Post by Ace on Aug 23, 2021 14:19:48 GMT
LIVE from Atlanta, Georgia
The show opened with the voices of Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone on commentary, welcoming viewers to a historic night here in Atlanta. Their educated and excited voices were soon joined by their newest colleague, and the third man at the desk in Diamond Dallas Page, adding one of the most associated names in WCW history to its announcing team. THe three men discussed that very little was known of tonight, but that they did know how it would be starting. And sure enough, it only took a few moments before 'Here Comes The Money' blasted out of the PA system.
WELCOME BACK TO NITRO
With a heavily excited WCW fan base cheering at him, from the back out came Shane McMahon. But he wasn't jiving or jogging, merely strolling out, doing his best to seem professional as he paced down the ramp. Inside the ring, he gathered a microphone, his music soon cutting off, and Shane quickly cutting to the point. He was glad to bring WCW back. He wanted to try and make amends as a McMahon with the wrestling world. And even as his family tried to sort out their own demons, Shane wanted to try and make sure that the wrestling business thrived and prospered. But as much as he wanted to be by every week, he also knew the last thing wrestling fans wanted to see was more McMahon drama, and so he was here to introduce......and before he could even finish 'I'm Back' hit the PA system, bringing out the always smarmy and slick Eric Bischoff to a loud cascade of jeers.
Bischoff quickly sauntered down to the ring, offering Shane O Mac a hug, but the McMahon boss merely shook his head, quickly cutting off Eric's music and asking what he was doing here. Eric replied that he was here at SHane's instructions, there to run WCW like he had in the past while the McMahon was off dealing with his problems. Eric promised Shane that WCW was in safe hands, as he was the man that led WCW to the top of the business once, and he would do it again. Shane paused for a moment, and then told Eric that yes, he had hired Eric to run WCW, because no-one knew how to run it as well. But if eric thought Shane was actually stupid enough to leave Eric in charge alone then he must be confusing him with his sister. Eric was indeed the commissioner, but he wasn't the only one.
And as the stunned Eric looked at Shane, a loud hyper tune hit the PA system announcing the arrival of Eric's co-commissioner AJ Lee! AJ skipped out from the back with a happy little smile, making her way into the ring and she shook hands with Shane before waving at the shocked Bischoff. Shane then dropped another bombshell on the pair, informing them that by the end of the night, he expected six names from each of them, as he had a plan for how to crown the first WCW World Champion. Shane also mentioned that the first WCW Pay Per View would be in two months, and he wanted to see the best card possible, telling both AJ and Eric that he expected them to deliver. He also stated that he hoped they would play nice, but that he might have been expecting a little too much there. He then introduced the first match of the new WCW, which was not only a title match but a kickstart to a division that WCW were known for back in the day and he expected to once again be the best in the world. And with all of that long drawn out necessary exposition done, WCW finally went to its first commercial break!
--COMMERCIAL BREAK--
Returning from commercial, the ring had been emptied and it gave JR, Tony, and DDP a chance to sum it up for all the Fox viewers that might have missed it. Page seemed excited to see Bischoff back in charge, while JR was definitely grateful that Shane McMahon had given AJ Lee some control as well. The three men argued momentarily, but all arguments were ended by the roar of a Puma, introducing the first competitor for the next match, which was happily announced by Melissa Santos.
WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP - FATAL FOUR WAY
PRINCE PUMA VS. BILLY KIDMAN VS. ANGELICO VS. 'SUGAR' SHANE HELMS
With the four men in the ring, the referee held up the title to show off to the Atlantians what was on the line. What followed was the expected high speed match, with all four men throwing their own bodies around without much respect for their health and safety. As the first match back for WCW, it showed off the cruiserweights and got the crowd buzzing early. Kidman almost took it with a Shooting Star Press onto Helms, only for the count to be broken at the last moment by the crashing body of Prince Puma with a 630. Puma didn't get a chance to go for the pin though, as Angelico jumped him quickly, and hoisted Puma up for a Fall Of The Angels....only for Prince Puma to reverse it into a crucifix pin and get the three count! Prince Puma is the first WCW Cruiserweight Champion!
WINNER: VIA PINFALL AND NEW WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION, PRINCE PUMA
Puma was handed the belt, staring at it intently for a moment. His eyes showed the joy he had as he took the title in his hands, but any celebration was cut off as he was jumped from behind by King Cuerno! The Premier Hunter of the Cruiserweight Division came to make a point, hoisting up the new Champion and dropping him with a Thrill Of The Hunt in the center of the ring. Picking up the title belt, CUerno stared at it intently, and then laid it across Puma's chest and left, leaving the new champion downed with a future challenger already staking a claim as we go to commercial.
--COMMERCIAL BREAK--
FAMILY MATTERS
Returning from commercial we are taken backstage to the smiling beautiful face of Cathy Kelley. Cathy first off started by promising all WCW fans that she'd be online later this week with the first edition of the WCW Hotline, promising scoops that you wouldn't get anywhere else. She then introduced her guests of the moment, and into the frame walked all five members of The Hart Foundation. They all seemed happy to be there, but it was Bret who kicked off the talking, telling Cathy that while he didn't trust Bischoff as far as he could smack him like a hockey puck, he knew Bischoff wasn't stupid. It didn't matter if this was WWF, WCW, or a 'rinky little southern promotion in redneck central' like the CWA, Bret Hart was the best there is, was, and ever would be, and his name was destined to be one of the six picked, and he WOULD go on to become the first WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Owen and Bulldog put forward their own claims as well, before Bret pointed out his nephews as future world champions as well. Bret finished it off by inviting any three members from backstage to meet The Hart Foundation in the main event, and with that all five men headed off.
Cutting back to ringside, Schiavone was quick to point out the truth behind Bret's words. He'd won titles everywhere he went, and time and time again showed he was great. JR also talked up The Hart Foundation as a whole, staking their claim to be the strongest group in this new era for WCW. And as long as they were united, could there really be anyone capable of besting them? The only answer JR could get was the introductions to the next match.
NICK ALDIS (W/ MICKIE JAMES) VS. MATT HARDY
The National Treasure came out accompanied by his lovely wife, while Matt walked out with Jeff beside him. However, on the stage the two Hardy Brothers fist-bumped before Jeff headed back and Matt came down alone. It was clear Matt was trying to send a message that he could get along by himself, and took it to Aldis to start. His fast-paced brawling was enough to keep Aldis off his game, but Mickie soon interjected, hooking one of Hardy's feet as he ran the ropes, and causing the older Hardy to take his eyes off Aldis for a moment, but it was enough. Aldis quickly clipped out Matt's knee, and then went to work, focusing his attack on the limb and working it over methodically. Some kneebreakers and twists followed soon after, as well as some slams to the ringpost, weakening the knee effectively. Hardy managed to get a small come back in after countering a piledriver with a back body drop. A hobbling Matt hit a Side Effect, and went up for his yodelling leg drop, but when Aldis rolled aside and Matt came crashing down on nothing, it was over. Aldis quickly locking in the Kings Lynn Cloverleaf in the center of the ring, and forcing a humbled Hardy to tap out.
WINNER: VIA SUBMISSION, 'THE NATIONAL TREASURE' NICK ALDIS
Aldis held onto the hold for a few longer moments after the match, before finally letting it go, and forcing the referee to raise his arm. Mickie soon joined him in the ring, sharing a hug with her man, and the two posed as we went to another....
--COMMERCIAL BREAK--
BACK IN BUSINESS
Coming back from commercial, we see a simple shot of a wooden office door. For a few moments nothing happens, and then the door opens and out steps Ted DiBiase. The Million Dollar Man is dressed perfectly as always, and he steps out of the office with a smug grin on his face, before he is followed out by Eric Bischoff. The two men share a handshake, with Bischoff thanking Ted for his idea, and saying how good it was to do business with him again. Ted agrees, before implying he is looking forward to seeing his name in Bischoff's six. After all, Bischoff has ALWAYS had a price for the Million Dollar Man. With a trademark loud cackle DiBiase heads off down the hallway, and Bisch shakes his head slowly. Turning back to head into his office, he is stopped in his tacks by the sight of Chris Jericho in his doorway! Bischoff merely rolls his eyes and shakes his head, starting to tell Jericho there is no way he will be in Bischoff's six, but Jericho cuts him off and tells him to PLEASE SHUT! THE HELL! UP! Jericho wasn't here to beg for his name to be added to Bischoff's list. He didn't have to. AJ Lee had already told him Jericho was on HER list. Bischoff's eyes widen at that, and Jericho smiles at seeing the smugness leave Eric's eyes, before informing Eric what he was here for. He wanted the main event spot against the Hart Foundation, and AJ told him that this week's main event was Eric's decision.
Eric merely smiles and says fine. If Jericho can find two partners, he can have the match. When Eric asked if there was anything else, Jericho said nothing from him, and left the way he had came, Eric sneering at the retreating form of Jericho before stepping into his office.....only to come stumbling right back out with the point of a black baseball bat against his throat. The man at the other end of the bat, the man they call STING didn't have to say a word. Bischoff knew what he wanted and he quickly spluttered out that Sting was on his list! Sting stood there silently for a moment, before tilting his bat back on his own shoulder and heading off. He'd got what he came for. Eric panted hard as he headed back to his office, pausing momentarily at the doorway, before leaning in to slowly look around, and then finally heading inside and shutting the door behind him.
CRAZY IS AS CRAZY DOES
The shot then switched to the other side of the arena, where we saw AJ Lee sitting comfortably in a chair behind a simple table in the middle of a hallway. AJ had her feet up on the desk, and was leaning back in her seat, eyes closed and smiling. Into the scene stepped CM Punk his gaze locked on AJ for a moment, before he slammed his hands down on the table and yelled, trying to scare her. Instead all he got was a giggle, and then AJ opened an eye and shook her head. He'd have to try harder then that to scare her. She always slept with one eye open, especially since she was now at war with Eric. Punk rolled his eyes and then got around to asking if he was on AJ's list. AJ confirmed she was, and then offered to show him the entire list. Reaching down inside her singlet, she pulled out her list of names, and handed it to Punk. He glanced at it, and his eyes widened, before looking back at AJ and informing her she'd made a mistake. She had eight names here.
AJ quickly scrambled her feet off the table, looking at the list and letting out a curse. After looking over the list again, she muttered to herself about how three of the names were already booked for the main event, AJ Styles was away for the week, and Big E was unavailable due to a pancake related incident, which left just three other names from her list, and only one way to decide it. When Punk asked her what way that was, she merely giggled and leaned forward, bopping his nose and smiling, before informing him they could settle it in the ring, right now. Winner of the match got the last spot on her list! Punk stared at her disbelieving, but AJ clapped her hands and claimed her decision was final, telling Punk he needed to hurry, or he'd miss his chance. And with that, Punk took off as we faded out to another commercial.
--COMMERCIAL BREAK--
WINNER GETS LAST SPOT ON AJ LEE'S LIST
CM PUNK VS. KOFI KINGSTON VS. JEFF HARDY
The announcers took the time during the three men's entrances to gush over the already revealed names from both AJ and Eric's lists, with some of the biggest and most talented names in the company already picked on both sides. Jeff and Kofi made it to the ring first, and at the last moment were joined by a panting Punk. The three men came ready to fight, and with a big chance on the line, they gave it their all. Kofi and Jeff took advantage of the winded Punk at first, teaming up to beat up on the Straight Edge Superstar, but when Kofi went for a pin, he got dragged off by Hardy and it was every man for himself. Kofi landed a sweet Trouble in Paradise as Jeff went to climb to the top rope, sending the younger Hardy Boy crashing to ringside. Kofi couldn't take advantage though as Punk had recovered enough to get back into the fight, only for Kofi to slide off the back of a Go To Sleep attempt, and nail Punk with a Trouble In Paradise! Kofi's pin was broken at the last moment when Jeff Hardy yanked him out of the ring, and Jeff quickly slammed into the ring steps, and then dropped him with a Twist Of Fate! Hardy spotted the still laid out Punk in the ring, and quickly scaled the turnbuckles...but Punk was playing possum as he sprang up and hit the ropes, trapping Jeff Hardy on the top turnbuckle. Atlanta lost their minds next, as Punk followed up with a big Pepsi Plunge to Jeff, covering him for the three count! Kofi dove to break it, but he came down just moments after the referee's hand hit the mat and Punk was on the list!
WINNER: VIA PINFALL, CM PUNK
After the match, Punk and Kofi shared a look, before Kingston noddesd, sticking out a hand to Punk. The Straight Edge Superstar took it, and when Kofi's New Day teammates came down to commiserate with him (and give some pancakes to the cheering fans), Punk and Big E shared a look as well, before Punk rolled out of the ring, and we headed to another commercial break.
--COMMERCIAL BREAK--
THIS IS A TRUE STATEMENT
Returning from commercial break, we are once more greeted by the lovely face of Cathy Kelley, who promises she's already got some scoops for the Hotline later this week. She then introduces her next guest, Kurt Angle. Angle steps in with a beaming smile on his face, looking first at Cathy and then into the camera. When Cathy asks why he is smiling so wide, Kurt responds that he has just left Eric Bischoff's office, where he was told he was on Eric's list. Kurt never doubted he would be of course, after all, he won an Olympic Gold Medal with a broken freaking neck right HERE in Atlanta. The crowd roars at that, only for Kurt to follow up with 'of course, that was DESPITE the Atlanta crowd featuring a whole of NOBODIES who wouldn't even cheer him on. Atlanta easily turns on him there, despite Kurt proclaiming that it was true. Before Kurt can continue though, his eyes lock onto someone else stepping into the scene, and the camera pans back to reveal Chris Benoit. The Rabid Wolverine chuckles before claiming he's glad Kurt made the list, because so did he. And he's looking forward to claiming his place atop WCW, as it's reigning World Champion. And if Kurt gets in his way, he will TA--. Before Benoit can finish his sentence Kurt attacks!
Angle and Benoit start brawling heavily, Cathy dashing out of the way as the two men keep fighting, and watching as security is quick to scramble in and start separating the two. Kelley can't seem to decide what to do as she watches the two men being separated, but the arrival of another figure at her side sees her professionalism kick in, and she turns to hold the microphone for him. The man simply smirks, shaking his head as he watches Benoit and Angle being taken apart, and then looking at Kelley. "They can waste their energy now. My eyes are on the prize, and it's going to be PERFECT when I raise that WCW World Heavyweight Title." And with those simple words, Curt Hennig walks away and we cut to ringside.
Cutting back to ringside, the announcers are quick to do a count for the fans at home. That potentially makes Eric's complete list already announced, and the only two names missing on AJ's side, will be Jericho's partners in the main event! DDP gushes over Bischoff's list, which is some of the greatest names in wrestling history. JR admits it's a good list, with some big history behind it, while AJ Lee's list seems more about the future stars of the business. And speaking of history, The Hart Foundation are on their way out now. Bret, Owen, and Bulldog are dressed to wrestle, while TJ Wilson and David Hart Smith are at ringside in jeans and football jersey's. Naturally, they are Saints jersey's which has the crowd rabid already. Thankfully they don't have long to wait to see a friendlier face, as the countdown kicks in and the stage explodes, heralding the arrival of Chris Jericho! Jericho stops mid-ramp though, well aware of the numbers advantage, and he waits patiently for a moment.....YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME! From the back out strolls 'The Rated R Superstar', Edge! Edge makes his way down to stand at Jericho's side, the two men sharing a look, showing their is some tension there, but for tonight they have a bigger fish to fry. The music fades out again, and when the PA system crackles into life, its with the titantron showing another countdown and then crackling into life with an instantly classic theme song, and the crowd roars loudly for the leader of their peeps, as Christian Cage walks out from the back! Christian joins Jericho and Edge on the ramp, sharing a look with them both, before all three men dash to the ring, sending the Hart Foundation scattering to ringside!
JR on commentary can't help but yell about how good this is, as tonight on WCW Nitro's first show, Edge and Christian are teaming with Jericho to take on the Hart Foundation! Thats our Main Event and it will happen right after one last.....
--COMMERCIAL BREAK--
MAIN EVENT
EDGE / CHRISTIAN / CHRIS JERICHO VS. BRET HART / OWEN HART / THE BRITISH BULLDOG
Returning from commercial, the referee has managed to separate the two teams, and it starts off with Chris Jericho versus Owen Hart. The crowd is electric at this dream match sequence, the two men closing in and getting close to locking up, before Owen dashes back and tags in Davey Boy, drawing some loud jeers from the crowd. The Bulldog controls early with his power, and The Hart Foundation follows on with fluent tags and quick double teams, keeping Jericho down and away from his own corner. The match is slow but solid, with both teams establishing themselves and showing off their talents. Jericho gets worked over hard by the Hart Foundation, but never gives in or shows much weakness. He manages to kick Owen square in the face off a back body drop attempt, and follows up with a clothesline, buying himself enough time to tag in Christian Cage! Cage comes in the house on fire, dropping Owen with some uppercuts, and then low bridging the ropes when Davey Boy tries to cheap shot him, sending the Bulldog tumbling to ringside! Bret gets a blind tag on Owen and then tries to sneak in a cheap attack, only to be cut off by Edge, and now Edge and Christian untie to beat down the Hart Brothers! Edge manages to toss Owen from the ring, turning to see Christian rotating Bret into the Unprettier......and Edge launches out of the corner and spears Christian Cage!
Edge quickly rolls out of the ring, a wild look in his eyes as he backs up the ramp. A smug grin crossing his lips as he heads to the back, the crowd shocked at what they just saw, but The Hitman isn't wasting a golden opportunity, quickly tying Christian up in a Sharpshooter! Jericho fights tooth and nail at ringside, knocking down Owen and Davey Boy Smith, but just as Y2J goes to dive in the ring to break up the hold, his nakles are grabbed by DH Smith! Jericho kicks and flails trying to reach his partner, but Christian can't hold out forever and he taps out, giving the win to The Hart Foundation!
WINNERS: VIA SUBMISSION, THE HART FOUNDATION
While the match may be over, the Hart Foundation certainly aren't finished as they quickly toss Jericho into the ring and then swarm the two men. A beating ensues, with Jericho and Christian being stomped away on, unable to do anything but cover up against the superior numbers. Luckily though the calvary is on its way, as The New Day comes bursting out of the back and racing to the ring. New Day fights hard, but The Hart Foundation still have the advantage, managing to knock New Day down as well, but their distraction is enough to buy time for another familiar face to appear. Sting climbs over the barricade and slips into the ring with his baseball bat! Owen is the first to turn and get greeted by a bat to his midsection, then TJ Wilson and DH Smith both cop hard shots to the ribs. Davey Boy grabs the bat as Sting swings it at him, but Sting merely follows up with a boot south of the equator on The Bulldog to loosen his grip, and then cracks him square between the eyes, dropping him and leaving just one Hart standing. Sting points his bat at The Hitman, but Bret is having none of it, dropping and rolling from the ring, backing up the entrance way with a scowl on his face. Before he can get too far though....
HERE COMES THE MONEY
Atlanta roars as from the back out stepped Shane McMahon once more. Shane O Mac shared a look with Bret, but then calmly raised his microphone. He stated that since he now had BOTH lists of six from his commissioners, he could unveil exactly WHAT the plan was for the WCW World Title. Shane admitted that as a McMahon, he knew all about shady business tactics and avoiding ever confessing to anything. But unlike his father, he wanted to be as upfront as possible with the WCW locker room and its fans, and he admitted he was straight up copying a fascinating idea that he had seen in Japan. Over there it had it's own name, a rather climatic one, but here in WCW he was just going to call it the WCW WORLD SERIES. Two blocks. Six Superstars each. Two months of nothing but the BEST against the BEST. And at the end, the top two superstars of each block would face off in a final fight to determine which two men would fight to become WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.
The crowd cheered for that, Shane giving them a moment before he raised his microphone a final time for the night. He admitted he'd only just drawn the names and brackets, and while he wasn't going to stand there and read out every match, after all, that would be what the WCW Hotline was for, but he could announce next weeks main event right now. Next week, live on Monday Night Nitro, Bret Hart would open up his World Series campaign....
"Against the Man They Call STING!!!"
Bret's eyes widen and his gaze changes to in the ring, where Sting is standing calmly and impassively. The rest of The Hart Foundation already taken out by the bat wielding vigilante, and with a simple raise of his arm, his bat is pointing right at The Hitman, and the first ever WCW Monday Nitro goes....to......black!
--FIN--
