WCW Results ... by Chris Hyatte
WCW/NWO SPRING STAMPEDE
Call it the "doldrums" of the PPV year. WCW/NWO's Spring Stampede begins the time of the year where both federations shift into autopilot and deliver monthly events designed to make a few quick bucks, then quietly disappear into the almanacs. The WWF will weigh in with four "In Your House" fillers and the often times uneventful "King of the Ring" sandwiched somewhere in between. For WCW, "Spring Stampede" is the first of three barely distinguishable events that will help kill time before the usually very eventful "Bash at the Beach" in July. In fact, WCW began the "autopilot mode" last month with "Uncensored". Truth be told, I cannot even remember last year's Stampede, other than it may have been the last time Kevin Sullivan participated in a WCW event, with his loss to Chris Benoit in a retirement match, but I could be wrong. Still, with WCW Nitro's surprising loss to the WWF's RAW last Monday night, one would think that they worked extra hard to give the fans something different, in hopes of regaining their ratings lead on Monday night. Tonight's show, highlighted by a first time ever "Bat match" and a world title match between Sting and Randy "Macho Man" Savage, has a lot of potential. But as is frequent with WCW PPVs, they very rarely live up to their own hype. That may be a harsh thing to say, but the reality of it is even harsher.
- Video opening focusing on Hogan's problems with NWO mate Kevin Nash,
- Tony Schiavone, Mike Tenay, and Bobby Heenan welcome us to the show. The Denver crowd seems highly enthused.
- After a bit of talking to set up the night, they got right to the opening bout.
FIRST MATCH: Saturn vs Goldberg
The announcers reminded us several times that Goldberg was scheduled to face the winner of tonight's US championship match on tomorrow's Nitro, which sort of predetermined the winner for this match. The biggest interest in this match revolves around the question of Goldberg's ability to wrestle someone of Saturn's caliber. Saturn came to the ring with Kidman, but we are shown that other members of the Flock were at their usual off ringside seats. Goldberg came to the ring with the pop that has become customary for him, that being phenominal. With little pretense, the match got underway.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-Some high impact feats of strengths from Goldberg jacked up the crowd early on.
-Kidman jumped in early and was gorilla slammed into Saturn, who was on the outside.
-Saturn got some shots in, and had a respectable advantage for a good part of the match.
-Saturn dropkicked Goldberg from the ring apron and jammed his shoulder up against the ring steps.
-With Goldberg on the outside floor, Saturn jumped on him from the ring apron and gave him a mini hurricarana.
-The match seemed deathly slow at times when Goldberg was on the defensive. He should work on selling his moves better, and he should move faster.
-Goldberg speared Saturn, the crowd woke up.
-Saturn tried to superplex Goldberg, but Goldberg turned it into a press slam from the second ropes. Nice move.
-After fending off the Flock, Goldberg speared the Hell out of Kidman.
The end came when Saturn put Goldberg in the "Rings of Saturn". After Saturn adjusted his arm position to help Goldberg out, the big guy picked himself and Saturn up and gave Saturn the "Jackhammer". A pinfall quickly followed. A good way to open things up.
SECOND MATCH: Chavo Guerrero Jr vs the Ultimo Dragon
Eddie Guerrero came to the ring with Chavo as part of their ongoing angle.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-Eddie's antics helped keep things interesting, which is fortunate since neither wrestler is very over with the crowd.
-This match stayed mostly scientific.
-During the Ultimo Dragon's trademark kick volley, Eddie put a white towel over his head and turned his back to the ring in shame.
-Lots of rest holds were on the menu for this one.
-After the Dragon leveled Chavo Jr. on the outside with a Moonsault, Eddie got down on his knees and started to scream at his Nephew.
-With the Dragon on the outside, Chavo ran across the ring and performed a Suicide Dive, except that he flipped fully over mid air. Unfortunately, he almost completely missed it. Ultimo had to move into place in order for Chavo to graze his shoulder.
-At one point, the Dragon was rolling around in pain. Eddie screamed for Chavo to take advantage, but Chavo refused. Eddie slapped him in the face twice.
The ending came when Chavo tried for a "Tornado DDT", but Ultimo reversed it into a "Dragon Sleeper". As Eddie jumped around in disgust, the match ended. Eddie slapped Chavo a few more times, but Chavo told his Uncle that he refuses to cheat. The two continued arguing, but the angle didn't continue any further than that.
- DDP was seen chatting with Lee Marshall in the WCW Website area.
THIRD MATCH: Chris Benoit vs Booker T. (WCW Television Championship Match).
The announcers played up the fact that this match would have no time limit, as these two men have wrestled to ten minute draws on two different occasions. With Benoit, you know that things are going to be intense.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-A shoulderblock by Booker early on was sold big time by Benoit. He rolled out of the ring and laid on the floor, holding the back of his head in agony.
-Benoit ducked a Booker spin kick, and turned it into a Drop Toe Hold.
-Booker went "Old School" by applying a standard Arm Bar on Benoit, and keeping it for a little while.
-Both men enjoyed almost equal time in owning the match.
-At one point, (presumably at the ten minute mark), Tony announced that they have gone past the ten minute mark.
-Benoit got in the Flying Headbutt, but couldn't get the pin.
-The best move of the match was a top rope Atomic Drop by Benoit. Booker really sold it.
-The second best move of the match followed the first one when Booker slammed Benoit with a Spinebuster.
-After Booker accidentally clocked the ref with the Scissor kick, Benoit got him in the "Crippler Crossface". Booker tapped the mat twice, but he could have just been reaching for the ropes, which he did on the third try. It didn't really matter as the ref was out cold for the whole sequence.
Booker got the win after leveling Benoit with a kick. Benoit was busy helping the ref up at the time. On a side note, during the replay, the camera caught Benoit pulling the ref in Booker's way so that he could be kicked. Perhaps a heel turn is on the way for the Crippler? It took two WCW workers to help the stunned ref out of the ring.
FOURTH MATCH: The British Bulldog vs Curt Hennig (Rick Rude handcuffed to Jim Neidhart)
With recent weeks having Rude and Hennig use handcuffs to immobilize their opponents, this special stipulation was supposed to hamper that. Of course, Rude put up a fuss about being handcuffed to Neidhart, who couldn't wait. One note, Tony referred to the policeman on hand to cuff the two men as being from Detroit. The fact that the cop was a black man could make the comment sound racist.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-Hennig had a kneebrace on. The announcers made mention of that fact. The Bulldog worker on Hennig's knee.
-That was about it. This was a horrible match, made even worse by what happened outside the ring, and the announcers utter stupidity.
You see, Vincent showed up in a cop uniform and hat. He gave Rude a key to open his cuff and cuff Neidhart to the post. As he did that, Neidhart was busy choking Vincent with his free hand, which was supposed to make it look like he couldn't feel Rude tinkering with the cuffs. The dumbest part of the whole thing was that the announcers PRETENDED NOT TO RECOGNIZE VINCENT!! Apparently, all black men look alike to Tony, Tenay, and Heenan as they didn't recognize Vincent until his hat was off...and even then they weren't sure. What a ridiculous stunt to pull, shame on them. Hennig pinned the Bulldog after the Fisherman's Suplex by the way. The obligatory double team followed suit.
FIFTH MATCH: Prince Iaukea vs Chris Jericho (WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match)
Iaukea has never been very popular with the fans, so it was up to Jericho to keep the crowd interested. He got off to a good start early on by coming out with a mic and dedicating the match to the missing Dean Malenko, and stealing a line from "Cheap Trick" by informing the crowd, "I want you to want...ME".
Highlights & Lowlights:
-Iaukea also went "Old School" by applying and re-applying a side headlock early on.
-After almost going over the ropes and onto the floor, Jericho tried to "Skin the Cat", the Prince dropkicked him halfway through it.
-After blowing the crowd a kiss from the top rope, Jericho ended up kissing Iaukea's feet when he jumped.
-Iaukea performed a one armed Fireman's Carry/Backdrop which looked good.
-Iaukea grabbed the ropes during Jericho's first "Lion Tamer".
-Jericho went for a top rope Sunset Flip. He overshot the move and Iaukea had to awkwardly move to allow Jericho to actually complete the attempt.
-Both men were standing on the top rope and fighting for position, they both ended up crashing to the outside floor.
-Jericho's second try at a "Lion Tamer" was turned into a roll up.
Jericho managed to get the "Lion Tamer" on a third time. This time, Iaukea tapped out and Jericho retained the belt. After the match, Jericho took the Prince's Island skirt (?) and put it on.
- Raven was at the WCW internet table being interviewed by Lee Marshall.
SIXTH MATCH: "Buff" Bagwell and Scott Steiner vs Lex Luger and Rick Steiner.
Before the match, there was a time killing segment where Bagwell apparently had an injured hand and said that the match had to be cancelled.. JJ Dillon and Gene Okerland came to the ring to check it out. In a stroke of luck that only happens in pro wrestling, a "noted orthopedic surgeon" from Atlanta was on hand. Rather than risk misspelling his name, I will just skip over it. Of course, after a bit of hijinks where Bagwell ended up exposing his fake injury by grabbing JJ by the neck tie with his injured hand, JJ declared that the match was on and the Luger/Steiner team stormed the ring.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-After a brief brawl in and out of the ring, the match was primarily Rick Steiner being worked on by the NWO. He offered little to no offense.
-The crowd really responded to Luger, who tagged in and stormed the ring with a volley of clotheslines.
-Lex tried to get Buff in the "Torture Rack", but "Big Poppa Pump" put an end to it.
-As Scott held Luger, Buff bounced off the ropes to do something nasty. Rick caught him at the ropes and clotheslined him.
After that, Rick chased Scott backstage. He returned to push Bagwell off the ropes, which set him up for Luger's "Torture Rack". The match ended on Buff's submission.
- Gene plugged the Hotline. He hinted that someone was seen backstage that may signal the NWO return of someone else. Tony seemed intrigued by the mystery.
SEVENTH MATCH: La Parka vs Psychosis
Tony billed this as an "very special match not advertised". La Parka came to the ring with a chair. His skeletal suit was yellow instead of white.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-It's pretty much what you would expect from the Luchadors.
-In a pretty smart move, as Psychosis went for a baseball slide out of the ring, La Parka shrewdly timed it so he would slide into the ring at the same moment.
-The match has it's fair share of crazy jumps and hard hits.
-Both men enjoyed some ring control.
The match ended when Psychosis gave La Parka a top rope legdrop as La Parka was trying to get his legs off the second rope. It added to the effect as La Parka was basically mid air when he was hit. Psychosis got the pin, and La Parka didn't get to hit him with a chair.
- The announcers kill some time as they hung the bat over the right corner ring post.
EIGHTH MATCH: Kevin Nash and Hulk Hogan vs Roddy Piper and the Giant (Bat Match)
The first man to climb up a pole and grab the bat got to use it. It was odd to see this match now with two other matches left, perhaps this was WCW's attempt to sell the card as a "Triple Main Event". Nash came to the ring first, Hogan followed (the ring announcer said that he was accompanied by Eric Bischoff, but lucky for us, Bischoff stayed backstage). Both Hogan and Nash commented to each other that the bat was suspended awfully high up. Piper and the Giant came out together.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-Smartly enough, Piper tried to climb the pole and get the bat as soon as the bell rang. Hogan climbed up there and started to thrust Piper's head into the pole.....it was another case of these guys putting safety over selling as the shots to the pole were TERRIBLE.
-Hogan had Piper upside down in the corner and started to kick him in the torso..it was the FAKEST wrestling I ever saw in my life. I was surprised that any of Hogan's kicks actually hit Piper.
-The good news is that Kevin Nash and the Giant were also in the match. At least they try.
-After stripping Hogan of his do rag, Piper pretended to yank out bits of Hogan's hair.
-After the Giant gave Hogan a headbutt, Piper gave him a headbutt as well. Unfortunately, the move hurt Piper worse that Hogan.
-Hogan went over to his corner. Nash held out his hand for the tag. Hogan ignored it and began whipping Piper with his weight belt. Nash dropped his hand and shrugged his shoulders as if to say, "Oh well".
-Hogan went for the bat, but the Giant grabbed his weight belt and started to whip him down.
-In a cute move, the Giant bent Hogan over his knee and began to spank him. The spanks were painfully slow and light.
-Finally, Nash got into the ring with Piper. Instead of fighting him, he motioned for Piper to tag in the Giant, Piper obliged.
-Both big men went for the boot to the face at the same time. Both were laid out because of it.
-After Piper gave Nash a kick in the groin, the Giant dropkicked Nash out of the ring.
-The Giant gave Piper a boost and helped him get the bat. They didn't have time to use it though, as both Hogan and Nash recovered and attacked. Hogan grabbed the bat and tossed it aside.
-This brought in the Disciple, who had a bat of his own. He tossed the bat to Hogan. As Nash held Piper's hip in position, Hogan swung the bat. Piper got out of the way and Hogan cranked Nash square in the gut. It was a GREAT move with an ugly smacking sound.
Piper had the bat and was about to hit Hogan, the Disciple reached up and grabbed the bat. Piper fought with him over it. As he did that, the Disciple threw the first bat to Hogan. Hogan hit Piper with it and got the pin. After the pin, Nash got up and argued with Hogan. Hogan apologized and told Nash to powerbomb Piper. Nash was about to do it, but Hogan hit him over the back with the bat and left the ring. The Giant broke the bat over his knee, then helped an apologetic Piper to his feet. Nash was out cold in the ring until Vincent and Scott Steiner helped him out.
- spot for Slamboree, their next pay per view. The spot made it seem that this was going to be a historic event.
NINTH MATCH: Raven vs "Diamond" Dallas Page (United States Heavyweight Championship Match)
Strangely enough, even though Page was the champion, it was Raven who came out last with the belt. This being a Raven match, "Raven's Rules" applied, which are no rules.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-Sick Boy tried to help Raven early on, he didn't.
-This was the closest thing to "hard core" that WCW has put on so far.
-This being a DDP match, it naturally spilled out into the faux Stampede set that was set up at the entrance way.
-From on top of a Stage Coach, DDP jumped on top of Raven, and referee Mark Curtis. Fortunately for them, they were standing on a pile of bales of hay. So no one was hurt.
-DDP sent Raven through two wooden fence sets. Then beaned him with the obligatory garbage can. It looked better than I am describing it.
-In the coolest spot of the night, DDP suplexed Raven from an elevated position onto the WCW Website interview table. Although he was close, Lee Marshall escaped unscathed, too bad.
-Raven shattered a plastic cake tray over DDP's head. Not even the announcers knew why a plastic cake tray was there to begin with.
-Raven propped Page on a table and jumped onto him. The table didn't break.
-Raven wrapped Page up with a bullrope complete with a cowbell.
-Back in the ring, Raven made use of a kitchen sink. See the cake tray above.
After several pin attempts, the Flock came in to try to take down Page. DDP fended them all off, nailed Kidman with the Diamond Cutter, and even ended up hitting Raven with a stop sign. Out of nowhere, a large man in a WCW shirt came out and hit him a couple of times with the sign. Raven gave Page the DDT on the kitchen sink and scored the pin. He was now the official US champ. The bad news, as the announcers kept reminding us, is that Raven had to face Goldberg tomorrow night for the title. Tony said that the "mystery" attacker was a WCW grip who was pulling camera cables earlier that day. I didn't recognize him.
TENTH MATCH: "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs Sting (WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match. No DQ)
Michael Buffer, who was in Manchester England the night before, was on hand to bring out the wrestlers. Savage came to the ring with Elizabeth, but was walking very slowly. Sting came to the ring and was immediately attacked.
Highlights & Lowlights:
-Even though Savage had a knee brace on, unlike Hennig, the announcers ignored that fact.
-Savage and Sting worked to keep Savage's bad knee away from the action.
-They took it to the Stampede set. Sting hurled Savage over the wooden fence. Savage cleared the hay on the other side and landed on the cement.
-Sting tossed Savage into several fence sets. He also hit Savage over the head with a bale of hay.
-Back in the ring, Savage did a good job working hurt. A very good job. Maybe he wasn't as injured as originally thought?
-Savage even tried a double axe handle off the top rope. Sting caught him though.
-Sting went for the corner splash. Savage got out of the way and hot the ref in there instead. Sting managed to avoid slamming into the ref, but Savage hit Sting into him anyway.
-Elizabeth hit the ring and chaired Sting. Sting barely felt it. Sting ended up inadvertently corner splashing Elizabeth. She went down hard and Savage took advantage of Sting, who was occupied with looking at her.
-Savage propped Sting's head on a chair and climbed the ropes. Hogan snuck out and pushed Savage off. Savage landed on his bad leg, and grabbed it in pain that could have been real.
With both men out, Kevin Nash came out and powerbombed Sting. He laid Savage across him and dragged the ref over. The ref, who was still stunned, made the count and Savage won the title. Nash grabbed the belt and made the ref give it to Savage. The ref gave the belt to Savage and raised his hand, all while both men were still on the ground. Nash checked on Savage, who muttered something to him. It looked like he was really hurting. Meanwhile, Hogan and the Disciple came out to the entrance way. Hogan was angered that the belt was his. All the Disciple could say was "Nash". The show ended on that note.
Interchangeable. That's the best way to describe the show. It wasn't bad, but there was practically nothing that separated it from any other WCW PPV. The best match was the Raven/Page match, but that was a simple extension of the Raven/Page/Benoit three way from last month. The bat match was the only truly noteworthy match on the card, but that was brought down by a screwjob ending. The title match was good only to see Savage go at it with a bad knee. Everything else was "Nitro quality", and the fact that the announcers pretended not to recognize Vincent was pure idiocy. That's about it. We got a brand new Mop-Up tomorrow. Hope you check it out.
This is Hyatte