Post by ICW on Mar 19, 2021 11:38:00 GMT -5
Hello everyone! In case you missed the news:
I've decided that I cannot commit the necessary time to write full-blown shows. I'm disappointed that I'll have to pivot to a different direction but, trust me, this new direction will lead to me actually posting shows. Before I came to this decision, however, I was in the beginning of writing a full-blown episode of Nitro and managed to complete 3 out of the 11 segments. While I don't want to share it all, I've decided to post the full-blown match between Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship! This is the first long-form match I've written in quite sometime. So, enjoy this little taste of what's to come!
David Penzer: Ladies and Gentlemen the first match LIVE on Monday Nitro from Disney/MGM Studios is for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship set for one fall! Introducing first, the challenger, from Tijuana, Mexico...REY! MISTERIO! JUNIORRRRRR!
[CUT to shot of the stage as smoke begins to billow in front of it --- and out walks Rey Misterio Jr. to a nice ovation from the crowd. Misterio Jr. is draped in a black open robe, pink mask, and matching pink tights as a lower-third graphic stating his name appears on the screen. Misterio Jr. lifts his fist to the crowd in acknowledgment as he heads towards the ring]
Tony Schiavone: And there you see the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Title, Rey Misterio Jr! What a thunderous ovation from this jam-packed crowd!
Larry Zbyszko: Rey Misterio Jr. does things not many people can do --- myself included! That’s rare, Tony!
[Misterio Jr. jogs up the ring steps and launches himself over the top rope and lands on the canvas. Misterio Jr. heads over to the North-West corner, climbs to the second turnbuckle, and raises one finger to the air as the crowd continues to cheer him]
Tony Schiavone: He is revolutionizing this sport and endearing himself to the great fans of WCW!
[“Black Knight” By Andrew Grossart & Paul Williams seamlessly replaces Mistero’s theme as we CUT to another aerial shot of the venue…]
Tony Schiavone: And here comes “The Iceman!”
[CUT to shot of the stage as Dean Malenko appears and power walks to the ring. Malenko is wearing a black ring vest with the WCW Cruiserweight Championship around his waist. Malenko adjusts his wrist tape as his eyes are locked on the ring. A lower-third graphic stating “WCW Cruiserweight Champion Dean Malenko” appears]
David Penzer: And his opponent! From Tampa, Florida! He is the WCW Cruiserweight Champion! He is “The Man of 1,000 Holds!” DDDDEEEAAANNNNNN MMMAAALLLEEENNKKKOOO!
Larry Zbysko: Malenko is lasered focus in the ring! And here’s why, Tony: he knows Misterio Jr. is perfectly capable of leaping over the top rope and taking him out before the match even starts!
Tony Schiavone: That’s a great point, Larry, and that laser-focus is why Malenko currently holds the Cruiserweight Championship!
[Malenko hops onto the apron, wipes his boots, and enters the ring. He immediately unstraps the belt from his waist and hands it to referee Nick Patrick. Malenko is still locked onto Misterio Jr]
Tony Schiavone: And, folks, we have just received word that “Mean” Gene Okerlund will have an exclusive interview at the top of the second hour with the man Hulk Hogan leg dropped - the leg drop heard around the world - he’ll be talking with “The Macho Man” Randy Savage!
[Malenko removes his vest as Nick Patrick presents the belt to Misterio before holding it above his head. Patrick hands the belt to the ringside attendant, Penzer leaves the ring, and Patrick calls for the bell!]
Malenko and Misterio Jr. circle the canvas before locking up in the center of the ring. Malenko swiftly breaks the lockup and applies a sidelock. Misterio shoves Malenko forward and into the ropes, Malenko comes flying off the rebound with an attempted drop kick, but Misterio side steps him and Malenko crashes and burns to the mat!
Tony Schiavone: Ironically, Malenko attempted an ariel move of his own but it’s countered by Misterio!
Larry Zbyszko: Let’s see how long that lasts, Tony. Malenko can fly but he’s at his best when he keeps the action to the mat. He shouldn’t try to beat Misterio at his own game!
Misterio quickly pulls Malenko to his feet but is met with an uppercut that sends him staggering back. Malenko follows through with a knife-edge chop before nailing a drop kick that sends Misterio tumbling through the ropes and to the outside.
Tony Schiavone: And Malenko sends Rey Misterio Jr. tumbling to the outside! Folks, this is just the beginning of an absolutely loaded Monday Nitro!
Larry Zbyszko: Malenko needs to capitalize here and keep Misterio Jr. off his feet.
Misterio is on his feet as Malenko suddenly comes into the frame with an attempted baseball slide under the bottom rope...but Misterio manages to grab hold of his feet and SLAMS Malenko down to the flame-printed floor mat!
Tony Schiavone: Second time that Rey Misterio Jr. has stopped a drop kick maneuver from Dean Malenko!
Larry Zbyszko: I’d be worried if I were Dean Malenko, Tony! Misterio Jr. has shown up to play!
Tony Schiavone: And, fans, don’t you forget that THIS is where “The Big Boys Play” here on WCW Monday Nitro on TNT! And --- WILL YOU LOOK AT THIS!
Malenko is a bit slow to his feet, allowing Misterio to hop onto the ring apron, SPRINGBOARD to the middle rope, and comes CRASHING down on Malenko with AN INCREDIBLE CORKSCREW DIVE! The crowd goes CRAZY!
Larry Zbyszko: WHAT AN AERIAL MOVE FROM REY MISTERIO JR, TONY! What the hell would you even call that thing?!?!
Tony Schiavone: Folks, you are witnessing an incredible display of athleticism that’s only seen here on Nitro!
Misterio gets to his feet and sticks his body underneath the bottom rope to break referee Nick Patrick’s 10-count. Malenko is on one knee, desperately trying to shake the cobwebs away, as Misterio pulls him up by the head...and Malenko LEVELS him with a desperation uppercut out of nowhere!
Tony Schiavone: Malenko fires back with a devastating uppercut!
Malenko follows through with a kick to the midsection, standing head scissors, and HOISTS Misterio up for a powerbomb...BUT MISTERIO COUNTERS WITH A HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN! THE CROWD IS GOING INSANE!
Larry Zbyszko: LISTEN TO THIS CROWD, TONY! I think they’re smelling an upset!
Misterio pulls Malenko up and rolls him back into the ring. Misterio hops onto the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle as Malenko wobbly climbs to his feet.
Tony Schiavone: And Mistero Jr. could be looking to put Malenko away right here! We could indeed have one of the biggest upsets in the history of Monday Nitro!
Misterio waits for Malenko to turn in his direction before LEAPING off the top rope with a flying crossbody...but Malenko catches him and nails a DEVASTATING back breaker! The crowd “OHHHHs!” on impact!
Tony Schiavone: WHAT A HORRIFIC BACKBREAKER BY DEAN MALENKO!
Larry Zbyszko: And just like that, Tony, the upset might’ve gone out the window!
Misterio cries out in pain as Malenko covers…
1! 2!
Mistero kicks out to cheers! Malenko gets to his feet and pulls Misterio up with a front facelock. Malenko sets him up for a swift vertical suplex...and nails it! Another cover by Malenko!
1! 2!
Misterio kicks out yet again!
Tony Schiavone: There is still plenty of fight left in Rey Mysterio Jr!
Larry Zbyszko: Yeah but he’s in trouble, Tony. Malenko absolutely crushed him with that back breaker and he’s doing what has to be done if he wants to retain his Cruiserweight Title: keep Misterio off his feet!
Malenko gets to his feet, grabs both arms of Misterio, and digs his knee to the challenger’s back. Misterio screams in pain as Malenko really applies the pressure. Referee Nick Patrick drops to a knee near Misterio Jr, who continues to bellow in pain.
Tony Schiavone: Fans we have to take a short commercial break! Don’t you dare touch that dial!
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro on TNT! Larry, Dean Malenko is STILL driving the knee to the back of Misterio!
Larry Zbyszko: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Malenko finally releases the hold but quickly pulls Misterio Jr. up to a vertical base. Swift kick to the midsection by Malenko before whipping Misterio into the South-East turnbuckles...and Misterio hits the turnbuckles particularly hard, his injured back causing him to drop to a knee.
Larry Zbyszko: A very bad sign for Rey Misterio Jr., Tony. His back is being systematically destroyed by “The Iceman.”
Tony Schiavone: And that’s precisely why Malenko is referred to as “The Iceman.”
Malenko pulls him out of the corner and to his feet...when Misterio catches him with a desperation thumb to the eye! Malenko stumbles back and rubs his eye as Misterio rolls to the outside where he drops to a knee and reaches behind to clutch his back
Tony Schiavone: Misterio retreating to the outside and his back is in bad, bad shape, Larry!
Larry Zbyszko: If you’re Rey Misterio Jr., you have to play a little dirty like he just did. He needs a breather.
Malenko shakes off the thumb to the eye and spots Misterio gingerly climbing up to the apron. Malenko rushes over and CLUBS Misterio’s back with a forearm! The impact nearly knocks Rey off the apron but Malenko manages to hold onto him.
Tony Schiavone: “The Iceman” so methodically going after the back of Rey Misterio Jr!
Malenko with another front facelock, hook of the arm...and he suplexes Misterio back into the ring!
Tony Schiavone: THIS COULD BE ALL RIGHT HERE!
Another cover by Malenko!
1! 2!
Misterio just manages a kick out! Malenko indignantly gets to his feet and grabs the legs of Misterio as the fans begin to buzz!
Larry Zbyszko: Let’s see if Malenko’s gonna finish him off with the Cloverleaf!
Malenko steps over and folds Misterio’s legs back for the BRUTAL Boston Crab! The fans begin to murmur as Misterio screams in agony!
Tony Schiavone: He’s got ‘em locked in the Boston Crab instead and, Larry, we’ve seen Malenko use this maneuver as a precursor to the Texas Cloverleaf!
Larry Zbyszko: They don’t call him “The Man of 1,000 Holds” for nothing, Tony!
Nick Patrick drops to the canvas and is practically in Misterio’s face, asking him if he gives up. Misterio ignores him and continues to scream in pain. The Iceman is wide eyed and clenches the hold even tighter!
Larry Zbyszko: I feel for this youngster, Tony! How much longer can he hold on!
Malenko finally releases the hold as Misterio lies motionless on the canvas. Malenko STOMPS the back of Misterio, which causes him to shout in agony. Malenko pulls the limp body of Mistero to the center of the canvas...AND APPLIES THE CAMEL CLUTCH!
Tony Schiavone: AND THIS HAS TO BE IT FOR REY MISTERIO JR!
Larry Zbyszko: This poor kid is gonna need a good chiropractor after this match is over with!
Mistero is screaming his head off as Nick Patrick, smelling his defeat, repeatedly asks him if he wants to submit. Mistero refuses, however, as he shouts “NOOOO!” in pain.
Tony Schiavone: And you have to respect the resolve, the tenacity of this young competitor!
Larry Zbyszko: The kid’s got the heart of the lion, Tony, and he almost had me believing that we were gonna see an upset!
Misterio has propped himself off the canvas, his thin forearms the only thing holding him up. Misterio slowly but surely starts the long crawl to the ropes...but Malenko breaks the hold and DROPS an vicious elbow across the back of Misterio!
Tony Schiavone: Absolutely no relenting by “The Iceman.” We have a cover!
Malenko rolls Misterio over and covers…
1! 2….KICK OUT!
Malenko signals to the crowd that enough is enough. Malenko climbs to his feet and grabs the legs of Misterio as the crowd begins to go abuzz!
Tony Schiavone: Cloverleaf time!
Malenko is setting up for the Texas Cloverleaf...BUT MISTERIO SENDS MALENKO BACK WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!
Larry Zbyszko: NOT SO FAST!
Malenko stumbles back as Mistero slowly climbs to his feet, clutching his badly injured back. Infuriated and frustrated, Malenko CHARGES forward with a lariat...but it’s ducked by Misterio!
Tony Schiavone: Malenko charged at Misterio with such furry, such rage, but the challenge managed to duck and...WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?!?!
Misterio runs forward and springboards to the top rope! Malenko spins around to face Misterio...AND MISTERIO NAILS AN INCREDIBLE TORNADO DDT! BOTH MEN LIE MOTIONLESS ON THE CANVAS AS THE CROWD GOES BONKERS!
Tony Schiavone: WHAT AN INCREDIBLE MOVE BY REY MISTERIO JR!
Larry Zbyszko: It was equally desperate as it was incredible, Tony! That took everything out of Rey Misterio Jr!
Referee Nick Patrick is in the middle of his count as both men slowly climb to a vertical base with Malenko just a bit quicker to his feet. Malenko with another kick to the gut of Misterio,standing head scissors, and double underhooks the arms….
Tony Schiavone: We’re about to see that devastating Double Underhook powerbomb from Malenko, a move that’s preceded by the Texas Cloverleaf!
Larry Zbyzsko: A very valiant effort by Misterio but this one is over!
Malenko LIFTS Misterio up for another powerbomb attempt...but MISTERIO COUNTERS WITH AN INCREDIBLE FRANKENSTEINER! THE CROWD IS GOING ABSOLUTELY INSANE!
Tony Schiavone: FRAKENSTEINER INTO A PINNING COMBINATION!
Referee Nick Patrick with the count!
1! 2! 3!
Patrick excitedly calls for the bell!
Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyzsko: WE’VE GOT A NEW CHAMPION!
[“March of Death” by Jimmy Hart blares over the sound system as the crowd goes absolutely insane!!!!!]
David Penzer: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! YOUR WINNER AND NEWWWWWW WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONNNNN….REY! MISTERIOOOOOOO! JJJJUNNNNIIIOOORRRRR!
[The crowd continues to go BANANAS as Referee Nick Patrick hands the Cruiserweight Title to Misterio and hoists his arm in the air in victory!]
Larry Zbyszko: We got the upset after all, Tony!
Tony Schiavone: WHAT A MOMENT FOR YOUNG REY MYSTERIO JR --- AND DEAN MALENKO IS VERY UNHAPPY!
[CUT back to live action and Malenko is pissed. Referee Nick Patrick is doing his best at retraining Malenko, who points his finger and screams at Misterio in rage!]
Larry Zbyszko: “The Iceman” is acting more like a sore loser, Tony! He is LIVID!
Tony Schiavone: He is LIVID! His 2-month reign as Cruiserweight Champion is over with --- and he lost that belt fair and square. Let’s take a look at the closing moments of that incredible matchup!
[TRANSITION to a slow-motion replay of Malenko countering the powerbomb into the Frankensteiner pinning combination…]
Tony Schiavone: Rey Misterio Jr. knew that Malenko was setting him up for the Double Underhook Powerbomb - a move that is a precursor to the Texas Cloverleaf - and Misterio had him well scouted!
Larry Zbyszko: And that’s why Malenko desperately tried to keep Misterio grounded, Tony. He can be deadly if he’s allowed to fly and flyin’ he did!
[CUT back to the ring where “Mean” Gene Okerlund is suddenly in the ring with the new Cruiserweight Champion standing to his left. Patrick is STILL holding back Malenko…]
Mean Gene: Alright I’m here with the NEW Cruiserweight Champion... ...Rey Misterio Jr.! Rey…
[Malenko gets past Nick Patrick and snatches the mic from Okerlund to boos from the crowd!]
Dean Malenko: NO! Rey! You listen to me, Misterio! I respect you! You’re a great talent! But what just happened...was a damn fluke!
[The crowd boos...but quickly cheer as Misterio responds by simply hoisting his newly won title above his head]
Dean Malenko: I want a re-match! I…
[Malenko is cut off as “Man Called Sting” by Jimmy Hart blares over the sound system to a MASSIVE ovation from the crowd!]
Tony Schiavone: WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS?!?!
Larry Zbyszko: That music can mean only one man, Tony!
[Camera CUTS to makeshift entryway...WHERE STING AND LEX LUGER EMERGE TO THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE!]
Tony Schiavone: IT’S STING AND “THE TOTAL PACKAGE” LEX LUGER!
I've decided that I cannot commit the necessary time to write full-blown shows. I'm disappointed that I'll have to pivot to a different direction but, trust me, this new direction will lead to me actually posting shows. Before I came to this decision, however, I was in the beginning of writing a full-blown episode of Nitro and managed to complete 3 out of the 11 segments. While I don't want to share it all, I've decided to post the full-blown match between Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship! This is the first long-form match I've written in quite sometime. So, enjoy this little taste of what's to come!
Opening Contest
WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match
Rey Misterio Jr. vs. Dean Malenko (c)
[“March of Death” by Jimmy Hart blares over the sound system as we’re treated to another aerial shot of the venue for a few seconds as we hear the voice of David Penzer…]David Penzer: Ladies and Gentlemen the first match LIVE on Monday Nitro from Disney/MGM Studios is for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship set for one fall! Introducing first, the challenger, from Tijuana, Mexico...REY! MISTERIO! JUNIORRRRRR!
[CUT to shot of the stage as smoke begins to billow in front of it --- and out walks Rey Misterio Jr. to a nice ovation from the crowd. Misterio Jr. is draped in a black open robe, pink mask, and matching pink tights as a lower-third graphic stating his name appears on the screen. Misterio Jr. lifts his fist to the crowd in acknowledgment as he heads towards the ring]
Tony Schiavone: And there you see the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Title, Rey Misterio Jr! What a thunderous ovation from this jam-packed crowd!
Larry Zbyszko: Rey Misterio Jr. does things not many people can do --- myself included! That’s rare, Tony!
[Misterio Jr. jogs up the ring steps and launches himself over the top rope and lands on the canvas. Misterio Jr. heads over to the North-West corner, climbs to the second turnbuckle, and raises one finger to the air as the crowd continues to cheer him]
Tony Schiavone: He is revolutionizing this sport and endearing himself to the great fans of WCW!
[“Black Knight” By Andrew Grossart & Paul Williams seamlessly replaces Mistero’s theme as we CUT to another aerial shot of the venue…]
Tony Schiavone: And here comes “The Iceman!”
[CUT to shot of the stage as Dean Malenko appears and power walks to the ring. Malenko is wearing a black ring vest with the WCW Cruiserweight Championship around his waist. Malenko adjusts his wrist tape as his eyes are locked on the ring. A lower-third graphic stating “WCW Cruiserweight Champion Dean Malenko” appears]
David Penzer: And his opponent! From Tampa, Florida! He is the WCW Cruiserweight Champion! He is “The Man of 1,000 Holds!” DDDDEEEAAANNNNNN MMMAAALLLEEENNKKKOOO!
Larry Zbysko: Malenko is lasered focus in the ring! And here’s why, Tony: he knows Misterio Jr. is perfectly capable of leaping over the top rope and taking him out before the match even starts!
Tony Schiavone: That’s a great point, Larry, and that laser-focus is why Malenko currently holds the Cruiserweight Championship!
[Malenko hops onto the apron, wipes his boots, and enters the ring. He immediately unstraps the belt from his waist and hands it to referee Nick Patrick. Malenko is still locked onto Misterio Jr]
Tony Schiavone: And, folks, we have just received word that “Mean” Gene Okerlund will have an exclusive interview at the top of the second hour with the man Hulk Hogan leg dropped - the leg drop heard around the world - he’ll be talking with “The Macho Man” Randy Savage!
[Malenko removes his vest as Nick Patrick presents the belt to Misterio before holding it above his head. Patrick hands the belt to the ringside attendant, Penzer leaves the ring, and Patrick calls for the bell!]
DING-DING-DING!
Malenko and Misterio Jr. circle the canvas before locking up in the center of the ring. Malenko swiftly breaks the lockup and applies a sidelock. Misterio shoves Malenko forward and into the ropes, Malenko comes flying off the rebound with an attempted drop kick, but Misterio side steps him and Malenko crashes and burns to the mat!
Tony Schiavone: Ironically, Malenko attempted an ariel move of his own but it’s countered by Misterio!
Larry Zbyszko: Let’s see how long that lasts, Tony. Malenko can fly but he’s at his best when he keeps the action to the mat. He shouldn’t try to beat Misterio at his own game!
Misterio quickly pulls Malenko to his feet but is met with an uppercut that sends him staggering back. Malenko follows through with a knife-edge chop before nailing a drop kick that sends Misterio tumbling through the ropes and to the outside.
Tony Schiavone: And Malenko sends Rey Misterio Jr. tumbling to the outside! Folks, this is just the beginning of an absolutely loaded Monday Nitro!
Larry Zbyszko: Malenko needs to capitalize here and keep Misterio Jr. off his feet.
Misterio is on his feet as Malenko suddenly comes into the frame with an attempted baseball slide under the bottom rope...but Misterio manages to grab hold of his feet and SLAMS Malenko down to the flame-printed floor mat!
Tony Schiavone: Second time that Rey Misterio Jr. has stopped a drop kick maneuver from Dean Malenko!
Larry Zbyszko: I’d be worried if I were Dean Malenko, Tony! Misterio Jr. has shown up to play!
Tony Schiavone: And, fans, don’t you forget that THIS is where “The Big Boys Play” here on WCW Monday Nitro on TNT! And --- WILL YOU LOOK AT THIS!
Malenko is a bit slow to his feet, allowing Misterio to hop onto the ring apron, SPRINGBOARD to the middle rope, and comes CRASHING down on Malenko with AN INCREDIBLE CORKSCREW DIVE! The crowd goes CRAZY!
Larry Zbyszko: WHAT AN AERIAL MOVE FROM REY MISTERIO JR, TONY! What the hell would you even call that thing?!?!
Tony Schiavone: Folks, you are witnessing an incredible display of athleticism that’s only seen here on Nitro!
Misterio gets to his feet and sticks his body underneath the bottom rope to break referee Nick Patrick’s 10-count. Malenko is on one knee, desperately trying to shake the cobwebs away, as Misterio pulls him up by the head...and Malenko LEVELS him with a desperation uppercut out of nowhere!
Tony Schiavone: Malenko fires back with a devastating uppercut!
Malenko follows through with a kick to the midsection, standing head scissors, and HOISTS Misterio up for a powerbomb...BUT MISTERIO COUNTERS WITH A HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN! THE CROWD IS GOING INSANE!
Larry Zbyszko: LISTEN TO THIS CROWD, TONY! I think they’re smelling an upset!
Misterio pulls Malenko up and rolls him back into the ring. Misterio hops onto the apron and climbs to the top turnbuckle as Malenko wobbly climbs to his feet.
Tony Schiavone: And Mistero Jr. could be looking to put Malenko away right here! We could indeed have one of the biggest upsets in the history of Monday Nitro!
Misterio waits for Malenko to turn in his direction before LEAPING off the top rope with a flying crossbody...but Malenko catches him and nails a DEVASTATING back breaker! The crowd “OHHHHs!” on impact!
Tony Schiavone: WHAT A HORRIFIC BACKBREAKER BY DEAN MALENKO!
Larry Zbyszko: And just like that, Tony, the upset might’ve gone out the window!
Misterio cries out in pain as Malenko covers…
1! 2!
Mistero kicks out to cheers! Malenko gets to his feet and pulls Misterio up with a front facelock. Malenko sets him up for a swift vertical suplex...and nails it! Another cover by Malenko!
1! 2!
Misterio kicks out yet again!
Tony Schiavone: There is still plenty of fight left in Rey Mysterio Jr!
Larry Zbyszko: Yeah but he’s in trouble, Tony. Malenko absolutely crushed him with that back breaker and he’s doing what has to be done if he wants to retain his Cruiserweight Title: keep Misterio off his feet!
Malenko gets to his feet, grabs both arms of Misterio, and digs his knee to the challenger’s back. Misterio screams in pain as Malenko really applies the pressure. Referee Nick Patrick drops to a knee near Misterio Jr, who continues to bellow in pain.
Tony Schiavone: Fans we have to take a short commercial break! Don’t you dare touch that dial!
COMMERCIAL #1
Tony Schiavone: Welcome back to WCW Monday Nitro on TNT! Larry, Dean Malenko is STILL driving the knee to the back of Misterio!
Larry Zbyszko: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Malenko finally releases the hold but quickly pulls Misterio Jr. up to a vertical base. Swift kick to the midsection by Malenko before whipping Misterio into the South-East turnbuckles...and Misterio hits the turnbuckles particularly hard, his injured back causing him to drop to a knee.
Larry Zbyszko: A very bad sign for Rey Misterio Jr., Tony. His back is being systematically destroyed by “The Iceman.”
Tony Schiavone: And that’s precisely why Malenko is referred to as “The Iceman.”
Malenko pulls him out of the corner and to his feet...when Misterio catches him with a desperation thumb to the eye! Malenko stumbles back and rubs his eye as Misterio rolls to the outside where he drops to a knee and reaches behind to clutch his back
Tony Schiavone: Misterio retreating to the outside and his back is in bad, bad shape, Larry!
Larry Zbyszko: If you’re Rey Misterio Jr., you have to play a little dirty like he just did. He needs a breather.
Malenko shakes off the thumb to the eye and spots Misterio gingerly climbing up to the apron. Malenko rushes over and CLUBS Misterio’s back with a forearm! The impact nearly knocks Rey off the apron but Malenko manages to hold onto him.
Tony Schiavone: “The Iceman” so methodically going after the back of Rey Misterio Jr!
Malenko with another front facelock, hook of the arm...and he suplexes Misterio back into the ring!
Tony Schiavone: THIS COULD BE ALL RIGHT HERE!
Another cover by Malenko!
1! 2!
Misterio just manages a kick out! Malenko indignantly gets to his feet and grabs the legs of Misterio as the fans begin to buzz!
Larry Zbyszko: Let’s see if Malenko’s gonna finish him off with the Cloverleaf!
Malenko steps over and folds Misterio’s legs back for the BRUTAL Boston Crab! The fans begin to murmur as Misterio screams in agony!
Tony Schiavone: He’s got ‘em locked in the Boston Crab instead and, Larry, we’ve seen Malenko use this maneuver as a precursor to the Texas Cloverleaf!
Larry Zbyszko: They don’t call him “The Man of 1,000 Holds” for nothing, Tony!
Nick Patrick drops to the canvas and is practically in Misterio’s face, asking him if he gives up. Misterio ignores him and continues to scream in pain. The Iceman is wide eyed and clenches the hold even tighter!
Larry Zbyszko: I feel for this youngster, Tony! How much longer can he hold on!
Malenko finally releases the hold as Misterio lies motionless on the canvas. Malenko STOMPS the back of Misterio, which causes him to shout in agony. Malenko pulls the limp body of Mistero to the center of the canvas...AND APPLIES THE CAMEL CLUTCH!
Tony Schiavone: AND THIS HAS TO BE IT FOR REY MISTERIO JR!
Larry Zbyszko: This poor kid is gonna need a good chiropractor after this match is over with!
Mistero is screaming his head off as Nick Patrick, smelling his defeat, repeatedly asks him if he wants to submit. Mistero refuses, however, as he shouts “NOOOO!” in pain.
Tony Schiavone: And you have to respect the resolve, the tenacity of this young competitor!
Larry Zbyszko: The kid’s got the heart of the lion, Tony, and he almost had me believing that we were gonna see an upset!
Misterio has propped himself off the canvas, his thin forearms the only thing holding him up. Misterio slowly but surely starts the long crawl to the ropes...but Malenko breaks the hold and DROPS an vicious elbow across the back of Misterio!
Tony Schiavone: Absolutely no relenting by “The Iceman.” We have a cover!
Malenko rolls Misterio over and covers…
1! 2….KICK OUT!
Malenko signals to the crowd that enough is enough. Malenko climbs to his feet and grabs the legs of Misterio as the crowd begins to go abuzz!
Tony Schiavone: Cloverleaf time!
Malenko is setting up for the Texas Cloverleaf...BUT MISTERIO SENDS MALENKO BACK WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!
Larry Zbyszko: NOT SO FAST!
Malenko stumbles back as Mistero slowly climbs to his feet, clutching his badly injured back. Infuriated and frustrated, Malenko CHARGES forward with a lariat...but it’s ducked by Misterio!
Tony Schiavone: Malenko charged at Misterio with such furry, such rage, but the challenge managed to duck and...WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?!?!
Misterio runs forward and springboards to the top rope! Malenko spins around to face Misterio...AND MISTERIO NAILS AN INCREDIBLE TORNADO DDT! BOTH MEN LIE MOTIONLESS ON THE CANVAS AS THE CROWD GOES BONKERS!
Tony Schiavone: WHAT AN INCREDIBLE MOVE BY REY MISTERIO JR!
Larry Zbyszko: It was equally desperate as it was incredible, Tony! That took everything out of Rey Misterio Jr!
Referee Nick Patrick is in the middle of his count as both men slowly climb to a vertical base with Malenko just a bit quicker to his feet. Malenko with another kick to the gut of Misterio,standing head scissors, and double underhooks the arms….
Tony Schiavone: We’re about to see that devastating Double Underhook powerbomb from Malenko, a move that’s preceded by the Texas Cloverleaf!
Larry Zbyzsko: A very valiant effort by Misterio but this one is over!
Malenko LIFTS Misterio up for another powerbomb attempt...but MISTERIO COUNTERS WITH AN INCREDIBLE FRANKENSTEINER! THE CROWD IS GOING ABSOLUTELY INSANE!
Tony Schiavone: FRAKENSTEINER INTO A PINNING COMBINATION!
Referee Nick Patrick with the count!
1! 2! 3!
Patrick excitedly calls for the bell!
DING-DING-DING!
Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyzsko: WE’VE GOT A NEW CHAMPION!
WINNER
NEW WCW Cruiserweight Champion: Rey Misterio Jr!
[“March of Death” by Jimmy Hart blares over the sound system as the crowd goes absolutely insane!!!!!]
David Penzer: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! YOUR WINNER AND NEWWWWWW WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONNNNN….REY! MISTERIOOOOOOO! JJJJUNNNNIIIOOORRRRR!
[The crowd continues to go BANANAS as Referee Nick Patrick hands the Cruiserweight Title to Misterio and hoists his arm in the air in victory!]
Larry Zbyszko: We got the upset after all, Tony!
Tony Schiavone: WHAT A MOMENT FOR YOUNG REY MYSTERIO JR --- AND DEAN MALENKO IS VERY UNHAPPY!
[CUT back to live action and Malenko is pissed. Referee Nick Patrick is doing his best at retraining Malenko, who points his finger and screams at Misterio in rage!]
Larry Zbyszko: “The Iceman” is acting more like a sore loser, Tony! He is LIVID!
Tony Schiavone: He is LIVID! His 2-month reign as Cruiserweight Champion is over with --- and he lost that belt fair and square. Let’s take a look at the closing moments of that incredible matchup!
[TRANSITION to a slow-motion replay of Malenko countering the powerbomb into the Frankensteiner pinning combination…]
Tony Schiavone: Rey Misterio Jr. knew that Malenko was setting him up for the Double Underhook Powerbomb - a move that is a precursor to the Texas Cloverleaf - and Misterio had him well scouted!
Larry Zbyszko: And that’s why Malenko desperately tried to keep Misterio grounded, Tony. He can be deadly if he’s allowed to fly and flyin’ he did!
[CUT back to the ring where “Mean” Gene Okerlund is suddenly in the ring with the new Cruiserweight Champion standing to his left. Patrick is STILL holding back Malenko…]
Mean Gene: Alright I’m here with the NEW Cruiserweight Champion... ...Rey Misterio Jr.! Rey…
[Malenko gets past Nick Patrick and snatches the mic from Okerlund to boos from the crowd!]
Dean Malenko: NO! Rey! You listen to me, Misterio! I respect you! You’re a great talent! But what just happened...was a damn fluke!
[The crowd boos...but quickly cheer as Misterio responds by simply hoisting his newly won title above his head]
Dean Malenko: I want a re-match! I…
[Malenko is cut off as “Man Called Sting” by Jimmy Hart blares over the sound system to a MASSIVE ovation from the crowd!]
Tony Schiavone: WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS?!?!
Larry Zbyszko: That music can mean only one man, Tony!
[Camera CUTS to makeshift entryway...WHERE STING AND LEX LUGER EMERGE TO THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE!]
Tony Schiavone: IT’S STING AND “THE TOTAL PACKAGE” LEX LUGER!