TEW 08: WCW after the Screwjob

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 1, April 1998
Palais des Sports (Quebec, CA)
5000 People -- Sellout

Diamond Dallas Page defeated Buff Bagwell in 15:13 by pinfall with a Diamond Cutter (C)

Backstage Kevin Nash is watching a replay of his Tag Team Title loss along with Scott Hall last night. We see Hall leaving Nash in the ring and Nash turns red with anger. He explodes out of the room and heads down the hall before entering Randy Savages locker. Nash hits Savage with a boot and Powerbombs him through a table. Nash yells into the camera that the joking is over! (B+)

The Four Horsemen assemble in the ring. Flair says this group, with Chris Benoit, the new Enforcer, his partner Booker T, and the man he hand picked to replace Tully Blanchard, Diamond Dallas Page are ready to Style and Profile all over the WCW! (B)

Bill Goldberg defeated Curt Hennig in 11:41 by pinfall with The Spear (B-)

Scott Hall comes out to the ring. Hall says as far as he is concerned the nWo may as well be dead with Hulk Hogan at the helm. Hall says all these losses from Hogan, Nash and Hall have everything to do with Hogan's poor leadership as he's only in it for himself. Hall says he was the founder of nWo, but somehow Hulk became the leader, and that bothers Hall so at Spring Stampede Hall is challenging Hulk to a match with the winner gaining the nWo! (A)

Raven defeated Chris Benoit in 14:50 when Chris Benoit could not beat a ten count following a Piledriver after interference from Meng. During the match we also had Mortis run in and attack Benoit (B)

Roddy Piper comes out and says Chris Jericho keeps running his mouth and Piper is done toying around with him. He officially challenges Jericho to a match at Spring Stampede! (B-)

A video airs highlighting Bret Hart's World Title win last night (A)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Rick Martel in 9:51 by pinfall with a Frog Splash (C-)

Sting defeated Lex Luger in 15:51 by submission with a Scorpion Deathlock (B)

Bret Hart comes to the ring as the new Worlds Champion. He says he took Stings best shot, but once again he proved why he's the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be. Hart says there is no rest for the wicked though and he's ready for Steiner at the Stampede (A)

Show Rating: B-

[DeToxRox]

Nitro Rating

Nitro: 9.49

[dubb93]

I see red and yellow in the future.

[DaddyTorgo]

red+yellow hulkster?

loving the reformed horsemen - i dunno if Booker T would have been my #1 choice, but I love the benoit + ddp choices

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 1, April 1998
Air Canada Centre (Great Lakes)
15000 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Thunder opens up with Hollywood Hogan in the ring. He shows a video of the rise of the nWo, and then shows a second video that shows Scott Hall as leader of the nWo. He says that'll be the true fall of the nWo and Hogan won't let that happen so he will accept the challenge at the Stampede! (B+)

Chris Jericho is in the back. He says Piper has some nerve challenging him at Spring Stampede, but Jericho is going to accept. He says he is even going to one better and demand this match be an I Quit match so he can make Piper look like the little bitch that he is! (B)

Chris Jericho defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. in 10:52 by submission with a Lion Tamer (B) Afterwards Jericho demands the mic and puts Rey back in the Lion Tamer. He keeps yelling for Rey to say I Quit until finally Piper hits the ring causing Jericho to retreat. Piper says Jericho is on (B)

Scott Steiner defeated Lex Luger in 12:33 by pinfall with a Frankensteiner (B-)

Raven barges into Piper's office and says he wants Flair at Spring Stampede (B+)

Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page defeated The British Bulldog and Jim Neidhart in 11:36 when Diamond Dallas Page defeated Jim Neidhart by pinfall with a Diamond Cutter (C+)

Curt Hennig challenges Goldberg to a match on Nitro, citing Monday as a fluke (C)

Bret Hart defeated Steven Regal in 12:45 by submission with a Sharpshooter (B) Afterwards Scott Steiner appears on the WCW Tron warning Bret that he is going to be coming for him. He says the chase will begin on Monday (B)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Perry Saturn in 11:38 by pinfall with a Frog Splash (C-)

Hollywood Hulk Hogan defeated The Giant in 12:55 when The Giant was disqualified when Scott Hall ran in and attacked Hollywood Hulk Hogan (B) Hall and Hogan go toe to toe as the remaining members of the nWo, such as Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton come out to try breaking it up (A)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

Thunder Rating

Thunder: 5.34

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by dubb93

I see red and yellow in the future.

Heading down the right track, but it might not be the way you think it is.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

red+yellow hulkster?

loving the reformed horsemen - i dunno if Booker T would have been my #1 choice, but I love the benoit + ddp choices

Booker was the last guy I added. When Stevie Ray no showed the one night, Benoit was thrown in with him and they clicked. So I tried Booker with DDP and that worked too, and it gave him the leg up.

What I want is for these guys to get a rub from Flair because they are the next wave of Main Eventers.

My goal was to hopefully create 4 - 5 new main eventers in 1998. Jericho is well on his way. DDP was already close but he will be a headliner. Benoit needs the most work but I am going to be adding one last Horsemen in the next few weeks and that should help with Benoit. Booker with a focus behind him now will get there because his skills are solid, and lastly, Scott Steiner has exploded onto the scene. He will be involved in a big angle soon too.

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 2, April 1998
Key Arena (North West)
15000 People -- Sellout

Bill Goldberg defeated Michael Wallstreet in 11:56 by pinfall with The Spear (B)

Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Konnan in 10:54 by pinfall with a Springboard Hurracanrana (C+)

DDP is backstage when Buff Bagwell clips his knee from behind. He starts laying into him with rights and lefts. He looks directly into the camera and says the nWo might have some leadership questions but Buff is going to take the iniative and start bringing the nWo back to prominence by himself! (C)

Scott Steiner comes out and promises that he has everything planned for Spring Stampede. Steiner has spent all week scouting Bret, and has talked to some old colleagues of his. Steiner promises to break Hart's back at the Stampede (B+)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Buff Bagwell in 10:41 by pinfall with a Frog Splash following interference from Diamond Dallas Page (C)

Ric Flair comes out to the ring and says Kevin Sullivan is becoming a problem. Flair says he and the Horsemen are going to deal with him and his cronies and then turn their attention to the nWo power struggle and make sure they're left out in the cold as well. Then as Flair is about to leave the lights go out. When they come back on Raven is in the ring where he spins Flair around and DDT's him to the mat. He hoists up the US Title over his head as the crowd boos (B+)

Raven defeated The British Bulldog in 10:41 by pinfall with a Piledriver (B-)

Bobby Heenan says that on Thunder there will be a four way tag match to determine the number one contenders for the Tag Team Titles (B-)

Kevin Nash defeated Steven Regal in 12:18 by pinfall with a Jacknife Power Bomb (C+)

Sting comes out to the ring, his ribs taped up. Sting says last week Lex Luger broke hsi ribs, but that couldn't keep Sting from competing. He says that he knows he has to earn his shot at Bret Hart or Scott Steiner, and broken ribs or not, he'll do it. So he is offering an open challenge to whoever wants a match to try and prove themselves at the Stampede! (A)

Scott Hall defeated Rick Steiner in 15:50 by pinfall with a Razor's Edge (B) After the match Scott Hall says he wants to raise the stakes at Spring Stampede by making the match a Loser Leaves Town match! (A)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

Nitro Rating

Nitro: 10.18

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 2, April 1998
Auditoro Juan Vicens (Puerto Rico)
10000 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Eddy Guerrero defeated Chris Candido in 10:54 by pinfall with a Frog Splash (C-)

Chris Jericho comes out to the ring and says he doesn't want to wait until Spring Stampede. He if challenging Piper to a tag match on Nitro. Bring whoever you want, because Jericho is ready with a partner already but he'll wait to unveil it until Monday (B-)

Mortis defeated Diamond Dallas Page in 12:17 by pinfall following interference from Kevin Sullivan. During the match we also saw Meng run in and attack DDP, and Raven also attack DDP (B-)

A sitdown interview airs where Hollywood Hogan says that he has done a lot of soul searching and he would like nothing more then to see the look on his face when he pins Scott Hall and ends his career, so his challenge for a career match is accepted! (A)

Ric Flair is in the back with Booker T and Chris Benoit. He says tonight he will dispatch of Meng and Booker T and Benoit will win the #1 contendership for the Tag Team Titles and the Horsemen will ride tonight! (B-)

Ric Flair defeated Meng in 14:35 when Meng was disqualified when Raven ran in and attacked Ric Flair. Ric Flair makes defence number 3 of his WCW United States Heavyweight title (B-)

Bill Goldberg defeated La Parka in 10:45 by pinfall with The Spear (C)

A video airs hyping Kevin Nash (B-)

Bret Hart defeated Perry Saturn in 10:55 by submission with a Sharpshooter (B)

Chris Benoit and Booker T defeated Jim Neidhart and The British Bulldog, Curt Hennig and Buff Bagwell and Rick Steiner and Lex Luger in 12:32; the order of elimination was Jim Neidhart and The British Bulldog first, then Curt Hennig and Buff Bagwell, and finally Rick Steiner and Lex Luger (B-)

Show Rating: B-

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder Rating

Thunder: 4.89

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 3, April 1998
RBC Center (Mid Atlantic)
15000 People -- Sellout

Bill Goldberg defeated Perry Saturn in 11:32 by pinfall with The Spear (C+)

Buff Bagwell and Kevin Nash defeated Ric Flair and Diamond Dallas Page in 12:44 when Buff Bagwell defeated Diamond Dallas Page by pinfall with a Yellow Jacket Suplex following interference from Raven (B-)

Randy Savage and The Giant are in the back. Savage says it's great that the Four Horsemen are back. It's a cute story, but if Booker T and Benoit are the best the Horsemen have, then Savage thinks they should've stopped before they started because they are going to roll through them in two weeks (B-)

To the shock of the crowd, Rick Rude walks down the aisle to a big pop. Rude says he's been around backstage for a few months and is sickened by how some of the so called Vets tread the kids looking to make an impact. Rude says one such kid is Eddy Guerrero. Guerrero comes out. Rude says that a few weeks ago Sting, one of those nemesis from his past who Rude thinks is holding down the kids in the back, made an open challenge for Spring Stampede, and Rude is here with Eddy to announce he is accepting! (B)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Lex Luger in 12:39 by pinfall with a Frog Splash (B-)

Roddy Piper appears to let the World know he will accept Jericho's challenge for tonight, but he doesn't have a partner, doesn't need a partner, doesn't want a partner. Piper says he'll go at it alone and whoever Jericho cons into working with him will be a victim of guilt by association! (B+)

Randy Savage defeated Curt Hennig in 13:02 by pinfall (B)

Raven is in the back with Kevin Sullivan, Mortis and Meng. Raven says lately he's made it a point to be a part of anything the Horsemen do because he is sick of the high life they promote. He says life is not the fantasy Flair lives in, but instead it's hell. Raven says it's time Flair experiences hell first hand, and at the Stampede, he is going to meet the Devil himself! (A)

Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Shiryu in 9:53 by pinfall with a Springboard Hurracanrana. Rey Mysterio Jr. makes defence number 8 of his WCW Cruiserweight title (C-)

Bret Hart comes out to the ring to address Scott Steiner running his mouth over and over. Hart says Steiner is an idiot who doesn't realize this will be his one chance in the spotlight, so he should charish it, because once he taps at Spring Stampede, he won't sniff the WCW Title ever again! (A)

Roddy Piper and Hollywood Hulk Hogan defeated Chris Jericho and Scott Hall in 15:16 when Hollywood Hulk Hogan defeated Scott Hall by pinfall with a Big Leg Drop (B+) After the match Hogan and Piper stare at each other before Piper leaves the ring (A)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

WCW Nitro Ratings

Nitro: 9.69

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 3, April 1998
Hawaii Medium (Hawaii)
8398 People
TV Taping

Sting opens up the show by questioning Rick Rudes motives for helping out guys like Eddy. Sting says with Rude there is always an ulterior motive, but if Eddy wants to be caught in the middle, so be it. He can have his match at Spring Stampede and see what associating with Rude gets him (B)

Bill Goldberg defeated Ray Traylor in 10:13 by pinfall with The Spear (D+)

Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Jerry Lynn in 8:01 by pinfall with a Springboard Hurracanrana. Rey Mysterio Jr. makes defence number 9 of his WCW Cruiserweight title (C-)

Backstage Ric Flair sees a distraught DDP sitting alone in the Horsemen locker room. Flair tells DDP he knows he's struggled lately, but he knows DDP is a machine and that's why he's a Horsemen. He tells DDP to go out there tonight and make a statement. DDP looks at Flair and smiles, then tells him hes got it! (B)

Eddy Guerrero drew with Chris Benoit in 15:00 when the time limit expired (B-) After the match Eddy asks for 5 more minutes but the ref says no. Eddy then tells Benoit to put his TV Title on the line Monday in a No Time Limit match! Benoit is quick to agree (B-)

A video airs running down the Spring Stampede lineup (B+)

Chris Jericho defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 6:37 by submission with a Lion Tamer (C-)

Scott Hall says Monday Night was a fluke, and Hogan got lucky. Hall says that's the last pinfall he'll ever score as a member of the WCW! (B+)

Raven defeated The Giant in 14:39 by pinfall with a Piledriver following interference from Ric Flair. The match also had a lot of interference: Booker T targeted Giant, Chris Benoit attacked Giant, Chris Benoit attacked Raven, and finally Booker T interfered against Raven (B)

DDP sticks behind after the carnage in the ring, and says he has had heat with Buff Bagwell as of late, but one guy he hasn't forgotten about is Kevin Nash. He challenges Nash to a match at Stampede (B+)

Booker T defeated Randy Savage in 15:33 by pinfall with a Harlem Hangover (B+)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

Thunder Rating

Thunder: 5.14

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 4, April 1998
Selland Arena (Southwest)
10000 People -- Sellout

Nitro opens with Bonny Heenan announcing that tonight Roddy Piper is going to go one one with Lex Luger in a warm up match for Spring Stampede! (C+)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Chris Benoit in 17:33 by pinfall by using underhanded tactics. During the match we also had Rick Rude run in and attack Benoit. Eddy Guerrero wins the WCW World Television title (B-)

A video airs hyping Scott Hall vs Hulk Hogan's Career Match at Spring Stampede (A)

Bill Goldberg defeated Sabu in 7:51 by pinfall with The Spear (C+)

Kevin Nash appears on the Jumbotron saying DDP has some nerve to challenge him out of nowhere like that, but Nash will gladly accept to have a shot at putting another nail in the Horsemen coffin (B)

Chris Jericho cuts a scathing promo in the ring about Piper and how he is going to ruin the hip that Piper had replaced, just to make him yell I Quit! (B-)

Konnan defeated El Dandy in 10:17 by submission with a Ziplock (C-)

Kevin Sullivan makes a challenge to the remaining Horsemen for a 6 man tag match next! (C+)

Raven, Mortis and Meng defeated Ric Flair, Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page in 16:37 when Raven defeated Ric Flair by pinfall with a Piledriver (B-)

A video plays hyping Bret Hart vs Scott Steiner (A*)

Roddy Piper defeated Lex Luger in 15:54 by pinfall (B) After the match Jericho rushes in the ring and locks Piper in the Lion Tamer, refusing to let it go until the refs make him stop (B+)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

WCW Nitro Rating

Nitro: 9.97

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 4, April 1998
Hoffheinz Pavillion (Mid South)
10000 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Scott Steiner is backstage doing push ups. He says he's worked harder for this match then any other in his career, and it's his goal to make sure Bret Hart will finally stop crying (A*)

Bobby Heenan comes out to interview Hulk Hogan. Heenan goads Hogan saying he's hated him for years and he can't wait for Hall to send him packing. Hogan grabs Heenan by the scruff of the neck only to be ambushed by Scott Hall. Hall hits the Razors Edge on Hogan and leaves the ring to a chorus of boos (A)

Booker T defeated The Giant in 12:18 by pinfall with a Harlem Hangover (C+)

Mike Tenay announces tonights Main Event as Sting & DDP vs Eddy Guerrero & Kevin Nash (B-)

Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Kidman in 10:29 by pinfall with a Springboard Hurracanrana. Rey Mysterio Jr. makes defence number 10 of his WCW Cruiserweight title (C-)

Raven defeated Sabu and Rob Van Dam in 11:57 when Raven defeated Rob Van Dam by pinfall with a Piledriver (C+)

A video airs hyping Raven vs Flair (B+)

Savage and The Giant are in the back where they once again promise to retain their straps on Sunday (B)

Randy Savage defeated Chris Benoit in 14:32 by pinfall (B)

Roddy Piper limps to the ring. He says Jericho can try as he might he won't ever say those two little words! (B)

Sting and Diamond Dallas Page drew with Eddy Guerrero and Kevin Nash in 16:34 following a double disqualification (B) All four men brawl as Thunder goes off the air (B+)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

Thunder Rating

Thunder: 5.13

[DeToxRox]

WCW Spring Stampede
Sunday, Week 4, April 1998
Madison Square Garden (Tri City)
30000 People -- Sellout

Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Jushin Liger in 15:02 when Rey Mysterio Jr. retrieved the item. Rey Mysterio Jr. makes defence number 11 of his WCW Cruiserweight title (C+)

Sting is backstage where he says Eddy Guerrero is making a mistake trying to make a name for himself at Stings expense (B+)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Sting in 14:51 by pinfall with a Frog Splash following interference from Rick Rude (B+)

DDP is in the back where he says Kevin Nash is about to see why he is the Cornerstone of the Horsemen (B-)

Diamond Dallas Page defeated Kevin Nash in 12:16 by pinfall with a Diamond Cutter (B)

Flair, Benoit and Booker celerbate with DDP backstage. Flair says the Horsemen are going 3-0 tonight, wooo! (B)

Booker T and Chris Benoit defeated The Giant and Randy Savage in 12:52 when Booker T defeated The Giant by pinfall with a Harlem Hangover. Booker T and Chris Benoit win the WCW World Tag Team titles (B-)

Raven defeated Ric Flair in 14:55 by pinfall with a Piledriver onto a chair. Raven wins the WCW United States Heavyweight title (B+)

A video airs showing what lead us to Jericho vs Piper (B+)

Chris Jericho defeated Roddy Piper in 14:54 by submission with a Lion Tamer. Piper passed out in the hold (B+)

We get another video package, this for our WCW Heavyweight Title match betwee Bret Hart and Scott Steiner (A)

Bret Hart defeated Scott Steiner in 16:34 by submission with a Sharpshooter. Bret Hart makes defence number 1 of his WCW World Heavyweight title (B+)

Backstage a somber Hulk Hogan says tonight this isn't about the nWo, this is about his career, and he is going to show Scott Hall that there are consequences when you mess with a mans livelyhood (A)

Scott Hall defeated Hollywood Hulk Hogan in 14:52 by pinfall with a Razor's Edge. During the match we also saw Scott Steiner run in and attack Hogan, and Kevin Nash also attack Hogan (A) After the match Hall, Steiner and Nash pick Hogan up and together Spike Powerbomb him over the top rope through a table. Hall then goes to the outside and sprays nWo on his chest, rolls him over, and with a can of yellow paint sprays a streak down his back. The crowd throws trash in the ring and apparently the new nWo stands triumphantly (A)

Show Rating: B+

[DeToxRox]

PPV Buys

Spring Stampede: 19.84
Unforgiven: 16.93

Unforgiven was headlined by Sid defeating Ken Shamrock (B)

[DaddyTorgo]

Ooof. Poor Hulkster. LOL. Couldn't happen to a more deserving douchebag.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling Observer Breaking News
What's next for WCW, Hulk Hogan and the nWo?

Coming off a surprisingly good main event featuring Hulk Hogan losing to Scott Hall, and thus "ending" his WCW career, some readers have been asking what WCW plans to do from here. Since the new creative direction of the company has taken over, it's been hard to find out information about creative plans as many leaks have been plugged, but what we can tell you is this:

- The rocket is offically strapped to Scott Hall. He has apparently shown the last several months he is a good soldier and hasn't had any problems with outside influences. People think this push is helping him finally mature and realize his endless potential. The plan is for Hall to face Bret Hart at Starrcade, but obviously that as many months away. People backstage question if WCW can hold off on that rematch so long but that's the plan as of now.

- The nWo is expected to become far more ruthless and less "cool". There are currently three members, and rumblings backstage when it's all said and done there will be five guys total. No one is quite sure on the other two but we do know one will be announced tomorrow night on Nitro.

- As far was WCW goes, people have noticed a rise in the factions lately. Between the Horsemen, nWo, Sullivan's Group and now Rick Rude, there will be four clearly defined stables. The plan going forward is to make these stables unique as to allow some more multi man matches on Nitro/Thunder/PPVs.

- Finally, everyone wants to know what the status of Hulk Hogan is. From what we understand he has had a bad back and might need surgery. That said there are no garauntees he will wrestle when he is fully healthy. He has several years left on his deal so WCW will get their money's worth, but it may not be in the capacity of a wrestler. This story will bare watching down the road.

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Heading down the right track, but it might not be the way you think it is.

Mr. America?!?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by General Mike

Mr. America?!?

You shut your mouth.

[DeToxRox]

WCW April 1998 Financials

INCOME

PPV Revenue: $6,451,230
Ticket Sales: $3,315,670
TV Revenue: $590,000
Sponsors: $2,577,155
Merch: $1,200,000
Misc: $2,059

EXPENDITURES

Workers: $685,100
Show Costs: $475,800
Marketing: $750,000
Merch: $900,000
Production: $3,520,000
Development: $4,750
Misc: $2,510,117

Performance: $5,290,347

Total Cash: $76,194,619

[DeToxRox]

WCW Press Release: Lethal Lottery returns to WCW

WCW is pleased to announce that over the month of May that the Lethal Lottery will return to WCW. 20 wrestlers have been picked to partake in the Lottery which will culminate in the Battle Bowl at Slamboree with the winner earning a World Title shot at the Great American Bash.

WCW is pleased to announce the following wrestlers who'll be involved in the Lethal Lottery:

1. Booker T
2. Chris Benoit
3. Chris Jericho
4. Curt Hennig
5. Diamond Dallas Page
6. Eddy Guerrero
7. Kevin Nash
8. Konnan
9. Lex Luger
10. Meng
11. Mortis
12. Randy Savage
13. Raven
14. Rey Mysterio Jr
15. Ric Flair
16. Rick Steiner
17. Scott Hall
18. Scott Steiner
19. Sting
20. The Giant

The first two matches are scheduled to take place tonight on Nitro!

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 1, May 1998
Municipal Auditorium (Midwest)
10000 People -- Sellout

Nitro opens up with Scott Hall, Scott Steiner and Kevin Nash coming out to the ring to the familiar nWo music. Hall says tonight people wanted to celebrate the career of Hulk Hogan, but the nWo put a stop to that. Hall says that that this nWo is stronger and more powerful then ever, and will be as ruthless as it takes to get the job done. Hall says the Lethal Lottery won't stop the nWo, and Bret Hart won't stop the nWo. Simply put, NO ONE will stop the nWo (A)

Adam Copeland and Christian Cage defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Juventud Guerrera in 11:32 when Adam Copeland defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. by pinfall with a Leaping DDT (D)

Bill Goldberg defeated Hugh Morrus in 8:28 by pinfall with The Jackhammer (C+)

It is announced that the first Lethal Lottery Match will be Lex Luger & Rey Mysterio Jr vs Sting & Rick Steiner! (C)

Rick Steiner and Sting defeated Lex Luger and Rey Mysterio Jr. in 15:19 when Sting defeated Lex Luger by submission with a Scorpion Deathlock (B-)

Brert Hart hits the ring to say he wants to know what the hell is going on with him at Slamboree. The Lethal Lottery winner will take a shot at the Bash, but Hart wants a match at Slamboree, so he is putting out an open challenge for anyone not in the Lottery. He'll take on one, two or three competitors, but whatever it takes to give the fans a shot to watch the real World's Champion! (A)

Chris Benoit defeated Jushin Liger in 11:52 by pinfall with a Dragon Suplex (C)

Backstage we can see Scott Hall talking to somone about joining the nWo. He says the plan goes down tonight then walks away (B+)

Dean Malenko defeated Michael Wallstreet in 9:30 by submission with a Texas Cloverleaf (C-)

It's announced that the second Lethal Lottery match will be Scott Hall & Eddy Guerrero vs Chris Jericho & The Giant! (B+)

Scott Hall and Eddy Guerrero defeated Chris Jericho and The Giant in 14:39 when Scott Hall defeated The Giant by pinfall with a Razor's Edge after Jericho low blowed The Giant when he had Eddy up in the Choke Slam (B+) Jericho and Hall give the nWo too sweet together as Nitro goes off air (A)

Show Rating: A

[DeToxRox]

WCW Ratings

Nitro: 9.99

[General Mike]

good job Danny.

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 1, May 1998
Peral Gates Complex (Maritimes, Canada)
2000 People -- Selloit

Christian Cage defeated Chris Candido in 7:44 by pinfall (D)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Jushin Liger in 12:02 by pinfall with a Frog Splash. Eddy Guerrero makes defence number 1 of his WCW World Television title (C-)

Bret Hart comes out and says he loves his Canadian fans, and tonight wants to give them a treat by challening fellow country men Chris Benoit tonight! (A)

Backstage Ric Flair is seen lying in a pool of blood. Inches away from his beaten body is Scott Steiner who says the war has begun (B+)

Bill Goldberg defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 9:51 by pinfall with The Spear (C)

Chris Jericho comes out to the ring and says Bret Hart ran his mouth about wanting someone to fight at Slamboree .. Well Jericho is stepping up to the plate and saying he wants the match vs Bret (B+)

Rick Steiner defeated The British Bulldog in 13:40 by pinfall with a Flying Bulldog (C)

Backstage DDP, Booker T and Chris Benoit say that if it's not one thing, it's another. They says Steiner and the nWo will pay for what they did to Naitch (C+)

Raven and Mortis defeated Perry Saturn and Rob Van Dam in 13:23 when Mortis defeated Rob Van Dam by pinfall (C)

Mike Tenay hypes our Main Event, saying Hart and Benoit are the two best technichal wrestlers in the world, and this will be a classic (B)

Bret Hart drew with Chris Benoit in 20:54 following a double count out. During the match we also saw Chris Jericho run in and attack Hart, and also attack Benoit (B+)

Show Rating: C+

[DeToxRox]

Thunder Rating

Thunder: 4.78

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 2, May 1998
Vetreans Memorial Arena (Southeast)
15000 People -- Sellout

Bill Goldberg defeated Buff Bagwell in 12:32 by pinfall with The Spear (B-)

Konnan defeated Christian Cage in 9:01 by submission with a Ziplock (D+)

Randy Savage is in the back when he bumps into Bret Hart. The two men share a staredown when Savage he is sick and tired of Bret talking about how he is the real World's Champ. Savage says he is going to win the Battle Bowl and at the Bash, he will take that title away from the Hitman (A)

The Four Horsemen's music hits, except the nWo comes out. Hall says the nWo is cerebral, but right now patience isn't their virtue. He says he will win the Battle Bowl, but he wants a crack at the Horsemen, and the rest of the nWo is ready for war (B+)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Steven Regal in 14:37 by pinfall with a Frog Splash. Eddy Guerrero makes defence number 2 of his WCW World Television title (B-)

Bret Hart says he is a marked man and he loves it. He says Savage, Hall, Sting, Jericho, it doesn't matter, he'll take on all challengers, so if Jericho wants a shot, he can have it (B+)

Sting and Lex Luger defeated The Public Enemey in 12:05 when Sting defeated Johnny Grunge by pinfall with a Stinger Splash (C)

Backstage we see Scott Hall watching the match intently. He scoffs as Sting has his arm raised (A)

Backstage Chris Jericho is celebrating his challenge being accepted when Eric Bischoff appears behind him. Jericho turns around and acts like he's seen a ghost. Bischoff says Jericho might want to listen to what he has to say (B+)

Bischoff hits the ring and says Chris Jericho has shown a real lack of respect for the Authority Figures in WCW and he has punishment coming his way, but since Bret Hart wants to give him a shot, he won't stand in his way. Bisch says that Jericho has to make ammends for his attack though, by fighting The Giant on Thunder, inside a Steel Cage! (A)

Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page defeated Chris Benoit and Mortis in 16:32 when Booker T defeated Mortis by pinfall with a Harlem Hangover. During the match we also had Mortis turn on Benoit (B) After the match the nWo hits the ring and a brawl ensues. Raven and Meng hit the ring and soon it's a 12 man brawl to take Nitro off the air (A)

Show Rating: B-

[DeToxRox]

Nitro Rating

Nitro: 9.73

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 2, May 1998
Mass Mutual Center (New England)
10000 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

The British Bulldog and Steven Regal defeated Jim Duggan and Jim Neidhart in 12:47 when Steven Regal defeated Jim Neidhart by submission with a Regal Stretch (C-)

Chris Jericho comes out to the ring to say that Eric Bischoff is an idiot making this match with The Giant tonight. He promises Bisch that The Giants blood will be on his hands tonight (B)

Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Sabu in 11:04 by pinfall with a Springboard Hurracanrana (C)

Raven is backstage where he questioning why the nWo and Horsemen continue to overlook his Flock? Raven says that he has been overlooked his entire life, and this will not stand. Raven promises come Monday a shockwave that'll shake WCW to it's core (B+)

Bill Goldberg defeated Disco Inferno and Michael Wallstreet in 10:31 when Bill Goldberg defeated Disco Inferno by pinfall with The Spear (C+)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Juventud Guerrera in 14:04 by pinfall with a Frog Splash. Eddy Guerrero makes defence number 3 of his WCW World Television title (C)

A video airs hyping the WCW Champion Bret Hart (A)

Diamond Dallas Page drew with Mortis in 10:50 following a double disqualification. The match also had a lot of interference: Scott Hall targeted DDP, Scott Steiner attacked DDP, and finally Kevin Nash interfered against DDP (B)

The Giant defeated Chris Jericho in 13:53 by pinfall with a Choke Slam (B+)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 3, May 1998
Value City Arena (Great Lakes)
15000 People -- Sellout

Raven comes out to the ring and says that for several months now he and the Flock have been ignored. He and Kevin Sullivan realize that something has to change, and their is a big surprise for WCW tonight that'll cause fans and wrestlers alike to pay attention and realize the depths of the Flocks hatred (A)

Eddy Guerrero defeated Rick Martel in 12:27 by pinfall with a Frog Splash. Eddy Guerrero makes defence number 4 of his WCW World Television title (C+)

Scott Hall defeated Louie Spicolli in 9:44 by pinfall with a Fallaway Slam (C)

Eric Bischoff says one guy in WCW who's impressed him lately is Chris Benoit, so if Benoit wins his remaining matches before Slamboree, he will join Chris Jericho and The Giant in a four way match for Bret Hart's WCW Title (C+)

Chris Benoit defeated Lex Luger in 12:52 by pinfall with a Dragon Suplex (C)

It is announced that the next Lethal Lottery Match is Ric Flair & Randy Savage vs Curt Hennig & Meng (B)

Randy Savage and Ric Flair defeated Curt Hennig and Meng in 13:28 when Randy Savage defeated Curt Hennig by pinfall (B-)

Scott Steiner comes out and says he heard Raven BS about some big surprise tonight. Steiner says he wants Raven in a No DQ Match tonight for his US Title! (B+)

Rick Rude comes out and says his client Eddy Guerrero has bg plans for Slamboree, namely winning the Battle Bowl, but he will grant anyone in the back a match next week on Nitro as a tune up (B-)

A video airs showing highlights from Spring Stampede, namely Chris Jericho beating Roddy Piper to a bloody pulp. The video ends with a shot of Piper at home resting. He promises he'll be back soon to get a second crack at Jericho (B)

Bill Goldberg defeated The Booty Man in 6:35 by pinfall with The Spear (C)

Raven defeated Scott Steiner in 10:57 by pinfall with a Piledriver following interference from Yokozuna. Raven makes defence number 1 of his WCW United States Heavyweight title (B-) After the match Raven DDT's Steiner near the corner, then puts a chair over his face and drags him in position to be Banzai Dropped as Nitro goess off air (B+)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

Nitro Rating

Nitro: 10.45

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 3, May 1998
Gill Coliseum (Northwest)
10000 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Backstage Roddy Piper is at the building. He is saying hi to some friends when he is attacked from behind by Scott Steiner. Steiner locks him in the Steiner Recliner while screaming "You DO NOT mess with the nWo!" (B)

Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Christian Cage in 11:46 by pinfall with a Springboard Hurracanrana (C-)

Steven Regal defeated Adam Copeland in 11:33 by submission with a Regal Stretch (C)

Backstage Raven says that Yokozuna is here in WCW to be an integral part of the Flock. He says tonight Yoko's destruction begins (B+)

The Four Horsemen hit the ring to a huge pop. Flair says Slamboree is going to be the night of the Horsemen, as Chris Benoit wins the World Title, and either Flair, DDP or Booker T win the BattleBowl. He says the war with the nWo and The Flock is beginning and the blood will flow like wine! (B-)

Yokozuna defeated Jim Duggan in 6:03 by pinfall with a Bonzai Drop (C-)

Bret Hart defeated Jim Neidhart in 13:37 by submission with a Sharpshooter (C)

Eric Bischoff announces the Main Event tonight will be a Battle Bowl preview, as Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Sting and DDP will take on Scott Hall, Scott Steiner, Eddy Guerrero and Raven! (A)

Kevin Nash defeated Hugh Morrus in 7:54 by pinfall with a Jacknife Power Bomb (D+)

Chris Benoit defeated Rob Van Dam in 6:24 by pinfall with a Dragon Suplex (C)

Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Sting and Diamond Dallas Page defeated Scott Hall, Eddy Guerrero, Scott Steiner and Raven in 13:34 when Randy Savage defeated Eddy Guerrero by pinfall (B)

Show Rating: B-

[DeToxRox]

Thunder Rating

Thunder: 5.21

[DeToxRox]

WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, Week 4, May 1998
MCI Center (Mid Atlantic)
15000 People -- Sellout

Chris Benoit defeated Meng in 10:59 by pinfall with a Dragon Suplex (B)

A video airs hyping the history of the Battle Bowl, leading into this Sunday's match (A)

Bill Goldberg defeated Rick Martel in 10:48 by pinfall with The Spear (C-)

A video airs hyping the carnage that Scott Steiner has caused the past few weeks with his vicious backstage attacks (B+)

Chris Jericho is with Mean Gene backstage. He promises that come Sunday the nWo will have the World Title back in their grasps (B+)

Adam Copeland defeated Buff Bagwell in 10:14 by pinfall with a Missile Dropkick (D+)

Mortis defeated Curt Hennig in 12:39 by pinfall (C+)

Eric Bischoff comes out to announce that on Thunder we will see Ric Flair take on Scott Hall! (A)

Yokozuna defeated Lex Luger in 11:55 by pinfall with a Bonzai Drop (B)

It is announced that the final Lethal Lottery match will feature Scott Steiner & Raven vs Kevin Nash & Konnan (B-)

Raven and Scott Steiner defeated Kevin Nash and Konnan in 16:33 when Raven defeated Konnan by pinfall with a Piledriver (B)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

WCW Nitro Rating

Nitro: 10.36

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder
Wednesday, Week 1, May 1998
Hawaii Medium (Hawaii)
7842 People
TV Taping

A video airs hyping Bill Goldberg and his impressive win strak (D+)

Kevin Sullivan comes out and says Yokozuna wants to face all comers, and is officially offering an open challenge to face him at Slamboree! (B)

Rick Steiner defeated Scott Norton in 10:37 by pinfall with a Flying Bulldog (C-)

Meng and Mortis defeated The Public Enemey in 13:24 when Mortis defeated Rocco Rock by pinfall (D)

Ric Flair hypes up his match vs Scott Hall tonight, letting Hall know that he is going to get a little Battle Bowl preview, complete with Flair's hand being raised (B)

Kevin Nash defeated Jim Neidhart in 8:20 by pinfall with a Jacknife Power Bomb (C-)

Yokozuna defeated Sabu in 9:45 by pinfall with a Bonzai Drop (D+)

Rick Rude and Eddy Guerrero come to the ring. Rude says that Guerrero is going to prove the doubters wrong and win the BattleBowl because he is the next big thing in WCW (B-)

Diamond Dallas Page and Booker T defeated The British Bulldog and Steven Regal in 12:09 when Diamond Dallas Page defeated Steven Regal by pinfall with a Diamond Cutter (B-)

Backstage Scott Steiner blasts The Booty Man with a steel pipe, leaving him lying in a pool of blood (D+)

Mike Tenay and Dusty Rhoads hype our Main Event between Ric Flair and Scott Hall (B)

Scott Hall drew with Ric Flair in 20:00 when the time limit expired (B+)

Show Rating: B-

[DeToxRox]

WCW Thunder Rating

Thunder: 5.41

[DeToxRox]

WCW Slamboree
Sunday, Week 4, May 1998
Minute Maid Park (Mid South)
40,210 People
Live on PPV

Bill Goldberg defeated Buff Bagwell in 14:09 by pinfall with The Spear (B)

Mortis defeated Konnan in 12:50 by pinfall (C+)

DDP is backstage cutting a promo in regards to the Battle Bowl when he is attacked by Scott Steiner. DDP slowly gets up, obviously in a daze. He promises revenge on Steiner (B)

A video airs hyping the nWo (B+)

Kevin Nash defeated Meng in 10:35 by pinfall with a Jacknife Power Bomb (B-)

Raven is backstage where he says the Flock gains National Prominence today, when he wins the Battle Bowl, and in the process shows the nWo and the Horsemen the new pecking order in WCW! (A)

We get a video hyping Sting (B)

Yokozuna defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. in 13:03 by pinfall with a Bonzai Drop (C+)

The Giant sits in the locker room. He says tonight is his shot to be champion again, and he will not let three Canadians stand in his way (B)

Randy Savage won a battle royal in 39:35. The final four competitors also included Raven, Sting and Scott Hall, with Raven being the final elimination (B+) After the match Savage celebrates in the ring (B+)

Bret Hart is in the back where he promises to leave Houston as WCW World Champion (B+)

A video airs hyping the Main Event (A)

Bret Hart defeated The Giant, Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit in 27:49 when Bret Hart defeated Chris Jericho by submission with a Sharpshooter. Bret Hart makes defence number 2 of his WCW World Heavyweight title (A) After the match Randy Savage hits the ring to get in Bret Hart's face. He points to the belt and then says "I'm coming for it". The two men are still nose to nose as Slamboree goes off air (A)

Show Rating: B

[DeToxRox]

May PPV Buyrates

Slamboree: 20.08
Over the Edge: 16.68

Over the Edge was headlined by Sid retaining vs Shawn Michaels (B+)

[DeToxRox]

WCW Creative Update

With Slamboree in the books, I figured I'd give a little update on what to expect in the future.

- The summer of 1998 is going to be the Summer of the Stable War, as the nWo/Horsemen/Flock are going to partake in a ruthless stable war culminating in a War Games at Fall Brawl, though it'll only be between 2 of the 3 stables.

- Bret Hart and Randy Savage are going to have a fun feud that will go through the summer, though there will be some stuff done to hopefully freshen it up.

- Goldberg is going to continue to beat up mid-carders and occassional upper tier guys, though there is a match in the works that'll lead to him finally getting a top notch push.

- Eddy Guerrero w/ Rick Rude is really starting to get good segments outside of his matches. He is a guy to watch for 1999.

- In an effort to make Thunder a little more unique, and to give our guys not doing much an effort, we'll implement a Hardcore Title. We have a lot of guys who can brawl but really do nothing else, so it'll be a way to get them involved and have some fresher matchups.

- Some guys who're bigger names are on the chopping block because their segments do not deliever. Not totally sure why as they're solid rating wise but it hasn't worked. We'll see if repackaging works first but if not, no reason to keep them around (Cough Luger, Hennig)

That is about it for now. I am looking forward to a big ass stable war coming up so these next few months of booking will be good times.

[dubb93]

Cut Curt Hennig? Really? Surely you can find something for him to do? Hell you are booking Meng and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Curt Hennig could wrestle circles around those guys.

As for Eddy being one to watch in 1999, from the looks of it Raven is one to watch for in 1998. His segment ratings have been absolute gold. He may be one that is accidently elevated to main event status.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by dubb93

Cut Curt Hennig? Really? Surely you can find something for him to do? Hell you are booking Meng and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Curt Hennig could wrestle circles around those guys.

Depending upon the product that the fans expect, wrestling ability not only may not get you over but may actually end up hurting you.

How else could we explain Lex Luger's career?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by dubb93

Cut Curt Hennig? Really? Surely you can find something for him to do? Hell you are booking Meng and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Curt Hennig could wrestle circles around those guys.

As for Eddy being one to watch in 1999, from the looks of it Raven is one to watch for in 1998. His segment ratings have been absolute gold. He may be one that is accidently elevated to main event status.

Raven is awesome, has always been a favorite of mine. His insane segment ratings caused me to make the Flock more then fodder for the Horsemen. Meng has been solid too.

In regards to Hennig, his matches are fine, and I won't cut him loose, but I won't put him in any main angles because anything else he does doesn't seem to work. Lots of C - segments. It's very odd.