WCW Monday Nitro 11/18/93

[Deleted]

Live from The Civic Center
November 18, 1993
8:00 pm eastern
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From ringside ...

Tony Schiavone: From the city of brotherly love, live on TNT, live across the United States, this is the #1 pro wrestling show today. This is WCW Monday Nitro, where the big boys play! Hello everybody, Tony Schiavone here, alongside The Living Legend Larry Zbyszko, and we are coming to you from The Civic Center here in Phildelphia, and what a broadcast we have in store for you tonight. Match after match tonight of main event quality, and you have to start with that dream partner tag team match Legend. Rowdy Roddy Piper is here tonight, he will be wrestling in that ring, and his opponent will be Ravishing Rick Rude. Just 10 days before the Clash of Champions and that big Steel Cage match, they will each carry a partner of their choice into combat. This could be a game changer.

Larry Zbyszko: You hit the nail on the head right there. A game changer. This is a dangerous move by them to do this so close to that big Cage match, but more so for Piper because we know what kind of man that Rick Rude is. Fortunately though for the Hot Rod, he gets to pick a soldier to march into war with him, and to watch his back. Who will it be? I don't know, but I can tell you 1 thing. As much as I'd love to get in there, my phone wasn't ringing. But just know that if the call comes, I'm more than willing to step in there to get a shot at Rude. So if you're listening Piper and there's still a question mark, look no further than right here.

Tony Schiavone: Alright, and we will hear from both men before hand so that they can reveal their choices. Also tonight though, another big match. Sting to go 1 on 1 with Brother Brutus. This is a match that he has been wanting ever since that man stepped foot out here on Nitro nearly 2 months ago. It might not be Hulk Hogan and Starrcade, but certainly it has to be at least somewhat gratifying to the former WCW champion.

Larry Zbyszko: And I don't really know what to make of all that back room talk that the commissioner spoke of last week. Sting wants Hulk Hogan, Hulk Hogan wants Sting, but the mysterious "they" don't want the match. Who is "they"? If you ask me, this is all a bunch of TV executives that don't understand professional wrestling stepping in beyond their boundaries. I just hope J.J. Dillon shows some guts and does the right thing because I know, just like all these fans do, that this could be the biggest match ever.

Tony Schiavone: Indeed it could, and speaking of J.J. Dillon ...

... we are being joined now here at ringside by the commissioner himself. Has there been any word from the executives you spoke of last week in regards to what Sting had to say.

J.J. Dillon: There has, but let's get some business out of the way here first. Let's talk about something that these fans want to see, and something that the executives at Turner want to see as well. That being the Computer Contenders Challenge, right here tonight on Monday Nitro. First of all, the champion tonight, and this is a big 1. This is going to be a big 1, because it is going to be the WCW Heavyweight champion tonight, Big Van Vader.

Tony Schiavone: Woah! That's big news. Big Van Vader to defend the WCW title tonight.

Larry Zbyszko: But who against? That's what I want to know.

J.J. Dillon: It's interesting because it's somebody you might not expect. He's been flying a bit under the radar of late here on Nitro, but compiling several wins on Saturday Night. It's also 1 of only a few men that have managed to pin Vader's shoulders in the past, even doing so to win the WCW title a year and a half ago. I'm referring of course to Ron Simmons. That's right, tonight. It's going to be Vader defending the title against the man that ended his first reign as champion back in 1992, and I wouldn't bet against Simmons, I can tell you that much.

Tony Schiavone: That is big news. Add that match onto everything else here tonight.

Larry Zbyszko: You might not bet against Simmons, but judging from your comments last week, you would bet against Sting, so tell us what's going on with that. That's what everybody out here wants to know.

J.J. Dillon: Look, things were said last week. Things I can't take back. But every word of it was the truth. Now what I think of whether or not Sting can win? It doesn't matter. This isn't about what I think Larry, it's about what "they" think. Now I know that for many weeks, I was told no. Hulk Hogan is not to be signed to WCW if it's for a match against Sting. Under no circumstances can that happen because of what Hogan stands for, and if he beats Sting, well, that's not good. Not good at all. However, Sting, he's forced their hand. His threat, or promise rather, it goes without saying that we can't have that. Sting is very much WCW. He is in many ways, the face of WCW. Even worse than a loss to Hogan is if Sting went elsewhere, Hogan followed, and that match were to go down somewhere else. That can't happen. So while I can't say that the match has been signed for Starrcade, yet, I can say that WCW has been in direct contact with Hulk Hogan and he will be at the Clash of Champions on Thanksgiving night. He will be presented with the opportunity to join WCW, and he will be offered the opportunity to wrestle Sting at Starrcade.

Tony Schiavone: That may be the biggest news ever delivered out here. Sting and Hogan, Starrcade.

J.J. Dillon: I'm not finished though. Let me tell you something Sting. And this comes from "them". This is a match that you can't lose. I repeat, you can't lose. You are stepping onto very thin ice by taking this match and I'd strongly advise you to think twice. That's all I'll say about it, but Sting is now playing a very dangerous game. 1 that he doesn't fully understand. He has his match with Brother Brutus later tonight and I'm hopeful that, well, maybe it puts some sense into him.

Larry Zbyszko: If you ask me, Sting has all the sense he needs right now.

Tony Schiavone: We will see what happens later tonight when Sting wrestles Brother Brutus. Thanks for joining us J.J., and right now it's up to the ring as we send it to the opening match, here on Monday Nitro.


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The tag team dubbed The Texicans this past weekend on WCW Saturday Night make their Nitro debut tonight in the ring. Tex Slazenger returned a few weeks back with a specific target of the U.S. champion Ice Train, being joined by the man that would come to be known as Shanghai Pierce the next week. Train earned his spot in WCW with an underdog challenge win over Slazenger back in May, leading speculation that the 2 incidents are related. Their opponents tonight are the true underdogs here, pulling out several upset wins over the past couple of months, The Cole Twins. That said, The Coles get in some offense, but the match is more or less a spotlight match for The Texicans. The Coles do however start to rally late, but an attempted switch of the twins leads to Keith distracting the referee and just being sent outside. As that goes on, Tex still on the apron, brings up the bullrope and passes the other end to Shanghai. They run it into Kent Cole, clotheslining him with it. Shanghai covers and the referee delivers a 3 count after that to give them the win. Granted the Coles are no Ice Train and 1 on 1, it would seem Train could take them, but it may end up as a 2 on 1 beatdown if The Texicans get their way. No match has been signed yet, but according to Tony Schiavone, Train is pushing J.J. Dillon and the commissioner's office to get a match signed with him and 1, if not both of these men.


-- First commercial break --



Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to more WCW Monday Nitro. Before the break you saw a big win for Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce as they look towards a showdown with Ice Train, but even before that Legend, comments from J.J. Dillon. Big news there as Hulk Hogan will be at the Clash of Champions Thanksgiving night on TBS, and he will be given the chance for a match at Starrcade against Sting.

Larry Zbyszko: But with that came a stern warning for Sting. Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it. If that match does get signed, Sting is in a very difficult position. There is more to this than simply winning and losing a match. If he wins, he proves a lot of people at CNN Center wrong, proves WCW is without a doubt #1, but if he loses, well, we just don't know. Like the commissioner said, he is walking on thin ice if this match gets signed, and a loss could crack it and send him crashing through to the other side.

Tony Schiavone: And of course Sting has a match later tonight with Brother Brutus. A much anticipated showdown, and 1 has to think that with the announcement of a possible Starrcade match, Brutus may now have a further agenda. Also we heard earlier, Ron Simmons to challenge Big Van Vader for the WCW Title in the Computer Contenders Challenge. What a match that will be. But right now, we want to bring in somebody ...

... and he himself has a big match tonight as he squares off against Rowdy Roddy Piper in a dream tag team match, referring of course to the World champion Ravishing Rick Rude.

Larry Zbyszko: I can't wait.

Rick Rude: What are you gonna do Zbyszko? What are you going to do? Take me to Larry land? This is 1993 Zbyszko so button your mouth, open your eyes, and listen to what the World champion has to say. Listen to what a real man has to say for a change out here. This match tonight is exactly what I want. Not only do I get the chance to put Piper in his place 10 days early, 10 days before the Clash of Champions, but I get to use the element of surprise. All week long the people out here, the Philadelphia fat heads as I like to call to them, they wondered just who would be in my corner. They asked, who is man enough to stand alongside Ravishing Rick Rude in this tag team match tonight. Well wonder no more.

And with that, The Lone Wolf Barry Windham walks into view.

Rick Rude: That's right. My partner tonight is none other than Barry Windham. The same man that is going to put Ric Flair out of wrestling. Thanksgiving night, make sure you watch because it's not only the last time you see Flair, but the last time you see Piper too. And I'd watch yourself Zbyszko, because maybe they'll be taking your job as the new flavor of the moment and finally we wouldn't have to hear your voice polluting the airwaves out here every Monday night.

Larry Zbyszko: I'll pollute something out here. We don't have to listen to this.

Barry Windham: Oh I disagree Zbyszko, so if you know what's best, keep quiet because I have something to say to the so called Hot Rod. The skirt wearing movie star that seems to do everything but wrestle out here. If you think you can just walk out here tonight and step into my den, you couldn't be more wrong. I might have Ric Flair in an I Quit match on Thanksgiving night, but don't think for 1 second that I won't do the same to you. It is my mission tonight to not only make you say I quit, but put you out of this sport for good. You have no place here anymore Piper, and with all due respect to you Rick Rude, I want to apologize because I don't think he'll survive until the Clash of Champions.

Rick Rude: Haha, that's not a problem at all. Tonight Piper, you're in for a Rude Awakening.

Larry Zbyszko: Well just wait and see because Piper's partner has yet to be announced so don't get on your high horses just yet.

Tony Schiavone: That announcement to come later on, that match to come tonight. Rick Rude and Barry Windham against Roddy Piper and who? We don't know that just yet. Right now though it is time to go back up to the ring for more action here on Monday Nitro on TNT.


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vs

Shane Douglas has recently directed his attention towards the WCW TV champion Lord Steven Regal in the wake of a countout loss in the first round of the King of Cable tournament. Perhaps also having something to prove in the wake of the Arn Anderson suspension, given he was set to challenge Regal, that would be his chance to prove to everybody he was up to the task in his role of Horseman in training before that got dropped. Douglas however starts tonight with Regal's protege Jean Paul Levesque in a singles match between 2 young up and comers. The match is a hotly contested 1, getting a good 10 minutes or so to showcase both of their talents. Levesque starts strong, but gets a bit arrogant and perhaps overconfident, leading to Douglas making a comeback. Levesque takes a powder by heading to the floor as fans enjoy themselves, yelling at him and rubbing it in after his own cockiness comes back to bite him. Back inside and Douglas continues, but Levesque rakes the eyes out of a lockup and starts to work away. Levesque focuses on the legs in preparation for an inverted Indian deathlock. Once applied, Douglas comes close to submitting, but fights his way to the ropes and draws a break. Levesque sets up for the double underhook facebuster, but Douglas instead flips him over with a reversal into a back body drop. Douglas mounts a comeback, eventually hooking Levesque into a belly to belly suplex. That is followed by a cover, with a 3 count. Douglas grabs a big win as he looks towards a future opportunity at the TV Title, and is making a strong case in singles competition aside from the 1 countout loss in the tournament since returning to WCW.


-- Second commercial break --



Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro, here live on TNT. Still to come tonight, it's Sting and Brother Brutus, but also we have that dream partner tag team match. Moments ago we found it would be Rick Rude teaming up with Barry Windham to take on Roddy Piper and a yet to be named partner.

Larry Zbyszko: And I stand by what I said earlier. More so now after those 2 buffoons came out and said their piece. It's no secret that I don't like Rick Rude and he doesn't like me, and if Piper needs a partner, I am more than willing to step in. But I'm sure there's no shortage of wrestlers at the same time willing to do just the same. Rude has pissed off lots of guys, and let's be honest, there's somebody back there that would love to get in there with Barry Windham all the same. I'm speaking of course of The Nature Boy Ric Flair.

Tony Schiavone: And wouldn't that be something. Ric Flair and Roddy Piper as a tag team, tonight. We could see it. Another match though is the Computer Contenders Challenge with Big Van Vader defending the WCW Heavyweight Title against this man joining us right now ...

... Ron Simmons. It has been a few weeks now since we have seen you in action here on Nitro, but you have certainly kept busy on Saturday Night. Do you think you have what it takes to get the job done out here tonight?

Ron Simmons: I don't think anything Tony Schiavone, I know. I know more than any other man back in that dressing room because thus far, there ain't nobody that's went in there with Vader and taken away the WCW title from him. Nobody's done it except me. And I did that without Harlem Heat, so just like I told them with the match at Halloween Havoc, stay out of my way. I'ma do this on my own, just like the first time a year and half ago. This isn't about them, this isn't about you, the fans, all this is about is me beating Vader right in the middle of that ring and becoming the WCW champion for a second time.

Larry Zbyszko: I have to raise a question here. You didn't beat Ice Train at Halloween Havoc, you don't have the fans in your corner like the first time you fought Vader and took that title back in 1992, so why would you go into this without Harlem Heat's help? You know Harley Race will be outside the ring, and Yoshi Kwan may not be too far away.

Ron Simmons: And if that happens, they you can bet I'll deal with it accordingly. I may have done it the first time with the fans in my corner, but that's not what this time's about. This is about proving something to myself, and this is about the WCW title. That computer picked my name for a reason, you understand? While the commissioner's office seems to pass me up at every turn, there's no denying what that computer says. I'm the best man for the job, and I intend to do the job. Everybody better get ready because tonight, there's going to be a new WCW champion.

Tony Schiavone: Alright, that match still to come later tonight. Right now though, speaking of Harlem Heat, let's get back up to the ring for more action.


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Last week on Nitro, Road Warrior Animal had a singles match with Booker T from Harlem Heat. This week comes the other half of the preview for their big tag team match at the Clash of Champions when Road Warrior Hawk battles Stevie Ray. The 2 teams are looking to finish their rivalry on Thanksgiving, but before that, both men will look to gain an advantage on the other. Out first is Stevie Ray, joined by Booker T, and a brief exchange takes place with Ron Simmons on his way to the back from ringside walking by them on their way towards the ring. Words are spoken, the commentators left only to wonder what gets said, although presumably nothing too heated as Simmons continues on his way and the Heat on theirs. Hawk comes out next to a big pop, pausing before Animal comes out to join him. If Booker T is going to be out here, so too is Animal. The match gets started and is very much a brawl. The referee has a hard time keeping order and it is not long before Stevie Ray gets into the ring. Animal follows and all 4 wrestlers are going at it. The bell gets called for this match only minutes in, a no contest, and several more referees and officials come down to try and settle things down. The action continues until Harlem Heat get sent out of the ring. Doug Dellinger is out there with WCW security, preventing them from getting back in as The Road Warriors make the challenge. Tony Schiavone announces that they will try and restore order and be back after a commercial break.


-- Third commercial break --



Tony Schiavone: Welcome back, and as you can see out here, order has been restored. The Road Warriors and Harlem Heat, they will settle their differences when they lock up at the Clash of Champions in 10 days time in a match that cannot come soon enough. In just a moment though, the King of Cable continues with our first semi final match. The finals of that to take place on Thanksgiving as well. That show Legend, with all that has been announced, it could end up the biggest event in the rich history of TBS wrestling, and that covers a lot of wrestling.

Larry Zbyszko: 21 years in fact if you consider that last year saw the 20th anniversary. And you're right. The rest of 1993 is an absolute battle ground out here. Nobody is safe, and everybody had best be watching their backs as we head into Starrcade next month. The biggest event in WCW history and everybody's going to want to be a part of it, so how do you lead into that? With the biggest event in the history of TBS. And how do you lead into that even? With a gigantic night here tonight. WCW is rolling on all cylinders.

Tony Schiavone: Indeed it is, and the biggest match tonight, dream tag team match. Rick Rude and Barry Windham to take on Rowdy Roddy Piper and a yet to be named partner, although 1 man that has to be in the running about to join us ...

... Philadelphia, please join me in welcoming Johnny B. Badd!

The fans give a mixed reaction as has become the usual for Badd out here.

Johnny B. Badd: Tonight is a big night Tony Schiavone, maybe the biggest as you 2 said. I can't recall a bigger match than the dream tag team match out here on TNT, and with Roddy Piper yet to name a partner officially, I want to throw my name into the hat. He knows better than anybody what I go through every time I step through that curtain. The uphill battle that I have to go through at times. This is it though. This is my chance to prove myself against Ravishing Rick Rude, the current World champion. Roddy might have his shot at the Clash of Champions, but let's not forget who gets 1 the following Monday on Nitro. I just want my chance and it's a chance that he can give to me tonight.

Larry Zbyszko: Hold on though. What happens if Piper wins the title at the Clash of Champions? Then it's you against Piper.

Johnny B. Badd: Larry, I'm only thinking about tonight and what's now. Now what if's. Me and Roddy teamed up at Slamboree, and we have watched each others backs for several months out here. When Rude attacked him and put him on the shelf several months back, I stood up for Piper and I went after Rude. I wanted to get revenge for him, and I took Rude to the limit several times in that ring. Now I'm asking for Roddy to repay the favor. Give me the chance tonight to be your partner. That's all I'm asking for. Only 1 man can make this happen, so come on! Let's do it!

Tony Schiavone: Alright, Johnny B. Badd! And certainly giving a compelling case for the Hot Rod to name him as his partner later on tonight in our main event. Speaking of main events though, right now it's time for our main event for hour #1, so let's head back up to the ring and await for David Penzer to introduce the combatants.


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King of Cable Tournament match
vs

The semi finals of the King of Cable begin tonight. The other semi final will take place this coming weekend over on WCW Saturday Night. Before anything, a graphic displays the brackets and what has happened so far.


TNT Monday Nitro bracket

The Natural Dustin Rhodes
---------------------------------------The Natural Dustin Rhodes
Diamond Dallas Page

The Z Man
---------------------------------------Brad Armstrong
Brad Armstrong


TBS Saturday Night bracket

Johnny B. Badd
---------------------------------------Johnny B. Badd
Jean Paul Levesque

Shane Douglas
---------------------------------------Lord Steven Regal
Lord Steven Regal


Tonight's match will The Natural Dustin Rhodes against Brad Armstrong, accompanied by Toni Adams. For Rhodes, this is proving to be just what he needs to get back on track after a loss to Johnny B. Badd at Halloween Havoc, and a loss in the Computer Contenders Challenge to Ravishing Rick Rude. Armstrong and Adams are looking to become king and queen as the only pair represented here, and he has certainly been on a roll out here of late. Frustrated with fans booing his old time wrestling style and WCW not giving him any respect, Armstrong shifted his ways to get the job done by any means and so far it is yielding results. Armstrong and Adams are out and heading to the ring, the match to follow after a break.


-- Fourth commercial break --



WCW Saturday Night Preview for November 23

- The Nasty Boys are in action
- Diamond Dallas Page is in action
- Johnny B. Badd vs Lord Steven Regal in a King of Cable tournament match
- All that and more, this Saturday at 6:05 eastern on TBS.


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Back from break and out comes Dustin Rhodes, ready for action. The commentators mention the wildcard on the outside of the ring that is Toni Adams. Her presence has helped Armstrong in multiple victories over both Chris Adams and The Z Man, and could prove to be a factor tonight as well. Rhodes starts the match out in control, but Armstrong has a few savvy counters. Rhodes eventually starts channeling the American Dream with some juking and jiving, leading to a big atomic elbow to the head that floors Armstrong and sends him rolling to the floor. Rhodes is not going to let that go though as he follows him out and surprises him. Armstrong begs off, at which point Adams turns Rhodes. Armstrong quickly capitalizes by kneeing Rhodes from behind to send him shoulder first into the ring post. He follows that with a few kicks before rolling under the bottom rope and standing to tell the referee to start counting. The commentators note that in this type of match, pinfall or countout achieve the same result for Armstrong, so this could be a smart move. As the count gets up there, Rhodes just makes it back in by the count of 9. He saves himself, but it could turn into a mistake as Armstrong immediately starts to focus on the shoulder. After some wear downs and shots to the area, Armstrong scoops Rhodes up and drives his shoulder into his knee and covers, only managing a 2. Armstrong goes for the 3/4 facelock Russian legsweep to put Rhodes away, but Rhodes counters by instead sending Armstrong off into the ropes to leapfrog over and then hit a dropkick. Both wrestlers stay down. When they get up, Rhodes takes control and eventually goes back to the bionic elbow. He runs the ropes to give a big 1, but Adams grabs at his ankle. She turns away thinking a job well done, but does not see Rhodes hopping out to the floor. When she turns, Rhodes is pointing at her. Armstrong reaches over to grab Rhodes, but as he pulls him up, Rhodes drops down to hang Armstrong up on the top rope. The Natural slides back in and sets up for the bulldog, but Armstrong quickly counters into the 3/4 facelock Russian legsweep and covers. The referee goes down and starts slapping the mat, but Rhodes gets the shoulder up at 2. Armstrong can not believe it. He even questions the referee's decision. Frustrated, Armstrong grabs Rhodes to bring him up but the lapse in time has given him some recovery time and he instead connects with a shot to the gut. Rhodes gives another, and with Armstrong hunched over, hits the ropes, coming back to drop down to the mat and fire up a jab that sends Armstrong down. Rhodes gets up as Armstrong turns into a reverse atomic drop. Rhodes continues before going back to the bulldog, this time hitting it. He covers and picks up the 3, taking the win and a spot Thanksgiving in the King of Cable finals at the Clash of Champions. The commentators give Armstrong the credit where it is due, but on this night, Rhodes was just the better man. The other semi final goes this coming weekend on WCW Saturday Night when Johnny B. Badd battles Lord Steven Regal, a return to their heated rivalry from the first half of the year.


-- Fifth commercial break --

[Deleted]

Tony Schiavone: Welcome back. What a night so far in hour #1 of Monday Nitro here Legend.

Larry Zbyszko: The moniker where the big boys play may never have been more true than tonight. With all the action we've seen and what is left to come, Philadelphia may never be the same again.

Tony Schiavone: Maybe not. Certainly 1 could call it a November to not forget here in WCW, with tonight being pivotal as we head towards Thanksgiving. But still a lot to come during hour #2, and for that we send it over to Eric Bischoff and Bobby The Brain Heenan.


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Eric Bischoff: Thanks Tony, and you said it best. This right here guys, all month long, a November you will never forget, sure to remember it for a long time. This right here tonight in Philly, we have some gigantic matches to come in hour #2 Brain. Ron Simmons to challenge Big Van Vader for the WCW Heavyweight Title as part of the Computer Contenders Challenge. Sting, finally gets his hands on Brother Brutus, that coming after the revelation earlier tonight that Hulk Hogan will be at the Clash of Champions. The Nasty Boys in tag team action against The Hollywood Blonds, who look to continue their reversal of fortunes that started with their first win in months last week, now that they have Col. Robert Parker at the helm. And if all that wasn't enough, later tonight, dream partner tag team match as Ravishing Rick Rude and Barry Windham take on Rowdy Roddy Piper and, well, we don't know yet. We heard Johnny B. Badd out here asking for the spot, Larry Zbyszko not being shy that he'd take the match. Lots of wrestlers want that opportunity.

Bobby Heenan: Somebody here has clearly lost it. The humanoids out there should have to pay for this stuff. All of that, free on Nitro? They don't deserve it.

Eric Bischoff: That's the WCW motto this month Brain. Giving back to the fans. All month long here, the King of Cable tournament, the Computer Contenders Challenge, all culminating with the Clash of Champions on Thanksgiving night over on TBS. WCW isn't about cheating their fans. Unlike some places where the executives are facing steroid distribution charges as of this morning, pretty sad if you ask me. We don't do that here in WCW though. Our main concern is wrestling and giving the fans entertainment. No wonder Hulk Hogan left because you'd better believe he's a real American, and isn't about to bow down to that sort of cheap pressure tactics. No short cuts Brain. That's the Hulkster's motto, and it's WCW's motto. Say your prayers, train hard, take your vitamins. An example we look to replicate for our fans through example.

Bobby Heenan: Let's get back to tonight though here. What about this tag team match? Right now, Piper doesn't have a partner. That could spell big trouble for him. Think about it. What if he ends up having to go into that thing 2 on 1? What then? And on top of that, he has to go into the Steel Cage in 10 days time.

Eric Bischoff: Well we already know that Piper won't have to go in there alone. We already know that because we heard from Johnny B. Badd, we heard from Larry Zbyszko. Not everybody's a coward that would duck and hide around here when they can. This is WCW, where the big boys play Brain. Those guys in the back want to wrestle, and I'm sure after tonight, wrestlers will be beating down the door to get in here as the Titanic just hit a second iceberg earlier. I mean, they're probably calling Piper all day, hoping for an in. Not that easy though. But speaking of the Hot Rod, he's about ready to give us word on just who it will be walking side by side with him tonight into that very ring.


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Bagpipes start up and the Philadelphia fans go haywire for it. Long time fans of the Hot Rod Rowdy Roddy Piper in this area, and clearly a big reason they came out and packed The Civic Center here tonight. Nobody is out to interview him here and he is ready to go solo, something he is more than used to, as he stands just at the bottom of the set entrance away from the ring.

Roddy Piper: First of all tonight, let me tell you something out here. This is it man, city of brotherly love. Let me tell you something. The World Series, Philadelphia Phillies, this city was robbed ha. As far as I'm concerned out here, you are all the champions man. Reality check, Philadelphia is number 1.

Piper pauses to take in the cheapest pop possible since there was not even controversy in their loss weeks earlier.

Roddy Piper: Now, we gotta talk something out here right now. We gotta talk Ricky Rude, and we gotta talk about tonight. So his dream tag team partner is Barry Windham. Yeah, ok. I gotta tell ya something man. I gotta tell you that I am the reason your old man is retired ha. He left wrestling because he didn't want to have to pay the Piper. Blackjack Mulligan was a coward, like father, like son man. That's just how it goes. I know the deal, and I scare Windham. Lone Wolf, that's nothing man. That just means that the rest of the wolf pack abandoned him. They knew this guy was a lost cause, so they let him go. But you know, I'm willing to look at things through another man's eyes. I'm stepping back and I'm seeing me, and I'm seeing the 2 of them. Do I think I could take Rude? Did it at Halloween Havoc. Windham? Don't make me laugh out here. But you put the 2 together and I might have a problem. I might. But ya see, the thing here is, I got a tag team partner too. I got somebody to come in and watch my back. You should've heard the phone today. Ringing off the hook from guys that wanted to be my partner. They wanted to step into the WCW. But it was somebody here tonight man. They came up to me and they said Hot Rod, I want in there. I wanna be your partner. And you know, I could keep it under wraps, save it until the main event. But-

The booing at that suggestion interrupts Piper's speech and causes him to look out at the crowd until the booing turns to a mix of cheers and chants of "Roddy!, Roddy!"

Roddy Piper: BUT, I think you people wanna know right now, so that's what I'm gonna do. You wanna know? My partner tonight ... Ric Flair!

Fans start going crazy again as the familiar opening of Also sprach zarathustra hits and comes The Nature Boy dressed in a suit. Flair gets down on his knees and start bowing down to Piper to say he is not worthy of this. He gets up, the 2 shake hands and Flair readies to speak.

Ric Flair: Hot, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!, Rod. It's like deja vu out here because this ain't the first time that me and you have stood side by side out here. Usually it's been across the ring from each other, and we've had our differences. You'd better believe though that tonight, when we walk that aisle, it's gonna be The Nature Boy and The Hot Rod showing em how it's done. This ain't gonna be amateur hour tonight my friend, cause the 2 of us, we have something to prove in that ring tonight. Steel Cage, I Quit, Clash of the Champions, none of that matters out here. What matters is that you go in there, and you wage a war. I need to know Hot Rod, I need to know, can I count ... on ... you.

Flair is sticking his finger in Piper's chest. Piper looks at it, getting himself fired up.

Roddy Piper: Let's get Rowdy!

Ric Flair: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Flair turns and starts to strut a few paces, before turning back and throwing down his suit jacket. The 2 shake hands a second time. Fans continue to cheer, the match now set for tonight. Roddy Piper and Ric Flair vs Rick Rude and Barry Windham. Time to go to the ring.

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WCW Heavyweight Title match
vs

A main event quality match of its own kicks off hour #2 tonight with the WCW Heavyweight Title on the line. The last time these 2 met 1 on 1 with the title at stake, Ron Simmons defeated Big Van Vader and took the time some year and a half ago. That is not to say these 2 are without recent crossings with Vader taking out Simmons back in April, Simmons being a key reason Vader even won the title in July, and then a losing effort as a team in War Games leading to them throwing around blame. The match tonight comes courtesy of the Computer Contenders Challenge. A golden opportunity for Simmons, literally, with the commentators pushing that this may be his last chance at the belt that 1 year ago, was around his waist.

Both wrestlers come out, Simmons being far from a fan favorite with the crowd as he should be, but a positioning of underdog by commentators here to put him in the face role to viewers at home. The 2 stand nose to nose when the bell rings before Vader shoves Simmons away. He laughs and hits a double bicep pose while asking 'Who's the man Simmons?" Ask and you get an answer as Simmons fires back with a hard right that backs Vader into the ropes. This gets a small pop as Simmons points to himself and says that he is the man. Vader circles and the 2 lock up with Vader pushing Simmons back and surprisingly giving a clean break from the corner. Another lockup and this time Simmons back Vader up and gives the clean break, but Vader cheap shots him. Harley Race laughs on the outside as Vader starts landing some hard shots in Simmons. He brings him back and sends him to the ropes, throwing up a clothesline. Simmons ducks, hits the ropes on the other side and comes back with a a hard shoulderblock. Vader gets rocked as Simmons runs again and hits a second time. Fans start getting behind this, but Simmons goes for a bodyslam, only to get a shot to the ribs. Vader starts laying in the sledge like fists. Simmons then gets hit by a full body block that drops him to the mat. Vader follows that with an elbow drop. Rather than cover, he gets up and holds his hands in V shapes while taunting fans. Simmons gets up as Vader grabs him to deliver a spinning back fist. Vader then pulls Simmons to the corner and goes to the second rope. Taking his time, maybe too early too. Vader builds momentum for the Vader Bomb and leaps back, but misses as Simmons moves! Vader clutches his midsection as the 2 get up with Simmons starting to land hard forearm shots. He backs up and charges with a shoulderblock, but again Vader does not go down. Second time, still nothing. Simmons then backs up and takes a 3 point stance to charge in with a football style tackle that puts Vader down. The fans cheer as Simmons covers ...






... 1






... 2






... NO!

Vader just gets a shoulder up in time. This close to losing the title, and whether it is underestimating Simmons or just being unprepared given the mystery aspect to the Computer Contenders Challenge, Vader seems off his game tonight. As they get up, Simmons gets in behind Vader and lifts him up hitting a huge belly to back suplex. Simmons gets up and clutches his own back, maybe hurting it on that move. As Vader gets up, Simmons goes into the ropes and comes back with a sunset flip attempt. Vader however blocks it and leaps up instead to butt splash him, but Simmons gets out of the way of that too. As they get up, Simmons turns Vader into a backslide ...






... 1






... 2






... NO!

Vader escapes in time. Cameras show Race looking relieved by that, as if he just evaded a near death experience or something. The manager goes over and grabs the WCW Title belt. He gets on the apron and creates a distraction with Simmons coming over. Race tosses the belt to Vader, unseen by either the ref or the challenger. Vader gets up and readies to strike as Simmons turns towards him. Vader swings, but Simmons ducks. Vader turns and runs back at Simmons, but ends up running directly into the scoop powerslam! Fans are going crazy as Simmons has Vader covered with the same move that won him the title before, but the referee is still busy getting Race off the apron. Finally he turns and slides into position ...






... 1






... 2






... NO!

THIS CLOSE! Vader just gets a shoulder up, the commentators pushing that Race may have saved Vader the title right there. Simmons is in disbelief, but is not going to let that shake him from his current momentum. As Vadet gets up, Simmons lands several forearm shots again. Vader goes back to the corner before Simmons heads up to the middle rope and starts laying in punches. Some of the crowd even chants along in unison. Simmons stops at 9, maybe surprised by the positive fan reaction he is getting from some of this crowd, and then lays in a big number 10. He gets down and tries to Irish whip Vader, but the champion quickly pulls him back into the same corner, and then charges in with an avalanche splash. Simmons gets rocked by that, so Vader Irish whips him across and charges in with a second splash into the corner. Simmons is in trouble here as Vader pulls him out and ducks him down. Vader lifts Simmons up and big powerbomb to the mat. Will that be enough?






... 1






... 2






... 3!

Yes, it is! A close call tonight, but Vader manages to hit his signature move that proves to be enough to put Simmons away with the 2 splashes. Race is relieved by this, but he wants Vader to keep going. Why stop there? He drags Simmons to the corner and heads to the middle rope, dropping back for a Vader bomb. The commentators put over that Simmons really has no friends back in that locker room, but Eric Bischoff wonders why Harlem Heat are not out here. Bobby Heenan feels Simmons' instructions was for them to stay out of this, but Bischoff counters that staying out of the match is 1 thing, but they should be man enough to stand up and put a stop to this. Vader goes up for a second Vader bomb, when from the back come an assortment of wrestlers. The Z Man, Keith Cole, Kent Cole, but Vader stands ground to prevent them from getting in. He does however leave when from the back comes Cactus Jack, and the 4 on 1 may be enough to make him stand down. Race has a good laugh at the chaos and carnage, while Cactus will get his day in 10 days time in the tag team match at the Clash of Champions.


-- Sixth commercial break --

Missy Hyatt: Welcome back wrestling fans. I'm Missy Hyatt, this is Monday Nitro, and joining me now are the WCW Tag Team champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell. This weekend on Saturday Night we found out that there would be a rematch between you 2 and the former champions at the Clash of Champions, but also a challenge laid out for this coming weekend on Saturday Night in a non title match.

Marcus Alexander Bagwell: Missy, these belts right here are so satisfying to have. We fought tooth and nail, beat the best that WCW has to offer, and finally we can call ourselves the number 1 tag team here. But being number 1 means staying number 1. And staying number 1 means you gotta face all challenges. There was some doubt last week in that match, and we have no problem doing this all again. I know, just like 2 Cold knows, we got a serious test coming our way in 10 days time. Are we ready Missy? You bet we are.

Missy Hyatt: But what about this weekend on Saturday Night? You 2 and Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit?

2 Cold Scorpio: Missy Hyatt, you know that I'm all about getting in that ring and showing off my skills. I'm all about giving these fans what they wanna see. So this weekend, if Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit want another match with us, that's fine. We'll take it to em just like we did last Monday, and just like we will at the Clash. And another thing. If that pinko Scotty Flamingo, he wants to get involved again, he's gonna find out the hard way why it's called the 450 splash. Around and around it goes, when I stop, gonna be on top of you for the 1, 2, 3.

Missy Hyatt: Alright, there you have it. Thanks guys, and Eric, back to you.


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Eric Bischoff: There you have it indeed. 2 Cold Scorpio, Marcus Alexander Bagwell, backing down from nobody Brain. The WCW Tag Team Title has been a hot potato the last couple months, and with all the tag teams competing around here, you can bet that they'll have their work cut out for them. Of course before the break, you saw it. We all saw it. Big Van Vader, narrowly retaining his title over Ron Simmons. No sign of Harlem Heat, but who was out there? Cactus Jack was.

Bobby Heenan: And I stand by what I said. Ron Simmons told Harlem Heat to stay out of this tonight, they're probably back to Harlem already watching the Globetrotters or something. Cactus Jack though, he's in over his head. This guy wants to be the champion of WCW, no way. What an embarrassment. What a shame. Vader showed tonight that he'll defend that belt against anybody. You don't even need to tell him who. You know why that computer didn't spit out the name of Cactus Jack? Even the computer knows he shouldn't be champion.

Eric Bischoff: He'll get the chance to prove that in the tag team match at the Clash of Champions Brain. And I think he will. Like I've said before, Cactus Jack has heart. He has determination. And just like the U.S. government has determination in doing their job, doing the right thing, so too will Cactus Jack I think. Vader is big, he's bad, but he's a bully Brain. He's used to getting his own way. Cactus Jack is just like all these fans out here, he's like the heart of WCW. We had to work together, rise above, and look at where we are now. Cactus Jack can do the same.

Bobby Heenan: You're forgetting The Black Scorpion though. Forgetting Sting. There's more to this match than just Cactus Jack and Vader. You've got Harley Race outside the ring masterminding it all. He's got a lot to get through if he thinks he'll get the chance to put Vader's shoulders to the mat.

Eric Bischoff: You could be right about that, we will see in 10 days time at the Clash of Champions. No boring 4 on 4 elimination matches here for Thanksgiving. No $30 price tag. Steel Cage match, I Quit match, the cost Brain? Free. WCW giving back to the fans. Unlike some, we aren't about surviving, probably should try surviving the U.S. government. Speaking of surviving though, The Hollywood Blonds, still together. The Nasty Boys. Both teams trying to survive the ranks here. It's our next match, and it's now. David Penzer is ready in the ring, here we go.


----------------------------------------------------------------------

vs

Last week's Hollywood Blonds match saw them avenge a couple upset losses to The Cole Twins, thanks in part to the added presence of their new manager Col. Robert Parker. Tonight they look to continue that turnaround after weeks of losses, taking on The Nasty Boys. In addition to a PPV loss at Fall Brawl, The Blonds also dropped a Street Fight 5 weeks ago on Nitro to The Nasties. Both tag teams have to have a shot at 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell in sight, and a win for The Nasty Boys could put them in immediate contention for whoever wins at the Clash of Champions in the title match in 10 days time. The match starts out with The Nasties in control with the same story as last week. Early troubles between Steve Austin and Brian Pillman that have to be cooled off by The Colonel. Once that happens, they are able to get control of the match by working together. Saggs gets caught hitting the ropes to Parker grabbing his leg while Austin inside distracts the referee. As Saggs leans over and grabs the Colonel, Pillman charges on the apron and connects with a kick to the face. From there, The Blonds behin taking control of the match with commentators wondering how long they can stay on the same page here. The answer comes with Austin holding Saggs, as Pillman tags in and comes off the top rope, but Saggs moves and Flyin' Brian hits his own partner. Knobbs tags in and The Blonds are again on the defensive. With Austin out of it, The Nasty Boys prep to finish off Pillman. Knobbs tags Saggs and then hits the running powerslam as he goes up to the top rope. Parker though would get on the apron and give a long enough distraction for Austin to instead shove Saggs off from behind. Knobbs went out and chased after The Colonel, but in doing so, he misses Pillman rolling on top of Saggs and scoring the 3 count. The Hollywood Blonds get another victory to avenge some defeat here tonight, and nobody can deny that Parker is yielding early returns with the team. Bobby Heenan is impressed, but Eric Bischoff points out they still have a team or 2 yet before they can move into contention, pointing to The Road Warriors or Harlem Heat and whoever wins that, or even Scorpio and Bagwell themselves should Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit regain the titles. Lots of possibilities as the tag team division in WCW continues to be open for the taking.


-- Seventh commercial break --

CLASH OF CHAMPIONS CONTROL CENTER

- Tony Schiavone is standing by with the latest installment. The event comes to fans, live on TBS from St. Petersburg, Florida on Thanksgiving night at 8:05 eastern. The main event to feature a Steel Cage match when Rowdy Roddy Piper challenges Ravishing Rick Rude for the World title, Piper having defeated Rude in a non title match at Halloween Havoc. The #1 contender for the winner will also be decided when Ric Flair takes on Barry Windham in an I Quit match. Not only that, but if Flair says the words, he has vowed to walk away from WCW and literally quit his job with the words. Also, tag team action sees Sting and Cactus Jack team up against WCW champion Big Van Vader and The Black Scorpion. More tag team action as The Road Warriors take on Harlem Heat in grudge match, plus the WCW Tag Team Title is at stake when champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell defend against Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit. In addition, earlier tonight it was announced by commissioner J.J. Dillon. Hulk Hogan will be there live, and WCW will look to sign him and the match everybody's been waiting for at Starrcade, Sting vs Hulk Hogan. More matches will be announced, including the finals of the King of Cable with Dustin Rhodes against either Johnny B. Badd or Lord Steven Regal. It all comes your way in 10 days time, only on TBS. WCW presents the Clash of Champions, don't miss it!


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Eric Bischoff: What a night it will be Brain. 10 days time, the Clash of Champions. I want to turn back to tonight though, turn to our next match. This is a match we have been waiting for out here for weeks now, Sting finally getting his hands on Brother Brutus. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. He has manipulated the situation out here to his advantage for weeks, got himself a contract using Hulk Hogan's name, dons the mask as The Black Scorpion, but now he pays the price. Shows you Brain that if you lie, you eventually pay. No matter if it's the U.S. government, or if it's Sting.

Bobby Heenan: I don't think you give this Brother Brutus enough credit out here. He's not just some ham n egger like Hogan, who might end up walking blindly into Starrcade against Sting. That's another topic for another time, but this guy tonight, you think he hasn't been watching Sting? Knowing his every move? If there's 1 thing I know, it's that Hogan isn't what he appears. I think he got the brother in there, worked all these humanoids, worked Sting and J.J. Dillon, and he's going in there tonight just to hurt Sting. He's taking him out before Starrcade. And then Hogan signs the contract. You watch and see.

Eric Bischoff: Hulk Hogan wouldn't do that Brain. I said it earlier. Honor. Integrity. Doing the right thing. You might not be able to say the same thing about where the guy came from, but Hulk Hogan is about all those things. He saw the shady goings on and he left. He left to come to WCW, where the big boys play. Where Sting plays. Where he wrestles. Brother Brutus has his own agenda out here, and I think this is all about him at the end of the day.

Bobby Heenan: You see what happens come Starrcade Bischoff. I'm telling you now. The reason that the WCW executives didn't want the match? They know what Hogan's deal is. Who he really is. I know who he really is. The red and yellow is apt in more ways than 1. He's yellow, and you'll see that here tonight.

Eric Bischoff: Don't buy it Brain. But the time for talk is over. A reminder that still to come, yes, this is not even the main event tonight. Roddy Piper, Ric Flair as a tag team, they'll take on Rick Rude and Barry Windham. Philadelphia is hot tonight. Let's send it back to David Penzer and get set for our next match, Sting and Brother Brutus.


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vs

Ever since arriving on Nitro back on September 23, Brother Brutus has rubbed people the wrong way. 2 specifically have been Sting and commissioner J.J. Dillon. He lied his way into a contract that included provisions for him to name any match he chooses at any point he wants, plus the conspiracy theories have it that he has been the 1 behind all of The Black Scorpion attacks. Sting has been asking for this match, finally getting it last week when Brutus made the mistake of confronting him. Or was it a mistake as Eric Bischoff thinks this could just be another part of his plan that has seen him attack Sting several times now as The Scorpion. With the Hulk Hogan match in play, he could be stepping up his game. Brutus is out first, followed by Sting and the rat immediately goes outside when the bell rings and stalls. The referee counts and reaches 9 at which point he rolls in, only to roll right back out to restart the count. Sting is growing impatient here as are booing fans and Bischoff on commentary, Brutus having to face the music sooner or later. The count gets up to 9 again, in and out. Brutus laughs it off, although a few pieces of garbage are being thrown at him now, including a fountain soda cup that hits him square in the back. Fans cheer while Brutus plays it off as though it never happened, although Bobby Heenan says that he clearly is not outside the ring waiting for the popcorn man to buy a coke. This time he throws up his hands and just waves it off before turning to leave. Fans boo louder than they have all night, but start cheering when Sting goes out and gets him! Sting grabs Brutus drags him back and throws him in under the bottom rope. Sting gets in and Brutus is on his knees, begging off. Now it is Sting's turn to laugh as Bischoff says to show him no mercy. Sting is going to enjoy this, but wait! ...









... THE LIGHTS GO OUT! ...









... just like 2 weeks ago, Sting is caught in the darkness ...









... THE LIGHTS GO BACK ON! ...

THE BLACK SCORPION IS BEHIND HIM! BROTHER BRUTUS IS GONE! Sting turns looking to see what happened and turns into a hard clothesline. What the hell is going on? The referee calls for the bell, ending this short, almost non match. Bischoff on commentary is as confused as anybody by this, sure that Brutus was The Black Scorpion. Heenan says that maybe he still is, it is his alter ego and he changed costumes in the darkness. Bischoff feels that was impossible in that short of time, but The Scorpion does still pick up Sting and lock in the sleeper hold! Bischoff asks 2 questions, if this is not Brutus, who is it? and where did Brutus himself go just now? Heenan answers back that it is Hogan! Sting goes down as The Scorpion stands tall. Bischoff says that he never thought he would say, but maybe, just maybe Heenan is right and it is fact Hulk Hogan. A different side of Hogan. Lights out for another 10 seconds, back on, and Brutus has magically reappeared, The Scorpion is gone. He looks down at Sting and laughs before leaving as the referee tries to "wake up" Sting as the show goes to break with the mystery taking a new step out here tonight. If Brother Brutus was The Black Scorpion, how ... even why would he do that? If not, who was under the mask?


-- Eighth commercial break --

Tony Schiavone: Alright, welcome back. WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT. I'm here right now with Cactus Jack, and you just saw it like we did. The Black Scorpion and the confusion continues. Who is under the mask? We don't know and it looks like Brother Brutus may not be the answer.

Cactus Jack: I don't care! It doesn't matter who's wearing a mask. It doesn't matter who's not wearing a mask. What matters is that in 10 days time, somebody goes to that ring dressed as The Black Scorpio to team up with Big Van Vader, and they do so for me and Sting to beat the ever loving hell out of them! This whole thing started with a goal for me. I wanted to prove myself worthy of a shot at the WCW title. At this point though, there's so much more to it. Vader, I don't like you! But I do admire you. I admire the fact that you just don't care about your opponents. Me on the other hand, I don't care about myself. My own well being. I will sacrifice myself to win at all costs. Makes for an interesting showdown doesn't it?

Tony Schiavone: If the conspiracy theories prove accurate, Sting may be getting targeted by Hulk Hogan for Starrcade. What if though, you end up targeted as well? After all, we don't know who's under that mask. It could be literally anybody at this point.

Cactus Jack: I'll tell you 2 people that I know it's not, and that's me and Sting. Those are the only 2 people that are going to matter in 10 days time at the Clash of Champions. Anybody else donning that mask is walking into the fire Tony Schiavone. They're entering a world of pain that they aren't prepared for. And whether it's myself or the Stinger, I can guarantee you this much. They might be wearing a mask to hide their identity now, but after the Clash of Champions, they'll still need it. They'll need to hide the battered bruises, the scars of war. They'll need it to look in the mirror. And then, I hope. I pray. Vader. I show you and Harley Race that not only can I be the next WCW champion, no, no. I will be the next WCW champion. Bang! Bang!

Tony Schiavone: Alright, Cactus Jack! Could he be the next WCW champion? We may soon find out. Right now though Eric, back to you and The Brain.


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Eric Bischoff: Thanks Tony. And just touching on what we saw before the break again, I don't know what's going on here Brain. It is almost impossible. I mean as we approach the 30th anniversary of the JFK assassination, you wanna talk about whether or not Oswald can fire off 3 shots in 5.6 seconds, let's talk Brother Brutus tonight. Could he have donned the mask and outfit that quickly, and if so why? I say not a chance.

Bobby Heenan: I'll tell you why right now. Because Sting had him. Brother Brutus was a beaten man. He was down to defeat. He did that, suddenly he was in the driver's seat. But see, I do agree with you on 1 thing. I don't think that was him in that ring. The person I think that stood in the mask, stood behind Sting. It's not a coincidence Bischoff. The same night that we find out Hulk Hogan will be at the Clash, the same night Brother Brutus finally gets into that ring with Sting. Pretty obvious if you ask me.

Eric Bischoff: No. I don't believe it. Hulk Hogan is about truth and justice Brain. Hulk Hogan is what every child in America aspires to be. Train, say your prayers, and take your vitamins. A motto that has inspired millions of Hulkamaniacs the world over. That's not Hulk Hogan's way, I don't buy it.

Bobby Heenan: Doesn't matter if you buy it. What matters is what happens at Starrcade. But there's still time to get out of that match. If I'm WCW, I'm telling you right now, pull the plug. Don't sign Hogan, don't sign the match. It'll be for the better. That man is a cancer and he will kill WCW from the inside, I guarantee it. It starts with Sting and who knows where it ends.

Eric Bischoff: We already know why that won't happen though. If Hogan walks, so too does Sting. And Hogan knows Sting will follow, and if you're going into battle, fight it on your home soil. Fight it here in WCW. I mean seriously, given the indictment from the government we found out about earlier today, who knows what sort of dirty tricks, what kind of underhanded tactics that they'll do to win over there if you fight it in say New York. No. Hogan wants it, bring him in here, let Sting defend WCW in the eyes of the executives so at least you can control that aspect. The WCW higher ups might not have 100% faith in him, but I do and so do all the fans here in WCW. Starrcade is anybody's match for the taking as I see it. But we still have another match tonight. A big 1 at that too. Ric Flair and Roddy Piper to team up. This is historic Brain and it's now. Main event time here on Nitro, let's get to the ring and send it over to David Penzer to do the honors. What a night.


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vs

Tonight's main event sees an awesome tag team match with Rowdy Roddy Piper and Ravishing Rick Rude choosing their partners ahead of their Steel Cage match at the Clash of Champions in 10 days time. Rude picked first, opting for the heartless Lone Wolf himself, Barry Windham. Who better to have as a partner if looking to get an advantage on Piper this close to the Clash? Piper had the answer, coming back with The Nature Boy Ric Flair, the man who will face Windham that same night in an I Quit match where he puts his job on the line. Added interest here comes from the fact that the winner of the Cage match will have to battle it out with the winner of the I Quit match as they will become #1 contender. Rude is out first, followed by Windham. The bagpipes hit and out comes Piper to another deafening pop. The familiar sounds of Also sprach zarathustra start up as Flair does, not come out? No sign of The Nature Boy as Piper stands waiting. The music hits again and stops with nothing but confusion. The heels get smug at the thought of a handicap match while Eric Bischoff says that it is time for a break, and hopefully Flair will be out and ready when they return.


-- Ninth commercial break --



WCW Starrcade, live on PPV, Sunday December 29.


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Back from break and still no sign of Ric Flair. Roddy Piper stands waiting, while the referee tells him they are going to have to get started. Eric Bischoff does not understand, but Bobby Heenan says that maybe Flair realized what a lose-lose situation this way and wants to protect his career at all costs by avoiding Barry Windham until the Clash of Champions. Rick Rude tells them to get started. Piper relents, no tag team partner. It looks like it just might be a handicap match, with Bischoff questioning this decision by The Hot Rod. Bischoff also notifies viewers TNT will stay with this as long as needed, but at this rate, it might not go too long anyway. Windham starts out, but Rude wants the honors. Piper welcomes that and just charges at him and lays in shot after shot. Windham gets in and Piper goes after him. Rude pulls Piper off, but he turns and pokes him in the eyes. Piper rakes the back and delivers a high knee to Rude. The action catches up with him though as Windham hits a chop block to the back of the knee. Piper goes down and Rude and Windham both kick away. The referee gets Windham out and Rude is left to work over Piper. This is a golden opportunity for the champion, who can get a gigantic advantage in this match. Fans though start to cheer as from the back, it's ...

Well not Ric Flair, but Johnny B. Badd is not a bad alternative for Piper. He gets to the ring and goes up to the apron to stand in Piper's corner. It looks like Badd is going to take Flair's spot in this match. Heenan questions the legality of that to the match, but Bischoff says anything goes here when Flair just mysteriously disappears, probably attacked backstage by Windham. As Rude works away on Piper, Heenan says he was not in WCW for the original run of The Black Scorpion, but asks who ended up revealed under the mask? Bischoff says it was of course Flair, an answer Heenan already knew, just using it as an opening to throw out the suggestion that if there was somebody else under that mask, somebody that hates Sting, somebody that would have access to that outfit, somebody that has mysteriously no showed a match right after The Scorpion appears, somebody who has put their career on the line that may be trying to figure out a way to stay in WCW under a mask should they lose, does it not make sense it could be that man? Bischoff says he hates the thought of it, but everything in that would make perfect sense unfortunately. Windham is in with Piper meanwhile, but the Rowdy Scot reverses him into the ropes, leapfrogs over, and then manages a back body drop. Piper himself goes down as both are looking to tag. Windham crawls over and gets the tag to Rude, while Piper slowly crawls to Badd for the hot tag. Rude gets in and grabs Piper by the leg, Piper gets up and Rude's spins him but Piper fires a clothesline instead of the atomic drop Rude was likely going for. Piper goes for the hot tag again ...









... and he reaches out ...









... Badd's hand is out ...









... Piper is close and ...









... BADD TAGS IN! Badd comes in and Rude backs off, but he is ready to go with the World champ. Badd decks Rude as Windham comes in and gets nailed as well. Badd sends Rude in and a back body drop. Windham gets the same. Badd then takes them and rams their heads together. Meeting of the minds as Badd is on fire tonight. Bischoff says that this a giant opportunity for the wild card in the World title picture, the man with a shot on Monday Nitro on December 2. Badd heads up to the top rope, and waits for Rude to get up, leaping off with a sunset flip. The referee counts, but at the 2, Windham is in to kick Badd's head. Rude gets up and gives a forearm shot to Badd before tagging out to Windham. The Lone Wolf is in and kicks Badd in the gut before hooking him into position for the Implant DDT. Badd backs him up into the corner. On the outside, Rude goes over and pulls Piper off the apron. Rude then throws powder into Piper's eyes, blinding him. Piper swings wildly as Rude gets away. Badd is in control of Windham, but takes notice at this. Badd loses focus as he stands by the ropes asking Piper if he is alright. Piper stops swinging as an attendant gets him water to flush his eyes. Meanwhile Badd turns into a vicious lariat from Windham. Rude tags back in and immediately sets it up, the Rude Awakening. He covers, and scores the 3 count for the win. Piper finally has his sight back and gets in, but way too late. Badd has been laid out by Rude and Windham, who have won this match. Bischoff says that this has to be considered a big mental advantage for Rude heading into the Steel Cage in 10 days, but the bigger question right now is Flair and what happened to him. Heenan says the biggest question is whether or not Flair is The Black Scorpion. Bischoff says that they are out of time, but to tune in this weekend to Saturday Night on TBS and come back next Monday on Nitro where hopefully they will get to the bottom of this whole situation.

[promoterx]

Nice tease with Flair and the Scorpion, I really like how you played that.

Gotta wonder what's next for Simmons, you figure there is a program planned for him and Harlem Heat, but after that?

I liked JJ's whole speech about how THEY don't want Sting to lose and Sting better not lose. It's a great way to play up this match and add even more to it. It a contest between two men who are trying to see who is the better competitor, but there are people very high up the food chain with their own egos at stake here.


The stuff with Badd has been fun, and him coming in to be Piper partner added even more to the storyline, great work with it.


Parker has the Blondes rolling, but I can't help but feel there is another shoe to drop in this whole saga. I don't think things are going to work out as well as Parker is hoping.

[Deleted]

As usual a great read as the hype for Starrcade continues. Really enjoyed the Dillion stuff at the start of the program, explaining without out right saying that Hogan beating Sting would be bad for WCW giving Hulk's WWF ties. Clever stuff right there. Dude, Texicans are a HORRID name man, just goofy so it doesn't really fit BUT it does help the angle somehow. The worst possible US title feud CONTINUES, which as stated is something I can get behind 'cause in reality not ever angle can be a hit.

Rude recruiting Windham for a match against Piper and his mystery partner was another great segment, and it was perfect having Rude's old rival Zbyszko handling the interview too. Shane Vs. the future Triple H? Ha. TAKE THAT CLIQUE! Good win for Douglas, who now that the Horsemen in training angle is just about done, needs wins like this to remain relevant.

Surprised to see Simmons getting another title match, cold without much hype. But hey it's a hard hitting match and it's nice to see you go back to programs like this every so often to make Nitro truly a can't miss program. The Warriors/Heat program is pretty typical Harlem Heat stuff, but the fact that it's starting up WHILE the Simmons/Heat thing is going on is pretty interesting.

Badd's slow burn heel turn has been a fun ride thus far, with Badd playing TOTAL baby face to make his case with Larry setting up later just perfectly. Rhodes Vs. Armstrong was a fun match perfectly placed on the card. My money is on Dustin to take the whole King Of Cable tournament this time around, finishing off a FULLY turned Badd in the finals. BUT time will tell.

FLAIR AND PIPER on the same page! Ha, good stuff. Vader DESTROYED Simmons here, looking like a freaking BEAST as he heads into his showdown with Cactus.

Speaking of looking good, the tag division is on fire still. The NEW HOLLYWOOD BLONDES with Col. Parker seemed poised to regain their titles, and you've got a fitting set of champions that promises to deliver on the in ring side of things. The SCORPION angle continues, really curious as to just who the hell it is behind that mask as I'm convinced it's NOT Bruti. Could it BE Hogan? Would be an interesting twist, but honestly it's probably Flair, and even if so it WON'T be a let down.

Speaking of Scorpion, I mean Flair, HE NO SHOWS the main event, and BADD DOESN'T TURN! Haha. I love how you TEASED the hell out of it with the "hot tag" , half expected Badd to walk out on the match, but then what would of happened Saturday against Regal? Exciting times as we're JUST 10 days away from the Cage and the CLASH, as the ROAD TO STARRCADE is sure to have a bunch of twist and turns!

Awesome stuff.

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The segment the week before with Dillon and Sting in ring started that and it was outright said there. The segment here is really just a summarized, 1 sided version of that.

Writing the Texicans is just easier than both their names over and over, which is why I adopted it. Was never an official name in the real WCW, nor is it here. Just something thrown out there to make the writing easier. This is also not a U.S. title feud in the sense it will lead to a title match. I feel like you mentioning them in feedback each time is giving them way more credit than they deserve lol, because honestly of the 19-20 heels I have right now, I have them slotted in the back 5. Also, I mean he might be a champion, but he is still Ice Train in November 1993 at the end of the day, 2 months into the reign. Feud wise, there is Piper-Rude with Badd-Rhodes in there, Flair-Windham, Vader-Cactus, Sting-Hogan, Warriors-Heat, Scorpio and Bagwell-Eaton and Benoit, Douglas-Regal, The Blonds moving back up the ranks. I mean if there were a PPV this month, that feud would not even make the cut, but it is a TV event and meant to take advantage of that because Train does not have to be going anywhere for the late November. Better to end it in a dominant display before his road to Starrcade starts than waste him against somebody of greater value in a position so low on the cards that it just pointlessly burns through a higher level heel in a more competitive match that would get no notice. Believe me I wish I had the roster size of WCW in 98 and the time to write the number of shows to back that they did then, to flick a switch and he is Goldberg, but I would just kill my entire heel roster right now to do that.