Nitro Episode 2:
Wednesday 9th May 2001
Live late-night on FX
4,208 crowd at the Odeum Expo Center
Show opens up with Linkin Park's 'Runaway'
Tony Schiavone on comms says it's Wednesday night folks and you know what that means...IT'S WCW NITRO LIVE FROM CHICAGO!
------
'For The Love of Money' by The O'Jays begins to play with Shane McMahon tron
Shane McMahon comes down to the ring and welcomes the crowd back to Nitro! He promises the fans he's not going to make a habit of starting every show with a Shane McMahon promo, but he just had to come out and start the show with some hugely exciting news!
Shane explains that producing and booking shows is new to him, but he's humble enough to recognise when he needs some help. Shane says he's serious about getting WCW back to the top and he's serious about proving his Dad wrong that he hasn't got what it takes to be the best wrestling promoter in the business.
Shane says if he ever hopes to compete with, let alone beat his father, he needs some help and so that's why he's gone out and hired a General Manager to help him... and he's hired someone that he knows his father will hate to see him working with and fighting against once again... it's a man who he believes can help him to defeat his father one day in the not too distant future...
Tony Schiavone says on commentary that he's got a bad feeling about this...
Shane excitedly announces that...IT'S ERIC BISCHOFF!!!
Eric Bischoff walks out to a surprised pop from the fans.
The announcers sell it as a big surprise with Tony audibly baffled and seemingly horrified that Bischoff is back
Eric Bischoff smiles as he enters the ring and looks over at Shane McMahon. He pauses a little and lets the fans take in what they are seeing. Vince McMahon's son sharing a ring with Eric Bischoff.
Bischoff gives a warm handshake/hug to Shane in the middle of the ring as audible chants of "holy ****! holy ****!" can be heard from the Chicago crowd
Eric cuts a promo to the crowd saying it's so good to be back LIVE on Nitro and in a WCW ring. Mixed reaction from the fans to Bischoff once they've got over the shock of seeing him in the ring with Shane.
Bischoff says he knows he's got some friends and some enemies in the locker-room and elsewhere in the company... but he states he's willing to let bygones be bygones in the interest of business. He's Shane's right hand man now and he'll do not just what Shane wants but what the fans want and what's best for business.
Kanyon marches to the ring and starts ranting and raving about how Chavo Guerrero Jr stole his card and his opportunity at the U.S Title last week.
Eric Bischoff looks annoyed and says to Kanyon that he wasn't here last week, so he doesn't know what Kanyon's talking about, but then he asks Kanyon if he thought the best way to voice these concerns were to interrupt his new boss and the owner of the company? Kanyon shrugs and looks annoyed at Shane and Eric.
Shane says he understands why Kanyon is annoyed and he doesn't think it was fair what happened last week. But life's not fair Kanyon he says! Is it fair that my sister got so many opportunities that my Dad never gave to me? Is it fair that Booker T had to defend the U.S title against somebody completely random in the main event last week? Is it fair that if I want to take WCW to the next level I have to work side by side with this scumbag he says looking at Bischoff... he laughs awkwardly at Eric. Bischoff laughs too.
The bottom line Kanyon is life's not fair!
Now maybe you have a point and you should get a shot at the U.S title...maybe even in the main event of tonight's Nitro! Kanyon perks up at this and a decent reaction from the crowd.
But that's not going to happen tonight Shane says!
As I was going to announce before you got out here and interrupted... we have a huge main event for tonight's Nitro. As I can officially confirm that tonight's main event will see Booker T defend his WCW United States Championship against the hottest free agent in all of professional wrestling!
Crowd pops!
But since you're so desperate for a match yourself Kanyon... you'll get a chance to prove yourself to me and Eric Bischoff later on in the show.
Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Eric Bischoff & Kanyon - (76 rated)
------------------------
Booker T is backstage with Stevie Ray.
Booker T says "tell me I didn't just see that?! Bischoff is back?!"
Stevie Ray says he doesn't understand it either. Why would you want to bring back somebody who almost killed the company?
This can't be good for you as champion Stevie Ray warns him, but he tells Booker he has his back if he ever needs him and congratulates Booker on getting the big win last week. Booker thanks him and says he will fight for the U.S title week in week out if that's what Shane or Bischoff want for the TV ratings and ticket sales.
Stevie Ray asks where Sharmell is and Booker says she's been at the Power Plant training today as she's looking to get in the ring a bit in the next few months, but she promised she'll be here for his big match later tonight.
Harlem Heat freestyle segment - (70 rated)
----------------------
Match 1:
Shane Helms (C) vs David Flair for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Another high-spots cruiserweight clash to start Nitro and this match doesn't seem to go down as well with the crowd as the AJ Styles match with Helms did last week. Flair looks lost in the ring and doesn't get too much offence in before Helms picks up the victory to retain the title
Shane Helms retains via pinfall - (5.50) - (38 rated)
-----------------------------------
Johnny Ace is backstage in Shane's office with Shane and Eric Bischoff
Shane speaking to them and saying, you know I was thinking about what Palumbo & O'Haire were saying last week about Big Bang. And I think they're right, whatever team is tag team champions by Big Bang, we should have a team facing them that are worthy of such a big show.
Johnny says well hell we can't have them face Harlem Heat, as it stands Booker might already be defending two titles on the show, you can't make him work triple time...
No you're right Shane says.
Could get Arn to call up Tully Blanchard and come out of retirement Johnny says not particularly seriously.
The Four Horsemen?? Eric laughs. Have you lost your damn mind Johnny?? This is 2001 not 1981!
I don't think even Arn had started wrestling in 1981 Johnny Ace begins to argue back but Eric isn't having it.
Shane, we need to focus on the here and the now... look at the roster... we've got some great teams on there... I think Team Canada could be a great choice... they're in a match tonight, check them out... this Lance Storm kid I think could be the real deal and-
Johnny Ace's phone starts ringing. Shane and Eric look at him as if to say are you gonna answer that?
Johnny says sorry it's my brother I better take this. "Hey Joe" he says on the phone. "I'm busy right now, yeah I'm talking with Shane and Eric... yes that Eric... yeah I know... what kind of favour? Woah woah slow down... okay... okay Joe.. I don't think that's the direction that Shane wants to go in right now but
What the hells he talking about me with his brother for? Shane asks Eric.
That over the hill shmuch probably wants his brother to get him a job, Shane. Thinks because his brother is Head of Talent relations we'll just give him and his dumb buddy Hawk a gold plated contract. Well let me tell you Shane... here's what I think...
Wait wait Shane says.
Hawk?
As in Road Warrior Hawk?
Yeah yeah, Bischoff says... did you not know that? Johnny's brother is Animal... but as I was saying we can't waste our time with over the hill
Hey Johnny! Wait wait keep him on the phone Shane shouts over at him!
Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Johnny Ace and Eric Bischoff - (69 rated)
-------------------------------------
Match 2:
Akira Hokuto vs April Hunter
The announcers hype up this match as the first women's match in the Shane McMahon era. Akira Hokuto the former WCW Women's champion takes on the in ring debut of April Hunter, former NWO valet, who has been training with the legendary Killer Kowalski.
Akira Hokuto dominates the match and gets the win over the inexperienced Hunter. The fans are really not into this match at all and don't seem to give a damn about either women throughout the match despite the announcers trying to hype up the match
Akira Hokuto wins via pinfall - (5.25) - (6 rated)
* - I had an absolute nightmare with this one. In hindsight it needed to be Stacy Keibler or Torrie Wilson in this match instead of Hunter as Hokuto only has like 13 popularity and they're the only women on the roster considered "notable" by the fans but I think I just took for granted the popularity as whenever I've booked women's matches before in AEW or WWE saves most of the roster is already kinda notable. I booked April Hunter in there to get a nice decisive win for Akira to build her up but ended up getting the worst rating for any match I've ever got in a TEW save! We learn and move on but a bit of a set-back for the start of the women's division for sure. I will have to proceed with more caution until some more of the women are built up in popularity a bit.
--------------------
Buff Bagwell and Johnny 'The Bull' having an interview with JJ Dillon
JJ asks Buff how he feels about the events of last week?
Buff firstly starts to criticise Johnny 'The Bull' for being stupid enough to get ejected from his match. You want to ride with Buff Bagwell? You want to team with me Johnny? Johnny says course I do Buff. Buff says he needs to be better if he wants to keep riding with him, he ain't carrying nobody.
Johnny is fired up by this and says he will make it right. Just tell me how. Anything you like.
Buff says I'll tell you how and then looks to the camera.
Windham! Rotunda! You think you can stick your nose in Buff Bagwell's business? You got another thing coming! I don't care which one of you is man enough, you're sure as hell both ugly enough, but next week, live on Nitro I'm putting out a challenge! Johnny 'The Bull' is going to teach one of you sad washed up old hacks a lesson!
Johnny doesn't look super convinced but quickly changes tune and looks menacing at the camera
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon, Buff Bagwell and Johnny 'The Bull' (52 rated)
-------------------------------
DDP and Kanyon backstage.
Kanyon is really frustrated.
DDP tries to calm him down. DDP tells him he can't let this Chavo stuff get in his head.
Kanyon says if he sees that bastard he'll put him in the hospital!
DDP says Kanyon has to chill. So you didn't get the U.S title shot last week or tonight, this is just show 2 of the Shane era, you're undeniable in the ring and on the mic Chris, your time will come, believe me.
Kanyon says he has trouble believing him but he's going to take his frustration out on his opponent tonight.
Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak with Stacy Keibler roll into the set.
Shawn laughs at Kanyon. Last week Kanyon you got your card stolen from you... tonight... my buddy Mark Jindrak is going to steal much more than that from you... he's going to steal your pride, your self-respect and your-
Kanyon tells him to shut his mouth and gets right in his face. Mark Jindrak gets involved and DDP chills them all out as Stacy laughs in the background.
Save it for the ring, DDP tells them all but mostly Kanyon who looks absolutely fuming. Stasiak, Jindrak and Stacy walk off laughing
Freestyle segment with DDP, Kanyon, Shawn Stasiak & Mark Jindrak - (67 rated)
---------------------------------
Just before the next match starts the camera pans to the crowd where Tony Schiavone on commentary introduces a short small video clip on the screen where we see Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda. Barry Windham says if it's a match next week that Buff and "The Bull" want, then that's what he'll give them as Tony confirms it will be Windham vs Johnny 'The Bull next week live on Nitro.
The announcers are joined by Fit Finlay and Dave Taylor on commentary. They're a bit confused by this but Finlay explains they're out scouting for the best young talent in WCW.
Match 3:
Lash LeRoux vs Tajiri
Arn asks Fit if they're out here scouting Lash or the debuting Tajiri. Fit says, why not both, they're both young talent aren't they?
Tajiri and LeRoux get a fair bit of time with both putting on a decent display but Tajiri especially with his brutal kicks and fighting moves really impress with Fit and Dave Taylor both hyping him up throughout the match. Tajiri eventually gets the win with a buzzsaw kick
Tajiri wins via pinfall - (7.02) - 48 rated
As Tajiri eventually walks up the entrance way and towards the back Fit Finlay and Dave Taylor both stand up and applaud him off which he looks completely baffled by
---------------------------------
Curt Hennig interview with JJ Dillon
JJ Dillon asking Curt Hennig about last week when Curt says he came back to win the big one. You've never won a world title in your career so far, what makes you think now is the time, JJ asks?
Curt says in the past he might have been motivated by having great matches, making the most money, getting the girls etc, but his son Joe turned 21 last year and I said son, you're a man now, what do you see yourself in 10 years?
You know what he said? He said he sees himself as a wrestler, I asked him just like you're old man, huh? And he told me, no Dad, I don't think I'd take the Hennig name... you've never been a world champion so why would I want to aspire to be like you?
JJ Dillon seems a bit uncomfortable and seems to want to try and make Curt Hennig feel better when Hugh Morrus comes in and starts laughing at Curt.
Hugh says he doesn't blame Curt's son for not wanting to be like him. You might have been perfect once, but now... I'd say you were Mr Faulty!
Curt takes exception to this and they start brawling and have to be separated as Barry Windham, Mike Rotunda, Kwee Wee, Mike Sanders and Christopher Daniels come into set to split them up.
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon, Curt Hennig, Hugh Morrus, Windham & Rotunda, Kwee Wee, Mike Sanders & Christopher Daniels (49 rated)
---------------------------------
Video Package hyping The F.B.I coming to WCW soon (Little Guido & Tony Mamaluke) - (31 rated)
---------------------------------
Match 4
Mike Awesome (with Lance Storm) vs Terry Funk
As Terry Funk comes to the ring he shakes hands with someone in the crowd in the front row at ringside. Camera pans over and it's Tommy Dreamer. Former ECW champion... what's he doing here they wonder?
Lance Storm With team The Canada - WCW Theme - YouTube
Mike Awesome comes out with Lance Storm. As Mike gets near the ring Tommy Dreamer starts shouting at him. Mike goes over to where he is and seems to gesture as if to say I don't care about you. Lance Storm can be heard berated him for being a typical unemployed American bum.
The match is a pretty good one. Mike Awesome seems to have the better of Funk for the most it as Terry works hard but Awesome with 20 years his junior just seems to have more energy and athleticism as the match goes on whilst Funk seems to tire a bit.
Towards the end of the match Mike Awesome and Funk are on the outside after Awesome threw Funk into the side of the crowd barrier. Awesome is on the outside when Tommy Dreamer goads him into coming over to him. Mike Awesome comes over as if to say what are you going to do? Lance Storm is gesticulating to the ref telling him that he needs to eject Tommy Dreamer from the arena, just as the ref's back is turned Tommy Dreamer smacks Mike Awesome in the face and seems to almost knock him out.
Funk sees his opportunity and throws Awesome into the ring. A dazed Awesome gets to his feet and Funk hits him with a Texas Piledriver for the win as a furious Lance Storm watches on from the outside
Terry Funk defeats Mike Awesome via pinfall - (7.01) - (60 rated)
After the match Eric Bischoff and some extra security come out with Eric Bischoff on the mic loudly shouting for them to get that talentless ECW carnie "piece of s*** out of this arena!" about Dreamer as Dreamer is jumped on by various security and kicked out as the commentators wonder what that was all about
-----------------------
Booker T in the parking lot greets Sharmell who gets out of a cab and gives him a hug and a kiss. Booker asks her how her training at the PowerPlant went and she says she's struggling at the moment but she's worked hard for everything she's got in life and she'll keep working until she's the best women's wrestler in all of WCW.
Booker says he believes her when suddenly we hear a car screeching and Booker pushes Sharmell out of the way of an oncoming vehichle which breaks but Booker goes flying onto the boot/windshield. He rolls off to the side and the car drives off without stopping to see if he's okay.
Sharmell is screaming for help and checking if Booker is okay.
Booker is annoyed and angry and clearly in some pain but he manages to get to his feet whilst holding his back in quite significant pain.
Freestyle segment with Booker T & Sharmell - (65 rated)
---------------------
Cuts to the crowd and the commentators are selling this incident big time.
Tony saying surely Booker won't be medically cleared to compete in the main event tonight?! And who was that in the car?! Arn questions the security at the company as what with this and Mike Awesome getting sucker punched earlier tonight it's not looking good.
Match 5:
Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo (C) vs The Harris Brothers (Don & Ron Harris) for the WCW World Tag Team Championship
The Harris Brothers come racing out the blocks in their debut in the WCW Shane McMahon era trying to go toe to toe in physicality with the champions. They get a decent amount of offence in to start with but O'Haire & Palumbo soon gain control of the match and get the win fairly quickly
O'Haire & Palumbo retain with Palumbo via pinfall - (5.37) - (51 rated)
--------------------------
Johnny Ace and Shane McMahon in the medical office with Booker T, Stevie Ray and Sharmell and a doctor
The doctor doesn't seem keen on Booker T competing in the main event.
Johnny Ace says look Booker you've got a big match coming up at Big Bang in a few weeks. We want you fit and healthy for that match, as head of talent relations it's my responsibility to make sure our talent is kept safe and I don't think you should compete tonight. Stevie Ray and Sharmell agree with Johnny Ace.
Shane and Booker both hate this idea
Johnny says he understands Shane wants a big main event for the U.S title, but perhaps he could have Booker forfeit the title and have the new signing face somebody else in the main event
Booker says he's not forfeitting any title. He can still walk. Okay his neck and his back are banged up a bit but he says he's wrestled feeling much worse.
Shane says he loves his fighting spirit, Johnny, Sharmell and Stevie Ray don't seem keen.
Mike Awesome barges in with Lance Storm.
Mike Awesome tells Shane and Johnny to look at his eye. There's not a lot of visible damage but Awesome says he's got a fractured eye socket and a bad concussion from what that bastard from ECW did to him. Mike says it's not safe in this building! He doesn't know if Tommy Dreamer is acting alone but he reckons all of this stuff is connected. Whether it's some kind of ECW invasion, or Shane's Dad paying people off to hurt his top stars... he thinks this is all linked and it's a big conspiracy!!
Booker says he thinks Mike Awesome might be the least Awesome person in the building, but he thinks that he's got a point and questions the security to Shane and Johnny.
Shane says security checked and Tommy Dreamer had a genuine ticket. It wasn't an angle or some stunt. He just came to the show and clearly hates Mike Awesome. Not much he can do about that other than ban Tommy Dreamer from future WCW shows.
What about the car?! Booker asks angrily
Shane says have you seen some of the drivers in Chicago? He says Booker and Sharmell shouldn't have been standing in front of the road in the parking lot and he's sure the incidents aren't connected. Lance Storm agrees and says it's not just drivers in Chicago but all Americans who can't drive. Mike Awesome agrees but everyone else looks at him in an annoyed expression.
Freestyle segment with Booker T, Stevie Ray, Sharmell, Shane McMahon, Johnny Ace, Mike Awesome, Lance Storm - (58 rated)
--------------------
Chavo Guerrero in the locker-room with Super Crazy and Psychosis.
Chavo is asking Super Crazy and Psychosis if they've seen Kanyon around looking for him.
They say no but congratulate Chavo on the stunt he pulled on Kanyon last week. Psychosis accuses Chavo of stealing his card last week too. Chavo says you know how it is homes, I'm a Guerrero... I lie! I cheat! I steal!
Super Crazy says he saw Kanyon earlier and he seemed really mad. He says to piss off a guy like that... you must be crazier than me...and I am SUPER CRAZY!!!
Just as he says this there's a banging on the dooor.. Kanyon bursts into the locker room but Chavo has made a run for it before he sees him.
Kanyon, who has DDP quickly following in his tracks, demands to know if they've seen Chavo around.
They pretend not to be able to speak English. No hablo Ingles amigo!
Kanyon says he knows they can speak English and asks them what are they crazy or something thinking they can trick him?
Psychosis says I am not crazy... he is!!!
Super Crazy says I am Super... I am Crazy... I AM SUPER CRAZY!!!
DDP says I thought you boys said you couldn't speak English
Kanyon punches Super Crazy and knocks him slightly off his feet.
DDP immediately intervenes and holds Kanyon back to prevent a fight breaking out.
Is he Super Crazy or are you Chris?! You've got to get this Chavo thing out of your head. You've got a match in a few minutes and you're messing around trying to assault these guys? What do you want a fine? Suspension? Let's get out of here!
Super Crazy and Psychosis seem very angry at Kanyon and mutter angrily to each other in Spanish
Freestyle segment with Chavo Guerrero Jr, Psychosis & Super Crazy, Kanyon & DDP - (71 rated)
-----------------------------------
Match 6:
Kanyon (with DDP) vs Mark Jindrak (with Shawn Stasiak & Stacy Keibler)
Mark Jindrak looks up for it at the start of the match but Kanyon uses this match to take out the stress he's been under at missing out on the U.S title and the other drama. Kanyon is super aggressive and physical throughout the match and this is a really decisive win for him over a younger talent who can't keep up with his relentless physicality. Stasiak tries to intervene but DDP prevents him from doing so and it's over.
Kanyon wins via pinfall - (6.10) - (50 rated)
--------------------------------------
Torrie Wilson is backstage and Juventud Guerrera comes into shot and tries to hit on her. It's not clear if she's particularly interested or not but he mentions how if she wants to manage a champion she should ditch Kidman and come manage him.
Billy Kidman storms into set furious and starts shouting at Juvi for coming onto Torrie.
Eric Bischoff happens to be walking by and stumbles into the commotion. He asks what's going on.
Juvi says Kidman's girl wants to manage a champion but she's stuck managing a chump. Billy starts shouting again and Eric Bischoff tells them both to knock it off.
Torrie asks Eric if there's a Cruiserweight Championship match booked for Big Bang yet? Eric says no. Torrie says well how about next week you have Juventud Guerrera... take on Billy Kidman... and the winner gets a title shot at Big Bang?
Eric says he likes that idea. He likes it a lot. He jokes with Torrie whether she's ever considered a career as a booker and walks of happily.
Juvi says he'll see them both next week.
Kidman still annoyed but Torrie says this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. A thank you would be nice? Billy thanks her and says to show thank you properly he'll beat Juvi's ass next week and get that shot at Big Bang.
Freestyle segment with Billy Kidman, Torrie Wilson, Juventud Guererra and Eric Bischoff - (55 rated)
---------------------------
Shane McMahon comes to the entrance way...
Shane says he's so excited to bring the 2nd main event of Nitro under his reign live in Chicago...
First it's time to introduce the reigning WCW United States champion who HAS been cleared to compete...Booker T!
Booker T comes to the ring with Stevie Ray and Sharmell. Booker isn't moving particularly great which the announcers pick up on, Tony quite concerned, but he's putting on a game face and pretending like he's fine.
Shane then says it wasn't easy to secure the signing of the challenger... he was the hottest free agent in all of wrestling... but he's not anymore because he's signed a LONG TERM deal with WCW!!!!
It's my pleasure to introduce to you... challenging for the United States championship in the main event of Nitro...
ROB... VAN...DAM!!!!
The Chicago crowd pops wild for this as Rob Van Dam comes out to the entrance way accompanied by Bill Alfonso
The announcers hype this up as a huge signing and what a moment for Nitro!
RVD does his Rob-Van-Dam pose and then makes his way to the ring
Booker T looking quite shocked/surprised in the ring but ready for action either way.
Main Event / Match 7:
Booker T (C) vs Rob Van Dam for the WCW United States Championship
The crowd are hot for this match and whilst RVD starts the match hot with Alfonso blowing his whistle excitedly at ring-side much to Sharmell and Stevie Ray's dismay, Booker T eventually counters one of RVD's moves and gets back into the match. The crowd don't seem to know who they want to win, it seems like RVD as the exciting new signing has more of the support at times but then when Booker gets some offence in they rally behind him.
At one point Booker gets sick of the whistling and he demands the ref eject Alfonso for being so damn distracting, but the ref says this isn't a reason to eject him, RVD uses this opening to get a school-boy pin attempt in and almost gets the 3 but for Booker kicking out at 2.5.
Booker focuses more but the school-boy pin seems to have tweaked his neck/back a bit and after this he is noticeably struggling in the ring. Nevertheless he seems to get the better of Rob Van Dam after RVD shows off with some aerial offence. Booker hits a Book-End on RVD and then gets RVD in prime position for his trademark Scissor Kick, but Booker feels his back and takes a few seconds longer than he normally would in hitting the ropes and when he comes back he takes a powerful spinning heel kick to the face from RVD. Booker is down and RVD goes up to the top rope.
Alfonso blows his whistle in furious excitement as RVD hits the Five Star Frog Splash!!
The referee counts and it's 1....2....3!!!
WCW has a new United States Champion as Rob Van Dam gets a win on his debut in the main event!!!
The crowd goes wild at this shocking title change to end the show!
Stevie Ray and Sharmell look on disappointed as Bill Alfonso celebrates and RVD gets the title from the ref to celebrate.
The show ends with an tired and hurt looking Booker T looking crestfallen as RVD's music plays and he celebrates.
Rob Van Dam wins the WCW United States Championship via pinfall - (6.48) - (69 rated)
--------------------------------------
Show rating: 69
0.88 TV rating (667K viewers)
