Nitro Episode 27 of the Shane McMahon Era (Episode 315 including pre-Shane)
Wednesday 31 October 2001
Live late-night on FX
8,178 crowd from Atlanta, Georgia
Announcers: Tony Schiavone, Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Arn Anderson
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Tony Schiavone on commentary says it's Wednesday night folks and you know what that means! It's WCW Nitro, LIVE from ATLANTA!
Jerry Lawler excitedly says that's right Tony, we're here in A-TOWN and the JOURNEY TO STARRCADE STARTS HERE LIVE, TONIGHT IN GEORGIA!
Tony Schiavone says that's right folks, we'll hear tonight from the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Hall, who retained that title in controversial fashion to say the least at Halloween Havoc, we'll also get an update from WCW Hall of Famer, Dusty Rhodes, on the condition of his son 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes who we hear is that still not medically cleared to compete after that main event 'I Quit Match' in Texas.
Arn Anderson then says plus we've got former WCW World Tag Team Champions, Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo in Tag Team action, the new WCW United States Champion, Kanyon will put his title on the line and we'll hear from the WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 winner, Billy Kidman, but right now to start our program we have the WCW CEO and Owner, our boss, Shane McMahon!
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Shane McMahon Promo
We see Shane McMahon come out to the top of the stage.
Shane McMahon says he understands that there are a lot of people unhappy with how the 'I Quit Match' between Scott Hall and Dustin Rhodes finished at WCW Halloween Havoc. Shane assures fans that he will get to the bottom of that incident and ensure appropriate action is taken, but he doesn't want that to overshadow the exciting news he has for WCW fans tonight as well as the first show on The Journey to Starrcade 2001!
Shane McMahon says the first piece of exciting news he has to share is with WCW fans in the UK, Europe, Japan and Mexico. Shane McMahon says he has struck a deal with local PPV providers in the regions and he can officially confirm that both WCW House of Cards and WCW Starrcade 2001 will be available to purchase in those regions. Shane says he is working hard behind the scenes and he is hopeful that from the new year in 2002 he will strike a deal with TV companies in those regions to finally be able to bring WCW Nitro and WCW Panic! to those regions on TV too.
Shane then says that all roads now lead to Starrcade 2001!
Shane says tonight will see the first in a series of qualifying matches for the first ever WCW House of Cards Match in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shane says all of the top ranked stars in WCW will get an opportunity to compete for 1 of the vacant 18 spots in the 20 man House of Cards Match, with the winner heading to the main event of WCW Starrcade 2001 to challenge whoever is the WCW World Heavyweight Champion
Shane then adds that the champion going into Starrcade 2001 will likely be decided by whoever wins the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match at House of Cards. But who will challenge Scott Hall for that WCW World Heavyweight Championship in Las Vegas?
Shane says tonight the 6 highest ranked stars in WCW for 2001 will get the opportunity to earn a shot against Scott Hall at House of Cards and thus book a spot at WCW Starrcade 2001 without having to battle 19 other men in the House of Cards Match.
These 6 men are... Lance Storm... Booker T... Mike Awesome... Diamond Dallas Page... Steve Corino… and Rob...Van...Dam!
The fans pop.
Shane says to get everyone excited for Vegas we're going to see which of these 6 men has the brains, the strategy and the POKER-FACE worthy of a WCW World Heavyweight Champion! He says in his office tonight all throughout the show these 6 men will compete in a Poker Tournament!
By the end of the show tonight, live here in Atlanta, Georgia, we will know who will challenge for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at House of Cards!
Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon - (92 rated)
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Match 1:
b.w.o (Blue Meanie & Nova) (with Blueberg) vs Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo
Well folks, says Tony Schiavone, kicking things off tonight we've got tag-team action here on Nitro.
Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo come out looking fired up for the match tonight. Tony mentions they were part of the losing team at WCW Halloween Havoc in the Texas Tornado match, but O'Haire & Palumbo will be looking to rebound from that loss.
The camera cuts to Stacy Keibler watching the match from a screen in the back.
Well Stacy Keibler is an interested party in this match says Tony, of course a few weeks ago her client Shawn Stasiak seemed to put her services on the line in a wager against Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo, she didn't seem happy about that, whilst O'Haire & Palumbo didn't win the wage, perhaps Keibler is interested in jumping ship.
Well I don't know about that Tony, says Jerry Lawler, but if these boys know Stacy is watching I'm sure they'll be putting in 110 percent tonight!
This is a dominant win for O'Haire & Palumbo, whilst Nova looks fairly good in the match and is selling a lot and shining in the process, they're no match for the former WCW World Tag Team Champions and they get the win when Chuck Palumbo hits a Jungle Kick to get the win.
O'Haire & Palumbo win via pinfall - (5.20) - (52 rated)
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April Hunter with Terry Funk
April Hunter congratulates Terry Funk on his big win against his former protégé 'The Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels at Halloween Havoc in his home-state of Texas this past week. April says what's next for Terry Funk?
Funk says he's been wresting in this business for 35 years, that's older than a lot of the guys on the roster have even been alive! I've won titles, I've lost titles, I've put people down and I've had people put me down... April, I don't know how long I got left in my in-ring career, but what I do know is this...
I've had enough wins in WCW in 2001 that I got the chance to qualify for the first ever WCW House of Cards match in Las Vegas, Nevada... a lot of people will be looking at me thinking that old Funker ain't got a shot... but tonight I'm gonna book my place in that House of Cards match... then I'm gonna go to Vegas, put it all on black, win that match and then at WCW Starrcade 2001... I go to the MAIN EVENT and take home the WCW World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in my career!
I know there'll be boys in the back, fans at home who say look at this old-man with his delusions of grandeur, well let me tell you something April, if you ain't in this business to dream of your big moment in the sun... then you will drown in it! The sun might be setting on my career in this business... and there's gonna be a lot of sharks trying to kill me off... but THE FUNKER WILL NEVER SAY DIE!!!
Freestyle segment with April Hunter and Terry Funk - (51 rated)
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Poker Tournament
We see Shane's office which has a big Poker Table. We see Lance Storm and Mike Awesome sitting on one side, Booker T and DDP on another and Steve Corino and Rob Van Dam to the other side.
Shane McMahon is telling them the rules of the Poker Game tonight whilst an attractive woman is dealing their cards, when Dusty Rhodes bursts in.
Eric Bischoff and Ricky Steamboat are also in the office and immediately jump up and tell Dusty to leave.
Dusty Rhodes says "Now you listen to me Shane, baby... my boy, Dustin, got cheated at Halloween Havoc! I know it! You know it! Those fans, baby, they know it too! I've come here for JUSTICE! JUSTICE FOR THE RHODES FAMILY, BABY! JUSTICE FOR TEXAS! JUSTICE FOR ALL THE BOYS IN THE BACK WHO DARED TO DREAM OF BEING CHAMPION!
We hear Steve Corino mutter "I dare to dream of being the champion and I sure as hell don't care that Dustin lost!"
Shane McMahon says "Dusty, I don't like what happened anymore than you did... but I'm working on an investigation to find out how and why The Sandman got to do what he did... as for the match as Halloween Havoc, look, Dustin lost, you quit on his behalf, we can't change that, we're on the Journey to Starrcade now, the challenger for Scott Hall will be decided in this poker match tonight, then the winner of the House of Cards Match will challenge whoever has the title at Starrcade... even if Dustin is cleared to compete before House of Cards, with all the qualifying matches we just don't have time for a main event type rematch for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship... it could have only happened tonight... I can't help that Dustin isn't cleared!"
Dusty Rhodes looks very disheartened.
Dusty says "but Dustin... my boy can still qualify for this House of Cards Match, right, Shane baby?"
Shane says Dustin has a match booked in for next week on Nitro if he can be medically cleared by then.
Dusty says "he'll be medically cleared by then Shane, I'll make sure of it! My boy's dream is that World Title and if he gotta win it the hard way and finish his story at Starrcade... then that's just what he will do!"
Eric Bischoff then buts in and says "right, great, so you've got your justice then Dusty. Now get out of here so we can get on with this Poker Tournament!"
Dusty says "Now just you wait a minute, Bischoff... Dustin has a chance at redemption... but that ain't no justice where I'm from, baby... so Shane, I got one more favour I'd like to ask you of you tonight...
Shane asks what it is...
"You said if Dustin had been here tonight he could have had that title rematch against Scott Hall... now I'm not about to ask for a title opportunity myself, my time as a world champion has long past me by, baby, but what I want tonight is justice! I might not be able to beat Scott Hall but I can damn sure beat some sense into him!"
Shane is thinking and says "you can't mean?"
"I mean it, Shane, baby," says Dustin. "TONIGHT... LIVE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA... NITRO MAIN EVENT... THE BAD GUY SCOTT HALL... 1-ON-1 WITH THE AMERICAN DREAM, DUSTY RHODES!!!"
"Tell me he didn't just say THAT" says Booker T.
Eric Bischoff sounds like he's going to dismiss him, when Shane says you've got a deal, Dusty!"
Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Eric Bischoff and Dusty Rhodes - (77 rated)
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We see Terry Funk come out to a decent pop as the announcers speculate as to who Funk's opponent might be.
Funk has his fists up in the ring looking out to the entrance way in anticipation
Well this should be a man that Terry Funk is very familiar with from his days in ECW! says Tony Schiavone as we see a wry smile from Funk.
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Match 2:
House of Cards Qualifying Match 1 of 18: Balls Mahoney vs Terry Funk
Despite this being a standard match rather than a hardcore match both Balls Mahoney and Terry Funk treat it as a wild-brawl.
Funk gets busted open a bit quite early on and it looks like Balls Mahoney will have the advantage, but Funk just won't say die! Funk hangs on in there and the end of the match comes when Funk tries to give Balls a DDT, Balls counters out of it to try and hit a Suplex on Funk, but manages to avoid it, he pushes Balls Mahoney into the nearest turnbuckle face first, then grabs on Mahoney's pants to roll him up for a school-boy... 1...2...3..!! Funk steals it!
Terry Funk wins via pinfall - (4.53) - (43 rated)
A bloodied Funk celebrates on his knees after the win, with Balls Mahoney looking really angry with himself at the loss.
Funk offers a hand-shake to Balls, which Balls refuses, it then looks like Balls might try and attack Funk, but Balls thinks better of it and just walks out instead.
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House of Cards Match Qualifiers:
1. Wildcard Joker
2. Wildcard Joker
3. Terry Funk
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JJ Dillon in the back with Scott Hall
We see JJ Dillon knocking on Scott Hall's locker-room door. Hall opens the door.
Oh hey yo, JJ, says Scott.
JJ Dillon says Scott Hall, you retained the WCW World Heavyweight Championship under extremely controversial circumstances at Halloween Havoc last week in Texas, what the fans and I suppose everyone else is wondering is... how'd you do it? How much did you pay off The Sandman?!
Scott Hall laughs and then says, Look JJ... the last time I saw or spoke with Jimmy was before Dustin Rhodes took me out at the contract signing. I saw Jimmy destroying my Bentley in the Parking Lot, just the same as everybody else, I know he was there at Halloween Havoc to collect his last pay-check, but I didn't wrote those checks and I didn't see him.
JJ Dillon scoffs and says, now look Scott, you can't honestly expect fans and everyone else here in WCW to believe that can you? We all saw The Sandman come out and then start battering Dustin Rhodes, the only person who benefited from that was you, Scott. Before he came out it looked like Dustin just about had the match won... you would have lost your title if The Sandman hadn't saved you when he did!
Scott Hall says look JJ I'm just as surprised and out the loop as the rest of you guys and the fans. When I saw Jimmy coming out, I thought he was coming out to put an end to me... to put an end to my title reign... I gained some respect for Dustin after our match at Texas, that crazy bastard truly does never know when to quit, but he didn't have it in him... that monster inside him... to get the job done... but jeez when I saw Jimmy come out with his Kendo Stick... he's got that look in his eyes like he's gonna kill you and not care one bit. When Jimmy got in that ring and was looking down at me...I thought, damn straight, I was gonna be saying I Quit and handing that title to Dustin Rhodes... but then he nailed Dustin instead. But JJ, if you're asking me WHY he did that... I don't know what to tell you, man, it had nothing to do with me.
JJ Dillon seems unsure, but decides to change his line of questioning. Do you have any thoughts on your match in the main-event tonight against WCW Hall of Famer, Dusty Rhodes? Dusty seems adamant he will seek Justice for Dustin against you tonight.
Scott Hall says Dusty Rhodes has his opinions on what happened, I accept that. But that old man needs to hang up his boots. He's finished in this game. And Justice for Dustin? Really? I had the chance to end Dustin's life, not just his career, with those steel steps. But I showed him mercy, JJ. I'm The Bad Guy, but I'm not out here trying to cop a manslaughter charge, not in Texas of all places anyway. So Dusty, don't talk to me about Justice. I'll see you in the ring in the main-event, baby, and maybe just maybe after I beat you then you will do us all a favour and never wrestle again...
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon and Scott Hall - (68 rated)
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Kidman Promo
We come back from break to see Billy Kidman standing in the ring with Torrie Wilson and the WCW Cruiserweight Classic Trophy
The fans cheer as Torrie encourages Kidman to lift the trophy a few times
"When I heard Eric Bischoff was creating this Tournament, with the vision of creating a true legacy and tournament that people would still be competing for in 5, 10, 15 years time, all with the idea to showcase Cruiserweight wrestling in WCW... I knew that I HAD to win it... I had to take home the trophy so that in 10, 15 years time, when young kids and fans getting into this business look at the past winner's list... they see the first name on that list is Billy Kidman!"
Kidman gets another pop from the fans
"I've won the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship 3 times and now I'm the first ever WCW Cruiserweight Classis tournament winner... so my name will forever be associated with the Cruiserweight Division here in WCW. And I'm sure a lot of fans and even Juvi himself are expecting me to come out here and stake my claim for a shot at the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship at House of Cards, or Starrcade, perhaps even right here tonight in Atlanta, Georgia!
The fans cheer at the chance of that
"But I'm not out here to do that."
Fans seems a bit bummed
"When I first came to WCW over 5 years ago now I was a skinny 21 year old kid from Pennsylvania I weighed 180 pounds soaking wet. And I'm sure many of you will remember when I was in the Flock not that long after getting here I had a certain addiction... a certain addiction that aside from scratching yourself a lot, it sure as hell makes it easy not to eat much... fast forward to now, I'm 27 years old, my metabolism isn't the same as it used to be... I weigh 215 pounds... and do you know, that's the limit for WCW Cruiserweight Division... which I think is fair, but equally, in the last 12 months people don't know this but I've had to basically starve myself to stay in the that weight limit to compete in this division... I go to the gym, I'm trying to put muscle on, trying to eat well, but then I'm trying to make weight every week at TV... and after discussing this with my beautiful fiancée Tory, I've made my decision... I RETIRE from the WCW Cruiserweight Division effective immediately... and I go out ON TOP!"
Kidman lifts the trophy once again. The fans are a bit unsure how to take this.
Is Kidman retiring full-stop? asks Jerry Lawler.
"But that's not all!" says Kidman. "When I won this tournament the first thing Shane McMahon asked me was when I wanted a shot at the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship... but I told him my decision and I said to him... I'm not asking for a title shot at any of the other singles titles in WCW, I know I gotta earn that... but what I do want is to take this positive tournament momentum and get right to the main event of WCW! So I asked Shane to put me in the WCW House of Cards Qualifiers... and my Qualifying match... is RIGHT NOW!
Kidman drops the mic to a surprised crowd who cheer.
Wow! says Tony Schiavone. Billy Kidman has retired from the Cruiserweight Division, but he's staking a claim to get in that House of Cards match and get a shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Starrcade!
And best of luck to him, says Arn Anderson. The kid's got balls, no doubt about that!
But who will his opponent be?!
We see La Parka come out dancing to the ring with his trademark guitar as Kidman looks focused for his big shot.
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House of Cards Qualifying Match 2 of 18: Billy Kidman (with Torrie Wilson) vs La Parka
This is a high-paced, high-energy match with Kidman going all out to prove himself and book his spot in the House of Cards match. La Parka is far from an ideal opponent though as he gives him a hell of a match and won't go down easy or without a fight.
The end of the match comes when La Parka and Kidman are trading blows by a turnbuckle. La Parka is punching Kidman and trying to hoist him up onto the turnbuckle to try for a SuperPlex, but Kidman eventually manages to fight out of it and La Parka crashes to the mat and burns.
With La Parka prone on the apron Kidman has his chance. He hits the Shooting Star Press to pick up the win.
Billy Kidman wins via pinfall - (4.40) - (52 rated)
After the match Kidman celebrates with Torrie Wilson, as Tony Schiavone on commentary says Kidman has done it! Kidman is going to Las Vegas for House of Cards!
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House of Cards Match Qualifiers:
1. Wildcard Joker
2. Wildcard Joker
3. Terry Funk
4. Billy Kidman
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Poker Tournament in Shane's Office
We cut to Shane's office and we see Steve Corino absolutely furious. He throws his chair against the wall in anger as we see Lance Storm and Mike Awesome stand up to restrain him, whilst Van Dam, Booker T and DDP laugh at him.
Shane McMahon tells Corino to cut it out immediately or he'll be banned from the Qualifiers for the House of Cards Match.
Corino storms out with his WCW FXtreme Television Championship, as Rob Van Dam says he always was a bad loser!
And then there were 5! says DDP, as he eyes up the rest of the competition.
Booker T, DDP, Lance Storm, Mike Awesome and Rob Van Dam remain in the Poker Tournament to determine the #1 contender for Scott Hall at House of Cards.
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JJ Dillon catches Steve Corino just as he's stormed out of Shane's office.
"Steve Corino! What's your reaction to missing out on a shot at-
Steve Corino grabs the microphone and seemingly threatens to punch JJ Dillon.
"WHY DON'T YOU GET THIS CAMERA AND MICROPHONE OUT OF MY FACE! HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL? ARE YOU STU-
Steve! Steve! Calm down.
We see Mikey Whipwreck come into shot.
Corino looks at Whipwreck very angrily. "This ain't the time for games, Whipwreck!" he says, looking like he's ready to fight Mikey Whipwreck too.
"I'm not here for games, Steve," says Mikey. "Which is good news for you, as it sounds like you just played the worst game of Poker that Atlanta, Georgia has ever seen!"
Corino gets mad again, his face goes red from rage and he looks like he's about to clobber Whipwreck, when Whipwreck tells him to chill.
Mikey says "Save it for Friday, Steve. I'm just here to put you on notice. This Steve Corino Open Challenge thing... well I'm a former ECW World Television Champion... Heavyweight Champion too I'll have you know, but the whole surprise thing... not my style... so on Panic! this Friday, you can cut all that dramatic crap... you just have to turn up and put your title on the line against Mikey Whipwreck!"
Corino turns from raging into a smile. "You've bitten off more than you can chew this time, Mikey. I got a lot of frustration to take out... and I can't believe you're stupid enough to sign up to be the guy I take it out on!"
Whipwreck just smiles and says "we'll see" and walks off.
Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Steve Corino, Mikey Whipwreck and JJ Dillon - (58 rated)
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Sable Announcement
We see the WCW Women's General Manager standing by at the back.
Sable says The Journey to Starrcade has begun. Many fans will be wondering what will happen with the WCW World Women's Championship... well the first step on that Journey to Miami, Florida, will begin right now...
This week on Nitro and Panic! there will be 8 women competing in 2 separate Fatal 4-Way Matches to determine who will face Akira Hokuto at WCW House of Cards and got the honour... the privilege... of being the first woman to walk into Starrcade as WCW World Women's Champion in the first WCW World Women's Championship match at Starrcade for 5 years!
The two women who win their respective matches will compete next week on Panic! to earn a match against Akira Hokuto in Las Vegas, Nevada
On Friday Night Panic! we will see Stacy Keibler vs Torrie Wilson vs The Gale vs WCW's newest destructive force, Chyna! (fans pop)
But tonight, in a match that will begin right now, it will be: Meiko Satomura vs La Diabolica vs Sweet Saraya vs Malia Hosaka!
Freestyle segment with Sable - (52 rated)
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Match 4:
Fatal 4-Women Match to determine who will advance to the Final of the #1 Contender Tournament: Meiko Satomura vs La Diabolica vs Malia Hosaka (with Terry Taylor) vs 'Sweet' Saraya
This match goes just under 5 minutes. It's a hectic match with all 4 women getting in some offence and an opportunity to showcase their talent.
The finish of the match comes when Meiko Satomura is thrown from the ring in acrobatic hurricanrana style by La Diabolica, who then gets a vicious punch from 'Sweet' Saraya who seems to have the win, before Malia Hosaka from out of nowhere rolls up Saraya to secure a the win!
Malia Hosaka wins via pinfall - (4.35) - (35 rated)
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Poker Tournament
We cut back to the Poker Tourmament and we see Mike Awesome throw his cards down in anger.
Shane McMahon can be heard saying "Mike Awesome is ELIMINATED!!!"
Awesome is not happy, but Lance Storm can be seen telling him to calm down.
Lance Storm, Booker T, Rob Van Dam and DDP remain!
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The camera cuts to the side of the room where 'Sinister' James Mitchell and Akira Hokuto have entered and are talking in hushed voices to Eric Bischoff
Bischoff says they should go somewhere else to talk about this in private as Bischoff demands that Ricky Steamboat wheel him in his chair out of the office.
Freestyle segment with Team Canada, Shane McMahon, Eric Bischoff, 'Sinister' James Mitchell and Akira Hokuto - (54 rated)
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The Nu Road Warriors interview with April Hunter
April Hunter is standing by with Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Dog
Hunter says after they failed to regain the WCW World Tag Team Championship at Halloween Havoc, where is the road leading next for the Road Warriors?
Road Warrior Animal says in life there are many set-backs, but you get judged on how you get up from them! Animal says both he and Road Warrior Dog will be in the qualifying matches for WCW House of Cards, Animal has his qualifier later tonight, he says they both aim to qualify and work together in the House of Cards Match, maybe if they're lucky one of them can even headline Starrcade for the WCW World Heavyweight title
Road Warrior Dog agrees and says look even if we don't win we put our faces in the spotlight once more, get a few eliminations in that match and we're sure to be in the contention for a shot at the WCW World Tag Team Championship on the biggest stage of them all... STARRCADE 2001!
Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo walk in
O'Haire says The Nu Road Warriors stole their WCW World Tag Team Championship from him and Palumbo... they haven't forgotten that, but they showed to the world at Halloween Havoc that they don't deserve them.
Palumbo says The Nu Road Warriors are at the back of the line!
O'Haire says he doubts The Nu Road Warriors will qualify for the House of Cards Match, but if they do, him and Palumbo will be sure to dump them out! They're the future of this business, this company, this Tag Team Division and The Nu Road Warriors best get out of their way!
Freestyle segment with The Nu Road Warriors and Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo - (52 rated)
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Match 5:
Kanyon (c) vs Carl Ouellet for the WCW United States Championship
Carl Ouellet comes out with a Canadian flag representing Team Canada for this match, Lance Storm is still competing in the Poker Tournament and it seems Mike Awesome is still stropping backstage so Carl Ouellet comes out alone for this one.
Tony Schiavone mentions how Chris Kanyon was very emotional at Halloween Havoc having finally won Championship gold in WCW. I don't think he'll give up this belt without a fight!
This is a hard-hitting match to kick Kanyon's reign as WCW United States Champion off in good fashion.
Ouellet gets a decent amount of offence in especially early on in the match, but the champion Kanyon grows into the match and it's not too long before he hits the Flatliner to retain the belt.
Kanyon wins via pinfall - (5.19) - (61 rated)
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Kanyon Promo
After the match Kanyon holds up his belt once again and grabs a microphone.
Kanyon says it took him 6 years to win a WCW Championship belt... but damn it, I made it! (fans pop)
Kanyon says this is a belt that has been held by so many legends of this business. Harley Race, Blackjack Mulligan, Ricky Steamboat, Ric Flair (lots of fans WOOOO), Wahoo McDaniel, Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes, Sting, my good friend Diamond Dallas Page, Bret Hart, Terry Funk, Curt Hennig, Booker T, Rob Van Dam... and now to continue that legacy... WHO BETTER THAN KANYON?!?!
Kanyon goes onto say that Shane McMahon offered him a spot in the Qualifiers for the WCW House of Cards Match in Vegas. Kanyon says of course one day I want to become the WCW World Heavyweight Champion... and Shane even said if I did qualify I didn't need to defend the WCW United States Championship at the PPV... but I worked too long and too hard to become WCW United States Champion... that I don't need no distractions! I WANT to defend this legendary title on Nitro, on Panic!, at House of Cards... and then I want to walk into Starrcade 2001, in Miami, Florida as the WCW United States Championship and prove to the world that I'm not just the future of WCW... but the future of the entire industry!
We see Buff Bagwell come out at the entrance ramp with Buff Daddy V
Buff Bagwell says he's heard enough of Kanyon bigging himself up. Kanyon is the future of WCW? The entire industry? Bagwell says that's a load of horse-shit!
Bagwell says that he is the man of the hour in WCW and he's the man to lead this company back to the very top of the industry!
Buff says Kanyon doesn't want to compete at WCW House of Cards because he knows he can't handle the pressure of defending the WCW United States Championship and going for the WCW World Heavyweight Champion at the same time.
Bagwell says he never got this shot at the WCW United States Championship... but he's the rightful #1 Contender! Buff says next week he as a WCW House of Cards Qualifier and he plans on winning that match, taking that WCW United States Championship from Kanyon, then going to House of Cards and winning that too.
Bagwell says he will walk into Starrcade 2001 as the WCW United States Champion, defend that belt, then win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in the main-event, proving to the world that he's the best in the business!
Kanyon says if Bagwell's man enough why doesn't he come down and challenge Kanyon for the title right now?!
Bagwell laughs and says Chris, you just wrestled tonight, it wouldn't be fair on you, but trust me, sooner rather than later that WCW United States Championship will be mine...
Freestyle segment with Kanyon and Buff Bagwell - (58 rated)
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Poker Tournament
We see a disappointed looking Rob Van Dam stand up in Shane's Office.
"Unlucky, Van Dam!" says DDP, as it appears RVD is eliminated from the Poker Tournament.
Rob says he never had a great Poker face anyway
Van Dam says he will just have to do it the hard way.
RVD says at House of Cards the winner will be... ROB...VAN...DAM!
The Poker Tournament is now down to just 3 men... Booker T, DDP and Lance Storm!
Freestyle segment with Rob Van Dam and Shane McMahon - (69 rated)
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Tommy Dreamer promo
Dreamer cuts a promo where he says DDP scored a lucky win against him at Halloween Havoc... but I'm The Innovator of Violence... I'm not done in WCW... not by a long shot... next up I've got a Qualifier for the House of Cards Match and you better believe I'll show the WCW fans and locker-room why I'm the man to beat in that match!
Freestyle segment with Tommy Dreamer - (59 rated)
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Match 6:
House of Cards Qualifying Match 3 of 18: Road Warrior Animal vs Tommy Dreamer
Tommy Dreamer then comes out looking very determined to prove himself
This match is more of a brawl than a technical wrestling match with both guys putting in heavy hits and punches throughout.
Animal gives a really good showing of himself but the commentators mention how at this stage in his career he's so used to being a tag-team guy that in singles matches he doesn't have the same stamina to see it out.
Dreamer grows into the match and he caps off a good showing with a brutal looking Dreamer DDT to get himself the win.
Tommy Dreamer wins via pinfall - (6.22) - (68 rated)
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House of Cards Match Qualifiers:
1. Wildcard Joker
2. Wildcard Joker
3. Terry Funk
4. Billy Kidman
5. Tommy Dreamer
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Poker Tournament
We cut back to the Poker Tournament and this time it's Lance Storm standing up angrily.
Storm says if he can be serious for a minute, holding a Poker tournament to decide who gets to be #1 Contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship is the stupidest idea I ever heard.
Lance Storm then storms out whilst DDP and Booker T laugh
DDP says "Well Book, looks like it's just the 2 of us left"
Booker T says "Good luck Dallas, but you better believe it's me going to Vegas to fight for that title, not you!"
Freestyle segment with Lance Storm, Booker T and DDP - (65 rated)
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Match 7:
Juventud Guerrera vs Jamie Knoble (with Kid Kash) - Non-Title match
Well folks, says Tony Schiavone, Juventud Guerrera, the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, he didn't win the WCW Cruiserweight Classic, although some would say he got robbed and cheated after Brian Lawler spat in his face to help get a win against him. Juventud and his pals in the MexiCruisers put down The Sons of the South at Halloween Havoc though and Juvi looking to get a statement victory here tonight
Jamie Knoble comes out the gate really aggressive which catches Juvi off guard, meaning Jamie Knoble comes out looking good in the match against the champion. But Juvi grows into the match and it's not long before he gets the win with the Juvi Driver
Juventud Guerrera wins via pinfall - (5.29) - (52 rated)
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Juvi Promo
After the match Juvi grabs a mic
Juvi says you know I expected Kidman to come out here and challenge me for my WCW World Crusierweight Championship at House of Cards, but he's decided he can't beat Juvi, he's got to go up a weight class just to avoid having to face me... I understand, Kidman, man, I understand.
But that brings me to the next question of who is next in line for my title?
We see Fit Finlay come out with Tajiri and Dave Taylor
Fit Finlay has a microphone and he says that his protégé, Tajiri, was the runner-up in the WCW Cruiserweight Classic. He put in a hell of a performance in that tournament, so if Kidman doesn't want a shot at Juvi, then at House of Cards, it should be Tajiri who takes on Juvi!
Juvi seems to look happy enough with this outcome
Wait a minute, says Tony Schiavone. That's 'Sexy' Brian Lawler, with David Flair and Erik Watts - The Sons of the South!
Brian Lawler on the mic says Tajiri didn't win the WCW Crusierweight Classic, so he shouldn't be getting a title shot. Lawler says he got a pinfall victory over Juvi in that Tournament and so it should be him who is the #1 Contender!
Eric Bischoff comes out and he says both Tajiri and 'Sexy' Brian Lawler have decent claims for a shot at the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship
So next week, live on Nitro, it will be Tajiri vs 'Sexy' Brian Lawler... the winner will go to House of Cards in Las Vegas, Nevada and challenge Juventud Guerrera for the title!
Freestyle segment with Juventud Guerrera, Fit's Fight Club, The Sons of the South and Eric Bischoff - (53 rated)
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Poker Tournament
We get back to DDP vs Booker T in the Poker Tournament
The two men are about to lay down their cards.
Booker T goes first.
We see 3 Kings, with a 4 of Spades and a 6 of Hearts
Three of a Kind! says Booker T looking pleased with himself.
Shane McMahon says that's a decent hand Booker, Page, what you got?
DDP seems to look a bit crestfallen, but then lays down his Hand.
It's a Full House! We see 3 Jacks and 2 Queens!
Booker T says does that mean he won? Tell me he hasn't won this Poker Tournament?!
Shane McMahon says "sorry Book, our winner is D-D-P!!"
DDP is pleased with himself, Booker T looks really disappointed.
Shane says Booker T will still have a chance to qualify for the House of Cards Match at least next week on Nitro.
DDP offers his hand out to Booker T. DDP says when I take that WCW World Heavyweight Championship back from Scott Hall at House of Cards, if it's going to be anyone winning that House of Cards Match and facing me in the main-event at Starrcade 2001... I hope it's you Book. Let's have our rematch from Big Bang done right this time!
Booker T shakes his hand. Booker T says he's never done anything easy in his career, he guesses he won't start here, he vows to qualify for the House of Cards Match and then outlast 19 other men to headline WCW Starrcade 2001 and get his WCW World Heavyweight Championship back whatever it takes!
Tony Schiavone confirms that it will be Scott Hall vs DDP for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at House of Cards!
Freestyle segment with Booker T, DDP and Shane McMahon - (84 rated)
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Match 8 / Main Event:
Scott Hall vs Dusty Rhodes - Non-Title Match
We see a spirited and determined Dusty Rhodes come out to a decent pop
Scott Hall then comes walking in with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
He gets into the ring and Dusty Rhodes is all-fired up and shouting at him. Scott dismisses him and is telling him to calm down, but Dusty wants Justice for Dustin and he starts the match on fire going all out against Hall!
Rhodes gets a decent amount of offence in on Hall, but at 56 and not in great shape he soon tires and the high energy start he came in with backfires on him.
Scott Hall gets back the momentum and it's not long before Dusty Rhodes is on the ropes. The end of the match comes when Scott Hall manages to hit a Razor's Edge and gets the pin.
Scott Hall wins via pinfall - (6.05) - (58 rated)
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Scott Hall Promo
After the match with officials helping Dusty Rhodes get back to his feet and to the back, Scott Hall grabs a mic
Scott says to the officials "get that piece of shit out of MY ring!"
Hall says Dusty Rhodes came here for Justice... I told you all I had nothing to do with The Sandman's attack on Dustin Rhodes... and if there is a God... he has dealt out your Justice, Dusty.
DDP comes out to a big pop with a mic
Scott Hall looks flustered and annoyed at DDP's arrival.
DDP says "Scott! You used to be a good buddy of mine, a guy I respected a lot... all of that has gone down the toilet since you came back to WCW, man. You wanna talk about Justice, huh? Well in Las Vegas, Nevada... DDP gets HIS JUSTICE... you screwed me out of getting back that WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Big Bang and then Bash at the Beach too... I've had to wait 4 months to earn a shot again... well I'm not letting it go to waste! At House of Cards... I'm coming away with a Full House and the Big Gold Belt...BANG!!!
The show ends with Scott Hall shouting angrily at DDP off the mic as DDP stands at the entrance ramp just laughing.
Freestyle segment with DDP & Scott Hall - (99 rated)
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Show Rating: 79
0.91 TV rating (690K viewers)