World Championship Wrestling 1999: Thunder posted!

[/size]

Well ladies and gentlemen, today is a beautiful Sunday here in Atlanta, Georgia and I have had the honor of being invited to a WCW press conference in which I will meet various WCW superstars like Bill Goldberg and finally meet Eric Bischoff. In actual fact, this press conference has been planned for the last month or so, but I planned to keep it secret and confidential just to suprise you. World Championship Wrestling is the leading wrestling promotion in the world today and boasts a lot of household superstars as well as the more experienced superstars. Though, recently it has been based more towards the veterans in this company. WCW in the past has really groomed some fine performers from Ric Flair (even though that was in WCW's former parent company, the National Wrestling Alliance as well as Sting.

But today marks a change in pro wrestling history as WCW will be changing his style and its common style as it is officially ready to move forward into the upcoming new millenium that is 2000. WCW are planning a massive change in superstars, production values and even the staff members. WCW want to become an organised company, like their rival, the World Wrestling Federation. Chris Jericho told me in an interview last year and I quote...

I was told last Fall to go out to the ring and fight Bill Goldberg, but Eric Bischoff told me it'd be a big suprise and that it was actually a midget called 'Dwarfberg'. I thought this was a part of a program (I thought it was WCW finally giving me an opportunity) and so I got the crowd all hyped up, making fun of Goldberg yet when I next met Bill, he acted like a complete jackass, making me look like a complete jackass because of Eric Bischoff being a jackass and not telling Bischoff about our storyline. And the storyline was just randomly cut off before we got in the ring with one-another. That's how sloppy WCW staff are in the booking room and how people are in the backstage area, away from cameras.

I was overwhelmed by this, as I personally loved that storyline but felt shot with rage that WCW bookers had just simply killed it right there and then. But back on topic.

Eric Bischoff came out to the podium as there was about 50 to 75 people seated (along with me), everybody writing down notes in their little frilly notebooks, probably for the dirtsheets and whatnot. Anyways, Bischoff said that it was time to move away from the past as the future was where all of the potential lied. Bischoff announced that from now on, WCW would be stepping into the new millenium with more focus on their younger stars, the Chris Benoits, the Chris Jerichos and the cruiserweights. Bischoff told us that WCW Monday Nitro and WCW Thunder would have advanced set-ups, unlike the small sets they have currently (look at the size comparison between the Nitro set and the ring), there'd be bigger rings (they randomly changed the ringsize late last year, the rings used to be large, now it takes two steps for Goldberg to Spear somebody), better booking, everything would change and there'd be some major spring cleaning to try and groom WCW into having the purest talent in the world.

Bischoff unveiled the logo as well as informing us that he'd be dropping WCW Saturday Night after the 27th February 1999 episode. Bischoff promised us that they'd also try and gain some risk and backstory to their product, and attempt to get a little bit more graphic (currently, a simple minor cut via blading job is a sin to the Turner Network Television executives) and attempt to cut back on promos for non-wrestling stuff.

He finished off by saying that WCW Starrcade would be held from the Georgia Dome here in Atlanta and will be the biggest event WCW has ever staged.[/font][/center][/td][/tr][/table]

Soo glad to see this back, Dan. Truly a fantastic diary.

Monday 22nd February - Sacramento, California

[/color]
Live on TNT[/size]
- We go to a vignette, as it recaps what occured last night at Superbrawl IX, as it was career vs career, in the Retirement match; Randy Savage taking on Ric Flair in what was a historic battle for the ages; until Savage took Flair out with a shot with a lead pipe. And like that, the 'Nature Boy's legacy was over. Also though, Bret Hart was able to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship for nWo V2, defeating Kevin Nash in a hard-fought match following interference from Eric Bischoff and Scott Hall. The gold was in nWo V2's hands as Nitro went off the air.

- We skip the opening video package as the theme of the New World Order hit, Eric Bischoff coming out in an actual business suit tonight; wonder what the occasion is. He is followed by Scott Hall, who looks pretty strange in suit, and then by Angelina Conscience in a dazzling dress. Bischoff got into the ring to boos and told everybody how proud he was of the nWo V2 last night, at Superbrawl IX. He immediately tells Randy Savage to get out, as Savage came out wearing his ring attire, only it looked like a suit. Savage got into the ring and yelled 'oooohh yeah!', then going off on one about how he ended 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair's career; why? Because he knew Bischoff was better than Flair, but now there's nothing that Flair can do! Bischoff laughed as the New Jersey Triad came out, the WCW World Tag Team Championships in hand as they were wearing formal clothes too. Bischoff congratulated Bam Bam Bigelow and Kanyon on their victory last night, and then telling them to send Diamond Dallas Page their wishes from the hospital bed. (not sure what happened to DDP) Suddenly though, Bret Hart's theme hit as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion came out in jeans! Bischoff asked Hart what brought him out here without a suit on. Eric tells Bret to relax, he's the WCW/nWo World Heavyweight Champion now; not a true orphan style fighter! Hart tells Eric that he's right, but he can't relax. Hall then gets on the microphone and tells Hart to relax, asking him what's wrong. Hart tells them all that what happened at Superbrawl IX...was just not right to him. Everybody cheered a little, as Bischoff seemed confused. Hart then said that Kevin Nash didn't suffer enough! That got some true boos, as Hall then grabbed the microphone and told Hart that he has a terrific idea, and that is by having Nash against him tonight in the main event! Bischoff confirms it, but then the theme of British Bulldog hit! The WCW US Heavyweight Champion, Bulldog and Rob Van Dam then entered as Bulldog requested a match for the WCW World Tag Team Championships tonight! The crowd popped as Bischoff left it up to Kanyon; Kanyon deciding that since they were in a good mood, they'd give them a non-title test match tonight! The crowd popped, as we cut to a commercial!

Commercial

- A few still images aired, showing us back to Superbrawl IX as Billy Kidman took on the amazing Jushin Thunder Liger for his WCW World Cruiserweight Championship, and it sure got coverage from the Japanese media; Kidman's popularity has started to soar!

- We go to the arena as Gene Okerlund was standing around, as the theme of Billy Kidman hit to a good reaction; Kidman soon came out wearing a tank top and shorts, but with shades along with his baseball cap on as well. Paparazzi followed him as Kidman stood with the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship on his shoulder; Okerlund asking Kidman about his great win against Jushin Thunder Liger last night, Kidman mentioning that it was an honor to be in the ring; but that win gave him a lot of publicity, and now he's tempted to go out and just fly around every night and successfully defend the belt.

- Billy Kidman defeated Elix Skipper with Mike Sanders[/color] to retain the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship at 7:37.[/i] Billy Kidman was on an ego trip, as Mike Sanders seemed to voice Elix Skipper into this one; Skipper and Sanders have been making an impact on Thunder and Saturday Night as of late, but this was Skipper's chance to shine against the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion. Skipper had a lot of offense and attempted to end the bout with the Overdrive, but Kidman dodged it, took Sanders out and then hit the powerbomb-into-facebuster manoevre, then nailing Shooting Star Press for the win! ***[/color]

- Billy Kidman celebrated his victory as Mike Sanders got into the ring, attempting to jump Kidman but Kidman dropkicked him down! Kidman celebrated with the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship before leaving.

- We go to stills of Scott Steiner and Booker T's heated collision, last night for the WCW World Television Championship, as the match was put to an unfortunate and sudden end as Steiner and Booker fought to the time limit draw. Tony Schiavone announced that Booker has now lost his contention spot in the rankings.

Commercial

- We go to the live arena as the theme of Scott Steiner hit, the WCW World Television Champion, 'Big Poppa Pump' then entering with Buff Bagwell, as always. Steiner came to the ring with Bagwell as Bagwell introduced him, Steiner then ranting about how Booker T was now not in contention to the WCW World Television Championship, and it's time to pick up some new contenders! Steiner laughs as Bagwell talked about some solid choices for contenders, such as Chris Benoit, Hardcore Hak, Raven, Sting...And Steiner calls out his opponent.

- Scott Steiner with Buff Bagwell defeated La Parka[/color] to retain the WCW World Television Championship at 3:40.[/i] This was a very simple match, and Scott Steiner did not take La Parka seriously; and so he didn't. Buff Bagwell laughed and giggled along at ringside as La Parka danced, but 'Big Poppa Pump' took him out at any opportunity. La Parka tried resorting to his chair, but Bagwell snatched it, Steiner hit a Steinerline and then made La Parka submit to the Steiner Recliner! **[/color]

- Scott Steiner celebrated his 'hard-fought' win as Buff Bagwell danced around, handing 'Big Poppa Pump' his WCW World Television Championship, but we cut to the backstage area as Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis were shown watching on a monitor at Steiner and Bagwell in disapproval.

- An advertisement aired, hyping up the final edition of Saturday Night in history, as the show has been on TBS Superstation for over twenty years, and will finally conclude this Saturday at 6:05 in an hour-and-a-half episode, as WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Bret Hart is scheduled to appear!

- Commercial

- We go to Gene Okerlund at ringside as he is standing around, and he invites out Raven; as Raven limped out, a bandage on his forehead following the hellacious falls count anywhere match from Superbrawl IX with Hardcore Hak. Raven was asked about the damage done to Hak last night. Raven told Gene that Hak injured his ankle pretty badly last night; rightfully so. Raven told Okerlund that whatever happened to Hak was done on purpose; but the real purpose of this interview is Sting! Raven demands to know why Sting targeted him; Raven! Raven continues as he shoves Okerlund away and steals the microphone, then getting into the ring and beginning to talk about how he's been singled out a lot; but that Sting is the one singling him out now; that's hypocritical. Suddenly, the theme of Sting hits, as the man they call Sting walked out to the arena, the two in the ring as the fans loved Stinger! Sting remained silent as Raven screamed at Sting, demanding him to join him! Raven tells Sting that they're both alike, and he thinks they can dominate World Championship Wrestling; all of the scumful happiness and joy in WCW! Raven slowly steps towards Sting, as he gets on his knees as Sting glares around at the audience! Sting goes to bow down, but lays Raven out! Sting applies the Scorpion Deathlock as Raven screams but doesn't tap! Eventually officials come to break it up! Sting leaves to an outstanding reaction.

- We cut to the backstage area as Meng was shown with Jimmy Hart talking to him, trying to talk sense into Meng as there has been serious tension in the First Family lately. Meng simply glares into nothingness; Hart begins to tell Meng that if he wants to make it in World Championship Wrestling as a true competitor, he needs to listen to him! Hart then walks off.

Commercial

- A replay of earlier tonight aired, showing the nWo V2 in the ring as Rob Van Dam and British Bulldog came out and challenged the New Jersey Triad to a match for the WCW World Tag Team Championships tonight; Bam Bam Bigelow and Kanyon accepting.

- Rob Van Dam and British Bulldog defeated New Jersey Triad[/color] in a non-title match at 10:08.[/i] A very high-impact match here between four very decent performers. Bam Bam Bigelow and Rob Van Dam are definitely not strangers to one-another from their days in Extreme Championship Wrestling; in fact I believe Rob Van Dam broke his ankle last year against Bigelow. Bigelow and Kanyon worked well, as this was definitely not what their bout with Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis was like, the previous evening at Superbrawl IX. Kanyon tried the Flatliner, but Bulldog grabbed him and delivered the Running Powerbomb; then brawled with Bigelow as RVD nailed the Five-Star Frog Splash for the win! **3/4[/color]

- Rob Van Dam celebrated the win, as British Bulldog joined him, but suddenly Diamond Dallas Page jumped Bulldog! DDP nailed the Diamond Cutter on Bulldog to loud boos as Rob Van Dam attempted to brawl with Page, but Bam Bam Bigelow attacked him, nailing the Asbury Park Nightmare on RVD! Kanyon, Bigelow and DDP of the New Jersey Triad stood tall in the ring.

- Commercial

- We go to the Nitro Girls as they are performing, when suddenly the WCW World Womens Champion, Sable walks out, shoving the leader out of the way! Sable has a microphone in hand as she stands in front of the Nitro Girls and mentions that all the men want to see a true woman, something that these Nitro Girls aren't. Sable promotes herself in being in the May 1999 edition of Playboy Magazine, and that every man is dying to 'read' about her. Sable promises to show herself as a revealing and exploitative champion; pinning down all the inferior opposition. She then leaves, slapping Chastity!

- Lex Luger, Perry Saturn and Scotty Riggs defeated Hugh Morrus, Meng and The Barbarian with Jimmy Hart[/color] by disqualification at 7:26.[/i] A pretty decent match here, as Lex Luger teamed up with a new team in WCW, as Perry Saturn took on Meng in the pre-show of Superbrawl IX last night on the Preview Channel, Riggs defending Saturn from the Faces of Fear. Meng has since had some tension with the First Family, and here seemed unmotivated. The Barbarian and Hugh Morrus seemed focused to wearing down Saturn and Riggs, when Luger got in he went for the Torture Rack on Morrus immediately, but Meng got into the ring and just simply tossed a chair at Luger's spine! **[/color]

- Lex Luger was nailed with the steel chair again, as Meng applied the Tonga Death Grip, Perry Saturn and Scotty Riggs getting thrown away by Meng, Jimmy Hart, The Barbarian and Hugh Morrus all escaping the scene as Meng continued to do harm, chasing the official away before standing over an unconscious Luger!

- We cut to Chris Jericho earlier today, as he was arriving at the building with shades on, and we'll have more on this after the break!?

- Commercial

- We go to the empty arena from earlier today as the set was being set up for Monday Nitro, and Chris Jericho is shown entering the arena as Nancy Benoit; better known to fans as Woman appeared, sitting on a chair among many. Jericho suddenly sat behind her, asking Woman how things were going since her run as a lame bondage seductress run failed in the mid 90s. Woman responded by asking Jericho who he thought he was, and then mentioning that if Chris knew about this, Benoit would have him crying in the Crippler Crossface right here and now. Jericho then grabbed Woman by the hair and warned her that if her husband was to get him in the Crossface again, then she'd be in for some serious harm, censored or uncensored! Woman growled as Jericho shoved her down, then leaving!

- Chris Benoit defeated Barry Windham[/color] at 9:10.[/i] Was not actually a bad match here, as the 'Canadian Crippler' Chris Benoit was out there taking on a man in which him and Dean Malenko have both met in the past; former Four Horsemen member against new Four Horsemen member, as Windham clobbered away at Benoit whilst the crowd were hot. Benoit worked away at the back of Windham, obviously trying to set up for the eventual Crippler Crossface, but Windham kept blocking it. Eventually, Windham missed the Lariat, rebounded into the corner and Benoit nailed a huge German suplex, then going up top and landing the Diving Headbutt beautifully for the three! **3/4[/color]

- Chris Benoit celebrated his victory to a loud reaction as Benoit yelled Chris Jericho's name!

- A vignette aired, promoting the debut of Lance Storm to World Championship Wrestling; acting incredibly unamerican, Storm ran down the United States and planned to de-stereotype this flea-ridden country and make it more like Canada. Storm debuts next week on Nitro.

Commercial

- Jushin Thunder Liger defeated Rey Mysterio Jr[/color] at 14:55.[/i] An amazing match here, as this was the second of three matches in which Jushin Thunder Liger has been signed to compete in, here in World Championship Wrestling. And after blowing the roof near off in Oakland, California at Superbrawl IX with Billy Kidman, Liger was out to showcase some more amazing agility in this bout against the little big man, Rey Mysterio Jr! And what an amazing match it was, as it could have gone either way, but both men just went all-out in this dogfight for bragging rights. Mysterio soon went for the Frankensteiner, but Liger caught Rey on his shoulders and Liger Bombed him right from the top! Liger followed up with the Frog Splash for the win! The match of the night, and longest televised match of the year thus far. ***3/4[/color]

- Jushin Thunder Liger celebrates his victory lifelessly, as Rey Mysterio Jr soon got back up to his feet and exchanged honor and respect with Liger in the match just taken place; what professional wrestling is all about.

- A video package airs, promoting WCW's next pay-per-view event, Uncensored. It will be live from Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday 14th March 1999 and is well known for its' hardcore style of match pace.

- Commercial

- We go to the live arena as 'Big Sexy' Kevin Nash makes his way to the ring to an outrageous reaction, the former WCW World Heavyweight Champion in no mood for fun and games tonight. Nash removes his shirt before grabbing the microphone and beginning to talk about how Bret Hart and the nWo V2 faction are nothing more than past-its! Nash tells Bischoff, Hall, Hogan and the other 'losers' people that still wish they were owning ratings with their edgy style, in 1996 and 1997, but it's 1999 now; and Nash is determined to make it all about WCW! Nash finishes off by determining that once he wins tonight against Scott Hall, he's hunting Bret down for a rematch at Uncensored.

- Kevin Nash defeated Scott Hall[/color] by count-out at 7:39.[/i] Wasn't too great a match here, as Scott Hall didn't seem too great in the ring; pretty rusty in fact. Perhaps he had enjoyed a beer or two in the back prior to the match. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall; former friends and the original two Outsiders, and founders of the New World Order, but years on things have changed of course. Eric Bischoff came to ringside at one point to check on Hall, but Nash showed no mercy and got rid of the President. Nash big booted Hall out of the ring, and Bischoff took a stroll with Hall back up the aisle! Nash seemed pissed, as he got the win by baffling count out. **[/color]

- Kevin Nash stood in the ring, unsatisfied as the crowd cheered him; Bret Hart then coming out of nowhere, striking him with a baseball bat from behind! Hart repeatedly drove it into the kidney and the leg of Nash, yelling that Nash has got his rematch at Uncensored! Hart soon applies the Sharpshooter as Nash screams in agony; Hart stands tall as Nitro comes to a close![/center]

[/color]
Kevin Nash def. Scott Hall; count-out
Jushin Thunder Liger def. Rey Mysterio Jr
Chris Benoit def. Barry Windham
Lex Luger, Perry Saturn, Scotty Riggs def. Hugh Morrus, Meng, The Barbarian; DQ
Rob Van Dam, British Bulldog def. Kanyon, Bam Bam Bigelow; non-title
Scott Steiner def. La Parka to retain the WCW World Television title
Billy Kidman def. Elix Skipper to retain the WCW World Cruiserweight title[/right][/font]

- Fine opening segment. I’m not interested in a Hall vs. Nash match, personally. I see Bulldog and RVD winning the non-title match, as well.
- Well, Kidman/Skipper would be a good way to start the show. Rather surpised that Sanders isin this, as I forgot about that. Sanders would be VERY green at this point.
- Steiner/Parka is a match that I’m not thrilled about. Steiner could have gotten someone else to destroy.
- Raven vs. Sting will be a fantastic feud. No doubt about that.
- As expected RVD/Bulldog won the non-title match. I don’t see them winning titles, and they really shouldn’t since they are a odd team.
- Seemed really odd that Luger was involved in the six man tag match. Seemed like a filler as well. Just a way to get guys on the show and continue the Meng situation, I guess.
- Fine Jericho/Woman segment.
- Benoit defeating Windham is fine and expected. Lance Storm coming to WCW at this time is awesome, considering the talent.
- Liger/Rey Jr. would be one hell of a match and glad to see it was given nearly 15 minutes to really give the match what it needed.
- Main event wasn’t at all interesting, and rather obvious beat down from Bret Hart afterwards. I could see the crowd being killed after the Liger/Rey match which would hurt this match.

[/color]
Aired on TBS Superstation
- The opening video package to Thunder airs, as we go to the arena as Tony Schiavone, Larry Zbyszko and Mike Tenay introduce us to Thunder tonight, and recap us to Superbrawl IX and Monday Nitro, then informing us of tonight's card scheduled to somebody battling Randy Savage; Chris Jericho in action, Sable in action, and cruiserweight tag action!

- Blitzkrieg and TAKA Michinoku defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr and Alex Wright[/color] at 8:48.[/i] An amazing match to kick things off on Thunder and the crowd really dug the athleticism shown on the part of Blitzkrieg, TAKA and Chavo especially. Meanwhile, Alex Wright showcased more of a technical style, but it was still very entertaining; Chavo and Alex wore matching attires, too. In the end, TAKA Michinoku nailed the Michinoku Driver on Chavo, as Blitzkrieg nailed a hurricanrana on Wright for the win! ***[/color]

- TAKA Michinoku and Blitzkrieg celebrated their victory in the high-impact opener to Thunder.

- Commercial

- A brief replay from Nitro aired, showing the nWo V2 promo.

- Steven Regal defeated El Dandy[/color] at 4:59.[/i] Steven Regal seemed as snooty and obnoxious as ever, as here he just simply underestimated El Dandy and beat away at the luchadore; Regal continuously worked over the body of El Dandy as El Dandy attempted an aerial move or two but Regal just continued to play dirty and dominated. Regal ended it with a bridged German suplex, getting the three count. **1/4[/color]

- A vignette aired, showing Mikey Whipwreck reading a newspaper in black and white, as he kept reading before he 'accidentally' let the newspaper slip, revealing a WCW Magazine, this month featuring the sexy Sable on the cover. Whipwreck grinned until he threw it away upon realising the camera.

- Commercial

- A replay of Rob Van Dam and British Bulldog against the New Jersey Triad from Nitro aired.

- High Voltage defeated Los Villanos[/color] at 4:00.[/i] A simple one-sided affair here as Robby Rage and Kenny Kaos simply showcased their raw animal capability on Villano V and Villano IV. Rage and Kaos dominated and isolated IV before finishing him off with a furious double powerbomb. *3/4[/color]

- High Voltage celebrated their victory to cheers, as Robby Rage and Kenny Kaos seemed extremely prepared for an opportunity at the WCW World Tag Team Champions.

- An advertisement for WCW Saturday Night aired, and this Saturday will be the final edition of Saturday Night; as the show has ran in its' timeslot on TBS Superstation at 6:05 for twenty years; it ends this Saturday night live, and WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Bret Hart is scheduled to appear.

- A replay from Nitro airs, recapping Jushin Thunder Liger and Rey Mysterio Jr's epic encounter.

- We go to the arena as the theme of Chris Jericho played; arrogance walking out to the arena with a microphone, as Jericho planned to start his rise to the top by becoming more manipulative and obsess-driven than man was meant to be; and that's why he did what he did to Woman this past Monday. Jericho brags all the way to the ring, meeting his opponent Hector Garza in the ring.

- Hector Garza defeated Chris Jericho[/color] at 9:04.[/i] Hector Garza has been an amazing performer as of late, and appeared to be on a roll going into this match; however, so did Chris Jericho, and it appeared as though Jericho wasn't even taking Garza seriously during this bout. Both men fought back and forth, Garza almost sneaking a three count on numerous occasions. Jericho soon worked over on Garza's neck, applying the Liontamer but Garza wasn't ready to tap it seemed; until Chris Benoit appeared! Jericho dropped the hold and ran from Benoit to ringside, but as soon as Benoit left through the opposite side, Jericho re-entered the ring and grabbed Garza but Garza trapped Jericho in an inside cradle for the shocking three! **3/4[/color]

- Hector Garza celebrated as Chris Jericho went nuts! Jericho was going crazy in the ring as Chris Benoit grinned in hilarity from the rampway.

- Randy "Macho Man" Savage against "Nature Boy" Ric Flair from Superbrawl IX was shown in full.

- Commercial

- Sable defeated Chastity[/color] in a non-title match at 4:20.[/i] Not really a good match here, as Chastity was slapped by Sable this past Monday on Nitro during a Nitro Girls performance. Sable, the first ever WCW World Womens Champion was booed but got some pop as Chastity slugged it out with Sable, the two rolling around the ring. Chastity tried putting Sable out with a reverse DDT, but Sable fired back and when Chastity went up top, Sable took advantage and delivered the Sable Bomb for the win! *[/color]

- Sable celebrated her victory to boos, the WCW World Womens Champion continuing to ooze ego, as Chastity rolled around on the canvas.

- We suddenly go to the rampway though, as Gene Okerlund tells us that Mona has something to say to the WCW World Womens Champion! Mona appears to a nice pop, as Mona mentions that Sable is a ho! This got a pop and went uncensored, as Mona continued to say that Sable is simply just a complete hotshot from New York who has decided to sneak her way at any opportunity to the belt! Mona calls out Sable as Sable stands in Mona's way on the aisle, both women having a staredown, when suddenly Mona grabs Sable's shirt and tears it off! Sable covers her bra from the crowd with the belt before running to the back; Mona gets a good reaction!

- We go to the backstage area as Wrath was shown standing around before Brian Adams comes up to him, Adams asking Wrath how his career is working out. Wrath laughs, telling Brian that this is Crush'ing him that he isn't being used so much. Adams jokes about how he's thinking about Adam Bomb'ing the competition. Adams and Wrath stare each other down, as they continue to talk with tension, telling each other that they can overcome all the other pathetic competitors in the company.

- Commercial

- A segment aired, showing Hardcore Hak in a bar, his foot in a cast. He mentions how society of the Raven took him down, and abused his mindset, but he isn't done. Not yet. Hak continues to drink as he talks about how he's realised that life isn't in it for glory. Or pleasure, instead it is for pressure, and pure negative energy. Hak states that he is determined to decimate anybody who gets in his path now; the fans may turn on him if they wish, but he doesn't care anymore; he only wants pain of others, just like the pain of him! He soon smashes the beer bottle over the table.

- We go to Gene Okerlund at the stageway as the theme of Booker T hits and Okerlund introduces the man who was unfortunately cheated out of another WCW World Television Championship opportunity on Sunday at Superbrawl IX. Booker comes out and begins to talk about how he may have failed to pick up the win, but he isn't so done yet for gold, and in fact he is anticipating a momentuous climb to the top; and he plans to raise the glass roof to get to the top, and become WCW World Heavyweight Champion by the new millenium; without any faction members or any help!

- Booker T defeated Chuck Palumbo[/i][/color] at 4:29. A very short match here that didn't serve too much a purpose, but instead was used as a way to get Booker T over following his disappointing draw finalé to Scott Steiner at Superbrawl IX. Booker really does have to step up his game if he wants to get to the WCW World Heavyweight Championship from here. Booker downed Palumbo as Palumbo got in a good bicycle kick and a few shots, but that was it. A missile dropkick from Booker gave him the victory. **1/4[/color]

- Booker T celebrates his victory looking more focused, as Booker begins his rebound from failure to success.

- Cutting to the backstage area, Curt Hennig is shown with Barry Windham as Hennig mentions how they have not been shown lately, and that annoys him because they combine to become one of the greatest combinations of wrestlers in WCW history! Hennig says that he came here to make noise; he's put Ric Flair through hell before, so why he's finding himself doing next to nothing lately is beyond him! Hennig promises that him and Windham will pick up the slack, and World Championship Wrestling is soon to get a shock treatment!

- Commercial

- Disco Inferno and Konnan with Torrie Wilson defeated The Armstrongs[/color] Well, Torrie Wilson was with Disco Inferno and Konnan tonight, as the two teamed very well considering they've feuded previously, and these two were also a part of the Filthy Animals as well, though of course that faction has since disintergrated. The Armstrongs actually did get offense in, working at Disco, but Konnan got in there, and he began to stretch away at Steve. Suddenly, a third Armstrong appeared [Brad and Steve's brother, Scott] as he watched on in disapproval. Inferno nailed the Chartbuster on Steve for three. **[/color]

- Disco Inferno and Konnan celebrated their victory as Scott Armstrong got in the ring and gave his brother, Brad Armstrong an STO! Scott then got into a shoving contest with Steve Armstrong, but suddenly the three Armstrongs got taken out by Konnan and Inferno!

- A vignette aired, hyping Lance Storm's WCW debut, this Monday on Nitro!

- Commercial

- The theme of Randy Savage hit the arena to loud boos as the Macho Man came out to louder boos, Savage getting on the microphone and telling everybody how last Sunday at Superbrawl, he took out the 'Nature Boy' and he took out the 'Nature Boy' for good. Savage rubbed it in the fans faces that they'd never be able to see the out of shape and past-prime Ric Flair wrestle again, and told everybody how his five World Championship reigns were all more memorable than Flair's thirteen reigns! Savage laughed about how nobody would see Flair in a WCW ring again, especially not with security that WCW now has thanks to the always superior President of World Championship Wrestling, Eric Bischoff. Suddenly, one man's theme hit....STEVE MCMICHAEL! Mongo hit the ring and got in Savage's face, challenging him. He shoved Savage, and slapped him, but Macho Man was reluctant! Savage shook his head as Mongo continued provoking him, but Savage just kept thundering up the rampway, and Thunder went off the air![/center]

[/color]
Disco Inferno, Konnan def. Steve Armstrong, Brad Armstrong
Booker T def. Chuck Palumbo
Sable def. Chastity; non-title
Hector Garza def. Chris Jericho
Robby Rage, Kenny Kaos def. Villano IV, Villano V
Steven Regal def. El Dandy
TAKA Michinoku, Blitzkrieg def. Chavo Guerrero Jr, Alex Wright
[/font][/right]

-I remember most of these shows start with a Cruiserweight match and for good reason. Great choice for an opener
-El Dandy!!! Glad Regal won though
-Interesting to have Whipwreck around
-Not interested in the tag match but High Voltage getting a possible Tag Title match is different
-Really surprised Garza beat Jericho but with Benoit getting involved, it makes sense
-Sable winning was fine, good call to have a Women's Title. Hope Mona wins the belt eventually
-Wrath & Adams? I smell the formation of Kronik
-Hardcore Hak feuding with Raven is always solid
-Booker over Palumbo makes sense, never liked Chuck
-Hoping Henning gets a good push
-Weak main event, but I kind of expect it from Thunder
-Interesting call to return Mongo like this, should be decent to have him feud with Savage

Decent Thunder, looking forward to more in this diary

[/size]

It has been revealed that after over twenty-five years on the air, TBS Superstation will be running the final edition of WCW Saturday Night this Saturday at 6:05 in a two-hour live special finalé. The show dates back to 1972, where Georgia Championship Wrestling used to air on the timeslot. This lasted through to 1982 for over ten years, before World Championship Wrestling took ownership of the timeslot. NWA Saturday Night aired instead, and it was very popular with the audience across America over the next period of years. However, through interruptions such as 'Black Saturday', where Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation took over the slot for a period of time, Saturday Night has continued to prove itself as the dignifying product.

However, over time, as the 1990s progressed, and professional wrestling took more of a mainstream and mature audience, WWF debuted Monday Night RAW on USA Network in 1993, and since dominated WCW to the point where Eric Bischoff demanded primetime on Monday, and Ted Turner gave Bischoff the timeslot, leading to the creation of Monday Nitro on TNT. The show rivalled and began to fire back at WWF's RAW, so much it extended to three hours; taking away significence from Saturday Night. To further this, in 1998, Thursday Thunder debuted, and the show took even more purpose away. With WCW having five hours already for Nitro and Thunder combined; the existence of Saturday Night became useless. Too many leftover talent were wasted, and ratings downgraded. Plus, the debut of Shotgun Saturday Night by the WWF and the rise of WWF once again led to WCW getting desperate.

Eric Bischoff revealed the final episode of Saturday Night being on Saturday 27th February 1999, a special live episode from Orlando, Florida; but on wcwwrestling.com today, it was announced that Bischoff had plans for the timeslot.

During which, it was hyperlinked to the NWA-Wildside website, and NWA-Wildside was revealed as being the developmental territory for World Championship Wrestling as of February 14th. PowerPlant has been closed, and it has been announced that the Saturday Night timeslot will live on as 'WCW Experience', in which NWA-Wildside stars will be trained on the program, and even will have a match or so. The show will become a one-hour show, based on the future of WCW the company. However, for assistance, many main WCW roster stars will appear.

In addition, NWA-Wildside has signed Steve Corino, Jerry Lynn, Ulf Herman, Andrew Martin [formerly known as 'Test' by WWF] and D-Lo Brown.

Also, WCW has re-signed Michael Hayes, Dan Severn and Steve Williams to assist with the training.[/font][/center][/td][/tr][/table]

[/i] A pretty solid match here, and not as one sided as anticipated. Diamond Dallas Page seemed to underestimate Saturn but Saturn fought out and he fired back well, as Page took Saturn down with many clotheslines and various other moves, but Saturn just kept coming back for me, and Saturn refused to stay down. Page eventually attempted the quick Diamond Cutter for the win, but Saturn would slap in a submission hold and from there, Perry wouldn't let DDP get one breath in. Saturn nailed the Spicolli Driver and also the Rings of Saturn, but Page got to the ropes; but Saturn refused to let go, getting himself disqualified! **3/4

- Diamond Dallas Page screamed in agony as Perry Saturn released the hold, glaring at the official before giving him the middle finger (which was censored)! Page got back to his feet, recovering as Saturn left, not turning back!

- A vignette aired, hyping up Lance Storm's debut this Monday on Nitro, as Storm is an anti-American superstar from Canada, and has been called one of the best uprising stars from the country.

- A brief montage aired, showcasing Georgia Championship Wrestling on the Superstation.

- Commercial

- We cut to a replay from Nitro, as Raven was talking about Sting costing him the bout with Hardcore Hak at Superbrawl IX, when Sting suddenly arrived. The two exchanged words, Raven trying to get Sting to join him and rule World Championship Wrestling, but Sting laid him out.

- Raven defeated Norman Smiley by referee's decision in a hardcore match at 4:25.[/i] Raven was obviously not in the mood for games tonight, and this was shown as being obvious as Raven and Norman Smiley traded blows, but in the end, it all came down to the usage of weapons in this hardcore match. Smiley, perhaps better known for his Saturday Night appearances, tried to fight and Big Wiggle Raven, but to no avail. Raven repeatedly slammed the trash can lid and stop sign into Smiley's skull, eventually nailing not one but two Evenflow DDTs on Smiley! Raven didn't stop, though. He took off his belt and whipped Smiley, then tying him in a tree of woe position upside down. Raven terrorized Smiley with a singapore cane, as the official threw the match out! **

- Raven sat in the ring as the official attempted to attend to Norman Smiley and untangle him from the top rope. Raven grabbed a microphone and talked about how Sting's actions were soon to become consequence. Raven talked about how he gave Sting an opportunity to redeem himself on Monday, at Nitro, especially when Raven could have simply beaten his ass for costing him the match with Hardcore Hak at Superbrawl IX. Raven yelled that what happened to Smiley WILL happen to Sting the next time Stinger gets in his way. Raven quothes the raven nevermore before leaving.

- An advertisement airs, promoting the next time WCW would be on pay-per-view, for Uncensored on Sunday 14th March 1999, live at Louisville, Kentucky!

- Commercial

- Shots of Juventud Guerrera, Silver King, Hector Garza, El Dandy and Psychosis being in AAA this past Monday night was shown, as Tony Schiavone hyped that there'd be lucha-libre action momentarily!

- Billy Kidman, Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis (2) defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr, Mike Sanders and Elix Skipper (1) in a lucha-libre six-man tag team match at 13:43.[/i] These cruiserweights, definitely a mark in Saturday Night history in the past few years, showed off their stuff in excellent manner here as the WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Billy Kidman came out again in shades, paparazzi around him following the massive win over Jushin Thunder Liger at Superbrawl IX. Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis needed a rebound from their unfortunate loss to Bam Bam Bigelow and Kanyon at Superbrawl, and what a performance here as Chavo Guerrero Jr lost his team the first fall, with the Juvi Driver connecting. Secondly, Psychosis was pinned after the Overdrive by Skipper, but lastly, Kidman went up and he nailed the Shooting Star Press on Chavo for three! ***

- Billy Kidman celebrated his victory with the lucha-libre comrades, Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis as the three seemed happy with their victory, and Juvi and Psychosis got involved with the paparazzi with WCW World Cruiserweight Champion, Kidman! Chavo Guerrero Jr sits up in the ring in disbelief, as Mike Sanders and Elix Skipper shook their heads at him, but Sanders felt it within him to help Chavo up to his feet.

- Another plug for WCW Monday Nitro aired, previewing the main event as featuring Kevin Nash teaming with two other competitors to take on Bret Hart and two superstars of his choice!

- Commercial

- British Bulldog defeated Bam Bam Bigelow to retain the WCW US Heavyweight Championship at 9:19.[/i] A solid first-hour main event to the final edition of Saturday Night, as Bam Bam Bigelow, the WCW World Tag Team Champion was up to the task of taking the WCW US Heavyweight Championship from one of the New Jersey Triad's larger oppositions in WCW, British Bulldog. Bigelow used his size and weight to dominate in the early goings, just pounding at Bulldog and working over the back, but Bulldog soon fought back. Bulldog nailed several flying attacks, knocking Bigelow down with a diving shoulder block. Bigelow soon regained momentum though, and he had Bulldog set up for the Asbury Park Nightmare, but Bulldog slipped out and victory rolled Bigelow for a shocking three count! **3/4

- British Bulldog dived out of the ring as the crowd popped loudly at the WCW US Heavyweight Champion successfully defending his championship. Bam Bam Bigelow looked irate in the ring, as Bulldog headed up the rampway!

- In the backstage area, Scott Steiner the WCW World Television Champion was shown, as he was walking around before Buff Bagwell stepped into the room. 'Big Poppa Pump' asks him if they're ready to roll. Bagwell agrees, as Steiner begins to head for the ring.

- Commercial

- The theme of Scott Steiner hit as Buff Bagwell led 'Big Poppa Pump' to the ring. Steiner with the WCW World Television Championship around his waist. Steiner got into the ring as Bagwell introduced him as the greatest WCW World Television Champion of all time, then Steiner welcoming everybody to the fantastic finalé episode of Saturday Night. Steiner says that him and Bagwell have both had great memories on this show, and so he's decided he's going to make a 'Past vs Present' match, featuring a showgun of the early 90's against the showgun of the late 90's Saturday Night! Steiner tops it off by putting the belt on the line!

- Scott Steiner with Buff Bagwell defeated Lash LeRoux to retain the WCW World Television Championship at 3:20.[/i] A joke here, as 'Big Poppa Pump' was prepared for this one, and he just went in there with the desire to crush the Saturday Night star of today. Lash came out wearing the show's shirt, as LeRoux attempted to use quirky attacks to take down Steiner, or chop him down somehow. Steiner just flatlined him though, and beat on his body. LeRoux attempted a moonsault, but Steiner caught him; simple enough. Steiner ended it with the belly-to-back suplex. **

- Scott Steiner celebrated the victory like it was a hard-fought win, as 'Big Poppa Pump' was handed his WCW World Television Championship by Buff Bagwell.

- Another montage airs, this time showing how Saturday Night declined from prestige as Monday Nitro and Thunder debuted. It features the gimmicky characters that have been shown on the program in the recent few years.

- Commercial

- A sign appeared reading 'WCW Experience' showed, as Larry Zbyszko was shown, telling everybody that this Saturday at 6:05, World Championship Wrestling will be airing a new product called WCW Experience! Zbyszko told us that it will feature stars of tomorrow in NWA-Wildside training, and even having matches to show their tenacity, and all hopeful to end up on the big time one day in the future! WCW Experience: A Sneak Peak at Tomorrow's World! 6:05, Saturdays on TBS Superstation!

- Bret Hart and Rey Mysterio Jr are shown down seperate hallways, destiny for Mysterio is up next!

- Bret Hart defeated Rey Mysterio Jr to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at 20:20.[/i] A phenomenal main event to the final edition of Saturday Night, as Rey Mysterio Jr was so intensified for this one, though Bret Hart was so confident that he refused to take Mysterio Jr seriously. Mysterio did some high-flying attacks on Hitman, but Bret just pushed him off, and outwrestled him no matter the attack, simply underestimating and demining Mysterio. Rey soon retalliated though, as his springboard flips managed to take the Hitman down and out on more than one occasion. Bret soon caught a Droppin' the Dime attempt into an inverted atomic drop, and Hart worked over the leg for the rest of the match! The match went through two commercials, too as Bret just continued to lead up for the final Sharpshooter. Mysterio refused, though, as he still fired back and nailed more attacks at Hart, almost sneaking many three counts but to barely no avail. Mysterio soon set up for the Frankensteiner, but Bret powerbombed him from the top, amazingly and Hart applied the Sharpshooter; Rey trapped in the hold for so long, just over a minute, but the pressure was too strong, and Hart made Rey submit! ****

- Bret Hart celebrated his victory to a loud set of boos, as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion head off, knowing he'd been in war tonight. Rey Mysterio Jr soon recovered, as he stood in the middle of the ring to a thunderous ovation from everybody in the arena; timekeeper to Tony Schiavone. Mysterio Jr left as the final Saturday Night drew to a close.[/center]

[/color]
Bret Hart def. Rey Mysterio Jr to retain the WCW World Heavyweight title
Scott Steiner def. Lash LeRoux to retain the WCW World Television title
British Bulldog def. Bam Bam Biglow to retain WCW US Heavyweight title
Billy Kidman, Juventud Guerrera, Psychosis def. Chavo Guerrero Jr, Elix Skipper, Mike Sanders; lucha-libre tag team match
Raven def. Norman Smiley; hardcore match
Diamond Dallas Page def. Perry Saturn; DQ
Lex Luger def. The Barbarian
[/font][/right]