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WCW Reborn 2001 Vol. 4

Road Wild

Sunday, August 12, 2001

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — Sturgis, South Dakota

WCW Preview

The Steiner Brothers leave Bash at the Beach holding WCW’s two singles championships.

Scott Steiner has put Ken Shamrock on the shelf. Rick Steiner has taken the United States Championship from Booker T, while Lance Storm and Mike Awesome remain World Tag Team Champions.

Sting and Scott Hall remain off television.

Arn Anderson restores the World Television Championship. Jesse James Armstrong and Brian Christopher arrive from the WWF, while Buff Bagwell returns after nearly three months away.

Champions

WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Steiner

WCW United States Champion: Rick Steiner

WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome

Goldberg Challenges the Genetic Freak

Arn Anderson names Goldberg the next challenger to Scott Steiner.

Goldberg eliminated five men from the number-one contender’s gauntlet before Rhino caught him with the Gore. He then defeated Rhino at Bash at the Beach to win their trilogy.

Scott dismisses Goldberg as a man still living off his undefeated streak. Goldberg promises the Genetic Freak is next.

Goldberg becomes involved in the Steiner Brothers’ war with Booker T.

Booker and Goldberg face Scott and Rick on Nitro. Goldberg fights Scott outside while Booker escapes the Steiner Driver.

Book End.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: Booker T and Goldberg

Booker has pinned the United States Champion, while Goldberg has shown Scott that he does not fear anyone.

At Road Wild, Scott defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Goldberg, with Midajah in his corner.

Booker Earns His Rematch

Booker argues that Rick left Bash at the Beach with his championship without pinning him.

Arn Anderson accepts Booker’s argument but orders him to defeat Rob Van Dam before receiving another opportunity.

Bill Alfonso attempts to interfere by holding Booker from behind.

RVD attempts a Spinning Heel Kick.

Booker ducks.

RVD strikes Alfonso.

Book End.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Booker T

The Steiner Brothers respond by attacking Stevie Ray backstage.

Booker returns with Goldberg as backup and pins Rick during their tag-team match.

On the final Nitro, Booker defeats Chavo Guerrero Jr. with the Scissors Kick.

Rick attacks after the bell.

Steiner Driver onto the arena floor.

Rick stands over Booker holding the United States Championship.

Two WWF Rejects Arrive

Team Canada celebrate retaining the World Tag Team Championship against The Outsiders.

Lance Storm claims there are no remaining challengers.

Jesse James Armstrong and Brian Christopher enter through the crowd. Jerry Lawler is stunned to see his son.

The newcomers explain that they were both shown the door by the WWF. They intend to prove that the WWF’s loss is WCW’s gain.

Storm refuses to grant them a championship match.

Arn orders them to earn it against Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo.

O’Haire misses the Seanton Bomb.

Pumphandle Drop to Palumbo.

Tennessee Jam.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: Jesse James Armstrong and Brian Christopher

Christopher later defeats Carl Ouellet after avoiding the Cannonball.

Team Canada attack after the match. Armstrong makes the save, but Mike Awesome drops him with the Awesome Bomb.

On the final Nitro, Armstrong faces Storm.

Ouellet distracts the referee while Awesome hands Storm a championship belt.

Armstrong ducks the attempted belt shot.

Pumphandle Drop.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Jesse James Armstrong

The newcomers have pinned Storm and Ouellet. At Road Wild, they challenge Lance Storm and Mike Awesome.

The World Television Championship Returns

Arn Anderson restores the World Television Championship.

Anderson explains that he carried the title four times and never considered it a consolation prize. It represented the wrestler who appeared every week and proved himself on television.

Eight men enter a tournament. Every future championship match will carry a fifteen-minute time limit.

In the opening round:

AJ Styles defeats Vampiro.

Berlyn defeats Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Kanyon defeats Billy Kidman.

Rey Mysterio Jr. counters Curt Hennig’s Hennig-Plex with a Small Package.

AJ faces Rey in the first semifinal.

Rey attempts the Springboard Hurricanrana, but Styles catches him.

Styles Clash.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: AJ Styles

Kanyon faces Berlyn in the other semifinal.

Kanyon attempts the Flatliner, but Berlyn escapes.

Hangman’s Neckbreaker.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Berlyn

Berlyn stands over Kanyon and speaks in German.

«“Du glaubst zu wissen, wer du bist. Ich weiß, was sich darunter verbirgt.”»

The subtitles reveal his message:

“You think you know who you are. I know what is hiding underneath.”

AJ and Berlyn advance to Road Wild.

War Against the Rhodes Family

Dustin Rhodes celebrates defeating Shane Douglas at Bash at the Beach.

Douglas declares that Dustin merely won one battle. His real intention is to remove the Rhodes family from WCW.

He accuses Dusty of holding down other wrestlers to make his son a star. When that failed, Dustin went to the WWF, dressed in gold and disgraced the Rhodes name.

Barry Windham and CW Anderson attack from behind.

Windham delivers the Superplex before Douglas strikes Dusty with his chain.

Dusty later confronts Windham. He reminds Barry that he ate at his table, travelled beside him and was treated like family.

Windham rejects the idea that he was ever an honorary Rhodes. Blackjack Mulligan’s blood runs through his veins, and he believes the Windham name was always greater.

He challenges Dustin to meet him at Road Wild.

Dustin accepts.

Dusty will accompany his son. Douglas and Anderson will stand beside Windham.

Alfonso Abandons RVD

Alfonso appears hurt after RVD accidentally strikes him during the match with Booker.

He refuses Van Dam’s help and walks out.

The following week, RVD defeats Reno with the Five-Star Frog Splash.

Alfonso appears on the stage and accuses Van Dam of failing whenever it matters.

Rhino attacks from behind.

Gore.

Alfonso enters and stands beside Rhino.

RVD later saves Kid Kash from another Rhino attack.

Arn signs their match for Road Wild. Alfonso promises that WCW will remember only one thing:

“Gore! Gore! Gore!”

RVD intends to prove he never needed Alfonso.

Nash Stands Alone

With Scott Hall absent, Mike Sanders targets Kevin Nash.

Sanders claims Nash spent his career playing the numbers game while convincing everyone he was a genuine tough man. He presents Tank Abbott as the real thing.

Abbott drops Nash to one knee with a right hand, but Nash immediately pulls himself back up.

The following week, Nash defeats Steve Corino with the Jackknife Powerbomb.

Abbott attacks after the bell.

Corino staggers back to his feet.

Abbott, swinging wildly in a rage, punches Corino directly in the face.

Corino collapses as Nash sends Abbott from the ring with a Big Boot.

Officials confirm that Corino suffered a broken nose and will miss several weeks.

Nash jokes that Abbott has one punch, while he has five moves and will still have time for the hair flip after delivering the Jackknife.

Abbott answers that he only needs one.

The Young Guns Challenge KroniK

Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo reunite with Mark Jindrak.

The three younger wrestlers use their numerical advantage to attack KroniK.

Palumbo defeats Brian Adams following interference. Bryan Clark responds by defeating O’Haire with the Meltdown.

Arn signs a tag-team match for Road Wild, with Jindrak permitted at ringside.

Jarrett and Luger Collide

Jeff Jarrett celebrates defeating The Sandman and declares that he belongs in the World Championship picture.

Lex Luger accuses Jarrett of stealing the victory with a low blow, a guitar and Sandman’s cane.

Jarrett joins commentary for Luger’s match against The Wall.

Luger escapes the Chokeslam.

Running Forearm.

Human Torture Rack.

Wall submits.

Jarrett attacks Luger with a guitar after the match.

Luger later retaliates, forcing Jarrett to escape through the audience.

Arn signs Jarrett against Luger for Road Wild.

Buff Bagwell Returns

Buff Bagwell returns after nearly three months away.

He acknowledges that the Steiner Brothers humiliated him but says he has returned to prove he can succeed alone.

Buff defeats Reno and The Cat cleanly with the Blockbuster.

There is no immediate rivalry.

After Berlyn eliminates Kanyon from the Television Championship tournament, Buff is interviewed about his return.

Kanyon suddenly attacks.

Flatliner onto a production crate.

Kanyon stands over Buff, screaming like a maniac.

“Who better than Kanyon?”

Arn signs their match for Road Wild.

Diamond Dallas Page does not appear during the Road Wild cycle.

Everything is set for Road Wild.

Road Wild

Sunday, August 12, 2001

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — Sturgis, South Dakota

Attendance: 9,200

Estimated PPV buys: 68,000

Estimated buy rate: 0.16

Rob Van Dam vs. Rhino

Bill Alfonso with Rhino

Rhino targets RVD’s ribs and connects with the Gore.

One…

Two…

Van Dam kicks out.

Rhino attempts another Gore, but RVD leapfrogs over him.

Springboard Side Kick.

Rolling Thunder.

Five-Star Frog Splash.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Rob Van Dam by pinfall.

RVD receives enormous approval from the Sturgis crowd after proving he never needed Alfonso.

Buff Bagwell vs. Kanyon

Kanyon attempts the Flatliner.

Buff escapes.

Double-Arm DDT.

Blockbuster.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Buff Bagwell by pinfall.

WCW World Television Championship Tournament Final

AJ Styles vs. Berlyn

Berlyn controls AJ and prepares the Hangman’s Neckbreaker.

A masked Mortis appears in the aisle.

Berlyn releases AJ and stares towards him.

Pele Kick.

Styles Clash.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner and new WCW World Television Champion: AJ Styles by pinfall.

Mortis disappears as Berlyn realises he has been cost the championship.

KroniK vs. Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo

Mark Jindrak with O’Haire and Palumbo

Jindrak attempts a Springboard Clothesline on Brian Adams.

Adams moves.

Jindrak strikes Palumbo.

Adams and Bryan Clark catch Palumbo.

High Times.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: KroniK by pinfall.

O’Haire confronts Jindrak and shoves him.

Jindrak decks O’Haire with a right hand and walks out alone.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Lex Luger

Luger prepares the Human Torture Rack.

Jarrett blocks it and sends Luger into the referee.

Low blow.

Stroke.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett by pinfall.

Dustin Rhodes vs. Barry Windham

Dusty Rhodes with Dustin

Shane Douglas and CW Anderson with Windham

Dustin prepares the Curtain Call.

Douglas distracts the referee.

Anderson strikes Dustin from behind.

Windham catches him with a Schoolboy and holds the tights.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Barry Windham by pinfall.

Douglas and Anderson join Windham in attacking Dustin.

Dusty enters but is overwhelmed.

Steve Corino returns with his broken nose taped and carrying a steel chair.

Corino drives all three men from the ring and stands beside the Rhodes family.

Kevin Nash vs. Tank Abbott

Mike Sanders with Abbott

Abbott drops Nash with a right hand.

One…

Two…

Nash kicks out.

Abbott prepares another knockout punch.

Nash ducks.

Big Boot.

Jackknife Powerbomb.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Kevin Nash by pinfall.

Sanders attacks after the bell.

Nash catches him.

Jackknife Powerbomb.

Nash performs the promised hair flip.

WCW World Tag Team Championship

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome (c) vs. Jesse James Armstrong and Brian Christopher

Carl Ouellet with Team Canada

Awesome makes a blind tag as Armstrong catches Storm.

Pumphandle Slam.

Tennessee Jam.

One…

Two…

The referee stops counting and falsely claims Storm raised his shoulder.

Christopher argues.

The legal Mike Awesome attacks from behind.

Awesome Bomb.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners and still WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome by pinfall.

Team Canada and the referee attack both challengers after the match.

The referee removes his WCW shirt and is revealed as Bobby Roode, the newest member of Team Canada.

WCW United States Championship

Rick Steiner (c) vs. Booker T

Booker attempts the Book End.

His injured back gives way following the Steiner Driver he suffered on Nitro.

Rick immediately capitalises.

Steiner Driver.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner and still WCW United States Champion: Rick Steiner by pinfall.

Main Event

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Scott Steiner (c) vs. Goldberg

Midajah with Scott Steiner

Goldberg survives the Belly-to-Belly Suplex and escapes the Steiner Recliner.

Spear.

Goldberg prepares the Jackhammer.

Midajah distracts the referee.

Rick Steiner returns with a lead pipe.

Shot to the back of Goldberg’s head.

Goldberg collapses unconscious.

Scott applies the Steiner Recliner.

The referee checks Goldberg and calls for the bell.

Winner and still WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Steiner by referee stoppage.

Road Wild ends with the Steiner Brothers standing over Goldberg while Scott raises the World Heavyweight Championship.

Results

Rob Van Dam def. Rhino

Buff Bagwell def. Kanyon

AJ Styles def. Berlyn to win the World Television Championship

KroniK def. Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo

Jeff Jarrett def. Lex Luger

Barry Windham def. Dustin Rhodes

Kevin Nash def. Tank Abbott

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome def. Jesse James Armstrong and Brian Christopher

Rick Steiner def. Booker T

Scott Steiner def. Goldberg to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

WCW Reborn 2001 Vol. 3

Bash at the Beach

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Ocean Center — Daytona Beach, Florida

WCW Preview

Scott Steiner is World Heavyweight Champion. Booker T holds the United States Championship, while Lance Storm and Mike Awesome remain World Tag Team Champions.

Sting is off television following the damage suffered at The Great American Bash.

The Steiner Brothers are reunited, but Scott’s next challenger is Ken Shamrock—the one man capable of matching the champion’s submission game.

Champions

WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Steiner

WCW United States Champion: Booker T

WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome

The Genetic Freak Meets the World’s Most Dangerous Man

Scott Steiner opens the first Nitro after The Great American Bash.

Scott Steiner:

«“The Big Bad Booty Daddy is champion again!

Sting is history—just like Sid Vicious was at Sin.

Nobody can stop this Genetic Freak. Line ’em up and I’ll take ’em all down!

Holler if you hear me!”»

Arn Anderson responds by announcing a number-one contender’s gauntlet match.

Goldberg eliminates Rob Van Dam, Diamond Dallas Page, Shane Douglas, Jeff Jarrett and Dustin Rhodes.

Rhino enters next.

Goldberg attempts the Spear, but Rhino moves and Goldberg crashes into the ring post.

Gore.

One…

Two…

Three.

Goldberg is eliminated.

Ken Shamrock enters last.

Rhino attempts another Gore, but Shamrock moves.

Ankle Lock.

Rhino taps.

Winner: Ken Shamrock

There is no confrontation between Shamrock and Steiner.

The following week, Arn Anderson warns that whoever initiates a fight before Bash at the Beach will be suspended. If Scott does it, the World Championship will be held up.

The Steiner Brothers later face Harlem Heat. Scott distracts the referee while Rick strikes Booker with the United States Championship.

The referee catches Rick holding the belt.

Winners: Harlem Heat by disqualification

Shamrock is not involved.

On the third Nitro, Shamrock faces Rhino.

Shamrock avoids the Gore and applies the Ankle Lock, but Rick Steiner attacks him.

Winner: Ken Shamrock by disqualification

Rick delivers the Steiner Driver and holds Shamrock down.

Scott enters with the World Championship. Shamrock dares him to strike, but Scott refuses to risk suspension.

Shamrock suddenly takes Rick’s leg.

Ankle Lock.

Rick taps as Scott watches.

Scott and Shamrock then demonstrate their strengths in separate matches. Steiner submits Chuck Palumbo with the Steiner Recliner, while Shamrock defeats Mike Awesome with the Ankle Lock.

On the final Nitro, both men sign the contract.

Ken Shamrock:

«“You’re bigger and stronger than me.

But once I take your ankle, none of that matters.

You tap—or I break it.”»

Scott Steiner:

«“You never made a Steiner tap! Are you too dumb in the head to understand?

Once you step into the ring with the Big Booty Daddy, you’re gonna find out that I’m the World’s Most Dangerous Man—and you’re the world’s dumbest man!

I put Sting out. At Bash at the Beach, I’ll do the same to you.”»

Arn confirms that the championship match can only be won by submission.

Goldberg and Rhino Settle the Score

Rhino’s victory in the gauntlet evens his series with Goldberg at one match each.

They have no interaction over the following two weeks.

On the fourth Nitro, Arn Anderson announces their deciding match for Bash at the Beach.

Goldberg is scheduled to face Reno on the final Nitro.

During Goldberg’s entrance, Rhino attacks without warning.

Gore.

Goldberg is driven backwards through the Nitro set.

Officials and production staff rush towards the wreckage as Rhino stands over him.

The Outsiders Challenge Team Canada

Scott Hall and Kevin Nash turn their attention to the World Tag Team Championship.

Kevin Nash:

«“Hall and I have held all the gold there is in this business.

You boys want to prove you’re the best team in WCW? Prove it against us.”»

Lance Storm:

«“Your reputations do not entitle you to a championship match.

Earn it.”»

The Outsiders defeat Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo to earn the opportunity.

Hall then defeats Storm following an Outsider’s Edge.

Team Canada attack after the match. Awesome delivers the Awesome Bomb to Nash while Storm applies the Canadian Maple Leaf to Hall.

The following week, Nash faces Awesome. Storm interferes, but Hall makes the save.

On the final Nitro, Hall defeats Carl Ouellet with a Small Package after avoiding an attempted championship-belt attack.

The Outsiders have defeated all three members of Team Canada.

Three Men, One Championship

Booker T defeats Carl Ouellet on the first Nitro.

Rick Steiner attacks after the match and delivers the Steiner Driver before laying the United States Championship across Booker’s chest.

AJ Styles later defeats Steve Corino in a classic with the Styles Clash. AJ confirms that he will use the championship opportunity earned at The Great American Bash.

During Booker’s defence against Styles, Rick attacks both men.

No Contest

Rick delivers the Steiner Driver to AJ and takes Booker’s championship.

Arn Anderson refuses to reward Rick with a title match.

Booker T:

«“AJ earned his shot.

Rick Steiner wants a piece? Let him have it.

Put all three of us in the ring and let me handle them both.”»

Arn signs the Triple Threat Match.

AJ later defeats Rick with a roll-up.

On the final Nitro, all three men make their intentions clear.

Rick Steiner:

«“At Bash at the Beach, those two nobodies are entering the Dog Pound.”»

AJ Styles:

«“Rick Steiner has spent weeks trying to take a championship he hasn’t earned.

I earned my opportunity—and I’m not letting him take it from me.”»

Booker T:

«“AJ earned his shot. Rick earned an ass-whooping.

At Bash at the Beach, they both find out why I’m the United States Champion.

Now can you dig that, sucka?”»

Berlyn Targets Luger

Berlyn declares that WCW spent years humiliating Alex Wright.

He calls out Disco Inferno before striking him below the belt and delivering the Hangman’s Neckbreaker.

Lex Luger makes the save.

Berlyn begins issuing open challenges. He defeats Road Warrior Animal and The Cat before challenging Luger directly.

Berlyn then defeats Curt Hennig after escaping the Hennig-Plex and delivering the Hangman’s Neckbreaker.

He continues the attack until Luger runs him off.

Jarrett Steals Sandman’s Cane

Jeff Jarrett complains about Commissioner Anderson.

Jeff Jarrett:

«“WCW has always had it in for me, but since Commissioner Anderson took charge, I haven’t been able to get my feet under me.

Anderson, do you know who you’re messing with?”»

The Sandman interrupts.

The Sandman:

«“Nobody’s holding you down, you hick.

You’re just missing your Yankee Doodle Daddy. You were his Chosen One, and now he’s gone.

Then again, you’ve always had a daddy handing you easy breaks in this business.

Now shut your crying face.”»

Jarrett later attacks Sandman during his entrance, breaks a guitar across his back and steals his Singapore cane.

Sandman costs Jarrett a match against Dustin Rhodes.

Jarrett demands that Anderson remove Sandman from WCW.

Arn Anderson:

«“You broke a guitar over his back and stole his cane.

At Bash at the Beach, that Singapore cane will spell one man’s fate.”»

Arn books a Singapore Cane Match.

Jarrett later defeats Crowbar before repeatedly striking him with the stolen cane.

On the final Nitro, Jarrett calls out Sandman.

Jeff Jarrett:

«“Hey, slapnut!

This Singapore cane is the only thing you’ve ever had to offer this business.

You’re a dirty, foul-mouthed drunk.

At Bash at the Beach, I’m gonna take your very own cane and stick it up your ass!”»

Sandman appears behind Jarrett and strikes him with another cane.

Douglas Crosses the Line

Dusty Rhodes tells Dustin that he is entering his prime and may be approaching a World Championship run.

Shane Douglas dismisses Dustin as a man living on his father’s name.

On the fourth Nitro, Dustin catches Douglas with an Inside Cradle.

Winner: Dustin Rhodes

Douglas attacks after the bell.

Dusty enters, but Douglas strikes him with his chain, busting him open.

Dustin makes the save as Douglas retreats before calling for paramedics.

On the final Nitro, security separates Dustin and Douglas.

Dustin Rhodes:

«“Do what you will to me in battle, but never put your hands on my daddy.

Shane Douglas, you went too far, laddie.

At Bash at the Beach, put your chain on a pole and let’s settle this.”»

Shane Douglas:

«“Your father put himself in harm’s way to keep his son’s television time relevant.

At Bash at the Beach, I’ll Franchise both your asses.”»

Dustin breaks through security and attacks Douglas.

RVD Abandons The Wall

Rob Van Dam and Bill Alfonso blame The Wall for failing to help RVD retain the United States Championship.

RVD slaps Wall and retreats, leaving Alfonso behind.

Chokeslam.

Wall continues pursuing Van Dam, who repeatedly abandons Alfonso rather than face him.

Arn Anderson signs their match for Bash at the Beach.

On the final Nitro, RVD attempts to interfere in Wall’s match against Carl Ouellet.

Wall catches the Van Daminator and throws the chair back.

The chair strikes RVD across the head.

Van Dam sells the shot heavily before retreating with Alfonso.

Kanyon Leaves DDP’s Shadow

Kanyon attacks DDP after Page is eliminated from the gauntlet.

Kanyon:

«“At The Great American Bash, Dustin pinned me while you took the credit.

Everything is always about DDP.

But who better than Kanyon?”»

Kanyon delivers the Flatliner onto a production crate.

After Kanyon defeats Kid Kash, DDP challenges his former friend.

Diamond Dallas Page:

«“I never held you back.

I called you my friend, and you decided that wasn’t enough.

If you want to step out of my shadow, step into the ring with me.”»

Kanyon accepts.

On the final Nitro, Kanyon escapes an attempted Diamond Cutter.

Kanyon:

«“Nobody is better than Kanyon!”»

Diamond Dallas Page:

«“At Bash at the Beach, Kanyon—you’re going to feel the bang!”»

Everything is set for Bash at the Beach.

Bash at the Beach

Sunday, July 15, 2001

Ocean Center — Daytona Beach, Florida

Attendance: 7,600

Estimated PPV buys: 74,000

Estimated buy rate: 0.18

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Kanyon

DDP starts strongly before both men trade control.

Flatliner.

One…

Two…

Page kicks out.

Kanyon counters the Diamond Cutter into a Backward Russian Legsweep.

He attempts another Flatliner.

DDP turns through.

Diamond Cutter.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Diamond Dallas Page by pinfall.

Rob Van Dam vs. The Wall

Wall starts strongly, but Alfonso distracts him and allows RVD to take control.

Wall fights back and attempts the Chokeslam.

RVD escapes.

Spinning Heel Kick.

Rolling Thunder.

Five-Star Frog Splash.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Rob Van Dam by pinfall.

Lex Luger vs. Berlyn

Berlyn targets Luger’s injured knee before applying the Half Crab.

Luger reaches the ropes.

Berlyn attempts the Hangman’s Neckbreaker, but Luger grips the top rope.

Berlyn crashes onto the back of his head.

Running Forearm.

Human Torture Rack.

Berlyn submits.

Winner: Lex Luger by submission.

Chain-on-a-Pole Match

Dustin Rhodes vs. Shane Douglas

Dustin retrieves the chain, but Douglas catches him with a low blow and takes it away.

Douglas wraps the chain around his fist and swings.

Dustin ducks.

Dustin retrieves the chain but throws it aside.

Bionic Elbow.

Irish Whip into the corner.

Shattered Dreams.

Curtain Call.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Dustin Rhodes by pinfall.

WCW World Tag Team Championship

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome (c) vs. Scott Hall and Kevin Nash

Team Canada isolate Hall until he reaches Nash.

Big Boot to Storm.

Nash prepares the Jackknife, but Awesome pulls Storm to safety.

Nash tags Hall.

Hall catches Storm’s Springboard attack.

Chokeslam.

One…

Two…

Awesome breaks the pin.

Nash throws Awesome outside and follows.

Carl Ouellet pushes Nash face-first into the ring post.

Hall attempts the Outsider’s Edge.

Storm slides down his back.

Superkick.

Canadian Maple Leaf.

Hall taps.

Winners and still WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome by submission.

Singapore Cane Match

Jeff Jarrett vs. The Sandman

Sandman repeatedly strikes Jarrett with the cane.

White Russian Legsweep.

One…

Two…

Jarrett kicks out.

Sandman prepares another shot.

Low blow.

Guitar shot.

Jarrett places the Singapore cane across the canvas.

Stroke onto the cane.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett by pinfall.

WCW United States Championship

Booker T (c) vs. AJ Styles vs. Rick Steiner

Book End to Rick.

AJ breaks the cover with a Springboard Leg Drop.

Styles Clash to Booker.

One…

Two…

Rick pulls AJ from the cover and throws Booker outside.

AJ attempts a Springboard attack.

Rick catches him.

Belly-to-Belly Suplex.

Steiner Driver.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner and new WCW United States Champion: Rick Steiner by pinfall.

Goldberg vs. Rhino

Rhino targets Goldberg’s ribs after driving him through the Nitro set.

Rhino attempts the Gore.

Goldberg leapfrogs over him.

Spear.

Jackhammer.

One…

Two…

No!

Rhino kicks out.

Goldberg prepares another Spear.

Rhino sidesteps him.

Goldberg crashes into the ring post.

Gore.

One...

Two...

No!

Rhino charges for another Gore, but Goldberg leapfrogs him again.

Superkick.

Spear.

Jackhammer.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Goldberg by pinfall.

Goldberg wins the trilogy, two matches to one.

Main Event

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Submission Match

Scott Steiner (c) vs. Ken Shamrock

Steiner uses his power to control the opening stages.

Scott removes a turnbuckle pad before returning to Shamrock’s back.

Steiner Recliner.

Shamrock reaches the ropes.

Scott attempts a Belly-to-Belly Suplex, but Shamrock takes his leg.

Ankle Lock.

Steiner reaches the ropes.

Scott later reapplies the Steiner Recliner.

Shamrock refuses to submit and forces himself onto one knee.

Shamrock takes Steiner’s leg and rolls through.

Ankle Lock.

Steiner screams in pain.

He rolls forward, sending Shamrock head-first into the exposed turnbuckle.

Exploder Suplex.

Steiner Recliner.

Blood begins pouring from Shamrock’s mouth.

Shamrock taps.

Winner and still WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Steiner by submission.

Steiner refuses to release the hold until officials pull him away.

Paramedics place Shamrock onto a stretcher.

Rick Steiner enters carrying the United States Championship and joins his brother.

Bash at the Beach ends with the Steiner Brothers standing together as World Heavyweight and United States Champions.

Results

Diamond Dallas Page def. Kanyon

Rob Van Dam def. The Wall

Lex Luger def. Berlyn

Dustin Rhodes def. Shane Douglas

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome def. Scott Hall and Kevin Nash

Jeff Jarrett def. The Sandman

Rick Steiner def. Booker T and AJ Styles to win the WCW United States Championship

Goldberg def. Rhino

Scott Steiner def. Ken Shamrock to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

WCW Reborn 2001 Vol. 2

​

WCW Reborn 2001 Vol. 2

The Great American Bash

Sunday, June 10, 2001

Baltimore Arena — Baltimore, Maryland

WCW Preview

Following the success of The Big Bang, Nitro debuts on FX with a 2.1 rating.

Sting is World Heavyweight Champion. Rob Van Dam holds the United States Championship, while Lance Storm and Mike Awesome remain World Tag Team Champions.

Arn Anderson promises consequences for anyone who interferes in matches. Eric Bischoff reminds Arn that he owns WCW, but Anderson confirms that he has final authority over every match on television and pay-per-view.

Champions

WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

WCW United States Champion: Rob Van Dam

WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome

The Steiner Brothers Reunite

The first Nitro on FX ends with Sting and Lex Luger defeating Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell.

Scott attacks Sting after the match. Buff attempts to join him, but Steiner decks him.

Rick Steiner charges into the ring. The reunited Steiner Brothers destroy Sting, Luger and Bagwell.

The following week, Buff demands an explanation.

Buff Bagwell:

«“Scotty Steiner—Big Poppa Lump—did you lose your head?

We’ve travelled a lot of roads together, bro.

Buff Bagwell and the Steiner Brothers? That’s a force nobody could overcome.”»

Scott Steiner:

«“You didn’t stand beside the Big Bad Booty Daddy. You hid behind me.

You’re a bitch. The fans know it, Judy knows it, I know it—and your fat daddy knows it.

Get your ass out of the ring before you feel the force of the Steiner Brothers.”»

Buff looks dejected.

«“Scott, a man has feelings…”»

Shane Douglas attacks Rick while Buff sucker-punches Scott.

The Steiners quickly turn the fight around. Rick delivers the Steiner Driver to Douglas while Scott traps Bagwell in the Steiner Recliner.

Later that night, Sting pins Mike Awesome with the Scorpion Death Drop.

Sting:

«“The Steiners do what the Steiners want, whenever they want.

But I know how dangerous you are.

I’m still World Champion—and I’ve still got the big black bat.

Come see what you can do about that.”»

The Steiners attack Sting until Luger makes the save.

The following week, Sting and Luger face the Steiner Brothers. Luger ducks Rick’s Steinerline and catches him with a Running Forearm.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: Sting and Lex Luger

Scott later defeats Luger after Rick creates a distraction. Scott attacks from behind and applies the Steiner Recliner until Luger becomes unresponsive.

Sting responds by forcing The Wall to submit to the Scorpion Deathlock.

Luger Faces Rick Steiner

Arn Anderson books Luger against Rick.

Lex Luger:

«“Rick, you’re a tag-team legend, but at The Great American Bash there’s no little brother waiting for the tag.

You’ve been Television Champion and United States Champion. I defeated Hulk Hogan for the World Heavyweight Championship.

I’ve stood at the top of the mountain—a view you have never seen.

At the Bash, I’m taking you up in the Human Torture Rack.”»

Rick Steiner:

«“Lex, you’re all pumped up—but I’m the power.

At The Great American Bash, I’ve got a Steiner Driver waiting for you.”»

Booker T Earns One Last Chance

Booker T defeats The Wall by disqualification when RVD interferes.

Van Dam and The Wall attack Booker until Stevie Ray makes the save.

The following week, Booker and Stevie defeat RVD and The Wall. Van Dam abandons his partner, leaving Wall to receive the Book End.

Booker earns one final United States Championship match.

To prevent further interference, Arn places Booker and RVD inside a steel cage. The match can only be won by pinfall or submission.

Team Canada Injures Jindrak

Mark Jindrak reunites with Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo to defeat Team Canada.

The champions respond by attacking Jindrak backstage and leaving him beneath a Canadian flag.

O’Haire and Palumbo receive another championship match. Jindrak and Carl Ouellet are barred from ringside.

Lance Storm:

«“Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo already received their opportunity.

They failed.

At The Great American Bash, Team Canada will defeat them again—and then they will join Mark Jindrak on the injured list.”»

The Outsiders Find a Partner

Kevin Nash pins CW Anderson on the first Nitro on FX.

Nash later faces Barry Windham with Corino and Anderson barred from ringside. As Nash prepares the Jackknife, the screen shows Scott Hall injured backstage.

Nash turns.

Leaping Lariat.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Barry Windham

Corino claims Hall merely slipped because he has spent ten years walking around drunk.

Arn Anderson books a six-man tag team match. Hall has been cleared, but The Outsiders need a third man.

Curt Hennig returns.

Curt Hennig:

«“Barry Windham talks about tradition. Steve Corino talks about respect.

CW Anderson thinks a surname makes him somebody.

At The Great American Bash, you’re facing three men who have done it all—and we ain’t quitting now.”»

Shamrock Accepts Abbott’s Challenge

Ken Shamrock announces that he is ready for his next opponent.

Mike Sanders returns to introduce Tank Abbott.

Mike Sanders:

«“Ken Shamrock calls himself the World’s Most Dangerous Man.

I found somebody who doesn’t need a nickname.

He just knocks people out.”»

Tank Abbott:

«“Shamrock, you can roll around and grab ankles.

But you can’t put me in a hold if you’re already unconscious.”»

Abbott knocks Crowbar out before attacking Shamrock following his victory over Van Hammer.

Their match can only end by knockout or submission.

The Gore Meets the Spear

Rhino makes his WCW debut by destroying Vampiro with the Gore.

The following week, Goldberg defeats Shawn Stasiak.

Rhino charges into the ring.

Gore.

Rhino stands over Goldberg.

«“Who’s next?

You’re next!”»

Tony Schiavone interviews both men separately on the final Nitro.

Rhino:

«“Goldberg built his reputation by running through everybody in WCW.

But I don’t move out of the way.

At The Great American Bash, the Gore meets the Spear—and Goldberg gets broken in half.”»

Goldberg:

«“You hit me with your best shot.

I got back up.

At The Great American Bash, when I hit you with mine, you won’t.”»

Kanyon Leaves DDP’s Shadow

Kanyon declares that the new WCW will finally become his place to shine.

DDP interrupts.

Kanyon:

«“No, no—not you again.

Why don’t you go away? Leave me alone!”»

Diamond Dallas Page:

«“That’s how you greet a good friend?

Come on, Kanyon. I made you in this company.”»

Kanyon:

«“You made me a lackey. A bit player. A backup.

I’m ready to be the star.”»

Jeff Jarrett attacks DDP from behind with the guitar. Kanyon joins him until Dustin Rhodes makes the save.

Kanyon later defeats Dustin with Jarrett’s help. DDP responds with a Diamond Cutter, but Jarrett escapes.

The four men continue fighting, leading Arn Anderson to sign a Bunkhouse Tag Team Match.

Four Men, One Opportunity

Rey Mysterio Jr. and AJ Styles defeat Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Jamie Noble on the first Nitro on FX.

Styles later defeats Noble, while Chavo pins Rey with his feet on the ropes.

All four men will meet at The Great American Bash. The winner receives a future United States Championship match.

The Contract Signing

Sting and Scott Steiner sign the championship contract on the final Nitro.

Sting:

«“At The Big Bang, I showed the world you were a man, not some fire-breathing dragon.

The Great American Bash is where I won my first World Championship in 1990.

At the Bash, you’ll feel the power of all the Stingers.

It’s showtime!”»

Scott Steiner:

«“You talk about 1990 because that’s where you belong—in the past.

At The Big Bang, it took three Scorpion Death Drops to beat me.

You didn’t prove you were better. You survived.

At the Bash, the Big Bad Booty Daddy will suplex you around this ring and finish you with the Steiner Recliner.”»

Rick appears in the aisle.

Sting turns toward him.

Scott pulls a lead pipe from beneath the table and drives it into Sting’s back. He strikes him again and applies the Steiner Recliner until Sting loses consciousness.

Scott raises the championship.

«“Look at your champion!

Pathetic, painted piece of shit!”»

Everything is set for The Great American Bash.

The Great American Bash

Sunday, June 10, 2001

Baltimore Arena — Baltimore, Maryland

Attendance: 8,250

Estimated PPV buys: 82,000

Estimated buy rate: 0.20

United States Championship Number-One Contender’s Match

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. AJ Styles vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Jamie Noble

Rey catches Chavo with a Springboard Hurricanrana, but Noble breaks the pin.

Chavo attempts the Brainbuster on Rey.

Pele Kick from Styles.

Noble attempts to steal the cover.

AJ pulls him away.

Styles Clash.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: AJ Styles by pinfall.

Time: 11:42

Styles earns a future United States Championship opportunity.

KroniK vs. The Jung Dragons

Kaz Hayashi and Yang attack with speed, but Brian Adams and Bryan Clark quickly overpower them.

High Times to Hayashi.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: KroniK by pinfall.

Time: 2:48

Submission or Knockout Match

Ken Shamrock vs. Tank Abbott

With Mike Sanders

Abbott mauls Shamrock for most of the match.

A flurry of punches sends Shamrock staggering into the ropes. He appears ready to collapse but suddenly rolls through and takes Abbott’s leg.

Ankle Lock.

Shamrock drags Tank into the centre.

Abbott taps.

Winner: Ken Shamrock by submission.

Time: 8:21

WCW World Tag Team Championship

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome (c) vs. Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo

Palumbo catches Awesome with the Jungle Kick.

One…

Two…

Storm breaks the pin.

O’Haire throws Storm outside and dives onto him.

Storm makes a blind tag.

Palumbo delivers another Jungle Kick to Awesome but turns into an attack from Storm.

Canadian Maple Leaf.

Awesome pulls O’Haire from the apron.

Storm drags Palumbo into the centre.

Palumbo submits.

Winners and still WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome by submission.

Time: 14:36

Bunkhouse Tag Team Match

Diamond Dallas Page and Dustin Rhodes vs. Jeff Jarrett and Kanyon

The fight begins before the bell.

Jarrett and DDP fight into the crowd, leaving Dustin and Kanyon inside the ring.

Kanyon attempts the Flatliner.

Dustin blocks it and sends him into an exposed turnbuckle.

Bulldog.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: Diamond Dallas Page and Dustin Rhodes by pinfall.

Time: 12:54

Lex Luger vs. Rick Steiner

Luger ducks the Steinerline and applies the Human Torture Rack.

As Rick struggles, his boots strike the referee.

A man emerges through the audience wearing black and carrying a cane.

It is Alex Wright—once again dressed as Berlyn.

Berlyn strikes Luger in the ribs and across the back.

Rick pulls Luger upright.

Steiner Driver.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Rick Steiner by pinfall.

Time: 10:17

Berlyn has returned to WCW.

Six-Man Tag Team Match

Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Curt Hennig vs. Barry Windham, Steve Corino and CW Anderson

Hall competes with his ribs taped and is isolated for much of the match.

Hall eventually reaches Nash.

Big Boot to Corino.

Nash throws Windham and Corino outside.

Anderson charges.

Sidewalk Slam.

Nash tags Hennig.

As Hall and Nash prevent Windham and Corino from entering, Hennig hypes the audience.

Anderson staggers to his feet.

Hennig-Plex.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Curt Hennig by pinfall.

Time: 14:22

Goldberg vs. Rhino

Goldberg attempts an early Spear, but Rhino moves.

Gore.

One…

Two…

Goldberg kicks out.

Rhino charges again as Goldberg launches himself forward.

Gore meets Spear.

Both men are down.

Goldberg rises first.

Spear.

One…

Two…

Rhino kicks out.

Goldberg attempts another Spear, but Rhino sidesteps him.

Piledriver.

One…

Two…

Goldberg kicks out.

Rhino prepares the Gore.

Goldberg leapfrogs over him, hits the ropes and races back.

Spear.

Jackhammer.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Goldberg by pinfall.

Time: 13:48

Two monsters. One mega confrontation.

WCW United States Championship

Steel Cage Match

Rob Van Dam (c) vs. Booker T

Van Dam repeatedly drives Booker into the cage, opening a wound on his forehead.

Rolling Thunder.

One…

Two…

Booker kicks out.

Booker fights back with the Scissors Kick.

One…

Two…

RVD kicks out.

Van Dam climbs to the top of the cage.

Five-Star Frog Splash.

Booker moves.

RVD crashes into the canvas.

A bloodied Booker pulls himself upright.

Book End.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner and new WCW United States Champion: Booker T by pinfall.

Time: 18:37

Booker has regained the championship stolen from him on the final Nitro on TNT.

Main Event

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Sting (c) vs. Scott Steiner

Sting enters with his back heavily taped.

Steiner immediately targets the injury with Suplexes and the Steiner Recliner.

Sting reaches the ropes.

Scott attempts another Belly-to-Belly Suplex.

Sting blocks it.

Rapid punches.

Stinger Splash.

Scorpion Death Drop.

One…

Two…

Scott kicks out.

Sting attempts another Death Drop, but his injured back gives way.

German Suplex.

Steiner Recliner.

Sting refuses to submit.

He forces himself onto one knee, but his back gives way.

Scott pulls farther.

Sting reaches toward the ropes, but they are too far away.

Sting loses consciousness.

The referee calls for the bell.

Winner and new WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Steiner.

Time: 20:44

There is no interference.

Rick joins his brother after the match but does not attack Sting.

Tony Schiavone:

«“Sting never surrendered.

But tonight, even the heart of the Icon could not overcome the damage Scott Steiner inflicted before this match began.”»

The Great American Bash ends with the Steiner Brothers standing together and the World Heavyweight Championship once again belonging to Big Poppa Pump.

Results

AJ Styles def. Rey Mysterio Jr., Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Jamie Noble

KroniK def. the Jung Dragons

Ken Shamrock def. Tank Abbott

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome def. Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo

Diamond Dallas Page and Dustin Rhodes def. Jeff Jarrett and Kanyon

Rick Steiner def. Lex Luger

Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Curt Hennig def. Barry Windham, Steve Corino and CW Anderson

Goldberg def. Rhino

Booker T def. Rob Van Dam to win the WCW United States Championship

Scott Steiner def. Sting to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

WCW Reborn 2001

Volume One: The Big Bang

In March 2001, Fusient Media Ventures completes its acquisition of World Championship Wrestling. Backed by Fusient, Eric Bischoff fights off a late bid from Vince McMahon and secures WCW’s name, television library and major talent contracts.

WCW’s relationship with Turner Broadcasting will still end. The final Nitro airs on TNT on 26 March before the company enters a six-week hiatus.

WCW will return on 6 May 2001 with The Big Bang, live on pay-per-view from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. A redesigned Nitro will then debut on FX.

WCW Monday Nitro

The Final Night on TNT

26 March 2001

Boardwalk Beach Resort — Panama City Beach, Florida

Attendance: Approximately 1,000

TNT Rating: 3.0

Tony Schiavone and Scott Hudson welcome viewers to WCW’s final broadcast on TNT.

The Turner era ends tonight—but WCW lives.

Daddy’s Home

Eric Bischoff returns to Nitro and receives a thunderous reaction.

He takes his time entering the ring, allowing the noise to settle before raising the microphone.

Eric Bischoff:

“WCW… Daddy’s home.”

“I am back—and guess what? I am the new owner of World Championship Wrestling.”

“I fought off Vince McMahon and wrested this entire franchise from Ted Turner’s hands.”

“Tonight, I am triumphant. WCW is now immortal.”

“Tonight, we end it all on TNT—and on May 6, live on pay-per-view, we will be reborn at The Big Bang!”

Bischoff then announces the first match for the pay-per-view:

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Scott Steiner vs. Sting

Flair Steps Down

Ric Flair enters wearing a suit.

Ric Flair:

“Tonight is my last night as commissioner of World Championship Wrestling.”

“At The Big Bang, a new man takes the reins. A new era begins.”

“After tonight, Ric Flair is taking a break. I need to get back in the gym, get back into peak condition and once again ride at the top—not as commissioner, but as a wrestler.”

Flair removes his jacket.

“I know this will be my last night in this ring for a while. And if this is our final night on TNT, there is only one man I want to face.”

Flair looks into the camera.

“Stinger…”

“One last time…”

“Can you beat the man?”

WCW United States Championship

Booker T vs. Mystery Challenger

Booker T waits in the ring. Bischoff appears on the stage.

Eric Bischoff:

“Booker, allow me to introduce the first major acquisition of the new World Championship Wrestling.”

The opening riff of Pantera’s “Walk” hits.

Bill Alfonso emerges alone, furiously blowing his whistle. He enters the ring and gets directly into Booker’s face, shouting and pointing at the United States Championship.

Booker pushes him down.

Rob Van Dam races down the aisle.

RVD grabs a steel chair and slides into the ring behind Booker. Van Dam tosses the chair directly into his hands.

Booker instinctively catches it.

Van Daminator

The chair is driven into Booker’s face.

Booker collapses before the match begins.

The referee checks on him and refuses to call for the bell. Alfonso blows his whistle in the referee’s face while Van Dam demands that the match be started.

Bischoff marches down the aisle and grabs the referee by his shirt.

Eric Bischoff:

“I pay your salary, you son of a bitch! Either you start this match right now—or you’ll never referee another match in WCW.”

Booker uses the ropes to pull himself partially upright.

Bischoff points towards the timekeeper.

Eric Bischoff:

“Ring the bell!”

The bell sounds.

Van Dam climbs to the top rope.

Five-Star Frog Splash

One! Two! Three!

Winner and new WCW United States Champion: Rob Van Dam

Alfonso wraps the championship around Van Dam’s waist. RVD places one foot across Booker’s chest and points to himself.

Bischoff applauds from ringside.

Three Championships

Bischoff announces that the new WCW will recognise only three championships:

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

WCW United States Championship

WCW World Tag Team Championship

The Cruiserweight, Cruiserweight Tag Team and Hardcore championships are retired.

Bischoff insists this is not the end of cruiserweight wrestling. Smaller wrestlers will no longer be separated from the rest of the company. Every wrestler can now pursue every championship.

He also makes Sting versus Ric Flair official as the final match on Nitro.

It has no bearing on Sting’s title opportunity. Flair simply wants his greatest rival before stepping away.

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Billy Kidman

Rey Mysterio and Billy Kidman place the Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships in the centre of the ring before competing in one final match as champions.

Their familiarity produces a rapid series of counters. Kidman avoids Rey’s springboard attack and prepares the Shooting Star Press.

Rey moves, but Kidman lands on his feet.

Rey catches him with a springboard hurricanrana and hooks both legs.

One! Two! Three!

Winner: Rey Mysterio Jr.

Kidman accepts Rey’s hand. They embrace before leaving the retired championships in the ring.

A graphic announces Rey Mysterio against new signing AJ Styles at The Big Bang.

The World’s Most Dangerous Man

Ken Shamrock is shown training inside a cage. He throws one opponent with a belly-to-belly suplex before forcing another to submit with the Ankle Lock.

Ken Shamrock:

“I’m not coming to WCW to tell people how dangerous I am.”

“I’m coming to show them.”

“Shane Douglas, at The Big Bang, you’re stepping into my world.”

Douglas responds backstage.

Shane Douglas:

“Ken Shamrock spent his career pretending to be the world’s most dangerous man.”

“I spent mine proving that I am the Franchise wherever I go.”

“At The Big Bang, Shamrock gets his ass Franchised!”

Kevin Nash Says Goodbye

Kevin Nash enters without his usual swagger. He looks around the building before speaking.

Kevin Nash:

“Before I was Diesel-powered, before the nWo, WCW took a chance on me—and my life changed forever.”

“Hulk, Scott and me changed this business right here on Monday nights. For eighty-three weeks, we owned it.”

“Nobody can erase that. Nobody can rewrite it. And nobody can take it away from the men in that locker room or the people who watched us.”

“So, Ted… thank you for giving WCW the chance to become something nobody thought it could be.”

Nash turns towards the camera.

“TNT, thanks for the memories. But don’t mistake this for goodbye.”

He smiles.

“Big Sexy is going wherever WCW goes.”

“Vegas… we’re coming.”

Steve Corino and CW Anderson appear on the screen.

Steve Corino:

“Kevin, everybody has heard enough about what you did five years ago.”

“At The Big Bang, bring a partner—if you can find one who still trusts you.”

Bischoff makes the match official:

Kevin Nash and a mystery partner vs. Steve Corino and CW Anderson

Totally Buffed Implodes

Lex Luger enters with Buff Bagwell.

Lex Luger:

“At Sin, we stood together and defeated Goldberg. Now we’re going to The Big Bang—and Totally Buffed is coming to take over the new WCW.”

Bagwell takes the microphone.

Buff Bagwell:

“You’re right, Lex. We survived.”

Buff looks at Luger.

“But I’m tired of carrying you.”

Bagwell suddenly sucker-punches Luger. He drives him into the turnbuckles, stomps him down and climbs to the middle rope.

Blockbuster

Bagwell stands over Luger and flexes.

Buff Bagwell:

“The new WCW doesn’t need the Total Package.”

“It’s already got the Stuff!”

The Wall vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

Bigelow controls the opening stages and attempts Greetings from Asbury Park.

The Wall escapes.

Bigelow charges.

Chokeslam

One! Two! Three!

Winner: The Wall

The Wall stands over Bigelow before leaving without explanation.

The Sandman Calls Out Goldberg

The sound of a Singapore cane striking concrete introduces a dark video.

The Sandman steps into view, opens a beer against his forehead and raises the cane.

The Sandman:

“Goldberg…”

“Everybody wants to know who’s next.”

“May 6—it’s me.”

Goldberg watches from backstage.

Goldberg:

“Sandman…”

“You’re next.”

WCW World Tag Team Championship

Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo vs. Lance Storm and Mike Awesome

O’Haire and Palumbo use their athleticism to control the match. Palumbo catches Awesome with the Jungle Kick, but Storm breaks the pin.

O’Haire climbs for the Seanton Bomb. Storm pulls Awesome out of danger.

O’Haire crashes into the canvas.

Palumbo knocks Storm from the apron but turns into an Awesome Bomb.

One! Two! Three!

Winners and new WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome

Storm and Awesome carry the championships into The Big Bang. O’Haire and Palumbo are granted their rematch.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Dustin Rhodes

Dustin survives the Stroke and nearly wins with the Bulldog.

Jarrett brings his guitar into the ring. While the referee removes it, Jarrett catches Dustin with a low blow.

The Stroke

One! Two! Three!

Winner: Jeff Jarrett

Jarrett retrieves the guitar and prepares to strike Dustin after the bell.

Diamond Dallas Page races through the crowd.

Jarrett turns—

Diamond Cutter

DDP stands over Jarrett and signals that they will meet at The Big Bang.

Sting vs. Ric Flair

Ric Flair enters for his final match as commissioner and his last match before taking a break from wrestling.

Sting follows.

The two men meet in the centre of the ring and exchange a respectful nod before locking up.

Flair lands his familiar chops and targets Sting’s leg. Sting responds with a press slam and a succession of clotheslines.

Flair applies the Figure Four.

Sting reverses the pressure and forces Flair to release the hold.

Flair climbs to the top rope, but Sting catches him and drives him to the canvas.

Flair staggers into the corner.

Stinger Splash

Sting delivers a second Stinger Splash before pulling Flair into the centre.

Scorpion Deathlock

Flair struggles towards the ropes, but Sting sits deeper into the hold.

Flair submits.

Winner: Sting

Sting immediately releases the hold and helps Flair to his feet.

They shake hands and embrace.

Tony Schiavone:

“For Ric Flair, for Sting, and for every man and woman who made World Championship Wrestling what it became—thank you, TNT.”

“This era is over. But WCW lives.”

WCW The Big Bang

6 May 2001

The Joint — Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Attendance: 2,050 — Sellout

Pay-Per-View Buys: 105,000

A video traces WCW’s history from Ric Flair and Sting through Monday Nitro, Goldberg and the nWo. The images begin to burn away.

A new WCW logo emerges from the smoke.

Pyro erupts throughout The Joint.

Tony Schiavone welcomes viewers alongside Jerry Lawler and Mike Tenay.

The New Commissioner

Eric Bischoff enters the ring and says WCW needs someone who understands what the company was—and what it must become.

He introduces Arn Anderson as the new commissioner of World Championship Wrestling.

Anderson walks onto the stage and enters the ring to a huge reaction.

Arn Anderson:

“I’ve given too much blood, too much sweat and too many years to this company to watch it lose its way again.”

“My job isn’t to make friends. My job is to make sure WCW is the shining light at the top of this sport.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re an immortal legend or you walked through that door this morning.”

“When you come to WCW, be ready for a fight.”

Anderson shakes Bischoff’s hand.

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. AJ Styles

AJ Styles makes his first major WCW appearance against Rey Mysterio Jr.

Styles catches a springboard crossbody and drops Rey across his knee. Rey responds with a headscissors to the floor, followed by a dive over the ropes.

Back inside, Styles catches Rey during another springboard attack.

Styles Clash

One! Two! Rey kicks out!

Styles attempts another Styles Clash.

Rey escapes, sweeps Styles’ legs and drives both feet into his chest with a double stomp.

Styles rolls towards the centre. Rey steps onto the apron.

Rey springboards into a hurricanrana and hooks both legs as they land.

One! Two! Three!

Winner: Rey Mysterio Jr.

Styles accepts Rey’s handshake after pushing him to the limit.

Lex Luger vs. Buff Bagwell

Bagwell repeatedly leaves the ring whenever Luger approaches. Luger eventually catches Buff and takes control with clotheslines and a powerslam.

Bagwell climbs to the middle rope and attempts the Blockbuster.

Luger moves.

Buff crashes and burns.

Luger lifts Bagwell onto his shoulders.

Torture Rack

Bagwell struggles before raking Luger’s eyes.

Bagwell pushes the referee out of position and delivers a low blow.

Luger drops to his knees.

Buff climbs back onto the middle rope.

Blockbuster

One! Two! Three!

Winner: Buff Bagwell

Ken Shamrock vs. Shane Douglas

Douglas repeatedly retreats into the ropes whenever Shamrock attempts to grapple with him.

Shamrock finally catches Douglas and throws him across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex.

Douglas rolls outside. Shamrock follows, but Douglas quickly returns to the ring. As Shamrock steps through the ropes, Douglas dropkicks him directly in the knee.

Douglas works the injured leg and traps Shamrock in the Figure Four. Shamrock fights through the pain and reaches the ropes.

Douglas attempts another Figure Four.

Shamrock kicks him away.

Both men return to their feet and trade strikes. Douglas appears to gain control, but Shamrock suddenly catches him with a hurricanrana.

One! Two! No!

Douglas retrieves a steel chain from his trunks. He wraps it around his fist and swings.

Shamrock ducks.

Douglas turns around.

Ankle Lock

Douglas drops the chain and reaches for the ropes. Shamrock drags him into the centre and twists the ankle further.

Douglas submits.

Winner: Ken Shamrock

WCW World Tag Team Championship

Lance Storm and Mike Awesome vs. Sean O’Haire and Chuck Palumbo

O’Haire and Palumbo overwhelm the champions during the opening stages.

O’Haire climbs to the top rope.

Seanton Bomb

O’Haire lands across Storm.

One! Two!

A large man pulls the referee from the ring.

It is Carl Ouellet, wearing a Team Canada jacket.

Palumbo attacks Ouellet, but Ouellet drives him into the ring post. O’Haire dives over the ropes and knocks Ouellet down.

As O’Haire returns to the ring, Storm catches him with a superkick.

Awesome pulls O’Haire up.

Awesome Bomb

One! Two! Three!

Winners and still WCW World Tag Team Champions: Lance Storm and Mike Awesome

Ouellet joins the champions beneath the Canadian flag, revealing himself as the newest member of Team Canada.

Kevin Nash and a Mystery Partner vs. Steve Corino and CW Anderson

Kevin Nash enters first and waits in the ring.

The familiar opening of the nWo theme plays.

Scott Hall walks onto the stage and spreads his arms.

Scott Hall:

“Hey, yo.”

The Outsiders are reunited.

Hall and Nash control the opening stages before Corino and Anderson isolate Hall.

Hall finally catches Corino with a clothesline and reaches Nash.

Nash overwhelms both opponents. Anderson attacks Nash’s knee, but Hall enters and sends him over the top rope.

Corino charges at Hall.

Hall lifts him onto his shoulders.

Outsider’s Edge

Before Hall can deliver it, Barry Windham enters through the crowd.

Windham slides into the ring while the referee is occupied with Nash and Anderson at ringside. He pulls Corino from Hall’s grip.

Hall turns around.

Leaping DDT

Windham plants Hall before slipping back through the ropes.

Corino crawls across Hall and hooks the leg.

One! Two! Three!

Winners: Steve Corino and CW Anderson

Nash enters moments too late as Windham retreats through the crowd.

WCW United States Championship

Rob Van Dam vs. Booker T

Booker attacks Van Dam as soon as the bell rings, driving him into the corner before clotheslining him over the top rope.

RVD attempts to regroup with Alfonso, but Booker follows and throws him into the guardrail. Alfonso blows his whistle in Booker’s face, allowing Van Dam to catch him with a spinning heel kick.

Back inside, RVD lands a split-legged moonsault followed by Rolling Thunder.

One! Two! Booker kicks out.

Van Dam prepares the Van Daminator, but Booker throws the chair aside and catches him with a spinebuster.

Booker follows with the Scissors Kick and Spinaroonie.

Book End

One! Two!

Bill Alfonso drags the referee out of the ring.

Booker reaches through the ropes and grabs Alfonso. With the referee down, The Wall enters through the crowd.

Booker turns around.

Chokeslam

The Wall drives Booker into the canvas and leaves through the crowd.

As the referee recovers, Van Dam slowly climbs to the top rope.

Five-Star Frog Splash

One! Two! Three!

Winner and still WCW United States Champion: Rob Van Dam

Booker has now been robbed of the United States Championship twice.

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Jeff Jarrett

Jarrett targets Page’s shoulder throughout the match, trying to take away the Diamond Cutter.

Jarrett delivers a superplex.

One! Two! Page kicks out.

DDP recovers and delivers a sit-out powerbomb.

One! Two! Jarrett kicks out.

Page signals for the Diamond Cutter. Jarrett pushes him away and catches him with a low blow while blocking the referee’s view.

The Stroke

One! Two! DDP kicks out!

Jarrett retrieves his guitar.

The referee grabs it and pulls it away.

Jarrett releases the guitar and turns towards Page.

Diamond Cutter

One! Two! Three!

Winner: Diamond Dallas Page

Goldberg vs. The Sandman

The lights dim as “Enter Sandman” plays.

The Sandman enters through the crowd, drinking beer and swinging his Singapore cane.

Goldberg receives his traditional entrance from his dressing room. He marches through the pyro and enters the ring.

Before the bell, Sandman attacks with the cane.

The first shot staggers Goldberg.

A second drives him against the ropes.

Sandman raises the cane and strikes Goldberg across the head.

Goldberg remains standing.

Sandman swings again.

Spear

Goldberg nearly drives him through the canvas.

Goldberg pulls Sandman up.

Jackhammer

One! Two! Three!

Winner: Goldberg

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Scott Steiner vs. Sting

Scott Steiner enters with Midajah and the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Sting follows to the strongest reaction of the night.

Steiner immediately overpowers Sting and throws him across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex.

Sting rises and challenges him to do it again.

Steiner delivers another.

Sting gets back up.

Steiner attempts a third, but Sting blocks it and fires back with rapid punches. He clotheslines Steiner over the top rope and follows him to the floor.

Steiner catches Sting and drives him back-first into the ring post.

Back inside, Steiner delivers a double-underhook powerbomb.

One! Two! Sting kicks out.

Steiner drops the elbow and performs several push-ups beside him.

Steiner Recliner

Sting begins fading, but the crowd brings him back to life. He forces himself onto his knees and reaches the ropes.

Steiner refuses to release the hold until the referee threatens to disqualify him.

Steiner attempts another belly-to-belly. Sting blocks it and responds with punches and clotheslines before lifting Steiner for a scoop slam.

Steiner retreats into the corner.

Stinger Splash

Sting crosses the ring and delivers a second.

Steiner staggers forward but suddenly catches Sting with another belly-to-belly suplex.

One! Two! Sting kicks out!

Steiner immediately reapplies the Steiner Recliner.

Sting again begins fading. He forces himself onto his knees and fights towards the ropes.

Steiner drags him back towards the centre, but Sting makes one final lunge and catches the bottom rope.

The referee forces Steiner to release the hold.

Steiner pulls Sting up and attempts a German suplex.

Sting flips over Steiner and lands on his feet behind him.

Scorpion Death Drop

One! Two! Steiner kicks out!

Sting pulls Steiner upright and delivers a second Scorpion Death Drop.

Steiner instinctively rolls beneath the bottom rope before Sting can cover him.

Sting follows and drags the champion back inside.

Steiner struggles onto his knees, refusing to remain down.

Sting pulls him to his feet one final time.

Third Scorpion Death Drop

One! Two! Three!

Winner and new WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

Sting is presented with the championship as pyro erupts throughout the Hard Rock Hotel.

Tony Schiavone:

“World Championship Wrestling has survived.”

“After everything this company has endured, the man who has always represented it stands on top once again.”

The first volume of WCW Reborn ends with Sting holding the World Heavyweight Championship above his head.

WCW/New Japan Supershow I

Starrcade in Tokyo Dome

Thursday, March 21, 1991

Tokyo Dome — Tokyo, Japan

Attendance: 55,000 — Sell Out

Estimated North American PPV buys: 185,000

The event is presented as a standalone international showcase, bringing WCW’s leading wrestlers together with the finest competitors in New Japan.

Brian Pillman, Tom Zenk and Bobby Eaton

vs.

Shiro Koshinaka, Kuniaki Kobayashi and Takayuki Iizuka

Pillman and Eaton receive an enthusiastic response, but the New Japan team eventually isolate Zenk.

Iizuka catches him with a Bridging German Suplex.

Winners: Koshinaka, Kobayashi and Iizuka by pinfall.

Time: 12:10

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

Jushin Thunder Liger (c) vs. Akira Nogami

Nogami repeatedly counters Liger’s aerial offence in a fast technical contest.

Liger eventually catches him on the top rope and delivers an Avalanche DDT.

Winner and still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion: Jushin Thunder Liger.

Time: 16:08

Sid Vicious and Scott Norton

vs.

The Equalizer and Butch Reed

The Japanese audience immediately responds to the extraordinary power of Sid and Norton.

Norton and Reed begin with a stiff exchange of Shoulder Blocks. Neither man gives ground until Norton finally drops Reed with a Powerslam.

The Equalizer attacks Norton from behind, allowing Reed and Equalizer to isolate him with frequent tags and heavy double-team offence.

Norton eventually fights free and reaches Sid.

Sid enters with explosive Clotheslines, overwhelming both opponents. Reed attempts to intervene, but Norton tackles him through the ropes.

The Equalizer charges at Sid with a Clothesline.

Sid absorbs the impact and remains standing.

The Equalizer tries again, but Sid kicks him in the gut and catches him.

Powerbomb.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: Sid Vicious and Scott Norton by pinfall.

Time: 9:28

After the match, Norton and Sid briefly stare at one another before exchanging a respectful nod.

For one night in Tokyo, they have been professional wrestling’s most powerful team.

El Gigante vs. Big Kev

Big Kev attacks before the bell and initially refuses to be intimidated by WCW’s new giant.

Gigante absorbs his offence, knocks him down with a Clothesline and forces him to submit with the Claw.

Winner: El Gigante by submission.

Time: 3:41

For the first time, Big Kev has been physically overwhelmed.

WCW World Tag Team Champions

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson

vs.

Masa Saito and Masahiro Chono

Flair and Anderson’s experience as a team is tested by Saito’s power and Chono’s technical ability.

Chono traps Flair in the STF, but Anderson breaks the hold. Saito attempts the Saito Suplex, only for Anderson to escape and plant him with the DDT.

Winners: Ric Flair and Arn Anderson by pinfall.

Time: 13:24

The WCW champions secure an important international victory.

Riki Choshu and Shinya Hashimoto

vs.

Big Van Vader and Dan Spivey

Vader and Spivey attempt to overwhelm their opponents through size and power.

Hashimoto withstands Spivey’s attack and answers with brutal kicks. Vader enters and trades heavy strikes with Choshu as the match breaks down.

Vader and Choshu fight outside while Hashimoto catches Spivey with a DDT inside the ring.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: Riki Choshu and Shinya Hashimoto by pinfall.

Time: 14:37

Spivey takes the fall, protecting Vader while giving New Japan a major victory.

IWGP Tag Team Championship

Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki (c)

vs.

The Steiner Brothers

The match develops into an outstanding combination of amateur wrestling, Suplexes and raw power.

Hase and Sasaki push the Steiners further than any team has since they lost the WCW championships.

Sasaki attempts a Lariat, but Scott ducks and catches him with the Frankensteiner.

Winners and new IWGP Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers.

Time: 16:42

Rick and Scott Steiner leave Japan with international championship gold.

Sting vs. The Great Muta

Muta targets Sting’s legs and repeatedly prevents the World champion from building momentum.

Muta attempts the Moonsault, but Sting moves. Muta crashes into the canvas and rises in the opposite corner.

Stinger Splash.

Sting follows with a Diving Splash from the top rope.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Sting by pinfall.

Time: 15:11

Sting earns a major victory over one of Japan’s most dangerous stars.

Main Event

Barry Windham vs. Tatsumi Fujinami

Windham’s size and athleticism allow him to compete evenly with the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

Windham connects with the Superplex, but Fujinami gets his shoulder up before three.

Windham attempts a Back Suplex, but Fujinami fights free and traps him in the Dragon Sleeper.

Windham struggles toward the ropes before finally submitting.

Winner: Tatsumi Fujinami by submission.

Time: 24:36

Fujinami offers his hand after the match.

Windham accepts, having taken the IWGP Heavyweight Champion to his limit.

Results

Koshinaka, Kobayashi and Iizuka def. Pillman, Zenk and Eaton

Jushin Thunder Liger def. Akira Nogami

Sid Vicious and Scott Norton def. the Equalizer and Butch Reed

El Gigante def. Big Kev

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson def. Masa Saito and Masahiro Chono

Riki Choshu and Shinya Hashimoto def. Vader and Dan Spivey

The Steiner Brothers def. Hase and Sasaki to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship

Sting def. the Great Muta

Tatsumi Fujinami def. Barry Windham

​

WCW Platinum Era Vol. 2

WrestleWar ’91

Sunday, February 24, 1991

Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum — Phoenix, Arizona

WCW Preview

Following a successful Clash of the Champions in Philadelphia, WCW takes the Platinum Era west for WrestleWar ’91.

There will be no WarGames match. Instead, every championship will be defended as WCW’s leading rivalries reach the ring.

Champions

WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

WCW United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

WCW World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

WCW World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff

The Landscape

Big Van Vader has ended his war with Stan Hansen and now challenges Sting for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Dan Spivey has reunited with Teddy Long and intends to take Lex Luger’s United States Championship inside a steel cage.

Doom has collapsed, leaving Ron Simmons and Butch Reed on a collision course. Ric Flair and Arn Anderson have earned their opportunity against the Steiner Brothers, while Brian Pillman refuses to fear Sid Vicious.

Backstage Notes

Diamond Dallas Page has signed with WCW as a manager.

Scott Hall and Matt Borne have also signed, although their television roles have not been revealed.

Vader Time

Jim Ross names Big Van Vader the new Number One Contender following his victory over Stan Hansen at the Clash.

Sting and Vader produce several decisive television victories.

Big Van Vader:

> “Sting, the time is now! The end is near! It’s my time—it’s Vader Time!

You bring the title. I’ll bring the pain.”

Sting:

> “Vader… Vader may be the most imposing monster professional wrestling has ever seen.

You bring the pain, big man—because at WrestleWar, it’s showtime for you!”

The Original Skyscraper Returns

Dan Spivey reunites with his former Skyscrapers manager, Teddy Long.

With Lex Luger absent following the attack at the Clash, Spivey looks unstoppable on television. His Spike Slam quickly becomes one of WCW’s most feared moves.

Teddy Long:

> “Luger, my original Skyscraper is back in the family! Dan Spivey left you lying at Clash of the Champions.

He’s been working with my brother Butch Reed. We’ve got this thing down—and Danny wants that title.”

Dan Spivey:

> “Lex Luger, this is my time.

First you—then Sting.”

To prevent another count-out, the United States Championship rematch will take place inside a steel cage. The match can only be won by pinfall or submission.

Doom Goes to the Street

Teddy Long and Butch Reed address Ron Simmons.

Teddy Long:

> “Ron, you had your chances, homie. Now it’s time you learned your lesson.

Butch is going to take you to the streets—and toe-to-toe, you’ll never defeat this man.”

Butch Reed:

> “Ron, you were my brother. Now you’re my boy.

Step up, because this man is going to knock you down.”

WCW signs Simmons and Reed for a Come as You Are Street Fight.

Pillman Refuses to Fear Sid

Sid Vicious destroys Junkyard Dog, Powerbombing the 310-pound veteran for the victory.

Tommy Rich attempts to intervene but receives a Powerbomb of his own.

Brian Pillman races out with a steel chair, launches himself from the top rope and buckles it across Sid’s head. Pillman dives through the ropes and continues attacking him on the floor.

Security intervenes as a bloodied Sid rises, still attempting to reach Pillman.

The following week, Sid defeats Tom Zenk and delivers another Powerbomb after the bell.

Pillman charges out again, but Sid catches his springboard attack with a Chokeslam. Sid prepares to Powerbomb Pillman on the concrete until the face locker room empties and forces him back.

At WrestleWar, Pillman must face Sid alone.

The Championship Rivalries Collide

Flair, Anderson and the Steiner Brothers continue producing impressive television victories.

One week before WrestleWar:

The Steiner Brothers and Bobby Eaton

vs.

Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Big Kev

The match marks Big Kev’s in-ring debut.

It ends by disqualification when Paul Orndorff attacks Eaton.

Winners by disqualification: The Steiner Brothers and Bobby Eaton

Orndorff and Kev attack Eaton while Flair and Anderson brawl with the Steiners.

Because Kev prevented Eaton from winning at the Clash, he will be locked inside a shark cage at ringside during their WrestleWar rematch.

Cactus Jack Wants the Real Terry Funk

Following the Clash, Terry Funk turns face and praises the new generation represented by Lex Luger and Sting. Funk admits that he has never been tested the way those two men tested him.

Cactus Jack suddenly attacks Funk and delivers an Elbow Drop from the apron onto the concrete floor.

One week later, Cactus explains himself.

Cactus Jack:

> “Terry Funk—my hero, my idol, my God.

Gods don’t admit defeat, Terry. Gods don’t concede.

You terrorised the world, and now you’ve become soft.

I didn’t attack you to end you. I attacked you to start you up—to bring back my Terry Funk.

At WrestleWar, bring my Terry Funk to the ring—or be retired, you old bastard.

Bang! Bang!”

Alexandra York Reveals Her New Man

Dustin Rhodes teams with Terry Taylor against the Fabulous Freebirds.

Alexandra York unexpectedly appears at ringside as the Freebirds isolate Dustin. When Dustin finally attempts the hot tag, Taylor strikes him with York’s computer.

Jimmy Garvin covers Dustin for the victory.

Taylor and the Freebirds continue attacking until the Young Pistols make the save.

The following week, York introduces Taylor as her new Computerised Man of the ’90s: Terrence Taylor.

Two matches are signed:

Dustin Rhodes vs. Terrence Taylor

The Young Pistols vs. The Fabulous Freebirds

Everything is set for WrestleWar ’91.

WrestleWar ’91

Sunday, February 24, 1991

Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum — Phoenix, Arizona

Attendance: 13,750 — Sell Out

Estimated PPV buys: 315,000

Estimated buy rate: 1.88

The Young Pistols vs. The Fabulous Freebirds

The Freebirds isolate Steve Armstrong until he escapes Hayes and reaches Tracy Smothers.

Smothers overwhelms both Freebirds until Diamond Dallas Page appears and climbs onto the apron, distracting the referee.

The Diamond Studd emerges from beneath the ring and strikes Smothers with a large diamond ring.

Hayes makes the cover.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners: The Fabulous Freebirds by pinfall.

Time: 9:18

DDP joins the Diamond Studd at ringside.

Scott Hall has arrived in WCW under the guidance of Diamond Dallas Page.

Dustin Rhodes vs. Terrence Taylor

With Alexandra York

Taylor uses York’s computer analysis to anticipate Dustin’s offence and repeatedly targets his back.

As York distracts the referee, Taylor grabs the computer and attempts to strike Dustin.

Dustin takes it from him and smashes Taylor across the face.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Dustin Rhodes by pinfall.

Time: 8:46

Dustin Rhodes has defeated York’s Computerised Man of the ’90s.

Brian Pillman vs. Sid Vicious

Pillman attacks with speed, Dropkicks and aerial offence, but Sid eventually catches him coming from the ropes.

Chokeslam.

Powerbomb.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Sid Vicious by pinfall.

Time: 8:11

Sid lifts a limp Pillman into position for another Powerbomb.

Barry Windham charges into the ring and Clotheslines Sid over the top rope.

Sid is irate on the floor but does not re-enter the ring to confront Windham. Barry stands protectively over Pillman as Vicious retreats.

Terry Funk vs. Cactus Jack

Cactus smiles as Funk punches him, demanding that his hero show greater violence.

Funk obliges.

The fight spills around ringside as both men use chairs, tables and the barricade. Funk Piledrives Cactus inside the ring, but Cactus somehow kicks out.

The fight returns to the floor and continues through the referee’s ten-count.

Result: Double count-out.

Time: 12:32

Neither man stops fighting. Officials struggle to separate them as Cactus laughs through a bloodied mouth.

Cactus has brought back the Terry Funk he wanted.

Come as You Are Street Fight

Ron Simmons vs. Butch Reed

With Teddy Long

Simmons arrives in jeans and boots carrying the same leather strap Teddy used against him.

The fight begins in the aisle and spreads around ringside. Teddy repeatedly interferes until Simmons drags him into the ring and whips him with the strap.

Reed attacks from behind and hits a Piledriver.

Reed comes off the middle rope, but Simmons catches him and drives him into the canvas with the Spinebuster.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner: Ron Simmons by pinfall.

Time: 11:27

Simmons stands over Reed and Teddy before leaving alone.

Doom is over.

Ron Simmons is moving forward.

WCW World Television Championship

Paul Orndorff (c) vs. Bobby Eaton

Big Kev Locked in a Shark Cage at Ringside

With Big Kev locked inside the cage, Orndorff is forced to defend the championship alone.

Orndorff controls Eaton’s neck and prepares the Piledriver. Eaton counters with a Backdrop before connecting with the Alabama Jam.

One…

Two…

Big Kev rips the door from the shark cage and charges into the ring, attacking Eaton before the referee can complete the count.

Winner: Bobby Eaton by disqualification.

Time: 12:04

Still WCW World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff

Kev and Orndorff attack Eaton until El Gigante makes his PPV debut.

The giant steps over the top rope and confronts them. Even Big Kev refuses to engage with the larger man.

Orndorff and Kev retreat as El Gigante helps Eaton to his feet.

WCW United States Heavyweight Championship

Steel Cage Match

Lex Luger (c) vs. Dan Spivey

With Teddy Long

The cage door is locked. The match can only be won by pinfall or submission.

Spivey dominates much of the contest by attacking the back he injured at the Clash. Luger survives the Spike Slam and fights back, driving Spivey repeatedly into the steel.

Late in the match, Luger climbs to the top rope while Spivey remains standing on the canvas.

Spivey grabs Luger and attempts to slam him from the top. Luger shifts his weight, rolls through and traps Spivey in a Small Package.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner and still WCW United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger by pinfall.

Time: 15:38

Luger has avenged his count-out defeat at the Clash and retained the championship.

WCW World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. Ric Flair and Arn Anderson

The Steiners control the opening stages with their power and amateur wrestling.

Flair and Anderson eventually isolate Rick and wear him down. Rick survives long enough to reach Scott, who receives the hot tag and overwhelms both challengers with Suplexes.

Scott catches Flair with the Frankensteiner.

At ringside, Larry Zbyszko suddenly appears and strikes Rick across the back with a wooden chair.

Scott turns toward the commotion, momentarily forgetting that Anderson is the legal man.

DDT.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winners and new WCW World Tag Team Champions: Ric Flair and Arn Anderson by pinfall.

Time: 18:16

Zbyszko joins Flair and Anderson as they leave with the championships.

The Horsemen once again hold gold—and the Living Legend has revealed where his loyalties lie.

Main Event

WCW World Heavyweight Championship

Sting (c) vs. Big Van Vader

Vader starts strongly, hammering Sting from corner to corner and overwhelming him with tremendous displays of power.

Sting works desperately to fight back with a rapid flurry as the match becomes increasingly competitive.

Sting attempts the Scorpion Deathlock, but Vader kicks him away. Sting collides with the referee, knocking him to the canvas.

Vader capitalises with a powerful Scoop Slam followed by the Big Splash.

The referee slowly recovers.

One…

Two…

Sting kicks out!

Vader climbs to the top rope but misses a Diving Splash.

Sting climbs the opposite corner and connects with a Diving Splash of his own.

One…

Two…

Three.

Winner and still WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Sting by pinfall.

Time: 22:36

Sting has survived the most physically imposing challenger of his championship reign.

The delayed count leaves Vader believing the World title should have been his.

Results

The Fabulous Freebirds def. the Young Pistols

Dustin Rhodes def. Terrence Taylor

Sid Vicious def. Brian Pillman

Terry Funk and Cactus Jack fight to a double count-out

Ron Simmons def. Butch Reed

Bobby Eaton def. Paul Orndorff by disqualification; Orndorff retains

Lex Luger def. Dan Spivey to retain the WCW United States Championship

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson def. the Steiner Brothers to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship

Sting def. Big Van Vader to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship

WCW Platinum Era Vol. 1

Clash of the Champions XIV

Wednesday, January 30, 1991

Philadelphia Civic Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

WCW Preview

WCW enters 1991 with greater momentum than at any point in the Turner era.

The NWA remains part of the company’s heritage, but its branding is gradually reduced as World Championship Wrestling establishes its own identity.

Champions

WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

WCW United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

WCW World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

WCW World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff

The Landscape

Sting begins the Platinum Era as WCW’s standard-bearer.

Lex Luger remains a former World champion and reigning United States champion, while Sid Vicious has emerged as WCW’s most frightening future champion.

Barry Windham’s victory over Ric Flair has established him as a World-title prospect. Flair and Arn Anderson have now turned their attention toward the tag-team division.

Ron Simmons is beginning to outgrow Doom, Brian Pillman represents WCW’s next generation, and Vader and Stan Hansen have one final encounter remaining.

Backstage Notes

The Nasty Boys and Michael Wallstreet have left WCW.

Dustin Rhodes will make his debut at the Clash. Dusty Rhodes will also join WCW’s existing creative team.

With Wallstreet gone, Alexandra York is searching for a new computer-selected man of the future.

The Southern Boys have been rebranded as the Young Pistols.

A New Era

Jim Ross opens the first WCW television broadcast of 1991.

Jim Ross:

“The tradition represented by the NWA has meant everything to professional wrestling for nearly ninety years.

That legacy will continue to live through World Championship Wrestling—but WCW is the name that is going to take professional wrestling into the future.”

Doom Is Divided

Ron Simmons returns from suspension and calls out Butch Reed and Teddy Long.

Ron Simmons:

“Since Butch and I got suspended, I haven’t spoken with him or Teddy. They won’t answer my calls.

Now my suspension has been lifted, I’m back—and I want Teddy and Butch to come out here. I know they’re in the building.”

Nobody appears.

“Well, I’m going to that ring now—and I’m making my statement for 1991.”

Simmons destroys Rip Rogers in twenty seconds with a Spinebuster.

The following week, Simmons defeats Moondog Rex in forty-five seconds. Reed then sucker-punches him while Teddy Long whips Simmons with a leather belt.

One week later, Reed and Long explain themselves.

Teddy Long:

“The suspension of Doom was unjust and unfair, homie. The Nasty Boys got out of hand, and Doom had to deal with them street fashion, if you know what I’m saying.

But while we were gone, we got time to reflect.”

Butch Reed:

“Ron Simmons was beginning to feel he was bigger than Doom—playing to the cheers, playing for the fans.

This is all about business for Butch Reed and Teddy Long.”

Teddy Long:

“Ron, you embarrassed us by playing into the corporate machine, boy. So last week, we reminded you what it felt like to be under ‘The Man’—and I handed out the whipping myself, son.”

Butch Reed:

“If you want to man up and accept that whipping as an act of tough love, then get out here and rejoin your team. We’ll forgive you.”

Simmons charges into the ring swinging a leather strap. Reed and Long retreat through the crowd.

Doom is finished.

Flair and Anderson Enter the Tag-Team Division

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson win for three consecutive weeks before receiving a major opportunity at the Clash.

Ric Flair:

“Everybody wants to know what’s next for the Nature Boy.

Next? The Nature Boy is only getting started! It’s only been sixteen years since I first started styling and profiling—and the Nature Boy has plenty more left.

Now take a look beside me: the Enforcer, Arn Anderson.

It’s time to put some new gold around our waists.

The Steiner Brothers are young, they’re strong and they’re explosive. But they have never faced two men who understand championship wrestling like the Horsemen.

Rick and Scott, you’re looking at the greatest wrestler alive—and the toughest partner any man could have. Wooo!”

Arn Anderson:

“The Steiners have built their reputation by overpowering people. Ric and I don’t have to overpower you—we only have to outthink you.

Every team has a weakness. Give us enough time, and we’ll find it.”

Flair:

“Diamonds are forever—but Ric Flair and the Horsemen are eternal!”

Anderson:

“Steiners, things are just about to get interesting.”

Flair and Anderson will face the Young Pistols. The winners receive a championship match against the winners of the Steiners versus Freebirds.

Sid Vicious Goes on a Rampage

Sid destroys everyone placed before him on television.

Powerbomb. Pinfall.

Brian Pillman returns and attacks Sid after another victory. Tom Zenk joins him, but even together they cannot put Sid down.

A handicap match is signed for the Clash.

Sid Vicious:

“I don’t want to hear any more about Starrcade, you hear me? I had the champion pinned—down and out! The refereeing failed at Starrcade, not Sid Vicious!”

“Pillman, you should have stayed down when I put you there. And Zenk, you are on a suicide mission.”

“You think two against one gives you guys a chance?”

Sid laughs.

“If you came with all your friends and all your families, armed with machine guns, the end would still be the same…”

“Powerbomb!”

“For I am Sid Vicious—and I rule the world!”

The Living Legend Returns

Larry Zbyszko returns and targets Barry Windham.

Larry Zbyszko:

“Barry Windham, allow the Living Legend to congratulate you.

At Starrcade, you defeated Ric Flair. You finally stepped out of everybody else’s shadow and proved that you might deserve to stand among the greats.

But while you’ve been trying to become a legend, I’ve already spent years living as one. I showed the world I was the best when I hospitalised the real World Champion, Bruno Sammartino, up in New York.

I’ve returned to WCW because this is where the real World Champion can now be found—and taking your momentum will provide a nice jump-start for me.”

Barry Windham:

“Larry Zbyszko—the Living Legend. Legendary for what? One chair shot in 1980?”

“I didn’t need to prove anything at Starrcade. I’ve been proving myself since I was paying my dues in Florida as a teenager.

Only the World Heavyweight Championship has eluded me.

I’ve defeated Lex Luger, Arn Anderson, Harley Race, Don Muraco, Dusty Rhodes and the Iron Sheik.

Larry Zbyszko—you’re next.”

Vader and Hansen: One Final Encounter

Texas Death could not settle it.

A steel cage could not settle it.

Vader and Hansen will now be tied together in a Texas Bullrope Match. The only way to win is to drag the opponent around the ring and touch all four top turnbuckle pads consecutively. If the sequence is interrupted, both men must begin again.

Big Van Vader:

“Hansen! Hansen! The end is here for you—and the end is called Vader! Big… Van… Vader!”

Stan Hansen:

“Vader, you big, smelly son of a gun! Monsters come and monsters go. Stan Hansen remains—and the Lariat steals the show!”

Dan Spivey Returns from Japan

Lex Luger appears on The Joe Franklin Show.

Joe Franklin:

“Lex, you’ve already held the World Heavyweight Championship. Does carrying the United States title mean that you still intend to regain the World championship?”

Lex Luger:

“Absolutely. I’ve already proved that I can become World Heavyweight Champion. My buddy Sting is running with that title. The United States champion takes on all comers.”

Dan Spivey storms onto the set and attacks Luger from behind.

Dan Spivey:

“You said the United States champion takes on all comers.

Well, I’ve just come back from Japan, where I’ve been fighting the toughest men in the world.

I didn’t come back to WCW to stand in line, Luger. I came back to go straight through you!”

Good Is Not Wonderful

Television Champion Paul Orndorff continues winning with Big Kev at ringside.

Bobby Eaton’s strong run following his face turn earns him a championship match.

Paul Orndorff:

“Bobby Eaton, everybody wants to talk about how well you’ve been doing since you turned your back on the Midnight Express.

But beating a few nobodies on television doesn’t make you ‘Mr. Wonderful,’ and it certainly doesn’t make you the Television champion.

At the Clash, you’re going to find out why this championship belongs around my waist—and why having Big Kev beside me makes Paul Orndorff untouchable.

Bobby, you’re good—but good doesn’t compare to wonderful.”

Everything is set for the first Clash of the Platinum Era.

Clash of the Champions XIV

Wednesday, January 30, 1991

Philadelphia Civic Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Attendance: 9,600 — Sell Out

Television Rating: 5.1

Sting vs. Terry Funk

Non-Title Match

Funk immediately turns the match into a fight, attacking Sting’s knee whenever the referee’s back is turned.

Funk evades the Stinger Splash and sets Sting for the Piledriver. Sting sweeps his legs and applies the Scorpion Deathlock.

Funk fights toward the ropes but eventually submits.

Winner: Sting by submission.

Time: 12:44

Funk initially refuses Sting’s offered handshake but turns back and gives the World champion a reluctant nod.

Dustin Rhodes vs. Joe Cazana

Dustin displays impressive composure in his WCW debut before planting Cazana with a running Bulldog.

Winner: Dustin Rhodes by pinfall.

Time: 4:06

After the match, Alexandra York offers to make Dustin her new computer-selected man of the future.

Dustin refuses and walks away.

York’s search continues.

Handicap Match

Sid Vicious vs. Brian Pillman and Tom Zenk

Pillman and Zenk use their speed to stagger Sid with consecutive Dropkicks.

Sid catches Pillman’s springboard attack with a Backbreaker. Zenk receives the hot tag, but Sid hurls him into Pillman, causing their heads to collide.

With Pillman on the floor, Sid Powerbombs Zenk.

Winner: Sid Vicious by pinfall.

Time: 5:42

Pillman attacks after the bell. Sid prepares another Powerbomb, but a wall of security separates them.

Barry Windham vs. Larry Zbyszko

Zbyszko repeatedly leaves the ring before catching Windham on his return and systematically attacking his arm.

Zbyszko attempts a roll-up with his feet on the ropes, but the referee catches him. As Zbyszko argues, Windham traps him in an inside cradle.

Winner: Barry Windham by pinfall.

Time: 10:18

Zbyszko protests the decision.

Windham knocks him cold with a snapping right hook.

WCW World Television Championship

Paul Orndorff (c), with Big Kev, vs. Bobby Eaton

Eaton survives Orndorff’s physical control and connects with the Alabama Jam.

Big Kev places Orndorff’s foot on the bottom rope. Eaton confronts Kev, allowing Orndorff to attack from behind and deliver the Piledriver.

Winner and still WCW World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff by pinfall.

Time: 11:07

Big Kev has directly determined the result of a championship match.

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson vs. The Young Pistols

The Young Pistols push Flair and Anderson much harder than expected.

Smothers overwhelms Flair with rapid strikes, while Armstrong repeatedly escapes Anderson. The Horsemen eventually isolate Armstrong and attack his back.

Anderson catches Armstrong with a sudden DDT as Flair prevents Smothers from making the save.

Winners: Ric Flair and Arn Anderson by pinfall.

Time: 12:36

Flair and Anderson have earned a World Tag Team Championship opportunity.

Texas Bullrope Match

Big Van Vader vs. Stan Hansen

Both men repeatedly reach three corners but cannot complete the sequence.

Hansen stops Vader with the Lariat before touching three turnbuckles. As he reaches for the fourth, Vader pulls hard on the bullrope and stops him inches from victory.

Vader delivers a percussive cowbell shot to the head followed by a Big Splash. He then drags Hansen around the ring and touches all four pads.

Winner: Big Van Vader.

Time: 13:21

Vader collapses after the victory. Hansen eventually leaves under his own power.

For the first time, neither man attempts to continue the fight.

The war is over.

WCW United States Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger (c) vs. Dan Spivey

Spivey’s time in Japan is immediately evident as he targets Luger’s back.

Luger fights back with several Clotheslines before finally knocking Spivey through the ropes with a Jumping Clothesline.

Outside, Spivey drives Luger into the ring post and throws him across the broadcast table. Spivey returns to the ring as the referee continues counting.

Luger cannot return before ten.

Winner by count-out: Dan Spivey.

Still WCW United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger.

Time: 12:58

Jim Ross:

“Spivey looks completely unbothered by the count-out finish. He looks confident that he has Lex Luger’s number.”

WCW World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. The Fabulous Freebirds

The Freebirds isolate Rick Steiner until he creates an opening with a Steinerline and reaches Scott.

Scott overwhelms both Freebirds with Suplexes. Garvin holds Scott for Hayes, but Scott moves and Hayes strikes his partner.

Scott throws Hayes outside and plants Garvin with the Frankensteiner.

Winners and still WCW World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers by pinfall.

Time: 14:09

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson appear at the entrance.

The Steiners raise their championships as Flair and Anderson stare back.

The first Clash of the Platinum Era ends with WCW’s two greatest teams on a collision course.

​

WCW/NWA Golden Era Vol. 10

Starrcade ’90

Sunday, December 16, 1990

Charlotte Coliseum – Charlotte, North Carolina

NWA/WCW Preview

Starrcade will take place before the largest crowd in WCW history.

Sid Vicious has lost the United States Championship but remains the number-one contender to Sting’s NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Elsewhere, Barry Windham wants to surpass Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard fight for their careers, and the Steiner Brothers await new challengers.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff

Backstage Notes

Shane Douglas has rejected a new contract offer and will leave WCW following Starrcade.

Kevin Nash has completed his developmental period and will appear as Big Kev.

The Nasty Boys will miss Starrcade through injury.

Doom have been suspended for thirty days.

Brian Pillman continues to receive strong reviews from management.

Sid Targets Sting

Sid responds to losing the United States Championship by destroying Brian Pillman.

Pillman briefly frustrates Sid before falling to the Powerbomb.

Sid refuses to stop.

A second Powerbomb follows before Sting makes the save.

A wild fight erupts until security separates them.

Sid breaks free and points towards Sting.

Sid Vicious:

“Sting, you have agitated a 333-pound, fuel-injected wrecking machine.

At Starrcade, you will see...

I am Sid Vicious—and I rule the world!”

Two weeks later, Sid Vicious and Terry Funk face Sting and Lex Luger.

Funk occupies Luger at ringside while Sid catches Sting with the Powerbomb.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners: Sid Vicious and Terry Funk.

Sid has pinned the World Heavyweight Champion.

The final build centres on separate recorded statements.

Sid Vicious:

“When I walk, the ground shakes.

I have dominated everyone who has stepped into the ring with me.

Sting, it took you, Luger and a steel chair to stop me for three seconds.

At Starrcade, you’re all by yourself.”

Sting remains defiant.

Sting:

“Pain. Destruction. Self-doubt.

Sid, you’ve brought all of them to me.

But at Starrcade, you’re going to see what really makes a champion.

Sid... it’s showtime!”

Flair Targets Windham’s Knee

Ric Flair and Arn Anderson attack Barry Windham following a television victory.

Arn holds Windham’s leg against the ring post while Flair drives a chair into his knee.

Tully Blanchard makes the save.

Windham returns with his knee heavily braced.

Barry Windham:

“Ric, it’s always the same story.

You put your opponent at a disadvantage, steal the win, then claim you’re the greatest man ever to lace up a pair of boots.

You injured my knee—but I’m still coming with these two fists and a Superplex with your name on it.

Ric Flair, at Starrcade I surpass you.

And in 1991, I’ll be the man.”

Flair responds.

Ric Flair:

“Windham, you’ve spent your entire career measuring yourself against the Nature Boy—and every time, you’ve come up a little short.

Wooo!

I am the measuring stick!

I am the man!

And at Starrcade, the final chapter will be written.

Ric Flair: the greatest of all time.

Barry Windham? He was almost—but never great enough.”

Anderson Raises the Stakes

Arn Anderson addresses Tully Blanchard.

Arn Anderson:

“Tully, we rode all those roads together.

We fought side by side, inside the ring and out.

But the Horsemen were always about evolution—survival of the fittest.

You fell behind.

You became the diseased limb I had to cut off.

Now you come back here, half a man, trying to relive past glory.

At Starrcade, let’s put it all on the table: your career against mine.

This isn’t a poker face, son.

This is the face of a man who knows he’s holding the winning hand.

When it’s over, I’m leaving with all the chips—and you’re leaving WCW.”

Tully accepts.

Tully Blanchard:

“Arn, we main-evented from Atlanta to New York, from Florida to California.

We defeated Warriors, Expresses, protégés and dreams.

Now it’s time for us to meet our Maker.

You made me.

I made you.

At Starrcade, we find out whose road ends.

You may have the Nature Boy on your side—but I have the Lord on mine.”

The match is made official.

Arn Anderson vs. Tully Blanchard.

Loser Leaves WCW.

Tag-Team Eliminator Battle Royal

Doom attack the Nasty Boys in retaliation for their stolen victory at the Clash.

Knobbs and Sags are injured, while Doom are fined and suspended.

Jim Ross announces a Tag-Team Eliminator Battle Royal to determine the new Starrcade challengers.

Participants

The Renegade Warriors

The Midnight Express

The Southern Boys

Tom Zenk and Terry Taylor

The Fabulous Freebirds — Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy

The State Patrol

Brad Armstrong and Tim Horner

Stan Hansen and Vader

Hansen and Vader are revealed as the final entrants.

The two monsters overwhelm the remaining teams before eliminating the Freebirds.

Winners and new number-one contenders: Stan Hansen and Vader.

The Steiner Brothers question whether Hansen and Vader can remain partners long enough to win the championships.

The Midnight Express Collapse

The Midnight Express face the Southern Boys.

Jim Cornette repeatedly criticises Bobby Eaton from ringside. The distraction allows Tracy Smothers to roll up Stan Lane.

After the bell, Lane attacks Eaton from behind.

Cornette hands him the tennis racket.

Lane drives it across Eaton’s back.

Eaton returns and demands both men at Starrcade.

Bobby Eaton vs. Stan Lane and Jim Cornette.

Big Kev Arrives

Shane Douglas introduces his new bodyguard.

Big Kev walks onto the stage.

With Big Kev at ringside, Douglas wins three consecutive matches and demands a World Television Championship opportunity.

Paul Orndorff accepts.

Paul Orndorff:

“Douglas, you want my title?

You want to be great?

At Starrcade, when I drop you on your head, you’re going to realise something:

You might become great—but you’ll never be Wonderful.”

Wallstreet Targets Luger

Alexandra York’s computer identifies Lex Luger as the ideal championship opponent.

Wallstreet’s record earns him the match.

Alexandra York:

“Mr. Wallstreet is a business mogul.

He understands that money follows power—and success is born from calculation.

My computer has calculated the perfect strategic path to dethrone Lex Luger.

Then Mr. Wallstreet will possess all the power, influence and wealth that come with the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.”

Luger responds.

Lex Luger:

“This year has seen Lex Luger rise to the very top of this industry.

And here I stand as the United States Heavyweight Champion.

Ric Flair, Terry Funk and Sid Vicious have all fallen to the Total Package this year.

Wallstreet, no computer can predict the next move of the most gifted athlete on Earth.

You’ll be just another stepping stone on my road to immortality.”

The Freebirds Seek Revenge

The Freebirds want revenge against the Southern Boys for their involvement at the Clash.

Jimmy Garvin and Terry Gordy are signed to face Steve Armstrong and Tracy Smothers.

Michael Hayes continues targeting Ricky Morton.

With Robert Gibson injured and absent, Morton challenges Hayes to a Steel Cage Match.

Ricky Morton:

“Hayes, you crippled my brother.

Then you damn near ended his life with a DDT on the floor.

You tried to take my brother away from me.

But Robert Gibson will return.

After Starrcade, Hayes, you’re finished.

You dirty bastard—you’re finished!”

Hayes accepts.

Everything is now set for Starrcade ’90.

Starrcade ’90

Sunday, December 16, 1990

Charlotte Coliseum – Charlotte, North Carolina

Attendance: 21,800 – Sell Out

Pay-Per-View Buys: Approximately 325,000

Jim Ross welcomes viewers to the largest Starrcade in WCW history.

The Fabulous Freebirds vs. The Southern Boys

The Southern Boys start quickly, using dropkicks and fast tags to keep Garvin away from Gordy.

Once Gordy gets into the match, the pace changes. He cuts Steve Armstrong off with a heavy clothesline and the Freebirds begin working him over.

Steve eventually fights his way free and starts to build momentum.

Michael Hayes climbs onto the apron and draws the referee’s attention.

Steve hits the ropes while Garvin catches Smothers with a knee from the apron, knocking him to the floor.

Steve sees his partner go down and hesitates.

Gordy catches him.

Powerbomb.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners: Jimmy Garvin and Terry Gordy.

Time: 9:24

The Freebirds get their revenge on the Southern Boys.

Handicap Match

Bobby Eaton vs. Stan Lane and Jim Cornette

Lane does most of the wrestling while Cornette stays on the apron, only tagging in when Eaton is already down.

Cornette lands a few kicks, celebrates, then quickly tags Lane back in when Eaton begins to recover.

Lane catches Eaton with the Savate Kick but wants Cornette to score the humiliating pin.

Cornette tags in and covers.

One...

Two...

Eaton kicks out.

Cornette panics and reaches for Lane, but Eaton catches him by the ankle.

Lane enters without a tag.

Eaton backdrops him over the top rope, leaving Cornette alone.

Cornette tries to escape.

Eaton pulls him back, knocks him down with a snapping right hand and climbs to the top rope.

Alabama Jam.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner: Bobby Eaton.

Time: 10:16

Eaton pins Cornette to end their partnership on his terms.

Steel Cage Match

Michael Hayes vs. Ricky Morton

This is a fight from the opening bell.

Morton drives Hayes into the cage. Hayes returns the favour. Within minutes, both men are bleeding.

Garvin passes a pair of handcuffs through the cage to Hayes.

Hayes tries to cuff Morton, but Morton turns it around and locks one of Hayes’s wrists to the cage wall.

Morton beats the trapped Hayes until both men are covered in blood.

Outside, Gordy forces the cage door open.

Garvin enters the ring, but Morton meets him with a barrage of right hands and sends him reeling back through the doorway.

Morton follows.

Gordy swings the cage door shut into Morton’s face.

Morton drops immediately.

Still handcuffed to the cage by one wrist, a bloodied Hayes stretches across the canvas and covers him.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner: Michael Hayes.

Time: 12:38

Morton has lost the match.

But as a bloodied and battered Hayes is carried from the ring, it is clear that the revenge belongs to Ricky Morton.

NWA World Television Championship

Paul Orndorff (c) vs. Shane Douglas

With Big Kev

Douglas comes ready to fight and gives Orndorff a far tougher match than expected.

Even so, the champion remains a step ahead for most of the contest.

Douglas finally turns the match around and catches Orndorff with the Belly-to-Belly Suplex.

One...

Two...

Big Kev places Orndorff’s foot on the bottom rope.

The referee sees the foot but not who put it there.

Douglas confronts Kev through the ropes.

Without warning, Kev punches Douglas in the face.

Douglas staggers backwards into Orndorff.

Piledriver.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner and STILL NWA World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff.

Time: 13:07

Orndorff looks across at Big Kev.

Kev enters the ring and raises the champion’s hand.

Paul Orndorff leaves Starrcade with the Television Championship—and his new bodyguard, Big Kev.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger (c) vs. Michael Wallstreet

With Alexandra York

Wallstreet attempts to follow York’s strategy, slowing the match down and attacking Luger’s neck.

It does not last.

Luger takes control and dominates the closing stages.

Powerslam.

Wallstreet staggers back to his feet.

Luger lifts him onto his shoulders.

Torture Rack.

Wallstreet submits.

Winner and STILL NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger.

Time: 13:41

York attempts to leave with her computer.

Luger takes it from her, raises it above his head and breaks it across his knee.

The Total Package has beaten Wallstreet—and destroyed the computer that was supposed to defeat him.

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. Stan Hansen and Vader

Hansen and Vader destroy the Steiners, each man seemingly trying to outdo the other’s brutality.

They throw Scott around with suplexes and crush Rick with heavy strikes, but their need to prove who is more dangerous prevents them from working as a team.

The match breaks down with all four men in the ring.

Hansen charges towards Scott with the Lariat.

Scott ducks.

Hansen strikes Vader and sends him tumbling through the ropes.

Hansen turns around.

Rick catches him with the Steinerline.

Scott dives through the ropes to stop Vader returning.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers.

Time: 15:22

Vader storms back into the ring and attacks Hansen.

Hansen answers with a wild right hand.

A furious brawl erupts as the Steiner Brothers leave with the championships.

Their partnership lasted one match.

Their war continues.

Loser Leaves WCW

Arn Anderson vs. Tully Blanchard

The former partners produce a technical masterpiece.

They know one another too well for either man to maintain control. Every hold is countered, every opening anticipated.

Tully finally hooks Arn for the Slingshot Suplex.

Arn slides over Blanchard’s back and lands behind him.

Tully turns around.

DDT.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner: Arn Anderson.

Time: 17:18

Tully Blanchard’s wrestling career is over.

Arn helps him to his feet.

After a long pause, the former partners embrace in the centre of the ring.

Tully leaves alone as Arn watches from inside the ring.

Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham

Flair attacks Windham’s injured knee from the opening bell.

He keeps Windham grounded before locking in the Figure Four.

Windham refuses to submit and drags himself to the ropes.

Flair stays on the knee, but Windham begins fighting back with hard right hands and a Lariat.

Windham whips Flair hard into the corner.

Flair flips upside down over the turnbuckles, lands on the apron and runs towards the opposite corner.

He climbs to the top rope.

Windham cuts him off.

Superplex.

Both men hit the canvas.

Windham crawls across and covers.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner: Barry Windham.

Time: 20:46

Barry Windham has defeated Ric Flair cleanly at Starrcade.

No Horsemen.

No excuses.

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Sting (c) vs. Sid Vicious

Sting and Sid trade no-sells early, each man getting straight back up after the other’s biggest shots.

Sid soon takes control and dominates the champion with his size and power.

Sting eventually fights back and charges for the Stinger Splash.

Sid pulls the referee into the corner.

Sting crashes into him.

The referee goes down.

Low blow.

Powerbomb.

Sid covers, but there is nobody to count.

Sid pulls Sting up for another Powerbomb.

Sting counters with a back body drop.

Sid gets back to his feet and staggers into the corner.

Sting charges.

Stinger Splash.

Sid catches him by the throat.

Chokeslam.

A second referee runs to the ring.

One...

Two...

Sting kicks out.

Sid cannot believe it.

Sting begins to fire up.

Rapid strikes.

Scoop Slam.

Stinger Splash.

A second.

A third.

Sid finally drops to the canvas.

Sting climbs to the top rope.

Diving Splash.

One...

Sid kicks out.

Sting immediately turns him over.

Scorpion Deathlock.

Sid refuses to submit.

He fights towards the ropes but cannot reach them.

The monster finally passes out.

The referee calls for the bell.

Winner by referee stoppage and STILL NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Sting.

Time: 24:12

Sid never submits.

Sting has survived him.

Jim Ross:

“The monster was subdued just long enough for this match to end.

Sting has shown the world what kind of champion he is.

But Sid Vicious will have another day.”

Results

Jimmy Garvin and Terry Gordy def. The Southern Boys.

Bobby Eaton def. Stan Lane and Jim Cornette.

Michael Hayes def. Ricky Morton inside the Steel Cage.

Paul Orndorff def. Shane Douglas to retain the NWA World Television Championship.

Lex Luger def. Michael Wallstreet to retain the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.

The Steiner Brothers def. Stan Hansen and Vader to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship.

Arn Anderson def. Tully Blanchard in the Loser Leaves WCW Match.

Barry Windham def. Ric Flair.

Sting def. Sid Vicious by referee stoppage to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

WCW/NWA Golden Era Vol. 9

Clash of the Champions XIII: Thanksgiving Thunder

Tuesday, November 20, 1990

Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum – Jacksonville, Florida

NWA/WCW Preview

Halloween Havoc changed WCW.

Sting defeated Ric Flair to establish himself as the undisputed NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Lex Luger earned an opportunity at Sid Vicious and the United States Heavyweight Championship, while Paul Orndorff reclaimed the World Television Championship.

Elsewhere, Stan Hansen and Vader remain at war, and two former Horsemen return with unfinished business.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sid Vicious

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff

Backstage Notes

Barry Windham has been medically cleared.

Tully Blanchard and Terry Gordy have reached agreements to return to WCW.

Kevin Nash remains under developmental contract.

The Starrcade Eliminator Royale

On the first WCW Saturday Night after Halloween Havoc, Jim Ross announces that Sting’s Starrcade challenger will be determined in WCW’s first Eliminator Royale.

Two wrestlers begin, with another entering every ninety seconds. A wrestler is eliminated when he is thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor.

Sid Vicious dominates the match.

Midway through the contest, the countdown reaches zero.

Tully Blanchard returns.

Arn Anderson immediately raises his fists. He knows Tully too well to expect anything but violence.

The former World Tag Team Champions attack one another. Arn attempts to eliminate Tully, but Blanchard rakes his eyes and throws him over the top rope.

Arn attempts to return, but officials restrain him.

Later, the countdown reaches zero again.

Barry Windham returns.

Windham walks directly to the ring and eliminates Ric Flair.

An enraged Flair pulls Windham over the top rope from the floor. Both men continue fighting around ringside.

The final two are Sid Vicious and Lex Luger.

Luger rocks Sid with repeated clotheslines before attempting to lift him onto his shoulders.

Sid fights free, catches Luger charging and launches him over the top rope.

Winner and new number-one contender: Sid Vicious.

At Starrcade:

Sting vs. Sid Vicious for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Sid Attempts to Vacate the United States Championship

One week later, Sid places the United States Championship in Jim Ross’s hands.

Sid Vicious:

“At Starrcade, I take the World Heavyweight Championship.”

“I don’t need this anymore.”

Ross returns the title.

Jim Ross:

“Lex Luger earned this championship match at Halloween Havoc.”

“At the Clash, you will defend against him.”

“Refuse, and you forfeit your opportunity against Sting.”

After a long silence, Sid takes back the championship.

Sid Vicious:

“Then Lex Luger is the next man I destroy.”

“And Sting will follow.”

The Horsemen’s Past Returns

Arn Anderson calls Tully Blanchard to the ring.

Tully accuses Arn of abandoning him when his life and career reached their lowest point.

Tully Blanchard:

“You became a champion. You rebuilt the Horsemen.”

“You never came looking for me.”

Arn refuses to accept the blame.

Arn Anderson:

“I had a family to feed and a career to save.”

“I survived.”

“You hate me because I did it without you.”

Ric Flair joins Arn before Barry Windham appears.

Barry Windham:

“I don’t trust Tully Blanchard.”

“But I know Ric Flair.”

“For one night, that’s enough.”

Jim Ross announces the Clash main event:

Barry Windham and Tully Blanchard vs. Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.

Hansen and Vader Demand Another Match

Stan Hansen and Vader remain absent following their destructive Texas Death Match.

Both men separately demand another fight.

Hansen insists Halloween Havoc proved he is the better man.

Vader argues that Hansen survived the Texas Death Match but never defeated him in a conventional contest.

Jim Ross places both men inside a steel cage at the Clash.

There will be no escape victory.

The match can end only by pinfall or submission.

The Nasty Boys’ Final Opportunity

The Nasty Boys demand an opportunity against the Steiner Brothers.

Jim Ross refuses, reminding them that Doom defeated them cleanly at Halloween Havoc.

If Knobbs and Sags want to enter the championship rankings, they must first defeat Doom.

Doom accept, determined to silence the Nasty Boys permanently.

The winners will challenge the Steiner Brothers for the World Tag Team Championship at Starrcade.

Terry Gordy Returns

Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin continue targeting Ricky Morton and Brad Armstrong.

Hayes promises additional help.

Michael Hayes:

“Morton, every time we put one of your partners down, you find somebody else.”

“So we found somebody too.”

Terry Gordy returns.

Gordy joins Hayes and Garvin in attacking Morton and Armstrong until Junkyard Dog makes the save.

A six-man tag-team match is signed for the Clash.

Robert Gibson announces that although he remains unable to wrestle, he will accompany Morton and Armstrong to ringside.

Wallstreet Earns His Opportunity

Michael Wallstreet’s winning streak earns him a World Television Championship match.

Alexandra York claims her computer has identified weaknesses in Paul Orndorff’s back.

Orndorff remains unimpressed.

Paul Orndorff:

“A computer can study every match I’ve ever had.”

“It still can’t teach Wallstreet how to beat Mr. Wonderful.”

Trouble Within the Midnight Express

Jim Cornette dismisses the Midnight Express’ Halloween Havoc defeat as a temporary setback.

Tom Zenk and Terry Taylor challenge Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane.

Cornette accepts, promising to expose them as two singles wrestlers pretending to be a team.

Everything is now set for Clash of the Champions XIII.

Clash of the Champions XIII: Thanksgiving Thunder

Tuesday, November 20, 1990

Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum – Jacksonville, Florida

Attendance: 10,200 – Sell Out

Nielsen Television Rating: 5.6

Starrcade Contract Signing

Jim Ross opens the broadcast with Sting and Sid Vicious.

The Starrcade contract rests on a table between them.

Sting signs first.

Sting:

“You earned the match.”

“At Starrcade, you find out why I’m the World Heavyweight Champion.”

Sid signs without sitting down.

Sid Vicious:

“At Starrcade, I take your championship.”

“And Sid Vicious rule the world”

Sid kicks Sting in the stomach.

Powerbomb through the table.

Sid stands over the fallen champion and raises both championships.

He then drops the United States Championship across Sting’s body before leaving with the World Heavyweight Championship.

Officials rush to the ring as Sid abandons the championship he was ordered to defend later tonight.

Sting is helped backstage. His condition remains unknown.

Tom Zenk and Terry Taylor vs. The Midnight Express

The Midnight Express control the match through superior teamwork.

During the closing moments, Cornette climbs onto the apron. Lane attempts the Savate Kick, but Taylor moves.

Lane stops himself before striking Eaton.

The hesitation allows Taylor to roll him up.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners: Tom Zenk and Terry Taylor.

Time: 8:18

Cornette and Lane blame Eaton.

Eaton says nothing and leaves alone.

There is no physical confrontation, but the Midnight Express do not leave together.

Six-Man Tag Team Match

The Fabulous Freebirds vs. Ricky Morton, Brad Armstrong and Junkyard Dog

Gordy’s return gives the Freebirds the physical advantage.

The match breaks down with all six men fighting.

Morton and Hayes spill through the ropes. Garvin cuts off Armstrong while Gordy plants Junkyard Dog with the Powerbomb.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners: The Fabulous Freebirds.

Time: 9:42

Robert Gibson attempts to stop the Freebirds’ post-match attack.

Hayes kicks away his crutch and DDTs him on the floor.

The Southern Boys make the save as medical personnel attend to Gibson.

NWA World Television Championship

Paul Orndorff (c) vs. Michael Wallstreet

With Alexandra York

Wallstreet follows York’s strategy, attacking Orndorff’s back and preventing the Piledriver.

Orndorff fights through the pain and begins to take control.

He catches Wallstreet and prepares to finish him.

Shane Douglas suddenly enters the ring and attacks Orndorff from behind.

The referee calls for the bell.

Winner by disqualification and STILL NWA World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff.

Time: 9:06

Douglas lifts the championship.

Shane Douglas:

“Now they have to notice me.”

He drops the title across Orndorff’s chest and leaves.

Number-One Contender Match

Doom vs. The Nasty Boys

Doom overpower the Nasty Boys.

Simmons catches Knobbs with the Spinebuster, but Sags breaks the cover.

Reed tackles Sags through the ropes as Teddy Long climbs onto the apron.

While the referee deals with Long, Sags wraps a chain around his fist and strikes Reed.

Knobbs covers him.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners and new number-one contenders: The Nasty Boys.

Time: 8:31

The Nasty Boys steal the victory and escape.

At Starrcade, they will challenge the Steiner Brothers.

Steel Cage Match

Stan Hansen vs. Vader

The cage door is locked.

Neither man attempts to escape.

Hansen drives Vader into the steel before connecting with the Lariat.

Vader survives.

Hansen attempts another, but Vader ducks and catches him around the waist.

Back Suplex.

Vader keeps hold of Hansen as both men land with their shoulders against the canvas.

One...

Two...

Three.

Vader rises, believing he has won.

The replay reveals that both men were pinned.

Result: Double pinfall.

Time: 11:24

The cage contained the fight.

It settled nothing.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Sid Vicious (c) vs. Lex Luger

The United States Championship is returned to ringside before the match.

Luger attacks immediately, but Sid soon takes control.

Luger fights back and attempts the Powerslam.

Sid blocks it and sends him into the referee.

The referee goes down.

Terry Funk hits the ring and attacks Luger.

The crowd suddenly erupts.

Sting returns.

Still favouring his back, Sting enters carrying a steel chair.

He levels Funk.

Sid turns around.

One chair shot.

A second.

A third.

Sid staggers backwards into the ropes.

Sting leaves the ring.

Luger pulls himself upright.

Running clothesline.

The referee recovers.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner and NEW NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger.

Time: 13:47

Luger raises the championship as Sting watches from the entranceway.

Sid Vicious has been pinned for the first time in WCW.

Jim Ross:

“Lex Luger is the United States Champion!”

“Terry Funk tried to rob him again, Sting came back for Sid, and Luger seized the opportunity!”

Earlier tonight, Sid attempted to remove Sting from Starrcade.

Instead, Sting returned and took the United States Championship from him.

Sid sits upright and stares towards the World Champion.

Sting points towards the Starrcade banner.

Main Event

Barry Windham and Tully Blanchard vs. Ric Flair and Arn Anderson

There is no trust between Windham and Tully.

Windham wants Flair.

Tully wants Arn.

Flair and Anderson use their superior teamwork to control the match, but the personal rivalries eventually take over.

Windham and Flair fight around ringside.

Inside the ring, Arn attempts the DDT on Tully.

Tully blocks it.

Arn attempts the Spinebuster.

Tully transitions mid move into a sunset flip.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners: Barry Windham and Tully Blanchard.

Time: 15:36

Tully immediately rolls outside.

Arn sits against the ropes, furious rather than surprised.

Tully outmanoeuvred him for three seconds.

Outside the ring, Windham and Flair continue fighting until officials separate them.

The road to Starrcade is set.

Results

Tom Zenk and Terry Taylor def. The Midnight Express.

The Fabulous Freebirds def. Ricky Morton, Brad Armstrong and Junkyard Dog.

Paul Orndorff def. Michael Wallstreet by disqualification.

The Nasty Boys def. Doom to become number-one contenders.

Stan Hansen and Vader fight to a double pinfall.

Lex Luger def. Sid Vicious to win the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.

Barry Windham and Tully Blanchard def. Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.

WCW/NWA Golden Era Vol. 8

Halloween Havoc '90

Sunday, October 28, 1990

Baltimore Arena – Baltimore, Maryland

NWA/WCW Preview

Following the chaos of Clash of the Champions XII: Lines in the Sand, Sting enters Halloween Havoc as NWA World Heavyweight Champion with Ric Flair determined to prove the championship still belongs around his waist.

Elsewhere, Lex Luger wants revenge on Terry Funk, Sid Vicious faces an international challenge from Masa Saito, and the escalating war between Vader and Stan Hansen threatens to tear WCW apart.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sid Vicious

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: Dan Spivey

The Landscape

Sting has established himself as World Heavyweight Champion, but Ric Flair insists one question remains unanswered.

Can Sting beat The Nature Boy with the championship at stake?

Lex Luger has turned his attention toward Terry Funk following Funk's involvement at Clash, while Sid Vicious continues to bulldoze everyone placed in front of him.

The Steiner Brothers remain World Tag Team Champions with The Midnight Express still obsessed with taking the championships, while Paul Orndorff wants another opportunity against Dan Spivey.

Meanwhile, Stan Hansen and Vader have become almost impossible for WCW officials to control.

Backstage Notes

Stan Hansen has quickly established himself as one of WCW's most unpredictable attractions.

WCW has reached an agreement to bring Masa Saito from Japan for Halloween Havoc.

Kevin Nash remains under developmental contract.

Television Highlights

Ric Flair confronts Sting on the first WCW Saturday Night following Clash.

Flair refuses to recognise Sting as the true standard-bearer of the NWA.

"You won the championship, Sting."

"But until you beat Ric Flair with the whole world watching, you're just carrying the belt."

Sting raises the World Championship.

"Then quit talking about it."

"Halloween Havoc. Come take it."

The match is made official.

Sting vs. Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Lex Luger demands Terry Funk following the events at Clash.

Gary Hart dismisses Luger before Funk steps forward.

"You keep blaming everybody else, Luger."

"Maybe one day you'll figure out the problem is you."

Luger attacks him and a wild brawl follows.

Jim Ross sanctions a match for Halloween Havoc with additional stakes:

Lex Luger vs. Terry Funk.

The winner becomes Number One Contender to Sid Vicious's United States Heavyweight Championship.

Luger responds simply:

"First Funk."

"Then Sid."

Sid Vicious continues destroying opponents on television.

After another effortless victory, Sid takes the microphone.

"You've sent everybody."

"They're all gone."

"Find me somebody."

WCW does.

Jim Ross announces that former World Champion Masa Saito is coming from Japan to challenge Sid at Halloween Havoc.

Saito is officially recognised as Sid Vicious's international challenger, but no further contact or confrontation takes place prior to Halloween Havoc.

The Midnight Express continue targeting Rick Steiner's injured ribs.

After the Nasty Boys interfere during a match against Doom, Jim Cornette distracts the referee long enough for Stan Lane to catch Butch Reed with the loaded boot and steal the victory.

Cornette immediately demands another championship opportunity.

"We found Rick Steiner's weakness!"

"Give us one more match and those belts are ours!"

The challenge is accepted.

The Nasty Boys' interference brings them into direct conflict with Doom.

Knobbs and Sags later attack Butch Reed in the parking lot before Ron Simmons charges into the fight.

For the first time, the audience openly rallies behind Doom.

Teddy Long doesn't understand the sudden support.

Simmons doesn't care.

"They wanted Doom."

"They got Doom."

Paul E. Dangerously celebrates Dan Spivey's Television Championship victory until Paul Orndorff interrupts.

Orndorff looks directly at Spivey.

"You beat me."

"Do it again."

Dangerously refuses.

Orndorff raises the stakes.

If he cannot beat Dan Spivey at Halloween Havoc, Paul Orndorff will retire from professional wrestling.

Spivey accepts.

Orndorff then reveals that Paul Ellering will return to accompany him at Halloween Havoc.

With Robert Gibson sidelined, the Freebirds continue targeting Ricky Morton.

Brad Armstrong makes the save during another assault and agrees to team with Morton at Halloween Havoc.

Michael Hayes mocks the new partnership.

"Ricky Morton without Robert Gibson is half a tag team."

Gibson announces that although he cannot compete, he will be at ringside on crutches.

Michael Wallstreet continues his winning streak under Alexandra York.

York's computer identifies Tom Zenk as the next opponent Wallstreet can exploit.

Zenk isn't impressed.

"Your computer can't wrestle for him."

York calmly responds:

"It won't have to."

Stan Hansen and Vader continue attacking one another whenever they cross paths.

Security repeatedly fails to contain them.

After another fight spills through the ringside barricade, Jim Ross announces WCW will stop trying.

At Halloween Havoc:

Stan Hansen vs. Vader.

Lights Out Texas Death Match.

Texas Death Match Rules Apply: No Disqualification. No Count-Out. Falls count anywhere. After a pinfall, the wrestler who was pinned must answer the referee's ten-count. If he cannot, the man who scored the fall wins the match.

Everything is now set for Halloween Havoc '90.

Halloween Havoc '90

Sunday, October 28, 1990

Baltimore Arena – Baltimore, Maryland

Attendance: 13,500 – Sell Out

Pay-Per-View Buys: Approximately 270,000

Michael Wallstreet vs. Tom Zenk

Zenk's speed causes problems early before Alexandra York creates a momentary distraction.

Wallstreet immediately capitalises and plants Zenk with the Stock Market Crash.

Winner: Michael Wallstreet by pinfall.

Time: 9:12

Doom vs. The Nasty Boys

A wild heavyweight fight sees Knobbs and Sags attempt to overwhelm Doom before the crowd unexpectedly rallies behind Simmons and Reed.

Reed tackles Sags through the ropes as Simmons catches Knobbs with a devastating Spinebuster.

Winners: Doom by pinfall.

Time: 8:44

Teddy Long celebrates loudly while Simmons and Reed simply walk away.

Doom haven't changed.

The audience has.

Ricky Morton & Brad Armstrong vs. The Fabulous Freebirds

The Freebirds isolate Morton until Armstrong receives the hot tag and turns the match around.

At ringside, Michael Hayes attempts to intimidate the injured Robert Gibson and grabs his crutch.

Gibson nails Hayes with the crutch.

Armstrong catches a distracted Garvin with the Side Russian Leg Sweep.

Winners: Ricky Morton & Brad Armstrong by pinfall.

Time: 11:03

NWA World Television Championship

Career vs. Championship

Dan Spivey (c) vs. Paul Orndorff

With his career at stake, Orndorff survives a punishing performance from Spivey as Paul Ellering attempts to neutralise Paul E. Dangerously at ringside.

During the closing moments, Dangerously climbs onto the apron.

Ellering pulls him down.

Spivey turns toward the distraction.

Orndorff catches him.

Roll-up.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner and NEW NWA World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff by pinfall.

Time: 12:18

Orndorff has saved his career and regained championship gold.

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. The Midnight Express

The Midnight Express relentlessly attack Rick Steiner's injured ribs.

Cornette's plan nearly succeeds when Stan Lane prepares the loaded boot, but Scott catches his leg before he can strike.

Rick recovers.

Steinerline.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers by pinfall.

Time: 14:37

Jim Cornette is furious.

This time there are no excuses.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Sid Vicious (c) vs. Masa Saito

Saito immediately proves why WCW brought him from Japan, repeatedly using his wrestling and suplexes to take the champion off his feet.

Sid is forced into the most physical defence of his reign.

Late in the contest, Saito attempts the Saito Suplex.

Sid blocks it.

A vicious elbow creates separation.

Kick to the midsection.

Powerbomb.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner and STILL NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sid Vicious by pinfall.

Time: 10:26

Number One Contender — NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger vs. Terry Funk

Gary Hart accompanies Funk as the rivalry immediately becomes a fight.

Funk controls much of the middle portion by attacking Luger's neck before landing a Piledriver for a close near fall.

A second attempt is countered.

Luger explodes with a Powerslam before hoisting Funk onto his shoulders.

Torture Rack.

Funk fights desperately but eventually submits.

Winner: Lex Luger by submission.

Time: 13:52

Luger is now Number One Contender.

Sid Vicious vs. Lex Luger is coming.

Lights Out Texas Death Match

Stan Hansen vs. Vader

The fight begins in the aisle before either man reaches the ring.

Hansen draws first blood with the Lariat.

One...

Two...

Three.

The referee begins the mandatory ten-count.

Vader drags himself upright at eight.

The fight resumes.

Vader eventually overwhelms Hansen and drives him down with the Powerbomb.

One...

Two...

Three.

Hansen now faces the count.

He staggers back to his feet at nine.

Neither man can keep the other down.

The fight spills around ringside as chairs, the barricade and Hansen's cowbell all come into play.

Hansen catches Vader with another Lariat on the floor.

One...

Two...

Three.

Vader barely beats the ten-count.

The fight continues through the crowd before eventually reaching the entrance ramp.

Both men are exhausted.

Both are battered.

Neither will stop.

Hansen suddenly catches Vader with another Lariat.

The force of the blow sends Vader backwards toward the edge of the stage.

But Hansen's momentum carries him with him.

Both men plunge from the stage and crash through part of the Halloween Havoc set below.

For several seconds neither moves.

Then the referee notices:

Hansen has landed across Vader.

Vader's shoulders are down.

One...

Two...

Three.

Hansen has scored the fall.

Now Vader must answer the ten-count.

One...

Two...

Three...

Neither man moves.

Four...

Five...

Six...

Hansen begins to stir, but remains sprawled across the wreckage.

Seven...

Eight...

Vader tries to move.

Nine...

Neither man can stand.

Ten.

Vader has failed to answer the count.

Because Hansen scored the preceding fall:

Winner: Stan Hansen.

Time: 10:46

Paramedics immediately rush toward both men.

There is no celebration.

There is barely a winner.

Jim Ross looks toward the wreckage.

"Stan Hansen has won the match... but look at them. What did either man win tonight?"

Hansen has beaten Vader.

But both men leave Halloween Havoc broken.

The match is finished.

The war isn't.

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Sting (c) vs. Ric Flair

Flair comes alone.

No Arn Anderson.

No Gary Hart.

No excuses.

Flair repeatedly attacks Sting's knee and eventually traps the champion in the Figure Four, but Sting survives.

The champion rallies.

Press Slam.

Stinger Splash.

Flair desperately reaches the ropes when Sting attempts the Scorpion Deathlock.

Moments later Flair climbs to the top rope.

Sting catches him.

Press Slam.

Another Stinger Splash.

Flair collapses.

Sting turns him over.

Scorpion Deathlock.

Flair fights toward the ropes.

Sting drags him back to the centre.

Flair refuses.

Sting sits deeper.

Finally:

Ric Flair submits.

Winner and STILL NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Sting by submission.

Time: 24:17

There is no interference.

No controversy.

No excuse.

Sting has beaten Ric Flair with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line.

Flair sits against the ropes as Sting raises the championship above his head.

For the first time, Flair is forced to accept what he has spent months denying.

The championship belongs to Sting.

Results

Michael Wallstreet def. Tom Zenk (9:12)

Doom def. The Nasty Boys (8:44)

Ricky Morton & Brad Armstrong def. The Fabulous Freebirds (11:03)

Paul Orndorff def. Dan Spivey (c) to win the NWA World Television Championship and save his career (12:18)

The Steiner Brothers (c) def. The Midnight Express to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship (14:37)

Sid Vicious (c) def. Masa Saito to retain the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (10:26)

Lex Luger def. Terry Funk to become Number One Contender to the United States Championship (13:52)

Stan Hansen def. Vader — Lights Out Texas Death Match (10:46)

Sting (c) def. Ric Flair to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (24:17)

Clash of the Champions XII: Lines in the Sand

Wednesday, September 5, 1990

Greensboro Coliseum – Greensboro, North Carolina

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Sting

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sid Vicious

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff

The Landscape

Sting begins his reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion with Lex Luger determined to reclaim the championship he insists was stolen from him.

The reunited Horsemen have once again become one of the most dangerous forces in WCW, while United States Heavyweight Champion Sid Vicious continues destroying everyone placed in front of him.

The Steiner Brothers begin their second reign as World Tag Team Champions with The Midnight Express already targeting the gold.

Paul Orndorff has painted a target on his back as World Television Champion, Vader's arrival has sent shockwaves throughout WCW, and Brian Pillman and Shane Douglas are rapidly becoming bitter rivals.

Elsewhere, the Freebirds' assault on Robert Gibson has reignited their rivalry with the Rock 'n' Roll Express, while Alexandra York promises to revolutionise professional wrestling through the analytical brilliance of Michael Wallstreet.

Backstage Notes

Mark Callous has handed in his notice and will leave WCW, management are very unhappy.

The Samoan Swat Team have departed WCW.

Stan Hansen has signed with WCW.

The Nasty Boys have signed a six-month contract.

Brad Armstrong has signed a full-time contract.

Kevin Nash has signed a developmental deal and will continue working the independent circuit.

Mike Rotunda has adopted the identity of Michael Wallstreet and is now accompanied by Alexandra York.

Television Highlights

Lex Luger opens WCW Saturday Night blaming Ric Flair—not Sting—for costing him the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

"Ric Flair stole my World Title."

"Sting never beat me."

Jim Ross announces that Sting will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Luger in the biggest television main event in WCW history.

Later that evening, Barry Windham appears to have Arn Anderson defeated before Ric Flair interferes. After the match, Flair restrains Windham while Anderson drives a devastating knee into his shoulder from the second rope. WCW officials confirm Windham will be sidelined indefinitely.

The World Heavyweight Championship rematch between Sting and Lex Luger ends in a no contest when Flair and Anderson attack both men. Sting and Luger reluctantly fight off the Horsemen before Jim Ross announces the Clash main event.

Sting & Lex Luger

vs.

Ric Flair & Arn Anderson

Following a victory over Buddy Landel, Brian Pillman is blindsided by Shane Douglas.

Douglas insists Jim Ross has always favoured Pillman because of his football background.

Week after week, Douglas interrupts WCW Saturday Night, accusing Ross of promoting football players ahead of professional wrestlers.

The confrontation reaches boiling point when Douglas storms the commentary position before Pillman races to Ross's aid, sending Douglas retreating.

Their grudge match is signed for Clash.

Outraged by the Skyscrapers ending the Road Warriors' WCW careers, Brian Pillman challenges Mean Mark to a Loser Leaves WCW match.

Mean Mark accepts immediately.

Pillman surprises everyone by arriving with Paul Orndorff in his corner.

As Dan Spivey and Orndorff brawl around ringside, Mean Mark dominates Pillman before throwing him through the middle rope.

Momentarily distracted by the fight outside, Mean Mark turns his back.

Pillman springs from the apron with the Air Pillman.

One...

Two...

Three.

Time: 0:23

Paul E. Dangerously blames Orndorff for costing Mean Mark his WCW career and demands revenge.

Dan Spivey challenges Orndorff for the World Television Championship.

Following an enhancement victory, The Midnight Express launch a surprise assault on the Steiner Brothers.

Stan Lane sends Scott Steiner crashing to the floor before Jim Cornette and Bobby Eaton trap Rick Steiner on the canvas.

Cornette hands Eaton his trademark tennis racket.

CRACK!

The racket crashes into Rick's ribs.

The Midnight Express escape laughing as Jim Ross immediately sanctions a World Tag Team Championship match for Clash.

Vader returns to action against Tommy Rich.

Rich is completely overwhelmed until Junkyard Dog charges to the ring, drawing a disqualification.

The two monsters fight through a wall of security as officials struggle to restore order.

Their collision is signed for Clash.

The Freebirds brutally attack the Rock 'n' Roll Express after a television match.

Robert Gibson suffers a serious knee injury and is ruled out while undergoing surgery.

Jimmy Garvin mocks Ricky Morton.

"Without Robert Gibson... you're only half a tag team."

Morton demands revenge.

Garvin accepts.

Alexandra York unveils the newest member of the York Foundation.

Mike Rotunda is reborn as Michael Wallstreet.

York claims her portable computer can identify every opponent's weakness before they even step into the ring.

Wallstreet begins compiling an impressive winning streak under York's guidance.

United States Heavyweight Champion Sid Vicious continues bulldozing opponent after opponent, extending his dominant reign with another series of crushing squash victories.

No one has come close to stopping him.

Everything is now set for Clash of the Champions XII: Lines in the Sand.

Clash of the Champions XII: Lines in the Sand

Wednesday, September 5, 1990

Greensboro Coliseum – Greensboro, North Carolina

Attendance: 14, 876 (Sell Out)

Nielsen Television Rating: 5.8

Broadcast live on TBS, Clash of the Champions XII: Lines in the Sand delivered one of the most memorable nights in WCW television history. A new Television Champion was crowned, rivalries intensified, and two legendary names returned to alter the course of WCW.

Jim Ross welcomed viewers.

"Ladies and gentlemen... welcome to Clash of the Champions!"

Michael Wallstreet (w/ Alexandra York) vs. Tim Horner

Alexandra York spent the opening minutes feeding instructions to Wallstreet from her portable computer, calmly directing every move.

Whenever Horner mounted an attack, Wallstreet seemed one step ahead.

After avoiding a crossbody, Wallstreet caught Horner with the Stock Market Crash for a convincing victory.

Winner: Michael Wallstreet by pinfall.

Time: 7:58

Jim Ross questioned whether computers could really replace instinct inside the ring.

Ricky Morton vs. Jimmy Garvin

With Robert Gibson sidelined through injury, Ricky Morton fought with desperation from the opening bell.

Garvin repeatedly targeted Morton's knee before attempting to finish him with the DDT.

Morton escaped at the last second and caught Garvin with a quick jackknife cradle.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner: Ricky Morton by pinfall.

Time: 11:19

Following the match, Garvin and Michael Hayes attacked Morton from behind.

The numbers game proved too much until Brad Armstrong sprinted to the ring.

Armstrong cleared the ring, sending the Freebirds retreating up the aisle.

Jim Ross exclaimed,

"Brad Armstrong has seen enough!"

Brian Pillman vs. Shane Douglas

Douglas wrestled with a chip on his shoulder from the opening bell, constantly glaring towards Jim Ross at ringside.

Every time Pillman gained momentum, Douglas shouted,

"Is this your favourite, Ross?"

Pillman weathered the insults before mounting a spectacular comeback, rocking Douglas with a spinning heel kick before whipping him hard into the corner.

As the referee moved to separate the two men, Douglas quietly loosened the top turnbuckle pad.

Pillman charged across the ring looking for a running corner clothesline.

Douglas sidestepped at the last second.

Pillman crashed shoulder-first into the exposed steel turnbuckle.

Douglas immediately rolled the stunned Pillman into a schoolboy, grabbing a handful of tights.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner: Shane Douglas by pinfall.

Time: 12:43

Douglas rolled from the ring before Pillman could recover, pointing towards Jim Ross as he backed up the aisle.

"Who's your favourite now, Ross?"

Jim Ross replied,

"You didn't prove you were the better wrestler."

"You proved you'll do anything to win."

NWA World Television Championship

Paul Orndorff (c) vs. Dan Spivey

(w/ Paul E. Dangerously)

Orndorff repeatedly fought back against the larger challenger, refusing to stay down despite Spivey's power.

Spivey methodically wore the champion down with heavy strikes and punishing slams, keeping Orndorff grounded and unable to build sustained momentum.

Late in the contest, Orndorff rallied with a series of right hands and nearly retained the championship with the Piledriver, but Paul E. Dangerously placed Spivey's foot on the bottom rope to break the pinfall.

Moments later, Orndorff hit the ropes, Spivey caught Orndorff with a thunderous Spike Slam.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner and NEW NWA World Television Champion: Dan Spivey by pinfall.

Time: 10:51

Jim Ross put over Spivey's incredible run.

"First the Road Warriors..."

"Now Mr. Wonderful!"

"Dan Spivey is becoming one of the most dangerous men in WCW!"

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. The Midnight Express

(w/ Jim Cornette)

The Midnight Express dissected Rick Steiner's injured ribs throughout the contest, believing the damage from Cornette's tennis racket would finally win them the championships.

Despite the punishment, Rick refused to quit.

Scott exploded into the ring with a hot tag, suplexing both members of the Midnight Express before planting Stan Lane with a thunderous Belly-to-Belly Suplex.

Rick followed with a Steinerline before Scott delivered a spectacular Frankensteiner.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers.

Time: 17:06

Cornette was furious as the Steiners celebrated another successful title defence.

Vader vs. Junkyard Dog

Junkyard Dog met Vader head-on, refusing to be intimidated.

It made no difference.

Vader crushed JYD with clubbing blows before flattening him with a powerslam.

One Vader Bomb wasn't enough.

Neither was two.

After the third Vader Bomb, the referee stopped the contest.

Winner: Vader by referee stoppage.

Time: 4:36

Vader stood over the fallen Junkyard Dog.

Suddenly...

The Greensboro Coliseum erupted.

Stan Hansen marched purposefully to the ring, swinging his trademark bullrope.

Vader charged straight at him.

The two monsters collided in the centre of the ring, trading heavy right hands to a deafening ovation.

Hansen stunned Vader with the bullrope, sending the monster retreating to the floor for the first time in WCW.

Officials flooded the ring before the fight could continue.

Jim Ross shouted,

"Stan Hansen is back!"

"We've just witnessed a collision between two of the toughest men in professional wrestling!"

United States Heavyweight Championship Showcase

Sid Vicious (c) vs. Terry Taylor

Terry Taylor tried to outmanoeuvre the United States Heavyweight Champion, but Sid barely gave him the opportunity.

One clothesline.

One Chokeslam.

One Powerbomb.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winner and STILL NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sid Vicious by pinfall.

Time: 2:04

Sid crawled from his fallen opponent and spoke straight to the camera,

"I am Sid Vicious, and.... well you know the rest."

Main Event

Sting & Lex Luger vs. Ric Flair & Arn Anderson

The uneasy alliance between Sting and Lex Luger was tested from the opening bell.

Every time momentum swung towards the babyfaces, Flair and Anderson cut the ring in half with trademark Horsemen precision.

Anderson dragged Sting through the ropes and the fight spilled onto the arena floor. Sting eventually trapped Anderson in the Scorpion Deathlock outside the ring, leaving Luger and Flair alone inside.

Suddenly...

Gary Hart walked onto the entranceway.

The crowd erupted.

Standing beside him was...

Terry Funk.

For the first time since 1989, Funk and Flair came face to face.

Brandishing his trademark branding iron, Funk charged towards the ring.

Flair ducked.

Luger stepped forward at the same moment.

CRACK!

The branding iron smashed into Luger's forehead.

Funk stood frozen in disbelief as Gary Hart berated him for striking the wrong man.

Flair wasted no time.

He dropped onto Luger for the cover.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners: Ric Flair & Arn Anderson.

Time: 24:18

Sting rushed back into the ring just as the bell sounded and checked on the fallen Luger while Gary Hart ushered Terry Funk towards the dressing room.

Jim Ross was stunned.

"Terry Funk is back!"

"Gary Hart has brought Terry Funk back to WCW!"

"What in God's name have we just witnessed?"

Clash of the Champions XII: Lines in the Sand faded off the air with Ric Flair and Arn Anderson celebrating in the ring while Sting knelt beside the unconscious Lex Luger.

The Great American Bash '90

Sunday, July 8, 1990

Baltimore Arena – Baltimore, Maryland

NWA/WCW Preview

June 14, 1990 – The Great American Bash '90

Summer's biggest event is fast approaching.

Lex Luger has defeated Ric Flair and Brian Pillman to establish himself as the dominant NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Now, Sting gets the opportunity many believe he was born for.

Elsewhere, championships, careers and legacies are all on the line as WCW enters a new era.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sting

NWA World Tag Team Champions: Doom

NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson

The Landscape

Lex Luger believes nobody can stop him.

Sting finally has his World Championship opportunity, Sid Vicious continues destroying everyone in his path, The Steiner Brothers want their World Tag Team Championship back, Ric Flair returns to answer Barry Windham, and mysterious vignettes promise the arrival of a terrifying new force.

Backstage News

Steve Williams and The Great Muta have both departed for Japan.

Vader will debut at The Great American Bash.

Brian Pillman, Shane Douglas and Cactus Jack continue to impress WCW officials.

Television Highlights

Lex Luger and Gary Hart open the first WCW Saturday Night after Clash of the Champions.

Hart declares Luger the greatest World Heavyweight Champion in wrestling history.

Luger has only one message for Sting.

"People cheer for you."

"They respect me."

"That's why I'm the World Heavyweight Champion."

Having already secured his World Title opportunity, Sting agrees to one final United States Championship defence against Sid Vicious.

The match headlines WCW Saturday Night.

As Sting prepares to finish Sid, Gary Hart distracts the referee.

Lex Luger blasts Sting across the back with the World Championship.

Sid follows with one devastating Powerbomb.

One... Two... Three.

Sid Vicious is the new United States Heavyweight Champion.

Luger stands on the entranceway holding the World Championship aloft as Sting looks on.

Brian Pillman rebounds from his World Title defeat with victories over Buddy Landel, Kevin Sullivan and The Samoan Savage before challenging Sid Vicious for the United States Championship.

Sid accepts with a warning.

"Brian Pillman..."

"You don't want this."

The Steiner Brothers immediately demand another shot at Doom.

Teddy Long refuses until weeks of dominant victories from both teams force the issue.

The final contract signing erupts into a locker-room-clearing brawl.

The World Tag Team Championship match is official.

Ric Flair returns to a thunderous ovation before being confronted by Barry Windham.

"Where the hell have you been?"

Windham accuses Flair of abandoning everyone after Spring Stampede.

Flair responds with a slap.

The two destroy the interview set before security separates them.

The following week, Arn Anderson brings them together.

Flair finally explains himself.

"When I lost to Lex Luger... I didn't know if the Nature Boy still existed."

Windham quietly replies,

"I want to see if he does."

The two shake hands.

Their match is signed.

Paul Orndorff returns to WCW with victories over Terry Taylor, Buddy Landel and Mike Rotunda before challenging Arn Anderson for the World Television Championship.

On WCW Saturday Night, Orndorff survives the DDT before finishing Anderson with the Piledriver to win the title.

As Anderson hesitates behind the celebrating champion, the crowd braces for an attack.

Instead, Arn extends his hand.

The Midnight Express repeatedly ridicule The Southern Boys until Steve Armstrong finally snaps.

"Talking's over."

"Let's fight."

A ringside brawl makes the match official.

Shane Douglas continues climbing the rrankings. Shane claims he is the future, until Cactus Jack interrupts.

"Shane..."

"First you've got to survive the present."

"Bang... Bang!"

Douglas accepts immediately.

Throughout June, cryptic vignettes interrupt WCW programming.

Smoke.

Steel.

Heavy footsteps.

A masked silhouette.

On the final WCW Saturday Night, the figure finally speaks.

"I'm Vader."

"Remember the name."

The Road Warriors celebrate another victory when Paul E. Dangerously appears.

Moments later, Dan Spivey and Mark Callous reunite as The Skyscrapers, destroying Hawk and Animal.

Paul E. offers one stipulation.

Losers Leave WCW.

The Road Warriors accept without hesitation.

Everything is now set for The Great American Bash '90.

The Great American Bash '90

Sunday, July 8, 1990

Baltimore Arena – Baltimore, Maryland

Attendance: 13, 504 (Sell Out)

Pay-Per-View Buys: Approximately 255, 000

The Great American Bash once again lived up to its reputation as WCW's premier summer spectacular. A capacity crowd witnessed championship clashes, emotional farewells and the arrival of a terrifying new force as the company entered a new era.

Jim Ross welcomed viewers.

"The eyes of the wrestling world are on Baltimore tonight!"

NWA World Television Championship

Paul Orndorff (c) vs. Mike Rotunda

Two of WCW's finest technicians opened the evening with a superb wrestling contest. Rotunda repeatedly targeted Orndorff's back, but the champion weathered the storm before countering a back suplex and planting Rotunda with the Piledriver.

Winner and STILL NWA World Television Champion: Paul Orndorff by pinfall.

Time: 11:48

The Midnight Express vs. The Southern Boys

The Southern Boys came within seconds of the biggest victory of their careers after Steve Armstrong trapped Stan Lane in a surprise cradle.

Jim Cornette distracted the referee long enough for Bobby Eaton to hit Steve Armstrong with the Alabama Jam, allowing Stan Lane to score the pin.

Winners: The Midnight Express.

Time: 12:11

After the match, Jim Cornette grabbed a microphone.

"Steiners... it doesn't matter!"

"Those tag team titles are coming home!"

Cactus Jack vs. Shane Douglas

Douglas repeatedly outwrestled Cactus, but every time momentum swung his way, Cactus turned the contest into a fight.

After surviving a flying crossbody, Cactus caught Douglas with the Double Arm DDT.

Winner: Cactus Jack by pinfall.

Time: 10:27

As officials checked on Douglas, Cactus paused on the entranceway and looked back at his fallen opponent.

He simply nodded.

A smile spread across his face.

"Bang... Bang!"

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Sid Vicious (c) vs. Brian Pillman

Brian Pillman refused to be intimidated, frustrating the champion with his speed and aerial attack.

As Pillman launched himself from the top rope, Sid caught him in mid-air with a thunderous Chokeslam.

Without hesitation, Sid dragged him back to his feet and delivered one devastating Powerbomb.

No one kicked out.

Winner and STILL NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sid Vicious by pinfall.

Time: 13:36

Sid calmly collected the championship before leaving the ring without a word.

Losers Leave WCW

The Road Warriors vs. The Skyscrapers

(w/ Paul E. Dangerously)

Two of wrestling's most feared teams collided in a brutal, hard-hitting war.

Neither side gave an inch as Hawk and Animal matched the towering Skyscrapers blow for blow.

The turning point came when Hawk clotheslined Mark Callous over the top rope and out to the arena floor.

On the outside, Dan Spivey intercepted Animal and drove him shoulder-first into the steel ring post.

As Animal collapsed to the floor, Paul E. Dangerously quietly slipped his trademark mobile phone into Spivey's hand.

Animal slowly recovered and climbed back into the ring, but Callous immediately cut him off, forcing him back into the Skyscrapers' corner.

Hawk climbed onto the apron to rejoin the fight.

CRACK!

Spivey smashed the mobile phone across the back of Hawk's head.

Hawk crumpled to the floor unconscious.

Inside the ring, Animal battled valiantly but found himself trapped alone against both Skyscrapers.

Spivey returned to the apron and accepted the tag.

He staggered Animal with a thunderous Powerbomb before bringing Callous back into the match.

The giant climbed to the top rope and crashed down with a devastating Flying Elbow Drop.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners: The Skyscrapers by pinfall.

Time: 11:52

As the bell rang, Hawk finally regained consciousness, but it was too late.

For the second time that year, the Road Warriors had been defeated by pinfall.

The legendary team stood shoulder to shoulder one final time, saluted the Baltimore crowd and quietly left WCW together as the fans gave them a prolonged standing ovation.

Paul E. Dangerously simply smiled.

The Skyscrapers hadn't just returned.

They had ended an era.

Vader vs. Tom Zenk

Weeks of mystery ended as Vader made his devastating WCW debut.

Tom Zenk's speed proved meaningless.

A crushing clothesline.

A powerslam.

Two thunderous Vader Bombs.

It was over.

Winner: Vader by pinfall.

Time: 2:08

After the bell, Vader refused to stop.

He climbed the ropes for another Vader Bomb before The Rock 'n' Roll Express sprinted to the ring.

They never stood a chance.

Vader flattened Robert Gibson with a clothesline before planting Ricky Morton with a powerslam and another Vader Bomb.

Officials flooded the ring as Jim Ross shouted,

"Good Lord... who in the hell is going to stop this man?"

NWA World Tag Team Championship

Doom (c) vs. The Steiner Brothers

Power met power in one of the hardest-hitting matches of the year.

Rick and Scott Steiner pushed the champions to their absolute limit, surviving everything Doom threw at them.

Late in the contest, Ron Simmons attempted to drive Scott into the ring post, but Scott blocked the attempt and sent Simmons shoulder-first into the steel instead.

With Simmons dazed on the floor, Rick caught Butch Reed with a thunderous Steinerline.

Rick covered.

One...

Two...

Three.

Winners and NEW NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers.

Time: 15:02

The Baltimore Arena erupted as Rick and Scott celebrated with the World Tag Team Championship belts held high above their heads.

Ric Flair vs. Barry Windham

Two former Horsemen delivered an emotional classic.

Flair attempted an Irish whip, but Windham reversed it, sending Flair crashing head-first into the referee.

The official collapsed instantly.

Windham seized the opportunity, hauling Flair to the top rope and delivering a thunderous Superplex.

He hooked the leg.

There was nobody to count.

Windham rose in frustration.

Suddenly, Arn Anderson sprinted to the ring.

Relieved, Windham stepped towards his longtime friend.

Arn placed a reassuring hand on Windham's shoulder.

For a brief moment, it looked as though he had come to help.

Then...

CRACK!

Anderson blasted Windham with his trademark left hand.

Flair slowly crawled across the ring and locked in the Figure Four Leglock.

The referee recovered just in time to see the submission hold applied.

With nowhere to go, Windham finally submitted.

Winner: Ric Flair by submission.

Time: 21:14

Flair released the hold before he and Anderson stood over the fallen Windham, raising each other's hands to a chorus of boos.

The Horsemen were united once again.

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger (c) vs. Sting

The Baltimore Arena reached a fever pitch as Sting challenged for the richest prize in professional wrestling.

Luger methodically targeted Sting's injured back, repeatedly attempting to weaken him for the Human Torture Rack.

Sting refused to stay down.

He battled back with two thunderous Stinger Splashes before hooking Luger in the Scorpion Deathlock.

Gary Hart immediately jumped onto the apron, screaming at the referee.

Sting released the hold and stormed towards Hart, determined to finally get his hands on the manager.

Hart dropped to the arena floor and scrambled away.

Enraged, Lex Luger charged across the ring at Sting.

At the last second, Sting sidestepped.

Luger crashed head-first into the referee, knocking the official unconscious.

Sting charged again, but Luger recovered quickly and stun-gunned him across the top rope.

Realising the opportunity, Luger leaned through the ropes and demanded Gary Hart hand him the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

As Hart reached up with the belt...

Ric Flair appeared at ringside.

Before Luger could react, Flair drove a loaded right hand wrapped around a roll of quarters flush into the champion's jaw.

Luger collapsed back into the ring.

Flair disappeared into the crowd before the referee regained his senses.

Sting slowly dragged himself back to his feet.

One last chance.

He hooked Luger's legs and locked in the Scorpion Deathlock.

The referee recovered just in time to see the hold applied.

Gary Hart screamed for Luger to hang on.

The champion fought with everything he had.

But the damage had been done.

Ending his reign...

Lex Luger submitted.

Winner and NEW NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Sting by submission.

Time: 22:36

The Baltimore Arena erupted as Sting was presented with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Gary Hart was beside himself.

Jim Ross suddenly pieced it all together.

"Wait a minute..."

"Ric Flair could never challenge Lex Luger again!"

A pause.

"MY GOD..."

"STING'S THE CHAMPION!"

As fireworks exploded above the Baltimore Arena, Sting climbed the turnbuckles holding the NWA World Heavyweight Championship high above his head.

The Great American Bash '90' faded off the air with Sting celebrating the greatest victory of his career as the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Clash of the Champions XI: Hard Justice

Wednesday, June 13, 1990

Charleston Civic Center – Charleston, West Virginia

---

NWA/WCW Preview

May 20, 1990 – Clash of the Champions XI

Spring Stampede marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Ric Flair has disappeared from WCW following his defeat inside the Steel Cage, while NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lex Luger has never appeared more confident. Guided by Gary Hart, Luger believes he has finally established himself as the man to beat in professional wrestling.

Elsewhere, Sting continues to emerge as WCW's standard-bearer, Sid Vicious leaves a trail of destruction wherever he goes, and one young star is quietly putting together the biggest run of his career.

---

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sting

NWA World Tag Team Champions: Doom

NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson

---

The Landscape

Lex Luger stands alone at the top of professional wrestling.

After forcing Ric Flair to submit at Spring Stampede, the World Heavyweight Champion believes nobody can take the richest prize in the sport.

Meanwhile, Sting has become the heart of WCW but now faces the terrifying Sid Vicious. Brian Pillman continues his remarkable rise, The Steiner Brothers are headed for war with Steve Williams and Mark Callous, Doom's new championship reign is under siege from The Fabulous Freebirds, and The Road Warriors prepare for battle with the Samoan Swat Team.

---

Backstage News

- Ric Flair has not appeared since Spring Stampede. WCW officials have refused to comment on his future.

- Brian Pillman continues to receive rave reviews following a string of outstanding performances.

- Sting's popularity continues to soar as live crowds increasingly rally behind the United States Champion.

- Sid Vicious has reportedly been earmarked for a major World Championship programme.

---

Television Highlights

The first WCW Saturday Night following Spring Stampede opens with Lex Luger and Gary Hart celebrating Luger's victory over Ric Flair.

Hart places the World Heavyweight Championship across Luger's shoulder.

«"For years, professional wrestling belonged to Ric Flair."»

«"Those days are over."»

«"Ladies and gentlemen... behold the greatest World Heavyweight Champion in professional wrestling today... Lex Luger."»

Luger raises the championship.

«"Ric Flair gave me everything he had."»

«"He still wasn't good enough."»

«"If anybody thinks they can take this championship away from me..."»

«"...step forward."»

Later that night, Luger forces Tom Zenk to submit to the Human Torture Rack.

---

Brian Pillman's remarkable run gathers momentum.

He defeats The Great Muta in a Spring Stampede rematch before upsetting "Dr. Death" Steve Williams with a flash cradle.

Gary Hart dismisses both victories as luck.

The following week, Pillman faces Mark Callous.

Hart attempts to interfere, but Barry Windham pulls him from the apron.

Pillman capitalises with another flash cradle.

One... Two... Three.

Pillman has defeated Muta, Williams and Callous in consecutive weeks.

Lex Luger walks onto the stage carrying the World Heavyweight Championship.

He simply smirks.

The following week, WCW officials announce Brian Pillman as the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

During the contract signing, Luger finally addresses him.

«"You earned this opportunity."»

«"Now you're going to find out why I'm the World Heavyweight Champion."»

---

Sid Vicious continues destroying everyone put in front of him.

- George South

- Tim Horner

- Tommy Angel

- Allen Iron Eagle

None survive longer than two minutes.

After every victory, Sid kneels beside his fallen opponent and stares into the camera.

«"Sting..."»

«"Look at this face."»

«"I am Sid Vicious..."»

«"...and Sid Vicious rules the world."»

Week after week, the message never changes.

---

While Sid spreads fear, Sting becomes the face of WCW television.

The United States Champion defeats every challenger before remaining at ringside to greet fans and sign autographs.

Jim Ross begins referring to Sting as "the standard-bearer of WCW."

When asked about Sid Vicious, Sting simply replies:

«"Sid wants this championship..."»

«"Then come and take it."»

WCW officials announce Sting vs. Sid Vicious for the United States Heavyweight Championship at Clash of the Champions.

The winner will become the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

---

Television Champion Arn Anderson faces Mark Callous on WCW Saturday Night.

Midway through the match, Steve Williams attacks Anderson from behind.

Williams and Callous brutalise the Television Champion until The Steiner Brothers storm the ring to make the save.

A wild four-man brawl erupts around ringside.

WCW immediately signs The Steiner Brothers vs. Steve Williams & Mark Callous for Clash of the Champions.

---

The Road Warriors continue battling The Samoan Swat Team, but the addition of Great Kokina gives the Samoans an overwhelming advantage.

The odds are finally evened when Junkyard Dog returns to WCW, joining Hawk and Animal in a series of chaotic six-man brawls.

---

New World Tag Team Champions Doom quickly discover they are not the only dominant team in WCW.

The Fabulous Freebirds, now managed by Little Richard Marley, repeatedly interrupt Doom's matches and celebrations, mocking Teddy Long before retreating whenever the champions give chase.

Week after week, the taunts become more personal.

Finally, they go too far.

Following another dominant Doom victory, the Freebirds hit the ring. As Simmons and Reed move to intercept them, Michael Hayes slips behind the champions and levels Teddy Long with a thunderous left hook, knocking him unconscious.

The Freebirds escape through the crowd laughing while Doom rush to their manager's aid.

WCW officials immediately sign Doom vs. The Fabulous Freebirds for the World Tag Team Championship at Clash of the Champions.

---

Former World Television Champion Terry Taylor makes his long-awaited return to WCW.

In his first match back, Taylor defeats Buddy Landel in a competitive bout, proving he hasn't lost a step.

He turns his attention to Arn Anderson.

«"Arn, you're the Television Champion for a reason."»

«"You're one of the best in this business."»

«"But I didn't come back here just to shake hands..."»

«"...I came back to compete."»

Taylor respectfully challenges Anderson for the World Television Championship.

Anderson walks out and nods from the aisle, gives a thumb up   accepting without hesitation.

Everything is now set for Clash of the Champions XI: Hard Justice.

Clash of the Champions XI: Hard Justice

Wednesday, June 13, 1990

Charleston Civic Center – Charleston, West Virginia

Attendance: 6, 400 (Sell Out)

Television Rating: 4.8

Clash of the Champions XI delivered another memorable night for WCW as Lex Luger continued his dominant reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Sting survived the greatest challenge of his United States Championship reign, and Brian Pillman proved he belonged among wrestling's elite.

Jim Ross welcomed viewers to a packed Charleston Civic Center, promising "a night that will shape the future of WCW."

NWA World Television Championship

Arn Anderson (c) vs. Terry Taylor

A superb technical contest opened the evening, with both men exchanging counters and near falls in a match built entirely on mutual respect.

Taylor came within seconds of victory after a Five-Arm, but Anderson escaped and capitalised moments later with a perfectly executed DDT.

Winner and STILL NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson by pinfall.

Time: 14:27

Following the match, Anderson and Taylor embraced to a standing ovation.

Six-Man Tag Team Match

The Road Warriors & Junkyard Dog vs. The Samoan Swat Team & Great Kokina

The match quickly descended into chaos as all six men brawled around ringside.

With the referee distracted, Hawk blasted Samu with a chair before Animal hoisted him up for a Doomsday Device.

Winners: The Road Warriors & Junkyard Dog.

Time: 9:58

World Tag Team Championship

Doom (c) vs. The Fabulous Freebirds

The Freebirds repeatedly attempted to outsmart the champions, but Simmons and Reed refused to be baited.

Late in the match, Little Richard Marley climbed onto the apron, distracting the referee long enough for Michael Hayes to swing one of the championship belts.

Ron Simmons ducked.

The belt struck Jimmy Garvin instead.

Reed immediately covered Garvin.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: Doom.

Time: 12:31

After the match, Doom stands dominate.

Tag Team Match

The Steiner Brothers vs. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Mark Callous

Power met power in one of the hardest-hitting matches of the year.

The action broke down completely before the finish as all four men exchanged heavy blows.

When Williams accidentally collided with Callous, Scott Steiner capitalised with a Frankensteiner on Williams while Rick kept Callous occupied outside the ring.

Winners: The Steiner Brothers.

Time: 13:44

(Steve Williams no sold the finish and walked out)

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Winner Becomes No. 1 Contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Sting (c) vs. Sid Vicious

The atmosphere reached fever pitch as Sting attempted to halt the unstoppable Sid Vicious.

Sid dominated much of the contest, but Sting refused to stay down, using his speed to avoid the monster's power.

Late in the match, Sting finally staggered Sid with a Stinger Splash.

As Sting charged in again, Gary Hart distracted the referee while The Great Muta climbed onto the ring apron.

Sting turned toward Muta.

Sid charged from behind.

At the last possible second, Sting slipped aside.

Muta unleashed the Green Mist.

Sid took the full blast.

Blinded, Sid staggered backwards as Sting instantly rolled him up with an O'Connor Roll.

One...

Two...

Three!

Winner and STILL NWA United States Heavyweight Champion—and NEW No. 1 Contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Sting.

Time: 15:07

Sid erupted in fury after the bell, shoving The Great Muta to the canvas before leaving ringside without another word.

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger (c) vs. Brian Pillman

Brian Pillman fought without fear, repeatedly frustrating the champion with his speed and athleticism.

Midway through the contest, Pillman stunned the crowd by connecting with the Air Pillman for an agonising near fall.

Luger survived.

Pillman went back to the top rope looking to finish the impossible.

This time, Luger caught him in mid-air.

One thunderous powerslam later, the champion hoisted Pillman onto his shoulders and locked in the Human Torture Rack.

Pillman refused to surrender for several agonising seconds before finally submitting.

Winner and STILL NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger by submission.

Time: 16:18

As Luger stood tall in the center of the ring, Sting emerged onto the entranceway, United States Championship over his shoulder.

The crowd erupted as the new No. 1 contender locked eyes with the reigning World Champion.

Luger raised the NWA World Heavyweight Championship high above his head, refusing to break his stare.

Jim Ross declared that "the collision course is set." 

Clash of the Champions XI faded off the air with Lex Luger standing dominant as World Champion, staring down his next challenger in Sting.

Spring Stampede '90

Saturday, May 19, 1990

Baltimore Arena – Baltimore, Maryland

Attendance: 11, 200 (Sell Out)

Pay-Per-View Buys: Approximately 225, 000

NWA/WCW Preview

April 4, 1990 – Spring Stampede '90

Executive Vice President Jim Ross continues to steer WCW through its hottest period in years. Television ratings are climbing, arenas are selling out and anticipation for Spring Stampede has reached fever pitch.

Old rivalries have been reignited, new stars have emerged and the balance of power within the NWA hangs in the balance.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sting

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson

The Landscape

The war between The Horsemen and The Dominion has become the defining rivalry in professional wrestling.

World Heavyweight Champion Lex Luger, guided by Gary Hart, stands alongside The Great Muta, "Dr. Death" Steve Williams and Mark Callous, convinced a new era has arrived.

Across the ring stand Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Barry Windham. Flair insists Gary Hart and a steel chair stole his World Championship at WrestleWar and has vowed to reclaim the title—or go down fighting.

Elsewhere, United States Champion Sting has become the target of the monstrous Great Kokina, while Doom have bulldozed their way into a World Tag Team Championship match against the Steiner Brothers.

Meanwhile, Sid Vicious has returned with one mission.

Destroy everyone.

Backstage News

Ric Flair has publicly supported Lex Luger's rise to the top, though many believe he privately fears his days as the industry's standard-bearer are coming to an end.

Brian Pillman continues to receive rave reviews following a series of breakout performances, with many believing he is destined for the main event.

Sid Vicious has reportedly been earmarked for a major main event push following his return from injury.

Jim Ross is said to be delighted with WCW's direction as television ratings, attendance and pay-per-view interest continue to rise.

Television Highlights

Ric Flair opens April demanding another shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

"Gary Hart and a steel chair stole my World Championship! Lex Luger has never beaten Ric Flair!"

Gary Hart dismisses Flair as yesterday's news, but after weeks of confrontation the NWA Board of Directors makes its decision.

At Spring Stampede, Ric Flair will receive one final opportunity to regain the World Heavyweight Championship.

The match will take place inside a Steel Cage.

At Gary Hart's request, one final stipulation is added.

If Ric Flair loses, he can never again challenge Lex Luger for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship while Luger remains champion.

The war between The Horsemen and The Dominion reaches boiling point when Ric Flair and Barry Windham appear to have Steve Williams and Mark Callous beaten before Lex Luger and The Great Muta storm the ring. A wild eight-man brawl erupts around ringside, forcing officials to separate both factions.

The rivalry has moved beyond championships.

It's personal.

Following another successful title defence, Sting is blindsided by Great Kokina, who crushes the champion with a devastating Big Leg Drop before standing over the United States Championship.

Over the following weeks Kokina tears through Tommy Rich, Ranger Ross and a series of enhancement wrestlers, making one thing perfectly clear.

The United States Championship is next.

Brian Pillman continues his rapid ascent with victories over The Samoan Savage, Mike Rotunda and Jimmy Garvin.

Every victory is followed by another assault from The Great Muta.

Finally, Pillman has enough.

The challenge is made official for Spring Stampede.

Sid Vicious leaves a trail of destruction across WCW.

Italian Stallion — 18 seconds

Ranger Ross — 29 seconds

Tommy Rich — 1:37

Mike Rotunda — Under four minutes, before suffering a second Powerbomb after the bell.

After every victory, Sid calmly takes the microphone.

"I am Sid Vicious... and Sid Vicious rules the world!"

Arn Anderson successfully retains the World Television Championship against Michael Hayes before Steve Williams blindsides him with a devastating Oklahoma Stampede.

Anderson immediately demands another title match.

Williams accepts.

Doom continue to dominate the tag team division, defeating the Road Warriors by controversial count-out before pinning the Rock 'n' Roll Express in convincing fashion.

Teddy Long delivers a simple promise.

"Steiners... your time is up."

The final edition of WCW Saturday Night features the official contract signing for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Ric Flair signs first without hesitation.

Gary Hart then slides the contract across the table to Lex Luger, who calmly signs before placing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship across his shoulder.

The silence is finally broken by Flair.

"At WrestleWar you stole my title. At Spring Stampede... I'm taking it back."

Luger never flinches.

Gary Hart simply smiles.

"Ric Flair's time is over."

The champion rises, drapes the World Championship over his shoulder and walks away without another word.

Flair remains seated, staring at the signed contract before quietly closing the folder.

One man believes justice awaits.

The other believes the future has already arrived.

Everything is now set for Spring Stampede '90.

Spring Stampede '90

Saturday, May 19, 1990

Baltimore Arena – Baltimore, Maryland

Attendance: 11, 200 (Sell Out)

Pay-Per-View Buys: Approximately 225, 000

The inaugural Spring Stampede delivered on every promise as a capacity crowd packed the Baltimore Arena to witness one of the biggest nights in WCW history. Championships changed hands, rivalries reached their boiling point and, by night's end, the landscape of the NWA had changed forever.

Jim Ross welcomed viewers to the pay-per-view, calling Spring Stampede "the beginning of a new tradition, " before the action got underway.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Sting (c) vs. Great Kokina

Great Kokina looked every bit the unstoppable monster, overpowering Sting from the opening bell with crushing headbutts, corner avalanches and devastating body blows. Every comeback by the champion was cut off by the giant Samoan's overwhelming strength.

Sting finally turned the tide by avoiding a charging Kokina, sending the challenger crashing into the turnbuckles. Sensing his opportunity, Sting exploded with a Stinger Splash before climbing to the top rope.

One Diving Splash later, the Baltimore Arena erupted.

Winner and STILL NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sting by pinfall.

Time: 11:48

Post-match: Samu and Fatu stormed the ring, but before the assault could continue, The Road Warriors charged to ringside. A wild brawl broke out as the Samoan Swat Team retreated, setting the stage for an explosive rivalry.

Cactus Jack vs. Norman the Lunatic

Norman's unpredictability frustrated Cactus early, but the brawler quickly regained control with brutal strikes on the arena floo and a huge elbow from the apronr. Back inside the ring, Cactus planted Norman with the Double Arm DDT for a decisive victory.

Winner: Cactus Jack by pinfall.

Time: 5:11

Brian Pillman vs. The Great Muta

One of the night's fastest-paced contests saw Brian Pillman and The Great Muta match each other step for step, neither man able to gain a clear advantage as the action moved at a relentless pace. Pillman’s aerial attacks were countered by Muta’s precision striking, while Muta’s offense was repeatedly neutralised by Pillman’s agility.

After a rapid exchange of counters left both men scrambling, Muta hesitated for just a split second following a missed handspring elbow. Pillman seized the narrow opening, springing to the top rope and launching the Air Pillman to secure a hard-fought victory.

The Baltimore crowd rewarded both men with a standing ovation.

Winner: Brian Pillman by pinfall.

Time: 12:46

Barry Windham vs. Mark Callous

Barry Windham appeared moments away from victory as he hoisted Callous up for a Superplex, but Gary Hart's distraction drew the Windham's attention at the crucial moment.

As Windham steadied himself on the ropes, Callous struck with sudden force.

A thunderous Heart Punch caught Windham flush, sending him crashing to the mat and allowing Callous to steal a controversial victory for The Dominion.

Winner: Mark Callous by pinfall.

Time: 9:14

The Fabulous Freebirds vs. The Southern Boys

The Southern Boys looked poised for the upset after Steve Armstrong trapped Jimmy Garvin in an O'Connor Roll, only for Michael Hayes to crack Armstrong with a DDT behind the referee's back.

Garvin quickly rolled onto Armstrong for the three-count.

Winners: The Fabulous Freebirds by pinfall.

Time: 11:23

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. Doom

Power met power in one of the hardest-hitting matches of the evening.

Neither team gave an inch as Rick Steiner and Butch Reed traded heavy blows while Scott Steiner and Ron Simmons wowed the crowd with incredible displays of strength.

The champions looked set to retain until Teddy Long distracted the official. Reed capitalised by slipping on a pair of brass knuckles and blasting Rick Steiner with a devastating punch.

Rick collapsed instantly.

Reed quickly covered him as the referee turned back around to count the fall.

Winners and NEW NWA World Tag Team Champions: Doom

Time: 12:23

The Baltimore crowd erupted in boos as Teddy Long celebrated with the new champions.

NWA World Television Championship

Arn Anderson (c) vs. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams

The Television Championship produced a classic contest between two of wrestling's toughest competitors.

Anderson targeted Williams' leg while the challenger answered with crushing suplexes and punishing tackles.

Neither man could gain the decisive advantage before the fifteen-minute television time limit expired.

Both immediately demanded five more minutes, but the decision stood.

Result: Time-Limit Draw

Time: 15:00

Sid Vicious vs. Tom Zenk

Tom Zenk attempted to use his speed but barely had time to mount any offence.

One clothesline.

One Powerbomb.

It was over.

Sid dropped to one knee across Zenk's chest as the referee counted three.

Winner: Sid Vicious by pinfall.

Time: 1:07

After the match, Sid slowly took the microphone.

"I am Sid Vicious... and Sid Vicious rules the world!"

The chilling declaration echoed throughout the arena as nobody dared confront him.

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Steel Cage Match

Lex Luger (c) vs. Ric Flair

If Ric Flair loses, he can never again challenge Lex Luger for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship while Luger remains champion.

The atmosphere inside the Baltimore Arena reached a fever pitch as the Steel Cage lowered around the ring.

For Ric Flair, this was redemption.

For Lex Luger, it was validation.

With Gary Hart locked outside the cage, there would be no excuses.

Flair attacked immediately, chopping the champion relentlessly before targeting Luger's left leg in an effort to neutralise the Torture Rack.

Luger answered with raw power, repeatedly driving Flair into the unforgiving steel before opening a deep cut above the challenger's eye.

Soon both men were covered in blood.

The battle spilled into every corner of the cage as neither competitor gave an inch.

Flair survived a powerslam.

Luger escaped the Figure Four.

The Baltimore crowd roared with every near fall.

After more than sixteen brutal minutes, Flair climbed to the top rope and launched one final desperate crossbody.

Luger caught him and drove him down hard with a crushing powerslam.

Without hesitation, the champion hauled Flair back up, hoisted him onto his shoulders and locked in the Human Torture Rack.

Flair fought desperately, refusing to surrender.

But there was nowhere to run.

Nowhere to escape.

Finally...

Ric Flair submitted.

The bell rang to a mixture of stunned silence and thunderous applause.

Winner and STILL NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger by submission.

Time: 16:41

Gary Hart immediately unlocked the cage and embraced his exhausted champion before raising the NWA World Heavyweight Championship high above his head.

Inside the cage, Arn Anderson, Barry Windham and Sting helped Ric Flair to his feet as the Baltimore crowd delivered a prolonged standing ovation to the former World Champion.

For the first time in years, Ric Flair's chase for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship was over.

Spring Stampede faded off the air with Lex Luger standing atop the wrestling world, while Gary Hart's Dominion celebrated their continued dominance.

Clash of the Champions XI: Coastal Crush

Tuesday, April 3, 1990

Norfolk Scope – Norfolk, Virginia

Attendance: 10,500 (Sell Out)

TBS Rating: 5.2

NWA/WCW Preview – February 26, 1990 to Clash of the Champions XI: Coastal Crush

Executive Vice President Jim Ross continues to oversee a resurgence in the National Wrestling Alliance. Following the success of WrestleWar '90, television ratings remain strong as new stars emerge and rivalries intensify.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship: Vacant

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson

The Landscape

Lex Luger begins his reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion at the head of The Dominion, alongside The Great Muta, "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, Mark Callous, and manager Gary Hart.

The Four Horsemen are once again four strong. The return of Barry Windham reunites him with Ric Flair, Sting and Arn Anderson, restoring the legendary faction as the company's premier babyface unit.

Following his victory over the Midnight Express, Brian Pillman has established himself as one of WCW's fastest-rising stars.

The Steiner Brothers remain atop the tag team division, but Doom, reunited under Teddy Long, have emerged as their most dangerous challengers.

Dan Spivey has departed for Japan while Mark Callous has aligned himself with Gary Hart's Dominion.

Sid Vicious is set to make his long-awaited return at the Clash.

The United States Heavyweight Championship has been vacated following Lex Luger's victory over Ric Flair at WrestleWar.

Backstage News

The vacant United States Championship tournament has generated considerable debate, with several top stars believing they deserve an opportunity.

Sid Vicious has reportedly been promised a major push upon his return.

The Road Warriors are said to be frustrated after falling out of the World Tag Team Championship picture.

Cactus Jack continues to impress Executive Vice President Jim Ross.

Television Highlights

The Four Horsemen officially welcome Barry Windham back into the group following Ric Flair's loss of the World Heavyweight Championship.

Not to be outdone, Gary Hart introduces Mark Callous as the newest member of The Dominion, restoring the numbers advantage.

Barry Windham and Ric Flair defeat Lex Luger and The Great Muta in tag team action after Windham pins the World Champion. As a result, Windham is named the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament

Quarter-finals

Sting defeats Cactus Jack in a tremendous encounter.

Mark Callous defeats Tom Zenk.

Brian Pillman shocks the wrestling world by pinning The Great Muta.

Steve Williams defeats Shane Douglas.

Semi-finals

Sting defeats Mark Callous.

Steve Williams defeats Brian Pillman after interference from The Great Muta.

The tournament final between Sting and Steve Williams is signed for Clash of the Champions.

Elsewhere, Doom continue their impressive rise with a major victory over The Rock 'n' Roll Express.

Great Kokina dominates enhancement talent in singles competition and is signed to face Tommy Rich at the Clash.

Meanwhile, a series of ominous vignettes announces the imminent return of Sid Vicious.

Everything is now set for Clash of the Champions XI: Coastal Crush, where championships, rivalries and momentum are all on the line.

Clash of the Champions XI: Coastal Crush

Tuesday, April 3, 1990

Norfolk Scope

Norfolk, Virginia

Attendance: 10,500 (Sell Out)

TBS Rating: 5.2

Sid Vicious vs. Ranger Ross

Sid Vicious makes his long-awaited return in devastating fashion, destroying Ranger Ross before planting him with a thunderous Powerbomb.

Winner: Sid Vicious by pinfall (0:22)

Brian Pillman vs. Buddy Landel

Brian Pillman continues his rise through the ranks by defeating Buddy Landel following a spectacular Air Pillman.

Winner: Brian Pillman by pinfall (4:22)

Following the match, The Great Muta storms the ring and assaults Pillman, reigniting their rivalry.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final

Sting vs. Steve Williams

Sting and Steve Williams battle for the vacant United States Championship in a physical, hard-fought contest.

After surviving Williams' relentless power offence, Sting rocks him with the Stinger Splash before catching him in a perfectly executed small package.

Winner and NEW NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Sting by pinfall (13:41)

Great Kokina vs. Tommy Rich

Great Kokina continues his impressive run by crushing Tommy Rich with a massive Big Leg Drop.

Winner: Great Kokina by pinfall (3:13)

Ric Flair & Arn Anderson vs. Mark Callous & The Great Muta

The Horsemen appear to have the match under control until Mark Callous loses his temper and throws Arn Anderson over the top rope directly in front of the referee.

Winners: Ric Flair & Arn Anderson by disqualification (11:38)

Doom (Ron Simmons & Butch Reed) vs. The Rock 'n' Roll Express

Doom continue to establish themselves as the premier challengers in the tag team division.

Ron Simmons finishes Ricky Gibson following a devastating powerslam.

Winners: Doom by pinfall (12:45)

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. The Midnight Express

The Midnight Express push the champions to their limit before Rick Steiner delivers his trademark Top Rope Bulldog to Stan Lane.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers by pinfall (13:46)

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger (c) vs. Barry Windham

Barry Windham earns his opportunity after pinning Lex Luger on television and pushes the World Champion to his absolute limit.

With the match entering its closing stages, referee Tommy Young is momentarily out of position. Gary Hart slides the Big Gold Belt into the ring.

Luger catches Windham with the championship belt before quickly throwing it aside.

One... Two... Three!

Winner and STILL NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger by pinfall (16:11)

As referee Tommy Young raises Luger's hand, Barry Windham slowly begins to recover.

Recognising the danger, Gary Hart immediately grabs the World Championship and urges Luger to leave the ring.

The Great Muta, Steve Williams and Mark Callous move in to cover the retreat as Hart and Luger back cautiously up the aisle.

Moments later, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and newly crowned United States Champion Sting arrive to help Windham to his feet.

The Horsemen stand united in the ring while Lex Luger raises the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from the entranceway before disappearing backstage with Gary Hart.

Clash of the Champions XI goes off the air with The Horsemen standing tall, but The Dominion leaving with the richest prize in professional wrestling.

Results

Sid Vicious def. Ranger Ross (0:22)

Brian Pillman def. Buddy Landel (4:22)

Sting def. Steve Williams to win the vacant NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (13:41)

Great Kokina def. Tommy Rich (3:13)

Ric Flair & Arn Anderson def. Mark Callous & The Great Muta by disqualification (11:38)

Doom def. The Rock 'n' Roll Express (12:45)

The Steiner Brothers (c) def. The Midnight Express to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship (13:46)

Lex Luger (c) def. Barry Windham to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (16:11)

Review

NWA/WCW Preview – January 1990 to Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout

Following the commercial disappointment of Starrcade '89, WCW President Jim Herd is relieved of his duties on January 1, 1990.

Jim Ross is appointed Executive Vice President and immediately restructures creative, naming Jim Cornette, Eddie Gilbert, and Paul Heyman as the new booking committee.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: The Great Muta

The Landscape

The Four Horsemen have become one of the company's premier fan-favourite factions, consisting of Ric Flair, Sting, Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson.

Lex Luger has emerged as WCW's top heel.

Gary Hart has rebuilt his empire. Casting aside Buzz Sawyer and The Dragonmaster, Hart unveils a new supergroup featuring Lex Luger, The Great Muta and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. Together they are known as The Dominion.

Sid Vicious remains sidelined with injury.

Mark Callous is set to debut alongside Dan Spivey as the new Skyscrapers under the guidance of Teddy Long.

The tag team division is the strongest in wrestling, featuring the Steiner Brothers, Road Warriors, Midnight Express, Fabulous Freebirds, Samoan Swat Team, Doom, and the exciting young team of Brian Pillman and Tom Zenk.

Backstage News

Ole Anderson is expected to retire from active competition.

Cactus Jack has reportedly agreed to a long-term contract.

The Dynamic Dudes have officially disbanded. Johnny Ace has been released, while Shane Douglas begins a singles career.

Rumours continue that the Samoan Swat Team will soon expand with a fourth member.

The Iron Sheik, Bam Bam Bigelow and Jack Victory have all departed the promotion. Bigelow will honour his Japanese commitments before considering a return.

Television Highlights

Brian Pillman and Tom Zenk's rivalry with the Midnight Express turns personal when Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane crush Pillman's throat with Jim Cornette's tennis racket.

At Clash of the Champions, Pillman and Zenk will challenge the Midnight Express. If they win, Pillman earns a steel cage march with Jim Cornette at WrestleWar.

The Road Warriors are repeatedly ambushed by the Skyscrapers, leading to violent brawls throughout arenas and parking lots.

Sting is officially named the number one contender to Ric Flair's NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a decision that infuriates United States Champion Lex Luger.

After Sting defeats Buzz Sawyer in convincing fashion, Luger assaults him with a steel chair before the Horsemen chase him from the ring.

One week later, Luger, The Great Muta and Steve Williams turn on Buzz Sawyer and The Dragonmaster.

Gary Hart declares they were merely stepping stones before introducing his true vision:

The Dominion.

The Dominion immediately establish themselves by defeating Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson in six-man tag team action.

Late in the match, Muta spits poisonous mist into Ole Anderson's eyes, allowing Luger to force him into the Torture Rack.

Following the victory, Steve Williams viciously breaks Ole Anderson's arm, writing the veteran off television indefinitely.

The Four Horsemen head into Clash of the Champions reduced to just three members.

The Samoan Swat Team enjoy an impressive winning streak throughout January and earn an NWA World Tag Team Championship opportunity against the Steiner Brothers.

Doom continue to build momentum with an impressive clean victory over Tommy Rich and Ranger Ross.

Everything is now set for Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout on February 6, 1990, where the balance of power in the NWA may change forever.

NWA Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout

Tuesday, February 6, 1990

Memorial Coliseum – Corpus Christi, Texas

Attendance: 6,100 (Sell Out)

Television Rating: 4.8

Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk vs. The Midnight Express (with Jim Cornette)

The Midnight Express relentlessly target Brian Pillman's injured throat, looking to end the youngster's momentum once and for all.

Pillman survives the punishment and launches himself from the ropes with the Air Pillman Springboard Clothesline, scoring the decisive pinfall on Lane.

Jim Cornette is left stunned. Pillman has earned a match with him inside a steel cage at WrestleWar.

Winners: Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk by pinfall (9:11)

The Road Warriors vs. The Skyscrapers (Dan Spivey & Mark Callous) (with Teddy Long)

A hard-hitting power battle sees both teams throw everything they have at one another.

The finish comes when Animal hoists Dan Spivey onto his shoulders, allowing Hawk to leap from the top rope and crush him with the Doomsday Device.

Winners: The Road Warriors by pinfall (7:16)

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. The Samoan Swat Team

The Samoan Swat Team push the champions to the limit in a physical contest.

Late in the match, Rick Steiner counters Fatu with a surprise roll-up to retain the championships.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers by pinfall (13:11)

After the bell, The Great Kokina storms the ring.

Joining Fatu, Samu and The Samoan Savage, the four Samoans launch a brutal assault on the champions. Kokina crushes Scott Steiner with a devastating Big Leg Drop before flattening Rick with another. The Samoan Swat Team stand united over both Steiner Brothers as the crowd looks on in disbelief.

NWA World Television Championship

The Great Muta (c) (with Gary Hart) vs. Arn Anderson

A superb technical contest sees Muta attempt his trademark Moonsault.

Arn Anderson gets both knees up before immediately planting the champion with a perfectly executed DDT.

Winner and NEW NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson by pinfall (9:34)

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger (c) (with Gary Hart) vs. Sting

The rivalry between Lex Luger and Sting reaches another level in an outstanding contest.

As Sting begins to seize control, Luger escapes to the floor. After both men brawl around ringside, Gary Hart grabs Sting's leg, delaying him just long enough for the referee's ten-count.

Winner: Lex Luger by count-out (12:32)

Lex Luger retains the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.

Following the decision, Luger and Hart both retreat to the safety of the entranceway.

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Ric Flair (c) vs. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams (with Gary Hart)

Steve Williams looks every bit the unstoppable challenger, using his immense power to dominate large portions of the contest.

Flair survives through experience, but Williams repeatedly cuts him off with crushing offence, including a thunderous Meat Cleaver Clothesline.

Believing victory is moments away, Williams hoists Flair onto his shoulder for the Oklahoma Stampede.

Williams drives Flair hard into the turnbuckles, but before completing the slam, Flair rolls thrpugh into a perfectly executed small package.

One... Two... Three!

The crowd erupts as Flair steals an incredible victory.

Winner and STILL NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair by pinfall (15:45)

After the Match

A furious Steve Williams immediately attacks Ric Flair.

Lex Luger and The Great Muta join the assault as The Dominion attempt to destroy the World Champion.

Arn Anderson races to the ring, followed moments later by Sting.

With the odds now even, Gary Hart orders his men to pull back. Smiling confidently, The Dominion slowly retreat up the aisle, satisfied they have sent their message.

Inside the ring, Arn helps Flair to his feet while Sting stands beside them.

The final image sees Ric Flair, Sting and Arn Anderson standing shoulder to shoulder as The Dominion stare back from the entrance stage, setting the stage for WrestleWar.

Results

Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk def. The Midnight Express (9:11)

The Road Warriors def. The Skyscrapers (7:16)

The Steiner Brothers (c) def. The Samoan Swat Team (13:11)

Arn Anderson def. The Great Muta (c) to win the NWA World Television Championship (9:34)

Lex Luger (c) def. Sting by count-out to retain the NWA United States Championship (12:32)

Ric Flair (c) def. Steve Williams to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (15:45)

WrestleWar '90: Wild Thing

Sunday, February 25, 1990

Greensboro Coliseum – Greensboro, North Carolina

Attendance: 9,894 (Sell Out)

Pay-Per-View Buys: Approximately 195,000

NWA/WCW Preview – February 7, 1990 to WrestleWar '90

Executive Vice President Jim Ross has enjoyed an outstanding start to his tenure. Following the critically acclaimed Clash of the Champions X, television ratings continue to rise as WCW enters a new era built around athletic competition, compelling rivalries and long-term storytelling.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson

The Landscape

The Four Horsemen have been reduced to just Ric Flair, Sting and Arn Anderson following Steve Williams' brutal attack on Ole Anderson. Despite losing one of their founding members, they remain the premier babyface faction in professional wrestling.

Standing opposite them is The Dominion. Guided by Gary Hart, the alliance of Lex Luger, The Great Muta and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams has rapidly become the most dangerous force in the NWA. Luger enters WrestleWar as the number one contender to Ric Flair's World Championship.

Sid Vicious remains sidelined with injury.

The tag team division continues to be the strongest in wrestling, featuring the Steiner Brothers, Road Warriors, Midnight Express, Fabulous Freebirds, Samoan Swat Team, Doom and The Skyscrapers.

Backstage News

Former Four Horseman Barry Windham has signed a multi-year contract with WCW and is expected to return to television in the near future.

Television Highlights

Brian Pillman continued his remarkable rise by defeating both Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton in consecutive singles matches. Jim Cornette regained a measure of confidence by defeating Joey Maggs with assistance from Stan Lane as he prepared to face Pillman inside a steel cage at WrestleWar.

The Road Warriors suffered another brutal ambush at the hands of the mysterious masked team known as Doom.

The Samoan Swat Team, now strengthened by the arrival of Great Kokina, dominated enhancement talent throughout February to earn another NWA World Tag Team Championship opportunity against the Steiner Brothers.

Lex Luger reinforced his status as Ric Flair's number one contender by decisively defeating Shane Douglas.

The rivalry between Sting and The Great Muta intensified after Muta once again blinded Sting with green mist during a television confrontation.

Arn Anderson and Steve Williams wrestled to a hard-fought fifteen-minute time-limit draw, setting up a World Television Championship rematch at WrestleWar.

The Rock 'n' Roll Express returned to WCW with a victory over The Skyscrapers before immediately being attacked by the Fabulous Freebirds, reigniting one of wrestling's greatest rivalries.

Kevin Sullivan's newest protégé, Cactus Jack, strung together several impressive victories before Sullivan's former partner, Mike Rotunda, returned to challenge the unstable newcomer.

Everything was now set for WrestleWar '90: Wild Thing, where rivalries would be settled and the balance of power within the NWA looked set to change forever.

WrestleWar '90: Wild Thing

Sunday, February 25, 1990

Greensboro Coliseum

Greensboro, North Carolina

Attendance: 9,894 (Sell Out)

Pay-Per-View Buys: Approximately 195,000

Steel Cage Match

Brian Pillman vs. Jim Cornette

Cornette spends the opening moments desperately trying to avoid Pillman, but the steel cage leaves him with nowhere to run.

Pillman exacts revenge by repeatedly driving Cornette face-first into the unforgiving steel until the Midnight Express manager is left bloodied and barely conscious. One final collision with the cage wall leaves Cornette helpless, allowing Pillman to score an emphatic victory.

Winner: Brian Pillman by pinfall (2:54)

The Midnight Express vs. Shane Douglas & Tom Zenk

Douglas and Zenk impress throughout, matching one of wrestling's greatest teams stride for stride. However, Bobby Eaton plants Zenk with his trademark Swinging Neckbreaker to secure the victory.

Winners: The Midnight Express by pinfall (11:25)

Cactus Jack (with Kevin Sullivan) vs. Mike Rotunda

A physical grudge match ends when Cactus Jack drives Rotunda into the canvas with a devastating Double Arm DDT.

Winner: Cactus Jack by pinfall (7:32)

Doom vs. The Road Warriors

The Road Warriors appear to have victory within their grasp before Doom resort to underhanded tactics. With the referee distracted, Hawk is struck by a loaded masked headbutt before being pinned.

Following the match, the masked duo remove their disguises to reveal Ron Simmons and Butch Reed, reunited under the management of Teddy Long.

Winners: Doom

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. The Samoan Swat Team

Another bruising encounter between two powerhouse teams sees Great Kokina loom as a constant threat at ringside. Despite the numbers advantage, Scott Steiner finishes The Samoan Savage with the Frankensteiner to retain the titles.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers by pinfall (14:34)

NWA World Television Championship

Arn Anderson (c) vs. Steve Williams

Williams once again proves himself one of the toughest men in wrestling, but the surprise return of Barry Windham distracts the challenger at a crucial moment.

Arn Anderson immediately capitalises with a perfectly timed roll-up to retain the championship.

Winner and STILL NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson by pinfall (12:56)

Sting vs. The Great Muta

Months of hostility culminate in one of the finest matches of the evening. Sting survives Muta's relentless offence before ending the rivalry with a spectacular Diving Splash.

Winner: Sting by pinfall (16:11)

The Rock 'n' Roll Express vs. The Fabulous Freebirds

The legendary rivalry continues as both teams produce another classic contest. Jimmy Garvin appears moments away from victory before Ricky Morton catches him with a lightning-fast schoolboy to steal the three-count.

Winners: The Rock 'n' Roll Express by pinfall (12:51)

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Ric Flair (c) vs. Lex Luger (with Gary Hart)

Ric Flair's experience repeatedly frustrates the powerful challenger, but Gary Hart once again proves the difference-maker.

With referee Tommy Young out of position, Hart slides a steel chair into the ring. Luger drives it into Flair's head before quickly discarding the weapon and making the cover.

One... Two... Three!

After 15 minutes and 45 seconds, Lex Luger becomes the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Gary Hart enters the ring alongside Steve Williams and The Great Muta as The Dominion celebrate the greatest victory in the faction's brief history. Meanwhile, Sting and Arn Anderson help the fallen Ric Flair back to his feet before escorting the former champion to the dressing room.

WrestleWar '90 goes off the air with Lex Luger holding the NWA World Heavyweight Championship high above his head as The Dominion stand atop professional wrestling.

Results

Brian Pillman def. Jim Cornette (Steel Cage Match) (2:54)

The Midnight Express def. Shane Douglas & Tom Zenk (11:25)

Cactus Jack def. Mike Rotunda (7:32)

Doom def. The Road Warriors

The Steiner Brothers (c) def. The Samoan Swat Team to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship (14:34)

Arn Anderson (c) def. Steve Williams to retain the NWA World Television Championship (12:56)

Sting def. The Great Muta (16:11)

The Rock 'n' Roll Express def. The Fabulous Freebirds (12:51)

Lex Luger def. Ric Flair (c) to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (15:45)

Review

NWA/WCW Preview – January 1990 to Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout

Following the commercial disappointment of Starrcade '89, WCW President Jim Herd is relieved of his duties on January 1, 1990.

Jim Ross is appointed Executive Vice President and immediately restructures creative, naming Jim Cornette, Eddie Gilbert, and Paul Heyman as the new booking committee.

Champions

NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair

NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Lex Luger

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers

NWA World Television Champion: The Great Muta

The Landscape

The Four Horsemen have become one of the company's premier fan-favourite factions, consisting of Ric Flair, Sting, Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson.

Lex Luger has emerged as WCW's top heel.

Gary Hart has rebuilt his empire. Casting aside Buzz Sawyer and The Dragonmaster, Hart unveils a new supergroup featuring Lex Luger, The Great Muta and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. Together they are known as The Dominion.

Sid Vicious remains sidelined with injury.

Mark Callous is set to debut alongside Dan Spivey as the new Skyscrapers under the guidance of Teddy Long.

The tag team division is the strongest in wrestling, featuring the Steiner Brothers, Road Warriors, Midnight Express, Fabulous Freebirds, Samoan Swat Team, Doom, and the exciting young team of Brian Pillman and Tom Zenk.

Backstage News

Ole Anderson is expected to retire from active competition.

Cactus Jack has reportedly agreed to a long-term contract.

The Dynamic Dudes have officially disbanded. Johnny Ace has been released, while Shane Douglas begins a singles career.

Rumours continue that the Samoan Swat Team will soon expand with a fourth member.

The Iron Sheik, Bam Bam Bigelow and Jack Victory have all departed the promotion. Bigelow will honour his Japanese commitments before considering a return.

Television Highlights

Brian Pillman and Tom Zenk's rivalry with the Midnight Express turns personal when Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane crush Pillman's throat with Jim Cornette's tennis racket.

At Clash of the Champions, Pillman and Zenk will challenge the Midnight Express. If they win, Pillman earns a steel cage march with Jim Cornette at WrestleWar.

The Road Warriors are repeatedly ambushed by the Skyscrapers, leading to violent brawls throughout arenas and parking lots.

Sting is officially named the number one contender to Ric Flair's NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a decision that infuriates United States Champion Lex Luger.

After Sting defeats Buzz Sawyer in convincing fashion, Luger assaults him with a steel chair before the Horsemen chase him from the ring.

One week later, Luger, The Great Muta and Steve Williams turn on Buzz Sawyer and The Dragonmaster.

Gary Hart declares they were merely stepping stones before introducing his true vision:

The Dominion.

The Dominion immediately establish themselves by defeating Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson in six-man tag team action.

Late in the match, Muta spits poisonous mist into Ole Anderson's eyes, allowing Luger to force him into the Torture Rack.

Following the victory, Steve Williams viciously breaks Ole Anderson's arm, writing the veteran off television indefinitely.

The Four Horsemen head into Clash of the Champions reduced to just three members.

The Samoan Swat Team enjoy an impressive winning streak throughout January and earn an NWA World Tag Team Championship opportunity against the Steiner Brothers.

Doom continue to build momentum with an impressive clean victory over Tommy Rich and Ranger Ross.

Everything is now set for Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout on February 6, 1990, where the balance of power in the NWA may change forever.

NWA Clash of the Champions X: Texas Shootout

Tuesday, February 6, 1990

Memorial Coliseum – Corpus Christi, Texas

Attendance: 6,100 (Sell Out)

Television Rating: 4.8

Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk vs. The Midnight Express (with Jim Cornette)

The Midnight Express relentlessly target Brian Pillman's injured throat, looking to end the youngster's momentum once and for all.

Pillman survives the punishment and launches himself from the ropes with the Air Pillman Springboard Clothesline, scoring the decisive pinfall on Lane.

Jim Cornette is left stunned. Pillman has earned a match with him inside a steel cage at WrestleWar.

Winners: Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk by pinfall (9:11)

The Road Warriors vs. The Skyscrapers (Dan Spivey & Mark Callous) (with Teddy Long)

A hard-hitting power battle sees both teams throw everything they have at one another.

The finish comes when Animal hoists Dan Spivey onto his shoulders, allowing Hawk to leap from the top rope and crush him with the Doomsday Device.

Winners: The Road Warriors by pinfall (7:16)

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Steiner Brothers (c) vs. The Samoan Swat Team

The Samoan Swat Team push the champions to the limit in a physical contest.

Late in the match, Rick Steiner counters Fatu with a surprise roll-up to retain the championships.

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Steiner Brothers by pinfall (13:11)

After the bell, The Great Kokina storms the ring.

Joining Fatu, Samu and The Samoan Savage, the four Samoans launch a brutal assault on the champions. Kokina crushes Scott Steiner with a devastating Big Leg Drop before flattening Rick with another. The Samoan Swat Team stand united over both Steiner Brothers as the crowd looks on in disbelief.

NWA World Television Championship

The Great Muta (c) (with Gary Hart) vs. Arn Anderson

A superb technical contest sees Muta attempt his trademark Moonsault.

Arn Anderson gets both knees up before immediately planting the champion with a perfectly executed DDT.

Winner and NEW NWA World Television Champion: Arn Anderson by pinfall (9:34)

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

Lex Luger (c) (with Gary Hart) vs. Sting

The rivalry between Lex Luger and Sting reaches another level in an outstanding contest.

As Sting begins to seize control, Luger escapes to the floor. After both men brawl around ringside, Gary Hart grabs Sting's leg, delaying him just long enough for the referee's ten-count.

Winner: Lex Luger by count-out (12:32)

Lex Luger retains the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.

Following the decision, Luger and Hart both retreat to the safety of the entranceway.

Main Event

NWA World Heavyweight Championship

Ric Flair (c) vs. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams (with Gary Hart)

Steve Williams looks every bit the unstoppable challenger, using his immense power to dominate large portions of the contest.

Flair survives through experience, but Williams repeatedly cuts him off with crushing offence, including a thunderous Meat Cleaver Clothesline.

Believing victory is moments away, Williams hoists Flair onto his shoulder for the Oklahoma Stampede.

Williams drives Flair hard into the turnbuckles, but before completing the slam, Flair rolls thrpugh into a perfectly executed small package.

One... Two... Three!

The crowd erupts as Flair steals an incredible victory.

Winner and STILL NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair by pinfall (15:45)

After the Match

A furious Steve Williams immediately attacks Ric Flair.

Lex Luger and The Great Muta join the assault as The Dominion attempt to destroy the World Champion.

Arn Anderson races to the ring, followed moments later by Sting.

With the odds now even, Gary Hart orders his men to pull back. Smiling confidently, The Dominion slowly retreat up the aisle, satisfied they have sent their message.

Inside the ring, Arn helps Flair to his feet while Sting stands beside them.

The final image sees Ric Flair, Sting and Arn Anderson standing shoulder to shoulder as The Dominion stare back from the entrance stage, setting the stage for WrestleWar.

Results

Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk def. The Midnight Express (9:11)

The Road Warriors def. The Skyscrapers (7:16)

The Steiner Brothers (c) def. The Samoan Swat Team (13:11)

Arn Anderson def. The Great Muta (c) to win the NWA World Television Championship (9:34)

Lex Luger (c) def. Sting by count-out to retain the NWA United States Championship (12:32)

Ric Flair (c) def. Steve Williams to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (15:45)