WCW Monday Nitro November 30, 1998

by

Live from Chattanooga, TN

Airdate: November 30, 1998

Attendance: 8,025 (sold out)

Hosted by Tony Schiavone, Larry Zbyszko, & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Can DDP retain against the “Hitman”? Does Malenko stand a chance against Windham? What’s the latest between Goldberg and Bigelow? Any scoop on Nash? Hall? Konnan? Jericho? Raven? Hogan?

Opening montage.

In the ring, the Nitro Girls dance in silver and black.

Schiavone and Zbyszko discuss “Hollywood” Hogan’s appearance on The Tonight Show. Unfortunately, the WWE Network scrubbed the footage, and none appears to be available online as of this writing.

However, on the THANKSGIVING NIGHT telecast, Hogan announced both his retirement from pro wrestling and candidacy for President of the United States. I smell a publicity stunt.

Following a commercial break, two white limousines pull up to the UTC Arena. The entirety of nWo Hollywood minus Hogan disembarks and makes its way inside. As its music plays, the group approaches the ring, BPP grabs the microphone, and he hands it to Bischoff. He announces Hogan’s successor—BPP—who asks for a moment of silence for Hogan. Next, he takes over as the wrestler with the biggest arms in the world. He calls out Hall as their “first order of business” and tells him he’ll “bury” him in a tag match TONIGHT. Please don’t be a graveyard match.

Prior to the opening match, Konnan grabs the microphone and rattles off his catchphrases.

Match 1 for the WCW World TV title: Chris Jericho (champion w/ Ralphus) versus Konnan

Highlights:

  • If you want to choose a point where Jericho’s downward spiral within WCW began, the aborted feud with Goldberg along with this match qualified.
  • Konnan clotheslined and pummeled Jericho in the corner.
  • When they leapfrogged one another, Konnan thwarted a monkey flip attempt and connected with a seated dropkick.
  • Jericho reversed an Irish whip and dealt Konnan a stun gun.
  • As Konnan migrated to the apron, Jericho leveled him with a springboard dropkick.
  • He flattened Konnan with a plancha, dislodged the steps, and rammed Konnan shoulder-first into them.
  • Back in the ring, Jericho tried an Arrogant Cover but only got 2.
  • He slammed Konnan, mounted the top turnbuckle, leaped, but ate boot.
  • After Konnan sidelined Jericho with a somersault clothesline, he hooked a fisherman’s suplex and got 2.
  • Jericho rebounded with a jawbreaker followed by a clothesline.
  • While he launched a Lionsault, Jericho got 2.
  • He landed a spin kick, got reversed on a cross corner whip, got caught mid-float-over as well as annihilated by a spinebuster. Konnan got 2.
  • Blocking a German suplex, Jericho secured a victory roll, unlocked it, and trapped Konnan in a LionTamer.
  • Konnan grabbed the bottom rope to escape, yet Jericho celebrated that he had won.
  • Trying to obliterate Konnan, Jericho swung the belt but missed.
  • Konnan retaliated by ramming him face-first into the belt.
  • 1-2-3.
  • Konnan won at 7:10.
  • WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

 Rating: ***

Summary: Can you tell Kevin Nash is the bookerman? Putting a belt on his buddy Konnan certainly sounds like one of his ideas. At least, Konnan didn’t steamroll Jericho.

After the match, nWo Wolfpack jumps into the ring to celebrate with Konnan.

Konnan’s music video plays while I flip my mattress.

In the ring, “Mean” Gene Okerlund interviews “Nature Boy” Ric Flair who lists a litany of legends. He’s disappointed at Windham but refers to Bischoff as an “asshole.” As he calls Bischoff out, Flair refers to himself as an “old man.”

Hall, without music but wearing an Outsiders t-shirt, approaches the ring. While he grabs the microphone, Hall claims to be a lone wolf but accepts nWo Hollywood’s challenge. Suddenly, Nash emerges and wants to be his “huckleberry.” The Outsiders unite!

Match 2: Raven & Kanyon versus Scott & Steve Armstrong

Highlights:

  • Raven entered the ring and slumped in the corner.
  • As the bell sounded, he remained there. Odd.
  • Raven grabbed the microphone and rattled off his self-indulgent crap.
  • When Kanyon called him out for it, the Armstrongs double-teamed him.
  • Steve unleashed a gourdbuster and got 2.
  • After Kanyon pancaked Steve, Raven finally stood up.
  • Raven returned to the locker room, so Kanyon destroyed Steve with a Flatliner.
  • While Scott tagged in, he rolled up Kanyon.
  • 1-2-3.
  • Armstrongs won at 3:36.
  • UPSET CITY!

Rating: ½*

Summary: More angle than match as Raven’s depression costs his team the match. By the way, the Armstrong Curse has been lifted for only one night.

HOUR #2!

In the ring, Okerlund interviews Bret who claims a groin injury will prevent him from working in the main event. Abruptly, DDP waltzes through the Chattanooga faithful and climbs into the ring. He refers to Bret as “scum” and questions his heart. As Bret stammers about his “injury,” DDP calls him “a damn liar.” Bret demands a no-DQ match in order to take the match, and DDP accepts. There’s a difference between being tough and being smart. I’ll let you choose which one DDP is here.

We revisit last week when DDP got destroyed with a chair by Bret but got the last laugh.

Match 3 for the WCW Cruiserweight title: Kidman (champion) versus Eddie Guerrero

Highlights:

  • Eddie slapped the BEJEEZUS out of him, but Kidman responded with a dropkick to the back.
  • When Kidman reversed an Irish whip, he leapfrogged Eddie and followed with a monkey flip.
  • Eddie vaulted Kidman to the apron who took him down with a flying headscissors.
  • As Eddie reversed an Irish whip, Kidman dropkicked him again.
  • Eddie sought refuge on the floor, but Kidman thwarted that with a plancha.
  • After Eddie rammed him shoulder-first into the steps, he sandwiched Kidman between the steps and the ring post and dropkicked the steps. OUCH!
  • Back in the ring, Eddie dealt Kidman a somersault senton splash.
  • He delivered a shoulder breaker, and we took a commercial break.
  • Afterward, Eddie rammed the shoulder into the ring post and followed with a brainbuster.
  • He mounted the top turnbuckle but got caught.
  • While Kidman joined him, he attempted a super huracanrana, but Eddie blocked it.
  • Eddie attempted a powerbomb, but, say it with me, YOU CAN’T POWERBOMB KIDMAN!
  • Nevertheless, Kidman face-planted Eddie and got 2.
  • He obliterated Eddie with an Acid Drop and flattened him with a sit-out powerbomb for 2.
  • Responding with his own flying headscissors, Eddie planted him with a tornado DDT.
  • He mounted the top turnbuckle but got caught again.
  • Joining Eddie, Kidman launched a top rope superplex for 2. Wow!
  • Eddie reversed a cross corner whip, but Kidman flipped him around and knocked referee Charles Robinson completely out of the ring.
  • Joining Eddie again, Kidman uncorked a super huracanrana.
  • He mounted the opposite top turnbuckle, but Juventud Guerrera jumped onto the apron.
  • Nailing Guerrera, Kidman noticed Rey Mysterio jump onto the apron.
  • Mysterio soared with a springboard dropkick but hammered Eddie in the back instead of Kidman.
  • Mounting the top turnbuckle again, Kidman unleashed a Shooting Star Press.
  • Mysterio tossed a dazed Robinson back into the ring.
  • 1-2-3.
  • Kidman retained at 7:25.

 Rating: ***

Summary: Solid match but barely any heat until the run-ins commenced.

Following the match, the lWo storms the ring chasing both Mysterio and Kidman off.

Hasbro Interactive sponsors the replay.

Bam Bam Bigelow sat amongst the Chattanooga faithful with WCW security standing beside him.

Barry Windham and Eric Bischoff approach the ring, and a clean-cut Bischoff claims we “need another hero.” For whatever reason, I’m craving a Philly cheesesteak.

Nonetheless, Bischoff introduces Dean Malenko? When the Four Horsemen emerge, Malenko comes to the ring alone. Bischoff offers him a match against Windham with the stipulation of a victory leading to a one-on-one confrontation between Bischoff and Flair. Without hesitation, Malenko accepts.

On the other hand, Bischoff adds more spice to the chili with a special guest referee—Dusty Rhodes. Wearing an nWo Hollywood t-shirt, Rhodes joins the party in the ring. He claims there will be ZERO shenanigans and will call it “down the middle.”

At the entrance, the Nitro Girls dance wearing periwinkle.

Match 4: Wrath versus Bobby Blaze

Highlights:

  • In no time whatsoever, Wrath destroyed Blaze with a Meltdown.
  • 1-2-3.
  • Wrath won at 0:28.

 Rating: DUD

Summary: Showcase match for Wrath who’s back in the win column after getting neutered last week.

Prior to the next match, Miller grabs the microphone and challenges everyone. Saturn emerges and approaches the ring. If Saturn can beat Onoo, Miller will face him. Incredulous, Onoo complains until Miller tells him what he wants him to hear.

Match 5: Saturn versus Sonny Onoo (w/ Ernest “The Cat” Miller)

Highlights:

  • Saturn decimated Onoo with a sit-out powerbomb, but Miller jumped onto the apron.
  • When Saturn clobbered Miller, he covered Onoo.
  • Miller yanked referee Scott Dickinson out of the ring, and Glacier appeared.
  • As Glacier knocked Saturn’s lights out with a Cryonic kick, he placed Onoo atop Saturn.
  • 1-2-NO!
  • Miller jumped onto the apron again and tossed a foreign object into the ring.
  • After Onoo grabbed it, he tried to knock Saturn silly.
  • Saturn blocked it and dumped Onoo with a Death Valley Driver.
  • 1-2-3.
  • Saturn won at 1:14.

 Rating: DUD

Summary: More angle than match as the Saturn versus Miller saga continues.

Afterward, Dickenson finds the foreign object in Saturn’s tights and reverses the decision.

Outside the arena, another while limousine arrives, and Goldberg steps out. He approaches the ring in street clothes and joins Okerlund and Terry Taylor. Joining the party, Nash, Konnan, and Luger step into the ring. Nash signs the contract for the World title match at the PPV. Meanwhile, Okerlund states that Goldberg will NOT defend the World title before the PPV. Nash celebrates Wolfpack-style while Goldberg also signs the contract.

POINT OF ORDER: Do you remember the last time the World titleholder was held in check prior to Starrcade? It happened in 1987 with Ron Garvin. Guess what transpired?

All of a sudden, Bigelow jumps the steel railing, but WCW security stops him immediately. They usher him out of the arena entirely.

HOUR #3!

Match 6: Booker T versus Mike Enos

Highlights:

  • As much as I adore Booker T, this match should NOT begin the last hour.
  • Booker T reversed an Irish whip and clobbered Enos with a forearm smash.
  • When he laid out Enos with a leg lariat, Booker T got 2.
  • Enos reversed an Irish whip and dealt Booker T a stun gun.
  • After he clotheslined Booker T over the top rope to the floor, Enos leaped from the apron and unfurled a lariat.
  • He guillotined Booker T with the steel railing and tossed him back into the ring.
  • While he landed a leg drop, Enos gave Booker T a cross corner whip followed by a corner clothesline.
  • Booker T nailed Enos with a knee to the midsection followed by another leg lariat.
  • Annihilating Enos with an Axe kick, Booker T dumped him with a belly-to-back suplex.
  • He performed the Spinaroonie and clocked Enos with a Harlem side kick.
  • Decimating Enos with a spinebuster, Booker T pinned him at 3:28.

 Rating: **

Summary: Showcase match for Booker T.

Outside the arena, Bigelow demands Goldberg.

Match 7: The “Total Package” Lex Luger versus Brian Adams (w/ Vincent)

Highlights:

  • Seriously? Again?
  • Luger connected with a back elbow, but Adams responded by guillotining him with the top rope.
  • When he dealt Luger an inverted atomic drop, Adams followed with a lariat.
  • Adams dumped Luger to the floor and distracted referee Mickey Jay.
  • As Vincent gave him the business, he tossed Luger back into the ring.
  • In the meantime, in true Heenan fashion, Bobby announced he wouldn’t vote and would emigrate to Canada should Hogan become President. HA!
  • Regardless, Adams got 2.
  • He gave Luger a HARD cross corner whip to injure the back, gave him another cross corner whip, but ate a back elbow on his follow-through.
  • After Luger clotheslined him twice, he stymied both Adams and Jay with a running forearm smash.
  • Vincent placed a chair onto the apron, jumped into the ring, and attacked Luger.
  • While Luger sent Vincent packing, Adams discovered the chair.
  • He WALLOPED Luger in the back with it, and the heels spike-piledrove him onto the chair. How dastardly!
  • Stirring Jay awake, Adams only got 2.
  • Luger rolled up a frustrated and distracted Adams but couldn’t pin him.
  • Clotheslining Luger, Adams fell victim to an inverted atomic drop.
  • Vincent jumped onto the apron with the chair, but Luger reversed an Irish whip.
  • Applying the brakes, Adams avoided getting nailed by the chair, but Luger knocked him into it.
  • Vincent went reeling back to the floor, and Luger hooked Adams in a Torture Rack.
  • Due to Adams’ submission, Luger won at 5:07.

 Rating: **

Summary: Entertaining HOSS match as Vincent’s chicanery backfired.

At the entrance, the Nitro girls dance in gold and black.

Match 8: Dean Malenko versus Barry Windham

Highlights:

  • The “American Nightmare” Dusty Rhodes was the special guest referee.
  • As Windham hit the ring, the brawl was ON.
  • Windham delivered a gutwrench suplex and got 2 with just his hand atop Malenko.
  • When Malenko reversed a cross corner whip, he ate a back elbow on his follow-through.
  • Windham gave him a cross corner whip, but Malenko vaulted to the apron.
  • After Malenko mounted the top turnbuckle, Windham nailed him.
  • Malenko fell to the mat grasping his previously-injured knee.
  • While Windham held a leg bar, Malenko grabbed the bottom rope.
  • Showing bias, Rhodes delicately removed Malenko from the bottom rope.
  • Windham pummeled Malenko’s knee until Rhodes had seen enough.
  • What’s the decision?
  • Rhodes disqualified Windham, so Malenko won at 3:09.
  • SWERVE!

 Rating: *

Summary: More angle than match as Rhodes returns to being a babyface.

After the match, Bischoff returns to the ring and berates Rhodes. Despite Bischoff’s orders, Rhodes refuses to return to the ring. Subsequently, Bischoff fires him. Windham saunters after Rhodes, but Malenko blasts him from behind. To the utter joy of the Chattanooga faithful and me, the Horsemen beat down Windham four-on-one. They disintegrate Windham, so Flair goes after Bischoff. While Flair rants over the microphone, nWo Hollywood scrambles to usher Bischoff backstage.

Match 9: The Outsiders versus Big Poppa Pump & Horace

Highlights:

  • The nWo referee officiated the match.
  • When Horace gave Hall a cross corner whip, he followed with a corner clothesline.
  • Hall chokeslammed Horace while Schiavone announced that Bischoff must wrestle Flair at the PPV on 12/27. Sweet!
  • As BPP tagged in, he dealt Hall a Steinerline for a quick 2.
  • He scored with a double underhook slam for another quick 2.
  • After he hoisted Hall atop the top turnbuckle, BPP joined but got returned to the mat.
  • Hall destroyed BPP with a second rope bulldog, but the nWo referee slowly counted to 2.
  • While BPP took him WAY DOWNTOWN, he tossed Hall down to the floor.
  • Horace grabbed his weight belt and choked Hall with it with ZERO repercussions.
  • Tagging in, Horace delivered a backbreaker while the Chattanooga faithful chanted “we want Nash.”
  • Horace splashed Hall and got a quick 2.
  • Hot tag Nash.
  • The nWo referee tried to waive it off, but Nash pie-faced him.
  • Knocking BPP silly with a big boot, Nash followed him to the floor.
  • Horace tried to grab Nash, but Hall caught him.
  • Hooking an Outsider Edge, Hall didn’t receive a count from the nWo referee.
  • Nash demolished the nWo referee with a jackknife powerbomb.
  • Substituting as referee, Mickey Jay counted the pin for Hall.
  • The Outsiders won at 7:26.

 Rating: *

Summary: Lots of smoke and mirrors to make this worthwhile.

Outside the arena, Bigelow still wants Goldberg.

Speaking of Goldberg, he sprints out of the arena and brawls with Bigelow on the grass. WCW Security separates them, but the brawl continues.

Match 10 for the WCW US title (no-DQ): Diamond Dallas Page (champion) versus the “Hitman” Bret Hart

Highlights:

  • Hart baited DDP into the corner, and his trick knee flared up.
  • As DDP applied a ring post figure-four leg lock, Giant jogged to ringside.
  • He broke the hold, and gorilla-press-tossed DDP back into the ring. Impressive!
  • When he entered the ring, Giant chokeslammed DDP.
  • Bret picked up DDP, and Giant lifted him atop the top turnbuckle before lowering him with a HUGE chokeslam.
  • After Bret hooked a Sharpshooter, he won due to DDP being OUT COLD at 4:15.
  • WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!

 Rating: DUD

Summary: Complete farce as Bret and Giant used chicanery to get their way.

Following the match, Giant affixes the US title around Bret’s waist to the thrill of no one.

Conclusion: Two titles change hands as WCW scrambles to generate ratings. As Bret steals the US title from DDP, Konnan gets crowned by the bookerman as the World TV champion. The Outsiders reunite, but it doesn’t feel so good. Although the Horsemen finally win a battle tonight, what will Bischoff do going forward knowing he must face Flair at the PPV?

Goldberg and Nash have a contract signing that doesn’t resemble 1/10th the drama of either Hogan/Andre or Hogan/Flair. Notwithstanding, Goldberg still has a beef with Bigelow. While the Kidman-Eddie match is quite entertaining, the upset by the Armstrong brothers remains a true feel-good moment in pro wrestling.

What’s on RAW is WAR?

TV Rating: 4.2

Stay tuned for RAW Is WAR 11-30-98!

Comments? Suggestions? Send them to me at rsg@rockstargary.com and follow me on Twitter (@rockstargary202).