AUGUST 5TH — LA CROSSE, WI — LA CROSSE CENTER
MATCH #1: PRINCE IAUKEA VS. CHRIS ADAMS
FINISH: Late in the match, Sid comes out and powerbombs Adams. Iaukea tries to get involved, but is caught coming off the top and ends up delivering a chokeslam. Sid proceeds to also powerbomb Iaukea.
Bob’s Take: Sometimes this show completely amazes me. It’s a live episode of Thunder, and we start off with these two guys. Now, don’t get me wrong I’m a fan of Adams, but he’s a cold act and Iaukea has go away heat for me at this point. This screams a Saturday Night level match, but instead they are starting off a primetime wrestling show. It’s matches such as this that prove WCW has a limited midcard roster despite an inflated roster. Of course, I type all of that and then Sid comes out and gets a monster pop. The match is pointless, but the crowd LOVED that Sid came out and kicked ass. 0 for 1
SID PROMO
CONTEXT: The crowd is chanting for Goldberg. Sid says the pathetic pukes can chant for Goldberg, Hogan or Sting. However, they will all be in the same position as Iaukea. Sid says in the year 2000 we will not remember Sting, Hogan or Goldberg. Sid promises to take two, four, ten, or hundred victims per night. Sid wants to beat Goldberg’s undefeated streak.
Bob’s Take: The money match for Sid is clearly against Goldberg as he’s the only man he hasn’t directly interacted with already since his return. I’d imagine they’d be waiting for either Havoc or Starrcade for their match. Bischoff has long considered Havoc to be their Mania, so that could be the case and it would make sense. Sid is great and this was a fine overall segment. 1 for 2
MATCH #2: BUFF BAGWELL VS. SCOTTY RIGGS
NOTE: Riggs has new music. I liked his previous music better. Bagwell cut a pre-match promo saying that American Males are done and so is Riggs.
FINISH: Bagwell pins Riggs following the Blockbuster.
Bob’s Take: The crowd seems interested in the American Males battling it out. Riggs has an underrated dropkick as he hit several good ones throughout the match. There wasn’t much in terms of exciting action, but they kept it simple and the fans popped for the Blockbuster. I’d say this was a decent, enjoyable match. 2 for 3
HARLEM HEAT VIDEO PACKAGE:
CONTEXT: The issues between Harlem Heat is shown highlighting the split and jealously that Stevie Ray displayed before joining the NWO. Now, they are reunited and on the same page once again.
Bob’s Take: I thought this was a good video package to remind the viewer of the rocky past and the reuniting of one of WCW’s most popular tag teams. 3 for 4
MATCH #3: EDDIE GUERRERO VS. BILLY KIDMAN
FINISH: Late in the match, Vampiro comes out to the ring and attacks Guerrero with a clothesline as the referee is distracted on the floor. Vampiro hit the Nail In The Coffin. Kidman decides against taking advantage and takes Vampiro out with a crossbody on the floor. Kidman and Guerrero attack Vampiro causing the referee to throw the match out. Mysterio comes out and attacks Vampiro from behind. Kidman powerbombs Vampiro followed by a moonsault from Mysterio and Guerrero frog splashes Vampiro.
Bob’s Take: Obviously, this is the kind of match that WCW built a reputation with by having some great Cruiserweight matches on weekly television. The crowd is amped for these two and they put together a fun, exciting bout. Sure there wasn’t a finish, but it was an enjoyable bout. The aftermath was quite exciting and the idea of Guerrero, Mysterio and Kidman as a trio has potential to be a lot of fun. The crowd was loving their attack on Vampiro. 4 for 5
MATCH #4: THE NO LIMIT SOLDIERS (BA & SWOLL) VS. LENNY & LODI
FINISH: Swoll pins Lenny following the heart punch.
Bob’s Take: Lenny and Lodi came across as a bigger deal than the No Limit Soldiers, which is kind of insane to think about considering the recent association with Master P that failed so badly that Master P has already departed from the company. The crowd treated Lenny and Lodi as if they were a babyface team, by the way. I’m glad Lenny and Lodi were given some offense in the match and they did a few comedy spots, which the crowd enjoyed. Judging by the commentary, it sure seems like BA and Swoll may get a push, but at the very least a random tag title match on Thunder. This was’t too bad. There was some entertainment value here. 5 for 6
MATCH #5: BOOKER T VS. WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPION BAM-BAM BIGELOW
FINISH: Late in the match, DDP crotches Booker T on the top rope. They proceed to hit the Greetings From Asbury Park/Diamond Cutter. After the match. WCW United States Champion David Flair is out there to celebrate. DDP spray paints their logo on Booker’s back with yellow spray paint. Stevie Ray comes out and ends up getting a diamond cutter. David Flair sprays some pain on Ray’s back, too.
Bob’s Take: This is good booking to advance the tag feud, but to also put on a meaningful singles match on the B show. The action was solid and I enjoyed it. The aftermath was effective, but I’m a bit confused by David Flair’s association into this feud. It felt incredibly random. 6 for 7
MEAN GENE CHATS WITH RANDY SAVAGE
CONTEXT: Gene notes that Savage is by himself as Gorgeous George is not with him. Savage considers her the hottest chick on the planet. The fans chant that they want George. Savage talks about Rodman being an ex-basketball player and promises Rodman will be an ex-wrestler. Savage brushes off his shoulders referencing Nash and Rodman, but brushes off his groin referencing Hogan. Savage tells Gene that he has a lot of stuff to say on Nitro this Monday. Savage promises at least four surprises for Nitro. Gene wants the scoop for his hotline. Savage teases that Gene may be able to get it out of him. Savage offers bits and pieces. Savage notes that Sid is holding hands with Nash at the moment. Savage says he will tell us on Nitro whether it is mind games, or something else. Savage talks about a Miss Madness competition. Savage tells us that he’s not going to show up without someone protecting Gorgeous George. Savage says the person he’s referencing is also the driver of the hummer. Savage is going to spill the beans on Nitro.
Bob’s Take: Well, that was a better segment than I was expecting. We actually accomplished quite a bit here. Savage acknowledging the Sid/Nash dynamic was good storytelling advancement. Savage teasing a few surprises has me interested in what he has to say on Nitro. Who is driving the hummer? They have to deliver on that surprise. That was a major angle that has never been revealed. A much better and focused promo by Savage than he has been doing in recent weeks. 7 for 8
MATCH #6: DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE VS. CHRIS BENOIT
NOTE: DDP and Bigelow deliver a momma joke, which prompts Benoit to storm the ring and start the match quickly.
FINISH: Late in the match, WCW US Champion David Flair tries to get involved, but fails. Benoit leaps off the top for a diving headbutt, but DDP puts the US Championship in the way to knockout Benoit and wins the match.
Bob’s Take: Benoit is one guy that I’d avoid insulting his mother especially when he’s warned me to not crack jokes about her, but that’s what makes the Triad a good heel group. Similar to Nitro, they put on a good TV match. DDP cheating to win protects Benoit and evens their score at one in this feud. I look forward to their decisive match. 8 for 9
MAIN EVENT: GOLDBERG VS. ROCCO ROCK
FINISH: Goldberg spears both members of Public Enemy through a table in the corner. Goldberg finishes Rock off with the Jackhammer for the win.
Bob’s Take: Rocco Rock getting a main event spot against Goldberg certainly is a random choice. I feel like making this a handicap match match would have made more sense. Goldberg is a rare talent for WCW where no matter what he does they explode for his offense. He’s a complete star and their obvious top babyface that they seemingly refuse to put back as the WCW World Champion. At one point, Johnny Grunge got involved and allowed Rock to use a chair. Public Enemy actually hit a double slam. The match isn’t very good, but Goldberg is entertaining and as a result this was enjoyable. 9 for 10
As it stands right now, this is the most enjoyable Thunder of 1999. Aside from the opening match, which still had an entertaining aftermath with Sid, the entire show had entertainment quality in every segment, which is a rare thing for WCW TV, especially Thunder. The crowd was hot for the action and there was an overall good effort by the talent. This is a productive show and the kind of effort that WCW needs to be doing in order to rebuild their audience.
8/5 WCW Thunder TV Rating: 2.6
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