World Championship Wrestling starting off 1999 inside the historic Georgia Dome makes the January 4th, 1999 Nitro one of the biggest events in company history. With the promoted rematch between WCW World Champion Kevin Nash and Goldberg scheduled to take place, WCW appears to be back on track to entice fans to give Nitro a shot at the start of 1999.
It’s also the first episode of Nitro with Ric Flair in charge of the event. Bischoff doesn’t have any power and is at the mercy of Flair for the next month. Flair is likely going to make the New World Order’s life a living hell and it all begins on January 4th.
The last time WCW held a Nitro at the Georgia Dome on July 6th, 1998, Goldberg won the WCW World Championship from Hollywood Hogan. Will Goldberg recapture the gold to kickoff 1999? I will keep a tally of whether or not I enjoyed a match or segment at the end of each section (0 – 0)
Also, important to note potentially. I am watching the original TNT & TBS airings of Nitro and Thunder to avoid anything have been edited from the airings on Peacock.
January 4th — Atlanta, GA — Georgia Dome —38,809 (down from 41,412 in July ’98)
MATCH 1: HUGH MORRUS DEFEATED GLACIER
FINISH: Morrus prevails following the No Laughing Matter
Bob’s Take: There’s a level of excitement for the show that is obvious amongst the fans and as a viewer I felt pumped to get the show started since it’s the first of the New Year and the huge main event. Part of that energy felt as if it had been sucked out me when Glacier came out. I don’t even hate Glacier, but he’s a character that by 1999 has ran its course. 1997 Glacier served a purpose, but not in 1999. Morrus has a new bald head look and seems to have toned down the laughing man aspect of his character. Morrus is a guy that I tend to always enjoy and a little bit of a Morrus push in ’99 is something that I could find myself getting behind. The crowd popped for the No Laughing Matter and it was an impressive move considering Glacier was laid out in the middle of the ring. However, for a match it wasn’t very good. (0 for 1)
RIC FLAIR SPEAKS
CONTEXT: Flair is proud to be in WCW and running the show instead of the tyrant Eric Bischoff. Bischoff joins the segment and Flair notes that Bischoff has made Flair feel small over the years. Flair isn’t going to fire Bischoff, because that would be too easy. Flair instead has Bischoff work for Schiavone at the commentary table. Flair also rehired Randy Anderson, a referee who Bischoff fired and recovered from cancer. Flair thanks Randy Savage for the assistance last week. Flair also books himself against Curt Hennig and Barry Windham for Souled Out. However, David Flair inserts himself and wants to team with his father. Arn Anderson provides some insight to convince Ric, and Ric agrees. So, at Souled Out it will Ric & David Flair against Hennig & Windham.
Bob’s Take: It’s a feel good segment, which is a rarity for WCW lately it feels like. Bischoff getting embarrassed after years of doing it to others. It comes across as if the crowd has been wanting to see that. Randy Anderson getting his job back considering how he was fired was a great touch. The match being made for Souled Out is a little bizarre. David Flair hasn’t had any role on TV and noticeably comes across awkwardly on television. I’m sure anyone would considering his lack of experience. Hennig & Windham being the opponents makes all the sense in the world since Hennig got involved at Starrcade and Windham turned on Flair. Hopefully that’s not the main draw, though. (1 for 2)
MATCH #2: BOOKER T DEFEATED EMORY HALE
FINISH: Booker wins following a missile dropkick.
Bob’s Take: I’m not sure what reasoning could justify having an inexperience guy in Emory Hale on this show. WCW should be treating this show as a borderline Clash of the Champions level of undercard, but we’re getting a Saturday Night level undercard. Luckily, it’s a quick match and Booker T is hopefully destined for a major ’99. (1 for 3)
MATCH #3: CHAVO GUERRERO JR. DEFEATED NORMAN SMILEY
FINISH: Chavo wins following a rollup to counter a chicken wing submission attempt. After the match, Norman attacks Chavo to prove that this feud is going to continue. Smiley tossed Pepe onto Chavo and whacked Chavo over the back with it, too.
Bob’s Take: Late in the match, Chavo slipped on a springboard attempt causing the flow for the final few moments to come across clunky and not-so good. The crowd seemed to be into the match, but the botch turned into a laughter reaction. Despite the botch, I thought it was a decent match. Chavo continues to be unhinged with his friend Pepe (a broomstick with a stuffed horse head). I’m not sure how much is left for the Pepe aspect of Chavo’s character. There seems to have been a lack of proper followup from Chavo’s feud with Eddy in the summer of ’98. (2 for 4)
MATCH #4: CHRIS BENOIT DEFEATED HORACE HOGAN
FINISH: Benoit forces Horace to submit to the Crippler Crossface
Bob’s Take: Horace displayed some good offense throughout the match, but despite the good showing there was never a doubt for Benoit to prevail here. Benoit continues to be a great in-ring worker and his intensity is absolutely captivating. Benoit should be considered a core piece to WCW’s future. I honestly don’t know why I’m left here being quite impressed by Horace in-ring performance. I’m fully aware that it was likely enhanced by Benoit being the opponent, but still, I’m a bit surprised. (3 for 5)
GOLDBERG — AGGRAVATED STALKER?
CONTEXT: Goldberg is informed by the Atlanta police that there’s a warrant for his arrest. Goldberg doesn’t know the charges, but insists that they aren’t true because he does stuff for the children and cops in the area. Goldberg is cornered by eight police officers. Goldberg is threatening the cops, which shouldn’t go well in real-life situations. Goldberg tells them they will need all the guns they’ve got. Goldberg stands for GOOD. Eventually, Goldberg complies and goes downtown despite his rematch taking place in less than two hours. Kevin Nash ran out to the parking lot freaking out about the arrest. Hollywood Hogan is laughing and thinks that Goldberg is guilty and should serve time. Miss Elizabeth is seen talking to detectives.
Bob’s Take: Oh boy. This is a rough segment. The show hasn’t been going too bad at this point, but as soon as this segment begins it’s clear that WCW can’t deliver on their main event promoted. They are making things far more complicated than they have to be. Goldberg freaking out despite not even knowing the charges is a bit head scratching, too. (3 for 6)
MATCH #5: CHRIS JERICHO DEFEATED PERRY SATURN
FINISH: Jericho wins by disqualification after Saturn collided with the referee on a springboard forearm smash due to Jericho pulling the referee into the way.
Bob’s Take: The referee, Scott Dickinson, has been having issues with Saturn specifically and it continues as WCW begins 1999. I enjoyed the action here with Saturn displaying his suplex centric offense and Jericho bumping around for him very well. The finish doesn’t bother me as they are telling a story with Saturn and the referee, which seems to be branching into a story involving Jericho and the referee being in his pocket. (4 for 7)
GOLDBERG — AGGRAVATED STALKER? — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: Goldberg is being brought to the police department and they head to room 3 for an interview. Goldberg is much more mellow and he’s informed that the charges are aggravated stalking. Goldberg asks if this is a joke. The officer tells Goldberg that Elizabeth Lubetsky filed the charges, but Goldberg doesn’t even know who that is! He’s informed that the woman is Miss Elizabeth. Goldberg insists this isn’t him.
Bob’s Take: It’s unintentional how funny it is that Goldberg doesn’t know Liz’s real name. I probably wouldn’t know everyone’s real name that I worked with in professional wrestling. It’s probably the police officers reaction cracks me up the most. It’s as if he knows this is silly. I’m not sure what this is achieving other than ripping off the fans from a heavily promoted main event. (4 for 8)
THE COPS INTERVIEW MISS ELIZABETH
CONTEXT: Liz claims that Goldberg confronted her at the water cooler just moments ago. She’s filed three reports and says Goldberg follows her everywhere. She says that Goldberg was in Boston last week at Nitro and the pay per view in Baltimore. Goldberg is at the same hotel as her. She assures the police she felt threatened by Goldberg.
Bob’s Take: Of course Goldberg is going to be where you are at when it comes to work, Liz! Again, i’m sure this is unintentional comedy. (4 for 9)
LATINO WORLD ORDER VIDEO
Bob’s Take: The video is highlighting the LWO, led by Eddie Guerrero. Sadly, on January 1st, 1999 Eddie was involved in a serious car accident causing the LWO to fizzle, as we will see soon enough, I’m sure. The video is good for what it was and showcased the group in a different light. It’s a big clear that the other members are a little frustrated with Eddie’s antics. (5 for 10)
MATCH #6: PSYCHOSIS & JUVENTUD GUERRERA DEFEATED WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION BILLY KIDMAN & REY MYSTERIO JR.
FINISH: Psychosis pins Mysterio after a top rope leg drop. Kidman accidentally missile dropkicked Mysterio leading to the finish.
Bob’s Take: At this point in the Cruiserweight division it kind of comes across as if Kidman and Mysterio are a level above the likes of Juventud and Psychosis. Psychosis picking up the win is a big moment for him as Psychosis rarely prevails in these kind of matches. The action was good throughout and honestly I’d love for both teams to be inserted into the tag team division for the vacant tag titles. Mysterio/Kidman showed off some great double team moves in the match. This wasn’t a must-see performance, but it’s a fun bout. (6 for 10)
GOLDBERG — AGGRAVATED STALKER — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: The police are telling Goldberg what they’ve been told by Liz. Goldberg notes that they are booked at every arena together through the company. Hotels are setup by the office, too. Goldberg also notes that the gym in question is the gym that HE OWNS!
Bob’s Take: Sure seems as if Liz’s claims are completely fabricated. The acting in these segments are not very good. (6 for 11)
WCW WORLD CHAMPION KEVIN NASH SPEAKS
CONTEXT: Nash believes that Goldberg got screwed at Starrcade. Nash believes that Hogan is behind all of this and wants a piece of Hogan tonight. Flair ends up coming out and making the match for tonight. So, now it’s Nash vs. Hogan?
Bob’s Take: Honestly, Nash vs. Hogan may be a bigger match than Nash vs. Goldberg. They’ve been brewing a match seemingly between the two since the spring of ’98. Plus, it’s Wolfpac vs. B&W leaders. It’s not the worst pivot. (7 for 12)
THE COPS INTERVIEW MISS ELIZABETH — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: Liz’s story is beginning to fall apart. She isn’t able to keep her story straight. The police officer notes that Liz isn’t keeping her story straight. Liz claims that Goldberg was wearing red tights, which he has NEVER worn in his career.
Bob’s Take: This has to be intentional comedy at this point. Goldberg wearing red tights? I’m still laughing at Liz for suggesting such an attire for one of the biggest stars in WCW wearing the wrong colored tights. (7 for 13)
HOLLYWOOD HOGAN CHATS IT UP WITH MEAN GENE
CONTEXT: Hogan claims that he was going to come here and retire along with naming his Vice President running mate. However, Hogan witnessed the phony, sexual deviant Goldberg being escorted out of the building and it made him sick. Hogan believes Nash is afraid of him and thinks the fans deserve one last retirement match.
Bob’s Take: Hogan suggesting one last retirement match in 1999 is comedic since he’d be wrestling on a consistent basis for several years to come. The promo made me want to see Goldberg plow through Hogan again. (8 for 14)
It’s at this moment that Schiavone reveals that Mick Foley is winning the WWF World Championship and that it would put butts in the seat.
CHRIS JERICHO SUCKS IT UP TO SCOTT DICKINSON
CONTEXT: Earlier today, Jericho is putting over Dickinson for how great a job he’s doing as a referee. Jericho suggests that Dickinson should ring the bell the next time Saturn touches him. Dickinson is buying into it.
Bob’s Take: I can totally get behind Jericho having not only personal security, but a referee in his back pocket, too. (9 for 15)
SCOTT STEINER & BUFF BAGWELL PROMO
CONTEXT: Steiner and Bagwell take some time to insult the fans. Bagwell mocks the Falcons dirty bird dance and mocks having a heart attack. Steiner is here to kick Konnan’s ass one more time.
Bob’s Take: The duo of Bagwell and Steiner is entertaining. Steiner seems primed for an elevation up the card. Bagwell screams being a babyface to me. (10 for 16)
MATCH #7: KONNAN DEFEATED WCW TELEVISION CHAMPION SCOTT STEINER BY DISQUALIFICATION
FINISH: Konnan wins after Bagwell got involved with the championship. Steiner puts the Steiner Recliner on Konnan with referee Slick Johnson signaling for the bell. Steiner destroys Konnan with chair shots over the back.
Bob’s Take: I’m not sure if I was ever truly aware of how over Konnan was with the crowd. Konnan had one of the strongest crowd reactions of the night. The crowd reacted strongly to his moves and mannerisms. The aftermath would make it seem that a PPV showdown between Konnan & Steiner would be the likely direction. Konnan has the personality and has enough in-ring ability to be considered the future of WCW. The match wasn’t all that good, and they mistimed a few spots throughout. I’d say they just don’t mesh well. (10 for 17)
WRATH ISSUES OPEN CHALLENGE
CONTEXT: Wrath says he’s been running through competition for six months and knows the fans are there to see him compete, but there’s no competition. It’s an open challenge.
Bob’s Take: Wrath is enjoyable, but not a good promo. (10 for 18)
MATCH #8: BAM-BAM BIGELOW FOUGHT WRATH TO A NO CONTEST
FINISH: The referee is unable to get either man back into the ring and is forced to throw the match out after being knocked down on the floor.
Bob’s Take: At first, I was intrigued by the prospect of these two wrestling. Bigelow still has some steam after his arrival from ECW. They are two big guys who have momentum. Wrath is a little bit cooled off since losing to Nash in November, but he’s still a presence. The match didn’t come across very well, and the brawling that led to a non-finish likely means they’ll have another match. I can’t envision Bigelow losing to Wrath should that happen since Bigelow still needs to have a singles match with Goldberg. (10 for 19)
THE COPS INTERVIEW MISS ELIZABETH — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: The detectives ask for another statement from Liz. Liz crumbles under the questioning and they know that she’s lying. Liz continues to stumble over her story at every question. Filing a false report is a felony and she could face prison time. Liz admits that it wasn’t Goldberg and she was mixed up. Liz insists on apologizing to Goldberg. Her mood suddenly changed after checking the time.
Bob’s Take: Clearly she’s doing this just long enough to potentially screw over Goldberg’s title opportunity. I’m not fan of the angle. (10 for 20)
MATCH #9: DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE DEFEATED BRIAN ADAMS
FINISH: DDP wins following the Diamond Cutter from the middle rope
Bob’s Take: There comes a time where the crowd turns on DDP, but that’s not the case here. The crowd is still behind DDP as a babyface and the diamond cutter is incredibly over no matter how he hits it. The match probably didn’t need to go nearly nine minutes, but I wasn’t bored by it. (11 for 21)
GOLDBERG — AGGRAVATED STALKER? — FINAL PART
CONTEXT: Goldberg is told by the officers that the charges are being dropped and demands the cuffs be taken off of him right now. Goldberg demands to be taken back to the Georgia Dome.
Bob’s Take: This is an important aspect of the story to note. The police station, from what I remember, is across the street from the venue. At this point, there is no reason that Goldberg wouldn’t be able to make the match in time. So, it’s a bit flawed that Goldberg isn’t competing. (11 for 22)
MAIN EVENT: HOLLYWOOD HOGAN DEFEATED WCW WORLD CHAMPION KEVIN NASH TO WIN THE TITLE
FINISH: Hogan simply poked Nash and picked up the win to conclude the ultimate ruse. After the ruse, the newly formed NWO Wolfpac celebrate their antics. Nash, Hogan, Hall & Steiner embrace. Goldberg ends up running down to the ring somehow missing the match despite being down the street. Goldberg spears Hogan. Lex Luger came out and ended up turning on Goldberg as Goldberg went for the Jackhammer. Eric Bischoff, who hadn’t muttered many words during his time on commentary, became quite vocal and enjoyed every moment of this beating. Clearly, it was a setup from the start. Goldberg is handcuffed to the ropes and Hall uses the taser on Goldberg, again. Bagwell and Liz are in the ring, as well. Hogan spray paints Goldberg’s back NWO. Luger sprays the back of Goldberg’s head, which seemed to piss off Goldberg. Hogan spray paints the WCW World Championship once again.
Bob’s Take: I want to hate the ruse, but I don’t. Booking wise they easily setup at least six months of content for Goldberg to plow through the NWO and get his hands on Hogan in the summer. Realistically, I’d have Goldberg face Hall at Souled Out, Luger at Superbrawl, Nash at Spring Stampede and finally battle Hogan at Great American Bash if it were solely focused on PPV business. Plus, Goldberg could wrestle Bigelow at UnCensored or somewhere else to space out the timing between Goldberg’s match with Hogan. (12 for 23)
Sure the NWO is played out by this point, but it’s important to note that a lot of the ‘dead weight’ doesn’t seem to be connected to this version. Keeping the NWO limited is only going to be a positive direction. Flair, Goldberg, DDP, Sting, Konnan, Benoit, Malenko, Mongo, Saturn, and Wrath could be the main force to combat the NWO. If the past is any indication, the NWO likely dominates the competition, but hopefully they’ve learned something from that. The babyfaces will need to overcome the NWO sometimes otherwise the WCW brand loses creditability and they refuse to pivot to a full NWO brand.
The wrestling on the show, for the most part, wasn’t too bad. Aside from Hale’s performance and a few sloppy moments during Konnan/Steiner, the action held my interest. It’s the poor show long angle involving Goldberg being an aggravated stalker that hurt the show. WCW’s strong suit has never been these kind of angles and it felt like and attempt to compete with WWF’s edgier style of storytelling. I think promoting your biggest babyface as a stalker is a bit questionable.
As a result, I’m going to consider the first Nitro of 1999 to be a decent, but disappointing show. It’s an average show that would have been much better had it not done the poor show long angle. WCW at least has solid in-ring wrestling, and the moment they lose that is the moment they are truly doomed.
WCW 1/4 Nitro TV Rating: 5.0
The next show will be the 1/7 Thunder. What are your memories of the 1/4 Nitro?
Thanks for reading.