WCW Thunder 5/24/2000

Credit to: http://www.pwwew.net

WCW Thunder
Saginaw, Michigan
May 24, 2000

Title changes. Name changes. A change in momentum that will effect WCW for months to come.

Wednesday Thunder provided so many surprises, producers were barely able to contain the show into its two-hour timeslot.

Big Poppa Pump and Big Sexy pulled up to the arena in a Corvette.

WCW Cruiserweight Title Match
Daffney d. The Artist with Paisley and Chris Candido with Tammy
Dressed in wedding black, Daffney avoided the action, while both her competitors and their valets became embroiled in competition. Breaking up and trying to steal pins throughout the match, Daffney was at the mercy of her foes, until Crow Bar made the save. Miss Hancock then joined the action, but left after Tammy purchased the leggy exec’s wooden clipboard. Tammy attempted to strike Daffney with the lethal office supply, but whacked her beau instead. Daffney stole the pin.

Backstage, Vince Russo asked Eric Bischoff for help with Nash and Pump. Bischoff, flanked by Kimberly and Cat, told WCW’s writer to handle it himself, but did agree to let Kim watch Elizabeth in the interim.

Backstage, Norman Smiley and Ralphus tried to sell The Franchise a variety of toiletries and lotions. Instead of making a purchase, Franchise told the duo he could get them reinstated, if they were willing to face him in a Hardcore Title match that evening.

Backstage, Kimberly did her makeup and gabbed while Elizabeth sat impatiently.

Hardcore Title Match
Terry Funk with Norman Smiley d. The Franchise
Pre-match, The Franchise boasted about getting rid of both Terry Funk and Ric Flair. When Smiley and Ralphus arrived, Bischoff and Cat watched in disbelief backstage. The Franchise dominated the duo at first (with Ralphus wearing a full gorilla suit), but Smiley finally managed several slivers of offense. Countering the Big Wiggle with a low blow, The Franchise regained momentum.

Suplexing Smiley through a table, Franchise appeared ready for victory — only to have Terry Funk make a monkey out of him. Pretending to be Ralphus, Funk clubbed The Franchise with a chain and took the pin.

Backstage, Russo, David Flair and a mystery woman approached the ring.

Backstage, Nash and Pump — dressed in ski goggles — approached the ring.

Interview: Vince Russo, David Flair… and Ms. Snodgrass
Surrounded by R&B Security, Russo had Ms. Snodgrass, Reid Flair’s sixth grade teacher, malign the youngest Flair for everything from making flatulent noises to putting mirrors on his shoes. Afterwards, David challenged Reid to a match at the Great American Bash.

Enter Big Sexy and Nash. The duo crushed security and Jackknifed David within seconds, while Russo hid behind Ms. Snodgrass. Nash and Pump forced Russo to agree to a Three-Way Dance between Nash, Pump and Jarrett for the World Title that evening. Backstage, Jeff Jarrett yelled at Russo.

Backstage, Bischoff and Cat chastised The Franchise for his actions, and demanded the head of Funk.

Six Man Elimination Match
Disqualification: MIA (Captain Rection, Major Stash, Corporal Cajun, Lieutenant Loco) with Major Gunns d. Filthy Animals (Konnan, Rey Mysterio Jr., Disco Inferno and Juice)
After a blurring mix of aerials and power moves, Sean Stasiak prompted the disqualification by attacking Captain Rection. That’s when Booker T arrived, dressed completely in camouflage. While Booker cleared the ring, The Filthy Animals and MIA continued to battle backstage.

Backstage, Bischoff attempted to counsel the problems between Horace, Kidman and Torrie.

Backstage, tired of Kimberly’s constant droning, Elizabeth knocked the former Nitro Girl from her chair, grabbed a bat and ran from the room.

Backstage, Russo discussed business with Tank Abbott and Rick Steiner.

Backstage, The Franchise searched for Funk.

Tables Match
Chuck Palumbo d. The Wall
Despite a tremendous performance from the Wall, Palumbo’s Lex Flexer proved to be the most important component in this match. After whacking The Wall with the same item that destroyed The Total Package’s face, The Wall fell through a table and lost the match. Post-match, The Wall recovered during Palumbo’s pose down, and chased his opponent to the back.

Interview: Eric Bischoff, Kidman, Horace Hogan and Torrie
Bischoff spoke of the unity between these New Blood members, and Horace attacked his famous uncle. When Bischoff challenged anyone from the back to take on his team, Kronic quickly complied.

Billy Kidman and Horace Hogan d. Kronic
At first, Horace’s relationship with Kidman seemed questionable. Refusing to tag, Horace watched his New Blood partner take a vicious beating, and even threatened Bischoff with a chair. In the end, though, Horace introduced Brian Clark to the steel, allowing Kidman to steal the win. Post-match, Kidman and Horace continued to exchange angry words.

Backstage, The Franchise forced Ralphus to head for the arena for a beating.

Wall destroys The Franchise
Instead of dealing with Ralphus, The Franchise found himself facing the indomitable Wall — and a chokeslam through the announcing table.

Gene Okerlund Interview: GI Bro and MIA
The Athlete, Formerly Known as Booker T explained the Bischoff had created the name Booker T when he joined WCW, and since Bischoff had fired Booker T this past Monday, the name no longer existed. Fans were then introduced to GI Bro, the new leader of MIA and soldier against Bischoff’s oppression.

GI Bro d. Shawn Stasiak
No matter what you call him, GI Bro proved to be all business in front of the enthused Michigan crowd. Stasiak delivered a solid performance, but in the end, it was GI Bro with a clean pinfall.

Mike Tenay Interview: Sting
Tenay asked Sting about his problems with Vampiro, and the similarities between the two athletes. But, when Tenay began discussing the Human Torch Match, WCW’s Avenging Angel became visibly agitated. During the interview, the lights went out. A burning curtain illuminated the set, and infuriated Sting.

Gene Okerlund Interview: Kimberly
Kim complained about Elizabeth, and blamed the First Lady of Wrestling for ruining her day. Enter Liz. The Total Package’s former manager grabbed Kim by the throat and dragged her off the set.

Diamond Dallas Page Interview
Page claimed that he became successful in spite of Bischoff, and insulted the New Blood leader for turning Kimberly against him and injuring Kanyon. During the interview, Liz dragged Kim to the ring. DDP spanked his wife, but was interrupted by the Nitrotron. Mike Awesome was sitting next to Kanyon in the hospital, and told the camera man to stop filming. Page was left with no idea what would happen to his longtime friend.

World Title Match
Kevin Nash d. Jeff Jarrett and Big Poppa Pump
Pre-match, Russo tried to become this contest’s special referee, but was stopped by Nash. Pump beat on Jarrett, but then ran to the back when Tank and Rick kidnapped Steiner’s freaks. With Russo’s help, Jarrett was able to strike Nash several times with a bat, and almost scored the win. Nash rebounded, but once again, Russo interfered and took out Billy Silverman.

On the outside, referee Mickey Jay tried to get to the ring, but was stopped by security. Pump cleared the way for Jay, and chased Russo from ringside. Given a moments opportunity, Nash powerbombed Jarrett and took the win.