In potentially good news, WWF RAW is not airing due to the dog show. It would air on Saturday this week instead. So, WCW has an opportunity to win fans back with a strong Nitro show. They do have some decent momentum heading into Superbrawl with Hogan vs. Flair carrying TV, at the moment.
Lets see if WCW can take advantage of this unopposed edition of Nitro.
FEBRUARY 8TH — BUFFALO, NY — MARINE MIDLAND ARENA
DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE WATCHES THE NITRO GIRLS
CONTEXT: DDP is not being a creep like WCW Television Champion Scott Steiner, but is instead watching the girls to make sure nothing else happens.
Bob’s Take: I’m sure if Kimberly wasn’t out there dancing that he wouldn’t care any less about what’s been going on. It’s a fine touch to the angle, I guess. 1 for 1
ARN ANDERSON ATTACKED BACKSTAGE
CONTEXT: Kevin Nash and Scott Hall have a present for Disco Inferno, who proceeds to beat down a laid out Anderson with a belt wrapped around his fist.
Bob’s Take: I’m not sure what this accomplishes, but if it leads to Arn Anderson getting his hands on Disco Inferno for a quick match that would probably get over. 2 for 2
MYSTERIOUS BLONDE WOMAN POV STYLE
CONTEXT: At a pool hall, a mysterious blonde woman is hitting on the cameraman and suggests they go for a ride.
Bob’s Take: Yes, this is Torrie Wilson and whomever she is seducing, well, it would work on me, too. 3 or 3
MATCH #1: REY MYSTERIO JR. VS. BLITZKRIEG
FINISH: Mysterio won the match following a top rope hurricanrana
Bob’s Take: It’s a solid match, but it’s not going to help make Mysterio look as a viable threat to either Luger or Nash. Mysterio needs to pickup wins against larger opponents to get the viewer use to the idea that Mysterio can hold his own. We expect Mysterio to have good matches with other Cruiserweight wrestlers and win. They need to establish Mysterio outside of the division that he’s been dominate in. They didn’t accomplish that here. Still, it was an enjoyable match, though. 4 for 4
RAVEN & KANYON AT HOME
CONTEXT: Kanyon walks up to Raven’s house, where his mother is concerned about him and can’t be left alone. Kanyon meets Raven on the couch and tells Raven a lot of people are concerned. Raven says that money can buy happiness and shows Kanyon his cars. Raven asks why he’d be depressed when he’s got all this stuff. They drive off.
Bob’s Take: I’m almost positive that we’ve seen these vignettes before, but I’m wondering if they are showing a pivot away from Raven/Piper or trying to move past Uncle Jim? 4 for 5
MATCH #2: BOOKER T VS. FIT FINLAY
FINISH: Booker picks up the win following a missile dropkick.
Bob’s Take: I feel like not a lot happened here, at all. Finlay was mostly boring when he was controlling the match. Booker picking up the win is the obvious right decision, but there wasn’t much here to enjoy action wise. 4 for 6
HOLLY WOOD HOGAN CHATS WITH HORACE
CONTEXT: Hollywood tells Horace he needs his help, and Horace says he’ll do anything he asks. Hollywood says they’re family and believes that Horace can lead the Black & White. Hollywood wants Horace to take full control. Hollywood controlling the Wolfpac and Horace leading the Black & White they are unstoppable. Hollywood insists that Horace not tell anyone. Horace leaves and Hollywood lets out a chuckle.
Bob’s Take: This is happening during the match with Booker & Finlay. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but if nothing is missed then I guess it’s not a big deal. Hollywood appears to be putting the Black & White against each other, though I feel like they already are against each other to some extent. They probably aren’t smart enough to watch the Nitro replay to realize this, though. 4 for 7
RIC FLAIR APPOINTS ERIC BISCHOFF AS HEAD CUSTODIAN
CONTEXT: Flair introduces Bischoff to his new job for the night as the lead custodian. Bischoff complains of the smell, and Flair promises it will be worse. Flair says if Bischoff leaves he’s in breach of contract.
Bob’s Take: Again, this happened during the commercial break of the Booker/Finlay match. Flair continues to embarrass Bischoff, but it seems as if every time he does this, Bischoff gets revenge. So, lets keep an eye out for that. 5 for 8
RAVEN & KANYON — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: Raven and Kanyon arrive to a bank. Raven is there to get his money. Raven signs for his money and gets $10,000 in one dollar bills. Kanyon asks for what they are for and Raven rolls his eyes. Raven also gets $10,000 in big bills before departing the bank. Raven says they have to get Kanyon the right look before they go out, which Kanyon doesn’t know what’s wrong with his look.
Bob’s Take: I’m taking this as Raven is a spoiled rich kid who acts depressed to mess with his family and make them worried? The idea could work since the background of Raven going to summer camp in ECW would fit that narrative. 6 for 9
BISCHOFF WORKING IN THE BATHROOM
CONTEXT: Bischoff is waiting in the bathroom to work when Jimmy Hart exits a stall saying they need more toilet paper. Meng & Barbarian enter the bathroom and proceed to use the toilets. Bischoff sells the smell as being disgusting and declines to clean the bathroom after them.
Bob’s Take: This feels like Vince McMahon humor. I like it better when WCW focused on in-ring wrestling. 6 for 10
HOLLYWOOD HOGAN CHATS WITH BRIAN ADAMS
CONTEXT: Hollywood tells Adams that Black & White is getting strong. Hollywood puts over Adams and says Adams is ready to be the leader. Adams is honored by this and tells Hollywood it’s about time. Hogan tells Adams to keep it on the low. Hollywood tells Adams to lead them to water. Hollywood insists he’s proud of Adams.
Bob’s Take: Yeah, Hollywood is setting them up for something and I’m curious as to what that could be. 7 for 11
WCW PRESIDENT RIC FLAIR INTERVIEW WITH MEAN GENE
CONTEXT: Flair sets up a tag team main event tonight as it will be the Outsiders against Flair & Mongo. Flair promises a fight with the Outsiders no matter the outcome of the match. Flair focuses on Hollywood next and says that Hollywood has two weeks to run around telling people he’s WCW World Champion. Flair promises to take Hogan down in Oakland and then acts like he’s putting the figure four on Hogan by dropping to the mat. Flair is going to make Hogan utter the words that he gives up. Flair asks for WCW United States Champion Bret Hart to understand that Hall doesn’t have a title match at Superbrawl because of his abuse of power. Flair says that Hart doesn’t have the guts to be part of the company. Flair calls out Bret Hart because he has a surprise for the champion. Bret Hart makes his way down to the ring to join the segment. Flair says that Hart thinks he has the same deal as Hogan, but he doesn’t. Flair says that he has a surprise for Hart. Hart reminds Flair that he has a groin injury, which doctors will provide proof. Hart insists he can’t defend the title even though he wants to. Flair tells Hart that he’s defending the title no matter what. Flair has an opponent for Hart tonight on Nitro. Flair ends up announcing that Hart is going to defend the title against Roddy Piper tonight on Nitro. Hart is pissed and throws a little bit of a temper tantrum. Hart rips up a sign made by Will Sasso at ringside.
Bob’s Take: Well, Flair did a fine job on cutting a promo about Hogan. I have virtually zero interest in seeing Roddy Piper compete for a title at this point. I can’t imagine the match will be any good. It’s an example of what hurts WCW by constantly reverting back to the legends for maybe a one week boost, but after that there’s not much value. Overall, I’d say this didn’t hit with me as I’m not excited about the Piper/Hart match. 7 for 12
THE MYSTERIOUS BLONDE WOMAN IN A LIMO — POV STYLE
CONTEXT: The blonde asks if the guy behind the camera wants to sit next to her and promises she doesn’t bite.. too much.
Bob’s Take: There’s not much to react to this, but like I said I’d fall for this hook, line, and sinker. 8 for 13
HOLLYWOOD HOGAN CHATS WITH STEVIE RAY
CONTEXT: Stevie asks Hollywood what is going on and says he can’t work with Vincent. Hogan loved how Stevie took control. Hogan thinks that Stevie is the man to keep the others in line. Hogan tells Stevie to not tell anyone that he’s the new leader of the Black & White. Hogan tells Stevie to wait until they set them up big time before knocking heads. Stevie accepts the offer.
Bob’s Take: Out of everyone in the group, Stevie is the most believable guy to be the leader. I kind of was hoping for Stevie to question Hollywood since he doesn’t seem to be totally onboard in recent weeks. Perhaps that doubtful mind will reappear soon. 9 for 14
MATCH #3: BARRY WINDHAM & CURT HENNIG VS. BRIAN ADAMS & HORACE — WCW TAG TITLE TOURNAMENT MATCH
FINISH: Late in the match, Vincent came out with a slapjack in his back pocket. Stevie Ray is also on the aisle watching the match, but doesn’t look thrilled. Ray gets on the apron and takes the slapjack, but accidentally hits Adams. Hennig lands on top of Adams to win the match.
Bob’s Take: I am convinced that Benoit & Malenko are the only babyface team in this tournament, right? I can’t even think of another team that is remotely close to being babyfaces. Well, as soon as I think that the NWO Black & White could be presented as potential viable threat they look like goons. That match wasn’t terrible, for what it’s worth. It’s very difficult to get heat in a match involving only heels and unlikable heels at that. 9 for 15
ERIC BISCHOFF WORKING IN THE BATHROOM
CONTEXT: This takes place during the tag match. The former members of the LWO are trying to get some stuff from Bischoff, but he doesn’t understand them. Bischoff tells them to clean up their mess and asks for a tip from them, but they don’t give him cash.
Bob’s Take: This humor really doesn’t connect with me. 9 for 16
MYSTERIOUS BLONDE AT THE HOTEL — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: The woman tells the cameraman that there’s nothing to be worried about and looks at the camera in a flirty manner.
Bob’s Take: She’d ruin my life and I wouldn’t think twice about it. 10 for 17
HOLLYWOOD HOGAN TALKS WITH VINCENT
CONTEXT: Vincent tries to apologize for last week, but Hollywood isn’t concerned about it. Hollywood says that Vincent hasn’t dropped the ball for him and wants Vincent to be the leader, but on the down low. Hollywood wants Vincent to treat them as kids. Vincent says “I’m the daddy.” Hogan wipes his mouth after kissing Vincent on the cheek.
Bob’s Take: Vincent saying “I’m the daddy.” may be the funniest line I’ve heard in a long time. Vincent continues to be far more enjoyable than he needs to be. 11 for 18
BAM-BAM BIGELOW INTERVIEW WITH MEAN GENE
CONTEXT: Bigelow loves when a plan comes together. Bigelow says he’s here to take a piece of Goldberg’s heart until he’s his. Bigelow has wrestled in places that Goldberg would never step foot in. Bigelow suggests Goldberg keep his mind on Superbrawl and off other things. Bigelow has an article from USA Today. The article is about Goldberg fighting animal abuse. Bigelow says that Goldberg should have his mind on Superbrawl and not cock fights. Bigelow promises that Goldberg is going down at Superbrawl. Bigelow notes that Goldberg wants the wrestlers to adopt an animal. Bigelow responds by saying that he’d adopt Goldberg’s wife and take her for a walk. That brings out Goldberg to the ring and Goldberg delivers a shoulder block. They roll around on the mat until security breaks them apart.
Bob’s Take: Okay, this is the first segment in the year between these two where Bigelow actually got some heat on Goldberg. The wife remark about taking her for a walk was a good line and naturally Goldberg’s gonna be pissed about it. This far exceeded my expectations and gave me a little more interest in the PPV match. 12 for 19
MATCH #4: DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE VS. KENNY KAOS
FINISH: DDP picks up the win after leaping off the middle rope to hit the diamond cutter
Bob’s Take: I was a bit surprised by how much offense Kaos got during the match. Page’s rage should be able to translate into quicker wins, but I’m not going to hate a slightly competitive match as I am a fan of Kaos. 13 for 20
RAVEN & KANYON — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: They are at the mall where Raven is going to buy Kanyon some clothes. They get some clothes from Versace. They also go downtown to the Gold Club before returning back to Raven’s home. Raven’s mom comes home and Raven’s calls her the witch. Raven is informed that WCW called and want Raven back to work.
Bob’s Take: I’m doubting there’s going to be much of a change to the Raven character other than the fans know that he’s rich but acts the way he does. Since it’s not going to likely lead to a match with Piper, this feels like a waste of time now. 13 for 21
ERNEST MILLER PROMO
CONTEXT: Miller cuts a promo about being the best and kicking everyone’s butt that comes to the ring. Miller also insults fans in the front row while declaring he’s the greatest. Backstage, we see the NWO Black & White where they convince Vincent that Miller is personally calling Vincent out to the ring. Vincent leaves the room and approaches Disco Inferno and tries to convince Disco to head to the ring, but Inferno isn’t falling for it again.
Bob’s Take: It’s a running gag for the NWO to be feuding with Miller, but they tend to defeat Miller in their outings. 13 for 22
MATCH #5: VINCENT VS. ERNEST MILLER
FINISH: Sonny Ono gets on the apron as Miller went to the top rope, but Vincent yanks Ono into the ropes to cause Miller to drop to the mat. Vincent pins Miller for a major upset victory!
Bob’s Take: This isn’t a joke, folks. Vincent won a match on Nitro. I can’t believe it. 14 for 23
SCOTT STEINER CONTINUES TO STALK KIMBERLY IN THE PARKING LOT
CONTEXT: Scott Steiner walks up to Kimberly in the parking lot, but Diamond Dallas Page is there and they brawl. Steiner low blows DDP as security gets involved. Steiner manages to break free and gets in the drivers seat as Kimberly is in the passenger seat. DDP chases after the car, but Steiner turns the car around towards DDP. Kimberly flies out of the car and DDP screams for an ambulance right now. Kimberly is o the ground in pain. Kimberly is put on a stretcher.
Bob’s Take: I’m taking it as Kimberly dove out of the car to avoid being trapped with Steiner since he’s sexually obsessed with her. The way this is playing out on TV, DDP better get revenge on Steiner at Superbrawl otherwise he’s a guy who can’t protect his wife and successfully fight for her honor. This whole angle has mostly come across as an odd one, at best. 14 for 24
ERIC BISCHOFF WORKING IN THE BATHROOM — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: Larry Zbyszko is in the bathroom and insults Bischoff a few times while combing his hair. Bischoff is reading a newspaper. Zbyszko gets water on his shoes and complains about going to Flair about it.
Bob’s Take: These are just filler segments at this point. 14 for 25
MATCH #6: WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPION BRET HART VS. RODDY PIPER
FINISH: Late in the match, Will Sasso is attacked while sitting in the front row and remains at ringside. Sasso prevented Hart from getting the referee and after letting go of the referee, Hart stumbled into a rollup by Piper leading to a three count. Piper is the new champion.
Bob’s Take: Piper is rather limited in what he can do, so it wasn’t going to be a good match at any point. Sasso’s involvement came across poorly and kind of annoying. Bret Hart’s feud right now is with a MADTV comedian. Lets wrap our heads around that. Piper vs. Hall at Superbrawl isn’t going to catch my interest either. 14 for 26
MYSTERIOUS BLONDE WOMAN AT THE HOTEL — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: The blonde woman enters the hotel room and says the person is acting like she’s trying to seduce him and tells the camera person she’ll be right back.
Bob’s Take: Yeah, my life would be ruined. 15 for 27
HOLLYWOOD GRABS THE BLEACH WATER
CONTEXT: During the main event, Hollywood Hogan is seen getting the bucket of water that Bischoff put a bunch of bleach in when the Mexican wrestlers were in the bathroom earlier.
Bob’s Take: This is not going to be good for Flair. 16 for 28
MAIN EVENT: THE OUTSIDERS VS. RIC FLAIR & STEVE ‘MONGO’ MCMICHAEL
FINISH: Late in the match, Hollywood Hogan makes his way down to the ring with the bucket of bleach water. Hogan tosses the water into Mongo’s face after Flair fought off Disco Inferno. Goldberg runs down to the ring and makes the save hitting the spear on Disco. Bam-Bam Bigelow runs in and attacks Goldberg from behind. Goldberg tosses Bigelow to the floor to end the show.
Bob’s Take: The match was fine for what it was. Watching the main event made me feel as if I was watching 1997 WCW, but it was a feeling of watching WCW when it was hitting on all cylinders in the past. That’s probably not the ideal feeling to have about WCW right now. Flair needs to smarten up about whatever he does to embarrass Bischoff that the NWO is going to twist it around every single time to even the odds. 17 for 29
As a whole, this show feels as if it’s a disappointment knowing that it ran unopposed. They did a lot of pre-tape video segments to fill up the show and didn’t highlight their in-ring action very well. Piper winning the title gets the immediate pop, but now at the PPV I’m expecting a dreadful match with Hall.
Who could the blonde woman possibly be seducing? She’s likely associated with the New World Order and who would the NWO look to get on their side to help combat their feud with Ric Flair? David. He’s an impressionable kid and could easily be seduced to turn on his father. Now, if it is David I’d hope the heel turn is simply him as a character not a full blown in-ring wrestler at this point. I don’t think my stomach could handle a Ric vs. David PPV match in ’99.
The Kimberly Page segment of diving out of a moving car didn’t connect with me. The whole angle between Scott Steiner and DDP hasn’t been good. They should have kept it between them and not incorporated Kimberly. I don’t see how it adds any value to the feud.
It was a little odd that Arn Anderson was beaten up backstage and then never addressed again.
Bret Hart feuding with a comedian should solidify the notion that WCW has no idea what to do with The Hitman.
Nitro 2/8 TV Rating: 5.7
Thanks for reading.