It’s the 200th episode of WCW Nitro. Back when they celebrated episode 100 in 1997, Lex Luger won the WCW World Championship from Hollywood Hogan. Sadly, WCW wouldn’t make it another 100 episodes as the final WCW Nitro episode number ended up being 288. What a rapid decline, right?
Lets see what WCW has in store for a milestone episode of Nitro. Will there be a title change? Anything major? They have to do something!
JULY 19TH — ROCKFORD, IL — METRO CENTER
NOTE: Scott Hudson is on commentary replacing Tony Schiavone this week.
SID PROMO
CONTEXT: Sid makes his way out and says that Hollywood Hogan has something that belongs to him, which is the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Sid says he’ll have open arms for Hogan later tonight in the main event. Sid says the fans can chant for hogan at the top of their lungs, but it won’t do them any good. Sid proclaims that Hogan will address him as the master and the ruler of the world to end the segment.
Bob’s Take: For the most part, this is Sid kind of rambling and the promo isn’t earth shattering by any means. We’re essentially getting a WrestleMania VIII rematch on Nitro for free since they never wrestled each other after that event. I’m a bit surprised they’d go to this so quickly, but it’s a strong main event to keep the viewer for the duration. We just all know it’s going to be a cheap finish. 1 for 1
JIMMY HART TAUNTS FIT FINLAY
CONTEXT: Hart is in the parking lot with the hardcore trophy. Hart says the trophy ended up in the First Family hands and tells Finlay to show up at Road Wild to try and get it back.
Bob’s Take: Fighting over an ugly trophy seems a bit silly to me. I’m fairly certain that Finlay gets hurt before the PPV and this whole angle is dropped soon. 1 for 2
MATCH #1: FIT FINLAY VS JERRY FLYNN
NOTE: Throughout the match, Hart appears on the big screen rooting on Flynn to distract Finlay.
FINISH: Finlay hit a rolling fireman carry slam, but left the ring to find Jimmy Hart. Hart decided to try and hide underneath a bus instead of going into the bus. Finlay ends up being attacked by the First Family.
Bob’s Take: This felt as if the First Family are the babyfaces when they stole the trophy from Finlay. That seems a bit odd to me, but whatever. Finlay isn’t a likable character at this point because of his association with Regal and Taylor. The crowd made that known by chanting USA for Flynn during the match. It’s a confusing segment as I feel like I should be rooting for Finlay to get his trophy back, but I’m suppose to root for the First Family? I’m not enjoying the angle. 1 for 3
LENNY & LODI CHAT WITH JJ DILLON
CONTEXT: Backstage, Lenny and Lodi had a sit down talk with JJ Dillon. Dillon says they have important business to take care of. Dillon talks about the contracts that are expiring and it’s his call about whether or not extending them. Lenny and Lodi say they aren’t the only ones in the company and Dillon says he doesn’t live in a closet. Dillon says he’s going to sign them because they have worked hard. Dillon knows they are brothers and they need to sign the contracts correctly. Dillon pretends he can’t hear them asking for a raise. They sign new contracts.
Bob’s Take: Well, that’s a quick pivot to them being brothers and not suggested lovers. The pivot is likely going to tone down the direct innuendo between them, but they could still be flamboyant. 2 for 4
WCW WORLD CHAMPION HOLLYWOOD HOGAN INTERVIEW
CONTEXT: Hogan says Hollywoodmania is running wild, brother. Hogan says his whole life turnaround after winning the title last week from Macho Man. Hogan knew that it was time to turn is life around judging by the reaction he got last week. Hogan knew all the big dogs were gunning for him once he won the title. Hogan promises that Sid will be at his feet telling him that Hogan is the man, the champion and ruler. Hogan has his body focused on Road Wild and defending against Kevin Nash. Hogan is going to take care of Sid tonight and beat Nash at the PPV. Hogan says when you’re with Hollywood, you’re with Hollywood for life.
Bob’s Take: There was a mixed reaction when Hogan made reference to Hollywoodmania, which makes me think the audience wouldn’t want Hogan to revert back to the kind of Hogan we saw in 1995 and 1996 while in WCW. Hogan can be a babyface, but keep his Hollywood character focus. The promo wasn’t anything all that memorable, but he did address his current feuds to add hype for them, so it’s fine. 3 for 5
MATCH #2: NORMAN SMILEY VS. LODI
NOTE: This is Smiley’s first major appearance since the April 1st Thunder.
FINISH: Smiley pins Lodi with a cradle rollup to win the match. After the match, Lenny and Lodi have some fun doing the Big Wiggle.
Bob’s Take: There wasn’t much to this match in terms of entertainment. It was a bit surprising to see Lodi successfully hit wrestling moves and not look like a complete comedic character. The crowd loves Smiley and he needs a consistent push. 3 for 6
MATCH #3: STING VS. RIC FLAIR — CONTROL OF WCW
NOTE: Eric Bischoff joined commentary for the match. Sting takes out Charles Robinson with a Scorpion Death Drop before the match begins. Mickey Jay is the official now.
FINISH: During the match, Sid came out and attacked Sting on the floor after the referee was punched by Arn Anderson. Sting overcomes the interference. Bischoff gets in the ring and Flair submits to the Scorpion Death Lock. Bischoff awards the match to Sting. After the match, Sid attacks Sting and Bischoff. Sid plants Bischoff with a powerbomb. Hollywood Hogan comes out to confront Sid, but Sid bails to the floor.
Bob’s Take: No matter how many times WCW revisits this match the WCW audience is always responding well to the action. It’s their formula match, but it’s an enjoyable formula no matter how basic and simple the action comes across at this point. Rockford was hot for the match and that always adds to the bout, too. I hate the angle that now Sting is in power as I feel it doesn’t make sense for his character. I’m sure this is the way they’ll go to get Bischoff back in power on TV. Sid powerbombing Bischoff was a cool moment and the crowd was red hot for the brief confrontation between Hogan and Sid, adding to their main event bout later in the night. An entertaining match and aftermath. 4 for 7
MATCH #4: WCW TELEVISION CHAMPION RICK STEINER VS. HORACE
FINISH: During the match, Kevin Nash attacked Horace on the floor and sent Horace into the ring steps. Steiner took advantage by hitting a top rope bulldog to win the match.
Bob’s Take: These two wrestlers are two guys that I simply do not care to see on my TV and having them in a match makes this a dreadful segment to witness. Steiner comes across well as a bully, but he’s not having good matches and his continued forced push is a bit frustrating. At one point in the match, Horace blatantly used a steel chair right in front of the referee and nothing happened. Nash’s involvement to protect Horace is a bit comical, but it plays a role for a bigger story. 4 for 8
A NEW ALLIANCE IS FORMED; HOLLYWOOD HOGAN IS PISSED
CONTEXT: Kevin Nash and Rick Steiner fist pump to signify an alliance. WCW World Champion Hollywood Hogan comes out and asks what is going on with Kevin Nash. Hogan says that Nash had said it was business on the phone, but what he did was personal. Nash responds by saying that he lied because it is business, but also real personal.
Bob’s Take: I liked this. Remember, Horace is Hollywood’s nephew, so I like the added touch of Nash attacking Hollywood’s family. So, while the match wasn’t good, at least they put a better focus and story behind the main title feud for Road Wild. Nash officially turned heel, as well. 5 for 9
MATCH #5: EDDIE GUERRERO VS. PSYCHOSIS
FINISH: Guerrero finishes Psychosis off with a top rope frog splash to win the match. After the match, Villano V and La Parka attack Guerrero. The former LWO members beatdown Guerrero. WCW Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio Jr. makes the save. Mysterio hit a nice sliding tornado DDT on Parka on the floor. Guerrero offers his hand and they shake hands.
Bob’s Take: Obviously, Guerrero and Mysterio are hated rivals dating back to ’97 where they have some classic encounters. So, I guess the natural progression would be for them to become friendly. The match between Guerrero and Psychosis was okay, but a bit of disappointing match as it wasn’t as impactful as they’ve done in the past. 5 for 10
STEVIE RAY TALKS WITH THE NWO BLACK & WHITE
CONTEXT: Stevie Ray tells Vincent and Brian Adams that he’s sick and tired of the Triad. Ray asks if they are going to watch his back. Adams asks if Stevie is still with them, or is Ray reforming Harlem Heat. Ray dodges the question and walks off for the match. They assure Ray they have his back tonight.
Bob’s Take: Adams is clean shaven and looks a lot different. Ray is absolutely going to get kicked out of the NWO and the reformation of Harlem Heat should get a good pop out of the crowd. I’m hoping it’s a short-term reformation, though. 6 for 11
THE TRIAD PROMO
CONTEXT: WCW Tag Team Champions the Triad cut a promo insulting the crowd for being dumb. Kanyon asks if anyone is better than him and says it’s nobody instead of everyone. DDP calls Ray a cheeze wiz sucking butt to the ring. They proceed to do momma jokes calling Stevie’s mom fat.
Bob’s Take: These guys are so corny that it works. It’s obvious they aren’t trying to be serious with these comments and thus it kind of works better than you’d expect it to be. 7 for 12
MATCH #6: WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPION KANYON VS. STEVIE RAY
FINISH: Late in the match, Ray avoids interference by the Triad. Ray sends Kanyon into the Triad and hits the Slapjack pedigree to win the match. After the match, Kanyon delivers the Flatliner to Ray. Ray is taped in the corner by the Triad. Eventually, Booker T runs down and makes the save for his brother.
Bob’s Take: The finish was a bit weird because DDP had to purposely delay an elbow drop to avoid breaking up the pin in time. The crowd knew Booker T was coming out because as soon as there was a finish to the match a good portion of the crowd stood up looking at the aisle for Booker to run into the ring and make the save. The match wasn’t good, but the build to Harlem Heat reuniting is going well. 7 for 13
ARLI$$ CROSSOVER
CONTEXT: Arli$$ joins commentary and says that WCW is going to be on HBO this week. Nobody else would take WCW, but HBO is doing so this Sunday at 9:30pm.
Bob’s Take: Who cares? 7 for 14
RANDY SAVAGE PROMO
CONTEXT: Savage talks about last week where Kevin Nash stole his championship by helping Hogan. Savage declares Nash a dead man. Savage says he’s a candidate to become President of the United States in 2000. Savage finishes off by saying Billy Kidman isn’t ready for the madness.
Bob’s Take: Hogan declared he was running for President in ’98. Flair went insane and thought he was President of the United States a couple of months ago. Savage seemingly throws it out there as a throwaway comment. WCW wrestlers seem to enjoy the failed attempt to get publicity of their bogus attempt to become President. 7 for 15
MATCH #7: RANDY SAVAGE VS. BILLY KIDMAN
NOTE: Arli$$ has remained on commentary for this match and appears to be associated with Dennis Rodman, who will be returning to WCW soon.
FINISH: Late in the match, Savage could have won after an elbow drop, but decks the referee and hits a second elbow drop on Kidman. Dennis Rodman runs out from the backstage are and hits Savage with a purse. Arli$$ gets in the ring and Rodman casually shoves him away.
Bob’s Take: I don’t understand the continued reasoning for using guys of value to be completely made to look weak for Savage. Looks like we’re getting Savage vs. Rodman. That’s not something I care about. 7 for 16
MEAN GENE CHATS WITH ARLI$$ AND DENNIS RODMAN, CHAOS ENSUES
CONTEXT: Arli$$ says Rodman is going to be WCW’s biggest star and to not blow it right now. Savage gets to his feet, but is held back by security. Arli$$ declares that he sees Rodman vs. Savage happening on PPV. Savage tells Rodman to take his training bra off and be a man. Savage says he’s going to make Rodman his bitch. Madusa and Miss Madness have a pull apart brawl in the ring.
Bob’s Take: There had been some tension between Madusa and Miss Madness, which was a bit abrupt and random. They could very well pivot this to a mixed tag on PPV because a singles match between Savage and Rodman could be absolutely horrendous. They did a fine job of presenting chaos, but I don’t have interest in these continued celebrity appearances. 7 for 17
MATCH #8: KONNAN VS. VAMPIRO
FINISH: Late in the match, the Insane Clown Posse (Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope) attack Konnan marking their debut in WCW. After the match, Vampiro hits the Nail In The Coffin. Dope hits a top rope leg drop onto Konnan. Raven appears on the apron. Rey Mysterio Jr. comes out and attacks the ICP. Mysterio is stopped by Vampiro with a powerbomb. Violent J moonsaults Mysterio from the top rope. Vampiro spikes Mysterio with the Nail In the Coffin.
Bob’s Take: In the WCW universe there’s not much connection here, but WCW acknowledge their legit hatred for each other in Mexico. I love the idea of Raven, Vampiro and the ICP as a group. Their whole presentation fits and I’m curious as to what they could come up with this direction. The brief wrestling between Konnan and Vampiro wasn’t bad either. I enjoyed the segment as a whole. 8 for 18
BUFF BAGWELL IMPERSONATES THE CAT… IN BLACK FACE
CONTEXT: Buff Bagwell makes his way out dressed as The Cat along with a man in a Sonny Ono mask and Chae of the Nitro Girls. However, Bagwell is in complete black face. It appears it took the crowd a minute to realize it was Buff Bagwell and not Cat. Bagwell mocks Cat and cuts a promo in a similar manner that Cat would do. Bagwell calls Chae ‘Sonny OYeah.” The Cat and Sonny Ono end up making their way down to the ring and they are pissed. Bagwell doesn’t realize this and they begin to brawl. Bagwell gets the upper hand and punches a briefcase into Cat’s face. Cat gets his loaded shoe out of the briefcase and decks Bagwell with it. Cat pins Bagwell as Ono counts the three.
Bob’s Take: It’s a controversial segment that has been edited out of Nitro on Peacock or any other time the episode has been available for streaming. Bagwell got laughs from the crowd and was entertaining in the segment. It’s a bit alarming that Bagwell seemed on the verge to reaching the main event scene and instead he’s doing midcard comedy feuds again. 9 for 19
MATCH #9: THE WEST TEXAS REDNECKS (BARRY WINDHAM & CURT HENNIG) VS. CHRIS BENOIT & PERRY SATURN
FINISH: Kendall Windham interferes to prevent the Rings of Saturn on Hennig causing a disqualification. Saturn and Benoit are beaten down until Dean Malenko runs into the ring, but he’s overwhelmed, as well. Shane Douglas appears and cleans house to stand tall with Benoit, Malenko and Saturn.
Bob’s Take: A mostly standard basic tag match with a cheap finish. I wouldn’t mind if these two units started to feud as the Rednecks don’t have an angle since they finished with the No Limit Soldiers. 9 for 20
SHANE DOUGLAS HAS ARRIVED
CONTEXT: The fans chant for ECW, as usual. Douglas introduces the three men are in the ring and says everyone knows they are three tough SOB. Douglas declares things are going to change in WCW. Douglas says if someone holds you down, you get a stop sign and bash their heads in to take their spot back. Douglas wants to take out the cancer and take WCW back to where to rightfully belongs.
Bob’s Take: I enjoyed Douglas while he was in ECW. Douglas a complete star in ECW for the duration of his latest run. Douglas thrived in a company where the restrictions didn’t exist all that much. He now enters a company where there are seemingly an unlimited amount of restrictions and he won’t likely be able to be the Franchise that he had been for the past five years in ECW. The idea of Douglas, Benoit, Saturn, and Malenko as a unit is appealing. Douglas provides the promo aspect that the others tend to lack. I don’t hate the idea, but the further execution will be important for their long-term success. 10 for 21
MAIN EVENT: WCW WORLD CHAMPION HOLLYWOOD HOGAN VS. SID VICIOUS
FINISH: Hogan big boots Sid, but Kevin Nash storms the ring and attacks Hogan to cause a disqualification. Sting slides into the ring to save Hogan by splashing the heels. Rick Steiner enters and attacks Sting. The heels overwhelm Hogan and Sting. Eventually, Crush ‘Em plays and Goldberg runs to the ring to make the save. Goldberg cleans house striking the heels and press slamming Steiner to the mat gut first. Goldberg, Sting and Hogan stand tall to end the program.
Bob’s Take: Sid stalled for several minutes before the main event ever got physical. For the extended amount of stalling, I don’t even want to think about the potential number of viewers turning the channel. The match itself is not good, as expected. The visual of Hogan, Sting and Goldberg standing tall against the heels was kind of a big moment since it’s obvious WCW still has a core of absolute stars, but they have been misused quite a bit that some of their luster is diminished. The fans adore Goldberg no matter how poorly they use him. The match gets a thumbs down, but the aftermath was exciting and I felt a little pumped as the show ended. So, I’ll give this a positive grade. 11 for 22
There’s quite a bit going on here as we’re heading towards Road Wild on August 14th. Dennis Rodman has arrived, but this arrival seems significantly less exciting than his prior arrivals in 1997 and 1998. WCW business is tanking and Rodman being paired with a washed up Savage can’t possibly lead to an enjoyable bout at Road Wild. The Arli$$ involvement didn’t do anything for me other than the actor doing well at playing the role of an annoying agent.
Shane Douglas and the ICP arriving in WCW could be beneficial to the undercard. The group that Douglas could lead due to his promo ability should ideally be the missing piece for Benoit, Saturn and Malenko to truly breakthrough and become bigger names for the promotion. Meanwhile, ICP being associated with Vampiro and Raven gives the company a group of unstable guys that could be fun to mix it up with the other groups. I’m glad Raven is back on TV, but I don’t believe he’s ever wrestling another WCW match.
Hogan being back and as the champion has clearly made WCW change their approach. Nash officially turning heel and aligning with Steiner seems to be a direction of potentially getting a lot of heels to feed to Hogan. This formula worked extremely well in the 80s when the WWF was quite successful. As it stands right now, it looks like Nash, Steiner, Sid, Savage, Flair and potentially the Triad as a group of heels that Hogan can do business with.
Meanwhile, Sting and Goldberg, as odd as it sounds, can be a reliable backup babyfaces similar to how Randy Savage and Ultimate Warrior had been back in the 80s. There’s a lot of worthwhile talent in WCW, but the bad booking can make them feel less desirable.
While this weeks episode was a little below average, there’s at least a few things to be excited about potentially. Goldberg return should bring a major boost of interest because the guy is a star and his matches are entertaining no matter how long or short they are on a weekly basis.
While I don’t like the idea or concept of Sting being in control, I am curious as to what Sting could possibly do, or how they take the power off of Sting in a meaningful way. Viewers are likely programmed to think that Sting could get power hungry similar to how anyone who previously gained power in WCW would become drunk with power.
Buff Bagwell doing black face is a bad look and while it was done in a comedic way, I completely understand why people would be offended and why it has been edited out of future airings of the episode. Judging by anything I’ve read for the time, there wasn’t much public outcry about the incident, but society changes and naturally when this pops up it gets the treatment you’d expect.
7/19 WCW Nitro TV Rating: 3.3
Thanks for reading.