|
|
Post by RKOwnage on Mar 8, 2021 16:25:32 GMT 1
 WCW/nWo Souled OutSunday, Week 3, January 1998
Kohl Center; Madison, WI
WCW/nWo Souled Out kicks off with a video recapping the rivalries between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, as well as Sting and Randy Savage, narrated by a thunderous voice…
In tonight's double main event, who can you trust? Hell hath no fury like Bret "The Hitman" Hart, stabbed in the back and seeking to ascend to the throne of World Championship Wrestling…
Hell hath no fury like "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, whose eighteen-month reign of terror came to a screeching halt as he looks to hold his opponent responsible…
Hell hath no fury like "The Macho Man" Randy Savage, driven by a mad desire to claim the top prize in the sport for a third time…
Hell hath no fury like "The Man They Call" Sting, the former clean-cut blue chipper turned Dark Avenger, the light in the darkness aspiring to exorcise the demons plaguing WCW once and for all…
Hell hath no fury…like Souled…Out!
Following the video, a massive fireworks display explodes and the commentary team of Tony Schiavone, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan kick off the show by hyping up the card, all the way through to the massive double main event. Video footage airs showing the end of last Monday's Nitro.
Tony Schiavone: …but just six nights ago in Iowa City, the new World order sent a message to both The Hart Family and Sting.
Bobby Heenan: Did they ever, Tony – you know, those Dungeon guys take a lot of bumps to the head, they're not the sharpest knives in the drawer, and The Outsiders took advantage. But what scares me even more than that is the fact that "The Macho Man" was able to get up in the rafters and take out Sting!
Rhodes: Ohhh, Bobbeh, the Stinguh got caught with his back turned and got walloped by Randeh Savage – that could be bad news for Dubya See Dubya tonight!
Speaking of The Outsiders, we kicked off the evening with Tag Team Title action as they sought to reclaim the gold they lost to Harlem Heat just two weeks ago. With Eric Bischoff in their corner, there were clearly nefarious plans at work, but that didn't stop the hard-hitting champions from taking the fight right to Hall and Nash. As Jacqueline did the best she could to neutralize Eric on the outside, he made sure to stay clear of her muscular frame. After a big clothesline to Hall, Stevie took his eye off the ball and threatened Bischoff on the outside. Unfortunately, it gave Hall time to make the tag and Nash cracked him with a forearm in the back of the head.
From there, The Outsiders took over by isolating the big man as Booker and Jacqueline offered some words of encouragement. Nash took a cheap shot at Booker, forcing the referee to stop Booker from entering the ring; meanwhile, Scott Hall choked Stevie Ray from the outside on the other end of the ring! A few minutes later, Stevie and Hall collided in the middle of the ring and both men dropped to the ground. Stevie was able to make the hot tag to Booker as he went toe-to-toe with the larger Kevin Nash. A few shots staggered Nash, but as Booker bounced off the rope, Bischoff grabbed his ankle from the outside of the ring, drawing the ire of referee Billy Silverman! Booker nevertheless ducked a big boot attempt and hit a shuffling side kick to the shoulder area of Nash, knocking him backwards into the ropes!
Sensing danger, Hall went around the side of the ring to "protect" Bischoff from Jacqueline as Eric slinked away. As the referee tended to the outside scenario which now included a barking Stevie Ray, Bischoff made his way into the ring with a title belt while Nash had taken control. With Nash holding Booker back by his arms, Bischoff had slid in too late, as Silverman caught him red handed! He looked to deal damage anyway, but as he swung the belt, Booker countered and the gold clanked off the head of Nash! Silverman immediately called for a disqualification!
With the bell ringing, Harlem Heat remained champions despite The Outsiders' best attempts to steal back the titles. As Booker, Stevie Ray, and Jacqueline make their way back, there are bigger issues in the ring: clearly having miscommunicated, Hall, Nash, and Bischoff argue over whose fault it was that the match ended the way it did. Bischoff tries to calm the other two down as cooler heads end up prevailing when they walk to the dressing room.
Rhodes: Well wouldja look at that, that communication between the en Dubya oh was clear as mud and now those boys ain't happy and they're goin' home empty handed!
Rating: 79 (B; match); 86 (B+; argument) 
The following message has been paid for by the new World order…
An nWo advertisement plays as the typical black-and-white, sharp cut presentation reveals the duo of Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell flexing and laughing. Bagwell acts as Steiner's hype man for the majority of the time.
Steiner: GIANT, you fat dumb moron! You just had to stick your stupid face in this didn't ya?! Well guess what – you might be the biggest MAN in the world but I've got the biggest ARMS in the world and when I wrap them around your NECK in the Steiner Recliner you're gonna give up like the big BITCH you are! And RICK, big bro, me and "Stuff" are gonna show you who the REAL Steiner Brother is and BURY you out of this business once and for all!
Rating: 80 (B)
In the back, "Mean" Gene Okerlund is standing by with the man challenging Diamond Dallas Page for the US Championship here tonight – "The Total Package" Lex Luger.
Luger: Gene, let me tell you something. I've been here defending WCW with my heart and soul since the new World order got here. I don't feel like I get the credit for all the effort I've put in over the last year plus. I'm the only man in this business that's made "Hollywood" Hogan submit twice in the Torture Rack
not The Giant…not Ric Flair…not Diamond Dallas Page…hell, not even The Stinger can say he's done that. I put Monday Nitro on the map when I showed up at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. And that's why right here tonight, Gene, I'm gonna remind everybody here in WCW just who I am. I don't care who I'm in the ring with, I am "The Total Package" for a reason and I'm walking out of here tonight United States Champion!
Rhodes: We gotta littlebitta attitude shift from Lex Lugah as of late, don't we Toneh?
Heenan: Do ya blame him, Dusty? The man's one of the top athletes in our sport and he's been looked over time and time again – if I were him I'd be knocking down doors for some recognition too. WCW might be dust in the wind without Lex Luger!
Rating: 90 (A)  vs.  Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. "Lionheart" Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho entered this one looking to prove (perhaps to himself) that his newfound attitude would translate to success in WCW. He snapped his losing streak a few weeks back on Saturday Night, but there's a clear gap between Lizmark Jr. and Rey Mysterio Jr., the two-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion. In the early going, Mysterio sure looked like the superior competitor, getting the best of Jericho and frustrating him after early chain wrestling combinations. In response, Jericho resorted to the more underhanded tactics we've seen from him in recent weeks, twisting Mysterio's mask so as to temporarily blind him to take control. Once Mysterio bounced back, the pace picked up again, as he rolled out of the way of a Lionsault and dropkicked Jericho through the middle ropes. Sensing an opportunity, Mysterio hit the opposite ropes and flipped over the top rope onto "Lionheart" with a heart-pounding tope suicida into the iron guard rail! With both men spent, the finish came when Mysterio looked for a springboard hurricanrana – but the more powerful Jericho caught Rey in the air and delivered a powerbomb! He kept hanging on…a second powerbomb…a third! Releasing after the third powerbomb, Jericho quickly grabbed Rey's legs, twisted him over, and contorted his body with a knee into the lower back, a vicious-looking Lion Tamer! Despite his best efforts, Mysterio was forced to tap out!
After the match, "Mean" Gene Okerlund enters the ring for an interview with Jericho.
Okerlund: This was an impressive win here against an excellent competitor in Rey Mysterio Jr., but I think everyone in this arena wants to know – is this new, arrogant Chris Jericho here to stay?
Jericho: I DID IT! YEEEEEEAAHHH, BABY! COME ONNN!!!
Jericho plays to the crowd, who mostly want nothing to do with him.
Jericho: Look at that, Eugene, they love me! They loved watching me beat the ever-living crap out of that backstabber Mysterio. You know as well as I know that Mysterio walked into Souled Out tonight shaking in his little zapatos, and when you step in the ring with Chris Jericho—
Jericho notices Mysterio starting to pull himself up to his feet and he kicks his leg out from underneath him, continuing his assault! Okerlund lets out an appalled yell as Jericho locks in the Lion Tamer once again!
Okerlund: GET HIM OUT OF HERE! What an absolutely disgusting act—we need help out here right now!
Officials rush down to the ring to pull Jericho off of Mysterio as he leaves the ring acting as if the jeering fans are actually cheering fans.
Rating: 75 (B-; match); 74 (B-; post-match antics)
Schiavone: Ladies and gentlemen at home, it has now been just over eighteen months, a year and a half, since "Hollywood" Hogan stabbed World Championship Wrestling in the back and changed the sport forever. Sunlight and fresh air for WCW have been few and far between. But lately, following the dethroning of Hogan by Sting, we have seen the cracks show just a tiny bit. Earlier tonight, Eric Bischoff inadvertently cost The Outsiders the WCW World Tag Team Titles against Harlem Heat, and just a few moments ago, WCW cameras caught more tension between the group. Check it out.
Covert video footage airs from backstage catching snippets of a conversation inside the nWo dressing room area, where The Outsiders and Eric Bischoff are still bickering.
Hall:: …Bisch, mang, you had one job out there and you didn't get it done—
Bischoff:: Listen, Scott, I already apologized … (inaudible) … But you and I both know that if you had kept Silverman in check … (inaudible) … we'd be up to our necks in champagne right now.
Nash: You'd be up to your neck, Eric, I'd be up to my waist. Which is where we should have gold right now if not for you—
Bischoff: Hey, why don't you two look in the mirror … (inaudible) … If you two could beat Harlem Heat … (inaudible) … needed me out there! If you two are as good as you think you are—
Another voice, that of "The Macho Man" Randy Savage, has heard enough and as you might expect, he was very audible.
Savage: Will the three of you shut your mouths?! You might have blew your shot, but we've got bigger FISH TO FRY! When I get my hands on the Stinger, I don't care what Hogan says…it's a wrrrrrap, YEAH!
At that moment, the cameraman is caught by Scott Norton, who roughly pushes the cameraman away, sending the camera falling to the ground, as the screen flashes to static.
Rhodes: Ohhhh boy, Toneh, ya just love to see it, don't ya babeh, it looks like Dubya See Dubya's deep in the heads of the en Dubya oh and that's gotta be trouble for them boys back there don't it!
Heenan: This is the only way WCW is gonna win this war, Dusty – it takes guys like Sting and "The Hitman" and Harlem Heat getting to them and then they eat themselves from the inside. I'm not getting my hopes up, but it's a start!
Rating: 87 (B+)   vs.  Diamond Dallas Page (c) vs. "The Total Package" Lex Luger
Both men entered this matchup experiencing the rare relief of not having to worry about nWo members at ringside. However, that didn't make the in-ring tension any less palpable. Both men were competing for one of the top prizes in the sport, and it was obvious. Right from jump, Page and Luger jockeyed for the upper hand with a test of strength, with an early stalemate after Page used Luger's momentum to push him into the turnbuckle.
Rhodes: These two are summa the top talents in the game, Toneh – this one might just come down'ta if Page hits the Diamond Cutta or if "The Total Packeeg" locks in that Torture Rack.
Luger caught Page bouncing off the ropes with a clothesline to take the early advantage. He worked over the champion with a big military press slam and then cut off a comeback attempt with a bearhug. Clearly the more powerful of the two men, Luger did his best to work on the lower back of Page to set up for the Torture Rack. But Page's resiliency showed throughout the contest, as he kept getting his shoulder up time after time. He battled back on more than one occasion, even almost scoring a pinfall following a jumping DDT, but Lex was able to show off some toughness of his own by kicking out.
Despite all of Luger's efforts to put the champion away, it appeared that he was nearly out of options. Showing just how much the United States Title meant to him, Luger took his attack to the next level, wrapping DDP back-first around the ring post and, from the outside of the ring, wrenching his body at the hair and feet, contorting his back around the post! This aggressive maneuver forced groans of agony out of the champion and drew the ire of referee Nick Patrick, who threatened to disqualify "The Total Package." Luger let go in time, but sought to pounce on the opportunity – he signaled for the Torture Rack! As Page staggered to his feet, Luger lifted him onto his back – wait – DDP rolled off the back – like a lightning strike, Page grabbed Luger by the neck – Diamond Cutter! Page makes the cover; 1, 2, 3! DDP is still the U.S. Champion!
Schiavone: What a matchup between these two leaders in World Championship Wrestling! Diamond Dallas Page proves that he is the better man on this night, but you’ve gotta hand it to “The Total Package,” because as we all know, he is one of the best competitors in the sport.
Patrick hands DDP the belt as he sits in the corner of the ring. Luger begins to stir while Page lifts himself up to the top rope to show the belt off to the fans. Holding his neck, Luger stands behind Page as he steps down. The two lock eyes for a tense moment before Lex extends his hand. DDP pauses for a moment before accepting and Luger raises DDP's hand to an ovation.
Right at that moment though, both men are clobbered from behind! The championship belt goes flying as Buff Bagwell and Scott Steiner put the boots to the WCW stalwarts! As Steiner goes to lock in the Steiner Recliner on DDP's injured back, the audience crescendos as their opponents hustle down the aisle…
Schiavone: HERE. COMES. RICK. STEINER!
Heenan: And he's not alone, Schiavone – he's brought a 500-pound Giant with him!!
Scott drops the lifeless body of Diamond Dallas Page and the two slide out of the ring. Rick Steiner and The Giant help Page to his feet as he and Luger are helped to the back by WCW officials. No break for us – Patrick calls for the bell and the next match begins!
This match had no such deliberate start as the prior one did, as Rick Steiner took the fight to Buff Bagwell immediately! The clear disdain by both sides against the other was on display for the entirety of this one. After a rake to Rick's eyes, the nWo team did their best to ensure that The Giant stayed on the outside of the ring in the early going, even taking the occasional cheap shot as they passed by. It was only a matter of time before The Giant caught a hot tag from Rick, though.
Rhodes: Ohhhhh heah we go babeh, we got a Giant on the loose!
Clothesline to Bagwell, shoulder block to Steiner! Giant beckoned and let out a guttural growl – Bagwell ran into a powerslam! Steiner and Bagwell regrouped around the outside as Rick joined Giant clutching his neck. When the match got restarted, Scott and Buff bum-rushed Giant and Buff landed a dropkick to force Giant to stumble through the ropes to the floor! Patrick had completely lost control as Rick tackled his younger brother to the ground! He shoved Buff off as Scott covered up! As Buff dragged Rick off, The Giant made his way back from the outside. Bagwell knocked Rick to the ground and started to laugh and pose. He backed up, still flexing…bounced right off the chest of The Giant, turned around, his smile turned to fear…Giant grabbed his throat…lifted him up, Chokeslam! Giant tagged in Rick and powerslammed him onto the body of Bagwell! As Steiner went for the cover, Scott started to enter the ring to break it up, but ultimately (and smartly) elected not to – Rick Steiner picked up the win over Buff Bagwell!
Rhodes: That's gotta feel good, don't it Toneh Shavoneh! A big win for Rick Steiner—but somethin' tells me this ain't over 'cuz he barely got to lay a beatin' on his little brother!
Rating: 78 (B)
The commentary team kicks it to the back as "Mean" Gene Okerlund is standing by with the man who will take on Raven here tonight, Chris Benoit, along with "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and the Television Champion Steve "Mongo" McMichael.
Okerlund: …and Chris, my question to you is, what's going through your head as you prepare for a fight like you've never been in before, against the enigmatic Raven?
Benoit: I tell you what, Gene, that's all I've been hearing, about how different Raven is, how charismatic Raven is, how tough Raven is—well, guess what, I'm gonna walk into that ring tonight and I'm gonna knock Raven right in the teeth and then we're gonna see exactly how different he is. He thinks he's better than me? I've been in the ring with some of the greats in this business, I've fought through bathrooms with Kevin Sullivan, and yes, I've been lucky enough to be a member of the greatest group in the history of this sport, The Four Horsemen, but that's because of everything I did to get here. I scratched, clawed, I've beaten the toughest WCW has to offer. Tonight, without his little Flock out there, Raven is gonna learn just why they call me "The Crippler."
As they walk off, Flair strikes a "WOO!!" into the camera while Mongo massages the shoulders of Benoit and talks him up.
Rating: 72 (B-)
Next up is a quick recap video hyping our next contest: the Cruiserweight Championship bout between Chavo Guerrero, Dean Malenko, and Eddy Guerrero. How will the Guerreros' dynamic affect the triple threat? It's title time!
  vs.  vs.  "The Iceman" Dean Malenko vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. Eddy Guerrero (c)
With the odds against him in a title defense against two men, a cynic might say that Eddy Guerrero had spent the last few weeks trying to curry favor with his nephew Chavo in order to use him against Malenko. In the early going though, Chavo showed no preference for his uncle as all three men went to battle relatively evenly. Eddy tried to stay out of the action as much as he could, but Malenko made sure that he wasn't able to escape the fray for long. At one point, Dean tried to pull Eddy into the ring from the outside by his hair, but he got rolled up by Chavo! He barely got his shoulder up, narrowly saving Eddy's championship.
Heenan: That was an Eddy Guerrero move right there; clearly his uncle's taught him a thing or two down in El Paso!
The match went on with the Guerreros dealing a fair share of damage to one another, as Chavo almost picked up another victory with an Oklahoma roll to Eddy, which was broken up by Malenko, who opted to try to lock in the Texas Cloverleaf on Chavo! Eddy recovered quickly, however, and before Dean could fully lock in the hold, he landed a quick enzuigiri to the back of his head! Eddy fell into a bit of a scrum with Chavo, and the two took each other through the ropes! When Chavo recovered, he got in the ring to face off with Malenko and after Dean went for a Brainbuster, Chavo turned it into a Tornado DDT! As he went to make the cover, Eddy came flying off the top rope with a Frog Splash to his back! Chavo rolled out as Eddy made the cover on Malenko, who took the brunt of the move as well – Eddy Guerrero retains!
Schiavone: What a match between three great competitors, and a big win for Eddy Guerrero to steal one from Chavo and keep the belt, hey Brain?
Heenan: Steal one? Eddy didn't steal anything, Tony, he won fair and square! To be a champion in this business you need eyes in the back of your head at all times; Chavo just isn't championship material!
Rating: 56 (C-; recap); 73 (B-; match)
After a quick pan of the arena, we’re back at the top of the aisleway with “Mean” Gene Okerlund.
Okerlund: Ladies and gentlemen, with all the craziness in the world going on, with the Pope, and Clinton, I feel the need to deliver to you a man that all of World Championship Wrestling is here to see. Please welcome Bret "The Hitman" Hart!
Bret walks out, flanked by his brothers-in-law, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart.
Okerlund: "Hitman," here tonight in Madison, Wisconsin, you make your pay-per-view debut here in World Championship Wrestling against none other than "Hollywood" Hogan of the nWo.
Hart: That's right, Gene, and I signed with WCW for one reason and one reason only: because it's "where the big boys play." There's no one bigger in the sport of professional wrestling than Hulk Hogan, but you know, I know, and everyone in that dressing room knows that Hogan isn't half the wrestler that I am. With my brothers having my back, I'm gonna step in that ring tonight and show Hogan and the rest of the world that I am "the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be!"
Hart's music hits and he exits as we head back to ringside.
Rhodes: I can't wait to see "The Hitman" lock Hogan later tonight in that Sharpshootah and put heem in a predicament he can't get outta!
Rating: 91 (A)
A quick recap video airs featuring the blood feud between Chris Benoit and Raven which has, as of late, involved "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Steve "Mongo" McMichael as well.
Raven makes his way out to the ring as he is followed by various members of The Flock holding up handmade signs, including ones that say "FLOCK EQUALS RATINGS" and "RAVEN RULES." Before they get too far down the aisle, Raven turns and sends them off. He takes a seat in the corner of the ring and waits for his opponent, Chris Benoit…
Heenan: Raven is one sick bird, Tony; Benoit had better be ready.
Rating: 64 (C; recap); 83 (B+; entrance)  vs.  Raven's Rules Match"The Crippler" Chris Benoit vs. Raven
This match started with a bang as Raven caught Benoit with a dropkick as he tried to enter the ring. Immediately, the combatants took to the outside. Benoit found himself on the defensive early, but as he has done so many times before, he fought back and clawed his way into control. He slammed Raven's head on the steps and rolled him into the ring. However, Raven quickly recovered and jumped on "The Crippler" again. This all-out brawl was just that—an ugly, physical fight. There was kicking, and scratching, and headbutting, and biting, and despite Benoit's technical prowess, there was nary a wrestling hold to be found. As they again battled around ringside, Benoit tossed Raven into the area of the audience where he typically sits during Monday Nitro to the delight of the crowd!
Schiavone: He dumped him right over! How's that for Raven's Rules?!
Benoit wasn't done there, though; he climbed over the railing and continued his beating in the audience! Referee Mickey Jay was little more than a walking three-count as Raven's Rules began to take hold. Raven started to escape up through the crowd with Benoit giving chase, but as Benoit pursued, Raven took the time to land a few right hands and stagger him. The two ended up in the concession area and continued their fight. Raven slammed Benoit into an industrial trash can, sending the plastic can and the contents flying! Pouncing on his prey, Raven went for the cover, but Benoit shot his shoulder up. Raven immediately stood up and put the boots to his opponent before taunting and threatening the crowd of spectators surrounding them.
Rhodes: These Dubya See Dubya fans are outta their minds, Brain, if I was them I wouldn't be anywhere neaaar that lunatic Raven!
Raven grabbed Benoit by the hair and tossed him into the group of spectators, who parted to allow Benoit to roll to the ground. As Raven looked to bring "The Crippler" back to the ring, Benoit countered and tossed him down a small flight of stairs headed back into the arena! Benoit turned the tables, grabbing Raven by the hair and dragging him all the way back down to the ring and over the railing! As the two met back in the ring, huffing and puffing, Benoit looked to finish Raven off. He landed a German suplex and went to the top rope for the diving headbutt, but Raven moved out of the way at the last second! Both men were flat out in the ring! As they slowly and groggily made their way to their feet, Benoit tried to quickly swing Raven to the ground for the Crippler Crossface, but Raven used his free arm to yank on the hair of "The Crippler" yet again, eliciting a cry of pain. Raven took that opportunity to land a knee to the ribs to break Benoit's grip and quickly landed a sharp DDT! Exhausted, Raven rolled Benoit's body over onto his back and made the cover for the victory!
Schiavone: Raven picks up his biggest win yet in WCW in a hard-fought one, but the real story here is that Chris Benoit is out cold. He might be hurt.
Out from the back comes The Flock, who are closely followed by Ric Flair, Steve McMichael, and Benoit's friend Dean Malenko in street clothes. Each squad tends to their respective member as they warily eye the other group. No violence ensues, however, as The Flock carry Raven to the back while WCW officials check on Benoit.
Rating: 76 (B-; match); 83 (B+; post-match)
Next up, we have a recap video of the impending clash between Bret Hart and "Hollywood" Hogan, from Bret's arrival at Starrcade through the nWo attack on The Hart Family this past Monday—after Bret had locked in the Sharpshooter onto Hogan.
After Bret makes his way down to the ring, the nWo theme hits. There's a delay though, with no one making their entrance. Finally, Eric Bischoff rears his head as he beckons to the back while pleading with the person to "be careful." Revealing himself from the backstage area is "Hollywood" Hogan…on crutches! He's flanked by a man in wrestling gear holding a white towel alongside a formally dressed man holding a briefcase—Curt Hennig and Rick Rude!
Schiavone: What is Hogan doing on crutches?! The last time we saw him he was conducting a gang assault on Bret Hart on Monday! And why are Hennig and Rude here?!
Bischoff grabs a microphone and hands it to Hogan.
Hogan: Hey Bret, listen man, I know you were looking to tear this arena to the ground tonight with "Hollywood," brother, but when you attacked me after the match on Monday Nitro and I slipped and you put me in the Sharpshooter, you took out my knee like a coward… You know there's nothing more that I want than to wrap these pythons around your neck to show the whole world that you're nothing compared to "Hollywood," but I'm not cleared to wrestle tonight so that will have to wait for another time.
The crowd loudly boos as Hogan grimaces and Bischoff asks if he's okay. Hogan nods and says he's good. Bret is livid in the ring, calling out to Hogan and saying this is "bull----" while telling him to get his ass down the aisle.
Hogan: But "Hitman," brother, we don't want to let all these Hulkamaniacs down, do we? So I talked to Curt here, and we decided that you're still gonna wrestle tonight so we can see whether you're as good as you say you are. Good luck, "Hitman!"
Bischoff helps Hogan to the back while Rude and Hennig approach the ring.
Heenan: This is right out of the nWo playbook Tony, but now guess what? Bret has to take on Curt Hennig with no preparation and Curt's one of the best wrestlers in the world. Bret's at a big disadvantage here!
Rhodes: You got that right, Bobbeh, Hogan slithered like a rattlesnake and now "The Hitman" has gotta go one-on-one with one of the top technical wrestlers in the game!
Rating: 73 (B-; recap); 87 (B+; Hogan switcheroo)  vs.  Bret "The Hitman" Hart vs. Curt Hennig w/Rick Rude
Begrudgingly, Bret began to circle the ring against his old foe. Though he wanted Hogan, he got Hennig, and Hennig was up to the task. Despite Rude's presence at ringside, he never really got involved. The two master technicians wrestled to an early stalemate, with "The Hitman" parrying much of Hennig's initial chain wrestling. As Hennig locked in a headlock, Bret reversed into a hammer lock, which Hennig countered. Curt pushed forward into the ropes as Bret held on with his right arm and sent Hennig bouncing back behind him after a ricochet. The two continued to match hold for hold throughout, as Bret showed he was every bit the wrestler he claimed to be despite his lack of ability to prepare for the matchup.
A master of preparation, however, Hennig was eventually able to catch Bret off guard with a chop block and began to go to work on his legs. "The Hitman" groaned in pain as Curt wrenched and twisted his knee, weakening Bret's ability to apply pressure in the Sharpshooter should he be able to lock it in. And in fact, he was able to lock the hold in about halfway through the contest, but Hennig's damage had been successful as he was able to continuously elbow Bret's ankle to force him to break the hold! As he got back to his feet, he again went to work on the leg of "The Hitman," locking in a standing Figure Four! Bret writhed in agony due to the knee pain, but was able to grab Curt's hair to fight his way out!
As both men recovered and Bret pulled himself up by the ropes, Hennig made a beeline for him, but "The Hitman" moved and sent Curt careening into the turnbuckle! Groggy, Hennig backed up right into a back suplex! It took all Bret had in his right knee to complete the move, but he was still able to drop Curt on the back of his neck. It was not enough, however, to give "The Hitman" the victory. Bret knew it was time to pull out all the stops, but as he went up to the middle rope to deliver his patented jumping elbow drop, he was suddenly cracked in the head…with a crutch! "Hollywood" Hogan stood on the ring steps cackling as referee Mickey Jay called for the bell!
Schiavone: Oh my goodness, Hogan with the crutch to the back of the head of "The Hitman!" That coward!
Rhodes: You need eyes in the back of ya head when ya dealin' with "Hollywood," Toneh! You can't put nothin' past a scoundrel like Hogan!
Hogan gets into the ring and puts the boots to Bret's knee, furthering the damage done by his nWo compatriot. For good measure, he grabs the crutch and removes the rubber padding from the bottom, stamping the metal down into the knee joint. As Hennig makes his way to his feet, looking somewhat annoyed, Hogan barks orders to attack. He tosses Hennig the crutch…but Curt drops it to the ground and leaves through the ropes with Rude, clearly not happy with Hulk's interference. It's at this time that Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart scurry down to the ring to chase off Hogan, but the damage has already been done to "The Hitman."
Heenan: Real interesting, Tony. If I know Curt like I think I know Curt, he wanted to show the world that he's the best there is, and he's not happy about Hogan ruining his chance at that.
Schiavone: Not many people in this business know Curt Hennig like you do, Brain, so I am inclined to agree with you, and we can only hope that the cracks we've begun to see in the new World order will continue to grow so WCW can rid itself of this disgrace once and for all!
Rating: 82 (B; match); 89 (A; post-match)
In the back, “Mean” Gene is on duty again, this time with the trio of Jimmy Hart and The Faces of Fear.
Okerlund: …and Jimmy, you’ve been in this business for a long time, and I know how tough these two men are, but Bill Goldberg has run through the ranks of WCW like a man possessed – what makes you think The Barbarian stands a chance against him tonight?
Meng snarls in the background.
Hart: You see, “Mean” Gene, that’s exactly why my Barbarian is gonna walk out of Madison, Wisconsin, with his hand raised. These people love their shiny new toy, the old football player Bill Goldberg, well guess what? My Meng and my Barbarian know what it’s like to get pummeled by guys like him and get back up! You’ll find no one tougher in this business than these two men, and once Goldberg steps in the ring with The Barbarian here and there’s no way out…
Meng slaps Barbarian’s chest and Barbarian grunts.
Hart: …it’s gonna be a rude awakening, baby, because I can guarantee you he’s seen nothing like this man before!
Rating: 71 (B-)  vs.  Bill Goldberg vs. The Barbarian w/Meng and Jimmy Hart
Jimmy Hart and The Faces left their interview straight for the ring. This match was as ugly as you might have imagined, with two big, strong men battling it out to find out who the biggest, baddest competitor was. While Meng accompanied his tag team partner to ringside along with their manager, he didn’t get involved in the early going, instead menacingly growling whenever Goldberg got near or landed a maneuver. While The Barbarian gave Goldberg a run and locked in a crushing bearhug to try and weaken the former Atlanta Falcon, all it took was one misstep. As Goldberg bounced off the ropes, The Barbarian looked for the Kick of Fear, but Bill ducked it, bounced off the opposite ropes—Spear! Barbarian was sent flying as Hart got up on the ropes screaming to draw the referee’s attention, while Meng climbed on the opposite apron. Goldberg saw it coming though—Spear to Meng! As The Barbarian stumbled to his feet, Goldberg seized the opportunity and landed a huge Jackhammer! 1, 2, 3! Goldberg remains undefeated!
Heenan: What a dominant competitor this Bill Goldberg is, Tony! He ate The Faces of Fear for lunch and those guys are no joke.
Rhodes: You got that right Brain babeh, that’s a couple’a monsters Beel Goldberg made look like regular old Joes out there!
Rating: 65 (C)
Tony and the crew send us to more footage from outside the nWo locker room moments ago. A cameraman is again positioned down the hallway as “The Macho Man” Randy Savage loudly opens the door and strides toward the ring with Elizabeth. He's followed to the doorway by Kevin Nash and Scott Steiner.
Nash: Hey “Mach,” c’mon man – we’re looking out for you, we got your back!
Savage whips around, pointing at his stablemates.
Savage: GET! I don’t need your help, man, oh no, what I NEED…is to remind you, Hogan, and everybody else that I am “The Macho Man” and I don’t need anybody to be the best in this business! I want me. And Sting. If he even shows up! DIG IT!
Randy walks off, passing the cameraman.
Savage: And what are YOU lookin’ at?!
Savage shoves the camera out of his face and continues to walk by.
Leading into our main event, we get our final video package of the evening. It chronicles the entire rivalry between Sting and Savage. The title bout is next!
Rating: 84 (B+; nWo segment); 75 (B-; recap)
As we head back to ringside, Michael Buffer stands in the ring with a microphone.
Buffer: Ladies and gentlemen, we are here tonight in Madison, Wisconsin and we are ready for the WCW/nWo Souled Out maiiiiiiiin event! Are you rrrrrrrrrrrrready? Lllllllet's get ready to—
Buffer is interrupted by a trenchcoated figure rappelling from the rafters! The crowd goes wild as the man pulls off his Sting mask to reveal…"Macho Man" Randy Savage, clad in his typical "Madness" bandana! He rips off his trenchcoat and tosses it outside the ring, taunting the fans. He yells that "STING DIDN'T EVEN SHOW UP!" But as he's gloating, the lights dim and the music of "The Man They Call" Sting blares over the PA system!
Schiavone: He's here!! Sting is here in the Kohl Center!
Heenan: We haven't seen him yet Tony, we don't know if he's here!
Proving Schiavone correct, Sting walks through the curtain dragging his signature black baseball bat, staring blankly toward his opponent in the ring. Savage continues to frantically pace the ring, beckoning for Sting to enter.
Rhodes: It’s the Stingah, babeh!
Buffer: Making his way to the ring, hailing from Venice Beach, California, he stands six feet two inches, he weighs 250 pounds… he is the standard bearer for World Championship Wrestling and one of the greatest performers in the company's history… he is a man who has tapped into his dark energy in order to avenge the pain caused by the new World order… he lives in the nightmares of his opponents…he is, of course, the WCW World Heavyweight Champion…ladies and gentlemen, this…is…STIIIING!
  vs.  "The Man They Call" Sting (c) vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
The match began with Savage trying to get an early advantage. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon as he went toe-to-toe with the slightly larger Sting. Randy succeeded in his early attack, as he had to be reprimanded by Mickey Jay for using his trenchcoat to choke the champion! Jay threatened to disqualify him, so Savage backed off, although he didn’t let Mickey get away without a finger in his face and a couple of threats. This allowed Sting to recover, as he started to push his way back in with punches to Randy’s gut. After he blocked a couple of Savage’s punches, Sting grabbed him by the head and tossed him through the ropes to the outside of the ring!
The match continued around the outside for a bit, evenly matched, as Randy was able to lift Sting up to drop his throat onto the steel guard rail right in front of the audience. He smacked his head on the steps and then rolled him back into the ring. Savage then climbed up to the top rope and looked like he was going for the Diving Elbow Drop, but Sting was able to roll too far out of the way before he was able to attempt. Instead, Randy dropped down and turned around…removing the turnbuckle! Mickey Jay immediately jumped on the situation, but while he was attempting to re-fasten the rope, Elizabeth slid the World Title belt into “The Macho Man!”
Rhodes: Look out, Sting! Turn around! Get outta theah!
As Sting stumbled to his feet, he turned – ducked! Boot to the stomach, the belt dropped to the ground! He quickly grabbed Randy’s neck for a DDT onto the title belt! The crowd popped as Sting pushed the belt out of the ring to the floor just in time for Mickey Jay to turn around and make the count—1, 2, no! “The Macho Man” kicked out!
Heenan: Say what you want about Randy “Macho Man” Savage, but the guy is a competitor, Tony, he’s one of the best the sport has ever seen and he wants that World Title back in the nWo badly!
As the two men rose to their feet, Savage tried to get the upper hand once again, but he was tossed into the turnbuckle! Sting landed some jabs to the ribs and whipped him to the other side of the ring—Stinger Splash! At this point, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash started walking down the aisle. As they got toward the ring, Savage screamed to go to the back! The Outsiders protested as Mickey Jay echoed Randy’s words and Sting stood by watching. Hall and Nash put their hands up, respecting the wishes of “The Macho Man,” and walked to the back as the match continued. The distraction was enough for Savage to catch his breath though—Randy took Sting’s knee out with a chop block and dropped him with a Piledriver! With Sting laid out, Savage climbed to the top again!
Schiavone: Savage is going back up for the elbow! Sting is in trouble because of Hall and Nash!
Savage flew off the top, but Sting moved at the last moment! Sting quickly recovered and grabbed Randy’s legs, pulling him to the center of the ring! He stepped through, turned over—Scorpion Deathlock! “The Macho Man” flailed his limbs and looked for the ropes, but Sting never let him get close. His head in his hands as he howled in pain, Randy Savage was forced to submit! Mickey Jay calls for the bell, Sting retains!
Schiavone: WCW keeps the belt! Sting has made Randy Savage submit, oh my goodness!
Heenan: He did it! And oh man, Tony, this has to be one of the worst nights in the history of the new World order – there is complete chaos all around them right now! WCW needs to put them out of their misery and this was a great start!
After the match, Sting raises the title belt in each corner for the fans while Elizabeth helps Savage to the back. Savage takes a look back at Sting before continuing to walk toward the dressing room. Sting is still the WCW World Heavyweight Champion!
Rating: 92 (A; match); 91 (A; celebration)
Overall Show Rating: 90 (A). This show increased our popularity in 37 regions.
Backstage Notes: In the locker room after the show, Eric Bischoff had glowing praise for both Randy Savage and Sting for their great performance, and also indicated that he was impressed by a good performance from Chris Jericho. All seemed pleased at his review.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
WCW/nWo Souled Out 1998 Quick Results
WCW World Tag Team Championship
Harlem Heat (c) w/Jacqueline Moore vs. The Outsiders (DQ)
Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. "Lionheart" Chris Jericho
WCW United States Championship
Diamond Dallas Page (c) vs. "The Total Package" Lex Luger
The Giant and Rick Steiner vs. Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell
WCW Cruiserweight Championship
"The Iceman" Dean Malenko vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. Eddy Guerrero (c)
Raven's Rules
Chris Benoit vs. Raven
Bret "The Hitman" Hart (DQ) vs. Curt Hennig w/Rick Rude
Bill Goldberg vs. The Barbarian w/Meng and Jimmy Hart
WCW World Heavyweight Championship
"The Man They Call" Sting (c) vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
Bonus Questions
How many titles will change hands? Zero. Ugh.
Will anyone turn against the nWo or join the nWo? No. Boring, right?
How many finishes will involve interference or distractions? Only three!
Which match will open the show? Harlem Heat vs. The Outsiders
Who will take the fall in the Cruiserweight Title match? Dean Malenko
Which match will be match of the night? Sting vs. Randy Savage (90; A) |
|
vs. 
vs. 
