Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2013 15:00:04 GMT -5
As I have mentioned, this week's was edited down quite heavily from the original version and is half the word length of last week's for when people get around to it, so some of the longer interview stuff specifically may not come off as well this time specifically, although besides the 2 longer interviews, it was mostly the commentator stuff at every segment and matches that were cut. I also think I caught all continuity errors, but if you catch anything that makes no sense, let me know lol. Thanks.
Live from The North Charleston Coliseum
December 2, 1993
8:00 pm eastern
Charleston, South Carolina
Tony Schiavone: Welcome everyone to WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT! From the North Charleston Coliseum here in Charleston, South Carolina, get ready, because for the next 2 hours, WCW begins it's way on the road to Starrcade! Hello wrestling fans, I'm Tony Schiavone alongside the Living Legend Larry Zbyszko, and Legend, we can't not start the show without addressing the finish last Thursday to the Clash of Champions. Rowdy Roddy Piper and Ravishing Rick Rude inside the Steel Cage, and Johnny B. Badd turning his back on Roddy Piper, his back on the fans of WCW that have supported him through the years. We understand that Piper suffered a severe concussion from Johnny B. Badd slamming that cage door on his head, and he is out. He is not here tonight, and we are not sure when, or even if, we will see him back here in WCW. A dark day for this company.
Larry Zbyszko: Maybe so, and in more ways than 1. Not only did Johnny B. Badd turn his back on the fans and Roddy Piper, but also maybe a dark day because it is now official. After months of speculation, Hulk Hogan has signed with WCW. The dream match for many signed for Starrcade, Hulk Hogan vs Sting, but a nightmare for a select few if we are to believe J.J. Dillon. We aren't sure who's pulling the strings in the back, but Sting essentially forced the hand by giving WCW a decision. You either sign Hogan and the match, put some faith into me, or you show me that being the face of WCW means nothing and I walk. The match goes down elsewhere. So here we are. It will be a bumpy ride from here until Starrcade, you can be certain of that.
Tony Schiavone: And what about tonight though. Dustin Rhodes to challenge Rick Rude for the World Title. That will be a big match Legend, and not the first time we have seen them go at it. You have to wonder too, Johnny B. Badd could make an appearance, hopefully if he does, not in that match and rather addressing his actions last Thursday. And speaking of Sting, we saw him unmask The Black Scorpion last week, or so we thought. A second Black Scorpion appears, Sting unmasks them to be Rage of The Wrecking Crew. Not what we thought, but this does open up several possibilities, 1 specifically being that in fact Brother Brutus was under the mask several times, just not the 1 time that we thought may have cleared his name.
Larry Zbyszko: Rage of The Wrecking Crew. It hasn't been said yet, but you have to think that's a decoy. A con in the game of human chess. Sting has to assume that, because if he's to win, he has to stay several steps ahead of The Scorpion. He has to always know what's coming, and be aware. It could be Brother Brutus, but who's to say it's not Hulk Hogan? Who's to say it's not Ric Flair? There are so many endless possibilities here that it could be somebody we don't even suspect. Maybe "they" are right to see it as "north" vs "south", because it could just as easily be backup from the north to make sure that Hulk Hogan wins on December 29.
Tony Schiavone: Could be. Also tonight, later on, Ric Flair joins us after his walk through hell in the "I Quit" match with Barry Windham this past Thursday. Big Van Vader and Harley Race are here as well, no doubt set to address Cactus Jack. Some more big matches as well, with Ice Train against both Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce, 1 after the other, looking to settle that score. After surviving last Monday, The Hollywood Blonds to take on 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell in a non title match, big implications there. Our main event here on hour #1, Shane Douglas to get his hands on Jean Paul Levesque, the man that cost him the TV Title Thursday night. (Sting's music hits) Wait a minute! There you hear it. Is it? It is!
Sting is out and on his way to the ring. The fans cheer, but he seems less like his usual jovial self as he enters the ring and requests a mic.
Sting: I'm gonna make this fast out here, because I don't wanna do a lot of talking, I wanna do a lot of fighting! Last Thursday, I finally unmasked The Black Scorpion. After weeks of torment, what do I see? The face of some long lost rival, back for revenge? The face of a friend stabbing me in the back? No, no. What I see is the face of Rage from The Wrecking Crew. Let me repeat that. Rage from The Wrecking Crew. Now at first, I had 2 thoughts. Thought #1, this guy has been attacking me the whole time and he just got his, or thought #2, this guy just might be, what I like to call, a decoy. A set up if you will from the real Black Scorpion. And the reason I might think that is because as you all saw Thursday, there was in fact a second Black Scorpion. So just when I think I have everything figured out, the questions change. It's not just who was The Black Scorpion, but now who are The Black Scorpions? Who else is under that mask? So I started thinking about it. Rage? Why? Why Rage? What possible reason could that man have for attacking me? Fortunately I didn't have to think very hard because I went to WCW and I got the match signed for tonight. Sting and Cactus Jack against The Wrecking Crew, and I can assure you that when I get him in the Scorpion Death Lock this time, I'm not letting go until I get an answer! This isn't going to be a match, no. It's going to be an interrogation! It's going to be a living hell for Mr. Rage.
But that's not all that happened last Thursday. Finally, the match. It's signed. Starrcade, December 29, live on PPV, the Stinger, 1 on 1, with Hulk Hogan! This is what I've been waiting for. I've asked for it, I've begged looking for it. Finally we will all find out who is the best. Who is #1. And now I know that the Hulkster isn't here tonight (the fans naturally boo that). Hey, I don't like it either! If it were up to me, we'd be doing it tonight! But I know Hulk Hogan's not here, but I've got a message for him. I've got a message for "them". That is, the people in WCW running the show from a business side that don't get what it's like to step into this ring because they never have. They only look at the promotion, they don't look at the 2 men getting in the ring. What it means for me and The Hulkster to win or lose, just what it means to WCW whoever wins, and whoever loses. When I get into that ring on December 29, Starrcade, mark my words. I will win that match. I know in my heart that I have what it takes to take down Hulk Hogan, and I have for years. This is my time. And if I do it, I'm not doing it so the brass at CNN Center can get 1 up in some political wrestling war. I'm doing it for me. I'm doing it for all the Stingers that believe in me. Everybody that's supported me since day 1! And now I know that Hulk Hogan has his supporters, but-
The fans start booing because out comes Brother Brutus. Hogan may not be here, but this man is. The commentators note that even Hogan had a warning for his ally Brutus though to stay away from Sting because Hogan wants this match to be about who the better wrestler is. He enters the ring.
Sting: What do you want?
Brother Brutus: Sting man, I think we've gotten off on the wrong foot out here. I think there's just been a giant misunderstanding. See, you and me? We don't have to be fighting out here. We can be friends.
Sting: You and me, friends? Interesting concept. Do you often offer that to guys you've been stalking around under a mask?
Brother Brutus: I thought I made it crystal clear. I'm not The Black Scorpion. I never have been, and I never will be. See, the Hulkster made a request of me last Thursday, and it was not to lay a hand on you so that you enter that match at Starrcade 100%, and you're ready to go. Me and you? As far as I'm concerned, as of right now, our grudge is ancient history. Now I don't know about The Black Scorpion and whoever that is, but everything that's gone down between us? It's done. It's over. And if the Hulkster can't be here tonight, let me be the first to offer my services to watch your back. Let me watch your back and make sure The Black Scorpion is nowhere to be found man!
The fans boo that idea as Sting himself just smirks at it, knowing how ridiculous an idea that is.
Sting: So you want to watch my back? Keep me from getting jumped by the real Black Scorpion? I guess when I go in there with Rage of The Wrecking Crew later on, I gotta get answers, who knows? That Scorpion could come out of nowhere and attack me, but you'll be there to watch my back. Is that right? You know something crossed my mind with Rage. I started thinking about him and why he might be used as a decoy, if that is in fact the case. Is it his skills? Is it his incredible knowledge of me as an opponent? I'll take a stab in the dark and say no on both of those counts. Is it his physical appearance though? You know, speaking of interrogations Brother Brutus, I got some questions for you. You're about what, 6'4'? 275 pounds give or take?
Brother Brutus: I don't see what the point-
Sting: Just do me a favor. Simple yes or no will do.
Brother Brutus: Yeah, maybe a little closer to 270 though, I gotta keep this body as the temple that it is man. But I really don't see what this has to do with anything.
Sting: It's funny, cause that's the exact same height and weight of Rage from The Wrecking Crew, give or take a few pounds, isn't it? You know, that's a big coincidence to me. Kinda funny. The guy I accuse of being The Black Scorpion, and then the surprise that awaits when I finally unmask him, maybe letdown is more appropriate, both just happen to be 6'4", 275 pounds. Boy, that's weird isn't it? Especially if you're not The Black Scorpion cause that would almost make it seem that somebody was put under that mask as a decoy to copy the exact same attributes as the man that would normally be under that mask to throw me off. And you know what else is funny? Rage of the Wrecking Crew was in the building during our match a couple weeks ago, the first and only time that we saw The Black Scorpion and you in the same place. I think that's pretty funny, but let me ask you, do you think that's funny, "brother"?
Brother Brutus: Yeah. Pretty funny.
Sting: I don't know about you, but I'm laughing already. Ha. Ha. I guess maybe we'll see if the jokes continue later tonight. You wanna watch my back? Go ahead. Because then you can be there to watch first hand when I get Rage in that ring, and I get some answers out of him. Some answers that you of all people I think might find very, very interesting.
Sting goes to leave, before turning and walking back.
Sting: Oh yeah. I almost forgot. Thanks for watching my back, and just to return the favor, I'll be watching yours real, real carefully.
Now Sting turns and leaves as his music hits with Brother Brutus left standing there in the ring. If he is The Black Scorpion he could be exposed later tonight, and left only to watch, unable to do anything as per the request from Hulk Hogan.
-- First commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Alright, we are back here live on Nitro. With us right now is the commissioner of WCW, Mr. James J Dillon. A lot going on tonight, and a lot went down this past Thursday.
J.J. Dillon: The road to Starrcade has begun. This to me is like Christmas Tony. You know, you wait and wait for Santa Claus, and then finally Christmas morning arrives. Starrcade is like that with me. And you talk about action, Sting and Hulk Hogan, I can't wait for it!
Tony Schiavone: What about what we just saw with Sting and Brother Brutus out here? Later tonight, Sting and Cactus Jack against The Wrecking Crew.
J.J. Dillon: I think this whole Black Scorpion thing is history myself. Rage was unmasked and revealed as The Scorpion. Personally, I think Fury was the second man. And that's why Sting gets that match tonight. He wants The Wrecking Crew, he wants answers, I hope he gets them. Should be interesting.
Larry Zbyszko: Now what about this thing with Johnny B. Badd out here. I wanna know, what's going to be done to make sure that Dustin Rhodes gets a fair shake at Rick Rude.
J.J. Dillon: My office has been trying to get in contact with Mr. B. Badd, but no luck so far. I don't know why he did what he did, in fact I'm not even sure he's here tonight. If he does show up, you can be certain that just like I had Brother Brutus under lock and key as a precautionary measure, so too will Mr. B. Badd. Tonight, Dustin Rhodes and Rick Rude, once and for all we will find out who is the better man between those 2 wrestlers.
Tony Schiavone: Alright, thank you for that, and all that and more still to come. Right now though we head to the ring for our opening match, here tonight on Monday Nitro.
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Opening match sees 2 top tag teams going at it with The Road Warriors vs Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit, managed by Scotty Flamingo. The Road Warriors are coming off a win over Harlem Heat on Thursday at the Clash, while Eaton and Benoit had a narrow defeat in a thrilling Tag Team Title match with the champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell. This match will mean a great deal to the rankings. Eaton and Benoit get in some offense when the bell rings, but end up like many other tag teams before them. The size and power issue just becomes too much for the team to handle. The finish of the match sees Animal lift up Benoit as Hawk goes up top, coming off with the flying clothesline for The Doomsday Device. A dangerous spot with Benoit flipping off the shoulders and damn near landing on his head before Hawk pins him for the win at around 7 minutes. The Road Warriors move up towards the top, while Eaton and Benoit take that loss and have to be considered out of contention when combined with the loss in the rematch for their shot at the titles last week. Scorpio and Bagwell as noted earlier will be in non title action later with The Hollywood Blonds.
-- Second commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro. With us right now is Brad Armstrong, and have to ask. You have a picket sign with you. What's this about?
Brad Armstrong: First off Tony Schiavone, women, am I right? That tramp Toni Adams leaving last Thursday was honestly the best thing that ever happened to me. See, I didn't realize it at the time, but she was dead weight. She was tying me down. I didn't need her, she needed me. As for this right here (the sign that reads "We want wrestling!"), I'm sick of the political game here in WCW. Last Thursday, I should have been headlining the show. I'm the best wrestler in this company. Instead though, they'd rather have I Quit matches and Steel Cage matches, some Black Scorpion mystery like this is an episode of Magnum T.A. out here or something.
Tony Schiavone: I think you mean Magnum P.I.
Brad Armstrong: The point is, all that stuff? It's not wrestling. WCW is not wrestling. I am wrestling. People don't want to see Ric Flair and Barry Windham talk about quitting, or Roddy Piper and Rick Rude climbing around. They want a wrestler like me that is quick, to the point, and gets the job done. So until I get my opportunity out here, this right here? (referring to himself) It's being shut down boys. Unless I get a chance to wrestle and do what I do best, I'm not going to go in there any more with losers like The Z Man. I mean, heck! The only reason I even lost last week was that Toni Adams' fault. It wasn't mine!
Larry Zbyszko: What do you think your father would say to this? Bullet Bob Armstrong? (the fans pop)
Brad Armstrong: My dad? You know he can wrestle too. Damn fine wrestler if you ask me. But! But. He's not half the man that I am! He bought into the system, wearing a mask as The Bullet. He had no guts to stand up to the machine. Nothing on the inside, and if he were here today, he'd be doing whatever it takes to please you fans. I'm going to do more with the Armstrong name than he ever did. But until I get that chance, I'm not going to be just another clog in the wheel. Until I get that chance, until I get suitable competition to show what I can do in that ring, Brad Armstrong ... is on strike! (starts protesting with the sign)
Larry Zbyszko: Oh please.
Tony Schiavone: There you have it, apparently Brad Armstrong is on ... strike? Ok, and with that we go back up to the ring with David Penzer for more action as WCW Monday Nitro continues, here on TNT.
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The next match sees a debuting Chippewa Charlie Norris, against Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker of The State Patrol. A big opportunity for Parker on the big stage that is WCW Monday Nitro live on TNT. Parker controls the early going here, but Norris will not back down and finally starts to come to life. After a big boot, Norris starts a war dance, hitting Parker whenever he gets up. Finally Norris catches Parker, coming off the ropes with a flying double chop. He covers and picks up the 3 count for the win just under 5 minutes. The fans cheer with Norris making a successful debut here in WCW, and the commentators thinking he could be a big time player at some point here in WCW. Parker meanwhile continues, unable to catch a break.
-- Third commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to more WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT. The main event for hour #1 coming up in just a minute, but right now we are with The Natural Dustin Rhodes. And Dustin, big opportunity later tonight against Rick Rude for the World title, but it has to be bittersweet after what happened Thursday to Rowdy Roddy Piper.
Dustin Rhodes: I honestly can tell you guys, that I have never been more disappointed in anybody, as much as I was last Thursday with Johnny B. Badd. Maybe disappointment doesn't cover it. Anger. We had a couple matches Johnny, but I never realized just what was going on in that head of yours. The resentment you had for Roddy Piper. The frustration with yourself. You know, maybe you should take some time and think about what you did Johnny, cause I think it was sick. You need help, and maybe, just maybe there's still some hope for him.
Tony Schiavone: What about Rick Rude and the World Title?
Dustin Rhodes: This will be my third opportunity at Rude and that belt, and not to make excuses for myself, but this will be the first time I get to go in there, and know exactly what I'm heading into. First it was Fall Brawl with that no good witch Alexandra York costing me the match, and then the Computer Contenders Challenge where I had only an hour or so to prepare. Tonight, no excuses. Not for me, and not for Rude. Finally I get my chance, and I intend to join the ranks of my father, and then go on to Starrcade. Me and you Ric Flair. Me and you and that big gold belt. Woo yeah! I can't wait!
Tony Schiavone: Alright, Dustin Rhodes! And that match to come later tonight in hour #2, but right now it's up to David Penzer with the main event for hour #1.
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A rematch from 2 weeks ago on Nitro headlines hour #1 with Shane Douglas going 1 on 1 with the French aristocrat Jean Paul Levesque. Douglas won that match, but it was just this past Thursday at the Clash of Champions that Levesque interfered in Douglas' shot at the TV Title, and cost him the opportunity to become champion by allowing his mentor Lord Steven Regal to steal a victory via countout. And speaking of the WCW TV champion Lord Steven Regal, after Levesque heads out and Douglas heads out and the bell rings, the music hits ...
It is Regal! He comes out and heads to commentary. Larry Zbyszko protests at the ringside table, but it is too late. Regal takes a seat to watch as Douglas looks on. We will see if this throws him off as Monday Nitro continues in just a moment.
-- Fourth commercial break --
WCW Saturday Night Preview for December 7
- The Nasty Boys are in action
- Yoshi Kwan in singles competition
- Lord Steven Regal will be there
- The main event, Sting to go 1 on 1 with Stevie Ray of Harlem Heat
- All that and more, this Saturday at 6:05 eastern on TBS.
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Back from break and the match is underway. Zbyszko and Regal argue on commentary as they have been for several weeks out here, with Zbyszko feeling that Regal is ducking the challenge from Douglas. Regal responds with how last week Douglas had not 1, but 2 title shots, although as Zbyszko notes, both with interference from the man in the ring Levesque. And speaking of the action, the 2 get a surprisingly long amount of time here, upwards of 15 minutes. Both have the advantage at times, but to the home viewing audience, this is about Zbyszko and Regal on commentary. Levesque finally sets up for his finisher, the double underhook facebuster. Douglas however has other ideas and instead flips Levesque over with a back body drop. They continue waging war with Douglas in control. He eventually hits the belly to belly suplex and covers to pick up the 3 count and the win. A successful outing for Shane Douglas, but Regal remains unimpressed. Zbyszko says that maybe he will be impressed when Douglas beats him 1, 2, 3 and takes away his TV Title. Unlikely according to the champion. Douglas is however in line for a rematch it would seem.
-- Fifth commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Alright, welcome back. We're just about set for hour #2 here, but what a show so far Legend. Big wins for The Road Warriors and the newcomer Charlie Norris, but how about Shane Douglas? Picks up the win over Jean Paul Levesque and he is certainly keeping the pressure on in his hunt for the TV Title.
Larry Zbyszko: And that's how I like it. Keep the pressure on Regal by beating Pepe Le Pew out here. If you ask me, he's had that title belt long enough and it's about time somebody brought it back to the good old U.S. of A.
Tony Schiavone: Alright, and now we send it over to Eric Bischoff and The Brain, ready to kick off hour #2 of WCW Monday Nitro! Live, on TNT.
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Eric Bischoff: Thanks for that Tony, and can you believe it Brain? Only 4 more weeks until Starrcade, 4 weeks until Hogan and Sting, but what about what we saw earlier. Sting and Brother Brutus, you heard it. Rage, 6'4", 280 pounds, same height, give or take the same ballpark of weight, you mask them up Brain and I dare you to tell 1 apart from the other. Sting thinks Rage was a decoy and he's going to get answers, later on here tonight when he and Cactus Jack battle The Wrecking Crew.
Bobby Heenan: Step aside Bischoff, step aside. Tonight, the show is all about the champ. Ravishing Rick Rude, in action, title on the line. This is going to be something else because Dustin Rhodes, try as he may, I think finally we will see him go in defeat. No doubt about it this time. Rick Rude will enter the World champion, and he'll leave the World champion. Mark my words.
Eric Bischoff: Both of those still to come. We'll also hear from the WCW champion Big Van Vader about Starrcade and maybe word on the challenger for him. Ric Flair is here, he'll of course challenge either Rude or Rhodes, whoever walks out of that match the champion.
Bobby Heenan: So Rude. What? I think it's a given Bischoff. Rude is the best wrestler in WCW today, I've managed him. I've seen what he can do first hand. He beat Piper last Thursday, he'll beat Rhodes tonight, and then at Starrcade, he'll beat Ric Flair. The humanoids out here can cheer whoever they want, but what matters isn't who they like, it's who's better. And right now, there's nobody better than Ravishing Rick Rude.
Eric Bischoff: And that may be the case. Speaking of Rick Rude, you'll like this, he's standing by right now with Missy Hyatt.
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Missy Hyatt: Thanks Eric, I'm here with the World champion Ravishing Rick Rude. A close call last Thursday against Roddy Piper, but the challenges keep on coming. First tonight with Dustin Rhodes, and then if you win, Starrcade and The Nature Boy Ric Flair.
Rick Rude: Missy Hyatt, it seems like I have to prove time and time again that I am the best wrestler in the world today. People need to learn to start listening because when Rick Rude says something, you can take it to the bank. I said last week that I would beat Rowdy Roddy Piper inside the Steel Cage, and that's exactly what I did. Tonight, you Dustin Rhodes, you get not a second, but a third opportunity at this belt. Even a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut, the point being that you had luck on your side once before when you took the U.S. title from me, but that will never, ever happen again.
Missy Hyatt: Speaking of last Thursday, were you surprised when Johnny B. Badd interfered to help you win?
Rick Rude: Haha, you think that's why I won the match? Missy, you couldn't be more wrong. I beat Piper because he is a sissy. Piper wears a skirt. Me on the other hand, I'm a man. I'm the World champion, something Roddy Piper's never been, and something Dustin Rhodes never will be. As far as Ric Flair and Starrcade goes, I hope he watches later tonight and takes a long hard look at what he's going to be up against on December 29. The dawning of a new era is upon us Missy Hyatt. Starrcade will be D-Day ... the ravishing way!
Missy Hyatt: Ok, Eric. A confident sounding Rick Rude, and we'll see later tonight when he defends his title. Back to you guys.
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The opening match of hour #2 here on Nitro sees the WCW Tag Team champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell in non title action against The Hollywood Blonds, accompanied by Col. Robert Parker. The Blonds have had a real reversal of fortune as of late, even scoring the winning fall and surviving last Monday's big 8 tag team elimination match. Scorpio and Bagwell meanwhile are still champions after defeating former champions Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit this past Thursday in a rematch. The match goes about 10 minutes with both teams getting some work in, including the usual tease of The Blonds having problems and a spill back to their old problems. They do however patch things up and work together. The end of the match sees Scorpio and Brian Pillman going at it, with Scorpio delivering the 450 Splash for a cover. Before the referee can count though, The Colonel is up on the apron to cause a commotion. Steve Austin comes in and hits Scorpio to break up any cover attempt, but Bagwell comes in as well and downs Austin. The referee turns and sees Bagwell to force him out of the ring. Pillman rolls to the apron and gets up, meanwhile Scorpio gets him and suplexes him in, but The Colonel strikes! Sweeping out Scorpio's leg, Pillman goes down on top of him and the referee does not see Parker holding the leg, making the 3. The Blonds get a huge non title victory here tonight, and this has to put them in contention for a shot at the belts that they once held. The Brain calls it, we could be looking at the next WCW Tag Team champions.
-- Sixth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro, only on TNT. With me now is Diamond Dallas Page and ... uh ... where's what's his name again?
Dallas Page: Missy, it really is true what they saw. Blond, dumb, more clueless than a bread crumb. You gotta learn to pay attention out here cause the man is the muscle, and that's all you gotta know. You wanna know where he is, well I gave him a well deserved night off after that screw job that was the Clash of Champions. This Computer Contenders Challenge stuff was a joke. I mean let's face it, you put the name of DDP into any computer out there and you're running full steam on that processor with extended RAM if you know what I'm saying.
Missy Hyatt: I don't have a clue actually.
Dallas Page: Gee, why does that not surprise me! As far as this Ice Train joke goes, he may have beat the muscle, but he ain't faced anything quite like me, and that's D, D, P. All I need is 1 chance to get him in that ring. With the reconnaissance that Max did at the Clash, I can melt that Train 50 different ways, and why? Cause I'm on fire, and you match fire and ice, fire wins every time. He may be undefeated so far, but that's only because he hasn't felt, the, BANG!
Missy Hyatt: You know, I don't think I like him. Speaking of Ice Train though, he's in action next so Eric, back to you.
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Technically not 1, but 2 matches. The WCW U.S. champion Ice Train looks to run the gauntlet against the 2 men that have given him problems over the last month, Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce. First Slazenger showed up attacking Train on the October 28 Nitro, and then Pierce a week later helping Slazenger beat down Train. And that is the order of the matches we will see. Train must first get through Slazenger, and while not a total squash, it is pretty close to being on par with Train's performances last week. Slazenger gets in some offense, but Train eventually hits Slazenger with the scoop powerslam just past the 3 minute mark. No time for rest though as Pierce immediately jumps Train. He keeps him down, but it is not long before Train reverses an Irish whip and charges at him in the corner with an avalanche. Train scoops up Pierce and gives him a front slam, before getting up and giving a "choo! choo!" As he picks up Pierce to finish him off, Slazenger slides back in with the cowbell on a bull rope and nails Train from behind. The referee calls for the bell with the DQ, both matches combined going under 6 minutes, and with Train down, Slazenger starts whipping him with the bull rope. Pierce gets up and the 2 send Train into the ropes, charging back at him with the bullrope to clothesline him down. "The Texicans" may not have won the battle, but they sure look to have won the war here tonight as Train's desire for revenge will likely only grow with this match and its outcome.
-- Seventh commercial break --
- Tony Schiavone is standing by with the final installment. The event comes to fans, live on PPV from Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday night, December 29, with a start time of 7pm eastern. The first Starrcade was held in 1983, this year's edition marking the 10th anniversary. And they will be doing so in a big way, as already signed, first time ever! The WCW debut of Hulk Hogan, as he goes 1 on 1 with Sting! Also, we know that The Nature Boy Ric Flair will receive a title shot at the winner of tonight's match between champion Ravishing Rick Rude and The Natural Dustin Rhodes. More matches will be announced in the weeks to come. It all comes your way in 4 weeks time, only on PPV. WCW presents the 10th anniversary of Starrcade, don't miss it!
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After unmasking 1 of 2 Black Scorpions as Rage last Thursday, Sting gets an opportunity tonight to get some answers, teaming with Cactus Jack against Rage and Fury, The Wrecking Crew. Sting dropped the theory at the top of hour #1 that Rage was a decoy, chosen because of his likeness in height and weight to who the real Black Scorpion is, with attributes matching Brother Brutus. The match gets started and is pretty much what you would expect. Sting and Cactus dominate, with Sting putting away Fury with The Scorpion Death Lock for a submission win in only 3 minutes. Essentially a squash, but the match is not the important part anyway. Rage looks to make a run for it, but Cactus is there in the aisle to prevent his escape. He takes Rage and throws him in under the bottom rope, giving a "bang! bang!" afterward. Sting has Rage now, but wait ...
Brother Brutus is out at the top of the ramp. He had vowed to watch Sting's back tonight as a self imposed favor towards Hulk Hogan to make sure nobody touches him before Starrcade. With Brutus here, if he is The Black Scorpion, if Rage was the other Scorpion, by simple math that equals no Scorpion. Sting puts Rage in The Scorpion Deathlock, yelling for him to tell him who The Scorpion is, who put him up to it. Sting releases it and questions Rage on the mic.
Sting: Just like Harley Race last week, there's 2 ways we can do this, so Rage, tell me right now! Who's The Black Scorpion? Who hired you to be The Scorpion?
Rage: Ugh.
Sting: Wrong answer, so let's try again, or maybe Cactus Jack can introduce you to a variation of my friend from last week. Cactus?
Cactus Jack produces a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat! Brutus gets a look of terror as he sees that, as does Rage, both for probably entirely different reasons.
Sting: So Rage, take 2. Who hired you? WHO?
Fury nails Sting from behind as Cactus heads into the ring. Cactus back him up into the ropes and charges with a clothesline that takes both men over the top rope and to the floor. Brutus is now at ringside and takes a chair. Sting gets up, as does Rage behind him, but not for long. Brutus gets in the ring and smacks him across the back with a steel chair. Rage goes down as Sting turns. Brutus does nothing to him with Heenan pointing out that he is doing what he said, watching his back. Bischoff calls it suspicious though as Rage was clearly no threat to Sting, and now he is out of it and unable to give Sting any answers about The Scorpion with Brutus himself the prime suspect. Heenan says that clearly they see things differently as Rage was about to jump Sting and Brutus saved him, so if anything, Sting should be thanking him! Brutus leaves with a smirk on his face that just wreaks of a guilty conscience as Sting is left to look on.
-- Eighth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT. With me right now is the U.S. champion Ice Train, and that was a tough match earlier with Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce.
Ice Train: Missy! Tex Slazenger, Shanghai Pierce, they gone and messed with the wrong man out here! I had to work to get where I am today and nobody, not them, not anybody, is gonna walk into WCW and use me to make a name for themselves! This thing between us, it ain't finished. It ain't even started! Next week, I want them again, but none of this gauntlet stuff. Next week Missy, give me them, both at the same time. I want them in a handicap match!
Missy Hyatt: Hold on. Are you sure about that? Given what they did to you earlier tonight, that may not be the best idea.
Ice Train: Missy, just like I went through Jean Paul Levesque last Monday on Nitro, and Max Muscle on Thanksgiving at the Clash of Champions, I want to show them 2 that this Train don't stop! Not for them, not for anybody. I'm the U.S. champion and can't nobody out there take it from me. So next week, Tex, Shanghai, bring yourselves cause the next stop on the Ice Train is pain station, choo! choo!
Missy Hyatt: Big challenge made there by Ice Train for next Monday. We'll see if Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce accept. Eric, back to you and back to the ring for more action.
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Main event time here on hour #2. And they do not get much bigger than this. The Natural Dustin Rhodes to challenge Ravishing Rick Rude for the World Title, winner defends against Ric Flair at Starrcade. Rhodes had been granted a rematch after the finish at Fall Brawl, but would lose the shot in a match stipulation to Johnny B. Badd at Halloween Havoc. Thanks to Roddy Piper, Badd agreed to put the shot up and gives Rhodes equal opportunity in their King of Cable tournament final match, with Rhodes winning. The match goes 15 minutes with Rhodes really putting on the pressure in the late minutes. Several 2 counts come before Rhodes goes for a bulldog. Rude however manages to block it and instead shove Rhodes off, but directly into the referee. The ref goes down and Rude goes for a right hand, but Rhodes blocks it and hits an atomic elbow to the head. Rude goes down and gets up with Rhodes locking up for the bulldog. He charges and hits it, but alas no referee. Easily a 3 count, but without somebody to make the count, that does not remotely matter. Rhodes gets up and goes over to the referee to try and revive him. From behind him though ...
Johnny B. Badd comes through the crowd. When Rhodes turns around, Badd drops down and drives a forearm up for a low blow. Badd then scoops Rhodes up into a fireman's carry as he did Piper, lifts him up and turns into a cutter. Badd leaves as quickly as he arrived, with Rude left puzzled when he comes to and sees Rhodes laying there. He will take it though and covers Rhodes, with the referee coming to as well and crawling over to make a slow 3 count. Rude wins thanks once again to the interference of Johnny B. Badd. Eric Bischoff wonders if maybe they are allies, but Bobby Heenan thinks it is just coincidence and Badd is seeking his own brand of vengeance. Whatever the case, that makes it official for Starrcade. Rick Rude to defend the World Title against Ric Flair on December 29.
-- Ninth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro. With me right now is the man who on December 29 at Starrcade, will challenge Rick Rude for the World Title, The Nature Boy Ric Flair. But what people are wondering right now is Rage portraying The Black Scorpion last Thursday and I'll ask it point blank, did you hire him? Are you The Black Scorpion?
Ric Flair: Haha, woooooooooooooooooooo. Missy Hyatt, let me ask you something. I know you may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer sometimes, but I think even you could figure this out. If Ric Flair's going to hire somebody to do anything, you best believe the last person I'm hiring is Rage from The Wrecking Crew. I mean really. Rage. Rage from The Wrecking Crew? Are you serious? I'm talking Jack Brisco. Dory Funk. Harley Race. Dusty Rhodes. I've beat the best wrestlers in the world in that ring down there, and you're telling me I need to get Rage of The Wrecking Crew to do my dirty work? Not in this lifetime pal. Missy, Ric Flair only deals in the finer things in life. Sting my man, you gotta believe me. I am not The Black Scorpion. Was I? Damn straight. 3 years ago, I did what I had to do, but now I got my own issues out here and I wish you nothing but the best of luck at Starrcade. I got Ravishing Rick for the World Title, ain't no way I'm letting that opportunity slip through my fingers man. That's what I do this for. To be the best. Running around under a mask doesn't make me the best, being World champion does.
Missy Hyatt: You have to know that this could end up being a distraction for you the next month.
Ric Flair: You think I'm going to let this of all things distract me? Not a chance! Through champagne wishes and caviar dreams, Starrcade will be my night! This is it Missy, the return of the limousine riding, jet flying, kiss stealing, wheeling, dealing, son of a gun! Starrcade, 10th anniversary, that big gold belt is coming home to the 1, the only, Nature Boy! WOOOOOOO! Ric! By God! Flair. Now what I wanna know Missy, we're in Charleston, South Carolina, whatta you say to a night on the town, wining and dining, and maybe you can find out first hand why space mountain may be an old ride, but it's still got the longest line.
Missy Hyatt: Well if Ric Flair is behind this Black Scorpion stuff Eric, he's sure not letting on. Back to you.
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Eric Bischoff: Alright, and you know I've got to say. Rage of The Wrecking Crew may not exactly be the standard of trust in this world, so even if he said something, who's to say it would've been the truth? If Ric Flair did hire him, why Brain? Why? And why Rage of The Wrecking Crew?
Bobby Heenan: Don't you see? Why not Rage? We know he's just some ham n egger Flair hired, but there's still the real Black Scorpion. We already established Rage is just a decoy. There's no conceivable connection from Flair to Rage, it is the perfect crime. Brother Brutus, we just saw him help Sting! He's not out to hurt him. If you ask me, the road to Starrcade will be a long 1 for both Sting and Ric Flair.
Eric Bischoff: And the road starts for Sting next week when go to Richmond, Virginia. Get this Brain. Hulk Hogan may have asked Brother Brutus to stay out of this Sting match, but Sting is still looking for answers. He will be there next week, Brother Brutus will be there next week. This isn't finished. There's far more to this story than meets the eye out here, and I just hope that Sting gets to the bottom of this before Starrcade so when we see Sting against Hulk Hogan, it's about Sting and Hulk Hogan, who is the best. Also next week, 2 title matches with 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell defending the Tag Team Title against the team that beat them earlier tonight in The Hollywood Blonds. Plus rematch from the Clash with no time limit, Lord Steven Regal defending the TV Title against Shane Douglas.
Bobby Heenan: I'll tell you what I'm looking forward to though. Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce accepting that challenge, and now getting Ice Train 2 on 1. Finally we'll see an end to his undefeated streak and all these humanoids can look somewhere else for inspiration. Next week, Ice Train finally gets derailed.
Eric Bischoff: I don't know though. It's a handicap match, but who's handicapped in that 1? In my opinion, certainly not Ice Train. That's all next week from Richmond, Virginia. Promises to be another big week on WCW Monday Nitro, the only live 2 hour weekly pro wrestling show. But hey! We still got more tonight. (Big Van Vader's music starts) There you hear it, and there you see it. Big Van Vader, the WCW champion, on his way out with manager Harley Race.
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On his way out is the WCW champion Big Van Vader and manager Harley Race. Speculation abounds as to Vader's role in the upcoming Starrcade. It is Sting vs Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair vs Rick Rude, but still no word on an opponent for Vader. They enter the ring and Race takes the mic, with Bischoff saying it may be hitting 10pm, but they have clearance with TNT to stay with this as long as need be.
Harley Race: The man that stands before you right now is Big Van Vader! He is the champion of WCW! Many men have tried, all have failed. Nobody can take this belt from around his waist. So intimidating is he that the wrestlers are running from the opportunity to challenge for the title at Starrcade. Nobody will step up and take it. Nobody wants to. Nobody can! Vader is unstoppable! Sting couldn't stop him. Ron Simmons couldn't stop him. Nobody can stop him. Nobody!
But wait! The music hits! ...
Cactus Jack is out! The fans cheer as Cactus interrupts this rant, presumably to make his case for the 10th anniversary event.
Harley Race: What do you want? What could you possibly want? Don't tell me that you think YOU can challenge Vader? Ahahaha. You are not championship material Cactus Jack. You are not worthy of being in the same ring as this man. You never have been and you never will!
Cactus Jack: Mr. Race, I respectfully disagree with your opinion. You might not think I'd make a fitting WCW champion, BUT I DO! The only reason I didn't get the chance to prove myself at the Clash of Champions was because of you sacrificing The Black Scorpion to save your own hides. Whether or not I could ever be WCW champion won't be known until I get a chance, but what is known is that Vader is afraid. AFRAID OF ME!
Harley Race: You can't be serious? Vader, afraid?! This man fears nobody. Even fear itself fears Big Van Vader! Don't confuse being afraid with you being undeserving. I gave you your opportunity. You had the chance with Yoshi Kwan and you couldn't beat him. Not once, but he beat you twice. TWICE! And now you want to step up to the plate and take a swing at Vader? Not a chance pal. Not in this lifetime. You don't deserve to be WCW champion because you're an embarrassment! I'm a champion. Vader's a champion. You though? You're nothing but a loser. Just like all of these fans out here.
Cactus Jack: If I can't get Vader, then maybe I'll just have to settle for somebody else, and as best I can tell there's only 1 other person out here. So what do you say?
Harley Race: You're challenging me? Not a chance Cactus Jack. Not a chance in hell! You're in hell and that's where you'll stay! Rotting away until the end of your days!
Cactus starts approaching the ring from the aisle, when ...
Yoshi Kwan is out and jumps Cactus from behind. The 2 brawl in the aisle.
Harley Race: Get him! GET HIM!
Kwan lays in with chops, but Cactus quickly turns the momentum into his favor. The 2 brawl back to the staging area and disappear to the back.
Harley Race: Just like I thought! You wanna talk scared? Cactus Jack is the 1 that's scared! He's afraid of Vader!
Big Van Vader: No man! There is, no man that can stand with me! There is! No man! Who can step up to fear! I am the WCW champion! I am unstoppable! I am, Vader haha. Starrcade. Starrcade will be, Vader time haha. Vader time!
Harley Race: Nobody can stop him! NOBODY!
Familiar music hits. Fans explode into cheers.
... no ...
... it can't be! ...
... IT IS! ...
SID VICIOUS! IT'S SID VICIOUS!! He has not been seen in WCW since Halloween Havoc where he defeated Cactus Jack in Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal, only to disappear from TV the next night, announced on TV only as an indefinite suspension due to unprofessional behavior. 35 days later and he has reappeared (30 day suspension maybe?). Eric Bischoff points out that when Sid was last seen, he had earned the right to challenge Vader for the title and he's back to collect! Race tries to calm Vader as Sid stands by the entrance, just laughing maniacally as the show goes off the air. SID IS BACK!
Live from The North Charleston Coliseum
December 2, 1993
8:00 pm eastern
Charleston, South Carolina
From ringside ...
Tony Schiavone: Welcome everyone to WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT! From the North Charleston Coliseum here in Charleston, South Carolina, get ready, because for the next 2 hours, WCW begins it's way on the road to Starrcade! Hello wrestling fans, I'm Tony Schiavone alongside the Living Legend Larry Zbyszko, and Legend, we can't not start the show without addressing the finish last Thursday to the Clash of Champions. Rowdy Roddy Piper and Ravishing Rick Rude inside the Steel Cage, and Johnny B. Badd turning his back on Roddy Piper, his back on the fans of WCW that have supported him through the years. We understand that Piper suffered a severe concussion from Johnny B. Badd slamming that cage door on his head, and he is out. He is not here tonight, and we are not sure when, or even if, we will see him back here in WCW. A dark day for this company.
Larry Zbyszko: Maybe so, and in more ways than 1. Not only did Johnny B. Badd turn his back on the fans and Roddy Piper, but also maybe a dark day because it is now official. After months of speculation, Hulk Hogan has signed with WCW. The dream match for many signed for Starrcade, Hulk Hogan vs Sting, but a nightmare for a select few if we are to believe J.J. Dillon. We aren't sure who's pulling the strings in the back, but Sting essentially forced the hand by giving WCW a decision. You either sign Hogan and the match, put some faith into me, or you show me that being the face of WCW means nothing and I walk. The match goes down elsewhere. So here we are. It will be a bumpy ride from here until Starrcade, you can be certain of that.
Tony Schiavone: And what about tonight though. Dustin Rhodes to challenge Rick Rude for the World Title. That will be a big match Legend, and not the first time we have seen them go at it. You have to wonder too, Johnny B. Badd could make an appearance, hopefully if he does, not in that match and rather addressing his actions last Thursday. And speaking of Sting, we saw him unmask The Black Scorpion last week, or so we thought. A second Black Scorpion appears, Sting unmasks them to be Rage of The Wrecking Crew. Not what we thought, but this does open up several possibilities, 1 specifically being that in fact Brother Brutus was under the mask several times, just not the 1 time that we thought may have cleared his name.
Larry Zbyszko: Rage of The Wrecking Crew. It hasn't been said yet, but you have to think that's a decoy. A con in the game of human chess. Sting has to assume that, because if he's to win, he has to stay several steps ahead of The Scorpion. He has to always know what's coming, and be aware. It could be Brother Brutus, but who's to say it's not Hulk Hogan? Who's to say it's not Ric Flair? There are so many endless possibilities here that it could be somebody we don't even suspect. Maybe "they" are right to see it as "north" vs "south", because it could just as easily be backup from the north to make sure that Hulk Hogan wins on December 29.
Tony Schiavone: Could be. Also tonight, later on, Ric Flair joins us after his walk through hell in the "I Quit" match with Barry Windham this past Thursday. Big Van Vader and Harley Race are here as well, no doubt set to address Cactus Jack. Some more big matches as well, with Ice Train against both Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce, 1 after the other, looking to settle that score. After surviving last Monday, The Hollywood Blonds to take on 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell in a non title match, big implications there. Our main event here on hour #1, Shane Douglas to get his hands on Jean Paul Levesque, the man that cost him the TV Title Thursday night. (Sting's music hits) Wait a minute! There you hear it. Is it? It is!
Sting is out and on his way to the ring. The fans cheer, but he seems less like his usual jovial self as he enters the ring and requests a mic.
Sting: I'm gonna make this fast out here, because I don't wanna do a lot of talking, I wanna do a lot of fighting! Last Thursday, I finally unmasked The Black Scorpion. After weeks of torment, what do I see? The face of some long lost rival, back for revenge? The face of a friend stabbing me in the back? No, no. What I see is the face of Rage from The Wrecking Crew. Let me repeat that. Rage from The Wrecking Crew. Now at first, I had 2 thoughts. Thought #1, this guy has been attacking me the whole time and he just got his, or thought #2, this guy just might be, what I like to call, a decoy. A set up if you will from the real Black Scorpion. And the reason I might think that is because as you all saw Thursday, there was in fact a second Black Scorpion. So just when I think I have everything figured out, the questions change. It's not just who was The Black Scorpion, but now who are The Black Scorpions? Who else is under that mask? So I started thinking about it. Rage? Why? Why Rage? What possible reason could that man have for attacking me? Fortunately I didn't have to think very hard because I went to WCW and I got the match signed for tonight. Sting and Cactus Jack against The Wrecking Crew, and I can assure you that when I get him in the Scorpion Death Lock this time, I'm not letting go until I get an answer! This isn't going to be a match, no. It's going to be an interrogation! It's going to be a living hell for Mr. Rage.
But that's not all that happened last Thursday. Finally, the match. It's signed. Starrcade, December 29, live on PPV, the Stinger, 1 on 1, with Hulk Hogan! This is what I've been waiting for. I've asked for it, I've begged looking for it. Finally we will all find out who is the best. Who is #1. And now I know that the Hulkster isn't here tonight (the fans naturally boo that). Hey, I don't like it either! If it were up to me, we'd be doing it tonight! But I know Hulk Hogan's not here, but I've got a message for him. I've got a message for "them". That is, the people in WCW running the show from a business side that don't get what it's like to step into this ring because they never have. They only look at the promotion, they don't look at the 2 men getting in the ring. What it means for me and The Hulkster to win or lose, just what it means to WCW whoever wins, and whoever loses. When I get into that ring on December 29, Starrcade, mark my words. I will win that match. I know in my heart that I have what it takes to take down Hulk Hogan, and I have for years. This is my time. And if I do it, I'm not doing it so the brass at CNN Center can get 1 up in some political wrestling war. I'm doing it for me. I'm doing it for all the Stingers that believe in me. Everybody that's supported me since day 1! And now I know that Hulk Hogan has his supporters, but-
The fans start booing because out comes Brother Brutus. Hogan may not be here, but this man is. The commentators note that even Hogan had a warning for his ally Brutus though to stay away from Sting because Hogan wants this match to be about who the better wrestler is. He enters the ring.
Sting: What do you want?
Brother Brutus: Sting man, I think we've gotten off on the wrong foot out here. I think there's just been a giant misunderstanding. See, you and me? We don't have to be fighting out here. We can be friends.
Sting: You and me, friends? Interesting concept. Do you often offer that to guys you've been stalking around under a mask?
Brother Brutus: I thought I made it crystal clear. I'm not The Black Scorpion. I never have been, and I never will be. See, the Hulkster made a request of me last Thursday, and it was not to lay a hand on you so that you enter that match at Starrcade 100%, and you're ready to go. Me and you? As far as I'm concerned, as of right now, our grudge is ancient history. Now I don't know about The Black Scorpion and whoever that is, but everything that's gone down between us? It's done. It's over. And if the Hulkster can't be here tonight, let me be the first to offer my services to watch your back. Let me watch your back and make sure The Black Scorpion is nowhere to be found man!
The fans boo that idea as Sting himself just smirks at it, knowing how ridiculous an idea that is.
Sting: So you want to watch my back? Keep me from getting jumped by the real Black Scorpion? I guess when I go in there with Rage of The Wrecking Crew later on, I gotta get answers, who knows? That Scorpion could come out of nowhere and attack me, but you'll be there to watch my back. Is that right? You know something crossed my mind with Rage. I started thinking about him and why he might be used as a decoy, if that is in fact the case. Is it his skills? Is it his incredible knowledge of me as an opponent? I'll take a stab in the dark and say no on both of those counts. Is it his physical appearance though? You know, speaking of interrogations Brother Brutus, I got some questions for you. You're about what, 6'4'? 275 pounds give or take?
Brother Brutus: I don't see what the point-
Sting: Just do me a favor. Simple yes or no will do.
Brother Brutus: Yeah, maybe a little closer to 270 though, I gotta keep this body as the temple that it is man. But I really don't see what this has to do with anything.
Sting: It's funny, cause that's the exact same height and weight of Rage from The Wrecking Crew, give or take a few pounds, isn't it? You know, that's a big coincidence to me. Kinda funny. The guy I accuse of being The Black Scorpion, and then the surprise that awaits when I finally unmask him, maybe letdown is more appropriate, both just happen to be 6'4", 275 pounds. Boy, that's weird isn't it? Especially if you're not The Black Scorpion cause that would almost make it seem that somebody was put under that mask as a decoy to copy the exact same attributes as the man that would normally be under that mask to throw me off. And you know what else is funny? Rage of the Wrecking Crew was in the building during our match a couple weeks ago, the first and only time that we saw The Black Scorpion and you in the same place. I think that's pretty funny, but let me ask you, do you think that's funny, "brother"?
Brother Brutus: Yeah. Pretty funny.
Sting: I don't know about you, but I'm laughing already. Ha. Ha. I guess maybe we'll see if the jokes continue later tonight. You wanna watch my back? Go ahead. Because then you can be there to watch first hand when I get Rage in that ring, and I get some answers out of him. Some answers that you of all people I think might find very, very interesting.
Sting goes to leave, before turning and walking back.
Sting: Oh yeah. I almost forgot. Thanks for watching my back, and just to return the favor, I'll be watching yours real, real carefully.
Now Sting turns and leaves as his music hits with Brother Brutus left standing there in the ring. If he is The Black Scorpion he could be exposed later tonight, and left only to watch, unable to do anything as per the request from Hulk Hogan.
-- First commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Alright, we are back here live on Nitro. With us right now is the commissioner of WCW, Mr. James J Dillon. A lot going on tonight, and a lot went down this past Thursday.
J.J. Dillon: The road to Starrcade has begun. This to me is like Christmas Tony. You know, you wait and wait for Santa Claus, and then finally Christmas morning arrives. Starrcade is like that with me. And you talk about action, Sting and Hulk Hogan, I can't wait for it!
Tony Schiavone: What about what we just saw with Sting and Brother Brutus out here? Later tonight, Sting and Cactus Jack against The Wrecking Crew.
J.J. Dillon: I think this whole Black Scorpion thing is history myself. Rage was unmasked and revealed as The Scorpion. Personally, I think Fury was the second man. And that's why Sting gets that match tonight. He wants The Wrecking Crew, he wants answers, I hope he gets them. Should be interesting.
Larry Zbyszko: Now what about this thing with Johnny B. Badd out here. I wanna know, what's going to be done to make sure that Dustin Rhodes gets a fair shake at Rick Rude.
J.J. Dillon: My office has been trying to get in contact with Mr. B. Badd, but no luck so far. I don't know why he did what he did, in fact I'm not even sure he's here tonight. If he does show up, you can be certain that just like I had Brother Brutus under lock and key as a precautionary measure, so too will Mr. B. Badd. Tonight, Dustin Rhodes and Rick Rude, once and for all we will find out who is the better man between those 2 wrestlers.
Tony Schiavone: Alright, thank you for that, and all that and more still to come. Right now though we head to the ring for our opening match, here tonight on Monday Nitro.
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vs Opening match sees 2 top tag teams going at it with The Road Warriors vs Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit, managed by Scotty Flamingo. The Road Warriors are coming off a win over Harlem Heat on Thursday at the Clash, while Eaton and Benoit had a narrow defeat in a thrilling Tag Team Title match with the champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell. This match will mean a great deal to the rankings. Eaton and Benoit get in some offense when the bell rings, but end up like many other tag teams before them. The size and power issue just becomes too much for the team to handle. The finish of the match sees Animal lift up Benoit as Hawk goes up top, coming off with the flying clothesline for The Doomsday Device. A dangerous spot with Benoit flipping off the shoulders and damn near landing on his head before Hawk pins him for the win at around 7 minutes. The Road Warriors move up towards the top, while Eaton and Benoit take that loss and have to be considered out of contention when combined with the loss in the rematch for their shot at the titles last week. Scorpio and Bagwell as noted earlier will be in non title action later with The Hollywood Blonds.
-- Second commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro. With us right now is Brad Armstrong, and have to ask. You have a picket sign with you. What's this about?
Brad Armstrong: First off Tony Schiavone, women, am I right? That tramp Toni Adams leaving last Thursday was honestly the best thing that ever happened to me. See, I didn't realize it at the time, but she was dead weight. She was tying me down. I didn't need her, she needed me. As for this right here (the sign that reads "We want wrestling!"), I'm sick of the political game here in WCW. Last Thursday, I should have been headlining the show. I'm the best wrestler in this company. Instead though, they'd rather have I Quit matches and Steel Cage matches, some Black Scorpion mystery like this is an episode of Magnum T.A. out here or something.
Tony Schiavone: I think you mean Magnum P.I.
Brad Armstrong: The point is, all that stuff? It's not wrestling. WCW is not wrestling. I am wrestling. People don't want to see Ric Flair and Barry Windham talk about quitting, or Roddy Piper and Rick Rude climbing around. They want a wrestler like me that is quick, to the point, and gets the job done. So until I get my opportunity out here, this right here? (referring to himself) It's being shut down boys. Unless I get a chance to wrestle and do what I do best, I'm not going to go in there any more with losers like The Z Man. I mean, heck! The only reason I even lost last week was that Toni Adams' fault. It wasn't mine!
Larry Zbyszko: What do you think your father would say to this? Bullet Bob Armstrong? (the fans pop)
Brad Armstrong: My dad? You know he can wrestle too. Damn fine wrestler if you ask me. But! But. He's not half the man that I am! He bought into the system, wearing a mask as The Bullet. He had no guts to stand up to the machine. Nothing on the inside, and if he were here today, he'd be doing whatever it takes to please you fans. I'm going to do more with the Armstrong name than he ever did. But until I get that chance, I'm not going to be just another clog in the wheel. Until I get that chance, until I get suitable competition to show what I can do in that ring, Brad Armstrong ... is on strike! (starts protesting with the sign)
Larry Zbyszko: Oh please.
Tony Schiavone: There you have it, apparently Brad Armstrong is on ... strike? Ok, and with that we go back up to the ring with David Penzer for more action as WCW Monday Nitro continues, here on TNT.
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vs The next match sees a debuting Chippewa Charlie Norris, against Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker of The State Patrol. A big opportunity for Parker on the big stage that is WCW Monday Nitro live on TNT. Parker controls the early going here, but Norris will not back down and finally starts to come to life. After a big boot, Norris starts a war dance, hitting Parker whenever he gets up. Finally Norris catches Parker, coming off the ropes with a flying double chop. He covers and picks up the 3 count for the win just under 5 minutes. The fans cheer with Norris making a successful debut here in WCW, and the commentators thinking he could be a big time player at some point here in WCW. Parker meanwhile continues, unable to catch a break.
-- Third commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to more WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT. The main event for hour #1 coming up in just a minute, but right now we are with The Natural Dustin Rhodes. And Dustin, big opportunity later tonight against Rick Rude for the World title, but it has to be bittersweet after what happened Thursday to Rowdy Roddy Piper.
Dustin Rhodes: I honestly can tell you guys, that I have never been more disappointed in anybody, as much as I was last Thursday with Johnny B. Badd. Maybe disappointment doesn't cover it. Anger. We had a couple matches Johnny, but I never realized just what was going on in that head of yours. The resentment you had for Roddy Piper. The frustration with yourself. You know, maybe you should take some time and think about what you did Johnny, cause I think it was sick. You need help, and maybe, just maybe there's still some hope for him.
Tony Schiavone: What about Rick Rude and the World Title?
Dustin Rhodes: This will be my third opportunity at Rude and that belt, and not to make excuses for myself, but this will be the first time I get to go in there, and know exactly what I'm heading into. First it was Fall Brawl with that no good witch Alexandra York costing me the match, and then the Computer Contenders Challenge where I had only an hour or so to prepare. Tonight, no excuses. Not for me, and not for Rude. Finally I get my chance, and I intend to join the ranks of my father, and then go on to Starrcade. Me and you Ric Flair. Me and you and that big gold belt. Woo yeah! I can't wait!
Tony Schiavone: Alright, Dustin Rhodes! And that match to come later tonight in hour #2, but right now it's up to David Penzer with the main event for hour #1.
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vs A rematch from 2 weeks ago on Nitro headlines hour #1 with Shane Douglas going 1 on 1 with the French aristocrat Jean Paul Levesque. Douglas won that match, but it was just this past Thursday at the Clash of Champions that Levesque interfered in Douglas' shot at the TV Title, and cost him the opportunity to become champion by allowing his mentor Lord Steven Regal to steal a victory via countout. And speaking of the WCW TV champion Lord Steven Regal, after Levesque heads out and Douglas heads out and the bell rings, the music hits ...
It is Regal! He comes out and heads to commentary. Larry Zbyszko protests at the ringside table, but it is too late. Regal takes a seat to watch as Douglas looks on. We will see if this throws him off as Monday Nitro continues in just a moment.
-- Fourth commercial break --
WCW Saturday Night Preview for December 7
- The Nasty Boys are in action
- Yoshi Kwan in singles competition
- Lord Steven Regal will be there
- The main event, Sting to go 1 on 1 with Stevie Ray of Harlem Heat
- All that and more, this Saturday at 6:05 eastern on TBS.
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Back from break and the match is underway. Zbyszko and Regal argue on commentary as they have been for several weeks out here, with Zbyszko feeling that Regal is ducking the challenge from Douglas. Regal responds with how last week Douglas had not 1, but 2 title shots, although as Zbyszko notes, both with interference from the man in the ring Levesque. And speaking of the action, the 2 get a surprisingly long amount of time here, upwards of 15 minutes. Both have the advantage at times, but to the home viewing audience, this is about Zbyszko and Regal on commentary. Levesque finally sets up for his finisher, the double underhook facebuster. Douglas however has other ideas and instead flips Levesque over with a back body drop. They continue waging war with Douglas in control. He eventually hits the belly to belly suplex and covers to pick up the 3 count and the win. A successful outing for Shane Douglas, but Regal remains unimpressed. Zbyszko says that maybe he will be impressed when Douglas beats him 1, 2, 3 and takes away his TV Title. Unlikely according to the champion. Douglas is however in line for a rematch it would seem.
-- Fifth commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Alright, welcome back. We're just about set for hour #2 here, but what a show so far Legend. Big wins for The Road Warriors and the newcomer Charlie Norris, but how about Shane Douglas? Picks up the win over Jean Paul Levesque and he is certainly keeping the pressure on in his hunt for the TV Title.
Larry Zbyszko: And that's how I like it. Keep the pressure on Regal by beating Pepe Le Pew out here. If you ask me, he's had that title belt long enough and it's about time somebody brought it back to the good old U.S. of A.
Tony Schiavone: Alright, and now we send it over to Eric Bischoff and The Brain, ready to kick off hour #2 of WCW Monday Nitro! Live, on TNT.
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Eric Bischoff: Thanks for that Tony, and can you believe it Brain? Only 4 more weeks until Starrcade, 4 weeks until Hogan and Sting, but what about what we saw earlier. Sting and Brother Brutus, you heard it. Rage, 6'4", 280 pounds, same height, give or take the same ballpark of weight, you mask them up Brain and I dare you to tell 1 apart from the other. Sting thinks Rage was a decoy and he's going to get answers, later on here tonight when he and Cactus Jack battle The Wrecking Crew.
Bobby Heenan: Step aside Bischoff, step aside. Tonight, the show is all about the champ. Ravishing Rick Rude, in action, title on the line. This is going to be something else because Dustin Rhodes, try as he may, I think finally we will see him go in defeat. No doubt about it this time. Rick Rude will enter the World champion, and he'll leave the World champion. Mark my words.
Eric Bischoff: Both of those still to come. We'll also hear from the WCW champion Big Van Vader about Starrcade and maybe word on the challenger for him. Ric Flair is here, he'll of course challenge either Rude or Rhodes, whoever walks out of that match the champion.
Bobby Heenan: So Rude. What? I think it's a given Bischoff. Rude is the best wrestler in WCW today, I've managed him. I've seen what he can do first hand. He beat Piper last Thursday, he'll beat Rhodes tonight, and then at Starrcade, he'll beat Ric Flair. The humanoids out here can cheer whoever they want, but what matters isn't who they like, it's who's better. And right now, there's nobody better than Ravishing Rick Rude.
Eric Bischoff: And that may be the case. Speaking of Rick Rude, you'll like this, he's standing by right now with Missy Hyatt.
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Missy Hyatt: Thanks Eric, I'm here with the World champion Ravishing Rick Rude. A close call last Thursday against Roddy Piper, but the challenges keep on coming. First tonight with Dustin Rhodes, and then if you win, Starrcade and The Nature Boy Ric Flair.
Rick Rude: Missy Hyatt, it seems like I have to prove time and time again that I am the best wrestler in the world today. People need to learn to start listening because when Rick Rude says something, you can take it to the bank. I said last week that I would beat Rowdy Roddy Piper inside the Steel Cage, and that's exactly what I did. Tonight, you Dustin Rhodes, you get not a second, but a third opportunity at this belt. Even a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut, the point being that you had luck on your side once before when you took the U.S. title from me, but that will never, ever happen again.
Missy Hyatt: Speaking of last Thursday, were you surprised when Johnny B. Badd interfered to help you win?
Rick Rude: Haha, you think that's why I won the match? Missy, you couldn't be more wrong. I beat Piper because he is a sissy. Piper wears a skirt. Me on the other hand, I'm a man. I'm the World champion, something Roddy Piper's never been, and something Dustin Rhodes never will be. As far as Ric Flair and Starrcade goes, I hope he watches later tonight and takes a long hard look at what he's going to be up against on December 29. The dawning of a new era is upon us Missy Hyatt. Starrcade will be D-Day ... the ravishing way!
Missy Hyatt: Ok, Eric. A confident sounding Rick Rude, and we'll see later tonight when he defends his title. Back to you guys.
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vs The opening match of hour #2 here on Nitro sees the WCW Tag Team champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell in non title action against The Hollywood Blonds, accompanied by Col. Robert Parker. The Blonds have had a real reversal of fortune as of late, even scoring the winning fall and surviving last Monday's big 8 tag team elimination match. Scorpio and Bagwell meanwhile are still champions after defeating former champions Bobby Eaton and Chris Benoit this past Thursday in a rematch. The match goes about 10 minutes with both teams getting some work in, including the usual tease of The Blonds having problems and a spill back to their old problems. They do however patch things up and work together. The end of the match sees Scorpio and Brian Pillman going at it, with Scorpio delivering the 450 Splash for a cover. Before the referee can count though, The Colonel is up on the apron to cause a commotion. Steve Austin comes in and hits Scorpio to break up any cover attempt, but Bagwell comes in as well and downs Austin. The referee turns and sees Bagwell to force him out of the ring. Pillman rolls to the apron and gets up, meanwhile Scorpio gets him and suplexes him in, but The Colonel strikes! Sweeping out Scorpio's leg, Pillman goes down on top of him and the referee does not see Parker holding the leg, making the 3. The Blonds get a huge non title victory here tonight, and this has to put them in contention for a shot at the belts that they once held. The Brain calls it, we could be looking at the next WCW Tag Team champions.
-- Sixth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro, only on TNT. With me now is Diamond Dallas Page and ... uh ... where's what's his name again?
Dallas Page: Missy, it really is true what they saw. Blond, dumb, more clueless than a bread crumb. You gotta learn to pay attention out here cause the man is the muscle, and that's all you gotta know. You wanna know where he is, well I gave him a well deserved night off after that screw job that was the Clash of Champions. This Computer Contenders Challenge stuff was a joke. I mean let's face it, you put the name of DDP into any computer out there and you're running full steam on that processor with extended RAM if you know what I'm saying.
Missy Hyatt: I don't have a clue actually.
Dallas Page: Gee, why does that not surprise me! As far as this Ice Train joke goes, he may have beat the muscle, but he ain't faced anything quite like me, and that's D, D, P. All I need is 1 chance to get him in that ring. With the reconnaissance that Max did at the Clash, I can melt that Train 50 different ways, and why? Cause I'm on fire, and you match fire and ice, fire wins every time. He may be undefeated so far, but that's only because he hasn't felt, the, BANG!
Missy Hyatt: You know, I don't think I like him. Speaking of Ice Train though, he's in action next so Eric, back to you.
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vs Technically not 1, but 2 matches. The WCW U.S. champion Ice Train looks to run the gauntlet against the 2 men that have given him problems over the last month, Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce. First Slazenger showed up attacking Train on the October 28 Nitro, and then Pierce a week later helping Slazenger beat down Train. And that is the order of the matches we will see. Train must first get through Slazenger, and while not a total squash, it is pretty close to being on par with Train's performances last week. Slazenger gets in some offense, but Train eventually hits Slazenger with the scoop powerslam just past the 3 minute mark. No time for rest though as Pierce immediately jumps Train. He keeps him down, but it is not long before Train reverses an Irish whip and charges at him in the corner with an avalanche. Train scoops up Pierce and gives him a front slam, before getting up and giving a "choo! choo!" As he picks up Pierce to finish him off, Slazenger slides back in with the cowbell on a bull rope and nails Train from behind. The referee calls for the bell with the DQ, both matches combined going under 6 minutes, and with Train down, Slazenger starts whipping him with the bull rope. Pierce gets up and the 2 send Train into the ropes, charging back at him with the bullrope to clothesline him down. "The Texicans" may not have won the battle, but they sure look to have won the war here tonight as Train's desire for revenge will likely only grow with this match and its outcome.
-- Seventh commercial break --
STARRCADE CONTROL CENTER
- Tony Schiavone is standing by with the final installment. The event comes to fans, live on PPV from Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday night, December 29, with a start time of 7pm eastern. The first Starrcade was held in 1983, this year's edition marking the 10th anniversary. And they will be doing so in a big way, as already signed, first time ever! The WCW debut of Hulk Hogan, as he goes 1 on 1 with Sting! Also, we know that The Nature Boy Ric Flair will receive a title shot at the winner of tonight's match between champion Ravishing Rick Rude and The Natural Dustin Rhodes. More matches will be announced in the weeks to come. It all comes your way in 4 weeks time, only on PPV. WCW presents the 10th anniversary of Starrcade, don't miss it!
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vs After unmasking 1 of 2 Black Scorpions as Rage last Thursday, Sting gets an opportunity tonight to get some answers, teaming with Cactus Jack against Rage and Fury, The Wrecking Crew. Sting dropped the theory at the top of hour #1 that Rage was a decoy, chosen because of his likeness in height and weight to who the real Black Scorpion is, with attributes matching Brother Brutus. The match gets started and is pretty much what you would expect. Sting and Cactus dominate, with Sting putting away Fury with The Scorpion Death Lock for a submission win in only 3 minutes. Essentially a squash, but the match is not the important part anyway. Rage looks to make a run for it, but Cactus is there in the aisle to prevent his escape. He takes Rage and throws him in under the bottom rope, giving a "bang! bang!" afterward. Sting has Rage now, but wait ...
Brother Brutus is out at the top of the ramp. He had vowed to watch Sting's back tonight as a self imposed favor towards Hulk Hogan to make sure nobody touches him before Starrcade. With Brutus here, if he is The Black Scorpion, if Rage was the other Scorpion, by simple math that equals no Scorpion. Sting puts Rage in The Scorpion Deathlock, yelling for him to tell him who The Scorpion is, who put him up to it. Sting releases it and questions Rage on the mic.
Sting: Just like Harley Race last week, there's 2 ways we can do this, so Rage, tell me right now! Who's The Black Scorpion? Who hired you to be The Scorpion?
Rage: Ugh.
Sting: Wrong answer, so let's try again, or maybe Cactus Jack can introduce you to a variation of my friend from last week. Cactus?
Cactus Jack produces a barbed wire wrapped baseball bat! Brutus gets a look of terror as he sees that, as does Rage, both for probably entirely different reasons.
Sting: So Rage, take 2. Who hired you? WHO?
Fury nails Sting from behind as Cactus heads into the ring. Cactus back him up into the ropes and charges with a clothesline that takes both men over the top rope and to the floor. Brutus is now at ringside and takes a chair. Sting gets up, as does Rage behind him, but not for long. Brutus gets in the ring and smacks him across the back with a steel chair. Rage goes down as Sting turns. Brutus does nothing to him with Heenan pointing out that he is doing what he said, watching his back. Bischoff calls it suspicious though as Rage was clearly no threat to Sting, and now he is out of it and unable to give Sting any answers about The Scorpion with Brutus himself the prime suspect. Heenan says that clearly they see things differently as Rage was about to jump Sting and Brutus saved him, so if anything, Sting should be thanking him! Brutus leaves with a smirk on his face that just wreaks of a guilty conscience as Sting is left to look on.
-- Eighth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT. With me right now is the U.S. champion Ice Train, and that was a tough match earlier with Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce.
Ice Train: Missy! Tex Slazenger, Shanghai Pierce, they gone and messed with the wrong man out here! I had to work to get where I am today and nobody, not them, not anybody, is gonna walk into WCW and use me to make a name for themselves! This thing between us, it ain't finished. It ain't even started! Next week, I want them again, but none of this gauntlet stuff. Next week Missy, give me them, both at the same time. I want them in a handicap match!
Missy Hyatt: Hold on. Are you sure about that? Given what they did to you earlier tonight, that may not be the best idea.
Ice Train: Missy, just like I went through Jean Paul Levesque last Monday on Nitro, and Max Muscle on Thanksgiving at the Clash of Champions, I want to show them 2 that this Train don't stop! Not for them, not for anybody. I'm the U.S. champion and can't nobody out there take it from me. So next week, Tex, Shanghai, bring yourselves cause the next stop on the Ice Train is pain station, choo! choo!
Missy Hyatt: Big challenge made there by Ice Train for next Monday. We'll see if Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce accept. Eric, back to you and back to the ring for more action.
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World Title match
vs
vs Main event time here on hour #2. And they do not get much bigger than this. The Natural Dustin Rhodes to challenge Ravishing Rick Rude for the World Title, winner defends against Ric Flair at Starrcade. Rhodes had been granted a rematch after the finish at Fall Brawl, but would lose the shot in a match stipulation to Johnny B. Badd at Halloween Havoc. Thanks to Roddy Piper, Badd agreed to put the shot up and gives Rhodes equal opportunity in their King of Cable tournament final match, with Rhodes winning. The match goes 15 minutes with Rhodes really putting on the pressure in the late minutes. Several 2 counts come before Rhodes goes for a bulldog. Rude however manages to block it and instead shove Rhodes off, but directly into the referee. The ref goes down and Rude goes for a right hand, but Rhodes blocks it and hits an atomic elbow to the head. Rude goes down and gets up with Rhodes locking up for the bulldog. He charges and hits it, but alas no referee. Easily a 3 count, but without somebody to make the count, that does not remotely matter. Rhodes gets up and goes over to the referee to try and revive him. From behind him though ...
Johnny B. Badd comes through the crowd. When Rhodes turns around, Badd drops down and drives a forearm up for a low blow. Badd then scoops Rhodes up into a fireman's carry as he did Piper, lifts him up and turns into a cutter. Badd leaves as quickly as he arrived, with Rude left puzzled when he comes to and sees Rhodes laying there. He will take it though and covers Rhodes, with the referee coming to as well and crawling over to make a slow 3 count. Rude wins thanks once again to the interference of Johnny B. Badd. Eric Bischoff wonders if maybe they are allies, but Bobby Heenan thinks it is just coincidence and Badd is seeking his own brand of vengeance. Whatever the case, that makes it official for Starrcade. Rick Rude to defend the World Title against Ric Flair on December 29.
-- Ninth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro. With me right now is the man who on December 29 at Starrcade, will challenge Rick Rude for the World Title, The Nature Boy Ric Flair. But what people are wondering right now is Rage portraying The Black Scorpion last Thursday and I'll ask it point blank, did you hire him? Are you The Black Scorpion?
Ric Flair: Haha, woooooooooooooooooooo. Missy Hyatt, let me ask you something. I know you may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer sometimes, but I think even you could figure this out. If Ric Flair's going to hire somebody to do anything, you best believe the last person I'm hiring is Rage from The Wrecking Crew. I mean really. Rage. Rage from The Wrecking Crew? Are you serious? I'm talking Jack Brisco. Dory Funk. Harley Race. Dusty Rhodes. I've beat the best wrestlers in the world in that ring down there, and you're telling me I need to get Rage of The Wrecking Crew to do my dirty work? Not in this lifetime pal. Missy, Ric Flair only deals in the finer things in life. Sting my man, you gotta believe me. I am not The Black Scorpion. Was I? Damn straight. 3 years ago, I did what I had to do, but now I got my own issues out here and I wish you nothing but the best of luck at Starrcade. I got Ravishing Rick for the World Title, ain't no way I'm letting that opportunity slip through my fingers man. That's what I do this for. To be the best. Running around under a mask doesn't make me the best, being World champion does.
Missy Hyatt: You have to know that this could end up being a distraction for you the next month.
Ric Flair: You think I'm going to let this of all things distract me? Not a chance! Through champagne wishes and caviar dreams, Starrcade will be my night! This is it Missy, the return of the limousine riding, jet flying, kiss stealing, wheeling, dealing, son of a gun! Starrcade, 10th anniversary, that big gold belt is coming home to the 1, the only, Nature Boy! WOOOOOOO! Ric! By God! Flair. Now what I wanna know Missy, we're in Charleston, South Carolina, whatta you say to a night on the town, wining and dining, and maybe you can find out first hand why space mountain may be an old ride, but it's still got the longest line.
Missy Hyatt: Well if Ric Flair is behind this Black Scorpion stuff Eric, he's sure not letting on. Back to you.
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Eric Bischoff: Alright, and you know I've got to say. Rage of The Wrecking Crew may not exactly be the standard of trust in this world, so even if he said something, who's to say it would've been the truth? If Ric Flair did hire him, why Brain? Why? And why Rage of The Wrecking Crew?
Bobby Heenan: Don't you see? Why not Rage? We know he's just some ham n egger Flair hired, but there's still the real Black Scorpion. We already established Rage is just a decoy. There's no conceivable connection from Flair to Rage, it is the perfect crime. Brother Brutus, we just saw him help Sting! He's not out to hurt him. If you ask me, the road to Starrcade will be a long 1 for both Sting and Ric Flair.
Eric Bischoff: And the road starts for Sting next week when go to Richmond, Virginia. Get this Brain. Hulk Hogan may have asked Brother Brutus to stay out of this Sting match, but Sting is still looking for answers. He will be there next week, Brother Brutus will be there next week. This isn't finished. There's far more to this story than meets the eye out here, and I just hope that Sting gets to the bottom of this before Starrcade so when we see Sting against Hulk Hogan, it's about Sting and Hulk Hogan, who is the best. Also next week, 2 title matches with 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell defending the Tag Team Title against the team that beat them earlier tonight in The Hollywood Blonds. Plus rematch from the Clash with no time limit, Lord Steven Regal defending the TV Title against Shane Douglas.
Bobby Heenan: I'll tell you what I'm looking forward to though. Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce accepting that challenge, and now getting Ice Train 2 on 1. Finally we'll see an end to his undefeated streak and all these humanoids can look somewhere else for inspiration. Next week, Ice Train finally gets derailed.
Eric Bischoff: I don't know though. It's a handicap match, but who's handicapped in that 1? In my opinion, certainly not Ice Train. That's all next week from Richmond, Virginia. Promises to be another big week on WCW Monday Nitro, the only live 2 hour weekly pro wrestling show. But hey! We still got more tonight. (Big Van Vader's music starts) There you hear it, and there you see it. Big Van Vader, the WCW champion, on his way out with manager Harley Race.
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On his way out is the WCW champion Big Van Vader and manager Harley Race. Speculation abounds as to Vader's role in the upcoming Starrcade. It is Sting vs Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair vs Rick Rude, but still no word on an opponent for Vader. They enter the ring and Race takes the mic, with Bischoff saying it may be hitting 10pm, but they have clearance with TNT to stay with this as long as need be.
Harley Race: The man that stands before you right now is Big Van Vader! He is the champion of WCW! Many men have tried, all have failed. Nobody can take this belt from around his waist. So intimidating is he that the wrestlers are running from the opportunity to challenge for the title at Starrcade. Nobody will step up and take it. Nobody wants to. Nobody can! Vader is unstoppable! Sting couldn't stop him. Ron Simmons couldn't stop him. Nobody can stop him. Nobody!
But wait! The music hits! ...
Cactus Jack is out! The fans cheer as Cactus interrupts this rant, presumably to make his case for the 10th anniversary event.
Harley Race: What do you want? What could you possibly want? Don't tell me that you think YOU can challenge Vader? Ahahaha. You are not championship material Cactus Jack. You are not worthy of being in the same ring as this man. You never have been and you never will!
Cactus Jack: Mr. Race, I respectfully disagree with your opinion. You might not think I'd make a fitting WCW champion, BUT I DO! The only reason I didn't get the chance to prove myself at the Clash of Champions was because of you sacrificing The Black Scorpion to save your own hides. Whether or not I could ever be WCW champion won't be known until I get a chance, but what is known is that Vader is afraid. AFRAID OF ME!
Harley Race: You can't be serious? Vader, afraid?! This man fears nobody. Even fear itself fears Big Van Vader! Don't confuse being afraid with you being undeserving. I gave you your opportunity. You had the chance with Yoshi Kwan and you couldn't beat him. Not once, but he beat you twice. TWICE! And now you want to step up to the plate and take a swing at Vader? Not a chance pal. Not in this lifetime. You don't deserve to be WCW champion because you're an embarrassment! I'm a champion. Vader's a champion. You though? You're nothing but a loser. Just like all of these fans out here.
Cactus Jack: If I can't get Vader, then maybe I'll just have to settle for somebody else, and as best I can tell there's only 1 other person out here. So what do you say?
Harley Race: You're challenging me? Not a chance Cactus Jack. Not a chance in hell! You're in hell and that's where you'll stay! Rotting away until the end of your days!
Cactus starts approaching the ring from the aisle, when ...
Yoshi Kwan is out and jumps Cactus from behind. The 2 brawl in the aisle.
Harley Race: Get him! GET HIM!
Kwan lays in with chops, but Cactus quickly turns the momentum into his favor. The 2 brawl back to the staging area and disappear to the back.
Harley Race: Just like I thought! You wanna talk scared? Cactus Jack is the 1 that's scared! He's afraid of Vader!
Big Van Vader: No man! There is, no man that can stand with me! There is! No man! Who can step up to fear! I am the WCW champion! I am unstoppable! I am, Vader haha. Starrcade. Starrcade will be, Vader time haha. Vader time!
Harley Race: Nobody can stop him! NOBODY!
Familiar music hits. Fans explode into cheers.
... no ...
... it can't be! ...
... IT IS! ...
SID VICIOUS! IT'S SID VICIOUS!! He has not been seen in WCW since Halloween Havoc where he defeated Cactus Jack in Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal, only to disappear from TV the next night, announced on TV only as an indefinite suspension due to unprofessional behavior. 35 days later and he has reappeared (30 day suspension maybe?). Eric Bischoff points out that when Sid was last seen, he had earned the right to challenge Vader for the title and he's back to collect! Race tries to calm Vader as Sid stands by the entrance, just laughing maniacally as the show goes off the air. SID IS BACK!