Last night, WCW held UnCensored where in the main event it appeared there was a double turn between Ric Flair and Hollywood Hogan. They battled inside a barbed wire steel cage, first blood match and Flair walked out as the new WCW World Champion. Flair actually began to bleed shortly into the match, but the referee, Charles Robinson, let the match continue. In the end, the live crowd was cheering for Hollywood Hogan and booing Flair. That had successfully pulled off the double turn.
I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the idea of the double turn and if it’s the right decision. Hogan had been involved in screwing over Goldberg back on January 4th, and also attempted to murder Flair in a field a few weeks ago. Hogan is essentially the leader of the NWO Wolfpac/Elite, and along with Kevin Nash they can likely pull off being faces. However, the whole identity of NWO has been to kill tradition and end WCW. As a viewer and fan of WCW, I shouldn’t be actively cheering for that, right?
I’m assuming the pivot would be Ric Flair going crazy with power, and I can completely support that. Flair going mad and allowing the power get to his head is a realistic turn of events. If he’s not feuding with Hogan, which seems to be a bit drawn out at this point, I’m not sure who would be a viable opponent. Is Sting going to return soon and challenge Flair? DDP’s been out for almost a month and could return soon. Goldberg doesn’t appear to be anywhere near the title picture right now. The main event scene feels a bit stale and repetitive.
With the main event scene having a lot of questions in terms of where they could be headed, I’m a bit interested in seeing how this plays out.
MARCH 15TH — CINCINNATI, OH — FIRST STAR CENTER
DAVID FLAIR ARRIVES AT A HOTEL, WITH DENISE
CONTEXT: Flair checks into the hotel when Denise shows up and starts to flirt with Flair at the check-in desk. Flair doesn’t know who she is and proceeds to walk off as Denise quickly follows.
Bob’s Take: The plan is in motion to seduce David, which has already happened with Torrie. I’m not entirely sure what the point of this is. 0 for 1
ERNEST MILLER PRESS CONFERENCE
CONTEXT: Miller tells the press that he’s The Cat and to not call him Ernest anymore. Miller claims to be undefeated and says it is unheard of to be a martial arts champion and become a champion in pro wrestling. Miller says he may dance or kick butt. Cat doesn’t have respect for any of the other wrestlers and wants to whoop everyone in WCW. Cat says nobody wants to see Jerry (Flynn) and he’s the greatest. Cat threatens one of the media guys.
Bob’s Take: It looks like this is the beginning of Miller ditching his name and simply becoming The Cat officially. Cat seems to be a character that is easy to hate, but this segment didn’t do much for me. 0 for 2
MATCH #1: JERRY FLYNN VS. MENG
FINISH: Meng locks in the Tongan Death Grip to win the match by pin
Bob’s Take: Flynn is fresh off a victory on PPV and proceeds to do the job on TV the next night. It is Meng and Meng tends to garner a positive response from the WCW crowd, so it’s probably not the worst guy to lose to. There’s something about Meng that makes him come across as a threat in the ring no matter what. I remember enjoying his push back in ’95 with Sting and wouldn’t be opposed to a fresh push now in ’99. The Tongan Death Grip got one of the biggest pops of the year on Nitro thus far and I’m not kidding. I enjoyed the match and Meng in general. 1 for 3
DAVID FLAIR AT THE HOTEL WITH DENISE — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: David enters the elevator where Denise sneaks in and makes small talk with David. Denise tries to use her key card, but acts like it doesn’t work and tells David that her key doesn’t work. Denise asks to use David’s phone and David allows her to, though he sounded annoyed.
Bob’s Take: David would have to be a complete moron to cheat on Torrie. 1 for 4
RAVEN CHATS WITH RIKI RACHMAN AT A NITRO PARTY
CONTEXT: Raven is sitting on the floor and talks about his sister Chastity turning on him. Raven should have seen it coming because he lit her hair on fire as a kid. Raven notes that he got Hak and Chastity jobs in WCW. Raven doesn’t like family functions and only goes to sit at the kids table and the money. Raven promises to destroy them both just like Jerry Falwell and one of Saturn’s bondage balls.
Bob’s Take: I like Raven, but I kind of wish the Raven/Hak (Sandman) feud remained in ECW an didn’t come to WCW. It’s going to be a watered down version of their classic battles. This was a fine promo, though. 2 for 5
MATCH #2: RICK STEINER VS. CHRIS ADAMS:
FINISH: Steiner picks up the win following a top rope bulldog
Bob’s Take: There wasn’t much heat to the match as it’s mostly just a showcase for Steiner for his return to singles action. I’m honestly a bit surprised that they didn’t keep the WCW TV Championship on Scott Steiner because it would make sense for Rick Steiner to challenge his brother for the gold. I’m not complaining that Booker T is now the champion, though. Rick looked good here, but the action wasn’t all that thrilling or anything. 2 for 6
DISCO INFERNO COMPLAINS ABOUT KONNAN’S MUSIC VIDEO
CONTEXT: Inferno is upset about the production team stopping his music and asks where his music videos are at since he’s been here for nearly four years. Disco is tired of seeing Konnan’s music video and asks they don’t play Konnan’s music video. Schiavone says they can’t do that, and then introduces the music video that Inferno complains about. However, the video is shown and it’s not Konnan’s video. Instead, Disco dubbed over the video and he’s in the video!
Bob’s Take: I will admit this is actually a great video and angle by Disco. Konnan hasn’t been around on the major programs since Superbrawl and should be able to get over on Inferno. It was funny watching Inferno struggling to rap the lyrics and it appeared as if he was nearly breaking character a few times with laughter. 3 for 7
DAVID FLAIR AT THE HOTEL WITH DENISE — CONTINUED
CONTEXT: We see Kevin Nash and Torrie watching David in the hotel with Denise as they’re spying on David. David asks Denise if she’s trying to seduce him, but he’s in love with someone. Torrie seems to be fluttering over the news that David is in love with her. David tells Denise to leave the room. Nash asks Torrie if she’s falling for David, but she says it was a sweet gesture. Nash talks about Ric Flair having their belt. Torrie asks how hard it is to get the belt back. Nash asks Torrie if she’s in love with David, but Torrie denies it. Nash isn’t going to give Denise 20k let alone cab fare. Nash tells Torrie that she owes him for the mess he got her out of in Detroit.
Bob’s Take: This was a pretty bad segment. I’m still not sure how it would have impacted anything if David fell for the seduction. 3 for 8
MEAN GENE CHATS WITH THE NEW WCW WORLD CHAMPION RIC FLAIR
CONTEXT: WCW World Champion Ric Flair (sporting a bandage), Arn Anderson, referee Charles Robinson and Arn Anderson make their way down to the ring alongside four women for an interview. Despite the double turn last night, Flair is greeted with a warm reception. Gene doesn’t waste any time bringing up the dark cloud over the finish, but Anderson praises Robinson for refereeing as a professional and calling the match as a professional. Gene believes it was a fast count on Hogan, but Robinson denies the claim. Robinson believes Flair’s wound was superficial while Hogan’s was detrimental and believes any referee would have done the same thing. While Flair brags about being a 14-time WCW World Champion, Goldberg joins the segment. Flair asks if Goldberg is there to congratulate him for being the President or being the champion, but Goldberg is there because he wants a title shot tonight! Kevin Nash joins the segment saying that he’s the number one contender and that Flair robbed Hogan of the title last night. Nash, of course, reminds Goldberg that he’s the one loss on Goldberg’s record. Hollywood Hogan also joins the segment and says he should be the champion. Hogan issues a challenge for a tag match tonight, which Goldberg accepts if it helps him to get a WCW World Championship shot. Flair attempted to speak to Goldberg, and was promptly shoved to the mat.
Bob’s Take: There’s no denying the star power involved in the segment. The tag match is a pretty big main event and one that I’m interested in seeing. When it comes to challengers for Flair’s title, I feel like Goldberg is the obvious choice. Hogan probably should get a rematch, but three straight PPVs is a bit much. Nash laid down for Hogan and could use that as a reason he deserves a shot, but that was self-inflicted. If Goldberg gets the shot he’s got to win the title, but I think they’re going to run with Flair’s power hungry angle for a bit. The crowd was red hot for everyone involved in the segment, and I think Nash’s response came across stronger than the other guys. I’m not sure if a Flair vs. Nash match on PPV would be all that interesting. Anyway, I thought this was a good segment. 4 for 9
HORACE AND VINCENT ARGUE
CONTEXT: Vincent isn’t thrilled about what happened at UnCensored, but Horace says he tossed the slapjack into the middle of the ring for either Vincent or Stevie Ray to use. Horace says Vincent was five-seconds too slow to use it. Vincent complains about the loss to Ray. Vincent tells Horace that Hollywood put him in charge, but Horace tells Vincent that he’s closer to Hollywood than Vincent will ever be. Horace tells Vincent that Hollywood put him in charge. Vincent tells Horace he’s going to find out.
Bob’s Take: It only took this long for someone to decide to find out from Hollywood Hogan directly about who’s in charge of the NWO Black & White. I’m bummed that Vincent isn’t the man in power. 4 for 10
MATCH #3: WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION BILLY KIDMAN VS. REY MYSTERIO JR.
FINISH: Mysterio wins the match following a middle rope wheelbarrow bulldog to win the title
Bob’s Take: That was a great match and a hot crowd. I’d say this is probably the best match on Nitro this year thus far. I’m a bit surprised that Mysterio has been reverted back to the Cruiserweight division following his feud with Kevin Nash. There’s no denying that Mysterio is great in the division, but at some point I’d like to see Mysterio elevated out of the division and accomplish something bigger. Anyway, it’s a great match and you should check it out. 5 for 11
HORACE AND STEVIE RAY CHAT BACKSTAGE
CONTEXT: Stevie asks Horace what happened last night and told Horace to come down to the ring and make sure everything was cool. Ray doesn’t like that Horace almost cost him the match. Horace tells Stevie that he shouldn’t have had an issue with Vincent, who has been causing problems. Ray tells Horace that Hollywood make him the boss. Horace reveals to Stevie that Hollywood made him the boss, which Stevie doesn’t believe. Ray tells Horace he’s the nephew and Ray is the boss. Horace grabs Stevie’s arm, but Ray decks Horace. Disco Inferno enters the room and Stevie tells Disco to tell Hollywood that if he’s blowing smoke up his chimney he’s not cool with that. Horace tells Disco he wants Stevie in the ring tonight.
Bob’s Take: I’m glad they are finally learning that Hollywood was playing games with them. I’m not use to WCW booking matches early in the show for later on in the same show. I like it. 6 for 12
MEAN GENE CHATS WITH THE WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS CHRIS BENOIT & DEAN MALENKO
CONTEXT: Benoit says there’s no better feeling than being number one. Benoit talks about the feeling of overcoming the tournament and the injustice at Superbrawl. Benoit wouldn’t want anyone else as his partner. Malenko chimes in and says last night was a great night for the Horsemen. Malenko credits teamwork and team effort for their title win. Malenko denies they are tired from their title match last night and they are prepared to defend the titles tonight.
Bob’s Take: A basic promo with not much to digest from it. 6 for 13
MATCH #4: WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS CHRIS BENOIT & DEAN MALENKO VS. THE BARBARIAN & HUGH MORRUS:
FINISH: Benoit pins Morrus following a top rope diving headbutt to retain the titles
Bob’s Take: Pro wrestling is a weird sport where a team such as Barbarian and Morrus can get a title shot despite not having teamed all year. Morrus has had a bit of momentum prior to his singles loss to Rick Steiner on Thunder a couple of weeks ago, but as a team there is zero momentum to justify a tag title shot. It’s not a major deal as it can enhance the story that the Horsemen will be fighting champions against literally any opponent. It’s a solid tag match despite the lack of heat or interest in the challengers. Morrus tends to entertain me and he did well throughout the bout. 7 for 14
SCOTT STEINER & BUFF BAGWELL PROMO — THE BALL WAS DROPPED, AND SO IS BAGWELL
CONTEXT: Steiner puts over the NWO Wolfpac as the best athletes going today, but someone fumbled last night and proceeds to blame Buff Bagwell for losing the WCW Television Championship to Booker T at UnCensored. Steiner notes that he’s trained Bagwell since the neck injury, but Bagwell’s brain wasn’t trained. Steiner doesn’t think Bagwell belongs in the Wolfpac anymore. Bagwell chimes in and tells Steiner to look at the crowd and all the signs for him. Steiner doesn’t care about the fans, and Bagwell thinks Steiner is jealous of him. Steiner declares that Bagwell is second best behind him. Bagwell tells Steiner that he’s not buff and he isn’t the stuff. Steiner insults Bagwell saying he was nothing before joining the NWO and will be nothing if he’s kicked out. Bagwell tries to calm things down, but ends up taking a belly to belly suplex and several chair shots to the back. Steiner locks in the Steiner Recliner and it looks as if the duo has officially broken up, folks.
Bob’s Take: Back in the fall of ’98 WCW missed a great opportunity in turning Bagwell face against the New World Order, but instead kept Bagwell in the NWO for what ended up being about six months. Now that Bagwell is apparently healthy for full-time wrestling I can understand waiting until now for the face turn. Bagwell is far more likable than Steiner is at this point and he’s going to be able to get sympathy. The crowd seemed invested in their barbs at each other and the overall segment was enjoyable for what it was. 8 for 15
MATCH #5: STEVIE RAY VS. HORACE:
FINISH: Late in the match, Vincent makes his way down to the ring with a steel chair. Ray gets distracted by Vincent and is slammed to the mat. Ray manages to send Horace into the steel chair knocking Vincent to the floor and pins Horace with a rollup.
Bob’s Take: This match is in a tough spot coming off a good segment and the angle is mostly dead at this point. I feel like this would have been better suited for the first hour and get it out of the way quick. 8 for 16
KONNAN PROMO:
CONTEXT: Konnan calls Disco Inferno Nyquil and says that Disco is the kind of guy who makes people fall asleep. That’s the general gist of the promo.
Bob’s Take: A simple promo to get his rebuttal before their showdown. 9 for 17
MATCH #6: DISCO INFERNO VS. KONNAN:
FINISH: Late in the match, Lex Luger and Elizabeth make their ay down to ringside. Luger’s right arm is wrapped up due to his bicep injury, though commentary noted that the injury was to his left arm on Thunder thanks to Mysterio’s attack prior to Superbrawl. Luger ends up decking Konnan in the corner while Elizabeth distracted the referee and Inferno delivered the Chartbuster to win the match.
Bob’s Take: I was not expecting these two to square off on the same episode that they introduced the angle with Disco hijacking the music video. Konnan hasn’t been on the major programs since Superbrawl IX, which is a bit odd. Disco has been regularly competing on TV and I don’t mind Inferno winning here. Also, Inferno did not come out with the Wolfpac music. The action wasn’t anything all that memorable or entertaining. I was not expecting Luger to come out there to help Inferno. This makes me feel as if the issues between Luger and Konnan isn’t going to be forgotten. 9 for 18
MATCH #7: WCW TELEVISION CHAMPION BOOKER T VS. CHRIS JERICHO
FINISH: Late in the match, Jericho pulled the referee in the way and Booker hit the referee with a missile dropkick causing a disqualification.
Bob’s Take: Jericho loses at UnCensored and gets a title shot while Saturn doesn’t get any focus on the show. How does that make sense? Wouldn’t Jericho winning the match last night leading into this match make a bit more sense? It was surprising how disappointing the match is and the DQ finish didn’t help matters either. 9 for 19
MAIN EVENT: WCW WORLD CHAMPION RIC FLAIR & GOLDBERG VS. HOLLYWOOD HOGAN & KEVIN NASH:
FINISH: Late in the match, Hogan hit the leg drop on Flair, but Charles Robinson refused to count and got decked by Hogan. Goldberg spears Hogan, but the show goes off the air as time is running out. That’s right, the show ended without a finish.
Bob’s Take: The moment that Hogan and Goldberg got in the ring together it was electric. It is the obvious match that people want to see. It is a bit weird to see Hogan no selling Goldberg’s offense as babyface Hogan tends to do. It’s quite the decision to have the show go off the air without a finish and using the whole “we’re out of time” gimmick. Considering the momentum that WWF currently has it is a bizarre decision to do that to your audience. The action isn’t crazy good as the wrestlers seemed to bank on their aura and overall presentation rather than their in-ring skill. 9 for 20
The decision to not air the finish to the main event can be added to the list of WCW blunders especially during a time when they can not afford to make massive mistakes like that. WCW has plenty of star power, but the inability to provide compelling and logical storytelling is completely derailing most of the top names.
There are some positives to take from the show, though. Mysterio and Kidman had a great match. Sure, I wish Mysterio would have been elevated from the Nash feud, but I can’t possibly sit here and be too upset about Mysterio being involved in some great wrestling matches on a weekly basis with other Cruiserweight wrestlers.
The split between Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell worked well in front of the live audience. Bagwell playing the face role is the logical direction, but if Hogan is turning face and the Wolfpac by default would become a babyface stable that would leave Steiner in an awkward spot considering he’s 100% a heel.
It’s not a horrible episode of Nitro, but it’s overall a bit disappointing. There’s not much setup for Spring Stampede on April 11th, but there’s plenty of time to get stuff started for that PPV. I’d imagine at the very least we’d get Steiner vs. Bagwell and Flair vs. one of the three guys involved in the tag match.
Nitro 3/15 TV Rating: 4.29
Thanks for reading.