Sting. Randy hits his Axe Handle to the outside. Savage and Avalanche get into a shoving match until Savage hits a slap and thus breaks the rules of a shove off. Sting works over Avalanche's leg and gets him down but the Scorpion Deathlock is avoided. Macho Man and Flair exchange words. Sting slams Avalanche but Bubba knocks him down. Savage slams Bubba and hits the Big Elbow then Sting pins Avalanche with a crossbody. *** Good tag match without resorting to restholds, boosted as fans were into it which is always a plus.

Vader won the no. 1 contendership at Fall Brawl .... In September.

They hype Vader and Hogan, during the video we are Vader in Hogans locker room or something and I think it's the first time I've seen Jimmy Hart sans glasses. Mean Gene is with Hogan and Hart.

WCW Title - Hulk Hogan (c) (w/ Jimmy Hart) Vs. Vader

 Vader is apparently the U.S. Champion. Vader removes his mask early. The Great Muta is in the audience though technically it's Keiji Muto as he is without the facepaint. Flair is having with a fan. Hogan does a crossarmlock type takedown, I'm currently reading the Observer Flashbacks on Scott Keith's Blog of Doom and apparently WCW wanted to do a UFC style thing and I guess Hogan would've walked it. Vader floors Hogan and they go ringside where Vader is whipped into the crowd. Back in Hogan hits 10 corner punches then clotheslines Vader down. Vader is in control with punches and has Hogan down with a shortarm clothesline. Vader Bomb connects but only gets 2. Vadersault misses then Hogan takes Vader to ringside and hits him with a chair. Heenan says if the Orioles could hit like that they'd still be playing ball, how long were the 1994 MLB playoffs on for? He's Hulking Up, big boot hits and the Leg Drop gets a 1 count. There red is KOd and Vader powwrbomb Hogan but the ref is out, Flair runs in to wake the ref then Vader splashes Hogan for 2. Flair is back in the ring which draws the DQ. Naitch and Vader attack Hogan until Savage makes the save, here's Sting too. *** I did quite enjoy it but it is WCW Vader. The DQ ending makes sense for the first match, kind of weird though in a way watching Vader and essentially WWF Hogan.

13 / 35 - Poor showing really to start 1995 on PPV for WCW, the undercard was just plain boring which is sometimes worse than a 'bad' match as at least they can be entertaining in a way. The penultimate match was okay and the fans were into it at least.
 The main event was good but by no means a show saver, see Austin matches during 1998 PPVs, and I know fantasy booking is just that but I think they should've gone with Vader winning here, maybe ala Brock at SummerSlam 2014, as although some WCW fans had turned on Hulk he still performed well on PPV, at least by WCW standards, and I think a vengeance seeking Hulkster at Uncensored could've done well. 
Thumbs down.

Fall Brawl 1999

- September 12th 1999, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Attendance: 7,491
Buyrate: 0.29 (Found online)

- In a break from tradition there's no War Games tonight. (After 98's maybe that's a good thing)

Opening video is about Hogan/Sting/Luger, there's a 'you can trust me not him' thing going on.

ICP/Vampiro Vs. Filthy Animals (Eddie/Rey/Kidman)
 Rey looks like a mini Eminem tonight. Shaggy 2 Dope falls forward when Kidman picks him up like a wheelbarrow then finally gets it right so Rey can hit a guillotine leg drop. Violent J overpowers Rey but Rey soon busts out the bronco buster. Violent J uses ref as a shield then DDTs Kidman who is being isolated, I can hear Scott Keith blowing a gasket as Kidman is actually powerbombed. Heenan says Rey has a history of knee problems, and this was 1999! Crowd are pumped for Eddie who pummels Vampiro with elbows. Shaggy 2 Dope, should replace 2 with is a, guillotine leg drops Eddie's forehead. Vampiro and S2D hit a double team on Eddy that is either botched or ridiculous but going by who's in I'll place £100 on botched, Eddie missile dropkicks Vampiro and Kidman hits a Shooting Star Press for the 3 count. In a sorry bit of foreshadowing Rey Mysterio injured his knee in the match. **1/2 - I do like tag matches and the crowd weren't silent which is a plus for me. Can't got higher than **1/2 due to some sloppiness, WCW did give them time to work a proper match though why time was given to a match w/ Vampiro/ICP is beyond me. 

Cruiserweight Title - Lenny (w/ Lodi) (c) Vs. Kaz Hayashi
 Waist Lock which plays up to Lenny's effeminate character. Lodi holds a sign saying 'Shameless Plug' so I dig it. Lenny is sent ringside then a twisting plancha takes out both Lenny and Lodi. Back in Kaz avoids multiple elbow drops until Lenny goes all Hollywood with some rakes. Lenny gets 2 off a gutwrench powerbomb and soon Lodi is attacking at ringside. They trade 2 counts. Kaz hits a Liger Bomb but Lodi puts Lenny's foot on the ropes to break the pin. Lenny wins with what is now known as the Skull Crushing Finale. *** - Surprisingly decent match, they didn't do much to link the moves but I'm feeling generous, had a good amount of nearfalls. 

Gene chats to Sting who says he and Luger have problems and he better not interfere tonight and he has no problem with Hogan.

No DQ - The Revolution (Malenko/Douglas) Vs. First Family (Morrus/Knobs) w/ Jimmy Hart
 It's up to Dean Malenko to save this match. Revolution double team Morrus. Douglas uses the ring steps as he is Extreeeeemmmee!!! Knobs throws an unknown object at Douglas, stick that in the mystery files along with the driver of the white hummer.They do tags even though in a No DQ match I don't know why they bother. Knobs takes advantage after Jimmy causes a distraction as Revolution have been on top 90/10 in this match. Dean comes in but is soon tripped and Morrus hits a moonsault for the 3 count. *1/2 - No DQ match which didn't make use of the stip. I have issues with Revolution losing and even more of one with Dean being the jobber. 

TV Title - Rick Steiner (c) Vs. Perry Saturn
 Rick's theme is a Welcome To The Jungle rip off, Perry is in the Revolution. Tony reveals Buff Bagwell isn't here yet for his match later in the night. Perry hits a nice slingshot 180' leg drop, a release german gets him 2. Rick takes control after a low blow but it isn't exactly stellar stuff, he removes a mat at ringside and DDTs Saturn, that should be a KO spot, I assume Cena ordered this PPV and thought hmmmm I'll remember that if I'm ever at SummerSlam, the announcers should make a deal out of a man being DDTd on concrete but the wrestlers, announcers nor fans care. The match is nearing extended squash territory, Rick applies the laziest submission I have ever seen if he was anymore lethargic applying the boston crab he'd be napping. Saturn fires back with a DVD (Death Valley Driver he didn't hit him with a DVD Player) for a 2 count, announcers are surprised Rick kicked out but even though it's Perrys finisher Rick has barely taken any damage in this match, same logic for Lesnar sitting up at SummerSlam 2014. Bulldog off the top gets Rick the 3 count as Revolution go 0-2 on the night. *1/2 - Boring match which Rick dominated and who wants to watch any Rick Steiner 1-on-1 match? Benoit if you have a match i'd leave the arena son.

Berlyn (w/ The Wall) Vs. Jim Duggan (Replacing Bagwell)
 Bagwell's plane is late or something though who'd get a flight on the day of the show? Jim Duggan replaces Bagwell and the match is the Brian Kobs (pits). Hacksaw basically no sells Berlyn and dominates him and one point Duggan even shoots or they just do a terrible 'wrestling' sequence intentionally. In the audience is a Jushin Liger mask but I don't know if it's a fan or Jushin trying to get back on a US PPV. Wall clotheslines Duggan on the exposed concrete and the ref decides that is A-Ok. Berlyn wins via an ugly neckbreaker. Bagwell appears post match but Hacksaw ain't happy, Buff just didn't want to do the job would be my best guess. 1/2 - Truly awful - 2 chinlocks, 1 awful wrestling sequence, umpteen no sells and 6 USA chants = 1/2 a *. I assume Duggan took some tips from Paul Roma before the match. (Roma was asked to put Alex Wright over but took it upon himself to dominate the match and be a right Richard I can't remember what event it was though also Berlyn just so happens to be .... Alex Wright)

WCW Tag Titles - Harlem Heat Vs. West Texas Rednecks (w/ Curt Henning) (c)
 Three things - West Texas are Barry and Kendall Windham and they no longer have 'Rap Is Crap' theme amd Harlem aren't in matching attire!  Match has basic offense and as much as I appreciate tag psychology it just isn't very interesting here as Stevie is being isolated. Booker in and a sideslam gets 2 on Kendall. Numbers game comes into play as Henning attacks Booker. Axe Kick to Kendall's back. The ref stops Stevie Ray at ringside who's going to help his brother but if he'd just turn around he'd see Henning beating on Booker, is Nick Patrick back in charge? Barry hits a superplex but Stevie breaks the pin. Ref didn't see Stevie tag in allowing Windhams to double team Booker. There's been so many chinlocks applied that I assume all the 'talent' got together pre-show and decided to go for the record. Booker ends it with a missile dropkick on Kendall as Harlem Heat claim their 9th Tag Team Championships. *1/2 - Another boring match, Harlem only recently dropped the belts so why that happened in the first place is beyond me bar adding another title reign to their resume, like HHH-Vince-Unforgiven 1999, this PPV has really gone down since the Cruiserweight Title.

US Title - Sid Vicious Vs. Chris Benoit (c)
 Sid is unbeaten and Benoit is in Revolution, so the question is not will Benoit win it's can he carry Sid tonight actually I hope Benoit has left the are.... no here he is. Benoit goes for the leg after a slow start and Sid does hold it which is more than I was expecting to be fair. 'Holy Christmas' - Tony Schiavone after Benoit dropkicks the steps into Sid's legs. Back in Sid effortlessly catches Benoit, *sigh*. Sid counters a crucifix with a samoan drop or an arkansas drop if you prefer. Cobra Clutch slam gets Sid a 2 count. Crossface is applied but Sid takes the michael and stands up. Benoit misses a diving headbutt and a Powerbomb gets the 3 count as Sid is the new US Champion. *1/2 - Benoit tried what with the psychology and all but Sid wasn't up for much selling, may of been better for Benoit fans if they'd gone with the band-aid/plaster method.

Goldberg Vs. DDP
 We need Goldberg and Page to reach their Halloween Havoc 1998 match level here to help get this PPV back on track. Ref checks Page and finds a chain and some quarters. Page is sent ringside a couple of times then Page is retrieved by Goldberg from the crowd. Page uses what look like brass knuckles after a shot to the ref. 'Goldberg' chant. Page hits another brass knuckles shot then what I assume is his version of the Peoples Elbow, chinlock applied. He's Berging Up, even uses the Big Boot as I imagine security are holding Hogan back backstage. I'm still awaiting Triad interference and will say Kanyon gets in the ring before Bam Bam. Page does his version of Rocks floatover, Goldberg counters a Spear hitting a double underhook suplex for 2. Hey I was right Kanyon did reach the ring first, whoop-whoop! Kanyon hits Goldberg with a trash can lid allowing Page to get 2 off a .... Rock Bottom, this is truly getting ridiculous and i'd of found it hilarious if Rock used a Diamond Cutter at Unforgiven but alas he didn't. Page distracts the ref as Triad interfere but in true WCW fashion he is facing into the ring. Spear and Jackhammer finish Page as Goldberg wins. ** - The run of *1/2 ends *pops party poppers* Boosted as crowd weren't dead. Their match at Halloween Havoc 1998 though got **** from me, the PPV is reviewed elsewhere on this site.

WCW Title - Hogan (c) Vs. Sting 
 The angle was a conspiracy angle, there was a hummer aspect but I don't think it was resolved. Sting is introduced by Michael Buffer as an all round great guy, Bret Hart comes out as Buffer says it is only to pass on his personal offer and for the best man to win, I bet Bret got a bigger PPV cheque than most. There's a slight 'Hogan' chant, slight as in about 3 people. Nothing happens until the renowned technical greats trade hammerlocks and go to the mat. Hogan looks like a mock version of his 80s self. Sting no sells a suplex. Face Paint update - Sting's forehead is exposed. Hogan chokes Sting with a cable ringside. In ring now as Sting hits two Stinger Splashes but misses a third. DDP's here for some reason and hits a poor Diamond Cutter on Hogan but it only gets 2 so Diamond Cutter to the referee. Buffer started saying'and the winner is ....' Hart, Lex Luger and Sid Vicious do run-ins. Sting hits Hogan with a bat that Luger brought in and applies Scorpion Deathlock for the win via stoppage as Sting turns heel and wins his 9th World Title. * - Pretty awful, their Starrcade match is Flair/Steamboat in comparison. 

15 / 45 - Ouch that is bad, i'll get to my issues with booking soon but firstly the opening two matches claimed 5.5 of the 15 stars this PPV ended with so when two matches make a third of your score on a 9 match show there's problems with the event. The rest of the card (matches 3-9) ranged from poor - awful, the last PPV pre- Russo but instead of new beginnings it got worse but that's another story for another time.

 The Revolution going 0-3 really irritated me and I don't like two of them, I get building Sid but either have him bypass the US Title or get a caretaker champion as Benoit deserved better than that, Malenko/Douglas had absolutely no reason to do the job for the First Family of all people and Saturn didn't put up much of a fight against Rick.

 The difference between this and WWF is obvious as FIVE of the people involved in the main event had been headliners for years and weren't giving anything new, if anything they were stinking up the joint (Bret/Hogan/Sting/Lex/Sid) Page to be fair had only really blown up in 1997 but even he was about 60 at this point, I use authors right to exaggerate, where as WWF's Unforgiven had 5 people in the main event who were either relatively new to the main event scene (Rock/HHH/Big Show/Kane) or were still relevant and over (Mankind) and the red hot Stone Cold got involved. 

 Thumbs down for Fall Brawl 1999.

Uncensored 1998

- 15th March 1998 from Alabama.
Attendance: 7,475
Buyrate: 1.10 (Found online)

TV Title - Eddie Guerrero (w/ Chavo) Vs. Booker-T
 Eddie stalls to boos. Booker is 100% in charge. Booker heads up top but Eddie dropkicks him and hits a superplex. Side kick gets Booker 2 then Eddie avoids Scissors Kick by dropkicking his knee and follows up with knee work, I like psychology. Match is bought to a halt by a long knee lock by Eddie. Spinarooni leads to Scissor Kick and a spinebuster, he did touch his knee so that's classed as selling I guess. Booker comes off the top and lands on his feet, sell it fool! (Missed a chance there as I should of put Sucka!)Missile dropkick gets Booker the 3 count. *** - Solid match but a bit annoyed Booker didn't sell the knee more. Heel Eddie was awesome, he beats up Chavo post match which is also awesome.

 Konnan Vs. Juventud Guerrera
 Juvi is only recently unmasked (Superbrawl I think). Juvi heel kicks K-Dawg when his back is turned. Springboard dropkick gets Juventud a 2 count. Release german sends Juvi from Alabama all the way to California. Juvi does a Flair Flip from a slingshot, nice way of showing Konnan has the power advantage. Konnas does what Mike Tenay calls a 'Rocking Horse' submission and it's a nice move, what isn't nice though is Juvi being dropped on his neck like a botched Styles Clash and god knows that move is being botched enough nowadays. K-Diggity-Diggity-Dawg goes for a top rope german but Juvi lands on his feet and attacks a tree of woes Konnan. Wheel barrow style german gets K-Dawg a 2 count. Juvi facebusters out of a powerbomb but Konnan fires off a cradled DDT for 2. Konnan now goes for a cocky nonchalant pin but is crucifixed and Juvi gets the 3 count.*** - Boosted as I enjoyed some of Konnan's submissions. Good match here as Uncensored has got off to a good start. (Nice how heels attempt to show off backfired as well leading to a face win)

J.J Dillon says that for tonight only the Jackknife is allowed.

Cruiserweight Title - Chris Jericho (c) Vs. Dean Malenko
 Jericho grabs a wristlock and shouts 'This is hold 643'. Dean does a HBK kip up but is enziguried, Jericho tries to follow up with a crossbody but Dean avoids it. Forearms and stomps have Jericho down but he fires back with a Sky High/Spinebuster. Jericho busts out a Basil Fawlty style strut. Jericho controls for a while now and the match slows down until Malenko seems to snap with punches, headbutts then a suplex for 2. Jericho hits a curtain call style suplex but Dean soon gets a couple of 2s from a victory roll and a backslide. Dean hits a top rope gutbuster to avoid a top rope hurricanrana and gets a 2 count from it. Jericho blocks a heel kick and gets the submission win via the Liontamer. Post Match Mean Gene walks past Jericho, snubbed! Gene essentially calls Dean a loser and asks him where he foes from here, Dean's reply 'Home'. - *** Very enjoyable match here, as these two are complete opposites they work well together, also this loss led to Dean's return at Slamboree 1998 to an almighty pop when he unmasked. (He was dressed as Ciclope) 

Scott Steiner Vs. Lex Luger
 Scott turned on his brother Rick at Superbrawl the previous month and donned the black and white. Scott attacks upon entry, a belly-to-belly is followed by an elbow for a 2 count. It's been 100% Scott so far. Lex suplexes Scott over to the outside in his first offensive manoeuvre. Back in Lex soon signals for the Torture Rack but he is low blowed. Steiner Recliner is applied with Lex more out of the ring than in it. Rick Steiner's in da house, crowd woofs. Lex gets the 3 count with a clothesline. Post Match Scott runs at Rick with a chair but is backdropped to outside to a pop. *1/2 (Scott had only turned a month earlier so I wouldn't have jobbed him out to Luger off all people. also the Scott/Rick stuff dragged on and on as Scott always avoided Rick to the point of it going from a heel dodging a face to it almost becoming a joke)

US Title - No DQ/Falls Count Anywhere -  Raven Vs. Chris Benoit Vs. DDP (c) 
 DDPs ribs are taped but it'd be a bigger shock if they weren't (I'll check tonight but I think his ribs were taped on the WCW/nWo revenge game). Triple lock up sends all three guys ringside. Page is wiped out into ring steps leaving Benoit to batter Raven. Diving Headbutt gets 2 on Raven. Benoit and DDP are ringside so Raven launches himself onto both and gets a 2 on both guys. Page places Raven in a trashcan and he and Benoit hit him with crutches. Page gets thrown through the Uncensored sign. Raven suplexes a table onto Benoit as Page is out by the sign. Raven sets the table up vertically but he is whipped through it. 'DDP' Chant. Raven and Benoit are now back in the ring where Raven is drop toe holded(?) onto a set-up chair. Page is crawling back to the ring, as Benoit sets a chair up in the corner and whips Raven into it as he is dismantling Raven. Triple sleeper is applied as Page is now back in the ring. Rolling germans to Raven then Page decides he wants in on that and we get a triple german. 'DDP' chant. DDP is placed on a table as Benoit lays Raven out with a STOP sign (STOP sign shots are so 1990s but I must say I do miss them). Page Diamond Cutters Raven off the top onto the table which didn't break properly. ****1/2 - Great, fun 3-way which was much better than I was anticipating, some innovative spots for 1998. Damn good match here folks. (The fact it doesn't break adds to the grittiness)

Kevin Nash Vs. The Giant
 You heard the rumour Nash avoided Starrcade '97 so he didn't have to job? Giant has a neck brace and that's probably from the botched Powerbomb at Souled Out 1998, he wasn't really hurt this bad. They have a pose off which is won by Giant. Nash does some shadow boxing. Nash transitions a headlock to a wristlock so Giant clotheslines him. They go ringside where Giant is bounced off a ringpost. Nash applies a chinlock after multiple elbows then removes the neck brace. Nash headbutts Giant but it backfires and Giant is fighting back, Giant calls for a Chokeslam but instead sets up a Powerbomb until nWo come out for a lame DQ. Giant Chokeslams Vincent, Konnan and goes to do it to Brian Adams but Nash hits him with a baseball bat and nWo leave. *1/2 (Because lord help us if a face beat or outsmarted nWo that wasn't named Sting)

Curt Henning (w/ Rick Rude) Vs. Bret Hart
 Side headlock takedown by Hart as something finally happens. It's headlock-mania so far here, kind of hip toss by Hart so Henning bails ringside. Hart applies Sharpshooter but Rude hits him behinds refs back. Henning is going for Hart's leg/knee whilst Rude also gets cheapshots in. Henning's been on top for a while but it's not really interesting. Henning applies Figure Four which makes sense given the earlier leg work. Hart soon fired back with his usual offence bar Sharpshooter, then takes his chest first whip into the turnbuckle. Perfect-Plex gets a 2 count. Hart rolls through a sunset flip and applies Sharpshooter for the submission victory. *** - Better than I expected given it's WCW Hart Vs. WCW Henning, it felt like a WWF style match. (Probably due to Hart still being relatively motivated as WCW hadn't quite sunk his spirits fully yet)

WCW Title - Scott Hall (w/ Dusty Rhodes) Vs. Sting (c).
 Hall earned this title shot at World War III .... in November, Sting hits Hall after he won't hand the belt back. Wristlock with shoulder blocks by Hall, now he calls for a test of strength and pokes Sting in the eyes. Chokeslam by Hall then he mocks Giant. Bulldog by Sting, Hall was channeling HBK of SummerSlam 2005 there, Dusty gets involved as Scott is on top of the match now, fallaway slam gets a 2 count. Sting inadvertently hits Hall in the ping pongs. Dusty elbows Sting getting Hall a 2 count. He's Stinging Up! Stinger Splash to Hall but Dusty distracts him stopping the Deathdrop. Ref Bump! as Hall is whipped into him. Brass knuckles shot gets the challenger a 2 count. Outsiders Edge is called for but Sting gets out of it and Deathdrop gets the 3 count. **1/2 - Slow at times and did feel very Nitro-esque, match which wasn't bad it just didn't feel PPV worthy. (I usually say solid if unspectacular for matches like this, so I shall now)

Steel Cage - Hollywood Hogan Vs. Macho Man Randy Savage (W/ Liz)
 Control of nWo on the line or something, Savage hit Hogan at Superbrawl costing him the WCW Title. Lights go up, then we go dark again, oh now they're back. Hogan beats Randy down after a lock up. Big Boot gets a 2 count as Randy has had no offence yet. Savage avoids elbows and finally gets some offence. Hogan avoids going into the cage and rakes Savage's eyes, belt shots follow after some more boring stuff Hogan misses a leg drop and Macho whips him. Punches and elbows by Savage but then he is backdropped into the cage. Randy is rammed into the cage, They fight outside the cage thus rendering the cage concept useless. Back in Randy hits a crazy Double Axe Handle of the cage, okay that was good albeit slightly mad. Disciple opens the cage, Sting rappels from the rafters, he has Randys back until Savage clotheslines then piledrives Sting. Fans dont care but schiavone does, Randy spits at Hogan then leaves, then the PPV ends I guess with a no contest? *1/2 (May of been more bar the stupid ending)

23.5 / 45 - Well Scott/Lex was too short to be any good, and wrong man went over for me, the WCW Title was acceptable for a Nitro but not really for a PPV and the cage match really drags this down, one thing that would've made it less annoying was having it in the penultimate slot as that wouldn't make the PPV end on a stinker and you could still have Savage attack Sting because Hall could just come out that would add babyface over coming the odds story to the match as well. However the triple threat was fantastic and the rest bar Giant/Nash were good as well so i'll go thumbs slightly up for Uncensored 1998, which is amazing for an Uncensored PPV. 

Uncensored 2000

- March 19th 2000
- Attendance: 5,000
- Buyrate: 0.13 (Found online)

Opening video focuses on Lex/Sting, Hulk/Flair and then Jarrett/Sid. Three matches I doubt many wanted to see in 2000. This PPV has a story in that Jarrett has stolen a doughnut and Sid must find it before PPV ends .... okay I made that up but it would of made this PPV 1000x better due to Sid's hilarious acting/promo ability, sometimes him pulling some of his faces that he did during promos will pop in my head and i'll just start laughing.

Lex Luger, Flair and Liz enter the arena then we see Sid Vicious and Hulk Hogan chatting. There's a black limo with a mystery guy in that's associated with Jarrett.

Cruiserweight Title - The Artist (c) w/ Paisley Vs. Psicosis (w/ Juvi Gurrera)
 The artist was formerly known as Prince Iaukea, his gimmick must be inspired by the musician Prince as he has changed his name like Prince, his valet is called Paisley and there's Purple involved (I knew watching Columbo would one day pay off). Psicosis may moonlight as the white power ranger as to me he looks just like him here. Chris Candido comes out and joins commentary. Hurricanrana by Psi then a dive to outside, The champion takes control for a while, gets a 2 count off a superkick. It looks like Psi is wrestling a civilian due to Artist's attire. Top rope hurricanrana gets the challenger a 2 count. Juvi kisses Paisley at ringside. The ending is just slightly stupid as Psicosis stands around whilst Artist gets in position to hit a jumping DDT off the top rope for the 3 count. *1/2 - Docked a 1/2 for the ending which made Psicosis look real stupid(er - Mwa-Ha-Ha). Match wasn't much before that either.

Mean Gene talks to Bam Bam Bigelow about his match with The Wall.

XS (Lane and Rave) Vs. The Screaming Demons (Norman Smiley and The Demon)
 Norman deserves better than this (as do the fans). Miss Hancock joins commentary, her skirt is that little that at times it looks like she's only got a jacket on. XS attack pre-bell. Fans cheer for Norman's wiggle. Demon tags in but he is double teamed, 'Norman' chant. I don't know what happens during a double clothesline spot but it certainly doesn't look right. Norman's in cleaning house, fans like his wiggle. Skull Crushing Finale to Norm but Demon breaks the pin. Norman applies the Norman Conquest (Chicken Wing) for the submission victory. Post match Mrs Hancock does the Wiggle. *1/2 - Crowd liked Norman as do I but the match itself was poor with some bad spots. Normans popularity would mean nothing to the WCW Higher Ups of course.

Backstage to see Booker and Kidman have a chat and then David Flair, Crowbar and Daffney have a good old chinwag (am I watching Coronation Street or a PPV).

Bam Bam Bigelow Vs. The Wall
 Fans cheer Bam Bam. Wall wins a punch off. Bam Bam hits a slam and a diving headbutt for a 2 count. Wall avoids Greetings From Asbury Park or Rikishi Driver for WWF fans. There's a light table chant, it may even be the wrestlers doing it. Cactus Clothesline leads to fighting in the entrance way where Wall Chokeslams Bigelow through a table, tablising(?) people was his thang .... Get The Tab, oh sorry wrong promotion. The ref ends it after the Chokeslam as I assume he just didn't want to watch it any more. *1/2 - Just a brawl basically with a weird ending in that I don't know if Wall wins via stoppage or it's ruled a no contest.

David Flair and Crowbar attack Wall after the match, he had put them through tables in previous weeks, this ends with Crowbar being Chokeslammed off the entrance way which to be fair did look decent but after Foley everything else, bar Shane McMahon at SummerSlam is meh. (KOTR also raised the bar for HIACs as well as bumps)

Hardcore Title - 3 Count (c) Vs. Brian Knobs 
 The 3 of 3 Count pinned Knobs to win the title though surely only the one actually on top of Knobs, oh-uh, would be champion? Knobs has to beat all 3 members to get the win. Weapons shots are traded, Pity City to all three but Helms survives as he has a facemask on due to broken nose, #ArmPityPsycology! 3 Count hit various splashes off a ladder, Tony claims Shannon Moore misses his Swanton but I don't think he did, thankfully Knobs is a-okay just moments later and soon pins Shane Helms after a chair shot meaning it's now 2-on-1. Evan is powerbombed through a table, the same way that Road Dogg would be at KOTR 2000, leaving just Shannon Moore vs. Brian Knobs. Shannon does pin Knobs but ref then says his foot was on the ropes so match is restarted, why would hardcore match have rope breaks? Knobs splashes Moore with a trashcan for the 3 Count and the Hardcore Championship. Mike Tenay says the title now has credibility as Knobs is the holder. *1/2 - So Brian Knobs goes over 3 guys in one match, uhhh. The usual lacklustre hardcore match which you could trade with any from the WWF or WCW archives and nobody would notice.

Booker/Kidman Vs. Harlem Heat 2000 (Stevie Ray/Big-T w/ Kash)
 Where's the T gone Booker? Big-T is Ahmed Johnson the injury prone WWF 'star'. This match makes me want to watch The Jerk (Which I still haven't done as of 7th October 2015 working my way through The Flash and Happy Days S3. In a WCW style twist it is now December 2nd 2019 and I have now watched the jerk but never did finish Flash or Happy Days, Flash I probably never will but Happy Days I'll dip back into when I find it). Kicks all round from Book-A! Kidman is now playing face-in-peril as Harlem Heat 2000 have him isolated and Cash gets cheap shots. Big-T actually dives over the guardrail like a cat, albeit Garfield, to hit Kidman. Back in Kidman hits a bulldog, or DDT if you believe Tony. Booker comes in hitting BookEnds to Big-T and Stevie but is soon double spinebustered by HH 2000, or sideslammed if you believe Tony. Kidman gets the 3 when he rolls up Big-T, even though Kidman wasn't the legal man. ** - Didn't suck like I was expecting it too bear in mind HH 2000 were in a match so bad at Spring Stampede 2000 that I broke my own rule and gave it 0. I like tag psychology and we got that with Kidman being isolated. No botches bar the commentary.

Falls Count Anywhere - Vampiro Vs. Fit Finlay
 (There's styles clash then there's Vampiro Vs. Finlay) Fit looks like Knobs so either they were a synchronised tag team or shared their ring attire. Both men have casts after Luger attacks yet don't use it to their advantage here. Tony explains Pinfalls Count Anywhere rules because the name alone isn't a giveaway. Charles Robinson actually stops Finlay using a chair for some reason, Vampiro soon kicks it into Fits face. Fight into the crowd. I assume they were watching Great American Bash 1996 pre match as they fight into the toilets. Vampiro dives off a stall earning points for originality. Don't know where they are now but the lighting is atrocious, a fan pushes one of the security guys over, Vampiro hits Nail In The Coffin on the concrete for the 3 count. *1/2 - Rubbish brawling and atrocious lighting at the end, unless they just tried to help fans by not letting us see it properly.

WCW Tag Titles - The Mamalukes (c) w/ Disco Inferno Vs. Harris Brothers
 It's No DQ yet they still tag in, Disco joins commentary. TMs are Big Vito and Johnny The Bull and I haven't a scooby which Harris is which so they shall  be In-Ring baldy and apron Baldy, a tactic I previously debuted for Skull and 8-Ball  matches .... wait a minute! The match has a free TV feel to it, keeping in line with the previous matches #Continuity. Johnny is isolated by the Brothers but Disco claims he is using the rope-a-dope tactic. Cool tag to Vito who cleans house, Hart Attack is done to a Harris Brother. Disco hits a Harris with a Title Belt but it only gets a 2 count. Harris uses the belt on the Mamalukes and a H-Bomb to Vito gets the 3 count as new champions are crowned. *1/2 - Yet another poor match, this PPV is looking unlikely to top even Spring Stampede 2000's score though SS 2000 may still be worse based on averages. It got something like 14/70 but still this PPV is real bad .... real bad.

Mean Gene chats with Flair and Lex Luger.

Bull Rope Match - Terry Funk Vs. Dustin Rhodes
 A man in a chicken suit attacks Dustin then Terry hits him with a frozen chicken, this PPV has somehow sunk even lower. They're not yet tied to the rope it's just being used as a weapon, it has a cow bell on it. A low blow allows Dustin some offence and we get Terry doing the see saw in the ropes bit. The rope is now applied to the wrists, a DDT gets Dustin a 2 count. Bulldogs is signalled to no reaction, it gets a 2 count. The guy in a chicken suit comes back out but Dustin hits him and I didn't think we could sink any lower (So sunk lower than we did at the start putting us on a lower lower level which I don't believe actually exists, another WCW first). Funk low blows Dustin w/ the cowbell and decides to make it 'I Quit' rules but the ref doesn't do that in the end. Some of Terry's word are beeped out on a PPV named Uncensored (Dustin also had a match censored at Uncensored 1995 the one on a moving truck I think against Smash from Demolition), Dustin shouts I Quit and even though it isn't an I Quit match for me that is a submission still, Dustin hits Terry with the cowbell, over does for me, then Piledrives Terry onto the bell for the 3 count. * - That really wasn't very good at all (As if the * wasn't a big enough indication)

Lumberjack Match - Sting Vs. Lex Luger
 Some of the Lumberjacks are people Lex attacked and have casts on - Jimmy Hart, Doug Dellinger, Curt Henning, Finlay, Knobs and Vampiro and some are people Lex brings out - Harlem Heat 2000, Hugh Morrus and Harris Brothers, who have got casts on to even things up. Sting is on top but it's just punches and kicks. Stevie Ray and Big-T are laughing at ringside, probably at people who paid for this PPV. Lex is attacked by Lumberjacks but his guys come and save him then we get the same bit but with Sting being attacked. The high point of the PPV right here - Mark Madden 'Sting got hit with so many casts he's walking around like he's plastered right now'. Tank Abbott wonders out and punches Doug Dellinger and leaves. Most of the lumberjacks brawl backstage, Flair and Liz come out and take out Vampiro. Flair attacks Sting who soon fights back Liz hits Sting with a baseball bat leading to Lex applying the Torture Rack but Vampiro hits Lex with the bat and a Scorpion Deathdrop finished Lex Luger off. *1/2 - Uh this PPV is getting real bad though that match didn't fall to the depths of the Dustin/Terry match thankfully (That may not of been possible to be fair)

WCW Title - Sid Vicious (c) Vs. Jeff Jarrett 
 Some lackey backstage tells Sid the format has changed and his match is on now. Jeff avoids a Chokeslam with an eye poke. Great bit ringside where Sid pours water over Jeff then does an axe handle off the announce table and slips on the water. Fighting through the crowd then Harris Brothers attack Sid. Jeff applies a sleeper hold. Heel miscommunication as a Harris hits Jeff with the WCW  Title. Jeff elbows the ref as every WCW Title match needs a ref bump, hits Sid with a guitar, a new ref comes out but Hogan stops the count, no reaction for Hulk, he beats on the heels and Leg Drops Jeff so Sid gets the 3 count to retain the title. *1/2 - Yawn.

Scott Steiner attacks Hogan after the match, he was in the limo, Ric Flair runs out and we go straight to -

Strap Match - Hulk Hogan Vs. Ric Flair
 Touch all 4 Corners to win, remember that folks. Hogan no sells some chops as they fight ringside, Jimmy Hart has come out. Hogan whips Flir leading to a Flair Flop. Thumb to the eye turns the match to Flairs advantage. When they go ringside you get a good look at how empty the place is. Hogan does his corner punches and bite, Flair is bleeding then does his caught up top bit. Jimmy Hart whips Naitch as now Hulk and Ric are fighting in entranceway, Lex Luger comes out and hits Hulk straight on the bonce with a chair. Hogan is now bleeding. Back in Flair goes for Hulks leg which to be fair does make sense, Ric touches 3 corners then Hulk stops the 4th one being touched. Brass knucks shot to Hulk gets a 2 count, in a touch all four corners match. Hulk Hulks Up touches 3 corners, fights off Lex Luger, pins Naitch and then touches the final corner. *1/2 - Even without the stupid ending this was tedious at best, did the ref screw up by counting or did he just think he'd go with the flow instead of telling Hulk he got it wrong? The Hogan/Flair feud mattered in 1994, I believe that years BATB got real good numbers for that time and that was based purely on 1980s NWA Vs. 1980s WWF Figureheads in my opinion but by 2000 the feud was a joke and in no way should've got the nod over a WCW Title match to go on last.

17.5 / 55 - Stating the obvious I know but that is real bad, a whole 10 points under .500. Nearly every match got *1/2 and that wasn't me being lazy the matches really were that poor. When the top two things on a PPV are a Mark Madden joke and a match involving Harlem Heat 2000 then you know there's problems.
 This was the PPV before WCW hit the reset button on April 10th 2000 and stripped all the titles, the PPV following that moment, and the next PPV after this,Spring Stampede  was arguably even worse than this - http://wcwppvs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/spring-stampede-2000.html and didn't set WCW on a new better path.

Road Wild 1998

- August 8th, 1998
Buyrate - 0.91
Attendance - 8,500

- Road Wild was the PPV that took place at Sturgis, South Dakota at a biker rally. Was also known as Hog Wild but I believe got changed for legal reasons. Opening video is 100% about Hogan/Bischoff Vs. DDP/Leno. Tenay here looks like 2013 Sting.

Barbarian (w/ Jimmy Hart) Vs. Meng
 Barbarian attacks as Meng enters. Palm thrusts, corner clothesline by Meng but then he gets belly-to-bellied. Piledriver by meng but he misses a follow up diving headbutt. Barbarian gets 2 off a belly-to-belly from the top rope. Meng gets 2 off a powerslam, though it didn't look like Barbarian kicked out. Barbarian is pausing now for a while, I guess he's forgot what to do. Meng applies a Tongan Deathgrip for 3, a Vulcan Deathgrip to the throat. Postmatch - Hugh Morrus joins Barbarian and Hart in a 3-on-1 beatdown until Duggan makes the save to strenghten Tonga-US relations. *1/2 - Basic opener but in slow-mo.

Disco Inferno/Alex Wright Vs. Public Enemy
 Remember the WWF angle where Public Enemy were so bad that WWF wrestlers would beat them up. 'Disco Sucks' chant though that may be aimed at Disco music itself and not Ottawan himself. Rocco and Alex Wright trade wristlocks. Grunge pounds Disco to cheers now he misses a charge at Alex so he dances. Double flapjack to Disco. Weapon shots now as the ref decides to not call for the DQ. Disco makes it a street fight when he and Alex return from the back with a table, cause wrestlers can change rules on a whim apparently. Now the match has gone from being nothing to a basic ECW match, you can decide for yourself which is worse. Not much happens until we finally get to the big finish where Disco is stacked on 3 tables and Rocco elbows him through them off of a scaffold,. yes I sat through 16 minutes of crap for that one spot, at least it ended it though. * - Dreadful match. It just wouldn't end, who gave this 17 mins or so, should be hunted down by Dog, Leland and co. (I must've been into watching The Bounty Hunter when I typed this originally)

Dean Malenko is interviewed by WCW.Com or something (I hate lazy reviewing like that, I should've known what the interview was for dumb dumb Pa ... er Merle Ramone). This PPV so far - 2.5/10, that must be a record low only maybe Taboo/Cyber might have done worse. (Cyber Sunday got 2/10 to start, and 10.5/35 overall and I can't find a Taboo Tuesday review though I thought I had done one)

Raven (w/ Lodi) Vs. Perry Saturn Vs. Kanyon
 Saturn match isn't going to cheer me up. No DQ as it's 'Ravens Rules' and falls count anywhere in Sturgis. This match was your average three way with brawling in and around the ring, one WOAH! moment though for me was when Saturn/Kanyon did Total Elimination. The cliche tower of doom spot happened as well, had there ever been a triple threat without one? Horace Hogan interfered at one point and his timing was atrocious, he was meant to hit Lodi with a STOP sign but missed so stood there as Lodi shouted 'What Are You Doing?' then he span and hit Lodi anyway. Raven gets hit with the stop sign and Saturn hits a Death valley Driver for 3. ** - Forgettable 3 way but not bad or anything, did like Total Elimination. Horace's timing though, wow.

Psychosis Vs. Rey Mysterio
 Winner gets a future Cruiserweight Title match, makes me laugh as Rey has sinister music then he comes out like an oompa-loompa. Not much of interest happening, Psychosis is on top after a clothesline and front suplex, he heads up top but is caught and hurricanraned by Rey. Psychosis gets 2 off a powerbomb to avoid a hurricanrana. Vulcan death grip is applied for awhile. Electric chair into a pin gets Psychosis 2, don't think i've seen that before. Single leg crab is applied until Psychosis decides to let it go. Psychosis head up but Rey dropkicks him to the outside. Rey gets 3 with a hurricanrana, or should I say a spike hurricanrana as he drilled Psychosis into the mat hard. *1/2 - WCW was known for its cruisers generally delivering the goods but this was boring to an extent, certainly a disappointment but still best match so far. (I feel I should explain how *1/2 is the best match so far when a ** preceded it, *'s are based on expectation and so Rey/Psy may of been better than the 3 way but I expected less from that so it got ** you with me?)

TV Title - Chavo Guerrero Vs. Stevie Ray (c)
 Apparently Chavo stole the TV Title, sat through all this rubbish and now I have a Chavo match, boooo. Well I say 'match' all it really was, was Chavo running around to avoid Stevie then getting Pedigreed, sort of, by Stevie for 3. Eddie comes down post match but nothing happens. * - For Eddie Guerrero's post match appearance it gets *. (Under my newer set of rules this match shouldn't have a rating as it goes under 3 mins - Wikipedia that great source of info has it going 2:38 so I shall rescind the lowly * and give it a UnR)

Jericho is interviewed by WCW.com or something.

Rick Steiner is out for a match with Scott Steiner but here's JJ Dillon and he says due to Rick hitting Scott with a chair on Nitro the match is cancelled but will happen at Fall Brawl or Scott is banned from wrestling, Scott who came out on a stretched with a neck brace and leg plastered makes a miracle recovery at this point and runs off. I dont get how a company can willingly dupe fans, some may of bought this PPV for Rick Vs. Scott and WCW go and book it for the next PPV, I dont think it happened at Fall Brawl either.

Brian Adams (w/ Virgil) Vs. 'Mongo' McMichael
 Oh screw you WCW, I like Mongo as it makes me laugh he was a Horsemen but after the crap so far I dont want to see him wrestle. This match was the (Nasty Boys) pits, there was a sequence so bad I had to rewatch multiple times to get it all, firstly Mongo ducks a clothersline, which may of meant to hit then he fails to apply a headlock properly then does a horrible DDT which may of knocked Adams doolally. Adams applied the Vulcan Deathgrip for a while at one point. Another fuck up occured when Brian hits Mongo in the throat or something, then he goes to piledrive Mongo but his foot hits the ref in a dreadful ref bump. Vincent then hits Adams with a chair by accident, though Mongo moved before Vincent had even swung. Mongo got 3 via a Tombstone, would you allow Mongo to Tombstone you? 1/2 - I like Mongo so feel bad giving 1/2 but man it sucked.

Cruiserweight Title - Chris Jericho (c) Vs. Juventud Guerrera
 Dean Malenko is special ref. Jericho is out in a Kimono with a mic but bikers rev their engines. Dropkick right to the mouth by Juvi. At one point Dean pulls Jericho by the hair, the issue's between them really as Juvi could be anyone, we dont see it though as cameras didn't catch it, even the cameramen are horrendus here. The ring is on a platform, so higher than usual and Juvi crossbodys from the ring to the lower floor onto Jericho, well part of Jericho anyway. Back in now as Jericho catches Juvi from a crossbody and hits a Tombstone/Juvi Driver type move. Delayed vertical gets 2 from a 'c'mon baby!' pin. Jericho has beemn on top for a while until Juvi gets his knees up on a Lionsault then gets 2 off a top rope spinning heel kick. Juvi lands on his feet from a german, goes for a hurricanrana but is powerbombed. Juvi Driver gets 2. Jericho goes for a double underhook powerbomb but transitions Juvi into the Liontamer (Walls Of Jericho). Jericho is up top then kicks Dean so he launches Juvi up for a Frankensteiner and the 3 count. **1/2 - Good match but it did drag a bit for my liking. Easily the best match so far though by about a 1000 miles.

Battle Royal - nWo Vs. Wolfpac Vs. Goldberg
 nWo is Scott Hall, The Giant, Curt Henning and Scott Norton. Rocking the Red and Black are Nash, Sting, Luger and Konnan. Goldberg is on his own. Scott Hall promo ends with 'The Survey Says' which leads me to believe he is sponsored by Family Fortunes, possibly Family Feud in US. Not much to say beyond Goldberg eliminates most of the people then pins Giant with a Jackhammer, you could be eliminated by pin or over the top. The main story was Giant Vs. Goldberg really as nWo/Wolfpac wasn't intense enough to get the story on them. - ** Call it ** as I hate doing battle royals, one point though- here WCW could've built a Goldberg feud instead he goes over most of the WCW main roster, admittedly not by pin but he still won and WCW didnt build anything, call it a slightly wasted opportunity.

DDP/Jay Leno (w/ Kevin Eubanks) Vs. Hogan/Bischoff (w/ The Disciple)
 Well this match sucked really, whole lot of stalling to start. Bischoff did some punches and kicks whilst DDP and Hogan did nothing of note. Jay Leno did gets shots at Bischoff, including a low blow. It ended when Kevin Eubanks came in and Diamond Cuttered Bischoff allowing Leno to get the 3 count. Hogan/Bischoff/Disciple did attack post match but Goldberg made the save, leaving us with a fairytale ending, ahhhhh. - *1/2 - As I said it sucked but I will give Jay Leno credit as he was trying to be fair, kind of funny/depressing how it was the the celebrity that didn't phone it in.

13 / 40 - That is a Top 3 worst PPV i've reviewed score wise, Spring Stampede 2000 and King Of The Ring 2000 being the others. God it sucked best match was Juvi/Jericho and that wasn't even that great. Mongo/Adams was horrendus as was the tag match. Avoid like the plague homies. (The original rating was 14 / 45 but due to Chavo/Ray rating being null and voided I have edited it)

Halloween Havoc 1998

- First WCW review since 21st December 2012. This is off YouTube, I was offered some WCW VHS tapes but I aint paying £45, not including the Post Office add ons, for 4 tapes, no chance. (4 tapes at £45 is what 10.50 a tape or so that's not too bad, damn my penny pinching ways but I was born a penny pincher and ill die a penny Pincher, also the fees were due to it being a postal order at least Pay Pal fees are cheaper)

- October 25th 1998, MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Buyrate of 0.78

Opening video focuses on Hogan/Warrior mainly, the 'Rematch Of The Century' ... 0.78 is all I'll say.

 This is a clipped version so no review of the Wrath/Meng, Saturn/Lodi and Fit/Alex Wright matches but that's not a bad thing that's .... a good thing *does cheesy smile*. Show starts with Nitro Girls dancing, then Mean Gene brings out Rick Steiner, no not to dance with the Girls but to talk. Here's Buff Bagwell now and he pledges to help Rick Steiner against Scott but Ricks no fool so he refuse .... oh wait Rick accepts Buffs help. (I assume the Network version is the full one as Superbrawl 1991 is so maybe one day I'll do a full review but really dont think im missing much in terms of quality)

WCW TV Title - Chris Jericho (c) vs. Raven
 Oh what do you know, there's a match on this here PPV. Raven says he's been losing recently but it's not his fault it's due to circumstances beyond his control then says he aint wrestling tonight as he was unscheduled. Here's Jericho he claims he = buyrates ..... 0.78 says it all really. He badmouths Raven enough for him to come back and wrestle. Clothesline by Raven sends both men over to the outside, he follows this up with a front suplex on the steps. Back in and back out as Jericho hits his springboard dropkick but misses a crossbody off the apron and hits the guardrail. Announcers make reference to Raven tapping out recently .... hmmm. Jericho exposes a turnbuckle, he goes for a hurricanrana but is powerbombed then slinshotted into aforementioned turnbuckle. Jericho rolls through a waistlock and applies a LionTamer, Walls Of Jericho as it's more commonly known now, but Raven makes the ropes. Evenflow DDT gets 2, damn good nearfall. Lowblow and bridged german gets Jericho a 2 of his own. Kanyon is here and Jericho is whipped into him so Raven goes for Evenflow again but is scooped up into the Liontamer and he taps out straight away. **** - Damn good opener here, boosted it to 4 *s for a hot crowd and the good near fall at the end. Great start to Halloween Havoc.

 Bischoff and Hogan are out as Hogan goes on about beating up his nephew Horace on Nitro and how he'll beat Warrior tonight yada, yada, yada.

Disco Inferno Vs. Juventud Guerrera
 Winner gets a Crusierweight Title match tonight. Some, possibly intoxicated, fans are John Travoltaing. I imagine Juvi found it hard to buy beer/tequila as he's looked about 10 for years. Disco starts better, a sideslam gets 2. Juvi chops Disco and I think people in Tijuana heard that one. Juvi botches a rocker dropper type move then shows that he did indeed botch it by going for it again, improvise man! Ottawan gets monkey flipped to the outside, god knows I have my finger on the pulse of todays pop culture people, Juvi hits a headscissors through the roeps, I think he banged his head on the mats. Back in Ottawan is taking control with an inverted atomic drop, lariat and Bret Hart style elbow for 2. The move I hate the most, a chinlock, is applied. Hurricanrana by Juvi but a Juvi Driver is avoided. Disco busts some moves like a Funky Val Venis. Giant swing by Disco but he himself gets dizzy and falls into Juvis nuts, I like comedy in a match at times unlike when a match itself is comedic one of which I think is up later. Top rope hurricanrana by Juvi after he'd crotched Disco up top. Ottawan hits a jumping piledriver for the 3 count and a title match later. **1/2 - Good match but some sloppyness on the part on Juvi docks some points. 

 Nitro Girls are out dancing again and now here's Scott Steiner, his hair here makes him look like a blonde, buffed up Sheldon from Big Bang. He calls Buff a 'mommas boy' and Rick a 'loser'. He says he wants it Rick/Buff Vs. Giant/Steiner for the Tag Belts, here's JJ Dillon looking like Jerry Springer. He says if Scott/Giant lose then we get Scott Vs. Rick tonight. Now them Nitro Girls are at it again.

WCW Cruiserweight Title - Billy Kidman (c) Vs. Disco Inferno
 I know it looks like Ottawan's doing double duty on the bounce but I think the matches that were clipped may of been before this. Hiptoss but Disco misses an elbow and is dropkicked. Kidman stomps the ever loving crap out of Disco, but he does get a swinging neckbreaker for 2. Kidman hits a bulldog on the outside. Back in Disco applies a chinlock, 'Disco Sucks' chant. Flapjack by Disco, he boogies as the crowd boo, back suplex gets him 2. Disco has been on top for a while, he heads up top but misses a Bret Hart style elbow. Sky High gets Billy a 2 of his own ditto from a snap powerslam. Jumping piledriver, the move that beat Juvi, gets 2. That was good then as Billy went for an Acid Drop style bulldog Disco countered to a back suplex. Ottawan goes for a powerbomb but is facebustered by Billy then a Shooting Star Press gets Kidman 3. *** - Disco brings in another good performance, this was better than the Juvi match as there was no sloppiness here. He got heat as well, good job Disco.

World Tag Titles - Scott Steiner/Giant (c) Vs. Rick Steiner/Buff Bagwell
 Rick/Buff do the Steiners old pose. let's get the obvious out of the way here as Buff turns on Rick after he has been beaten down for 5 minutes by his brother and Giant then Bagwell runs away. Blatant l;ow blow by Scott, when was this No DQ? The Rick Steiner annihilation continues unabaited, may of made that up. Rick starts fighting back but is again lowblowed. Jesus i've just looked up as I was writing and Giant is on the top rope, but his MISSILE DROPKICK!! hits Scott instead, he is folded up like an accordion. Rick hits a top rope Bulldog on Giant for the 3 meaning ..

Rick Steiner Vs. Scott Steiner
 Rick is 100% on top,and the crowd are digging it. Low blow by Scott then a T-Bone as Scott is taking control of this now. Rick catches Scott in midair and suplexes him down, someone in a mask jumps the guardrail and gets a slapjack from Stevie Ray, he hits Rick with it  then the ref, Charles Robinson is the Ziggler of referees. The masked dude is Buff Bagwell. The bell rings but the match continues, Frankensteiner gets Scott 2. Rick takes out Buff then a Top Rope Bulldog on Scott gets 3 which Nick Patrick counts. Buff has made 3 appearances now, non in a wrestling capacity really so does he still get a PPV cheque? ** - I've put these 2 matches together just like I did with the Bret-Doink-Lawler stuff at SummerSlam 93, I'll check the review and probably be wrong either way Scott didn't do much beyond lowblows but the crowd were solidly behind Rick and I like a live crowd, ya dig.

Scott Hall Vs. Kevin Nash
 Video promo shows Hall turned on Nash at Slamboree he says it's for the Benjamin's but it was probably for Jack Daniels, Halls alcohol problems were being bought into WCW angles it seems. Not sure if Nash is trying to beat sense into Hall and trying to help or beating him up for being an alcoholic. Hall brings a drink to the ring like a machoer Daniels. This PPV is known for going too long well Hall/Nash entrances may be why. Hall throws his drink at Nash then beats him around ringside, now he has a mic, did he just do a DX crotch chop, he insults Nash as people check on him, must have a split end. Back in Nash avoids Outsiders Edge then Hall resumes throwing punches, Nash tells him to bring it but isn't fighting back at least until he hits a sideslam. Hall avoids a Jacknife by going ringside. Halls midsection and back are being targeted by Nash, possibly to set up a Jacknife or just cause knees and punches are easy to do. Nash taunts Hall by asking if he wants a double. jackinfe to Hall, he almost landed on his head/neck, Nash says one more so does another, as much as I hate Nash I love the Jacknife it's a great finisher, Kev does the DX crotch chop then leaves so Hall wins by countout. ** - Wasnt as bad as a * or as good as *** so **s is fair, was more about Halls acholism story than a match if you know what I mean.

Nitro Girls are dancing again this time in wigs.

US Title - Bret Hart (c) Vs. Sting
 I've been in debates on Twitter over last few days as I've been saying TNA should release Sting as he is useless to wrestling today, apparently I'm blind (Still feel I was right as he was used too often in TNA don't get me wrong though its nothing against Sting they did it with Hogan too  he should've been a special attraction deal like WWE used him). Bret's theme is generic. Sharpshooter Vs. Deathlock. Sting is rocking the Red and Black of the Wolfpac. Hart/Sting would've been a good post Starrcade 97 program. Finally it starts as Sting gets a stalling Hart in the aisle, 10 corner punches and a clothesline follows. Bret gets 2 from a DDT. Sounds like a 'Bret Hart Sucks' chant. Leg drop and elbow both get 2 for Hart who now has a chin lock applied, man I hate chin locks. Sting catches Hart coming off the top and applies the Death lock but Hart makes the ropes. Bret fakes a knee injury, gets some brass knuckles out but is clotheslined. Sting has the knucks but the ref removes them and Hart hits a low blow. They're in the asile now as Hart is on top. Sting hits the ref thinking it was Hart and now he's fighting back, a superplex lands Bret on the refs legs. Stinger Splash but he hits the ring post KOing himself then Bret gets in some free baseball bat shots, hitting a KOd man makes little sense but there you go, Sharpshooter is applied and the ref calls for the bell. Sting does a stretcher job. *** - Match was okay. (just okay and got ***? Okay is normally hovering in the **-**1/2 region *** normally equates to good at least)

Hogan Vs. Warrior
 'Rematch of the Century' that no-one asked for, or payed for going by buyrate. Warrior is billed from 'One Warrior Nation' wasn't that a White Stripes song? (Nope, Google says seven nation army or something I forget)  Hogans gets shots in but is then shoulderbarged so goes ringside. Corner beat down by Hogan who has Warrior down for about 10 minutes. They both run the ropes for no reason, Warrior no sells a scoop slam then clotheslines Hogan ringside. Ridiculous ref bump as Hogan 'runs' into him, that looked like they were mocking a match like HBK Vs. HHH's European Title match, then Hogan knee drops Nick Patrick's tash. Giant, Stevie Ray and Vincent are out but they're soon cleared away by Warrior. Hogan whips Warrior with his workout belt, then Warrior whips Hogan and punches him with it. You thought it couldn't get worse but it does Hogan goes to light a fireball at Warrior, he sells it thought nothing happened then it goe soff in Hogans face, I'm laughing just remembering that. Hogan hits a leg drop but misses a second as Horace Hogan distracts him, Eric Prickoff (The Anti-Eric feel of that name eludes me as I like Eric, met him at WCC too, maybe this was like 3rd Rock when Evil Dick locked Dick in an invisible box and evil Patr ... er Merle, evil Merle typed this up) grabs the ref as Horace swerves and hits Warrior with a chair, Hogan gets 3. * - That bad it was entertaining, this match the 'Rematch Of The Century' got the least reaction of the night.

WCW Title - Goldberg (c) Vs. DDP
 DDP won the Title shot at Fall Brawl 98s War Games match, that match had little to do with War Games though and like the previous match was so bad it was entertaining again due to Hogan/Warrior. The champion pushes DDP out of a lockup, the crowd are awoken after Hogan/Warrior. 'Goldberg' chant, Goldberg does a kind of cartwheel to avoid a sweep, he soon has an arm bar but Page gets the ropes. Diamond Cutter is attempted early but Page is shoved to ringside. Chain wrestling has 'Berg down but he soon sends Page ringside again. Page fires off some quick moves for a 2 count. Goldberg breaks a front face lock with a 'Cross Rhodes' style move. Hiptoss/Suplex by Da Man then a sideslam gets 2. Cross arm breaker is applied but again Page makes the ropes. Page is superkicked in the chest but does avoid a Spear sending Goldberg into the ring post. DDP motions for the Cutter but is Speared, however Goldberg cant capitalize due to injured shoulder, I like things like that. Jackhammer is attempted but is countered to a Diamond Cutter for 2, great nearfall there. Page goes for a suplex but is Jackhammered for 3, Goldberg's streak goes on. **** - Great effort by both guys earns it ****, I hope Hogan/Warrior were ashamed. They did actual wrestling and as noted in the review I liked Goldberg selling his shoulder. Great end to Havoc.

21.5 / 40 - Over .500 so reccommended, also as it's free on YouTube but that's besides the point (Editors Note this was done in the days before WWE Network so may of been removed). There's one real stinker in Hogan/Warrior but the matches that bookend it are very good. Discos double header are okay aswell as is Sting/Bret. Good effort by WCW here.

Great American Bash 1996

- This is a first time viewing, I'm looking foward to it as i've heard nothing but good things about Benoit/Sullivan, this PPV is also Reys WCW debut and the last PPV before nWo formed, brother.

- June 16th, Baltimore, Maryland

Tony Schiavone and Dusty Rhodes *shudders* on commentary.

Fire & Ice Vs. Steiners
 Ice is Ice Train and Fire is Scott Norton. Ice throws Scott across the ring but Steiners soon clear the ring, crowd digs Steiners. Belly-To-Belly by Rick. Ice beats on Scott until Scott gets a boot in the corner then a belly-to-belly suplex, he then almost suplexes Fire on his head.  Fire catches Scott in a powerslam for 2 then a shoulder breaker followed by an armbar after earlier working over Steiners shoulder. Powerbomb and Splash to Rick gets 2. Steiners make a tag, even though they're in the wrong corner, a doomsday device style bulldog gets 2 but Scott gets 3 with a botched Frankensteiner. ** - Was alright apart from the botch at the end. Never thought a Norton match would get 2 *s from me.

US Title - Konnan (c) Vs. El Gato
- El Gato should be renamed El Gateau and what the hell is Konnan wearing??
 Nothing much happens, a few takedowns by Gato. Springboard armdrag by K-Dawg, he then does a few leapfrogs but Gato kicks him. Sitout powerbomb gets Gato 2. K-Diggity locks in a leg submission and soon hits his rolling clothesline. K-Diggity-Diggity-Dawg powerbombs Gato on the outside then gets 3 with a Alabama Slam into a roll up. *1/2 Meh. (Meh is normally saved for matches at little better than *1/2)

Lord Of The Ring - DDP Vs. Marcus Bagwell
 Match is for DDPs Lord Of The Ring ring that he won by winning a BattleBowl. DDP has a cigar cause he's badass, cheap heat promo by Page. DDP attacks Bagwell when his back's turned, they fight on outside where DDP's knocked into crowd. DDP pulls Bagwell off the top then kicks and chokes him. Gutwrench backbreaker and a side slam both get 2 for Page. Abdominal stretch is locked in, has anyone tapped to that since 1953?? Two atomic drops by Bagwell complete with dramatic jumps by Page. Diamond Cutter gets 3. **  Lasted to long for my liking, as do most Buff matches, but the effort was there.

Cruiserweight Title - Dean Malenko (c) Vs. Rey Misterio, jr.
- Reys WCW debut, if a kid swapped places with Rey would anyone tell the difference?
 Mike Tenay joins commentary so that somebody can name the moves. Aeroplane spin armdrag by Rey, then a springboard dropkick, the one Jericho later used. Nice sequence by the pair ends with Dean slingshotting Rey over the top rope. Hammerlock scoop slam by Dean who works Reys arm by kicking it into the guardrail. Springboard dropkick by Rey. Dean dropkicks Reys arm then hits a nice suplex, man Dusty Rhodes really annoys me. Dean puts Rey in a surfboard then bridges him for 2, now he locks in arm submissions. Double underhook suplex gets 2. Springboard somersault to outside by Rey gets a big pop. Springboard hurricanrana gets 2 as does a top rope hurricanrana. Rey goes for another hurricanrana but Dean powerbombs him and uses the ropes for 3. **** Awesome, some people might not like mat/submission wrestling but I do, I used too hate it and loved the brawling style but now i'm older I appreciate technical wrestling. A fantastic debut for Rey and Dean was fantastic in WCW. I couldn't review everything as it was too fast at points.

Big Bubba (w/ Jimmy Hart) Vs. John Tenta
They fight in the aisle. Tenta throws Bubba into ring steps. Butt to the face by Tenta. Bubba pulls something from his tights and hits Tenta, this is like the complete opposite of Rey/Malenko. Powerslam by Tenta ends it. * Sucked but what did you expect. (My new rule is match under 3 mins gets no rating, i'll have to check match times as they was either short or they just didn't do much -- According to Wikipedia it went 5:26)

Falls Count Anywhere - Chris Benoit Vs. Kevin Sullivan
- Part of IV Horsemen Vs. Dungeon Of Doom. Anderson was apparently on the verge of joining the DOD or something, also Nancy Sullivan, Kevin's wife, would later marry Chris Benoit and i'm sure everybody knows how that ended, RIP Nancy.
 Start in the aisle way trading chops, eye pokes etc. they both look pissed. They fight in the crowd through to the backstage area and into the toilets where Kevin slams Benoit's head in the toilet door, Schiavone: 'He's gonna pin him near the commode (Best call ever). Double foot stomp by Kevin on the bathroom floor 'There's a lady in the men's bathroom!' Toilet papers are thrown on Benoit. They trade punches back in the crowd and Benoit goes down the stairs then Kevin throws him down some more, that must've been painful. Back ringside now and Kevin throws a chair at Benoit but he is soon thrown into the crowd so Benoit gets a table, it is soon placed over the turnbuckle like a platform from which Benoit superplexes Sullivan for 3. ****1/2 Post match Benoit slaps Sullivan until Arn Anderson comes out pulls him off put then beats on Sullivan to a pop. Awesome especially for 1996, innovative for the time. This match might be thrown in with the WWF Hardcore matches of late 90s but this was the prototype for them matches.

Sting Vs. Lord Steven Regal
 This matchup seems weird. Regal is whipped to outside then backdropped. Euro uppercuts by Regal. 'USA' Chant. Regal offers a handshake but Sting does a pelvis thrust. Cobra clutch then full nelson by Regal, Sting manages to get 2 off a sunset flip. Dropkick by Regal then some stiff shots after which he works Stings arm. Punches by Regal are no sold so he rakes Stings eyes. Dropkick, clotheslines by Sting and he heads up top but gets butterfly/Double underhook superplexed by Regal. Punches by Regal but Sting no sells and pummels Regal, fans dig it. Regal blocks Stinger Splash but gets back body dropped and a Scorpion Deathlock ends it. *** Regal controlled the match mainly with his funky submissions and that allowed Sting to play underdog, so his comeback garnered a pop. Regal dominating Sting may of made some wrestling fans take notice. One of 'Surfer' Stings last PPV appearances.

Ric Flair/Arn Anderson (w/ Bobby Heenan)  Vs. Mongo McMichael/Kevin Greene (w/ Macho Man)
 Star jumps by AA. Schiavone says Mongo left Chicago Bears for money, Mongo doing things for money is important. 3 pt stance and Mongo takes down AA, so they do another but AA drop toeholds Mongo. NFL guys pound AA and Macho Man gets a shot in. Greene comes in and rolls around, he's psyched, Flair styles and profiles. Shoulder tackles by Greene who struts so Flair bails but Savage catches him. Mongo no sells chops then does his own and back body drops Flair. Mongo/Greene do simultaneous Figure Fours to a pop. Liz and Woman get rid of Debra and Tara. Mongo is dominated by Horsemen until he atomic drops AA who bumps into Flair, flair flop. Greene in with football tackles, powerslams etc. AA attacks Greene's knee which leads to a Ric Flair Figure Four, psychology I like that. Benoit comes down and beats on Macho Man with AA. Debra reappears with Liz and Woman carrying a briefcase that she show Mongo, it's got money and a IV Horsemen shirt in it. Kevin Greene asks Mongo for help so Mongo helps him .... lose by hitting Greene with the briefcase so Ric pins Greene and Mongo joins the Horsemen. **1/2 - Wasnt to bad considering it had 2 NFL players in  it, is important as well as now the IV Horsemen were complete. (This was a great performance by Flair/Arn in a way as they helped Mongo/Kevin through the match and the fact it didn't outright suck is a testament to them)

cant believe what Nash did.

Promo time - Eric Bischoff brings out Hall and Nash, he point blank asks them if they work with WWF which they dont, they had to say that as WWF was threatening law suits saying Scott was portraying his Razor Ramon character or something, he reveals they'll have their match Vs. WCW at Bash At The Beach but when he refuses to reveal the team Scott punches him and Nash powerbombs him through some tables. Awesome!! I think Schiavone and Rhodes sold it well aswell. I praised Nash and Rhodes in one paragraph, you'll never see that again.

WCW Championship - Giant (c) (w/ Jimmy Hart) Vs. Lex Luger
 Lex checks on Bischoff on his way to ring also Lex is TV champion and 1/2 of Tag Team Champions along with Sting and Giant is in Dungeon Of Doom. Lex runs into a big boot but soon fires off punches and clotheslines Giant over the top but he lands on his feet. Punches, kicks etc. then Lex jumps on Giants back for a sleeper, Jimmy tries to interfere but Sting chases him off. This match is killing the crowd. Backbreaker by Giant then his variation of Torture Rack. Lex picks up Giant but falls over. Giant focuses on Lexs back. Dropkick, clotheslines and chop blocks by Lex gets Giants down to one knee. Giant misses a corner splash and lies across the top so Lex Torture Racks him but he falls over and a Chokeslam finishes him. ** I'm feeling generous after this good PPV.

22.5 / 45 - I recommend this PPV for Rey/Malenko, Benoit/Sullivan and Nash powerbombing Bischoff but also nothing was terribly offensive, some was boring don't get me wrong but the good far outweighs the bad. I really liked the PPV.