WCW Monday Nitro (March 20, 2006)

WCW Monday Nitro

March 20, 2006

Atlanta, GA

Phelps Arena

 

 

We open up the show with a video package of last week.  Eric Bischoff is revealed as the NEW owner of the NWA... and he promptly changes the name to "World Championship Wrestling".. It's the rebirth of WCW.  Harley Race & Juvi are terminated as Commissioners and given spots on the WCW roster as wrestlers.   Eric vows that he's back and WCW will be bigger than ever....

 

Pyro and explosions as we see WCW owner Eric Bischoff come to the ring and welcome everyone to WCW Monday Nitro.  He's got a lot to do this week as he prepares to lead WCW back to the top of the world of professional wrestling and sports entertainment. 

 

To start, Eric anounces an "open door" policy for WCW.  Any wrestling superstar from any organization that wants to come to WCW and prove how tough they are.... is welcome.  Well, almost any superstar.  There is one little nitch in the policy.  Wrestlers who are double-dipping and are under contract to both WCW and a certain company up North.  Eric and Vince currently have a "Gentleman's Agreement" in affect, but Eric will not tolerate Vince's boys trying to work him and pretend to be loyal to WCW when they're heading back up to Stamford every week and kissing Vince's ass as well.  Eric says that the old owners may have allowed that, but he's not going to tolerate it.  Which brings him to three names on the roster in particular.  Others will be dealt with accordingly if necessary, but there are three "big names" that can't be ignored. 

 

"Prime Time" Elix Skipper...  While Eric hardly considers Skipper a "big name", he realizes that Skipper is a fantastic performer and is going to be a major player someday.  Skipper was scheduled to be in a tag team match later tonight with Evan Karagias against the Horsemen.  But Eric is removing Skipper from the match.  Skipper can go home and decide if he wants to stay on a sinking ship or work for Eric and WCW.  Skipper can let him know something next week.

 

Speaking of the Horsemen, Ric Flair... the "Nature Boy"... Eric and Ric have already talked and Ric has decided to return up North.  His return to WCW and The Horsemen was just temporary and at this point and time, Flair feels that his place is up North.  Eric says that if Ric ever decides to return to greatness, WCW will be here.  But Eric understands Ric's decision and that's OK with him.  It's not like Eric will take it out on the Horsemen that are still here or anything... right!  Eric smiles...

 

And finally, there is one other person.  And this one really gets Eric upset.  Eric calls out the WCW World Champion, Christian Cage.  Eric demands that Christian come to the ring... NOW! 

 

A referee comes to the ring and whispers something to ring announcer David Penzer who relays the message to Eric Bischoff...  Eric frowns and gets back on the mic.  Christian hasn't arrived at the arena yet, but that's OK.  Because he will be in the main event tonight when he defends the WCW World Championship against the Immortal Hulk Hogan. 

 

Eric concludes with a message to all of the "boys in the back" as well as any wrestling superstar watching - he wants them to come to WCW - where the "big boys play" - and just like he did the first time around, WCW is headed straight to the top.  But remember this, if you're not with him, you're against him and will be treated accordingly...

Eric leaves the ring as we go to commercial...

 

(commercial)

 

We return and go to the announce position where Tony Schiavone, Dutch Mantell and Rich Landrum are at ringside.  They talk about Eric's announcement and what it means to WCW.  Later tonight, as a result of the reunited nWo defeating Harley Race and Kevin Von Erich, Hulk Hogan will get a shot and chance to wrestle for the WCW World Championship and Christian Cage.  Plus three title matches and a big 8-man tag team match with Kanyon selecting three "mystery partners" to take on the "Rainbow Coalition"....  It's a big show and it starts right now as we go to the ring and David Penzer...

 

WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

BRIAN ADAMS & BRYAN CLARK - KRONIK (c)

versus

BOBBY EATON & STAN LANE (with Jim Cornette) - THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS

 

Before the bell is rung, David Penzer makes a special announcement.  He's just received word from the back that Eric Bischoff has declared that this will be the Midnight Express' last shot at the WCW Tag Team Titles.  If they do not win the titles tonight, the Midnight Express and manager Cornette are FIRED!...   Cornette looks in shock at ringside as Penzer makes the announcement.  Schiavone explains that The Express earned this title shot by defeating X-Pac and Alex Wright last week at the last NWA taping.  Mantell goes into a quick summary of the bad blood and history with Jim Cornette and Eric Bischoff and as to why he thinks Eric added that stipulation to the match.  As for the match itself, Eaton and Lane fight with everything they have and appear to have the two bigger men from Kronik on the defensive.  But a massive tilt-a-whirl slam by Adams on Lane ends that and it's "High Times" for Lane and a cover by Clark for the pin as the Midnight Express see their WCW careers come to an end...

Winners and still WCW World Tag Team Champions:  BRIAN ADAMS & BRYAN CLARK - KRONIK

 

(commercial)

 

We go backstage to Terri Runnels who attempts to catch a few words with Jim Cornette and the Express as they head to their locker room.  Cornette stops for a brief second and goes into an expletive filled rant on Eric Bischoff - saying that he knew Eric was a sorry S.O.B. and that he'll get his one day!  

 

As Cornette and the Express stalk off, former 8-time World Champion Harley Race steps into the picture.  That sucks about Cornette, Lane & Eaton.  But Harley has something else to talk about.  Last week, Hogan and the Outsiders beat Race & Kevin Von Erich in a 3 on 2 handicap match.  Race doesn't make excuses.  They lost!  But Race thinks things might be a bit different when the sides are even.  Von Erich has gone back to Texas, but if Scott Hall & Kevin Nash are interested, how about a match tonight against Harley and his new partner, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.  Yep!  That's a challenge - if the so-called Outsiders are willing, they'll be ready...

 

(commercial)

 

Back to the ring and David Penzer...

 

He introduces Charlie Haas, Sean O'Haire, Arn Anderson, Miss Jackie Gayda & Woman - The Horsemen..

 

Arn gets on the mic.  First, he wants to address the Ric Flair issue.  It's true that Ric has decided to return up North.  That's OK.  Ric is still a Horseman and Arn's best friend and they will continue to talk every day.  Ric has some business to take care of first, but when you least expect it, expect it.  Ric will be back.  End of matter!  As for what the future holds for The Horsemen, Arn gives a subtle warning to Eric Bischoff about his earlier statement.  Right now, with Eric, the slate is clean.  But what Eric said for himself holds true for the Horsemen as well. You're either with us.. or against us.  The Horsemen will continue to dominate WCW just like they always have.  And does Eric or anyone else really want to piss them off?  Arn doesn't think so.

 

Woman takes over.  Just when things look down, the cream always rises to the top.  Look for Haas & O'Haire to regain the WCW Tag Team Titles.  Kronik got lucky, but the luck will run out soon enough.  And speaking of luck, later tonight, Ivory's luck is running out because she is facing Jackie Gayda in a match for Ivory's WCW Womens Championship. And Woman is confident that this is the night that gold returns to the Horseman camp.  She "guarentees" it...

 

Back to Penzer to introduce the next match....

 

CHARLIE HAAS & SEAN O'HAIRE - THE HORSEMEN (with Woman, Miss Jackie & Arn Anderson)

versus

EVAN KARAGIAS & JIMMY "THE BOOGIE WOOGIE MAN" VALIANT

 

Valiant is down to wrestle in the place of Karagias's originally scheduled partner, Elix Skipper who was removed from the match by WCW Owner Eric Bischoff... Karagias & Valiant take the early lead with a combination of brawling and high-flying, but their advantage quickly fades as the teamwork of Haas & O'Haire, as well as a few cheap shots from Woman & Arn quickly spell the beginning of the end and, following the "Haas of Pain" on Karagias, the Horsemen bring home an impressive win.

Winners:  THE HORSEMEN

 

We see WCW World Champion Christian cage entering the arena. Michael Hayes is quickly there to tell Cage that Eric Bischoff wants to see him in his office right now.  Cage shrugs and heads on into the arena as we go to commercial..

 

(commercial)

 

Schiavone informs us that Kevin Nash & Scott Hall have accepted the challenge from Harley Race and Greg Valentine and that match will be coming up later.  Time to go back to the ring and David Penzer...

 

JUVENTUD GUERRERA versus "ABOVE AVERAGE" MIKE SANDERS

 

Before the match, Sanders gets on the mic and does some major brown-nosing in regards to how happy he is that Eric Bischoff is the new owner of WCW.  The two former bosses were jokes - one was a senile old man and the other, a drunken illegal alien.. He then trashes the Atlanta crowd and compares all the residents of Georgia to Larry the Cable Guy..  But Larry is too much of an intellectual for the people in this arena.  Just general ragging on the crowd to get some great heat!  The crowd pops big though as Juvi hits the ring and quickly tears into Sanders with a flurry of punches and chops and a enzaguri that sends Sanders quickly to the floor.  Juvi follows with a suicide dive and both men are down on the outside.  They slowly rise and start just plain beating the crap out of each other.  The ref is counting and reaches 10 - both men are counted out as they continue to brawl up into the audience.  Security and WCW officials are out and seperate the two men as we go to commercial..

 

(commercial)

 

We see video from last week as Chris Kanyon is offered a spot in the "Rainbow Coalition" by Rico.  Kanyon says no.  A little later as Kanyon is wrestling Buff Bagwell, we see Rico, Lane, Lodi & Kwee Wee all come to ringside and again offer Kanyon a spot in their group.  He again says no and we see a beatdown on Kanyon by the four flamboyant superstars...

 

In the back, Rico, Lenny Lane, Lodi, Kwee Wee and Soce the Elemental Wizard are talking and trying to figure out who Kanyon has for his tag partners in their 8-man tag match for later tonight.  Everyone is throwing out suggestions except for Soce, who is strangely quiet.  Lane tells everyone to quit worrying about it.  He knows who Kanyon's partners are.  No one!  Kanyon has no friends!  Lane expects Kanyon to back out of the match and then go make some big excuse about why and write about it on his blogsite or something.   Everyone has a big laugh and Lane says that they need to go get ready for the match.  As they all walk off, Lodi looks at Soce and asks why he's so quiet.  Soce doesn't say anything.  Lodi asks if it's about that comment about "leaving wrestling to the wrestlers" that he made last week to Soce.  Soce is still quiet!  Lodi apologizes and says that he was "just clowning"... He tells Soce that he's "an important part of the team... like the mascot!".  Lodi embraces Soce and tells him to come on so they can get ready for the match.  Soce follows as Lodi walks off and we see him mouth the words "mascot"....

 

Terri Runnels is with the NWA Women's Champion, Lisa "Ivory" Moretti.  Tonight, she faces Jackie Gayda.  Lisa knows Jackie - she trained Jackie.  She taught her a lot, but there's still so much more.  Jackie will be a big-time player one day, but not here and not now.  This title belt belongs to Lisa and will remain with Lisa when she leaves tonight.  And if Woman wants to gaurentee something, how about Moretti's fist down her throat if she tries to get involved.  Ivory is ready for action and she's not laying down for anyone!  If they want a fight, she's ready! 

 

(commercial)

 

We see a limo pull up in the back of the arena...

 

Back to David Penzer for the next match...

 

WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

JEFF HARDY (c) versus SEAN "X-PAC" WALTMAN (with Christy Hemme)

 

Fast paced action that went back and forth with high impact and several two counts on behalf of both men.  In the end, Hardy was whipped into the corner and went down.  Waltman runs in for the bronco-buster, but Hardy manages to get a knee up at the last second and catches Waltman in the grapefruits.  Hardy rolls up Waltman in the corner with a foot on the ropes and handful of tights to get a pin.

Winner and still champion:  JEFF HARDY

 

We see the door of Eric Bischoff's office and hear loud voices coming from behind the door.  It opens and Christian Cage storms out.  Eric follows and tells Cage that he wants an answer by next week.  Michael Hayes comes up with a microphone and asks Eric what just happened.  Eric tells Hayes that "it's none of your damn business!".. Then Eric says that he's got some business to take care of.  He see's that his "special guest" has arrived.  Hayes asks "who's in the limo?"  Eric tells Hayes again that, "it's none of your damn business!"  Eric tells Hayes that if he has anymore stupid questions, he can join The Midnight Express and Jim Cornette on the unemployment line.  Hayes wisely keeps his mouth shut as Eric walks off.

 

(commercial)

 

We go back to ringside and David Penzer who introduces the Rainbow Coalition - Lenny Lane, Rico, Kwee Wee, Lodi & Soce the Elemental Wizard - who all come down and get in the ring.

 

We take another video look at the beatdown of Chris Kanyon last week by The Coalition.  Back to live action..

 

Kanyon comes out on the ramp.  He talks about how he might be gay, but he's not a joke.  Wrestling's answer to Queer Eye are nothing but clowns and queens.  The Rainbow Coalition?  Which one is Dorothy and who is the Tin Man?  They all remind him of the Cowardly Lion because they have to do 4 on 1 attacks.  Kanyon then singles out Soce.  He's a great singer and entertainer.  He's the next Eminem.  Why is he wasting his time with that bunch of jokes in the ring?  He can do so much better than just being "a mascot"..  Soce doesn't say anything, but puts his head down.

 

Kanyon introduces his partners.  It's true that he doesn't have many friends in wrestling, but he has a lot of people that he respects and respect him as well.  He didn't have to look far for partners.  Matter of fact, two men approached him first.  These two men...  Out come Barry Windham and Cactus Jack.   As the crowd erupts, Kanyon talks again.  As soon as the show aired last week, I also received another phone call.  A man I've teamed with and fought against many times, and one of my best friends also volunteered to show up.  So here you go!  The crowd erupts again as "Self High Five" echoes throughout the arena and we see Diamond Dallas Page appear at the top of the arena in the crowd.  As Page makes his way through the crowd to the ring, Cactus, Windham & Kanyon charge down the ramp and hit the ring as the referee calls for the bell.

 

LODI, LENNY LANE, RICO & KWEE WEE (with Soce the Elemental Wizard) - THE RAINBOW COALITION

versus

KANYON, BARRY WINDHAM, CACTUS JACK & DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE

 

It's pure controlled chaos as Kanyon and friends quickly work over Lane and friends with each man managing to hit his signature moves.  Windham nails Kwee Wee with a big DDT before tossing him to the floor.  Cactus flies with the big elbow to the ring floor and crashes hard on Kwee Wee.  Lodi and Lenny doubleteam Page in the corner with punches and kicks.  Page fights back with a neckbreaker on Lodi only to be nailed by a big kick by Rico.  Kanyon sails across the ring and sends Rico to the floor with a running clothesline.  On the outside, Kwee Wee has managed to get the advantage on Barry Windham and holds him for Soce to slap, but Soce doesn't do anything.  He just shakes his head and walks off and heads to the back as Windham turns the tables and sends Kwee Wee into the ringpost.  In the ring, Kanyon and DDP hit picture-perfect twin Diamond Cutters on Lodi and Lenny and cover for the pins.

Winners:  KANYON, DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE, CACTUS JACK & BARRY WINDHAM...

 

(commercial)

 

We go to the back and see Eric Bischoff talking to the person in the limo. He tells the person that he'll introduce him immediately after the next match and then he can go to the ring.  And welcome to the new WCW......

 

We see video from last week as the three man team of Hulk Hogan & The Outsiders - the reformed nWo - defeat Harley Race and Kevin Von Erich....

 

Back to David Penzer...

 

KEVIN NASH & SCOTT HALL - THE OUTSIDERS  versus

HARLEY RACE & GREG "THE HAMMER" VALENTINE

 

A fantastic match as the two veterans prove that they haven't lost a step in the ring.  They might be a little older, but they're still two very competent wrestlers.  But in the end, the great teamwork proves the edge as Hall & Nash manage to isolate Valentine from his partner and get the pinfall follwing a great Razor's Edge by Hall.

Winners:  THE OUTSIDERS

 

(commercial)

 

We return and Eric Bischoff is in the ring.  He has a very special guest who is just an example of what is to come with the new WCW and the "open door policy" that he's decided to initiate.  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome his guest...

 

Eric puts the mic down and walks off as the announcers speculate as to who it is.   Then suddenly, this sound fills the arena..."If you smell.......... what the Rock is cookin'!"  The arena is ready to explode as The Rock makes his way to the ring.  He gets on the mic and starts to talk, "Finally, the Rock has returned to Atlanta!"  The Rock starts to talk and goes into a fantastic promo about Hollywood and being a movie star.  But as great as all that is, he misses one thing.  He misses wrestling,  He misses the fans.  He misses geting in the ring and kicking jabronis asses.  He could have just went back up to New York, but he's already been there and done that!  He is the great one - the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.. and he's heard the buzz - the excitement... The new WCW is here.  It's the best of old and new and just the right place for the Great One! 

 

We hear a voice from the Nitrotron as the face of "The Next Big Thing" Brock Lesnar appears along with Rena Mero in the background.  Brock wants to know what the hell Rock is doing here.  He's "Mr. Hollywood" now and needs to go back to L.A. to make some more exciting "straight to video" movies.  Rock responds with, "No, I'm not your girlfriend, Brock" - a nice little shot at Rena.  Brock gets upset and says that if Rock is so interested in getting back into the ring, then WCW has a big PPV coming up on April 9th called Slamboree.  And Brock thinks....  Rock cuts him off!  "It doesn't matter what you think, jabroni!"  Rock says that if Brock wants to go one on one with the Great One at "Slamboree - A Legends Reunion", then it's on!  But Rock tells Brock that he'd better be ready for the beating of a lifetime.  Brock says that he doesn't care what Rock says.  Brock is "the next big thing" and also the IWGP Champion.  He eats two bit punks like Rock for lunch.  Rock says that he had forgotten that Brock was a champion.  And that's great.  Brock can bring his little trophy from Japan.. and his little trophy girlfriend from Slutsville, USA - and bring them both with him to Slamboree - so Rock can shove them both up his candy ass! 

 

Brock starts to say something else, but Rock cuts him off. Slamboree 2006 - it's Brock Lesnar versus The Rock... Just bring it, Brock!  "If you smell......... what the Rock... is cookin!"..

(commercial)

 

We come back and see a replay of the back and forth between the Rock and Brock Lesnar in the previous segment.  Schiavone confirms that it's official - Brock Lesnar versus The Rock at Slamboree...

 

We go backstage and see Lodi, Lenny and the Rainbow Coalition looking for Soce.  They ask Alex Wright if he saw where Soce got to.  Wright says that he saw Soce leave in a cab a few minutes ago.  Lane tells the Coalition that Soce has some explaining to do for walking off like he did.

 

Back to David Penzer for the next match...

 

WCW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

LISA "IVORY" MORETTI (c) versus MISS JACKIE GAYDA (with Woman)

 

Woman and Ivory exchange words as the referee rings the bell.  Jackie attacks Ivory from behind and quickly pounds away at her before covering for a quick two.  Moretti fights back and uses a facebuster to get two.  Suplex by Moretti for another two, but the count is broken as Woman puts Jackie's foot on the ropes.  Moretti slides out of the ring and goes after Woman, grabbing her by the hair and slapping her to the floor. Gayda is back up and nails Moretti from behind before tossing her in the ring.  Gayda gets cocky and talks junk as she kicks away and slaps away at Moretti.  Moretti catches her with an inside cradle and gets the pin.

Winner and still champion... LISA "IVORY" MORETTI

 

Jackie and Woman are incensed as the referee raises Ivory's hand in victory.  The two ladies quickly go after Moretti and try to attack her.  Moretti fights back and manages to roll to the floor to escape the wrath of the two crazed women...

 

We go backstage where Terri Runnels is with Disco Inferno. Coming up next is the cage match with himself and Jake "The Snake" Roberts.  What are his thoughts?  Disco calls Terri an idiot and says that his thoughts are all about beating the hell out of Jake Roberts.  Animals belong in a cage... even snakes.. and Jake will learn the painful and hard way that Disco Inferno is no man's fool.  And then, after he runs Jake's face through the cage, he plans on doing what ever fan in Atlanta wants him to do - the Disco Inferno will climb to the top of the cage and dance... 

 

(commercial)

 

We see a great video package highlighting the history of WCW Slamboree - The Legends Reunion.  Also, as part of this great video package, we take a look at the current members of the WCW Hall of Fame.  At Slamboree - on April 7, 2006 - eight new members will be inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame... 

 

(commercial)

 

Back to David Penzer...

 

CAGE MATCH

DISCO INFERNO versus JAKE "THE SNAKE" ROBERTS

 

Just a brutal battle as both men seem determined to cripple and hurt the other with no regards to themselves or each other.  Both men fall victim to the cage early and we see blood cover the faces of both men.  Roberts smiles a sadistic sickly little smile as he feels the blood run down has face.  Disco kind of freaks out and seems more determined than ever to hurt Roberts.  Fists and kicks and both men eat cage again and again.  Finally, after a brutal battle, Disco manages to catch Snake with the Chartbuster to get the hard fought pin.

Winner:  DISCO INFERNO

 

After the match, they are still in the cage as the referee raises Disco's arm in victory.  Roberts nails Disco from behind with the knee to the back and sends him crashing into the cage.  Big DDT by Roberts as he plants Disco to the mat.  Snake smiles that sick little smile as he leaves the ring.  This war is far from over...

 

(commercial)

 

We come back and go to Terri Runnels who is standing by with the Immortal Hulk Hogan.  Hulk is just moments away from going to the ring and facing the WCW World Champion Christian Cage.  What are his thoughts?  Hogan goes into a long rambling rant about "strongest force in the Universe", "his title", "whatcha gonna do?", etc... He finally ends it by saying Hulkamania will never die and he's going to walk out of the ring as the WCW World Champion again....

 

We cut then to Michael Hayes who is with the WCW World Champion Christian Cage.  Hayes asks about Cage's earlier meeting with Eric Bischoff.  What's that about?  Cage says "No Comment!"  Hayes then asks about the match with Hogan - does Cage feel the butterflies?  Cage says that he's the WCW World Champion - a belt that can traced back over a hundred years.  He's the best in the World and he's not nervous.  Hogan should be the one who is nervous.  He's stepping into the ring with Captain Charisma.  Cage is the best in the world right now.  Hogan was the best, but he's just a shadow of what he used to be.  Cage says that this is 2006 and Hulkamania is dead!  It's all about Christian now and "the Peeps!"...  "And whatcha gonna do, Hogan, when Captain Charisma and the Peepaholics run wild on you!"  Hayes again tries to ask Cage about the meeting with Bischoff, but Cage says that's not important right now.  All that matters is keeping the gold and making his Peeps happy... "cause that's how I roll!"  Cage walks off.  The main event is next!

 

(commercial)

 

Back to David Penzer

 

WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

CHRISTIAN CAGE (c)  versus HULK HOGAN

 

Hogan starts off strong, using his power advantage to take an early gain and pounds away at Cage.  Cage with a dropkick and some chops.  Hogan "hulks up" and starts pounding away at Cage.  Boot and legdrop by Hogan and he covers, but Cage gets the foot on the ropes at the last second to break the count.  Hogan argues with the referee and pounds away at Christian.  Cage with a jawbreaker on Hogan.  Kicks and a neckbreaker.  Cage goes for the Unprettier, but Hogan powers out and nails the boot again.  He goes for the legdrop again, but Cage moves out of the way.  Cage goes for a suplex, but Hogan no-sells it and does the finger pointing "You....!" thing.  Fists by the Hulkster, but Cage ducks and uses a cradle (and handful of tights and foot on the ropes) to get a quick pin.

Winner and still champion:  CHRISTIAN CAGE

 

Hogan complains to the referee about the finish as Christian goes up the ramp and holds the title high, smiling ......

 

Fade to black...

THE END!