WCW 1999: No Finger Poking Here Brother

[DGenerationMC]

Thundercage match, losing faction must disband: nWo Wolfpac (Kevin Nash, Lex Luger, Konnan and Scott Hall) vs nWo Hollywood (Hollywood Hogan, Scott Steiner, Buff Bagwell and The Great Muta)

WCW US Championship: Bret Hart (c) vs DDP

Finals of the WCW Tag Team Championship Tournament: The Dynasty (Curt Hennig and Barry Windham) vs The Horsemen (Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko)

WCW Cruiserweight Championship: Billy Kidman (c) vs Psicosis

Mysterio's mask vs future of the LWO: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs Eddie Guerrero

Goldberg vs Bam Bam Bigelow

Special Guest Referee Arn Anderson: Chris Jericho vs Booker T

And Ric Flair has an announcement for SuperBrawl IX - He will be challenging for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in the main event

 

[Mach]

WCW/nWo Souled Out - January 17th 1999

From Charleston Civic Centre in Charleston, West Virginia ​

The first WCW PPV of 1999 kicks off with a look at the key matches taking place here at Souled Out tonight. They highlight of course the deadly thundercage as the two nWo factions come to ahead with finally one of the groups being disbanded here tonight. We also see Goldberg’s quest for revenge which started with Disco Inferno and then moves onto Bam Bam Bigelow here tonight. The lengthy feud between US Champion Bret Hart and DDP is also covered as we will finally have a winner between the two men after they first squared off back in July. The video package also touches on the personal rivalry between Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero which dates back to Halloween Havoc 1997 and that either the LWO or Mysterio’s mask will be going here tonight. Finally the package rounds off with the tag team championship tournament that comes to a head here tonight.

We then cut to the arena and pyro and ballyhoo ensue as over 10,000 rabid WCW fans are packed into the Charleston Civic Centre this evening. We have a three man commentary booth here tonight as from Nitro its Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan while Thunder’s Mike Tenay also joins the lads. Schiavone marks this as the most important night in the history of the nWo as one half of the faction will be disbanded here tonight. There are also shots of the Thundercage looming large above the ring as Tenay notes that there’s no escaping from the huge cage structure tonight for either Hollywood or the Wolfpac. Now with introductions out of the way its time for the first WCW PPV match of 1999!

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: BILLY KIDMAN © vs PSYCHOSIS

We are starting with the match that you’d expect in this slot as Latino World Order member Psychosis makes his way down to the ring to some heat from the crowd. Tenay notes that nobody from Eddie Guerrero’s faction is popular with the WCW audience right now. Out next comes the champion Billy Kidman to a solid ovation. Kidman reluctantly hands over the Cruiserweight Championship belt to the referee who raises it above his head and now this match is underway! The pair circle each other in the ring to start this content off before locking up. This quickly turns into an exchange of holds which seems to culminate with Psychosis performing a side headlock takedown on Kidman and working on his neck down on the mat. Kidman however manages to power out of it and send the luchador into the ropes. He goes for a drop kick on the rebound but nobody’s home as Psychosis manages to grab onto the ropes and halt his momentum. Kidman recovers and is immediately met by a drop kick from Psychosis himself before the masked man poses and admires his handiwork. Psychosis then goes for a hurricanrana but Kidman catches him and bounces his foe off the ropes straight into a brutal sit out power bomb! Psychosis quickly rolls to the outside to recover but is met with a suicide dive from Kidman that takes both men out on the floor!

Billy manages to get to his feet first and sees that Psychosis is still down. Kidman gets on the apron and goes to dive off it with his signature shooting star press but Psychosis rolls out of the way and Billy crashes and burns to the floor. The ball is in Psychosis’ court now as the luchador rolls the champ back into the ring. Psychosis follows up with a running elbow to Billy and then covers looking to get a relatively early win here! One…two…NO! Kidman kicks out but the champ looks like he’s in trouble already. Psychosis Irish whips his foe into the corner and hits him with a couple of knife edge chops and then some stiff kicks. He then charges at Billy with a splash but Kidman moves out of the way so Psychosis goes body first into the corner. As the LWO member staggers out of the corner Kidman nails him with a running drop kick. The crowd are behind Billy as he gathers momentum but going for a BK bomber spinebuster turns into a huge error as Psychosis counters and plants the cruiserweight champion with a DDT! Psychosis covers: One…two…NO!

Kidman gets the shoulder up as Psychosis was less than a second away from becoming the cruiserweight champ. Psychosis then locks in some body scissors on Billy to slow this one down a bit however Billy manages to fight his way out of them with a number of stiff elbows to the gut. Kidman then gras his foe and lifts him into the fireman’s carry position but Psychosis drops behind and grabs a waist lock. Kidman then elbows his way out of that hold and locks in a dragon sleeper! Psychosis is still on his feet as the hold is locked in and he manages to uses the ropes to bounce off the ropes and break free. He then executes a fine looking tilt-a-whirl backbreaker which forces Billy to crumple to the canvas. Psychosis then heads up top and goes for a moonsualt! He flips over but is met by the knees of Billy Kidman. He then grabs his challenger and delivers a BK bomber spine buster! Cover: one…two…three?

NO! Some fans in the arena may have thought it was it but Psychosis just about gets the shoulder up. Kidman cannot believe it but he goes to capitalise straight away and heads to the ropes. As he perches on the top rope Psychosis springs back to life and charges up the ropes and hits a hugely impressive hurricanrana to the champ that sends him crashing and burning. Psychosis then gets on top and this time hits the moonsault! Cover: one…two…three? NO! Kidman again manages to get his shoulder up! Psychosis then goes to hit his opponent with a power bomb - but you never power bomb Kidman - and it gets countered with a signature face buster that leaves both men laying! Champion and challenger then stagger to their feet as Psychosis delivers a brutal Billy Kidman - that only staggers the champ. Kidman then replies with a brutal looking super kick of his own that only manages to stagger the challenger! Psychosis goes for another super kick but Kidman catches his leg and and then follows up with another super kick of his own that floors the challenger! The fans explode as Kidman heads up top! The cruiserweight champ dives off the top rope with a shooting star press! He hits it and covers: one…two…three!!!

WINNER IN 12 MINUTES AND STILL WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION BILLY KIDMAN

Billy Kidman does it - another successful defence of his championship. Not the start the LWO were looking for tonight at Souled Out as Kidman lifts his WCW Cruiserweight Championship over his head. The commentators say there is plenty more high octane action to come as we cut to the back.

The nWo is here

Backstage and we are shown clips from earlier in the evening. The nWo Wolfpac arriving is shown first as World Champ Kevin Nash, TV Champ Konnan, Scott Hall and Lex Luger all arrive as one united unit. Its been a good week for the boys in red and black with Nash delivering a power bomb to Hogan while Luger and Hall seem to have put their differences aside. We then cut to a black limousine rolling in as nWo Hollywood have arrived. Hollywood Hogan emerges out of the limo alongside Scott Steiner, Buff Bagwell and in full face paint The Great Muta - who Hogan brought in to join the faction on Nitro. The four men make their way into the arena as Hogan spots the camera and approaches it and simply says: “Wolfpac you aint ready for tonight - at Souled Out everything changes!”

After that ominous warning from Hogan we cut straight into the hype package for our next match - Booker T vs Chris Jericho. We go over Jericho’s initial promo about his WCW contract expiring in six months and the lack of respect he’s received during his time here. We then recap the prior two matches the competitors have had - first where Booker T pinned Jericho despite his foot being under the rope, an error on the behalf of Charles Robinson. Next we had the match where Ralphus was the special guest referee, where Booker T got screwed over. Now finally we come to Ric Flair’s announcement where we see the appointment of Arn Anderson as special guest referee for tonight’s rubber match at Souled Out!

SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE ARN ANDERSON: CHRIS JERICHO vs BOOKER T

The iconic guitar riff of The Horsemen’s theme gets a big pop here in West Virginia as ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson makes his way down the aisle wearing jeans and a black and white striped referee’s shirt. Heenan notes that there’s a lot of pressure on Double A to make sure that this match is called right down the middle here tonight. Out next to a chorus of boos is Chris Jericho who is already jaw jacking with the fans as he makes his way from the stage to the ring. Finally the music of Booker T hits and the popular superstar gets into the ring looking like he’s ready to kicks some ass. Anderson has a word with both men to keep this a fair fight before he signals for the bell to ring - this match is underway! Jericho arrogantly starts mouthing off at Anderson but this nearly costs him as he turns around and is hit with a Harlem side kick! Jericho crashes to the mat and Booker T covers: one…two…NO! Double A spots this time that Jericho did have his foot on the ropes and the Canadian competitor just saved himself from being beaten in record time! Jericho rolls to the outside to recover but Booker isn’t letting up and he gives chase. Jericho is on the floor on his knees begging Booker not to attack him but the former tag champ isn’t interested and grabs Jericho and whips him into the steel steps! He then rolls Chris back into the ring and executes a sidewalk slam. Another cover: one…two…NO!

Jericho manages to kick out this time as the commentators note Arn’s count has been consistent so far. Booker still looks like he’s trying to finish this match up early as he heads to the top but Jericho whacks the ropes causing Booker to lose his balance and land awkwardly on the top turnbuckle. Chris doesn’t waste a moment however as joins Booker T on the top rope and executes a picture perfect superplex! Chris covers: one…two…NO! Another fair count from Arn as Jericho still finds the time to mouth off at the guest referee. After the explosive start to the contest Jericho slows the pace down as he hits the downed Booker with a few kicks before doing his ‘come on baby’ pose to the crowd to a lot of heat. Jericho then locks in the dreaded chin lock on his opponent and wrenches back on the neck of Booker. He soon changes tact however and reverts back to striking. In particular with some hard kicks to the back of a seated Booker. Jericho then whips his foe into the corner and hits some very loud knife edge chops as he grins into the camera: “They were for you Mr President.” He doesn’t try and steal any more of Ric Flair’s offence however as instead he hits a one-handed bulldog out of the corner to Booker, face planting him in the middle of the ring. Jericho remarks to Double A that he better count quick enough as he nails Booker with a double underhook power bomb! Jericho covers: one…two…three?

NO! Booker manages to power out. Jericho then looks for the liontamer and grabs both Booker’s legs but the former tag champ has enough strength to push him away. Jericho then scales the ropes as Booker gets to his feet and he goes for a diving crossbody but Booker T counters and catches him with a spine buster! A move Arn Anderson nods in approval at as Booker then follows up with a running knee drop. He makes the cover: one…two…NO! Jericho kicks out of it. Booker then hits a few knees to the gut of Jericho and goes for the axe kick but Jericho counters into a back drop that sends Booker flying into the corner. Booker is propped up in the corner and Jericho charges but his attack is countered straight into a sunset flip! One…two…NO! Jericho gets out of the pinning predicament and grabs Booker straight away and nails him with a back breaker! Jericho then grabs his foe by the legs and drags him back into the middle of the ring and locks in the liontamer! He’s screaming for Booker to tap out and he’s even yelling at Double A to call for the bell. Anderson repeatedly asks Booker if he wants to continue but he is met with an emphatic answer of yes! Using every ounce of strength he’s got Booker makes it to the ropes!

Jericho however does not want to break the hold and Anderson doesn’t want this match going to a DQ and he pulls Jericho off Booker! This sees Jericho go nose to nose with Anderson and then the cocky Jericho pushes Double A! It takes all the restraint in Anderson’s body not to slap Jericho however the Canadian soon gets his comeuppance because he turns around and is met by a spinning heel kick from the recovered Booker T! Booker then calls for the scissors kick but again Jericho gets out of dodge and then springboards off the ropes, flattening Booker T with a clothesline. He’s wasting no time here and spring boards again with a lionsault but Booker T gets the knees up! This doubles over Jericho and finally Booker T hits the scissors kick! Cover: one…two…three? YE-NO! At 2.9 Jericho has got his finger on the bottom rope as Booker didn’t hook the arm properly - great spot by Anderson. Booker can’t believe it but he’s not letting this one slip and as a woozy Jericho gets to his feet he is nailed with another Harlem side kick. Booker positions Jericho right in the middle of the ring, heads up top and hits a spectacular Harlem hangover leg drop! Cover: one…two…three?....YES!

WINNER IN 14 MINUTES BOOKER T

It was one hell of an effort by Chris Jericho but Booker T has bested him here tonight to win their series 2-1! Arn Anderson raises the hand of Booker as Schiavone proclaims that competitors like Booker T are the future of WCW! An irate Jericho rolls out of the ring to the floor to recover as we throw to our next video package.

A storied history

Our next video recaps the long history between Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr. We first get clips of their previous in ring encounters - including most famously at Halloween Havoc 97, when Eddie first tried to take the mask of Mysterio. Then we see their more recent angles including Rey being forced to join the LWO before finally rebelling against Guerrero and challenging him to this match. We then get a talking head from Mysterio about how much the mask means to him and his family before Eddie has a talking head gloating about how the LWO is the best group in WCW and that he will be taking what matters most from Mysterio tonight. The video ends and we cut back to the arena.

MASK vs LWO: REY MYSTERIO JR. vs EDDIE GUERRERO

Eddie Guerrero is out first and he is accompanied by the entire LWO - from the more prominent members such as La Parka, Psychosis and Juventud Guerrera to even the likes of El Dandy. Eddie is looking supremely confident as struts his way to the ring as his huge numbers advantage makes this match feel like a lumberjack match. Next out is Rey Mysterio Jr. who is all alone and looking pretty nervous as he makes his way to the ring. The LWO members on the outside part and Rey makes his way into the ring. The bell sounds and here we go! Eddie taunts Rey saying he doesn’t stand a chance and just give up his mask now. Guerrero then shoves Mysterio back but Rey counters with a running hurricanrana and Eddie bails to the outside. The LWO are now all gathered on one side of the ring and you know what this means - Mysterio soars over the ropes with a dive and takes out as many members as possible. The match looks like it may quickly degenerate into a gang beat down by the LWO but here comes the babyface backup! Cruiserweight champ Kidman, Eddie’s nephew Chavo, Horsemen members Benoit, Malenko and Mongo plus even Rey’s personal friend from the Wolfpac Konnan all hit the ringside area to a huge pop! A massive brawl breaks out and the various wrestlers brawl their way to the back meaning finally this match is one on one! Eddie then grabs Rey and throws him back in the ring and quickly follows up with a brainbuster! He covers: one…two…NO!

Tenay mentions that this is going to be an incredibly hard match for either man to win because of how well they know each other. Guerrero has the advantage here following that brainbuster and he has Rey in the corner and is delivering chops followed by some kicks as he taunts Rey saying its the last time he’ll ever wear his mask. Guerrero then hits his signature monkey flip out of the corner into the middle of the ring before slapping on an STF submission hold. Rey is in great pain here as he tries to counter his way out of the move. Eventually he manages to crawl his way to the ropes and the referee counts Guerrero down until he breaks the hold at about 4.9. Eddie then drags the downed Mysterio back into the ring and hits him with stomps to the gut before whipping his opponent into the ropes and delivering a stiff looking tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Eddie then poses again before looking to go for a Gory special. As he hoists up Rey the masked man manages to drop behind Eddie and as Guerrero turns around he hits his opponent with an arm drag. Mysterio then runs the ropes and as Guerrero gets to his feet Rey hits a tilt-a-whirl headscissors and follows this up by springing off the ropes with a crossbody straight into a cover: one…two…NO!

Mysterio now looks like he’s finally got some momentum going in this matchup as he heads to the top rope and looks to go for a diving seated senton. He leaps off but Eddie counters it and hits a brutal sitout powerbomb right into a pinning predicament! One…two…NO! Mysterio gets the shoulder up. Eddie then retakes control of the bout after Mysterio’s offensive burst and hits his foe with a number of European uppercuts before looking to hit a vertical suplex. Mysterio however drops behind Guerrero again and hits a few strikes to the legs before looking for a poisonrana - however Eddie counters this move into an electric chair drop! Eddie then goes up top and hits a senton to Mysterio and follows up with a cover: one…two…NO! Again Mysterio manages to get the shoulder up. As a staggering Rey Jr. returns to his feet he is planted with a diving DDT from Eddie that could’ve knocked the masked man out cold. Eddie elects not to go for the cover however and instead goes for the Gory special. He has Rey hooked as he wrenches on his rival’s neck and he screams at him to tap. But Mysterio has too much pride and courage for that and he manages to elbow Eddie in the ribs enough times for the hold to be broken! He then charges at Eddie and hits an aggressive Thesz press and then as Eddie gets to his feet Rey hits a deadly spinning heel kick! One…two…three?

NO! Guerrero was a hair’s breath away from the LWO being disbanded but he kicks out. Eddie then rolls to the outside to catch his breath but Rey isn’t wasting anytime and he dives with a crossbody to the outside - but Eddie catches his foe. With Mysterio trapped in a power slam position Eddie slams his enemy spine first right into the steps. Eddie then hauls Rey back in the ring and locks in the Lasso from El Paso. Guerrero’s knee is firmly planted in Rey Jr.’s back and he is now practically begging Mysterio to tap as this match wears on. Mysterio raises his hand, looks like he’s going to tap but somehow he uses his last ounce of strength to make it to the ropes. Eddie cannot believe what’s happening as he grabs Rey and starts pulling at his mask! He goes to rip it off but Rey kicks Eddie in the knee which forces Guerrero to stagger back. Rey spends a second readjusting his mask so he can see again but this costs him as he is decked by a running European uppercut from Eddie. Guerrero then positions Mysterio in the middle of the ring and heads to the top rope. From here he hits the frog splash! Surely its over: one…two…three!

NO! MYSTERIO KICKS OUT AT 2.9! Guerrero is beyond pissed as a look of disbelief turns into pure rage as he shakes Mysterio aggressively on the mat and yells: “Why won’t you stay down!” He then kicks Rey a few more times and once again heads up top to deliver another frog splash. He leaps but Mysterio rolls out of the way! Eddie crashes and burns as a rejuvenated Mysterio heads to the apron. He springs up to the top rope and hits his signature West Coast Pop hurricanrana and transitions straight into a pin! One…Two…Three!!...NO! Guerrero again manages to kick out! Mysterio however unlike his foe doesn’t take time to complain and he heads up top and he goes for another diving seated senton but again Eddie catches him. Guerrero goes for the powerbomb but this time Mysterio counters into a frankensteiner straight into a pinning combo - he has both legs hooked!!! One…Two…THREE!

WINNER IN 17 MINUTES REY MYSTERIO JR.

Rey does it! The commentators all hail another instant classic between the two as Tenay notes that Mysterio’s counter to the counter from earlier in the match is what ultimately won him this contest. Guerrero is just crumpled in the corner, practically crying as the LWO is officially no more. Mysterio sees the distraught Guerrero, and being the babyface he is he offers Eddie a hand. Guerrero thinks briefly about taking it before he rolls out of the ring expressionless and heads to the back as Mysterio celebrates.

The LWO implodes

We cut backstage to the first of two scenes. We are first in the LWO locker room where all the other members of the now-former faction have assembled and those whose faces aren’t obscured by masks are looking pretty glum. Juventud Guerrera takes off his LWO t-shirt and throws it on the ground before walking out of the locker room. One by one the other LWO members throw their shirts away until we are left with just Hector Garza and Damian, who started the group with Eddie a few month ago. They defeatedly too throw their shirts down and with that the LWO is no more.

Elsewhere in the back Eddie Guerrero is trudging through the backstage area and he bumps into WCW TV Champion Konnan, who of course helped Mysterio tonight. Eddie glares at the Wolfpac member but Konnan replies: “Hey man that was one hell of a match. I know what you wanted to happen didn’t but I think in the long run dawg you’re gonna be a better wrestler without the LWO.” Konnan then walks off as Guerrero ponders everything that has gone on tonight.

We then cut back to the arena where at ringside there is a plinth proudly displaying the vacant WCW Tag Team Championships which are about to be decided. Schiavone goes over the two teams path to the finals. The Horsemen duo of Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko bested the hard-hitting tandem of Fit Finlay and Dave Taylor in the first round, followed by the LWO pair of Eddie Guerrero and Psychosis in the semi-finals. The newly formed Dynasty team of Curt Hennig and Barry Windham defeated Raven and Kanyon in the first round before receiving a bye straight to the final.

WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FINAL: THE HORSEMEN (CHRIS BENOIT AND DEAN MALENKO) vs THE DYNASTY (CURT HENNIG AND BARRY WINDHAM)

The Dynasty is out first. The always cocky Curt Hennig and the gruff Barry Windham came together after their firing from the nWo because they believe that they’re heritage in great wrestling families make them a cut above the competition. The iconic Horseman riff hits once again and her comes Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko - who do look a little beat up after their run in with the LWO earlier. Both teams stared at the tag tag belts as they made their way to the ring and now this contest is underway. Curt Hennig and Dean Malenko are starting this encounter in the ring and the pair exchange some holds before Dean gets the advantage in a wrist lock and Hennig has to break it with a punch to the gut. Curt then cockily ruffles Malenko’s hair before bouncing off the ropes but is met with a back drop from the Horseman. Malenko then tags in Benoit and the pair hit a drop toe hold elbow drop combo to Hennig but big Barry is in here and he takes both Horsemen out with a pair of headbutts. Hennig has now recovered and takes down Benoit with a side headlock takeover and really starts wrenching the neck of the Canadian. Benoit however manages to power up and counter the manoeuvre into a nice back suplex that bridges! One…two…NO!

Hennig gets the shoulder up to prevent any early embarrassment there. Chris then hooks Curt for a German suplex but the veteran manages to elbow his way out of it and then grabs a front face lock and drives Benoit into The Dynasty’s corner. Windham is tagged in now and he tees off on the Canadian competitor with some stiff shots before a hip toss sends the Horseman halfway across the ring. Barry gears up for a big lariat and charges at Benoit but he ducks and nails Windham with a flying forearm on the rebound. Chris then executes a number of knife edge chops in tribute to his mentor Flair before Windham turns the tide and hits a number of his own to Benoit, which backs him right into The Dynasty’s corner once again. Windham tags in Hennig and the pair go for a double vertical suplex but Malenko comes in grabs Hennig to break it up. The Horsemen then hit a pair of sick stereo German suplexes as the referee threatens the illegal men with disqualification if they don’t get out. Benoit then tags in Malenko and he goes to the second rope. He jumps for an axe handle but he is met with a drop kick by Hennig! Curt follows up with a neck breaker and covers: one…two…NO!

Malenko kicks out but he is really hurting from that neck breaker. Curt sees this and goes to work on the neck of Dean, locking in a deadly chin lock to continue the punishment. Dean manages to break out of it but as he goes to tag Benoit in, Hennig yanks him back and this time locks in a sleeper hold. Curt has it synched in pretty good but again Dean uses his fortitude to counter it with a jaw breaker. Malenko then followers up with a bridging Northern Lights suplex! One…two…NO! Hennig gets the shoulder up and as Dean goes to tag in Benoit Curt has just enough energy again to grab him and send the Horsemen neck first into the Dynasty corner. Windham is now tagged in and he hits a series of clubbing blows to the neck of Malenko before planting him with a bulldog. Windham then again winds up for his signature lariat but Malenko ducks and wipes out Barry with a leg lariat! Dean then crawls to his own corner, desperate to make the tag but Curt Hennig yanks Benoit off the apron so there’s nowhere for him to go. He then turns around and is wiped out by a lariat from Windham! Cover: one…two…three?

NO! Malenko gets the shoulder up! Windham cannot believe it as he angrily tags Hennig back and the two attempt the double suplex they were going for earlier, but Dean counters and using all the strength he has, suplexes the pair and leaves them laying. Benoit has managed to get his way back to the apron and finally Malenko makes the tag. Chris comes in like a house of fire levelling both opponents with big shots before grabbing Hennig and planting him with an enziguri. Hennig then stumbles back into his own corner and tags in the weary Windham who comes in and is immediately on the end of an impressive belly to belly suplex. Chris then goes a running drop kick but Windham moves out of the way and BENOIT ACCIDENTALLY DECKS REFEREE RANDY ANDERSON! Benoit continues his offence regardless and plants big Barry with a tiger suplex. Meanwhile on the outside Hennig makes a dash for the plinth and to grab one of the tag titles. He gets one but so does Malenko! The two face off as Benoit hits a gutwrench suplex in the ring and Windham looks done for! Hennig low blows Malenko on the outside ad Benoit heads to the top rope to deliver a diving head butt. Curt cuts it off however and nails Chris in the skull with the title belt. This leaves Benoit in a world of pain perched on the top rope as Windham gets to his feet and scales the ropes himself. He delivers his signature superplex as Malenko remains in pain on the outside! Hennig then shakes the referee awake as Windham covers: one…two…THREE!

WINNERS IN 14 MINUTES AND NEW WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, THE DYNASTY

Boos fill the arena as Hennig grabs both tag belts from the floor and goes to the ring and hands one to his partner. The veteran duo pull off a controversial win here and after a couple of months in the wilderness the tag titles are back on an actual tag team. Hennig and Windham celebrate up the ramp as Tenay notes that this is definitely not the last we’ve heard of the rivalry between The Dynasty and The Horsemen. Schiavone then gets a message that there is an urgent situation going down in the back - so the cameras are heading there now.

Don’t turn your back if you are in the Wolfpac?

We cut back to a corridor somewhere in the depths of the Charleston Civic Centre where LEX LUGER is laid out face down in the corridor. ‘The Total Package’ looks in a bad way as fellow Wolfpac members Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Konnan are checking on him. Medics are on the scene as well. Nash asks his comrades what the hell happened and neither have a good answer, Luger went to go get something but he never came back and now here he is taken out. The commentators speculate just what has gone on here and if nWo Wolfpac will have to go into tonight’s Thundercage match four on three.

After this we cut to a video package for our next match of the evening as Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart takes on Diamond Dallas Page. Hart’s US Championship is on the line and we recap the extensive history these two have had over the last few months. This includes their PPV main event at World War Three 1998 and their more recent exchanges of words as Bret has accused DDP of not having the wrestling business ‘running through his veins’ like he has. The package finishes and emphasises this will be the final encounter between the two competitors.

WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP: BRET HART © vs DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE

Page makes his way down the aisle first as the self-proclaimed people’s champ is still one of the most popular wrestlers here in WCW. Page is coming off a loss to Bam Bam Bigelow, although Bret Hart had a lot to do with that particular defeat. Next out it’s ‘The Hitman’ to a chorus of boos as the fans are not a fan of the bitter veteran. The pissed off Hart, who is becoming glummer by the day holds his US belt in Page’s face before he hands it over to referee Nick Patrick. The official hoists it above his head and with that this contest is underway. Hart sarcastically extends his hand to Page at the start of this one but Page slaps it away, there’s too much bad blood here for pleasantries. DDP offers a test of strength to Hart but Bret scoffs and kicks his opponent right in the knee! Page then strikes back with a punch and the pair just start hockey fighting right in the middle of the ring. Both men are so caught up fighting that they end up near the ropes, so ever the opportunist Hart kicks Page again in the knee before tossing him to the outside! Bret Irish whips Page knee first right into the steel steps and its clearly no secret what Bret’s strategy in this one is as Page clutches the injured knee.

Bret then gets back into the ring and invites the referee to start counting, he has no problem retaining his championship via countout. The ref begins the count and gets up to seven before DDP limps his way back into the squared circle. As soon as Page gets back in Bret right away starts working on the knee again with more stomps before picking up Dallas’ leg and slamming it knee first right into the canvas. Bret then drops an elbow on DDP’s knee as he screams in pain as Heenan praises this sadistic side of ‘The Hitman.’ Bret then grabs both legs and looks like he’s going for a submission here but Page kicks him away with such force he ends up in the corner. Dallas hits his foe with a running big boot before performing a ten punch in the corner as the fans enthusiastically chant along. As Hart staggers out of the corner DDP executes a painful looking inverted atomic drop and looks to follow with a running clothesline but Bret counters by sticking his boot out which trips Page up and he lands awkwardly on his knee! Hart admires his handiwork before hitting a running knee drop right to the back of Page’s knee! He covers: one…two…NO!

DDP kicks out with authority but that doesn’t stop Hart sticking to his game plan. Bret props Page.s leg up on the bottom rope and he gets on the second before delivering a nasty looking stomp that causes DDP to writhe around in pain. Bret smiles sadistically before grabbing the injured leg and twisting it quickly a number of times, to really stretch those joints. Hart tries for a figure four but DDP counters into a small package! One…two…NO! Bret manages to kick out as the fans bought for a second there that DDP could really win out of nowhere. Hart is pissed off now by that near miss though and he grabs Page and delivers his signature Russian leg sweep. Hart then drags Dallas over to the corner before he himself heads to the outside. Page is in position so Hart grabs his legs and locks in the figure four around the ring post! The ref is counting as Hart wrenches down on Page’s knee, with the challenger screaming in pain. Nick Patrick is counting Bret out here so eventually he has no choice but to release the hold and head back inside, but the damage may be done in this one.

Back in the ring Bret looks to replicate what he’s done on the outside and he locks in the figure four leglock! He’s yelling at Page to tap who is also caught up in a pin attempt with his shoulder on the mat! One…two…NO! Dallas gets the shoulder up and the revitalises DDP who pounds both fists on the mat as the crowd roar for him to turn this one around! Somehow, someway he manages to flip the figure four over and reverse the pressure! Now Bret is the one who is in trouble and eventually ‘The Hitman’ is the one who crawls to the ropes and is now also favouring his knee after all that punishment. As Hart staggers to his feet he is decked with a flying clothesline as DDP springs off his non-injured leg and he follows that up with a swinging neck breaker! Page is motoring now as he continues to nail Hart with some serious strikes before capping it off with a jumping DDT! Page then sees Hart favouring his knee and drags Bret into position before heading to the outside himself. Just as Bret has done to him DDP locks Hart in a figure four leglock around the ringpost! The Hitman screams in pain as eventually Dallas relents and returns to the inside. Page hauls Hart up and hits the Diamond Clash slam and covers! One…Two…Three?

NO! Hart gets the shoulder up! Page is feeling it now! He goes to hoist Hart up for a power bomb but his injured knee gives out and the pair crumble to the mat in an awkward mess. Hart senses the opportunity and hits a string of moves on Page to try and secure the win. First he hits a bulldog and follows this up with a DDT! Then he gets Dallas in position for the piledriver but Bret is too struggling with his knee and he pulls out of the move! Page uses this opportunity to go for the Diamond Cutter but Bret pushes him away! Dallas nearly collides with Nick Patrick but Page stops his momentum to avoid the ref bump. This split second pause however allows Page to turn around and be nailed by Hart with a kick to the gut and the Canadian then hits a piledriver! Bret covers: one…two…three?...NO! Page gets the shoulder up. Bret is not wasting anytime here though as he grabs both of Dallas’ legs and locks in the sharpshooter. While in the hold he uses his free hand to batter Page’s knee a few times as DDP answers back defiantly to Nick Patrick that he does not want to give up. Using maybe everything he has left DDP manages to crawl to the ropes and break the hold much to Bret’s chagrin. Hart has pretty much exhausted his arsenal here so he drags Dallas into the middle of the ring. Reluctantly Bret heads to the top rope and dives off with a splash however in mid-air DDP CATCHES BRET HART WITH A DIAMOND CUTTER! HOLY S***! Page manages to drape one arm over Hart as the referee counts: one…two…THREE!

WINNER IN 18 MINUTES AND NEW WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPION, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE

Out of nowhere! The crowd are popping huge because DDP just caught Bret Hart and pinned him. The ref hands Dallas the belt and for the third time Page is the US Champ! Tenay notes that Bret going out of his comfort zone and up to the very top rope has cost him here. Page dives into the crowd and celebrates with the fans as Bret now comes too and realises what has happened. Hart rolls out of the ring looking defeated while Page, who is still favouring his knee, is in amongst it with the fans, proudly holding aloft his WCW US Championship. The announces praise the match before we cut to our next video package, which advertises that WCW SuperBrawl IX is live on February 21st from the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California and is available exclusively on pay per view.

Bam Bam Bigelow talks his next two opponents

We cut backstage where ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is standing by with Bam Bam Bigelow. Gene first announces that due to his victory over the new US Champion DDP on Thunder on Thursday, this Monday on Nitro Bam Bam Bigelow has a shot against him for the US Championship. Moving onto tonight Bigelow faces off with Goldberg. Gene asks him for his thoughts and Bigelow replies: “Gene its real simple that the next 24 hours are all about me! Page I’m taking your title on Nitro but Goldberg tonight I’m completely focused on you. I’m the new man in WCW and your second loss comes from me tonight! So enjoy these last few moments as the top dog in WCW because it ends tonight!” Bigelow storms out as we then cut back to ringside.

The President addresses SuperBrawl IX

The iconic music of ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair hits and out comes the president himself! Ric Flair is of course looking as sharp as he ever has as he has an announcement in regards to SuperBrawl next month. Flair is dressed sharply in a suit as ever and he slaps hands with the fans as the leader of WCW into the new millennium makes his way into the ring. Flair has a mic and goes to address the fans. “Now I know that West Virginia is Horseman country so its great to be right here in Charleston! Woo!” The fans appreciate Flair’s successful attempt at a cheap pop. “Now its been a great show tonight but there’s been one black mark against it - Hennig, Windham I saw the BS you pulled and let me tell ya when The Horseman get their hands on The Dynasty again then there’s gonna be hell to pay - and that’s a promise straight from the president!” The fans pop after they were left unhappy with that match result earlier in the evening.

“Now what I’m here to talk about is SuperBrawl IX! Now firstly I know that weasel Bischoff has branded our pay per view events WCW and nWo but let me tell you right now that from SuperBrawl onwards the only promotion’s name on the banner will be Dubya Cee Dubya dammit!” The fans pop for this as Flair’s really getting the energy going now. “Now onto SuperBrawl itself I’m out here to announce the first match for that event. For too long here in WCW its been the same guys competing for the World Championship - but that changed last year when Goldberg broke onto the scene and shocked the world!” The fans chant the big man’s name as Flair continues. “So I want to crown a #1 contender with a twist. You see at Superbrawl on February 21st I am announcing the first ever SuperBrawl Showdown!” The commentators then speculate on what this match is as Flair pauses for dramatic effect.

“Now the SuperBrawl showdown will be a match to determine a #1 contender for the WCW World Championship between men who have never held that title before. And not only will they be the top contender they will get to chose any pay per view in 1999 to challenge for the gold! And as its the ninth edition of SuperBrawl there’s gonna be nine men in this match!” The announcers then speculate as to who these nine men could be as Flair continues. “Now two men drawn at random will start, wrestle for five minutes and then every two minutes a new competitor will enter. You can eliminate your foe by pinfall, submission or throwing them over the top rope. The last man standing gets that world title shot. But to get into this match you’ll have to qualify which is why I’m excited to announce that on Nitro tomorrow the first qualifying match will be between two men who have a score to settle - Bret Hart and Booker T!”

At that precise moment the music of Chris Jericho hits and the man who lost to Booker T storms down to the ring looking furious. He grabs the mic “BOOKER T you’ve got to be kidding me Flair. Your boy Anderson put his hands on me tonight when he was meant to be a referee and I want that match result overturned goddamit!” Flair looks pissed off at this interruption. “Jericho I don’t appreciate being interrupted but I’m willing to throw you a bone - tomorrow on Nitro you’ll have a SuperBrawl Showdown qualifying match - but you’ll have to beat a Horseman to win because you’re facing Steve McMichael pal - now get the hell out of my ring!” Jericho looks ok with the outcome as Flair’s music plays as the announcers hype the nine-man SuperBrawl Showdown and the two qualifying matches tomorrow night on Nitro.

We then cut to a video package detailing our next bout - Bam Bam Bigelow vs Goldberg. We see highlights of Goldberg’s streak followed by his shocking loss as Starrcade, thanks in part to interference by Bam Bam. We also see the angle from Nitro where the two went off the ramp through the table before recapping their respective sit down interviews on Thunder. With that we cut back to the arena.

BAM BAM BIGELOW vs GOLDBERG

The iconic music of Goldberg plays next through the arena as we see backstage where security knock on his door. There’s a huge pop when he appears on screen originally and then we cut back to the arena. Through the sea of pyro Goldberg emerges as the crowd chant his name. But as he continues down the ramp BAM BAM BIGELOW emerges through the pyro and attacks Goldberg from behind! He grabs the stunned big man and whips him right into the guard rail. BIgelow then throws Bill in the ring and gets in the squared circle himself. He then yells at the referee to ring the bell and this match is underway! Bigelow grabs Goldberg and hits an impressive powerslam to the former champ before he poses to the fans mocking Goldberg. He then hits a running splash to Goldberg and completely flattens him! Cover: one…NO! Goldberg powers out at one but Bigelow isn’t done yet as he grabs Goldberg and headbutts him a few times before turning him inside out with a lariat. Next Bigelow climbs up the ropes and goes for his signature rounding moonsault but Goldberg manages to get out of the way!

The momentum has shifted in this one as Goldberg gets to his feet and starts snarling at Bigelow and he looks like he’s teeing up the spear. Bam Bam sees this and heads to the outside but Goldberg gives chase and whips Bam Bam into the guard rail. Goldberg then lines it up and SPEARS BIGELOW THROUGH THE GUARD RAIL! The fans explode as Bigelow goes crashing through into a conveniently cleared section of the audience. The moves has clearly taken a lot out of Goldberg too however and he sluggishly drags Bigelow back into the ring. He then calls for the jackhammer but Bam Bam counters and picks Goldberg up and delivers his signature Greetings from Asbury Park! Bigelow then heads to the top rope and delivers a successful diving splash! The cover: one…two…three? NO! Goldberg kicks out! Bigelow is in disbelief. He takes a minute to compose himself and then charges straight Goldberg but is met with a spear! Its academic at this point as the fans chant Goldberg’s name as he impressively gets Bigelow up and then down with the jackhammer! Cover: one…two…three!

WINNER IN 6 MINUTES GOLDBERG

It's another win for Goldberg on his road to redemption! Goldberg poses in the ring as Bigelow rolls to the outside - he threw everything he had at Goldberg tonight but ultimately it wasn’t enough. Bam Bam does however have a chance at redemption tomorrow night on Nitro as he takes on DDP for his newly won US Championship. Schiavone also plugs the other two matches confirmed for Nitro tomorrow night as Bret Hart takes on Booker T and Chris Jericho vs Steve McMichael, both in SuperBrawl Showdown qualifiers. Before we cut to our final video package of the night the announcers tell us that we’ve heard that Lex Luger has been taken to a local medical facility and will not be part of tonight’s main event!

The video package itself is a detailed one that tries to recap the entire saga of the New World Order in one go. From the original trio’s arrival in WCW, to their dominance and the faction’s expansion right the way through to Hogan losing the title to Sting at Starrcade 97. Then we cut to the formation of the Wolfpac in April of 98 before we then recap all the wars the two factions have taken part in with each other over the last 9 months. Finally we focus in on the events of the last few weeks including Hall joining the black and red, Hogan returning to the company and Great Muta joining the Hollywood faction properly. Our final portion of the package hypes up the deadliness of the Thundercage and the fact that tonight one faction will leave the definitive nWo and one will be broken up for ever.

THUNDERCAGE, LOSING FACTION MUST DISBAND: nWo HOLLYWOOD (HOLLYWOOD HOGAN, SCOTT STEINER, BUFF BAGWELL AND THE GREAT MUTA) vs nWo WOLFPAC (KEVIN NASH, SCOTT HALL AND KONNAN)

The Thundercage first lowers over the ring and it surrounds the ringside area like Hell in a Cell but also with its curved roof makes it impossible to escape. Then we hear the music of the classic nWo and here comes Hogan and his squad making their way down to the ring. The quartet are looking incredibly cocky as Schiavone notes that we can only assume that Hogan and co are responsible for the attack on Lex Luger that has taken him out of this matchup. There is a door in the cage on the side of the ramp which Tenay notes will be padlocked shut for the duration of the contest. The only way to win this match is via pinfall or submission in the ring, with the contest being one fall to a finish. Out next are the depleted Wolfpac. Nash, Hall and Konnan don’t look happy as they charge their way down the aisle. They go through the cage door, which is padlocked shut and now this contest is underway! The Wolfpac get into the ring and Hogan laughs saying they’re outnumbered brother. Nash smirks and the produces some brass knucks from his trunks! He then decks Bagwell with them and the fight is on! Hall and Steiner, Konnan and Muta pair off while the knocked out Bagwell rolls to the floor. Hogan then tries to flee from Nash but gets a huge boot to the face as Nash poses in defiance! Big Sexy goes to set up the jackknife but Steiner, having beaten down Hall in the corner, comes in and low blows Nash to break it up.

Hogan then grabs the brass knucks that Nash has now dropped and puts them in his tights, saving them for later. Konnan and Great Muta continue to brawl at the ringside area of the cage while Buff is knocked out cold on the outside. As Hall is also recovering in the corner we have a two on one situation as Steiner and Hogan beat down Big Sexy. Scott looks to hit a belly to belly suplex but Nash counters and headbutts his opponent before Hogan cuts the big man off with a big boot of his own. Hollywood looks for an early leg drop but in the run up to the move Hall flattens him with a shoulder block. Hall then Thesz presses Hogan and reigns down punches on the nWo leader’s head - there’s a lot of bad blood there. Meanwhile Konnan and Muta seem to be taking turns ramming each other’s skulls into the thundercage, which is making a sick noise. Steiner back in the ring again tries to hit a German suplex on Nash but the big man counters with some back elbows and follows up with a sidewalk slam. Big Sexy then again goes for a power bomb but get whacked in the back with a steel chair from Great Muta, who has taken out Konnan on the floor. Hollywood manages to turn the tide on Hall too and throws the bad guy to the floor. Muta, Hogan and Steiner then put the boots too Nash as Hogan retrieves the brass knucks from his trunks. Hogan goes to punch Nash as Muta and Steiner hold the WCW Champion back but Kev counters with a boot to the face of Hulk as the brass knucks go flying to the outside. Konnan and Hall then get back in the ring and once again the six men start brawling in the ring!

As the six men go back and forth the crowd are riled up here as they’re desperate for the Wolfpac to get the upper hand. They boo loudly however when Buff Bagwell returns to the ring armed with a crowbar and wreaks havoc on the Wolfpac nailing them all with the weapon! Nash and Konnan get thrown from the ring and Hollywood zero in on Hall. They stomp away at their former member before Steiner grabs him and locks in the Steiner Recliner! Steiner wrenches back at the neck of Hall as Hogan yells at him to quit but Scott shakes his head, he’s not giving up! Bagwell then cracks him again over the head with the crowbar Steiner slams him into the mat. Hall is busted wide open from the crowbar shot and Bagwell then heads up top to finish this content. Scott staggers to his feet as Bagwell nails the blockbuster! Hollywood guard the side of the ring as Buff covers: one…two…three? NO! Hall manages to kick out and keep the Wolfpac alive. Hogan can’t believe it and he slams Hall down to the canvas again. He bounces off the ropes but Nash recovers from the outside and clips his leg! Konnan too has also recovered and now gets back in the ring armed with a table! He hits Steiner and Bagwell in the gut with the weapon as Nash drives Hogan spine first into the steel on the outside. Konnan then sets up the table but is nailed with a shinning wizard by Muta! Cover: one…two…three?

NO! Scott Hall is back in to break the pin fall up! Nash gets back in the ring with Hogan laying on the outside as Konnan and Muta continue their scrap and go over the top rope to the floor. Hall and Nash look at each other before looking at the table and decide what to do. Nash grabs Steiner and Hall sets up Bagwell and in tandem they hit a jackknife powerbomb and a razor’s edge respectively to their opponents! The Wolfpac have it won and the both go for the pin! One…two…three?.....NO! HULK HOGAN PULLS THE REF OUT OF THE RING! The fans can’t believe it but they are popping again soon because now Konnan has taken out Muta on the outside! Steiner and Bagwell slump to the outside as Konnan grabs Hogan and throws him back into the ring. Now Hollywood is all alone in the ring surrounded by Nash, Hall and Konnan. Hogan is on his knees begging when from the back emerges LEX LUGER WITH SOME BOLT CUTTERS! He made it back from the hospital Schiavone screams! Luger cuts his way through the padlock and comes into the Thundercage, and now it's four on one! Hollywood is on his knees basically crying as he is surrounded by the quartet.

Hollywood’s misery ends however when LEX LUGER NAILS KONNAN RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH THE BOLT CUTTERS! WHAT THE HELL? Konnan crashes down as Nash is shellshocked - Luger just turned on his own team! The other nWo Hollywood members then rush the ring and deliver a beating to Hall and Nash as the fans boo furiously, they cannot believe this! Konnan is now busted open too as Luger picks up him up and gives him the torture rack! Hall is thrown to the outside and as Nash tries to get at Luger he is held back by Bagwell, Steiner and Muta. Luger drops Konnan to the mat as Hogan bounces off the ropes and delivers the big leg! Luger then nails Nash with a forearm for good measure as Hogan covers with the referee now recovered. One…two…THREE!

WINNERS IN 18 MINUTES nWo HOLLYWOOD

They’ve done it nWo Hollywood are now the only nWo faction left - its over for the Wolfpac! Luger and Hogan hug in the ring after the bell as the fans boo some more as they are not happy with this outcome. Luger throws Konnan to the outside where he joins Hall - both men are completely out for the count. Nash is still struggling though but Luger sees to that as he decks him with a running forearm. Hollywood then adds insult to injury by putting his foot on Nash’s chest and poses. The announcers urge us to tune into Nitro as we fade to black.

Card for WCW Nitro, January 18th @ Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio

WCW US Championship: DDP © vs Bam Bam Bigelow

SuperBrawl Showdown qualifier: Booker T vs Bret Hart

SuperBrawl Showdown qualifier: Chris Jericho vs Steve McMichael

Thanks for everyone's predictions - but before Nitro there is a special news and notes post looking into what's going on backstagen in WCW at the moment.