World Championship Wrestling presents Pro
Date: 9/29/1996
From: Orlando, FL
Matches:
1.) Dean Malenko defeated Mr. JL
2.) Rick Steiner defeated Manny Fernandez
3.) Braun The Leprechaun defeated Jonny Boone
4.) Harlem Heat defeated Nasty Boys
Angle Developments/Notes:
1.) Malenko takes JL down to the mat and gets leg control in the opening moment of the match. JL reaches the ropes to prevent having to submit early. JL breaks free out of a headlock with a quick head scissors. JL breaks free from a front face lock and keeps wrist control. Malenko maintains arm control, but lets go quickly. Malenko drives JL down with a backbreaker, but JL responds with a dropkick. JL slams Malenko and hits a forearm drop before putting a head scissors on Malenko. Malenko spikes JL with a brainbuster for a two count. Malenko puts a leg lock on JL, but doesn’t get a submission. Malenko knee drops JL on the knee. Malenko goes back to a leg lock, but JL reaches the ropes quickly to avoid another submission. Malenko slams JL’s leg over the apron. Malenko takes JL over with a snap suplex and puts a half Boston Crab on JL, but doesn’t get a submission. Malenko switches to an STF, but JL continues to fight through the pain. Malenko tries for a tilt a whirl, but JL manages a two count. JL hits a leaping elbow strike and slams Malenko. JL misses a middle rope diving headbutt attempt. Malenko hits a German suplex. Malenko spikes JL with a brainbuster and hits a double under hook powerbomb. Malenko locks in the Texas Cloverleaf and wins the match by submission. (**. They got some decent time and it’s mostly a showcase for Malenko to put over how good of a wrestler he is. I enjoyed it for what it was.)
2.) Braun won his match following a top rope knee drop. After the match, Braun bit Boone’s leg.
3.) Ray and Knobbs kickoff the match with Ray hammering away on Knobbs, but Knobbs responds with strikes. Sags tags in and forearm drops Ray after a drop toe hold by Knobbs. Knobbs returns to the match and double shoulder blocks Ray. Booker gets involved and is decked by the Nasty Boys. Booker legally enters the match to try his luck against Knobbs. Booker works over Knobbs with several strikes in the corner. Knobbs boots Booker in the corner followed by a running clothesline for a two count. Knobbs sends Booker into the corner and Booker is mauled by both Knobbs and Sags. Sags leg drops Booker for a two count. Sags decks Ray off the apron, but is nailed by Booker. Booker sends Sags to the floor where Ray cheap shots Sags and delivers a big boot on the floor. Knobbs distracts the referee the entire time. Ray rolls Sags back into the ring and Booker delivers a scissors kick for a two count. Booker kicks Sags on the floor while the referee was distracted by Ray. Ray side slams Sags and tags in Booker. Booker misses a slingshot splash attempt from the apron. Sags tags in Knobbs and Knobbs cleans house with several strikes and clotheslines. Knobbs elbows Ray followed by a leg drop for a two count, but Booker made the save. Sags tosses Booker to the floor. Sags sends Knobbs into Ray for a splash in the corner. Knobbs delivers a splash, but Booker leg drops Knobbs while the referee is distracted. Ray covers Knobbs with his feet on the ropes to win the match. (*. They’ve had a lot better matches in ’96 and in ’95. Harlem Heat going over was never a doubt since they will likely have a big match at Havoc.)
Final Thoughts:
It’s a mostly boring episode, but it’s still a quick viewing experience. I just wish the crowd knew what was going on and didn’t blindly react as they’re told to.
Thanks for reading.