- 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.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Friday, 6 February 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
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.
- 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.
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