Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2013 20:57:32 GMT -5
Live from The Municipal Auditorium
December 16, 1993
8:00 pm eastern
Nashville, Tennessee
From ringside ...
Tony Schiavone: From Music City, USA, from Nashville, Tennessee, this is Monday Nitro live on TNT, and this is WCW! This is where the big boys play, and tonight that couldn't be a more accurate statement. Hello wrestling fans, I'm Tony Schiavone, joined alongside The Living Legend Larry Zbyszko, and with only 13 days left until Starrcade, tonight promises to be a night that wrestling fans across the world will never forget. Later tonight, the 1, the only, Hulk Hogan will be here live and in person. He will step into that ring and he will address WCW officially for the first time.
Larry Zbyszko: The sword of Damocles dangles high in the air, just waiting to fall. Just what will Hulk Hogan have to say tonight? No matter what, you can be certain that Sting will be listening loud and clear because in less than 2 weeks Tony, the curtain rises. The actors will be in place and the production begins. Hopefully there will be no cue of The Black Scorpion from stage right.
Tony Schiavone: That is what fans are hoping for, but tonight, we could very well see The Scorpion appear when Sting takes on Ravishing Rick Rude in our main event. It was just 1 week ago that Rude attacked Sting's tag team partner and his own Starrcade opponent, Ric Flair. Last week Flair stepped in to help Sting, and this week the favor gets returned. Also tonight, a rematch for the WCW Tag Team Title with the new champions The Hollywood Blonds defending against former champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell, and The Road Warriors are sure to be watching that match with intent. Plus, you will be in action, 1 on 1 with the French aristocrat Jean Paul Levesque.
Larry Zbyszko: Or as I like to call him, Pepe Lepew. You know there's a reason he holds that big nose so high in the air. To keep from having to smell himself when he comes out here. Just like they are known for, I expect this Levesque guy to duck tail and run like the coward he is. Lord Steven Regal, well self proclaimed Lord anyway, I don't know how official that title is, but I want a match with him to bring that TV Title back to America and where it belongs, and after tonight, nobody will stand in our way!
Tony Schiavone: All that, plus Sid Vicious in action. Also, our main event tonight in hour #1, Ric Flair is in action against former co holder of the Tag Team Title, Chris Benoit. Big night ahead, and we're gonna kick things off in a big way.
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Fans pop big as from the back comes a surprise appearance from The American Dream himself, Dusty Rhodes. This being the 10th anniversary of Starrcade, Rhodes wanted to share some thoughts on the rich history of the event, that he himself has been a big part of. He enters the ring and takes a mic to speak.
Dusty Rhodes: Nashville, Tennessee, make some noise for the American Dream daddy! Yeah, ok. You people have always been good to me, and that's why I wanted to be here tonight! WCW Monday Nitro live, TNT, where the big boys play! Starrcade! 10th anniversary if you will. Now you know that the American Dream Dusty Rhodes is all about the rich tradition of this event. 1985, I won that World Title, or so I thought. And while they could take the win away from me, they can't take away that moment! That moment etched in time. They can take away November 29, 1985 from me, but they can never take away November 28 and the feeling of what it meant to go into that ring and win that belt like that. It was magical daddy! It was magic, and I hope that come December 29 of 1993, somebody can get that same feeling! Starrcade can make or break you, and ...
... the fans start booing ...
... from the back ...
... Johnny B. Badd is out to interrupt Dusty Rhodes. Badd of course meets the son of The American Dream when he takes on The Natural Dustin Rhodes at Starrcade. The commentators remind viewers that Badd not only took out Roddy Piper at the Clash of Champions, but followed that up with an attack on Bullet Bob Armstrong a week ago. Badd enters the ring.
Dusty Rhodes: Good! You know I'm actually glad to see you here right now. Johnny B. Badd. The all imposing Badd man of the WCW if you will. You been out here week after week with a fire burning daddy, and I just wanna know what lit it. There ain't no reason for none of this. Roddy Piper, he tried to help you! He tried to save you from yourself! And then my son, my own flesh and blood, The Natural Dustin Rhodes. Jealousy, anger, all these mixed emotions personified in your actions. But last week, you took out Bullet Bob Armstrong. No reason at all for that! You did that just cause you could. So why you out here now? You out here to do the same to me? Because I'm letting you know right now daddy, the American Dream only came here to talk, but if I have to fight right here tonight, that's exactly what I'll do!
Badd goes over and requests a mic. In fact the first time he will speak since turning his back on Roddy Piper and all the fans of WCW at the Clash of Champions.
Johnny B. Badd: Look Dusty, I'm not here to fight. You're here to talk, well that's what I'm here to do too, and I think that you and me have a lot to talk about out here. This isn't about Roddy Piper. The man that pushed me further and further, drove me. Yeah, he drove me alright. Took away my chance at the World Title, and then when I get it back, he talks me into putting it against your son. Some friend. Going gets tough, he got going and left me high and dry, while I fought to avenge his name. Then Piper walks back in like he was never gone and just commands all these fans like the puppets that they are. I did all of you a favor at the Clash of Champions. I did you all a favor because this time? Roddy Piper's gone, and you can be sure he ain't never coming back!
Dusty Rhodes: Now that's all well and good and stuff, but-
Johnny B. Badd: Did I say I was finished? Not everything is about you Dusty. I could drop you right now, so if you know what's best, you'll sit back and just listen. You'll listen to what I have to say. I'll get to Dustin in a minute, but I wanna talk about the Bullet last week. Bob Armstrong. Some old man, coming out here. He tries to tell young talent what to do. He's the legend, so of course his son Brad needs to listen. Sound familiar Dusty? It should because that's exactly what you did to me with all this Kiss That Don't Miss stuff, this crap out here. Let me tell these fans something they don't know about you and me Dusty. 1991, you waltz back into WCW to be the match maker like you own the place, and there are 2 young talents that year that you can look to as having made a mark on this company. Your son, Dustin Rhodes, and then there was me. Dustin Rhodes, The Natural, and me. Johnny B. Badd. I gotta get with some ridiculous Little Richard wannabe crap to live out your fantasies Dusty. If I wanna succeed, if I wanna make it, I have to be entertaining out here. I have to impress these fans. What a crock! Dustin goes to the moon, I have to work my butt off out here, trying to get fans to overlook this garbage, and show them that I can wrestle. You made me jump through hoops Dusty, and when I saw the Bullet doing the same thing last week, I stepped in. This isn't about me and the Armstrongs, that was about Brad Armstrong being what he wants to be, and it was about me not letting another old timer influence a young talent and sticking their nose where it doesn't belong. You almost ruined me Dusty, almost! But I'm still here. You wanna know why I went after Dustin? This isn't about King of Cable, or the World Title, no. This is about you.
Dusty Rhodes: Man, what are you talking about?! I gave you opportunity. I gave you a chance when nobody else would! I saw something in you and let you take the ball and run with it! You don't wanna be Johnny B. Badd, be somebody else, but don't pin anything on me out here, you understand? I work my butt off to get young talent like you that big break. To get you to where you are today. And you were this close Johnny, you were this close. 6 months, a year, you could've been World champion. But now, you done went and turned your back on the fans, turned your back on your friends, but most importantly, you turned your back on yourself! I don't even know who you are out here anymore! You're not the same man I once knew. You're jaded, you're twisted, look at what this business has done to you! And for what? Championships. Wins. Fame. Fortune. But it all means nothing if you ain't got the support of the people around you. It means nothing if you do it the wrong way, but it means everything if you do it the right way! Starrcade 1985, I coulda turned and blamed the world, but I fought. I persevered if you will. And 7 months later, I won that title without any doubts, any disputes. I coulda blamed other, but that's not what I did, not what these people out here would've done. That is fighting to live the life, that is the American Dream!
The fans pop big while Badd just gets a look of understanding and nods.
Johnny B. Badd: You know what Dusty. You're right. Clearly I've been horribly mislead out here. You've made me see it real clearly.
And with that Badd extends a hand. Has he turned a corner? Has he seen the light? Does he now realize he was in the wrong? The same thoughts look to be going through Rhodes' head, but after some hesitation, he cautiously raises a hand. Dusty gets a big pop though when he instead tells Badd to take a hike! Dusty wants nothing to do with him and turns to leave, but Badd quickly shows his true colors when he gets in behind drops and drives up a forearm between the legs of The American Dream. A low blow! Dusty Rhodes is down as Badd stands up and looks at him shaking his head. He looks out to the fans, equally disappointed in all of them as they boo. Although they start to cheer ...
Dustin Rhodes races out from the back! Badd quickly escapes from the ring as Rhodes goes after him, but quickly realizes it is instead more important to check on his father. The commentators point out the stark contrast this week with Dustin checking on Dusty and making the save for his father at the expense of Badd, whereas last week Brad just watched his father and abandoned him. But this is about Badd leaving The American Dream laying, only further enraging Dustin as Starrcade nears.
-- First commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back. Joining us right now is the man that will challenge for the World Title in just 13 days time at Starrcade, The Nature Boy Ric Flair. Last week, we saw at the end of the program, you heading after Brother Brutus when Rick Rude jumped you out of nowhere. Asking now, do you know who attacked you last week?, and was it the same person that attacked you as you were set to team with Roddy Piper?
Ric Flair: I know exactly who attacked me Schiavone, and I'm not going to beat around the bush here. Nashville, Tennessee, this is Ric Flair country, believe it. But the partying, the good times, they ended last week. You wanna know attacked me? The same man that's been attacking everybody left and right out here. I'm talking The Black Scorpion. A month ago, I didn't get a good luck, but this time, I guarantee you it was The Scorpion. Brutus! I know that's you behind the mask, so watch your back pal, but I got other things on my mind and Stinger and Hulkster, they can handle that. As for you tonight Rude, we're talking an eye for an eye pal. You wanna jump me when I'm not expecting it? They don't call me the dirtiest player in the game for nothing, and tonight! You're gonna find out why!
Larry Zbyszko: What about this match with Chris Benoit first? He's a dangerous competitor in his own right.
Ric Flair: Hey, I give Chris Benoit all the credit in the world out here. Him and Bobby Eaton took the Tag Titles off me, so I know he didn't just roll out of bed in the morning. This guy is young, he's hungry, and he has the drive to get to the top. He reminds me of myself in many ways. All but 1. Chris Benoit, I'm here, now. I had some big shoes to fill. I'm talking Harley Race. Jack Brisco. Dory Funk. Gene Kiniski. My shoes don't need to be filled by anybody but me. Cause I'm gonna show you and everybody watching that tonight, I can still go pal! And Rude, yeah, Rude! Starrcade! You and me. World Title. Tonight? Get ready for it, cause it's coming. You won't know when. Won't know where. But it's coming. Believe it. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Tony Schiavone: Alright, Ric Flair! He'll be back out here later for our main event here in hour #1. Right now though, up to the ring for our first match.
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vs 
The opener tonight features tag team action with 2 of the more hated teams amongst fans, Harlem Heat against Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce. The match comes courtesy of Saturday Night when Slazenger teamed with Heat in a 6 man tag, only for a miscommunication to lead to their loss, and now here we are. As the bell rings, neither team is all that caring for the rules, but the Heat seem a little better at breaking them and not getting caught. Fed up with this, Slazenger comes in at about the 5 minute mark with the bullrope and starts waving it about. Swinging at everybody, the Heat get out of the ring, as does the referee. Tex wants to keep going, but the referee makes it official. The Heat will win this via a DQ. Seems like only the start of things between these 2 tag teams, with many teams looking to advance into a contendership position beyond Starrcade in 13 days time.
-- Second commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: We are back, and as you can see, with us now is the World champion himself, Ravishing Rick Rude. We just heard from Ric Flair before our last match, do you have any response for him?
Rick Rude: You wanna know my reaction to what Ric Flair had to say? He thinks tonight he's gonna get pay back for last week? I'd love to see him come try later on. Come try old man Flair. This right here is the World Title, and it's mine. 10 years of Starrcade only proves that you're past your prime Flair. You can't cut it in this ring with the best any more. You may have squeaked by Barry Windham at the Clash of Champions in the I Quit match, but I'm not Barry Windham. I'm not like anybody you've faced out here. I am you 10 years ago Flair. I am you 10 years ago, today. The best wrestler, pound for pound, in the entire world. Like you say, to be the man, you gotta beat the man. I am the man Flair. I'm the man in that ring, and I'm the man around town. And if you don't believe, just check out that line for space mountain. Day by day, week by week, year by year, it gets shorter because the ladies know. They know that I'm the real deal, the World champion, the true 60 minute man, Ravishing Rick Rude!
Larry Zbyszko: That's all well and good, but don't forget that you have Sting to worry about later tonight.
Rick Rude: Haha, Sting. How quickly we forget out here. Just like I've handedly defeated you Zbyszko, I beat Sting as well. In fact, I took the U.S. Title from him a little over 2 years ago. That's high pressure, and I'm a high pressure performer. When the heat is on, I get the job done. And just like Flair will find out at Starrcade, tonight Sting, forget Hulk Hogan. Forget your Black Scorpion. All you gotta think about is how you're gonna get up after I give you the Rude Awakening and leave you laying just like everybody that's come before you. And if you don't like it Larry? Too bad! There's 2 ways, my way, and the Ravishing way! Either way, same result because history will repeat itself tonight!
Tony Schiavone: Alright, Rick Rude! He's in action later in our main event, but right now back to the ring for more action.
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vs 
The action continues with Keith Cole, joined by twin brother Kent, taking on Diamond Dallas Page, joined by bodyguard Max Muscle. DDP is in possession of the U.S. Title belt after stealing it from Ice Train last week on Nitro, and with Max there guarding it, Train could have trouble getting it back. The match begins and it relatively short, going only 4 minutes. Dominant performance by DDP, before he hits Cole with The Diamond Clash and pins him for the 3. Afterward, DDP puts the boots to Keith when Kent comes in for the save. Max however is quick to respond and hits Kent with the full nelson slam, driving him down on top of his brother. DDP holds up the U.S. Title after this, a disgrace according to Zbyszko because Page hasn't defeated anybody to be able to earn the accolade of being a champion. Ice Train will be here in hour #2 later tonight with comments.
-- Third commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro. With us right now, a man who will be in action later tonight against Ravishing Rick Rude, reffering of course to Sting!
Sting: OWWWWWWWWWWW! Tony Schiavone, this is Music City, USA, and this place is electric tonight. I got Rick Rude in the main event, Hulk Hogan himself is here live, I couldn't be in a better place. This Black Scorpion stuff is wearing down the wire, and call me crazy, but I have a gut feeling that we're gonna find out real soon who's behind that mask. The clock is ticking on you Brother Brutus. I know it's you, everybody knows it's you. I just need that smoking gun so to speak. That definitive proof that you are the man running wild out here. In fact, I dare you to come test me tonight. I dare you, because I'm ready for it.
Larry Zbyszko: What about Rude tonight? You have a chance that many men back there want, myself included.
Sting: We've been through this before, and I haven't forgot when you took that U.S. Title from me back in November 1991, 2 years ago, thanks to a little extra help. We never fully settled that thing, and when you cheap shotted Flair last week, it all came back. It all just returned, flooding my memories, and the pain and suffering I took that November night, well, prepare for the receipt. Prepare for it tonight! But I'm gonna leave just enough Rude. I'm gonna leave just enough so that come Starrcade, Ric Flair can get his, because nobody, and I mean nobody!, wants to see you leave Starrcade with the gold belt. Batten down the hatches tonight, because things are about to get wild out here. A little crazy if you know what I mean! OWWWWWWWWWW!
Tony Schiavone: Ladies and gentlemen, Sting! Right now, back up to the ring for our next match. Main event time here on hour #1 of WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT.
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vs 
A wrestling purists dream for late 1993 as the man set to challenge for the World Title at Starrcade, Ric Flair, will get tested tonight by Chris Benoit. Not the first time these 2 have done battle with Flair and Arn Anderson losing the WCW Tag Team Titles to Benoit and Bobby Eaton back in late September on Monday Nitro. Flair gets a chance tonight to prove beyond any doubt that he is ready for the 29th, but Benoit has a chance, win or lose, to put his name on the map and show that he belongs with men like Flair. Benoit is out first with Flair's entrance after the final break here on hour #1.
-- Fourth commercial break --
WCW Saturday Night Preview for December 21
- The Road Warriors are in action
- Ice Train in singles competition
- Johnny B. Badd will be there
- The Nasty Boys in the main event in tag team action
- All that and more, this Saturday at 6:05 eastern on TBS.
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Back from break and Also sprach zarathustra starts up. The drums beat and out comes Ric Flair to a tremendous ovation from the Nashville crowd. He gets in the ring and time left in hour #1 would seem to indicate these 2 are expected to go a while with the first couple of matches and opening segment only taking up a little over a half hour. And that would be right! Flair and Benoit get 18 minutes of action here that goes back and forth. The story told is that Benoit is coming close to putting Flair away and whether or not Flair can still go with a young wrestler like Benoit. Eventually Benoit goes up for the swandive headbutt, but Flair moves. Benoit's head crashes into the mat and he rolls around grabbing at his face, probably in legit pain, while Flair is still down. As they get up, The Nature Boy starts to turn this match around. Benoit briefly reverses an Irish whip to send Flair in, but he flips out over the top rope and quickly runs to the nearby corner, climbs up the top rope, and comes off with a chop or forearm, something!, to the head. A shinbreaker follows, driving Benoit's shin into Flair's knee before he sets it up. Figure 4 Leglock! Flair turns, but Benoit rolls him up! Small package! But only a 2 before Flair kicks out. Back up and Benoit is eventually able to set Flair up for The Dragon Suplex, but Flair squirms out and gets behind Benoit. Locking his arms, he takes him back for a backslide. The referee counts and Flair scores a 3! A hard fought match from both men and Benoit is disappointed in defeat. Flair however does a rare endorsement here, offering to shake hands. Benoit is hesitant but accepts, and Flair raises his arm. Impressive performance by Benoit, but also a necessary performance and win by Flair only 13 days from Starrcade.
-- Fifth commercial break --
Tony Schiavone: We are back, and just about ready to send it over for hour #2. Legend, hard fought match we just witnessed.
Larry Zbyszko: And all I can say is that I guarantee you that later tonight, my match with Jean Paul Levesque won't even talk half that. Not saying anything about Ric Flair's ability to get the job done, but I'm not paid by the hour out here, and I intend to put him away and look towards Steve Regal and the TV Title. Just wait, because I can't anymore. I'm counting the minutes.
Tony Schiavone: Alright, and with that, we send it over to Eric Bischoff and The Brain, hour 2! WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT.
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Eric Bischoff: Alright! Nashville, Tennessee, I gotta know! Does it get any better than this? I don't think so. WCW Monday Nitro, live, TNT, this is where the big boys play. I'm Eric Bischoff and with me for this wild ride is Bobby The Brain Heenan, and tonight Brain. Tonight. Hulk Hogan. In just a few moments actually, he's going to be out and in that ring.
Bobby Heenan: And then all these humanoids can have their fun. They can scream, they can shout, but I'm telling you as somebody that has seen this man work up close before. I've stood in the corner of men like Andre The Giant while they wrestled Hulk Hogan. We know Ric Flair isn't The Black Scorpion, but mark my words. Somehow, at some point, the true colors of Hulk Hogan will show. And just like The Scorpion, I predict the color will be black, and it will be a dark day for WCW.
Eric Bischoff: Well that's 1 man's opinion. As for his opponent at Starrcade, Sting, he has a match later tonight in the main event against the World champion Ravishing Rick Rude. We know the history between them, and it continues tonight. A match that you can be sure both Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair will be keeping a close eye on.
Bobby Heenan: This could prove to be a mistake for 1, if not both of those men. You're talking a match with opponents the caliber of Sting and Rick Rude this close to Starrcade. I don't like it. We're only 13 days away and they're taking on a match like this? Too dangerous, especially with Hogan here. I'm not so worried about Rude, he can handle himself. But Sting, watch out.
Eric Bischoff: I think Sting can handle himself fine out here Brain. That match, to come later on. Also here in hour #2, rematch for the WCW Tag Team Title as the new champions The Hollywood Blonds take on former champs 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell, Larry Zbyszko in action against Jean Paul Levesque, plus Sid Vicious is here! He is here, and he'll be in that ring in action tonight. Right now though ...
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"He's Ame-e-erica-annnnnn ... Ma-eh-aaaddddde!", the fans pop big, and out comes Hulk Hogan! The sight sends fans into an uproar as he heads out onto Monday Nitro, live and in person, the first advertised appearance of the Hulkster on this show ever. He enters the ring and hits some poses, saving a shirt ripping for the end. Presumably anyway. Hulk takes a mic to address WCW fans as an official member of the WCW roster for the first time ever. He tries to speak, but the cheers are still too loud as he has to wait for them to die down.
Hulk Hogan: You know, it seems like only yesterday brother. I can still remember vividly riding that Harley out here back on September 2 dude, and laying it all on the line. I said how it was gonna be man, and that's exactly how I did it. The Hulkster spoke, and all my Hulkamaniacs out there listened. So here we stand, Nashville, Tennessee, the city that bleeds red and yellow. The music city, American Made to the bone brother. In just 13 days and 13 nights, Starrcade 1993. 10 years out here. 10 long years of history and tradition, this is without a doubt dude, the biggest wrestling event in history and I looked for an answer out there. I looked for what I should do, and the big man upstairs, he said Hulkster, I wanna see it. I wanna see Hulkamania and Sting collide man. First time ever, I gotta know. He said that he's gotta find out just what is the biggest force in the entire universe. I've been places brother, and I've seen a lot. I've looked into the eyes of men I thought were the next coming, but they proved to just be cheap imitations dude. Stinger though, he's the real deal man. This is the ultimate test, this is the true step into immortality. See, if Hulkamania's gonna run wild here in the WCW, I gotta prove myself against the man that lives, eats, breathes, sleeps WCW. The man that more than anything represents what WCW's all about. WCW's where the big boys play brother, and you know, last week, I had the 1 and only Chris Lemmon in my corner dude. He had all his Lemmonites out here, Lemmonmania running wild, but this week, I wanted a real special treat for Nashville, Tennessee. I wanted Nashville to know that this is Hulkamania country, so Nashville, Tennessee, whatcha gonna do?! Whatcha gonna do when Mr. T runs wild on you!
And with that, Mr. T heads out to a lukewarm reception. He shakes hands with fans on the way to the ring, wearing gold chains, looking to be in full B.A. Baracus mode tonight. He enters the ring, standing side by side The Hulkster.
Hulk Hogan: I gotta ask ya Mr. T. I gotta know, they call you the toughest man to walk the streets brother. What are you gonna be doing on December 29 dude?
Mr. T: Watching WCW man! Watching Starrcade.
Hulk Hogan: And what do you have to say to anybody out there that's having any reservations, any second thoughts about ordering Starrcade on PPV brother?
Mr. T: I pitty the fool that doesn't watch Starrcade! WCW's the real deal, ain't no wimps here man. WCW's where the big boys play man.
Hulk Hogan: Haha, that's right man. Mr. T pitties the fool. But I gotta know T. I gotta know, Hulk Hogan and Sting, what do you think's gonna happen. What's gonna go down when all of my Hulkamaniacs show up and he brings all the little Stingers dude? What's gonna happen when the 2 greatest forces meet head on at the Starrcade?
Mr. T: Sting's tough man. He's legit. He ain't no phony man. He's the real deal. Hulkster man, this is gonna be the biggest fight of your life.
Hulk Hogan: And just like Clubber Lang beat Rocky Balboa brother, just like B.A. Baracus got the job done out there with the A Team, I'm going in with no fear dude. I'm bringing all my Hulkamaniacs out there, and together, there'll be no stopping us. But just to make sure that there's no second guessing. That there's no doubts, tonight brother, I'm gonna look the Stinger in the eye. Man to man, I wanna know what I'm going up against. And I see this Black Scorpion running around out here, hiding his face under a mask. Well just to make sure of it man, just so he doesn't try any shenagians dude, I'm gonna take a seat right there at ringside later tonight when the Stinger takes on Ravishing Rick Rude. If that Scorpion wants to get at Sting, he'll have to go through the Hulkster to do it brother. And whatcha gonna do, when Mr. T and the largest arms in the universe, the 24 inch pythons, whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!
The music starts up again as Hogan rips the shirt off and starts touring the 4 sides of the ring again, posing with Mr. T left looking on. Bobby Heenan on commentary thinks this could be disastrous because if Hulk Hogan does have anything to do with The Black Scorpion, the worst place he could be is out at ringside when Sting faces Rick Rude in the main event.
-- Sixth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT. I'm Missy Hyatt, and with me now is Cactus Jack, and last week, you were overlooked to challenge Big Van Vader in favor of Sid Vicious at Starrcade.
Cactus Jack: Missy Hyatt, last week J.J. Dillon said that I wasn't championship material. He said that I wasn't at the level of a Harley Race, a Ric Flair, a Terry Funk. This isn't the first time in my life that I've had somebody say that I couldn't do something. Even the doctors told me after Sid powerbombed me off the stage back at Slamboree, Cactus, you can't come back. You shouldn't even be walking! But I defied them, I fought through, and now? Here I am! So J.J. Dillon can tell me I'm not championship material, but it just makes me work that much harder to prove him wrong. To prove that in fact, I do belong among the best in WCW. To prove that some day, I will be the WCW champion!
Missy Hyatt: Hold on, we're being joined now by J.J. Dillon, commissioner of WCW.
J.J. Dillon: Cactus Jack, I think you've misunderstood what I had to say last week. I'm not denying that you have heart. I'm not saying that you can't compete with the best of the best here in WCW. 99% of the guys on that locker room, I don't doubt you could go in there and give them a run for their money. But I mean you're talking the WCW champion. This is a role that means you are the best. I mean no offense, but you ... you're not the best. I gave Sid Vicious that shot because it was the right thing to do. A real match. You? I personally don't think it would take Big Van Vader long to put your shoulders to the mat. You know, he's up here Cactus, and you? You're down here. You're just not at his level. I stand by what I said, you're not WCW championship material. But I will give you a chance at Starrcade against Yoshi Kwan to finally settle that rivalry. He's beat you twice, and I'll be the first to say it, both times were under questionable circumstances. So at Starrcade, you go in there, and you beat Yoshi Kwan. It's your chance to try and prove me wrong.
Missy Hyatt: Cactus Jack and Yoshi Kwan 1 on 1 at Starrcade, what a-
J.J. Dillon: No, no, no. I guess I didn't make myself clear. It will be Cactus Jack against Yoshi Kwan, but there will be a third competitor in the match of my choosing that I will announce next week on Nitro. Good luck.
Cactus Jack: I don't need luck Mr. Dillon. All I need is opportunity, and you know what they say. 2 is better than 1. Bang! Bang!
Missy Hyatt: There you hear it guys. Cactus Jack against not 1, but 2 opponents at Starrcade. Should be wild. Eric, back to you.
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WCW Tag Team Title match
vs 
vs This is the guaranteed rematch for former WCW Tag Team champions 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell, having lost their titles 1 week ago to The Hollywood Blonds. After the win, The Road Warriors made their case, and if The Blonds retain here, they could have a big challenge on their hands come Starrcade in 13 days time. Jumping to the finish, the challengers have the champs on the go. Several 2 counts and near falls are coming with The Blonds seemingly unable to keep up, once again without manager Col. Robert Parker after he was powerbombed by Sid Vicious last week. Scorpio goes up top on Pillman and hits the 450 Splash, but Austin manages to just barely break it up. Bagwell comes in and the 2 send Austin for a ride, delivering a double back body drop. Scorpio goes back to Pillman as the referee turns his attention to getting Bagwell out. Scorpio goes to send Pillman into the ropes, but the champ reverses and leapfrogs Scorpio coming back, who runs directly into Austin lifting him up and dropping him with the Stun Gun. Pillman covers as Bagwell comes back in to break it up, but Austin intercepts. The Blonds win and retain the title in their first defense, but as the commentators note, doing that to The Road Warriors will be difficult because thus far, they are the 1 team in WCW that The Hollywood Blonds have never defeated.
-- Seventh commercial break --
STARRCADE CONTROL CENTER
- Tony Schiavone is standing by with the next 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.
- First time ever! The WCW debut of Hulk Hogan, as he goes 1 on 1 with Sting!
- Big Van Vader defends the WCW Heavyweight Title against former ally Sid Vicious. The Masters of The Power Bomb are no more!
- As announced over the weekend on WCW Saturday Night, Dustin Rhodes takes on Johnny B. Badd. Each has won once, who will win the third?
- Just made official tonight, The Road Warriors challenge the new WCW Tag Team champions The Hollywood Blonds.
- Also just signed, WCW U.S. champion Ice Train defends against Diamond Dallas Page.
- Plus, Cactus Jack takes on not only Yoshi Kwan, but a second mystery opponent in a triangle match. The third participant will be revealed next Monday on Nitro.
- And the World championship is on the line when champion Ravishing Rick Rude defends against The Nature Boy Ric Flair, as Flair looks to become an unprecedented 9 time World champion in his home town.
More matches to be announced. It all comes your way December 29, only on PPV. WCW presents the 10th anniversary of Starrcade, don't miss it!
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vs 
In recent weeks and months, tensions have risen between commentator Larry Zbyszko and TV champion Lord Steven Regal during Monday Nitro. Last week, the situation reached a boil when Zbyszko got physically involved in Regal's match and nearly cost him the title. Both men had comments this past weekend on Saturday Night with Zbyszko specifically mentioning Starrcade for a match, but in his way tonight stands the French aristocrat Jean Paul Levesque. During the match, Regal comes out to get perhaps a closer look. Levesque manages to choke Zbyszko over the second rope beyond the 5 and leads to the referee warning him. This only provides distraction for Regal to interfere by choking Zbyszko himself. Levesque sizes up Zbyszko and readies for the double underhook facebuster, but The Living Legend thinks fast and instead scoops out the legs of Levesque. He repositions and slingshots Levesque up and over into the turnbuckle. Zbyszko gets up as Levesque stumbles back into a kick to the gut, followed by a swinging neckbreaker. Zbyszko covers, but Regal gets on the apron. Zbyszko gets up to take a swing but Regal ducks and holds him in place as Levesque gets up. He charges with a high knee, but Zbyszko moves and Levesque instead hits Regal. A rollup from behind leads to a 3 count for the win. Zbyszko defeats Levesque, and not only that, but he embarrasses the TV champion in the process. Bischoff and Heenan agree on a Starrcade match between them, but for different reasons. Bischoff because Zbyszko has earned the shot, but with Heenan so that Regal can embarrass Zbyszko and finally shut his mouth out here permanently.
-- Eighth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back to more WCW Monday Nitro, live on TNT. With me now is the U.S. champion Ice Train, but no belt after Diamond Dallas Page stole it. He now has a chance though to make it official in 13 days at Starrcade.
Ice Train: Missy Hyatt! WCW! This is what it's all about! Diamond Dallas Page, you never beat anybody to be the champion. The only way you done get a title belt is by coming out here and stealing it. Starrcade, you gonn' find out what everybody else has. Nobody beats the Ice Train. And as far as Max Muscle goes. Me and him, we got unfinished business too. So what I want is next week on Nitro, me and you Max. Strongest Arm challenge. I won that tournament in the summer, now I wanna see what you got. If you can size up with the Ice Train out here.
Missy Hyatt: We've heard some fans be very vocal in opposition to you in recent weeks. My inside sources tell me that some fans out there, they think you can't cut as the U.S. champion.
Ice Train: These fans of WCW, they free to do whatever they want. All I can do is do what I do. All I can do is go out there Missy and win my matches. I beat Ron Simmons at the Halloween Havoc, I beat Max Muscle at the Clash of Champions, and last week I beat both Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce 2 on 1. Once I get my belt back from that hamburglar Dallas Page, you gonn' see what I can do. Ham-burg-lar! Ham-burg-lar! Ham-burg-lar!
A small pocket of fans picks up on the ultra lame chant, although an almost similar reaction of booing can be heard. Most fans stay silent.
Ice Train: Yeah! Haha. 1994 will be the year of the Train, choo! choo!
Missy Hyatt: Alright, strong words as Ice Train doesn't intend to let anything slow him down. Back to you Eric as we get set for more action.
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vs 
The Skyscrapers explode! Gearing up for his shot at the WCW Title in 13 days, Sid Vicious hits the ring tonight against his former tag team partner Dangerous Dan Spivey. No mention whatsoever of his "Waylon Mercy" run here in late 92, early 93. Eric Bischoff puts over that Spivey has been probably been paid a handsome sum by Harley Race to do the dirty work of Big Van Vader here tonight. Heenan disagrees and thinks Spivey is just doing this for fun because that is the sort of guy he is. Spivey jumps Sid at the bell and takes an early advantage, but it does not take long for Sid to make a comeback. After a chokeslam, only 1 move remained. Sid set it up and powerbombed Spivey, picking up the 3 count for the win. Bischoff exclaims this to be proof that Sid is the master of the powerbomb, but Heenan is less impressed with Vader having an easy 100 pounds on Spivey and just because Sid did this here, it means nothing for Starrcade. We will find out in 13 days time.
-- Ninth commercial break --
Missy Hyatt: Welcome back, and with me now is the WCW champion Big Van Vader and his manager Harley Race. We just saw Sid Vicious in action, and in 13 days, he gets his shot at your man and the WCW Title.
Harley Race: I think last week showed the true character of Sid Vicious. Not only is he the reason for the divide in the Masters of The Power Bomb, but he powerbombs his manager Col. Robert Parker. A great man, an excellent man! And then tonight, Dan Spivey another former partner. This is all just proof that Sid Vicious cannot be trusted. Sid Vicious turns his back on the people that support him. Sid Vicious is an ungrateful piece of garbage! I can't wait for Starrcade to be able to see this man right here dominate and destroy Sid, but most of all, teach him a lesson in respect.
Missy Hyatt: That could be true, but all those examples you gave were sort of imposed on him. Parker was put in place as his manager by you to calm the waters, and the rumor is that Dan Spivey was paid by you tonight to take out Sid. From the looks of things, it almost seems like Vader is afraid of Sid.
Harley Race: What?! How dare you. How dare you! How dare you question this man. This awesome presence. You want to doubt Vader? Just wait until Starrcade. You and all these other moronic fans will find out that Vader is not only a greater force than Sid, but he is the real master of the power bomb!
Big Van Vader: You wanna question something, question why Sid ran. Question where Sid went! He's scared. He's afraid! Time is not on his side, time has ran out! There is, no more time for you! The only time, haha, is mine. Cause it's time. It's time! It's Vader time!
Harley Race: Any more questions? Haha.
Missy Hyatt: Alright Eric, back to you so I can get out of here!
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Eric Bischoff: Alright, and thanks for that Missy. A close call with the WCW champion, a man possessed it would seem with the challenge set to come from Sid Vicious in 13 days time at Starrcade. But what about 7 days time, what about next week. WCW Monday Nitro, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Starrcade, we are going to present a sort of Starrcade throw back. Turn back the clock to 1983, and hey! We're even going to have 1 of the matches from the first Starrcade in this ring next week, a rematch 10 years in the making. Should be awesome Brain.
Bobby Heenan: So you mean that next week, we're going to see a match that took place in 1983, in 1993? That's 10 years, can these guys even still walk, let alone wrestle? Hopefully it's in hour #1, because hour #2 could be past their bed time.
Eric Bischoff: They can definitely wrestle, and that's what they'll be doing here next week. I think 10 years has aged you a lot more than anybody that was on that first Starrcade Brain. Also we heard about this earlier, Ice Train and Max Muscle in a Strongest Arm contest, just think of that 1. Signed moments ago, tag team action, Larry Zbyszko and Shane Douglas against Lord Steven Regal and Jean Paul Levesque, that could be interesting. 6 man tag team match with Cactus Jack and The Road Warriors against Yoshi Kwan and The Hollywood Blonds, 2 Starrcade matches intersecting in that 1. How's this for interesting though? Earlier, we saw Ric Flair defeat Chris Benoit in hour #1, classic encounter where Benoit seemed to earn the respect of Flair. Next week Flair has Benoit's partner Beautiful Bobby Eaton, but also Ravishing Rick Rude has asked for it and he'll get it. 1 on 1, Rude and Benoit, next week on Nitro.
Bobby Heenan: I think you're overlooking something. What about tonight? What about Rude and Sting? What about Hulk Hogan at ringside? What about The Black Scorpion lurking in the shadows? I don't like it. Something doesn't feel right.
Eric Bischoff: Well we don't have to wait for that because it's ready to go Brain. Main event time as David Penzer is standing by.
Bobby Heenan: I've figured it out. Mr. T is The Black Scorpion. Why else would he be here?
Eric Bischoff: Stop it.
Bobby Heenan: Chris Lemmon!
Eric Bischoff: Give it up. David Penzer, take it away.
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vs Seated ringside:
Nitro main event time stemming from last week. Sting was teaming with Ric Flair against Harlem Heat when after the match Rick Rude laid out Flair. Returning the favor from Flair helping him out, Sting stepped up to take this match tonight. Far from the only time they have locked horns, the Sting vs Rude off and on rivalry dates back to Rude's WCW debut in late 1991 where he took the U.S. Title at the Clash of Champions. Their most recent encounter comes a little over a year ago on the November 17, 1992 Saturday Night with Sting outlasting Rude in a King of Cable semi final match. Interesting scenario here though as once in the ring, from the back comes Hulk Hogan! The Hulkster takes a seat and sits in the aisle, facing the ring to watch the action unfold. If anybody wants to interfere tonight, they will have to get through him to do it. Bischoff notes that they have the green light from TNT as 10 o'clock approaches, they will stay with this match as long as it takes for a winner. The match gets started with the occasional camera shot back to Hogan watching on with interest. Rude manages to get Sting down and instead of capitalizing, takes the time to look over to Hogan and do the hip swivel taunt. Hogan stands and looks to the crowd as if to say "let's do this!", but he does not have to. Sting is up behind Rude and starts taking it to him when he turns around. The match barely goes 5 minutes when from the back ...
It is The Black Scorpion! Bischoff wonders why he would want to test Hogan like this, but Heenan is convinced that they are in cahoots as he has a chair in hand. The Scorpion approaches and instead of going after Sting, he hits Hogan?! Heenan suddenly says he knew that was going to happen as Bischoff wonders what the hell is going on? Sting and Rude battle as The Scorpion hits Hogan a second time to the back with the chair. Hogan gets to his knees as The Scorpion has the chair in hand and prepares for a swing that could take Hogan's head off. If anything was to jeopardize the Starrcade match, this right now could be it, and with Hogan the target here, Sting for once not being touched. The Scorpio rears back when ...
Ric Flair is out! He gets the chair away and The Scorpion has nowhere to go! He gets into the ring to escape Flair and Hogan, but in there, all he has is Sting waiting on him as Rude uses all this commotion as an excuse to exit. He grabs his World Title and tries sneaking away to the back, but Flair sees it and heads after him with the chair. Hogan enters the ring though and now The Scorpion has both Hogan and Sting to contend with. For the first time, the masked man has nowhere to go. Nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. Hogan pantomimes removing the mask to see who is the man behind all of this. The 2 close in when The Scorpion swerves everybody and instead reaches up to pull the mask off himself!
... it's ...
... it's ...
... CHRIS LEMMON BROTHER?!? ...
... ok, not really ...
Brother Brutus! Hogan is in shock! Bischoff says he knew it, no surprises here, but Heenan seems more interested in why after all these weeks of attacking Sting, did he turn around and attack Hulk Hogan out here tonight? Furthermore, why did he just voluntarily unmask in the ring. Bischoff has no answers for that. Sting watches on as Hogan drops to his knees trying to make sense of this. He points to the heavens looking for answers in disbelief as Brutus can only apologize in a scene that looks more like soon to be divorced parents in a post fight trying to come to grips than pro wrestling. Sting seemingly agrees and is not going to wait for answers, but Brutus bails. Sting wants him back here as Hogan gets up. Sting turns back and starts questioning if Hogan had anything to do with this, now that he officially knows who tormented him out here for months and even cost him the WCW Title back at Halloween Havoc. Hogan is unapologetic though as Brother Brutus has according to Bischoff "butchered" a friendship out here tonight and he has no idea why. Even with the reveal, there are more questions than there are answers as Sting's certainty gets proven correct but with another layer as Brother Brutus attacks Hogan, the man he thought he was helping, and can only add more confusion. Fortunately though, this is 13 days before Starrcade, and Bischoff hopes we get all outstanding answers next Monday on Nitro, the final Nitro before Starrcade. Sting and Hogan stand in the same ring as the show ends.