Nitro Episode 14:
Wednesday 01 August 2001
Live late-night on FX
6,673 crowd from Omaha, Nebraska
Announcers: Tony Schiavone, Scott Hudson & Arn Anderson
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Show opens up with Linkin Park's 'Runaway'
Tony Schiavone on commentary says it's Wednesday night folks and you know what that means! It's WCW Nitro, LIVE from Nebraska!
We see Scott Hall's Bentley pulling up outside the front of the ramp
Tony says it looks like we're kicking things off with the newly crowned WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Hall, who in large part thanks to that bastard The Sandman, won, or should I say, stole the world title off Booker T at Bash at the Beach.
Scott Hall gets out of the car largely to boos.
The Sandman, with Singapore cane in hand, accompanies Scott Hall to the ring, occasionally turning to the top of the ramp pretending to threaten anyone thinking about coming out to fight them.
Scott Hall gets in the ring with Sandman just behind him.
"Nebraska... hey yo!" says Scott Hall in the ring holding the Big Gold Belt that he's won for the first time in his career.
"You know a few weeks ago, Roddy Piper told me that money can't buy history... well from where I'm standing... that money I spent on Jimmy here bought me a place in the history books... I know a lot of the fans, a lot of the boys in the back, Shane McMahon, Booker T, Dallas Page... I'm sure you'll all be asking the question... why, Scott, why? Why'd you go into business with a guy who's beat 50 shades of s*** out of half the roster, chocked out your boss, shown such disrespect to WCW... well the question is, WHY NOT go into business with a guy like that?"
Sandman laughs
Scott Hall continues... "You see, after the go home Nitro show before the PPV I was in a bar not far from the show in New Mexico... and who do I see walk in... but Jimmy Sandman here. He told me all about how Shane McMahon robbed him of a chance to win a WCW contract at Bash at the Beach... the New Mexico Screwjob might have screwed Sandman out of a shot at being on the WCW roster... but Shane... just like Bret screwed Bret... Shane screwed Shane! You screwing over Sandman gave me the business opportunity of a life time... I was looking for a driver and Jimmy here was looking for a job and a way into WCW"
"Now, I'm the WCW World Heavyweight Champion for the first time in my career... and Jimmy here is a member of the roster, under contract with me, so he doesn't have to walk the line of what Shane McMahon and the WCW top brass wants... he just has to walk the line of what I want... and what I want is to hang onto this championship for as long as I feel like it"
Scott Hall clicks his fingers, The Sandman doesn't look super happy at this but Hall calls him over to give him a piece of paper from his pocket. Sandman gets the paper from his pocket.
Scott says "Yo, Jimmy, can you read?"
Sandman looks annoyed but says yes.
"Read what that says"
The Sandman on the mic says "This contract, signed between Scott Hall and James 'The Sandman' Fullington is legally binding, but it contains a free release clause at which at any time James 'The Sandman' Fullington may cease employment with Mr Hall should a full-time contract with either WCW or the WWF present itself"
Scott Hall says "thanks, that's enough Jimmy"
Scott Hall continues "you see Shane, what that means is, there's a real easy way for you to hurt my chances of keeping this title around my waist. As at any time you can offer Jimmy a full-time WCW contract and I'll let him take it free of charge, because I'm such a gentleman. But the thing is Shane, I know that your pride can't allow you to do that. You see, your father, Vince, sure he's got pride, but he knows when there's business to be done, even if it's against someone that's wronged WWF or the McMahon family, if it helps his business it's worth doing that deal. But you Shane, you allow your pride and desperation to be one of the boys and a tough guy to cloud your judgment. You won't give Jimmy a deal, I know that, but that only helps me anyway!"
"You see Shane... it's clear to me why your father didn't trust you with his legacy, you're not just a bad businessman but you're a coward too and-
Shane McMahon comes out on the top of the ramp looking angry.
Shane says that this week was meant to be a big week in WCW history. Off the back of the 3rd successful WCW PPV under my ownership this show was meant to be a celebration of WCW and to look forward to the debut of WCW Panic! on Friday night... now look Scott... I don't have any issue with you winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship... I brought you into this company to make a difference at the top level... I took a chance on you... I trusted you... and to win, no, to steal the top prize in professional wrestling the way you did... you spit right in my face!"
Scott says you hired The Bad Guy! You wanted The Bad Guy... this is who I am... you should've been careful what you wished for!
Shane says he can't take the championship off of Scott Hall, nor can he revoke Scott Hall's contractual right to a driver... but he can make things very difficult for Hall and Sandman... if the boys in the back won't already make it very difficult.
Shane says speaking of the boys in the back, I'm sure you're aware that 2 men more than any others aren't very happy with you. I've told Booker and Diamond Dallas Page to wait in the back as I don't want tonight's show to descend into any further chaos and anarchy... but what I can do is give the people of Nebraska and WCW fans watching around the world what they want to see in tonight's main event...
So tonight, in the main event, it will be SCOTT HALL putting the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Booker T and DDP in a rematch of Bash at the Beach!
Fans cheer at the idea of this
Scott Hall in the ring laughs and gets Sandman to get another piece of paper from his pocket which he gives to Scott Hall.
Hall gets back on the mic and says "You know Shane, I thought you might pull something like this tonight... well let me tell you, as a good friend of mine once said many times... that doesn't work for me brother! You see my contract stipulates that if in the event I win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, which as you can see, I did, it stipulates that regardless of whether I was the champion or challenger, I am under no obligation to offer an automatic rematch to whoever lost in the title match... so what that means is Shane, there will be no automatic rematch for Booker T or Diamond Dallas Page tonight... if either of those chumps wants to challenge me... they will have to earn it!"
Booker T comes storming out and says if he has to earn a shot to win his title back he'll do whatever it takes!
Page gets on the mic and says I've been screwed out of a title match two times in 3 months since WCW came back... I won't be screwed again!
Shane McMahon looks angry but then says "That's fine Scott, if that's how you want it... then tonight the main event of Nitro, to determine the number 1 contender to the WCW World Heavyweight Championship will see Booker T take on Diamond Dallas Page-
Shane looks annoyed, as do Booker and DDP as Bischoff comes onto the stage with them.
Eric says "before you book another match between Booker T and DDP to decide who can face Scott Hall for a title shot... as the General Manager of WCW, Shane, let me say, you keep booking a lot of matches without talking to me about them first. And look I respect the hell out of you kid, but you're new to this promoter, shtick, you get me? I took WCW to the top of the world... and if you let me help you I can do it again... now I'm not going to tell you what to do... I'm not even saying Booker T and DDP don't rightfully deserve the chance to get another shot at the title... but as the General Manager of this company my job is also to make sure the boys in the back feel that if they work hard, if they win matches then WCW is the place that will reward them with opportunities. So what I'm saying Shane, is we should give Booker and DDP their chance to become number 1 contender in tonight's main event, but we should also give a chance to 2 other guys in the back who since WCW came back have both worked hard, won matches and shown they deserve a shot at the title!
Shane McMahon says fine, I don't disagree with any of that Eric, who did you have in mind?
Eric says there's one man who's experienced at the top level, one of the best technical wrestlers of his generation but he's never quite won the big one... Curt Hennig!!
Curt Hennig comes out and stares down Scott Hall and the other two guys
And another man who has been in the hottest form of anyone in WCW since WCW came back... the innovator of offence... Kanyon!!
Kanyon comes out, smiles at DDP and then glares at the others around him.
Shane says... I like that Eric... I like it a lot!
Okay, well then Nebraska, your main event tonight... a Fatal Four Way match... the former champion Booker T, takes on Diamond Dallas Page, Curt Hennig and Kanyon!
Freestyle segment with Scott Hall, The Sandman, Shane McMahon, Booker T, DDP, Eric Bischoff, Curt Hennig and Kanyon - (95 rated)
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A video package hyping the debut of WCW Friday Night Panic! is played advertising that the first match announced for the show will see Juventud Guerrera defend the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship against Nova
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JJ Dillon interview with WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Juventud Guerrera
JJ says well Juventud you're still the champion of the Cruiserweight division, some will say that you cheated in order to retain that title at Bash at the Beach what do you say to that?
Juvi says Chavo's family wrote the book on cheating and he only did what he had to do as Chavo would've done the same to him anyway. Juvi says if Chavo or anyone else in the Cruiserweight division as a problem what that they can come speak to him!
JJ says it's just been announced that the first ever match on WCW Friday Night Panic! will be Juventud defending the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship against Nova of the b.w.o, what do you make of that?
Juvi says he welcomes the challenge! He knows the spotlight will be on him on Panic! but that's okay, when you're one of the best wrestlers in the company at the top of your game it's only natural you get put in high pressure situations. Juvi says he's sure he will have a great match with Nova and walk out still the champ!
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon and Juventud Guerrera - (59 rated)
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Match 1:
Jason Jett vs Rob Van Dam (with Steve Alfonso) - If Jason Jett wins he earns a future WCW United States Championship match
This match gets a decent amount of time to open the show. Rob Van Dam is in fine form after defeating Lance Storm to retain his title at Bash at the Beach. Jason Jett brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm at this big opportunity for him but in the end RVD just has too much for him.
Rob Van Dam wins via pinfall - (8.31) - (74 rated)
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Eric Bischoff on screen addressing the audience from the back
Bischoff says as General Manager of WCW he's keen to ensure that hard work is rewarded. He's sure there are many tag teams wondering who The Nu Road Warriors will face next as they look to keep the WCW World Tag Team Championships. Bischoff says over the next few weeks there will be a tag team tournament to determine who will become the number 1 contenders.
Later tonight in the first Semi Final we will see Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda face off against Shawn Stasiak and Mark Jindrak, then next week on Nitro we will see the second Semi Final, with Team Canada in action against The F.B.I
Freestyle segment with Eric Bischoff (63 rated)
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'Dr Death' Steve Williams promo with Jimmy Hart
Jimmy Hart hypes up Steve Williams' undefeated streak since returning to WCW. Jimmy says 'Dr Death' will destroy anyone who gets in his way! Fit Finlay thought he could cheat Death but he got sent back to Ireland!
Steve Williams says he will stop at nothing to take what he's deserved all of his career
Suddenly we see Hugh Morrus come into set
Hugh Morrus squares up to 'Dr Death' and says if we're talking about what people deserve than we should be talking about Hugh Morrus. Morrus says he's been in WCW through the good and bad, 'Dr Death' thinks he can come crawling back from Japan every now and then when he feels like it... well he better watch out as Hugh Morrus as his eye on him!
Freestyle segment with 'Dr Death' Steve Williams, Jimmy Hart and Hugh Morrus - (42 rated)
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Match 2:
Akira Hokuto (with 'Sinister' James Mitchell) vs Cynthia Lynch - If Cynthia Lynch wins she will win a future shot at the WCW World Women's Championship
Cynthia Lynch already in the ring as Akira Hokuto makes her entrance. The commentators mention that Cynthia Lynch has recently been given a development contract with WCW where she will train with WCW and also be loaned out to smaller regional promotions to get more experience in the ring, but what a chance she has tonight against the champion in a non-title match!
Lynch is no match for Hokuto who gets a relatively rapid fire win. Hokuto gets the win via the Dragon Sleeper.
Akira Hokuto wins via submission - (5.05) - (35 rated)
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After the match 'Sinister' James Mitchell gets in the ring with a mic. Akira speaks for about 30 seconds in Japanese on the mic to a fair amount of booing.
James Mitchell says what his client is trying to say is that she is too good for the women's division in WCW. She has already beaten the best WCW had to offer in Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler. She has beaten the best Hawaii had to offer in Malia Hosaka. She has beaten one of the best young prodigies in Japanese women's wrestling in Meiko Satomura. She puts out the challenge to Sable, you're the boss of women's wrestling in WCW, who do you have next for me?!
Sable comes out looking a bit annoyed at being called out but equally quite happy to be out in the spotlight and like she might have been waiting for this moment.
Sable says she's glad that Akira Hokuto is up for the challenge of more competition. Sable says the match with Meiko Satomura at Bash at the Beach was great, but at Mayhem live from Maryland later in the month, she wants the women's title match to top it.
So on that note Sable says she's gone out and brought to WCW one of the best stars in all of women's wrestling across the world... a former champion in Mexico who Akira Hokuto may well remember...
Arn Anderson says, what? Vampiro? Is he competing in the women's division now?!
Vampiro returns to WCW but he's not alone as alongside him is a woman in a luchador mask. At the top of the entrance way Vampiro says he was backstage at Bash at the Beach having been in talks with Johnny Ace about returning to WCW, when Sable asked him if he could make a few calls to connections in Mexico.
Vampiro says he was only too happy to oblige and he's proud to bring into WCW with him the former CMLL World Women's Champion, LA DIABOLICA!
La Diabolica on the mic speaks in Spanish in an angry tone.
Vampiro says July 30 1994... Akira Hokuto made the biggest mistake of her life... Akira ended La Diabolica's reign as CMLL World Women's Champion... you came to my company in Mexico and took the title that put me on the map... well now I will have my revenge... as at Mayhem I take your WCW World Women's Championship!
Freestyle segment with Akira Hokuto, 'Sinister' James Mitchell' Sable, Vampiro and Akira Hokuto - (53 rated)
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Real Talk with Roddy - Roddy Piper interview with Team Canada
Piper says well well well... Lance the world is wondering if that loss to Rob Van Dam at Bash at the Beach has given you some level of humility after being put in your place
Lance Storm laughs at this.
Put in my place?? Lance asks crossly. Humility? Rob Van Dam got lucky at Bash at the Beach... let's be honest... that happens in wrestling sometimes. But Rob Van Dam, our story isn't ended, somewhere, sometime, I will take that WCW United States Championship back... but if I can be serious for one moment Roddy, sometimes in life unexpecteed opportunities present themselves and that's exactly what has happened tonight with Team Canada being given a chance to win a tournament to be number 1 contenders for the WCW World Tag Team Championships
Piper says well yes, Lance, it was a great win at Bash at the Beach for Mike Awesome and Carl Oulett over Terry Funk and Christopher Daniels, some might even say that when Bischoff named Team Canada as in this tournament he may have even meant Awesome and Oulett, but from what I understand you intend for this tournament to be competed in as yourself and Mike Awesome?
Lance Storm looks annoyed and goes to answer, but Mike Awesome says he'll answer for him.
Mike Awesome says Lance is the leader of this group, not you Roddy, Carl was brought in as the enforcer of this group and will be used as and when at Lance's discretion. If you or anyone else has a problem with that you can shove it up your ass!!
Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo come into shot. Elix Skipper says Mike Awesome shouldn't be squaring up to an announcer and legend like Roddy Piper.
Awesome laughs at him and says oh look if it isn't 'Prime Time' Elix Skipper!
Lance Storm adds that since Elix Skipper left Team Canada he isn't prime time, he's barely getting any TV time. Since he left Team Canada he's 'Graveyard' Elix Skipper!
Kid Romeo gets annoyed defending his tag-team partner. Lance Storm says if Kid Romeo is so tough, he'll see him in the ring later tonight, Kid Romeo agrees to the challenge.
Skipper says he left Team Canada as he'd had enough of the Canadian outlaw shtick... Skipper says he's back embracing being American but if he ever feels like changing sides he'll be sure to let them know.
Mike Awesome says Skipper better watch himself as Carl Oullet gets in Skipper's face before Skipper and Romeo walk off
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon, Team Canada & Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo - (46 rated)
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DDP and Kanyon
DDP and Kanyon in the back. There appears to be a bit more tension between them than usual.
DDP says you know Chris, whatever happens in the main event, I wanna wish you good luck tonight, brother.
Kanyon says he respects that but this is such a huge opportunity for him in his career tonight that he's not sure he can wish DDP luck back as he needs all the luck he can get if he's going to secure the win tonight.
DDP says he understands before they reluctantly bump fists
Freestyle segment with DDP & Kanyon - (85 rated)
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The Sons of the South promo
In a quick promo 'The Sons of the South' David Flair and Erik Watts reiterate that they're not here in WCW based on nepotism but because they worked harder than everyone else!
They say tonight they have a huge opportunity against The Nu Road Warriors and they're going to show the WCW tag team division that they're not a joke!
Freestyle segment with The Sons of the South (41 rated)
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Match 3:
The Nu Road Warriors (Road Warrior Animal & Road Warrior Dog) vs The Sons of the South (David Flair & Erik Watts) - If The Sons of the South win they get a future shot at the WCW World Tag Team Championships
The Sons of the South come out determined to prove their worth but The Nu Road Warriors seem to have built up chemistry and confidence after recent big wins and they prove no match for The Sons of the South
The Nu Road Warriors win via pinfall - (4.31) - (45 rated)
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Eric Bischoff backstage with Johnny Ace in Shane's office
Eric and Johnny are talking about the Vampiro signing. Johnny mentions that the first Turner contract target of Shane's should be available on the roster from Nitro next week. Bischoff says that's good news.
Chavo Guerrero Jr suddenly bursts into the office.
Chavo says he got cheated out of the chance to become WCW World Cruiserweight Champion at Bash at the Beach... Juvi cheated so he should get a rematch on Panic! not that bum Nova from the b.w.o
Bischoff says Nova has put in some good performances in recent weeks so he deserves a shot. Johnny Ace agrees but says Chavo did seem to get cheated at Bash at the Beach.
Bischoff says fine, how about this, next week on Nitro, you will face the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, whether it's Juventud or Nova, in a non-title match... if you win that match then you will get another shot at the title.
Chavo is unsure but ultimately agrees and shakes hand with Bischoff.
Freestyle segment with Eric Bischoff, Johnny Ace and Chavo Guerrero Jr - (55 rated)
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Steve Corino contract signing
We come back from commercial break where Shane McMahon is in the ring where there is a table with a contract on it.
Shane on the mic says this wasn't the outcome he hoped for or wanted, but as a businessman he's as good as his word... so here to sign on and officially become part of the WCW roster... the first ever WCW FXtreme Television Champion... Steve Corino...
Steve Corino, with the WCW FXtreme Television Championship comes out with his manager, Don Callis, both of them looking very smug as we see the first member of The Extreme Alliance to get their own entrance with their own theme song coming out from the back.
Corino and Callis get in the ring and sit on the chairs opposite Shane McMahon who doesn't look happy.
Don Callis goes through the contract, he pauses several times arguing about certain things.
Shane McMahon says a critical point of the contract is that as long as Steve Corino is the WCW FXtreme Television Champion he will be contractually obligated to defend the title at least 4 times per month.
Don Callis is a bit unhappy at this, but Corino says that means he'll be on TV or PPV almost every week, you can't buy that kind of exposure!
Don Callis and Steve Corino then leave the ring.
Shane McMahon then says he's pleased to announce the commentary team for WCW Friday Night Panic! debuting on Friday.
Shane says the commentary team will be headed up by WCW's own Scott Hudson who will be announcing full-time on Friday nights starting from this Friday. He will be joined by Stevie Ray. FX were keen to have different announcers for each show to differentiate the shows a bit and Shane was happy for this to happen. Shane says a replacement for Scott Hudson for Nitro will be announced at the start of Nitro next week...
Shane then says none of what has happened with Panic! could have been possible without Shane's great working relationship with FX's Consultant Producer for Friday Night Panic!
Shane says to show his gratitude he wants to bring out J.C Bonsignore from FX to give him the props that he deserves from the WCW crowd...
Wait a minute, says Tony Schiavone.
What's going on here asks Arn??
The crowd, announcers and Shane McMahon are shocked to see Joey Styles come out from the entrance way. Don Callis and Steve Corino are just at the top of the ramp, and seeing Joey, they look at him, seem to get what's happened and they just laugh.
Joey Styles?? What's that little pipsqueak doing here? asks Tony. He seemed to be a key a mouthpiece for The Extreme Alliance, particularly The Chair Swingin' Freaks, but the last few weeks he's not been anywhere to be seen... Don Callis at Bash at the Beach said he didn't know what had happened to him.
Joey Styles with a mic eventually gets into the ring. Shane still doesn't seem to get what's going on.
Shane says what's going on?? Where's J.C Bonsignore from FX??
Joey Styles laughs at him and says, you know, for such an esteemed businessman, you don't seem to put much effort into finding out who you're doing business with. What? You couldn't do one Google search on the internet to see who you were talking to? I AM J.C Bonsignore you idiot!
Shane looks shocked
FX contacted me as they wanted Friday Night Panic! to be a slightly edgier show aimed at a younger demographic and guess who has experience in helping produce a show like that?? Me!! So guess who's your new Consultant Producer for FX for your new show? ME!!!
Joey Styles says the first order of business is the announce team... Joey says unlike some people I don't wish to rob anyone of a job... so Scott Hudson... don't worry buddy you can still be at the announce desk. Stevie Ray? Sure he'll do on there you can keep him too. But as the Consultant Producer for FX I feel that the announce desk at Panic! will need someone a bit more experienced at calling quick, exciting and sometimes violent content... you know who I've decided would fit the bill for that? ME!!!
Oh God says Tony. Scott Hudson groans.
And I've got another surprise for you Shane, says Joey. For the debut of Panic! I've invited 4 very special guests to have front row seats to the show.
No, says Shane, no Joey, you can't do that!
I can and I will, says Joey. At Panic! In the front row will be the 4 remaining members of The Extreme Alliance... Axl Rotten... Balls Mahoney... Tommy Dreamer... and Sabu!!!
You can't hire them! says Shane. I have hiring veto! You can't hire anyone to work for WCW without my permission!
That's true says Joey, but you don't have to be contracted to WCW to perform on a WCW show... so you better be careful what you wish for Shane! See you on Friday, partner!
And with that Joey Styles walks off and leaves with Shane McMahon in the ring looking pretty shocked at what's just happened.
Freestyle segment with Shane McMahon, Steve Corino, Don Callis and Joey Styles - (72 rated)
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Harlem Heat segment backstage
Booker T, Sharmell and Stevie Ray are in the back
Booker T looks miserable. He says without the WCW World Heavyweight Championship he feels like he's nothing. Scott Hall and The Sandman stole everything from him.
Sharmell gets a bit annoyed and says you've still got your girlfriend and your brother?
Stevie Ray says Booker needs to stay focused. He's got a chance tonight to become number 1 contender and get the title back straight away, then he'll be a 5 time Champion!
Booker T says he still wants revenge on The Sandman for what he did. Since he likes driving so much maybe he was the guy who run him over to cost him the WCW United States Championship.
Stevie Ray tells Booker not to worry about Sandman for now. Stevie Ray says he will deal with Sandman.
Sharmell congratulates Stevie Ray on getting the commentary job for Panic! but Booker T seems so miserable he barely acknowledges this.
Freestyle segment with Harlem Heat and Sharmell - (74 rated)
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Match 4:
Hugh Morrus vs Jimmy Yang (with Kaz Hayashi)
This match is a dominant win for Hugh Morrus who gets back into form with a bang.
Hugh Morrus wins via pinfall - (4.31) - (43 rated)
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After the match Hugh Morrus continues beating on Jimmy Yang. Kaz Hayashi gets into the ring and tries to protect his partner but Hugh Morrus eventually overwhelms him too.
'Dr Death' Steve Williams storms to the ring and Hugh Morrus bails and gets out of there shouting at Steve Williams as he heads back to the locker-room.
Freestyle segment with Hugh Morrus, Jung Dragons & 'Dr Death' Steve Williams - (31 rated)
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Vampiro is backstage in the locker-room. He shakes hands with La Parka and is chatting to him in Spanish when Billy Kidman comes over.
Billy says well, well well, if it isn't another washed up star of WCW's past. You know Vampiro, you're lucky that Shane McMahon picked up this company, because if we'd been bought out by the WWF you'd have never got a look in on their roster. Just look at you man. You used to be the gothic, scary juggalo freak-show. Unpredictable. Unorthodox. Nobody knew what you were going to do or who you were going to go after next.
Look at you now. You're a washed up, injury-ridden, over-weight has-been.
Vampiro gets in Kidman's face.
Kidman says, what? Am I lying? Your big comeback to WCW after being gone like a year is coming out as the manager of a CMLL luchadora?! I'm not angry man, I'm not trying to start something with you... but I am disappointed. Kidman then walks off.
La Parka says something to Vampiro in Spanish. Vampiro mutters under his breath "I'll show you who's a scary juggalo freak-show..."
Freestyle segment with Vampiro, La Parka and Billy Kidman - (54 rated)
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JJ Dillon with Psychosis and Super Crazy
JJ asks The MexiCruisers where they go from now in the tag team division after what was surely a disappointing loss for them at Bash at the Beach.
Psychosis starts talking to JJ in Spanish, which JJ doesn't seem to understand, when suddenly Steve Corino and Don Callis barge into set.
Don Callis says "Discuple, mi Amigos!" "Sorry, boys, but we have an exclusive announcement for Friday Night Panic!"
The MexiCruisers look very unhappy at being pushed out the way.
JJ Dillon is asking what's going on.
Don Callis says Shane McMahon wants my client, Steve Corino, to defend the WCW FXtreme Television Championship at least 4 times a month, well, if that's what he wants, that's what he's going to get. But if he thinks my client is going to defend that title on Nitro, well he's got another thing coming. You see Panic!, ran by Joey Styles, I think that's where the cool cats fight.
Steve Corino says that's right Don, you see, I'm going to make Friday Night Panic! the Friday Night Steve Corino show! And so I'm putting out the challenge... call it what you like... but I like to call it the 'Steve Corino Open Challenge' and let me tell you how that's going to work.
I don't believe that just anybody should get to challenge me for this WCW FXtreme Telvision Championship, JJ, no no. You see if you want to challenge for this you have to have championship credentials. And so here's the rules for entering the Steve Corino Open Challenge. If you've ever been the WCW World Television Champion before, you can step up and challenge me and we'll fight it out for the title under Old School standard wrestling rules. But I'm a nice guy, I'm not just limiting it to WCW World Television Champions... no, no... you see I'm also opening it up for anyone who has been either the WCW World Hardcore Champion or the ECW World Television Champion... but here's the twist JJ... if you challenge me as a former WCW World Hardcore or ECW World Television Champion... then your title match against me will be in a no-disqualification match!
Corino and Callis then walk off, but not before Corino says "adios, amigos!" to the MexiCruisers who are still standing there looking annoyed.
Freestyle segment with JJ Dillon, Steve Corino, Don Callis & The MexiCruisers - (45 rated)
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Match 5:
Kid Romeo (with Elix Skipper) vs Lance Storm (with Mike Awesome and Carl Ouellet)
This is a fairly open match with Kid Romeo getting in a decent amount of offence against Storm. Skipper tries to keep Awesome and Ouellet at bay on the outside but the numbers game helps Storm in the ring and leads to him getting the win via the Sharpshooter.
Lance Storm wins via submission - (7.04) - (63 rated)
After the match Storm refuses to give up the submission, Skipper runs in the ring and gets Storm off. Soon after this Awesome and Ouellet get in the ring, Skipper quickly helps Romeo out the ring and they make a run for it with the numbers too much for them.
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Shawn Stasiak, Mark Jindrak and Stacy Keibler in the medical office.
A doctor is telling Shawn Stasiak he's still quite banged up from the street fight with Kanyon at Bash at the Beach and it his advice that he doesn't compete tonight.
Stacy agrees with the doctor, she says Shawn has to look after his health for the long-term, but Shawn Stasiak says tonight is a big opportunity for Stasiak & Jindrak to get a shot at the WCW World Tag Team Championships so he will not forfeit the match.
Freestyle segment with Shawn Stasiak, Mark Jindrak and Stacy Keibler - (51 rated)
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Shane Helms is in the gym where Sean O'Haire and Chuck Palumbo can be seen working out.
Sean O'Haire spots Helms for a bench-press and when Helms is done he asks him how he's doing after his loss to Kidman at the PPV.
Helms says he feels like the last few months have been a really rough drop-off for him. He lost his title. Thought maybe he could form a great new tag team with Kidman but then Kidman turned on him, then he lost to him too. Helms says he feels like he's lacking direction.
O'Haire says sure, we know the feeling, but I'm sure you know that Shane.
Shane Helms says he doesn't know what he's going to do next. He's worried for his career in the company. He doesn't feel as confident anymore.
O'Haire says to Helms that whatever happens at least Helms has achieved his childhood dream of being a pro wrestler.
Helms says when he was a kid his dream wasn't to be a wrestler. When he was a kid he wanted to be a superhero. He wanted to be like Spiderman, or Batman or The Green Lantern, he wanted to be a hero, who never doubted himself and always did the right thing.
Sean O'Haire says Shane has to be his own hero now. Real life ain't no comic-book story, but the longer you sit around feeling sorry for yourself the worse you'll feel. The more you let your anxiety take over it will be like a hurricane attacking your mind. But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, Shane.
Shane Helms is lost in thought then says, sure, thanks Sean, you're a real pal.
Freestyle segment with Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo and Shane Helms - (62 rated)
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Match 6:
Barry Windham & Mike Rotunda vs Shawn Stasiak & Mark Jindrak (with Stacy Keibler) - Semi Final of Tag Team tournament to determine number 1 contenders for the WCW World Tag Team Championships
In the previous iteration of this match Stasiak & Jindrak came out on top. Windham & Rotunda look determined to get the win and the opportunity that comes with it.
It's a fairly even match but it's clear from the start that Stasiak is still banged up from the Street Fight with Kanyon at the PPV which saw him get a flatliner to pavement on the street.
Half-way through the match Stasiak tags in Jindrak and gives up. Stasiak is on the outside in pain, he kicks the steel ring steps in annoyance and then walks off with Stacy Keibler rushing after him.
Jindrak looks a bit surprised by this. The match turns into a handicap match and Windham & Rotunda are in full control, with Windham eventually getting the win.
Windham & Rotunda win via pinfall - (6.14) - (51 rated)
Windham & Rotunda progress to the final
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WCW World Tag Team Championship number 1 contender tournament
Windham & Rotunda defeated Stasiak & Jindrak
Team Canada vs The F.B.I next week live on Nitro
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Rob Van Dam (with Bill Alfonso) cutting a promo
RVD says he proved at Bash at the Beach and earlier tonight that as WCW United States Champion he is the man to beat in this company! Rob Van Dam says he's the hardest working person in the company and he won't back down from any challenge from anybody.
RVD says he's beaten some of the best that WCW have to offer and he's putting out a challenge to anyone to step up!
Bill Alfonso says Rob might have to be careful what he wishes for, at the moment he should just take each week as it comes and enjoy wrestling week in week out on national television as not everyone gets that chance.
RVD say sure Fonzy. But I'm serious. Anyone watching thinking you can take this title off me, I dare you, STEP UP!
Freestyle segment with Rob Van Dam - (69 rated)
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In the parking lot we see Scott Hall with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship belt getting into his Bentley with The Sandman in the driver's seat.
Scott Hall says come on Jimmy, I'm on commentary for the main event, let's get going, brother.
Suddenly, Stevie Ray comes bursting into shot. Scott Hall looks surprised and asks what the hell Stevie wants. Stevie says he doesn't want you Scott, I want to speak to your driver, is that allowed sucka?
Scott Hall says you better make it quick
Stevie Ray says there's a lot of the boys in the back who say I'm beat up and past it. They're saying I'm only taking a job on commentary for Panic! because my best days are behind me and I got to find a new path once I can't go anymore. Well that maybe true, Sandman, but I'm not done yet... what you did to my brother at Bash at the Beach don't sit right with me, so I'm putting out the challenge... Friday night on Panic!... Stevie Ray vs The Sandman! Now can you dig that sucka?!
Sandman looks to Scott Hall for approval. Scott Hall says as long as you're fit to drive me by Wednesday I don't give a damn, Jimmy.
Sandman looks at Stevie Ray and says "well then, looks like you're on, "sucka!"
Freestyle segment with Stevie Ray, The Sandman and Scott Hall - (65 rated)
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Match 7 / Main Event:
Booker T (with Sharmell) vs Curt Hennig vs Diamond Dallas Page vs Kanyon - Fatal Fourway to determine the number 1 contender for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Scott Hall comes in with The Sandman driving him in the Bentley. Scott Hall makes his way and joins the commentary team with The Sandman waiting in the car by the side of the entrance way.
As Booker T makes his entrance he is making comments about Scott Hall to Scott Hall and then makes some comments to The Sandman in the car too.
In the ring Curt Hennig looks cool and composed.
Kanyon looks nervous, DDP is talking to him, perhaps discussing tactic but Kanyon isn't listening to him and is trying to focus.
Booker T gets to the ring and the match begins.
This match gets a decent amount of time and all 4 guys come out of it looking like they could get the win at various points during the match. Scott Hall on commentary refuses to put over any of the guys in the match saying he's sure he can beat any of them.
The match comes to a close when Kanyon and DDP for the first time in the match are staring off against each other. DDP wants to shake Kanyon's hand first but Kanyon bats it away. They fight for a good 1 minute with Booker T and Curt Hennig battling on the outside.
Kanyon gets the better of DDP, DDP goes for a Diamond Cutter but Kanyon counters by letting him fall to the mat. DDP gets back up and Kanyon puts him in the Flatliner, but DDP counters and hits a suplex. When DDP gets up Booker T is right there, he nails DDP and then just like at Bash at the Beach he manages to hit a Scissor Kick on DDP and looks like he has the win, but Curt Hennig is back in the ring and Curt Hennig grabs Booker and dumps him out the ring.
Kanyon is back up on his feet and he sets Curt Hennig up for the Flatliner... but Curt Hennig manages to counter and his the Perfect Plex and has the pin on Kanyon!
DDP has now rolled out of the ring after being taken out by the Scissor Kick.
The ref counts as Booker T runs back into the ring with Sharmell screaming encouragement but... 1-2-3!!!
Booker T manages to break up the count but it's too late! Curt Hennig has the win!
Curt Hennig wins via pinfall - (9.59) - (71 rated)
The show ends with Booker T, DDP and Kanyon looking gutted at having come up short, but Curt Hennig stands victorious and stares down Scott Hall who comes off commentary to stare down his old NWO buddy.
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Show Rating: 81
1.03 TV rating (776K viewers)
