WCW House of Cards 2001
Sunday 25 November 2001
41,000 crowd in Las Vegas, Nevada
Announcers: Tony Schiavone, Jerry 'The King' Lawler & Joey Styles
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Show opens with 'Clint Eastwood' by Gorillaz
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Tony, Jerry and Joey welcome fans to the FIRST EVER House of Cards PPV event live from Las Vegas, Nevada!
Tony Schiavone says we're here tonight in the City of Lights and one man in our main event tonight will put his name in the lights as he outlasts 19 others to book his spot in the main-event of Starrcade 2001!
Jerry Lawler says that's right Tony, but let's not forget there is another match tonight to determine who the other man in that main-event of Starrcade 2001 will be next month in Miami, Florida as 'The Bad Guy' Scott Hall looks to defend his WCW World Heavyweight Championship against his former friend 'The People's Champion' DDP!
Joey Styles says that's not all we've got tonight as our some would say 'reckless' Chairman and CEO will go head to head with the 'Hardcore Icon', the one, the only, The Sandman! And if The Sandman can win that match he will get a big money WCW contract!
Tony Schiavone says I hope that Shane McMahon can beat that Sandman and put an end to this once and for all! Also tonight folks Kanyon will put his WCW United States Championship on the line against Buff Bagwell, Akira Hokuto aims to defend her WCW World Women's Championship against Malia Hosaka, Juventud Guerrera, who is now the longest reigning WCW World Cruiserweight Champion of all time looks to defend his record against Tajiri, plus Chyna will compete in her first ever WCW PPV match as she faces Chigusya Nagoya!
But we're about to kick things off with a long running feud here in WCW, says Jerry Lawler, as our first match tonight is tag-team action!
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Match 1:
Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo vs The Nu Road Warriors (Road Warrior Animal & Road Warrior Dog)
Before this match we see a promo package showing how we got to this point. We see O'Haire & Palumbo as WCW World Tag Team Champions in first few episodes of Shane McMahon's Nitro. Then we see the return of The Road Warriors. Animal & Hawk beating O'Haire & Palumbo for the titles, then Hawk retiring, Road Warrior Dog debuting, O'Haire & Palumbo being upset at this and then Animal & Dog wining the belts against O'Haire & Palumbo
We see The Nu Road Warriors' success as champions as O'Haire & Palumbo fell from grace and became annoyed and disillusioned. Then the recent weeks where they began to feud prior to this match. We see Stacy Keibler prevent The Nu Road Warriors from getting the win which would've seen them challenge for the WCW World Tag Team Championship last Friday on Panic!
Prior to the matches we see Stacy Keibler sat at ringside ahead of the match watching on. Jerry Lawler gets very excited by this.
Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo come out looking pumped up for the match and the chance to get a win on the big stage.
We see Road Warrior Animal come out on a motorbike whilst Road Warrior Dog comes out on a moped. They both look up for the match as well.
This match is a fast-paced, hard-hitting 10 minute tag-team match which gets the crowd excited for the rest of the show.
All 4 men shine in this match with The Nu Road Warriors perhaps looking slightly better as the more experienced workers, but the team-work of O'Haire & Palumbo doesn't go un-noticed by the fans either.
The end of the match comes when a fatigued looking Road Warrior Animal gets caught by a big boot from Chuck Palumbo after trying to rush and spear him. Palumbo then punches Road Warrior Dog off the apron and sends him crashing down the floor. Sean O'Haire hits a Sean-ton bomb onto Road Warrior Animal, before Chuck Palumbo hits a big Elbow Drop and gets the win.
Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo win via pinfall - (10.30) - (68 rated)
After the match we see an impressed looking Stacy Keibler stand at ringside and clap O'Haire & Palumbo's performance.
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Shane's Casino Room backstage with Booker T, Rob Van Dam & Team Canada
In the back we see an elaborate Casino themed room where we see a hired actor as a "dealer" in a tuxedo who has 18 cards faced down on a table.
We see Ricky Steamboat, Eric Bischoff in a tux in his wheelchair and Sable in a very fancy looking dress
Ricky Steamboat greats Booker T, who is with Sharmell and Rob Van Dam who by chance enter the room at the same time.
The dealer says "Gentleman, at your leisure, please take the card that will determine what number you enter at in tonight's House of Cards match"
Booker T and Rob Van Dam debate about who will pick a card first. Booker wants to take a card first. Rob Van Dam says it's completely random anyway Book, it doesn't matter if you pick a card first or last, the odds of what you get are the same, man.
Just as he says this we see Team Canada, Lance Storm and Mike Awesome enter the room, get greeted and then they both immediately go up to the table and take a card each.
They look at their cards and compare. Mike Awesome perhaps seem slightly happier than Storm.
Booker T gets hot and says you guys want to jump me in the ring on Friday, then jump me in the queue here? How about I put you right through that table RIGHT NOW!!
Storm and Awesome tell Booker he can save it for the ring if he's not already eliminated by the time they enter the match.
Booker T doesn't look happy but then he and Van Dam take a card each. They don't show each other the card.
Booker shows Sharmell his card and she seems fairly pleased.
Rob Van Dam keeps a poker face and wishes Booker T the best of luck.
Freestyle segment with Team Canada, Booker T and Rob Van Dam - (87 rated)
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Match 2:
Chigusa Nagayo vs Chyna
We see the build up to this match explained as we first see Chyna's debut in WCW then the incidents with 'Sinister' James Mitchell and Eric Bischoff which saw Chyna initially suspended and then banned from Nitro. We see Chyna's rise as she starts beating women on Panic!, before the qualification matches for the WCW World Women's Championship at House of Cards where thanks to Akira Hokuto and Chigusa Nagayo she missed out.
We then see her feud with Nagayo in recent weeks including Nagayo hammering Chyna with a chair this past week on Friday Night Panic!
Chigusa Nagayo comes out first to boos from the crowd
Chyna then comes out to a decent pop. We see her holding her back a little bit. It seems she is still feeling the effects of Nagayo's steel chair shots from Friday night.
This match goes about 10 minutes and is a hard-hitting, brawl of a match where Chyna is looking for revenge on Nagayo and has a real point to prove.
Nagayo manages to evade a lot of Chyna's early attacks and acts like a bit of a cowardly heel to avoid the receipts she has coming to her, but as the match goes on she cannot escape from Chyna's grasp and we finally see Chyna going to work on her.
The end of the match comes when after Nagayo tries to get a cheap roll-up win where she holds the ropes, the referee catches her and has a go at her. Not long after this Chyna hits a massive Powerbomb before getting the victory.
Chyna wins via pinfall - (10.08) - (49 rated)
After the match Chyna stands tall in celebration.
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Shane's Casino Room backstage with Curt Hennig, Expressly American, 'Dr Death' and Steve Corino (with Don Callis)
We cut back to the Casino Room and we see the old-time friends Curt Hennig, Barry Windham, Mike Rotunda and 'Dr Death' Steve Williams (with Jimmy Hart) picking out their cards for the House of Cards match
Curt Hennig picks his first and seems okay with what he's got. 'Dr Death' goes next and he shows Jimmy Hart who nods encouragingly and says that's good Doc, that's good!
Barry Windham picks his card out next and doesn't look quite so pleased. Mike Rotunda picks his and doesn't react. Windham says "well it can't be worse than mine, Mike!" they then look at each other's card. Barry Windham laughs and says "I stand corrected!"
Steve Corino and Don Callis then walk in and the entire atmosphere of the room changes.
Don Callis complains to Ricky Steamboat that they weren't told earlier to come and get the cards. Ricky Steamboat explains it doesn't matter what order people take the cards as it's a blind draw at random and Don Callis tells him to shut up.
Steve Corino picks his card. He looks very disappointed by the card. Don Callis looks at it and looks pissed off. Don Callis says I told you, Steamboat, this thing is rigged! Callis then looks at Corino and says it's okay Steve, we can make this work, come on let's leave these losers to it.
Freestyle segment with Curt Hennig, Expressly American, 'Dr Death' Steve Williams, Ricky Steamboat and Steve Corino - (54 rated)
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JJ Dillon post-match interview with Chyna
JJ Dillon is interviewing a sweaty and exhausted looking Chyna
JJ says "Well Chyna, that was the first WCW PPV match we've seen from you. You showed Shane McMahon and Sable why they were right to bring you into this company. What's next for you?"
Chyna says "JJ, I've been waiting for a chance like that since I got here. It doesn't matter if Eric Bischoff or James Mitchell or whoever wants to try and keep me down... I am INEVITABLE! Whether it's Akira Hokuto or Malia Hosaka, it doesn't really matter... they know deep down, whoever wins tonight... at Starrcade in Miami, Florida... I'm coming for that WCW World Women's Championship and there isn't a woman or man alive who can stop me!"
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon and Chyna - (45 rated)
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Match 3:
Juventud Guerrera (c) vs Tajiri for the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship
To hype up this match we see the history of Juventud become WCW World Cruiserweight Champion in this current run. We see his wins over Billy Kidman, Shane Helms, Chavo Guerrero Jr and 'Sexy' Brian Lawler. It is hyped up as being the longest reign of a WCW World Cruiserweight Champion in the history of the belt.
Tajiri is then hyped up as a rising star in the WCW Cruiserweight Division. We see his impressive wins in the WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001, with wins over Gedo, Prince Iaukea and Psychosis on the way to just falling short to Kidman in the Final. We then see Tajiri beat 'Sexy' Brian Lawler to earn this shot at the title.
We see Juvi and Tajiri's brief feud in recent weeks which recently saw them in mixed tag action with La Diabolica and Sweet Saraya on Nitro.
Tajiri comes out first. We see Fit Finlay and Dave Taylor, his stable-mates in Fit's Fight Club walk him to the entrance ramp, then wish him luck as he heads down to the ring along looking composed and up for the match
Juvi comes out next, Psychosis and Super Crazy wish him luck from the entrance ramp before he makes his way to the ring smiling and looking confident and cocky for this defence.
This match is full of high-flying and technical cruiserweight action with two of the best young cruiserweights in the world today both putting in great performances in a match to showcase the division.
Juventud is on the back foot from early on as Tajiri is up for taking his shot. His stiff kicks and strikes limit Juvi's ability to get in control of the match and he takes a breather on the outside to compose himself, before Tajri comes flying through the ropes and nails him on the outside.
The match has many near falls as both guys narrowly kick out after the other has hit a devastating move on them.
The end of the match comes when Juventud goes for a Juvi Driver, but Tajiri manages to counter out of it and he nails Juvi with a massive Buzzsaw Kick!
Tajiri covers Juvi and the referee counts 1..2...3!! But no! The referee notices just after counting 3 that Juvi had his foot on the rope and he confirms that Tajiri didn't win the match and the match continues.
Tajiri doesn't look impressed with this but he fights on regardless.
Juvi eventually manages to hit a Juvi Driver and the referee counts the 1...2..3!!
But no!
Just before the referee counts to 3 he sees that Tajiri has his foot on the rope!
What drama!
Juvi is furious with the referee and angrily complains, but then Tajiri rolls him up from behind!
1...2...NO!
Juvi just kicks out and then in a sudden burst of anger he hits a massive drop kick to Tajiri which clatters him into the closest turnbuckle, before Juvi hits another Juvi Driver.
Juvi then goes to the top rope and he hits a 450 Splash! The referee counts and finally we have a winner!
Juventud retains via pinfall - (12.33) - (71 rated)
After the match Juvi celebrates wildly to the cameras with the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship.
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Shane McMahon / The Sandman segment
Backstage we see a cut scene where first we see Shane McMahon warming up in a training room in his ring gear for the big match later tonight
We see the parking lot where The Sandman appears to be arriving at the building with his trademark Singapore Cane. We see The Sandman smoking before discarding the cigarette and kicking it out.
Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon & The Sandman - (76 rated)
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Shane's Casino Room backstage with The Extreme Alliance & Terry Funk
We see Tommy Dreamer & Sabu, with The Chair Swingin' Freaks & Bill Alfonso about to get their respective cards when Terry Funk walks in
Dreamer and Sabu grunt acknowledgement towards Funk.
Funk says in spite of whatever has happened since you guys got here... I'm looking forward to stepping in the ring with you boys again tonight
Dreamer and Sabu take their cards.
Bill Alfonso eagerly looks at their cards. Sabu seems slightly happier with his card than Dreamer. Alfonso says neither of them are a disaster.
Funk then takes his card.
Funk laughs a bit. Alfonso looks at his card and says "oooh, bad luck there, Funker!" as The Chair Swingin' Freaks laugh and The Extreme Alliance leaves
Eric Bischoff tells Terry Funk it will be a good thing when you're gone from this company as an active performer! Funk looks like he might strike Bischoff but Steamboat tells him it's probably not the best move to make
Freestyle segment with The Extreme Alliance, Terry Funk & Eric Bischoff - (59 rated)
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Match 4:
Kanyon (c) vs Buff Bagwell (with Buff Daddy V) for the WCW United States Championship
We see the build up of this match hyping up how Kanyon won his first ever WCW title at Halloween Havoc by beating Sabu at Halloween Havoc and how happy he was
We then see his feud in recent weeks with Buff Bagwell which has got personal in recent weeks
In a pre-recorded promo Buff Bagwell says Kanyon should enjoy holding that WCW United States Championship whilst he still can. Bagwell says he's never won single's gold in WCW either, but that all changes tonight as he will take that belt from Kanyon by any means necessary!
Kanyon says he will hold onto this WCW United States Championship with his life and anyone who gets in his way will be sorry!
We see Buff Bagwell coming out with his tag-team partner and manager for the night, Buff Daddy V. Tony Schiavone on commentary speculates how much of an impact that big man in Buff's corner might have on tonight's events!
Kanyon comes out with the WCW United States Championship looking up for it but nervous nonetheless. It's a huge match for him as he defends a WCW title belt on the big stage for the first time in his career.
Kanyon starts the match aggressively as he looks to try and put Bagwell away early. Bagwell takes a bit of a beating early on and it looks like at one point like Kanyon could well squash him within 3 minutes. But just as Kanyon is gearing up to spear Bagwell, we see Buff Daddy V stand up on the apron to distract Kanyon.
Kanyon gets out of the ring and gets into a skirmish with Buff Daddy V on the outside. Bagwell is shouting at V not to hit Kanyon and get him disqualified as Kanyon would retain the title.
Buff Daddy V tries to stand his ground but as he can't touch Kanyon he ends up getting speared through a padded barrier separating the inside of the ring area and the crowd.
Whilst Buff Daddy V has been taken out, Bagwell takes this opportunity to jump Kanyon from behind. Bagwell gets some cheap shots in on Kanyon and then as the referee's count out has gotten to 5, Bagwell slams Kanyon into the steel steps. He beats him some more before pushing Kanyon back into the ring before the referee can count him out.
Kanyon looks in a bad way in the ring and the momentum is all Bagwell's. Bagwell hits a Neckbreaker onto Kanyon and then Buff goes for the Buff Blockbuster to try to pick up a big win, but as Buff jumps from the turnbuckle towards Kanyon, Kanyon manages to duck out the way, then he hits a spear onto Bagwell. Bagwell is in all kinds of pain but he gets back to his feet and Kanyon hits a Superkick!
He tries to pin Bagwell who just kicks out before 3!
Bagwell staggers back to his feet and Kanyon hits the Flatliner!
Kanyon goes for the pin and he's done it!
Kanyon retains via pinfall - (12.40) - (72 rated)
After the match an emotional Chris Kanyon celebrates with the WCW United States Championship which he will now carry with him on his Journey to Starrcade 2001.
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JJ Dillon standing by with DDP
We see a smiling DDP as JJ Dillon says well we're standing by with Diamond Dallas Page, you just saw your friend Kanyon retain the WCW United States Championship, any words for him first of all?
DDP says yeah, look, I'm immensely proud of what Chris has done. We had ups and downs in our past but since Shane took over the company we became friends again and look I'm just proud of the kid, man. He's worked hard for this and he's getting his flowers now and as a mentor to Chris I couldn't be happier for him, JJ.
JJ Dillon says and DDP you of course have a chance to get some flowers of your own tonight as you look to become a 4 time WCW World Heavyweight Champion tonight. Scott Hall said recently that you're not fit to tie his boots.
DDP says yeah look JJ I said in an interview earlier this week I thought Scott Hall was a friend for life. I respected him. I liked him. And look there's characters and persona's in-front of the cameras, we all play to up to it sure, but then there's ways to be around the boys when the cameras are off or not there. With Scott Hall before and some of his other buddies in the NWO, I know not everyone on with them in the ring, but outside the ring I always thought they were respectful to me. A lot of the shit they did was for the money, the controversy, I accept that, JJ. But what I don't accept is how Scott has been since Shane took over the company.
DDP says Shane brought Scott in on big money and Scott decided he was bigger and better than everyone else, when let me tell you, there's a lot of guys who if they had been available, if their contracts had been up sooner, I don't know if Scott Hall even comes in, certainly not on the money he's on. So Scott Hall likes to act the big guy... but I think he was just the right guy at the right time. Well that time is up Scott! At Starrcade 2001... I get my moment... I will beat you tonight and make sure I walk into the biggest event of the year as WCW World Heavyweight Champion... because if I don't then there is nothing else for me! I might not even be on that show and I can't let the people down...hell, I can't let myself down and as God is my witness I won't damn it!
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon and DDP - (99 rated)
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Shane's Casino Room backstage with Billy Kidman, Torrie Wilson, Shane Helms & fReEk-sHoW!
We first see Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson as Kidman gets his card, but just as he picks it out Shane Helms comes in and the pair reunite. Kidman says it's great to see Helms back after his injury. Helms thanks him and takes a card of his own.
They both look reasonably happy with what they got.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly dies down when Vampiro walks in with his Jugallo crew fReEk-sHow!
Vampiro walks up to the table and takes a card.
He looks fairly happy with his too. Then he stares at Kidman and Helms.
Vampiro says that it's great to see Shane Helms back after his unfortunate injury. Vampiro says tell your little friend The Hurricane that fReEk-sHoW! aren't done with him yet... not by a long shot!
fReEk-sHoW! then walks out as Helms looks annoyed
Sable makes a comment about how Vampiro is a horrific looking man and what he's done to Cynthia Lynch, Shannon Moore and Evan Karagias is a crime!
Freestyle segment with Kidman, Wilson, Helms, fReEk-sHoW! and Sable - (60 rated)
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Match 5:
Shane McMahon vs The Sandman - Unsanctioned Match: If The Sandman wins, then he gets a WCW Contract on "Rob Van Dam" money
Before the match we get a detailed promo package showing the history that set up this match. We see The Extreme Alliance's initial invasion of WCW Big Bang all those months ago, with The Sandman smashing Shane McMahon with a Kendo stick off the side of the stage.
We then see the War Games match and The Sandman choking Shane McMahon out
We see The Sandman getting "screwed" out of a chance at winning the WCW FXtreme Television Championship and then him eventually enlisting into the service of Scott Hall helping him win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship and becoming his driver.
We see what's gone down in recent weeks in the build up to this match after Halloween Havoc where The Sandman was rumoured to be paid off by Shane McMahon to get the belt off Scott Hall but then he went against that and cost Dustin Rhodes the match just to spite Shane and WCW.
The WCW Chairman and CEO, Shane McMahon, comes out first in his ring gear looking up for this fight against a man in The Sandman who has plagued WCW since he first arrived.
Before the match begins and The Sandman comes out Shane McMahon says on the mic that WCW does not sanction this match... but he does... he says he will show the world that The Sandman is a garbage wrestler that doesn't deserve to be on the big stage in a company like WCW!
The Sandman comes out through the crowd drinking a beer with his Singapore Cane
Shane McMahon sees that The Sandman has a weapon so he grabs a chair to even the odds before The Sandman gets to the ring
The lights dim before the match begin and then come back on and we're under-way.
This is a brutal hardcore match that goes just over 10 minutes with both guys beating the shit out of each other during the match.
The Sandman gets in a lot of Kendo stick shots on Shane, but Shane gives as good as he's got as he gets chair shots in on The Sandman. They fight throughout the main arena and then towards the end of the match they get to the announce table.
Lawler, Schiavone and Styles are flustered as the two brawl right by them.
At one point The Sandman pushes Jerry Lawler, who retaliates and punches The Sandman which allows a distraction so that Shane can hit him with his own Kendo stick and lay him out on the announce table.
Shane McMahon then climbs to the top of stage facing about a 10-15 foot drop onto the announce table.
Tony Schiavone and Jerry Lawler scream at Shane not to do it, but Shane leaps from the top of the stage towards The Sandman on the announce table. But The Sandman rolls off before Shane impacts with the table and Shane clatters into the announce table destroying it as Joey Style screams OHHH MY GODDDD!!!
This sends the momentum in the match to The Sandman's favour and he drags Shane McMahon to the top of the entrance ramp before hitting a White Russian Legsweep to the steel ramp.
Shane McMahon looks pretty out of it and the referee is asking Shane McMahon is he's had enough but says he's still good and won't quit.
The Sandman stomps him before walking over to the announce table. He looks at Tony Schiavone menacingly. Jerry 'The King' Lawler valiantly stands in-front of Tony Schiavone, but The Sandman nails him with a vicious punch! The Sandman then shouts at a terrified Tony Schiavone that he wants his tie! Tony Schiavone reluctantly takes off his tie and gives it to The Sandman who walks over to Shane McMahon.
Tony Schiavone calls for some help for Jerry Lawler off the mic whilst Joey Styles continues to call the match. Joey says he thinks The Sandman is going to choke Shane McMahon out with Tony Schiavone's tie!
Shane McMahon against the odds manages to stumble to his feet and puts his fists up as The Sandman comes back! Shane punches The Sandman but it's a weak-punch and the punch leaves him exposed! The Sandman easily manages to grab Shane and he begins to choke him out with Tony's tie!
Charles Robinson looks very concerned but Shane McMahon is fighting it until suddenly he's not and he's clearly fading out of consciousness!
Charles Robinson calls for the bell and The Sandman wins!
The Sandman wins via knock-out - (12.35) - (68 rated)
As the bell rings and Charles Robinson calls for The Sandman to let go of his grip The Sandman complies and Shane McMahon immediately collapses to the steel ramp in a heap.
The Sandman smiles at the camera and says "The Hardcore Icon has well and truly arrived in WCW!"
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JJ Dillon with Dustin Rhodes & Dusty Rhodes
JJ Dillon says well first of all, Dustin, Dusty, any thoughts on what we just saw?
Dustin shrugs his head as Dusty leans forward and says "Look JJ, what we just saw makes me sick to my stomach! The Sandman now a fully fledged member of the WCW roster, I hate to see that, damn it, baby! What he just did to Shane McMahon, chokin' him out with my good friend Tony Schiavone's tie, let me tell you somethin' JJ, that boy's got an ass-whoopin' comin' to him sooner rather than later and Shane McMahon's gonna have something to say about it!
JJ Dillon then says, Dustin, a huge night for you in the first ever House of Cards match... have you got your card yet? Do you know number you will enter the match in
Dustin says in a very solemn voice "JJ, I will take the last card that is left. It doesn't matter what card I pick up... not just because it's random, but because it doesn't matter if I enter 1st, 19th or anywhere else in between in this match... I have what nobody else in this match has and that's 13 years of burning desire to be the biggest star in this industry, in this great company WCW! The Sandman and Scott Hall robbed me of my dream at Halloween Havoc, but here in Las Vegas, Nevada I will avenge that loss... and then at Starrcade, Miami, Florida... the first Starrcade since Shane McMahon took over this company... the show that will put WCW back on the map... whether it's Scott Hall or DDP... it doesn't matter... that's MY DREAM... that's how I FINISH MY STORY! The fact is nobody else in this match has the desire that I have and I won't let ANYBODY.... ANYBODY beat me tonight!
Dusty Rhodes excitedly says "That's my boy, JJ! That's what I'm talking about, baby! The Rhodes family are winning big tonight!"
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon, Dustin Rhodes & Dusty Rhodes - (88 rated)
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Match 6:
Akira Hokuto (c) (with 'Sinister' James Mitchell) vs Malia Hosaka (with Terry Taylor)
We see the build-up to this match where Malia Hosaka won the chance to challenge for Akira Hokuto seemingly against the odds after Hokuto and Nagoyo took out Chyna from the competition.
We see Malia Hosaka saying she knows people might think she's just a stepping stone for Akira Hokuto but she says Hokuto has to take her seriously. She may be the underdog coming into this match but if Akira writes her off then it will be her walking to Starrcade 2001 as the WCW World Women's Champion instead!
Before the match we establish that Jerry Lawler is a little bruised and shaken up but he's okay to continue with the commentary for the rest of the night. Lawler says The Sandman has made an enemy out of him and he will have to answer for it!
Malia Hosaka comes out with her manager Terry Taylor looking up for the match
Akira Hokuto comes out next with the WCW World Women's Championship.
After winning the title in a Triangle match at The Great American Bash, Hokuto has so far defeated Meiko Satomura, La Diabolica, Sweet Saraya and most recently 'The Queen of the Underworld' Dawn-Macaria, but she has never faced Malia Hosaka 1 on 1 for the title.
This match is a bit more slow paced as we look to calm the crowd a little after the mayhem they've just seen with The Sandman and Shane McMahon
Malia Hosaka puts in a good performance in this match and at various points in the match outshines Akira Hokuto and certainly gives her something to think about like she could actually get the upset.
James Mitchell and Terry Taylor clash a little at ringside which heightens the tension in the match
The end of the match comes when Akira Hokuto looks to put Malia Hosaka in a Chokehold. Malia seems to know that once Akira locks anybody into that then it's game over so she manages to lift her up and slam her down on the mat to get out of it.
Malia Hosaka tries to get Akira Hokuto into a Hurracanrana, but Hokuto in a great feat of strength manages to just about catch her and hits a Dangerous Queen Bomb and she gets the win!
Akira Hokuto retains via pinfall - (9.46) - (40 rated)
After the match we see Chyna come out to the top of the entrance ramp and stares down Akira Hokuto who holds up her WCW World Women's Championship. 'Sinister' James Mitchell looks both scared and furious at seeing Chyna suggesting she's coming for the title.
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Shane's Casino Room backstage with Fit Finlay and Shawn Stasiak
We see Fit Finlay with Dave Taylor in the Casino Room. Ricky Steamboat offers his commiserations for Tajiri's loss to Fit saying Tajiri and Juvi put on a great show. Finlay says the kid is hurt but he will be back, but now it's my turn to step up to the plate!
Just as Finlay goes to pick a card we see Shawn Stasiak walk in with Mark Jindrak. Stasiak says given Fit Finlay is a road agent he wonders if he'll get a hand-picked card.
Finlay says he wouldn't need to ask for favours or cheat, he's got talent, unlike Stasiak. Stasiak and Jindrak stand off with Finlay and Taylor
The dealer then says calm down gentleman and please take a card
Finlay and Stasiak take a card each
They both look at their respective cards and look pretty happy with what they've got
Mark Jindrak says "damn Shawn, you got this thing in the bag, dude!"
Finlay shows Dave Taylor the card and Dave says "Huh, luck of the bloody Irish!"
Finlay tells Stasiak he'll see him in the ring if he hasn't been thrown out before he gets there!
Freestyle segment with Fit Finlay, Dave Taylor, Shawn Stasiak & Mark Jindrak - (51 rated)
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Match 7:
Scott Hall (c) vs Diamond Dallas Page for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
We see a promo package that documents how we got to this point
We see DDP winning the Poker tournament that earned him this shot against Scott Hall and the chance to headline Starrcade 2001 as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion
We see DDP's 3 previous reigns and his desire to win the title one last time and make a real legacy for himself in the company and the business.
We see his friendship with Scott Hall over the years and how that all ended up when Scott Hall screwed him and Booker T in the Triangle match at Bash at the Beach
We see how this feud has gone on over the last few weeks and how personal and bitter it has got.
We see DDP's desperation to get the title and the chance to walk into Starrcade as the Champion, then we see Scott Hall's passionate rant last week showing that he does care and he does want it too
DDP comes out to a massive pop. It is clear the fans are on his side and they want him to walk into Starrcade 2001 as the Champ! Tony Schiavone says DDP maybe the People's Champion, but will he be THE Champion once this match is said and done
Scott Hall walks out with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship once again into a PPV.
Since he "stole" that title against DDP and Booker T, he has beaten Curt Hennig in a Steel Cage match, 'Dr Death' Steve Williams and of course most recently under controversial circumstances he defeated Dustin Rhodes in an I Quit match in Texas.
Scott Hall and DDP stare each other down in the middle of the ring as the bell goes.
The tension in the air is pulpable as we get ready to see a bitter match fought before the two former friends.
This match goes just shy of 18 minutes and both men put it all on the line to try and walk into Starrcade 2001 with the Big Gold Belt
DDP feeds off of the energy of the crowd and puts in a fantastic performance, but DDP raising his game and his level surprisingly brings out the best in Scott Hall. Not many would have thought when he came to WCW that he would be capable of bringing back the level he was at in his prime, but Scott Hall to some eyes actually out-performs and out-wrestles DDP in this match
The story of the match is that DDP thought he wanted it more and that he could out-think and out-last Scott Hall, but Scott Hall proves to the world in this match that he does care about being the champion and he may even want it more than DDP does just to spite DDP!
The end of the match comes when the two end of fighting on the outside of the ring. At one point Scott Hall suplexes DDP onto the Steel Steps causing DDP's back to really seize up and hurt. DDP manages to get back in the match before the 10 count but he's shaken up by it.
Scott Hall then puts DDP up for the Razor's Edge, but DDP manages to counter out of it and HE HITS THE DIAMOND CUTTER!!!
Scott Hall is laid out in the middle of the ring! DDP surely has the win! But the impact of doing the Cutter on Scott Hall seems to seize up DDP's back again and he's delayed in covering the Champion.
The referee counts 1..2...3...NO!! Scott Hall kicked out just before 3 and DDP has his head in his hands. He thought he'd done enough to win it! But that delay cost him!
DDP rises to his feet and he waits patiently for Scott Hall to get back up. DDP doesn't look confident of hitting another cutter, so this time once Scott Hall gets up he goes for a Diamond Clash, but before he can do it he gets an elbow in the head from Scott Hall who counters it!
Scott Hall then hits a German Suplex on DDP who reels in pain when he feels the impact. DDP gets back to his feet and Hall gets him up for the Razor's Edge!
And Scott Hall nails him with it!
Scott Hall goes for the pin... and he gets the win!!
Scott Hall retains - (17.36) - (82 rated)
Scott Hall keeps hold of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship after a memorable match. He looks down at DDP who has a medic checking on him as he holds his back in pain. Scott Hall thinks about attacking him some more but just leaves him to it and walks off smiling.
---
Shane's Casino Room backstage with Dustin Rhodes and Dusty Rhodes
Just before the match itself begins we see 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes walk in confidently and take the last remaining card.
Dustin picks up his card. He looks blank. No reaction to it, completely no sells it.
Dusty says "come on, Dustin my boy, let your Daddy see what we workin' with tonight, baby!"
Dusty looks at the card like Christmas has come early. "I didn't call you The Natural for nothing, Dustin! I was worried about this leaving it to the last card tactic, son, but oh this is gonna be a special night tonight!
Freestyle segment with Dustin Rhodes & Dusty Rhodes - (74 rated)
---
Match 8 / Main Event:
The First Ever WCW House of Cards Match
The winner will challenge for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in the Main-Event of Starrcade 2001
Before the match we see a promo package hyping up this brand new match.
We see all of wrestlers announced for the match cut a 2-3 second promo on why they think they will win the match.
Tony Schiavone and Jerry 'The King' Lawler then explain the rules for the match
18 men have drawn a Card earlier tonight
2 of the men will have drawn a #2 card of a random suit. These 2 men will start the match at either #1 or #2.
16 other men will draw a Jack, Queen, King or Ace.
The Jacks will enter at random between #4 > #7
The Queens will enter at random between #8 > #11
The Kings will enter at random between #12 > #15
The Aces will enter at random between #16 > #19
There are 2 other men in the match. They are the Wildcard Jokers. These 2 men known only to Shane McMahon were randomly assigned either the #3 spot to enter before all of the suits, or the coveted #20 spot to enter after all of the other men have taken part.
Once the #1 spot and the #2 spot are in the ring the match will begin and the other 18 men will enter at 2 minute intervals.
Tony Schiavone says then without further adieu let's get this match and the Journey to Starrcade 2001 underway!
---
We hear a buzzer and the Tron shows:
#1 spot (of 20) - 2 of Diamonds - MIKE ROTUNDA
The fans wait to see if this is Barry Windham or Mike Rotunda and we soon have the answer! It is Mike Rotunda who is the unlucky man to draw #1 in this match! Rotunda has it all to do, but there's not many men more experienced in this match than Rotunda!
Mike Rotunda gets into the ring and awaits the #2 competitor
The buzzer goes and the Tron shows:
#2 spot (of 20) - 2 of Clubs - STEVE CORINO
It's Steve Corino! exclaims Tony Schiavone, but before we see Steve Corino the fans boo as we see his manager, Don Callis, walk out with a microphone first.
Don Callis says "Excuse me Las Vegas, my client has something he'd like to say!"
"Oh brother!" sighs Tony, as he complains about why we have to listen to that damn Don Callis. Can't we just get this match underway?
Mike Rotunda looks on pretty annoyed.
Don Callis on the microphone says "Mike Rotunda! Really? You know it's ironic you spent most of your career as a tax collector, because the fact that you're still getting a salary as a working wrestler is the biggest FRAUD scam I've ever seen!"
Mike Rotunda looks confused and angry towards Don Callis as he waits in the middle of the ring for - OHH!!!
Steve Corino from behind absolutely clatters Mike Rotunda with his WCW FXtreme Television Championship belt!
"That damn Don Callis was using himself as a distraction" says an outraged Tony Schiavone. Joey Styles laughs and says it's clever. Jerry Lawler says well with that Don Callis' dirty tricks and his ruthless attitude I think that Steve Corino, I think he's my pick!"
Steve Corino starts stomping on Mike Rotunda who struggles to defend himself after being jumped from behind.
The referees at ringside look a bit confused but both men are now in the ring so they ring the bell and the first ever House of Cards Match has begun!
Steve Corino drags Mike Rotunda to his feet and he hits an Old School Expulsion!
He then drags him to his feet once more and he throws him over the top rope and out!
MIKE ROTUNDA IS ELIMINATED (1 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
"That might be one of the most despicable things I've ever seen in this industry!" says Tony Schiavone, as he bemoans Corino for cheating Rotunda out of a chance at glory at House of Cards.
Don Callis laughs and claps Corino as he heads down towards the ring, gets up the steps and then hands a microphone to Steve Corino
Steve Corino then cuts a promo where he says "When I drew #2 I thought my chances of winning this match were severely limited... but Don Callis is the smartest man in the game and we devised a plan... if we could jump the first guy... then I turn this match from a House of Cards Match into a GAUNTLET MATCH... I just gotta wait for the other 18 other guys to come out... and I got 2 minutes to eliminate each one, well quite frankly, I LIKE THOSE ODDS!!"
Corino goes on and he says "I am the greatest WCW FXtreme Television Champion of all time... I include all the past legacies of the WCW World Hardcore and the WCW World Television Championship into that... I am better than Ricky Steamboat... I am better than Ivan Koloff… I am better than Dusty Rhodes, Roddy Piper, Greg Valentine, MIKE ROTUNDA!, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson...
The Tron starts the 10 second countdown for the Wildcard Joker entering at #3
Corino continues …"You know they talk about these Wildcard Jokers... the only Joke I see is that 2 guys who didn't even qualify for the match get to compete...well it doesn't matter... because the way I see it I AM THE MAN around WCW now... there ain't a single guy in that locker-room or has ever been in that locker-room that can stop me!"
Corino drops the mic and gets ready as the buzzer hits down to 1...
"WHAT?!?!?" shouts Jerry Lawler
"Oh my god..." signs Joey Styles
"COULD IT BE?!?" exclaims Tony Schiavone. "IT IS!!"
#3 (of 20) - WILDCARD JOKER - RIC FLAIR
In his full extravagant robe at the top of the entrance ramp it's the 8 time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and 10 time NWA World Heavyweight Champion... THE NATURE BOY... RIC FLAIR!!
The crowd are in full shock as Steve Corino and Don Callis in the ring can't believe it either!
Ric Flair strolls down to the ring with a big smile on his face and walks up the steps and gets into the ring
Steve Corino stares him down seemingly too shocked to move
Don Callis walks over to Ric Flair and Flair punches him in the mouth and then throws him over the top rope and he hits the floor in a big heap!
Ric Flair then stares down Steve Corino
We hear Ric Flair say "You think you're the man around here... well to be the man... YOU GOT TO BEAT THE MAN!!" Both the crowd and Tony Schiavone join in with the "got to beat the man" as Ric Flair unleashes some vicious chops to Steve Corino.
Corino is on the ropes but he seems to come to his senses and wakes up and he starts exchanging chops with Flair!
Jerry Lawler says he's not sure if Ric Flair is a guy you want to be exchanging chops with, but Corino and Flair take turns in whipping the shit out of it each other as the fans WOOOOO Flair's chops and BOOOO Corino's.
They then start trading punches and eventually Flair gets the better of him and he hits a Chop Block!
Corino is on the mat and Ric Flair senses the crowd want it... he sets Corino up for the FIGURE-FOUR LEGLOCK!!!
The fans are on their feet as Flair teases it before finally putting Corino in it and Corino is crying out in agony!
Corino looks like he wants to tap out... Corino grabs the ropes but it's a House of Cards match... there are no rope-breaks or disqualifications!
Corino in desperation then starts tapping out!
Corino taps to Flair! exclaims Tony Schiavone, as Joey Styles says it doesn't matter.
On the tron we see the 10 second count-down to the #4 entrant as Ric Flair relents the Figure-Four Leglock submission and stands to one side waiting for the next entrant as Steve Corino lays on the floor in agony.
5...4...3...2..1...
#4 (of 20) - JACK OF CLUBS - TERRY FUNK
Ric Flair looks on with a wry smile as we see The Funker! It's Terry Funk next.
Terry Funk walks confidently towards the ring as Tony Schiavone says there's a lot of history between Ric Flair and Terry Funk! Almost 12 years to the day they fought in a memorable I Quit Match at the NWA Clash of the Champions IX in New York! Some would say one of the greatest I Quit matches of all time... who would have thought they'd facing off tonight!
Terry Funk gets into the ring and he stares down Ric Flair.
The fans pop as the two legends of wrestling look at each other, then look down at Steve Corino who notices them looking at him and looks scared.
Joey Styles reminds fans that Steve Corino and Terry Funk have some very recent history. They went to a time-limit draw for Corino's FXtreme Television title last week and just 2 nights ago on Friday Night Panic! Corino beat Funk but he jumped him from behind before the match!
Funk and Flair seem to have come to some sort of arrangement. The fans cheer. Corino staggers to his feet and Flair gives him a massive chop (fans WOOOO) and then Terry Funk gives him a punch (fans cheer) this carries on for a few more rounds until Corino hits the deck.
Funk and Flair then take times stomping Corino, before Flair pulls him up to his feet. He gives him over for Funk and he tells Funk to hit him with a DDT! Funk waits to see what the fans want, the fans cheer him... and he nails Corino with a DDT!
Steve Corino lays in the ring flat out on his back. Terry Funk is signalling to Ric Flair. The fans cheer... Ric Flair starts shouting and hyping himself up, he goes against the ropes and comes back and hits a dramatic Elbow Drop to Corino!
Steve Corino tries to pull himself to his feet. We see the tron indicating 10 seconds until the next entrant and Jerry Lawler mentions how Steve Corino could do with any kind of ally or someone to come in who doesn't want to just join in this beat down of him!
Before the buzzer goes we see Funk and Flair looking down and a desperate Corino watching on from the mat.
5...4...3...2..1...
#5 (of 20) - JACK OF DIAMONDS - BARRY WINDHAM
Steve Corino's face goes from looking worried to worse as at the top of the entrance ramp we see a furiously determined looking Barry Windham run down the aisle and slide into the ring.
It's Barry Windham! exclaims Tony Schiavone. At the start of this match we saw Steve Corino take liberties and essentially cheat Windham's tag-team partner Mike Rotunda out of this match... well I think he might be about to try and avenge that here...
Windham looks at Flair and Funk and then down at a Corino who is almost on his knees begging.
Flair and Funk put their hands up indicating they're willing to let Barry Windham have his way with Steve Corino.
Corino gets to his feet and Windham hits him with a huge Lariat! Corino clatters to the mat and then Windham pulls him up to his feet by his hair, he then signals for Flair and Funk, all 3 of them grab part of Corino and they enthusiastically run him over to the other side of the ring facing the entrance ramp and together they throw him over the top ropes and he crashes down and out onto the mat below!
STEVE CORINO IS ELIMINATED (2 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Don Callis is furious at ringside but it doesn't matter, his client is out, so far the 1st and 2nd entrant have been the 1st and 2nd eliminations!
The crowd cheer as they see Windham, Flair and Funk standing tall in the ring. But wait!
Ric Flair grabs Terry Funk by the back of his neck and drags him to the other side of the ring and throws him over the top rope!
"They don't call him the dirtiest player in the game for nothing, Tony!" exclaims Jerry Lawler, but wait!
Terry Funk just about manages to skin the cat and roll back into the ring!
Ric Flair turns round and looks surprised as Terry Funk gets to his feet and looks angry at Flair. He points to his old rival and then the two start fighting!
Windham watches on from the corner as they take turns with Flair chopping to (fans WOOO) and Funk punches Flair as the fans cheer as the two legends beat the hell out of each other.
Ric Flair seems to get the better of Funk as one big chop causes Funk to fall to the mat in defeat.
Flair turns round and OH! Windham hits Flair with a massive Lariat and Flair hits the deck!
It is every man for himself! says Tony Schiavone.
Barry Windham stands tall with both Flair and Funk down as the Tron starts counting down the next entrant.
5...4...3...2..1...
#6 (of 20) - JACK OF HEARTS - LANCE STORM
We see the next entrant, 1 half of the WCW World Tag Team Champions, Lance Storm, come out wearing his title belt. He gets booed.
Lance Storm runs down to the ring and slides in facing off against Barry Windham as the two stare down.
Terry Funk suddenly rushes over to Storm but Storm nails him with a Super Kick which sees Funk immediately crash to the ground.
It's the USA vs Canada! exclaims Jerry Lawler
Tony Schiavone mentions how Team Canada and Expressly American still have unfinished business with each other. In every direct tag match they've had it's gone to a draw!
Lance Storm and Barry Windham start exchanging blows in the middle of the ring as Flair watches on recovering from the corner sitting down as Funk crawls to a corner himself.
Lance Storm hits several German Suplexes in a row to Windham which takes the wind out of him a bit. Lance Storm then tries to clothesline Windham out of the ring to eliminate him as Windham staggers to his feat, but Windham manages to block him and the two fight on the ropes with both men trying to eliminate the other.
Suddenly, Ric Flair gets to his feet and he tries to eliminate both men whilst they're distracted! But both Windham and Storm manage to block Flair's efforts and Lance Storm hits a drop-kick on Flair who hits the mat.
Storm and Windham then go back to trading blows. Windham manages to get the better of Storm and catches him off guard with a Suplex. Just as Windham is pulling Storm to his feet to attempt to try and eliminate him they get distracted by the Tron countdown.
5...4...3...2..1...
#7 (of 20) - JACK OF SPADES - TOMMY DREAMER
Tommy Dreamer appears at the top of the entrance ramp and he's got a Baseball bat covered with the Jack of Spades on it.
Dreamer runs down to the ring and slides in with the bat.
Windham rushes over to Dreamer but gets a Baseball bat to the chest before Dreamer smashes him on the back to knock him down.
Lance Storm tries to Super Kick him but Dreamer ducks out of it, then when Storm turns back round he gets a Baseball bat blow to the head.
Terry Funk gets to his feet with his fists up to fight a former ECW rival but Dreamer batters Funk who also hits the deck.
Tommy Dreamer then walks over to Ric Flair who is on his knees.
Dreamer looks ready to show no mercy to Flair, but Flair on his knees looks really concerned and is practically begging Dreamer not to hit him.
The fans cheer as they seem to know what's up.
Before Dreamer can think any more about it Flair upper-cuts him in the groin region with a devastating low-blow! The fans cheer as Dreamer drops the bat and in complete agony holds his nuts as he collapses to the ground.
Ric Flair kicks Dreamer's bat out of the ring before he puts Tommy Dreamer in a Figure Four Leglock!
The fans cheer as Dreamer immediately starts tapping out but it doesn't matter of course as it's a Battle Royale. Flair knows this but inflicting pain on an opponent still doesn't go amiss in such a match.
Dreamer is in total agony as Flair strolls to his feet dancing and the fans are loving it. Tommy Dreamer stumbles to his feet to get up and Flair takes him to a corner and starts whipping the piss out of him as the fans WOOOOO every chop that he gives Dreamer to the point that Dreamer's chest is red raw.
Barry Windham has got to his feet now and Ric Flair irish whips Dreamer towards Windham who hits a devastating Lariat to Dreamer who is down and out in the middle of the ring!
Flair and Windham then start trying to eliminate each other in the corner as the tron signals the next entrant.
5...4...3...2..1...
#8 (of 20) - QUEEN OF DIAMONDS - ROB VAN DAM
The fans pop as we see ROB...VAN...DAM ran out from the top of the entrance ramp.
Jerry Lawler excitedly exclaims "that's my pick! Van Dam is my pick!" as R-V-D goes down to the ring.
Van Dam actually enters the ring after climbing to the top rope and hitting a Flying Crossbody onto Barry Windham to take him out.
Van Dam gets to his feat and he hits a Spinning Wheel Kick to Terry Funk, before taking out Lance Storm with a vicious right hook.
Tommy Dreamer is still lying in a heap on the ground.
Ric Flair looks at Rob Van Dam seeming impressed. Van Dam asks Flair if he minds and Flair shrugs.
Rob Van Dam hits a Rolling Thunder onto Dreamer! Ric Flair then immediately does his extravagant Elbow Drop to Dreamer as the fans cheer a Rob Van Dam and Ric Flair double-team!
Van Dam and Flair then eye each other up in the middle of the ring.
The fans are excited as Rob Van Dam and Ric Flair start trading blows!
Flair chops Van Dam, who chops Flair back! Eventually Flair tries to clothesline Van Dam, but Van Dam ducks out of it and then hits a Spinning Wheel Kick to knock floor down to the mat.
Rob Van Dam stands tall in the middle of the ring and does the ROB...VAN....DAM pose as Jerry Lawler says that's why he's my pick, Tony!
Barry Windham is back on his feet now and he catches the show-boating Van Dam off guard with a punch to the back of his head. Barry Windham then grabs Van Dam by the back and he throws him over the top rope to eliminate him!
Windham turns his back to celebrate, but he doesn't see that Van Dam has skinned the cat!
Van Dam in an impressive display of strength pulls himself back up and over the top rope into the ring and when an unexpecting Windham turns round Van Dam throws a big kick at him. But Windham catches Van Dam's leg, but wait! Van Dam hits an Enzuigiri with the other foot to take out Windham!
As this happens we see the Tron indicate it is time for someone else to enter!
5...4...3...2..1...
#9 (of 20) - QUEEN OF HEARTS - MIKE AWESOME
Rob Van Dam stares down the top of the entrance ramp as we see Lance Storm's tag-team partner, the other half of the WCW World Tag Team Champions, Mike Awesome!
Jerry Lawler gets excited and says it's the CAREER KILLER, THE FAT-CHICK THRILLER!
Mike Awesome storms into the ring as Lance Storm gets to his feet. Van Dam gets ready to launch himself at Awesome but before he can do so he gets a Super Kick from Lance Storm and flies towards Mike Awesome who lifts him up and hits an Awesome Bomb!
Van Dam lands in a heap on the floor as Lance Storm and Mike Awesome stand tall!
Terry Funk gets to his feet ready to fight them both but Mike Awesome kicks him in the chest before hitting an Awesome Bomb to Funk for good measure!
Tommy Dreamer and Ric Flair both rise to their feet and we then see Mike Awesome trading blows with Tommy Dreamer as Lance Storm and Ric Flair work each other.
Mike Awesome whips Dreamer towards Lance Storm who hits a Super Kick to Dreamer as he gets a break in his battle with Flair. Storm then whips Flair to Mike Awesome who then nails Flair with a Pop-up Sitout Awesome Bomb!
Team Canada are running roughshod over the entire field as they've delivered damage to Funk, Flair, Dreamer and Van Dam, but wait!
Barry Windham has got to his feet and he hits a huge Lariat to Awesome!
Lance Storm is very annoyed and he goes for a Super-Kick to Barry Windham, but Windham manages to duck out of it, he uses his momentum to go into the ropes and then come running back towards Storm and with his momentum he hits a huge clothesline to Lance Storm and the momentum helps see Storm go flying over the top rope and out of the match as he hits the floor below!
LANCE STORM IS ELIMINATED (3 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Lance Storm looks furious at ringside!
Team Canada looked in control of the match since Mike Awesome made his entrance, but a split second of not paying attention gave Barry Windham the advantage that he needed!
Barry Windham smiles to himself as he starts trading blows with Mike Awesome who has now got to his feet and is looking to avenge his fallen tag-team partner.
Windham and Awesome land punches on each other without a conclusion, as we then see Van Dam rise to his feet and after going to the top rope he hits a Cannonball Senton as he clatters into both Windham and Awesome knocking them all to the mat in a pile.
We see Flair, Funk and Dreamer in separate corners recovering as the tron begins to countdown to the next entrant as Van Dam is the only man standing.
5...4...3...2..1...
#10 (of 20) - QUEEN OF CLUBS - SABU
It's Sabu!
Van Dam stares down to the entrance ramp as his nemesis who he fought with for the WCW United States Championship appears at the top of the ramp. Sabu as a Steel Chair in hand and Bill Alfonso, who turned traitor on Rob Van Dam, accompanies Sabu to the ring.
Sabu runs down to the ring with the chair.
Sabu enters and stands at his feet staring down Van Dam with the chair, but before Van Dam can do anything he gets clobbered from behind by Tommy Dreamer! It's Sabu's ally in The Extreme Alliance as Dreamer and Sabu laugh.
Ric Flair then comes running up to them but Sabu clatters him with a chair. Terry Funk is still recovering from a sit-down position in the corner, before he can get up Tommy Dreamer rushes over and kicks him in the head keeping him prone in the bottom corner. Dreamer then takes the chair and gives it to Funk to hold as Sabu runs to the corner and baseball slides the chair to Funk's head!
OH MY GODD!!! cries Joey Styles on commentary.
Bill Alfonso is busy at ringside as he pulls out a table from under the ring and sets it up on the side of the entrance ramp nearest the ring.
Alfonso then pulls out a ladder from under the ring to set it up in a position close to the table.
What does that idiot Bill Alfonso have planned here?! asks Tony Schiavone incredulously.
Barry Windham and Mike Awesome now rise to their feet and they seem to both attack Dreamer and Sabu at the same time.
Dreamer manages to avoid getting take out by Windham and he then hits a DDT to Windham, before Sabu and Dreamer double team Mike Awesome with a double clothesline causing him to hit the mat.
Dreamer then throws Windham over the top rope carefully and positions him on top of the table on the outside. The announcers mention that Windham's feet have not hit the floor so he is not currently eliminated.
Alfonso then instructs Sabu who rolls out under the bottom rope and starts to climb the ladder!
Oh god! says Tony Schiavone. Sabu rolling under the bottom rope isn't eliminated, but if he climbs this ladder and does what I think he might do then poor Barry Windham will be out of the match!
Just before Sabu gets to the top of the ladder though Barry Windham manages to roll from the ladder back under the rope and into the ring!
Sabu stands near the top of the ladder unsure what to do next, but wait!
Mike Awesome has got back to his feet and he's fought off Tommy Dreamer! Van Dam hits a Spinning Wheel Kick to Dreamer, who goes flying towards Mike Awesome who lifts Dreamer up into an Awesome Bomb position... Mike Awesome carries Dreamer over to the ropes nearest the entrance ramp an OHH MY GODDD!!!! screams Joey Styles as Mike Awesome throws Dreamer in an Awesome Bomb from inside to the ring through to the table on the outside!
Dreamer crashes through the table in a big heap and out of this match!
TOMMY DREAMER IS ELIMINATED (4 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Bill Alfonso is furious at ringside. The Extreme Alliance's plan hasn't worked at all here.
Sabu still stands at the top of the ladder as we see Van Dam, Awesome, Windham, Funk and Flair watching on in the ring and OH MY GOD!!!!
Sabu hits a huge dive into the ring and lands in a heap on top of all the other 5 men in the ring. The 6 men left in the match all hit the mat in a heap as the Tron counts down the next entrant.
5...4...3...2..1...
#11 (of 20) - QUEEN OF SPADES - CURT HENNIG
Curt Hennig gets a decent pop at the top of the entrance ramp as he jogs down to the ring and slides into it.
Terry Funk is the first man to scramble to his feet and he gets hit by a Swinging Knee Lift!
Funk clatters the mat as Sabu is up next and Curt Hennig hits a Snapmare followed by a Rolling Neck Snap!
Van Dam is on his feet and Hennig nails him with a huge Dropkick!
Mike Awesome comes over and he gets nailed with a Dropkick too!
It's then Ric Flair who comes stumbling over to Hennig and the fresh Hennig hits a Perfect Plex!
Curt Hennig stands tall in the middle of the ring and the last man up is Barry Windham!
There's a lot of recent and long-term history between these two men as Barry Windham walks over to Curt Hennig and high fives him. It looks like certainly for the mean time they may have agreed to work together!
Hennig and Windham target Mike Awesome as Curt Hennig whips Awesome into Windham who hits a huge Lariat on Awesome knocking him down. Before he can get up Curt Hennig runs over towards him and hits a Rolling Neck Snap!
Awesome eventually stumbles to his feet and Windham and Hennig go for a the double clothesline to take him over the top rope and out of the match and they nail Awesome with it...and AWESOME IS ELIMINATED!!!
MIKE AWESOME IS ELIMINATED (5 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Windham and Hennig high 5 once again as Tony Schiavone mentions how Barry Windham of Expressly American has now played a part in both eliminations for the WCW World Tag Team Champions, Team Canada!
Sabu and Rob Van Dam are back to their feet and Windham and Hennig take them to respective corners to start fighting and trying to eliminate either man as we see the Tron indicating another competitor is on their way!
5...4...3...2..1...
#12 (of 20) - KING OF HEARTS - BOOKER T
There is a huge pop from the fans as Booker T comes out to entrance ramp!
Booker T, that's my pick! says Jerry Lawler, not for the first time in the match
Booker T runs down to the ring and he immediately starts going to down on everyone in the ring.
Terry Funk rushes over to Booker T who hits him with a Flapjack!
Booker T then nails Rob Van Dam with a Spin Kick!
Sabu comes running from the ropes towards Booker T, but Booker ducks out of the way, then when Sabu comes back he hits him with a Flying Forearm Smash!
Ric Flair gets in a Chop on Booker T and then starts trying to grapple with Booker, but Booker twists Flair's arm and then nails him with an Arm Twist Side Kick!
Barry Windham and Curt Hennig still seem on the same page. Booker T has gone to war with Curt Hennig in recent times and he stares them both down as Booker T questions whether Curt will double team against him. Curt seems to shrug and then apologise to Booker but he's in it to win it!
Curt and Windham charge Booker T. Booker T immediately nails Hennig with a 110th Street Slam and then it's just Booker T and Barry Windham.
Barry Windham and Booker T start trading blows and Booker T has the upper hand... he hits a massive Book-End on Windham!
Windham stumbles to his feet and then Booker T charges him and hits a huge clothesline to him onto the ropes and the momentum sees Windham sent crashing over the ropes and out of the match!
BARRY WINDHAM IS ELIMINATED (6 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Curt Hennig gets up and looks at Booker T disappointed that Windham has been eliminated. Booker T shrugs and apologises to Curt like he did just now and then Booker T and Curt Hennig start trading blows in the middle of the ring!
Booker T manages to wind Curt Hennig and then as Hennig bends over we see Booker T run the ropes and then hit a Scissor Kick to lay Curt Hennig out in the middle of the ring.
The fans cheer Booker T as every other guy in the ring is either on the mat, in the corner recovering or not on their feet yet.
Booker T goes over to the corner where Sabu is and starts grappling with Sabu trying to throw him out of the ring but Sabu manages to resist enough to stay in.
We then see the Tron counting down the next entrant.
5...4...3...2..1...
#13 (of 20) - KING OF SPADES - VAMPIRO
In the ring we see Booker T and Sabu fighting in one corner, Ric Flair and Rob Van Dam in another trying to eliminate each other, whilst Curt Hennig and Terry Funk struggle to make their way to their feet.
Vampiro comes out with lYnCh! and is in no rush to get into the ring.
Before Vampiro gets into the ring he calls out.
From under the ring we see rAgE? yEs! and mOrE-bId! come out and Vampiro sends them into the ring!
rAgE? yEs! and mOrE-bId! are both obviously fresh and not entrants in the match but they hit a double drop-kick on Terry Funk, before they hit a double clothesline on Curt Hennig who has just stumbled to his feet.
Vampiro then shouts at them to get some weapons.
rAgE? yEs! and mOrE-bId! begin to retrieve the discarded ladder from earlier on and they look like they're going to go in the ring with it to cause some chaos as they carry the ladder together, when wait!
We see what looks like a fan jump onto the top of the barricade and... it's The Hurricane!
The Hurricane jumps from the barricade down and then takes them out from behind before they can do any damage with the ladder.
The Hurricane then sprints over to Vampiro and hits a Crossbody onto him from the outside. The Hurricane bounces to his feet, picks Vampiro up and he throws him into the match right into the middle of the ring.
The Hurricane then picks up the ladder and he chases both rAgE? yEs! and mOrE-bId! down the entrance ramp and out of the arena through the curtain!
Vampiro comes to his feet in the middle of the ring and sees a sea of angry faces looking at him.
Ric Flair hits a massive chop on him which sees him stagger to the ground, he gets up but then Curt Hennig hits a Perfect Plex on him, before Sabu hits an Springboard Arabian Press!
As Vampiro staggers to his feet he gets nailed with a Spinning Heel Kick by Booker T, before Terry Funk hits a vicious DDT on him and then Rob Van Dam cheered on by the rest of the ring hits a Five Star Frog Splash!
Flair, Funk, Van Dam, Sabu, Hennig and Booker T all then drag Vampiro to his feet and all 6 men help bundle him over the top rope and out of the ring to the outside!
VAMPIRO IS ELIMINATED (7 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
The 6 men then start trading blows with each other as we see the Tron indicate another entrant is soon to come out...
5...4...3...2..1...
#14 (of 20) - KING OF DIAMONDS - SHANE HELMS
We see Shane Helms at the top of the entrance ramp come out to a decent pop
Vampiro looks on still laying on his back on the outside in shock and defeat at what's happened.
Vampiro staggers to his feet and he shouts at Shane Helms that this is all his fault! Shane Helms just laughs at him as rushes into the ring and into the match, as Vampiro can be heard shouting "THIS ISN'T OVER!" before hastily walking out
Shane Helms is in the match and ready to put his stamp on proceedings
Helms hits a drop-kick to Terry Funk, before hitting a running clothesline on Sabu before he hits a Swinging Neckbreaker onto Curt Henning.
Ric Flair appears and starts trading blows with him, but then Helms manages to get the best of a tired flair and he hits a Vertebreaker to Flair!
Shane Helms is firing on all cylinders and on fire in there, but as he raises towards Rob Van Dam he eats a Spinning Heel Kick. Helms staggers to his feet and then gets a Spinning Heel Kick from Booker T, as Booker T seems to say "anything you can do, I can do better" to Rob Van Dam.
Helms just about gets to his feet and Booker T and Rob Van Dam seem to give each other a questioning look... and then they join forces momentarily as they both grab hold of Shane Helms and they throw him up and over the top rope out of the match!
SHANE HELMS IS ELIMINATED (8 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
A short but sweet run from Shane Helms in this match! exclaims Tony Schiavone, as the fans pop to see Booker T and Rob Van Dam now staring down each other.
Booker T and Rob Van Dam, two of the favourites for the match start trading blows with each other in the middle of the ring as Flair, Funk, Sabu and Hennig recover each in 1 of the 4 corners of the ring.
Booker T seems to get the better of Van Dam and he goes for a Book-End, but Van Dam counters by somersaulting over Booker T and then feinting a kick before sweeping Booker's legs out.
As Booker T pulls himself to his feet in anger we see the Tron signalling the next entrant
5...4...3...2..1...
#15 (of 20) - KING OF CLUBS - FIT FINLAY
We see Fit Finlay, the last of the Kings at the top of the entrance ramp. Tony Schiavone says well Fit Finlay is the King of Clubs tonight and look he's brought out a Club of his own as he's got his Irish Shillelagh with him!
Finlay runs down to the ring and slides in to the ring.
Van Dam goes towards him but Finlay nails him with the Shillelagh, Booker T goes for a Super Kick on him but Finlay ducks and then nails Booker T with it too.
Terry Funk and Ric Flair charge him but Finlay smashes them both with it too.
Curt Hennig manages to wrestle hold of Fit and he grabs the Shillelagh off him and chucks it out of the ring, but before Curt can hit a German Suplex on Finlay, Finlay manages to counter out of it and nails Curt Hennig with a massive European Uppercut
It's just Finlay and Sabu standing now. We see Bill Alfonso at ringside try to give the Shillelagh to Sabu, but Finlay rushes over and hits a Slingshot Baseball Slide and clatters Alfonso to the floor as Finlay gets back into the ring.
Sabu though uses this distraction to start smashing Finlay in the back of the head, but Finlay soon manages to counter Sabu and he smashes him in the ribs before picking Sabu up and nailing him with a Celtic Cross!
Jerry Lawler excitedly says "Fit Finlay! That's my pick!"
Finlay is in the mood for a fight but he's taken everyone out!
Rob Van Dam is just about struggling to his feat and Finlay grabs him by the ponytail and tries to throw him out of the ring and out of the match and he does it! But no! Van Dam skins the cat for the 2nd time in the match and this time Van Dam hits a Springboard Drop-Kick to Finlay which really takes the wind out of him as he crashes to the mat in agony.
Booker T then gets to his feet and we see Booker T and Rob Van Dam stare each other down.
Terry Funk and Ric Flair then get to their feet. We see Flair on Booker T's side and Van Dam on Terry Funk's side. The 4 men then start trading blows with each other before not long after we see the Tron indicate it is time for someone else to enter!
5...4...3...2..1...
#16 (of 20) - ACE OF DIAMONDS - 'DR DEATH' STEVE WILLIAMS
We see 'Dr Death' Steve Williams at the top of the entrance ramp looking fired up for this match.
He looks fresh and fired up for the match as he comes roaring down to the ring!
Steve Williams enters the match and business picks up immediately!
He charges into the ring and hits a huge Lariat on Terry Funk who hits the deck.
Williams then hits a Belly to Belly Suplex on Booker T!
Rob Van Dam looks to capitalise on Williams being distracted by Booker T so when Dr Death gets back up he runs over but he gets nailed with a Spinning Spinebuster!
Ric Flair is on his feet and starts chopping Williams, but then Williams manages to counter into a Backdrop Driver onto the Nature Boy!
Finlay comes charging towards him but he gets a Dr Bomb for his trouble!
Sabu then launches himself towards 'Dr Death' from the top rope but Steve Williams catches him! Williams then goes for an Oklahoma Stampede on Sabu! He carries Sabu and slams him into one corner of the ring, then he slams him into another corner of the ring before he tips Sabu up and over the top rope and lets him fall down to the mat below!
SABU IS ELIMINATED (9 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Bill Alfonso furiously blows his whistle at ringside, but it doesn't matter, Sabu is out of this match!
'Dr Death' Steve Williams stands tall as he looks at the destruction he's caused in the ring. Curt Hennig staggers to his feet and he walks on over to 'Dr Death'.
Curt Hennig seems to gesture to Steve Williams about working together as a team, as another ally, can Hennig pull off another temporary deal to help himself out in this match? But 'Dr Death' is fired up to the point he doesn't seem to want to listen to Curt Hennig and he starts trading blows with him.
Curt Hennig is on the backfoot and Steve Williams grabs him by the scruff of his neck and he throws Curt Henning up and over the top rope!
Williams is super fired up, but he doesn't seem to realise Curt Hennig has skinned the cat and pulled himself back into the ring!
Williams comes back towards Hennig and Hennig hits a massive drop-kick to the Dr!
Steve Williams is back on his feet and both men go for a running Lariat and take each other out! Williams and Hennig are both down as the Tron indicates our next entrant is coming...
5...4...3...2..1...
#17 (of 20) - ACE OF CLUBS - BILLY KIDMAN
It's Kidman! exclaims Tony Schiavone. The WCW Cruiserweight Classic 2001 Winner, who as part of his winner's speech he indicated he was going up a weight-class and using that win to propel himself into the House of Cards Match and a chance at glory at Starrcade 2001... well here's his chance, here's his moment!
Kidman runs down the ramp and slides into the ring
As soon as Kidman gets to his feet he's greeted by Ric Flair who chops him and then whips him into the corner, but Kidman does a Corner Handstand and then does a Headscissors Takedown on the Nature Boy!
Fit Finlay comes charging towards him and looks to hit a Powerbomb onto Kidman, but Kidman reverses and nails Finlay with a Hurricanrana!
Booker T tries grabbing hold of Kidman, but Kidman manages to grab Booker T, take him to the corner and hit a Springboard Bulldog to the former 4 time WCW World Heavyweight Champion!
Rob Van Dam comes charging over with a Spinning Heel Kick but Kidman ducks out of it, Kidman goes to kick Van Dam but Van Dam counters by grabbing his leg, but then Kidman gives Van Dam a taste of his own medicine with an Enzuigiri with his other foot!
Terry Funk is back to his feet and Kidman nails him with a BK Bomb!
Kidman is on a roll here! says Tony Schiavone excitedly, before Kidman gets nailed by Curt Hennig with a massive drop-kick.
Curt Hennig gets to his feet and demands Kidman nail him with the best he's got.
Kidman nails Hennig with a massive drop-kick that damn near knocks Hennig out of the ring, but Henning rolls back against the ropes and comes towards Kidman for a clothesline but Kidman manages to duck and get out of it.
But just as Kidman ducks out of it he gets absolutely nailed by a spear from 'Dr Death' Steve Williams!
Kidman lays in a heap in the corner as 'Dr Death' laughs down at him, when he turns round he gets hit by a massive drop-kick from Curt Hennig and the huge momentum from Hennig's drop kick sends Steve Williams over the top rope!
'Dr Death' manages to cling onto the rope from the outside and manages to pull himself up on the apron, but Booker T nails him with a Running Forearm Smash then sends him crashing down to the floor below!
'DR DEATH' STEVE WILLIAMS IS ELIMINATED (10 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Tony Schiavone says 'Dr Death' will be disappointed with being eliminated so early with just 1 elimination, but Curt Hennig showing there why you can't afford to switch off in this match even just for a second!
We then see the Tron indicate the next entrant...
5...4...3...2..1...
#18 (of 20) - ACE OF SPADES - Shawn Stasiak
We see Shawn Stasiak at the top of the entrance ramp
A fantastic draw for Stasiak to get 18th spot here, says Jerry Lawler, can the kid take advantage of it?
Shawn Stasiak runs down the ring and as soon as he gets into the ring he squares off with Curt Hennig
Tony Schiavone says these guys have history from when Stasiak used to parody Curt Hennig!
Curt Hennig starts shouting at Shawn Stasiak and asking him to bring it!
Terry Funk gets to his feet and Shawn Stasiak hits a Fisherman's Suplex on Funk. Curt Hennig sarcastically applauses him before telling him that's not how you do it. Finlay gets to his feet and Curt Hennig hits a more impressive Fisherman's Suplex on Finlay.
As we see Kidman stagger to his feet Curt Hennig hits a massive drop-kick on Kidman
Curt Hennig then shouts for Stasiak to try. Ric Flair gets to his feet and Stasiak hits a big-drop kick on Flair which Flair sells like he's been shot.
Curt Hennig then starts shouting at Shawn Stasiak before they start trading blows in the middle of the ring.
They then both walk into Spinning Heel Kicks from Rob Van Dam and Booker T respectively.
Rob Van Dam and Booker T then parody Stasiak and Hennig copying each other further by both pulling Henning and Stasiak to their feet before grabbing onto them and throwing each man over the top rope and out of the ring on differing sides of the ring.
Booker T and Rob Van Dam both think they've got an elimination in, but we see both Hennig and Stasiak then skin the cat and get back into the ring.
Booker T and Rob Van Dam then start trading blows with Hennig and Stasiak in the centre of the ring.
There's no real movement as both sets of guys end up towards the side of the ring on the ropes trying to eliminate the other but they struggle to do so. This goes on until we see the Tron indicate the 19th and final announced entrant
Tony Schiavone says well given the Wildcard Joker has the 20th spot I think we know who this is and why Dusty Rhodes was so buoyant earlier tonight when this guy got his card...
5...4...3...2..1...
#19 (of 20) - ACE OF HEARTS - DUSTIN RHODES
We see Dustin Rhodes come out to a good pop at the top of the entrance ramp. Dusty Rhodes comes out with him to wish his son good luck as Dustin Rhodes, looking like a man on a mission runs towards the ring
Tony Schiavone says Scott Hall retained his WCW World Heavyweight Championship earlier tonight and we know 'The Natural' Dustin Rhodes would love nothing more than to avenge what happened at Halloween Havoc by winning that title at Starrcade 2001!
Dustin slides into the ring and immediately gets to work kicking some ass
Dustin drops down and then uppercuts Curt Hennig, he whips Booker T to the ropes and when Booker T comes back he smashes him down with a Jumping Hip Attack!
Rob Van Dam comes running towards him looking to jump and attack Dustin, but Dustin hits an Inverted Atomic Drop on him as RVD desperately holds his groin and falls to the ground.
Shawn Stasiak then uses the distraction to grab Dustin Rhodes and try to throw him out the ring, but Dustin manages to skin the cat and gets back into the ring looking really mad at Stasiak! Dustin hits a Running Bulldog onto Stasiak before he hits a Canadian Destroyer onto him, the momentum causes Stasiak to teeter onto the nearest ropes and Dustin Rhodes hits a clothesline to eliminate his former rival!
SHAWN STASIAK IS ELIMINATED (11 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Dustin looks pleased but he doesn't have time to rest as Fit Finlay is soon on his feet and he and Dustin begin a fist-fight with both men trading punches and neither giving up. By this time Flair and Kidman have started trading blows in the corner, with Flair trying to eliminate the younger guy but Kidman having one of it. Terry Funk has managed to get to his feet and he's now trading blows with a former ally in Rob Van Dam, as Curt Hennig seems to offer some kind of alliance with Booker T who thinks about it but then apologises to Hennig and they start trading blows as well.
There are 8 men left in the match and the 4 corners of the ring are occupied as there are 2 men fighting in each corner trying to get an elimination in.
We see Kidman manage to get Flair over the top rope, but Flair then manages to poke Kidman in the eye and rolls back in the ring from the bottom rope and then takes Kidman down in a leg hold to ground him to the mat.
The clock and the crowd start to count-down as we get our final Wildcard Joker and the last and 20th man in the match
Tony Schiavone, Jerry Lawler and Joey Styles all speculate who it might be and how none of them have any real clue who it is.
5...4...3...2..1...
#20 (of 20) - WILDCARD JOKER - JEFF JARRETT
WHAT?! screams Jerry Lawler
No... no... it can't be! says Tony Schiavone, as we see the 4 time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Jarrett, appear at the top of the entrance ramp with his trademark sunglasses and a guitar.
The entire ring stops in shock as they look out at the man coming down to the ring.
Jeff Jarrett walks into the ring with his Guitar and he dares anyone to take their best shot!
Terry Funk walks up to him and starts shouting obscenities at him and OH MY GOD!!! shouts Joey Styles. Jeff Jarrett smashes Terry Funk with the Guitar!
The rest of the ring watches on in surprise as the broken Guitar is kind of lodged onto Funk as Jeff Jarrett grabs a destroyed and barely standing Terry Funk and dumps him over the top rope and out of the match!
TERRY FUNK IS ELIMINATED (12 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Tony Schiavone gives props to Terry Funk who lasted just over 32 minutes in this match.
All hell then breaks lose in the ring as the remaining 8 competitors seem to realise at the same time that 1 of them will win this match and main-event Starrcade 2001 next month against Scott Hall for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Jarrett is still clearly the freshest man in the match and we see him taking advantage of this as the 8 men all brawl in the ring.
We see him nail Fit Finlay with a brutal looking DDT, he hits Rob Van Dam with a Spinning Neckbreaker before he manages to hit Dustin Rhodes with The Stroke. He throws Kidman over the top rope but Kidman skins the cat and lands on the bottom of the rope by the apron. Jarrett settles with stomping him a few times before walking into a massive chop from Ric Flair which knocks him down.
Jeff Jarrett gets back up and looks real happy with himself. Ric Flair then stares him down and the fans cheer on Flair against Jeff Jarrett. The rest of the match seems to stop for a little while as Jarrett and Flair trade blows in the middle of the ring, before Jarrett gets the better of Flair and throws him over the top rope.
Flair manages to skin the cat, just about, and he's back on the apron, but before he can get back into the ring Jeff Jarrett hits him with a massive drop-kick and The Nature Boy crashes down to the outside!
RIC FLAIR IS ELIMINATED (13 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Ric Flair looks devastated at ringside as he looks up at Jarrett in annoyance.
Jarrett hits The Stroke on Booker T and then he hits a big drop-kick on Curt Hennig.
Every other man in the match is recovering in the corner as Jeff Jarrett stands tall.
We hear Jeff Jarrett shout to the camera I'M THE CHOSEN ONE, BABY! I CAME BACK TO WCW TO WIN IT ALL!
Wait a minute, is that Terry Funk?! shouts Joey Styles
We see a bloodied Terry Funk jump Jeff Jarrett from behind and tackle him towards the nearest ropes. Jarrett is caught off guard but clings onto the already eliminated Funker. Terry Funk is determined though and his momentum takes both Terry Funk and Jeff Jarrett up and over the top rope and to the floor below!
JEFF JARRETT IS ELIMINATED (14 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
WHAT?! shouts Jerry Lawler
Tony Schiavone says the fans can't believe it! Jeff Jarrett came into this match as the last Wildcard Joker... the 20th entrant... he was on fire... but Terry Funk, who Jarrett has eliminated, he's seemingly taken exception to Jarrett eliminating him and taking it upon himself to throw Jarrett out!
He can't do that, Tony! says Jerry Lawler. Funk's a Road Agent! There must be some kind of consequences to this kind of action bemoans Lawler, as we see Jeff Jarrett eventually get to his feet.
Jarrett furiously argues with the referees that he wasn't eliminated by someone in the match but they wave him away. We see Terry Funk has already stumbled to the top of the entrance ramp. His face is bloodied and there are pieces of guitar still on him but he smiles at Jeff Jarrett who reacts furiously and runs to the top of the entrance ramp to confront him.
We see security and other road agents pile out to try and separate them as we try and get back into the ring to focus on the match at hand.
In the ring we see Fit Finlay take a Scissor Kick from Booker T! Booker T drags Finlay to his feet and he throws him over the top rope, but Finlay just about hangs on. Booker T tries to punch him off the apron, but Finlay gets a punch back in on Booker. But then all of a sudden we see Rob Van Dam jump from the top rope, he hits a Spinning Kick to Finlay on the Apron before landing in the ring near to Booker T. Finlay crashes down to the floor and out of the match!
FIT FINLAY IS ELIMINATED (15 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Booker T looks at Rob Van Dam incredulously and the two start trading blows.
We cut to the other side of the ring where we see Billy Kidman and Curt Hennig trying to eliminate each other, when suddenly Dustin Rhodes comes on the scene and he hits a Canadian Destroyer to Curt Hennig which sees him crash to the mat and crumble into a corner at relative safety.
Booker T and Rob Van Dam still duke it out on the other side of the ring as a determined Dustin Rhodes starts trading blows with Billy Kidman.
Dustin Rhodes whips Kidman into the corner. Kidman goes for a Corner Handstand Headscissors Takedown, but Dustin seems to have this scouted and when Kidman goes for the Headscissors part Dustin aggressively holds onto Kidman's legs and stomach and then throws him over the top rope and out of the match!
BILLY KIDMAN IS ELIMINATED (16 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Dustin Rhodes looks pleased with himself as we see a devastated and hurting Kidman on the outside.
Dustin senses his moment has come. He rests in a corner, we see Curt Hennig slowly rising in another corner and as they sense there are just 4 men left in the match we see Rob Van Dam and Booker T slowly retreat to a corner of their own too.
Tony Schiavone excitedly says we've gone from 20 men to the Final Four! 1 of these men will headline Starrcade 2001 and challenge Scott Hall for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
Booker T looking to avenge his lost title to Scott Hall in the infamous Triangle match at Bash at the Beach, Curt Hennig himself with plenty of history with Scott Hall the guy he mentored and teamed with in the AWA and Hennig who lost in that Cage match to Hall at Mayhem back in August, Dustin Rhodes who himself was the victim of a very suspect ending in a brutal I Quit match with Scott Hall at Halloween Havoc in Texas, plus Rob Van Dam, he has never challenged for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship but few could argue he's been one of the most in-form and influential figures in WCW since Shane McMahon bought the company and brought it to FX Television in May of this year.
It looks like Booker T and Rob Van Dam might continue their fight from before, but Dustin Rhodes immediately jumps on Rob Van Dam before any of the other 3 guys do anything. Rhodes throws Van Dam up and over the top rope, but Van Dam manages to cling on.
Booker T and Curt Hennig lock eyes, shake hands and then begin to trade blows with both guy putting all they have into it.
Van Dam clings onto the apron as he trades punches with an increasingly desperate Dustin Rhodes. Van Dam looks to have the upper hand, but then Dustin Rhodes pokes Van Dam in the eye! Van Dam is momentarily distracted and Dustin slams Van Dam down onto the ropes as he uses his momentum from falling down onto his knees in the ring. This momentum causes Van Dam to fly off the apron and crash down onto the outside.
ROB VAN DAM IS ELIMINATED (17 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
WOW! exclaims Joey Styles.
Tony Schiavone says Dustin Rhodes, in his desperation to win this match, seemingly cheating there by gouging the eye of Van Dam
Jerry Lawler says there's nothing in the House of Cards rules against that, Tony! It's just smart! It shows he wants it more!
As Dustin comes to terms with what he's just done the camera cuts to Booker T seemingly apologising to Curt Hennig before he hits him with a Spinning Kick and then throws him up over and out of the match
CURT HENNIG IS ELIMINATED (18 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
Booker T and Dustin Rhodes then lock eyes.
There's just 2 men left in this match now! says Tony Schiavone. 1 of Dustin Rhodes or Booker T is going to the main-event of Starrcade 2001 against Scott Hall.
Booker T and Dustin Rhodes both look desperate to win the match and we see them lock up and start raining down punches on each other.
Dustin Rhodes grabs Booker T and throws him up and over the rope, but Booker T skins the cat!
Booker T then grabs Dustin Rhodes and throws him up and over the rope, but Dustin returns the favour and skins that cat in reply!
Both men then start hitting each other again as Dustin Rhodes gets the better of Booker T and goes for a Final Cut, but Booker T manages to counter out of it, he hits a Book-End on Dustin Rhodes!
Dustin Rhodes has all the wind taken out of him with the impact of the move as Booker T waits patiently for him to get to his feet.
Booker T nails Dustin in the ribs and then he runs to the rope, runs back and smashes Dustin with a Scissor Kick!
Dustin Rhodes is on the ropes here! exclaims Tony Schiavone, but Booker T still needs to get him up over the ropes and out to win the match!
Booker T lifts Dustin Rhodes limp body to his feet. Booker T throws him up and over the top rope, but Dustin still just about clings on for dear life!
Dustin then gouges Booker T's eye from the outside and the momentary distraction helps him get to his feet on the apron. But wait! Booker T who can't see launches a wild Super Kick from inside the ring to ropes where Dustin is about to get back into the ring and he just about connects with it! The momentum of the kick has Dustin almost fall off, he's clinging on for dear life with one foot off the apron now... Booker T comes flying back and he absolutely clatters Dustin with a Flying Forearm Smash and...
DUSTIN RHODES IS ELIMINATED (19 OF 19 ELIMINATED)
BOOKER T WINS THE HOUSE OF CARDS MATCH - (40.12) - (82 rated)
Tony Schiavone shouts that 5 MONTHS ON FROM BOOKER T LOSING THE WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TO SCOTT HALL AT BASH AT THE BEACH... BOOKER T IN MIAMI, FLORIDA WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO BECOME A 5 TIME WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AS HE CHALLENGES SCOTT HALL IN THE MAIN-EVENT OF STARRCADE 2001!
We see a huge amount of pyro, fireworks and confetti come down as Sharmell and Stevie Ray can be seen coming down the entrance ramp and joining Booker T in the ring to celebrate as the show goes off air with Dustin Rhodes at the top of the entrance ramp being consoled by his father Dusty Rhodes.
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Show Rating: 84
1.07 buy rate across U.S.A, Canada, New Zealand & Australia (538K buys)
0.26 TV rating across Mexico, Japan, U.K & Ireland & Europe (195K viewers)
734K total viewers