AUGUST 9TH — BOISE, ID — IDAHO CENTER
NOTE: Tony Schiavone is back on commentary after a couple of weeks off TV.
MATCH #1: THE DEADPOOL (VAMPIRO & ICP) VS. PRINCE IAUKEA, LASH LEROUX & NORMAN SMILEY
FINISH: Violent J pins LeRoux following a top rope moonsault
Bob’s Take: I don’t hate this starting off the show. Deadpool is an interesting group and they’ve been getting some good crowd reactions since their formation. There was an awkward moment with Iaukea slipping on the ropes after a tag, and the referee apparently not seeing the tag. It was a little weird moment in the match. I’m not sure how often Boise gets live TV wrestling, but they came across very excited for this match. Norman Smiley especially got a good pop for his offense. It was a mostly average match nothing too crazy happening, but the crowd was hot for the match and there was a clean victory. I can get behind Deadpool getting a push in some capacity. 1 for 1
THE REVOLUTION TALK TO DUSTY RHODES
CONTEXT: Malenko asks when are things going to change in WCW. Dusty tells them they will get their opportunity and everyone will have to prove themselves. Dusty believes the youth of the industry will overcome. WCW United States Champion David Flair and Torrie Wilson walk by and make some comments toward Benoit. David calls Dusty an old man. Benoit puts the Crossface on David. Eventually, Dusty tells David that he’s defending the WCW United States Championship against Benoit tonight.
Bob’s Take: Dusty is leading a new committee, which seems to be replacing the storyline of the WCW President being the main focus. If I were the Revolution I would have smacked Dusty for saying they need to prove themselves. They’ve been proving themselves for several years now and they need a consistent opportunity to advance. I think to truly show that WCW is trying to turn over a new leaf that Benoit needs to win the US Championship in a convincing manner tonight. 2 for 2
MATCH #2: PUBLIC ENEMY VS. WEST TEXAS REDNECKS
FINISH: Duncum Jr. nails Grunge with the bullrope allowing Hennig to pin Grunge for the win.
Bob’s Take: I’m going to assume that the Rednecks are massively over as heels, because the crowd erupted for Public Enemy hitting the Drive By through the table on the floor. The finish is great as the crowd is going nuts for the table spot, but instantly the heels overcome it and the crowd switched on a dime to be livid. It’s an example of a good finish to a TV match, which doesn’t happen often in WCW. It’s an entertaining segment and I love the amount of heat the Rednecks have been generating. 3 for 3
MATCH #3: MONA VS. LITTLE JEANIE
NOTE: Little Jeanie is using Hennig and Windham’s music prior to their Rednecks gimmick.
FINISH: Mona wins the match with an Indian death lock/surfboard combo. After the match, Brandi Alexander tries to attack, but Mona decks Alexander to the floor.
Bob’s Take: It’s still a little weird to see women’s wrestling WCW TV when it had been basically nonexistent for two years. Since the WWF tends to promote women’s wrestling more for the sex appeal, it’s far more respectable here in WCW where the women are actually wrestling and it’s not about their tits and ass. Jeanie got a good reaction for a hurricanrana out of the corner at one point. I respect the attempt to showcase Mona because she is connecting with the audience. 4 for 4
WCW WORLD CHAMPION HOLLYWOOD HOGAN JUMPED BY THE HEELS, MATCH MADE FOR TONIGHT
CONTEXT: Nick Hogan tells Hollywood that he’s late for his interview and asks Hollywood why he’s not wearing the gear he packed for him. Nick pulls out the red and yellow gear. Hollywood tells Nick to hold onto it and rushes out of the room to head to the ring. However, Hollywood is jumped by Nash, Sid and Rick Steiner before heading out to the ring. They beat up Hollywood and Nash looks to hit a powerbomb in the ring, but Sting and Goldberg come out to make the save. The crowd goes nuts for the save. Hogan has quickly recovered. Hogan grabs a microphone and says he’s sick and tired of the trio. Hogan decides to put his title and career on the line against Nash at Road Wild. Hogan issues a challenge for a six man tag match tonight. The crowd loves that idea. Nash accepts the challenge for tonight. Sting chimes in and says if they win tonight then Nash puts his career on the line at Road Wild, too. Goldberg also chimes in and tells Steiner to put his ass on the line at Road Wild since he has nothing to put on the line (he is the TV Champion, Bill). Nash says he doesn’t eat potatoes and doesn’t care about Boise. Nash declares that Hogan will have his last match at Road Wild. Nash has been wanting to end Hogan’s career for two years and he’s going to do it at Road Wild. Nash doesn’t think they’ll make it to Road Wild after tonight anyway. Nash promises to knock the paint off of Sting’s face.
Bob’s Take: It’s actually kind of funny how Hogan decided to do squats before going out to the ring and that is where the heels were waiting to jump him. Personally, I hate the career vs. career stipulation. Logically it wouldn’t make much sense for Hogan to lose so quickly after returning, so heading into the event it seems fairly obvious that Hogan would be retaining the title at this point. I like the six man tag for tonight as the angle between the six men has been going pretty well and it’s a strong main event for the go-home show heading into the PPV. 5 for 5
MATCH #4: WCW UNITED STATES CHAMPION DAVID FLAIR VS. CHRIS BENOIT
NOTE: It’s been about an hour, but David is still selling the Crossface he suffered backstage earlier in the show. Also, Charles Robinson is replaced as the referee by Nick Patrick.
FINISH: Benoit pins David Flair after a diving headbutt. The Revolution kept the Triad out of the ring. After the match, DDP attacks Benoit and escapes before the Revolution got into the ring.
Bob’s Take: The fans were clamoring for this title switch and it’s great that WCW finally has a respectable worker with the title. David did a good job working in the nepotism angle, but his lack of in-ring hurt the quality of entertainment. Plus, with Ric not being on TV there’s no point in keeping the title on David at this point. The involvement of the Triad seemed a bit unnecessary as it kind of killed the celebration of the title change. This was enjoyable for the ending of David’s title reign and Benoit finally getting a singles title. 6 for 6
BENOIT CHALLENGES DDP FOR ROAD WILD
CONTEXT: Benoit tells DDP if he wants the title then face him in a no disqualification match at Road Wild and he will two-time, two-time kick his ass. DDP accepts.
Bob’s Take: I’m down for them having a lengthy PPV match. 7 for 7
MACHO MAN INTERVIEW… WILL HE REVEAL THE DRIVER OF THE HUMMER?
CONTEXT: Savage says that Gorgeous George is not there, and the fans are not happy. Savage promises he will win the presidency and says he will get rid of Dennis Rodman at Road Wild and that is when Gorgeous George will be back. Gene brings up the announcements that Savage had planned. Savage does his brushing of the shoulders and groin as he did previously referencing Nash and Hogan. Savage claims he’s the baddest man on the planet and promises Rodman will die for putting his hands on George. Gene wants to know the surprise. Savage says Rodman’s reputation is crap and he will not be denied. Savage is going to drop the big elbow on Rodman. Savage plays to the crowd to end the segment.
Bob’s Take: Savage literally provided nothing of what he promised on Thunder. This was a waste of time. We’ll never know who drove the hummer and I bet they wanted to drop the angle, but Savage mentioned it and they had to avoid talking about it. 7 for 8
MATCH #5: EDDIE GUERRERO & WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION REY MYSTERIO JR. VS. DAVE TAYLOR & CHRIS ADAMS
FINISH: Mysterio hits a top rope hurricanrana on Adams followed by a frog splash from Guerrero for the win. After the match, Deadpool attacks Guerrero and Mysterio until Billy Kidman runs into the ring to make the save.
Bob’s Take: One thing that kind of shocks me is how in 1999 WCW didn’t see Eddie Guerrero a bigger player than how he’s being presented. In 1996 and 1997, Guerrero had matches with the likes of Ric Flair and won the WCW United States Championship at one point. However, he got labeled a Cruiserweight and was stuck in that division for the past several years. Sure, Eddie is a smaller worker and looks small competing against someone such as Dave Taylor, but there’s no denying his ability in the ring. The guy is a stud and so much fun to watch. The crowd erupted for Eddie getting the hot tag, and sure part of that is because the crowd has been red hot for the show in general, but Eddie is over especially since his return from the car accident. This is a fun match with a hot crowd and I’m glad they saved the run-in for after a clean victory. It’s simple decisions that can drastically improve the viewing experience. 8 for 9
WEST TEXAS REDNECKS INTERVIEW
CONTEXT: Hennig thanks the fans for the warm reception, which he claims they get wherever they go (they are booing). Hennig brags about getting a gold record for Rap Is Crap. They then say it has gone platinum, actually double platinum. Hennig says they have a concert for a new song named Good Ol’ Boys. Gene reminds Hennig that Chad Brock is here tonight to sing, but the fans are booing him. Hennig calls him Chad Flop. Hennig says some are born with it and some never get it. Hennig promises to kick Brock’s ass if he gets on the stage for his concert. Gene tells Hennig they have been pre-empted. Hennig throws his hat down and says they are the greatest singers and wrestlers and nobody can stop them.
Bob’s Take: The fans don’t care about Chad Brock, and that could lead to a train wreck of a segment if they turn on the musical guest. Hennig continues to entertain in this gimmick and it wasn’t bad, really. 9 for 10
MATCH #6: BILLY KIDMAN VS. DISCO INFERNO
FINISH: Late in the match, Vampiro attacks Kidman hitting the Nail In The Coffin off the middle rope. After the match, Deadpool stands over Kidman taunting him. Disco Inferno tries to make the save, but he’s beaten down by Deadpool, as well. Mysterio and Guerrero run to the ring to make the save. Disco has a stare down with the guys, and offers his hand, but then pulls back after Mysterio wanted to hug Disco. That was weird.
Bob’s Take: I truly thought that Disco had much more of a presence on WCW TV in the youth vs. old angle, but he’s been mostly just floating around doing much of nothing of note aside from losing a feud to The Cat a couple of months ago. The match okay, but nothing all that memorable or exciting. They made decent use of the time they were given, but it’s the kind of match you’d never remember anything about. 9 for 11
MATCH #7: SCOTT NORTON VS. BUFF BAGWELL
NOTE: Bagwell cut a brief pre-match promo saying Cat is going down at Road Wild.
FINISH: Late in the match, Cat is seen putting his red shoes on while standing on the aisle. Cat pulls out the referee and Ono hit Bagwell with a briefcase, but Norton couldn’t win. Norton decks Cat with a clothesline and Bagwell hits the Blockbuster on Ono as the referee tossed the match out. Norton stalks Cat backstage.
Bob’s Take: With the demise of the New World Order, Norton doesn’t have any theme music. This also the implosion of Vicious and Delicious, which hadn’t been a team in over a year, but it’s still devastating. Well, in the end they kind of worked together to take care of Cat and Ono. I am stunned they’re still addressing the issues between Cat and Norton. There’s no need to drag that out nearly as long as they have. I wish Norton would dedicate himself to WCW more and properly get a push, but he’s highly successful in Japan, so that’s never going to happen. There wasn’t much going on here and it’s a forgettable match. 9 for 12
CHAD BROCK CONCERT, WEST TEXAS REDNECKS CONFRONTATION
CONTEXT: Brock sings for about three minutes. The West Texas Rednecks come out to confront Brock on the ramp. Brock gets in Hennig’s face (or chest). Hennig swings at Brock and they lockup until the Revolution come out to have Brock’s back. Brock is screaming if Hennig wants him he can have him.
Bob’s Take: I mean, I guess that wasn’t too bad. Revolution now being inserted into a feud with the Rednecks isn’t exactly pushing them up the card, but it gives them something to do now with the conclusion of the David Flair angle. 10 for 13
MATCH #8: WCW TAG TEAM CHAMPION KANYON VS. BOOKER T
NOTE: Triad cut a promo pre-match with DDP saying that he’s taking the WCW US Championship jersey style at Road Wild. They do a momma joke insulting Booker T.
FINISH: Late in the match, the Triad take out Stevie Ray. Kanyon whacks Booker T with the tag championship from behind. Kanyon hits the Flatliner to win the match.
Bob’s Take: There wasn’t much here for a match, but rather advancing the feud between the two teams. So, in terms of a match it was a bit underwhelming, but I’m interested in seeing the tag title match at Road Wild. 10 for 14
DENNIS RODMAN INTERVIEW
CONTEXT: Gene notes that Savage needs to keep Gorgeous George under watch 24/7 so that she’s not attacked by Rodman. Rodman loves Boise and says George wants to be with her. Rodman claims that George came after him and all the ladies come after him. Rodman calls Savage an asshole and says he’s going to make sure George knows she’s his bitch. Randy Savage runs into the ring, but Rodman bails. Savage is livid with Rodman’s comments.
Bob’s Take: Rodman would certainly fit in with the attitude that WWF promotes, but it’s a bit harsh int WCW world. The fans loved Rodman’s comments and they were rather shocking, but it makes sense to do it if you want Savage to lose his mind. So, I guess shockingly this was a good segment. 11 for 15
MAIN EVENT: WCW WORLD CHAMPION HULK HOGAN, STING & GOLDBERG VS. KEVIN NASH, SID VICIOUS & WCW TELEVISION CHAMPION RICK STEINER
NOTE: Hulk Hogan made his entrance wearing his red and yellow gear and also using his music from 1994/1995.
FINISH: Late in the match, the referee is knocked down. A chair is used on Goldberg and Sid. Hogan whacks Nash with the chair over the back Sting puts the Scorpion Death Lock on Nash and wins the match as Nash is knocked out. As a result, Nash must put his career on the line at Road Wild.
Bob’s Take: The return of the red-yellow Hogan is probably a good idea for a short-term because the audience will likely grow tired of the gimmick rather quickly. That seems to be a trend right now that WCW is relying on short-term ideas that don’t have much substance for long-term success. I thought it was a good main event and we got a finish with Nash actually doing a job leading into the pay per view. 12 for 16
For the most part, this is a good Nitro. The second hour may have run out of a little steam, but the crowd was hot for the action and responded very, very well to the action and angles. It certainly helped the viewing experience. Thank you, Boise.
Road Wild is shaping up to be the most interesting pay per view WCW has put on since Spring Stampede 1999. The card has nine matches and each match has a story attached to it, good or bad, and there’s some level of interest in the action. This Nitro did a very good good at advancing or acknowledging each match on the card. So, kudos to WCW for achieving that feat. Here’s the card for Road Wild 1999.
THE CARD:
Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman & Eddie Guerrero vs. Deadpool (Vampiro & ICP)
WCW Tag Team Champions The Triad vs. Harlem Heat
The Revolution (Saturn, Malenko & Douglas ) vs. West Texas Rednecks (Windham, Hennig & Duncum Jr.)
The Cat vs. Buff Bagwell
WCW United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. Diamond Dallas Page — no disqualification
Sid Vicious vs. Sting
WCW Television Champion Rick Steiner vs. Goldberg — NON-TITLE
Randy Savage vs. Dennis Rodman
WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan vs. Kevin Nash — career vs. career
I’m most excited for the Tag titles and US title matches. There isn’t anything that I’m absolutely dreading, so that’s a good thing. Road Wild looks to be a solid PPV on paper and now it’s just a matter of delivering.
WCW Nitro 8/9 TV Rating: 3.1
Thanks for reading.