WCW Clash of Champions XVI

The World tag team titles are up for grabs! Also, what happens during the contract signing for the World title match at Halloween Havoc? Read on!

On the ramp, Eric Bischoff stands alongside Missy Hyatt and Uncle Paul. Hyatt's excited to interview Luger while Uncle Paul's ready to grill Ron Simmons.

“Stunning” Steve Austin (w/ Lady Blossom), “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, Big Josh, El Gigante, One Man Gang, Oz, Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker, "Rapmaster" PN News, Ranger Ross, Dustin Rhodes, Thomas Rich, Tracy Smothers, Terrance Taylor, Barry Windham, Z-Man

Josh, Z-Man, and Rhodes wore their World six-man tag belts to the ring while Rich entered the ring having recently joined the York Foundation.
After Eaton and Austin went over the top rope, they landed on the apron and brawled.
While Josh was eliminated, he took Taylor with him.
Windham then eliminated Ranger Ross while Jim Ross shilled Braves' baseball on TBS.

Off-camera, Rhodes eliminated Rich.
Windham then eliminated Parker while Z-Man got eliminated off-camera.
Next, Austin eliminated Smothers as Gang almost eliminated Eaton.
He then successfully eliminated Eaton with a back drop after Oz reversed an Irish whip.
After News splashed Gang in the corner, he made a second attempt but came up empty and went over the top turnbuckle to the floor. LOOK OUT BELOW!
Windham and Austin then eliminated one another.
Final four: Gang, Rhodes, Oz, and El Gigante.
Oz then gave Gang a cross corner whip resulting in an avalanche on Rhodes.
As El Gigante gave Gang and Oz a double noggin knocker, the heels eliminated Rhodes.
El Gigante then hit a double clothesline eliminating both Oz and Gang.
El Gigante won.

Match 2 (semi-final for the Light Heavyweight title tournament): “Flyin’” Brian Pillman versus Badstreet (w/ the Freebirds)

For those unaware, Badstreet was portrayed by Brad Armstrong under a mask.
Pillman was reinstated back on 8/24 after hiding under his own mask as the Yellow Dog.
Despite their objection, referee Randy Anderson ejected the Freebirds.

Fortunately, Hayes didn't throw a similar tantrum.
Badstreet gave Pillman a cross corner whip, but PIllman countered with a flying headscissors.
When he executed a victory roll, Pillman got 2.
He then reversed a cross corner whip but got vaulted to the apron.
As he hit a springboard sunset flip, PIllman got another 2.
He then delivered a dropkick that sent Badstreet to the apron.
From the apron, Badstreet suplexed PIllman to the floor.
With Pillman on the apron, Badstreet punted him causing Pillman to taste the steel railing. It must have tasted like the Metro burger at the Whiskey Bar Kitchen. I wonder if it'll break down on his way to work too.
As both wrestlers were on the apron, Badstreet sent PIllman back-first into the ring post.
Pillman then hit a cross body block from the apron into the ring for 2.
After Badstreet hooked a hangman's neckbreaker, he got 2.
He then slammed PIllman, mounted the top turnbuckle, but PIllman dropkicked him down to the floor.
Next, he hit a tope suicida. Woohoo! In the process, he got a second helping of the steel railing. Waiter, could you give the former Cincinnati Bengal an Elway burger please? Perhaps it'll fail to find another good quarterback post-Peyton Manning as well.
Pillman then tossed Badstreet back in the ring, mounted the top turnbuckle, but missed a missile dropkick. In the meantime, Badstreet tried to dropkick him simultaneously but barely got Pillman's leg.
Upon receiving an Irish whip, PIllman face-planted Badstreet.
He then hit a spinning heel kick for 2.
As Badstreet came back with a DDT, he got 2.
He then attempted another hangman's neckbreaker, but PIllman countered with a backslide for2.
When PIllman hooked a crucifix, Badstreet countered with a Samoan drop.
He then placed PIllman atop the top turnbuckle, joined him, but PIllman head-butted him down to the mat.
After PIllman hit a flying body press, he pinned Badstreet.
Pillman advanced to the finals.

Sting
Ron Simmons
Barry Windham
El Gigante
Steve Austin
Dustin Rhodes
One Man Gang
Diamond Studd
Z-Man
Bobby Eaton

Prior to the next match, we revisit World Championship Wrestling when Sting opened a gift box. Abdullah the Butcher was inside and promptly attacked Sting (aired 8/24, taped 8/5).

Match 3 (non-title): WCW US champion Sting versus Johnny B. Badd (w/ Teddy Long)

When Luger won the World title at the last PPV, the US title became vacant. A tournament was held at the Omni on 8/25, and Sting beat Austin to win the title.
After a pair of leap frogs, Sting backdropped Badd.
He then slammed Badd, mounted the second turnbuckle, but ate knees on a Vader bomb.
As he slammed Badd again, he mounted the opposite second turnbuckle only to miss an elbow drop. Sorry about your damn luck.

Badd then mounted the top turnbuckle, hooked a sunset flip, and got 2.
When Sting hooked an inside cradle, he got 2.
He then executed his own sunset flip for another 2.
Shortly after, Badd gave Sting a cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through.
Sting then delivered a vertical suplex, gave Badd a pair of cross corner whips, but Long saved Badd from an incoming Stinger splash.
After a new gift box distracted Badd, Sting stared in awe of it.
He then hooked another inside cradle and pinned Badd.
While Sting won, he broke Badd's TV undefeated streak.

After the match, Cactus Jack explodes from the gift box to attack Sting. When Sting seeks refuge outside the ring, Cactus Jack mounts the second turnbuckle and hits a Cactus elbow over the broadcast table. Back in the ring, he gives Sting a double-arm DDT before Rhodes, Eaton, and Josh rescue Sting.

Match 4 (semi-final for the Light Heavyweight title tournament): Richard Morton (w/ Alexandra York) versus Mike Graham

According to Ross, the winner of this match will face PIllman in the final at Halloween Havoc on 10/27.
After Morton took Graham down, he hooked a Boston crab.
As Graham escaped, he succumbed to a sunset flip for 2.
Next, he countered a somersault rollup with a bridge into a backslide for 2.
He then gave Morton a cross corner whip but ate knee on his follow-through.
When Morton mounted the second turnbuckle, Graham hooked a German suplex with a bridge for another 2.
He then attempted a figure-four leg lock, but Morton grabbed the bottom rope immediately.
As Morton gave Graham a cross corner whip, he followed with an inverted atomic drop.
He then slammed Graham but missed an elbow drop.
After Graham hooked a half-nelson, he got 2.
York then got up on the apron while Graham slammed Morton.
When York continued to distract referee Nick Patrick, Graham slammed Morton again and rolled him up for a false pin.
Morton's kick-out then sent Graham face-first to the top turnbuckle, so he rolled Graham up, hooked the tights, and pinned him.
Morton advanced.

In the ring, Eric Bischoff interviews Bill Kazmaier who will attempt to bend a ¾" steel beam around his head to set a new World record. As he completes the feat, the Enforcers attack him from behind with a 45lb steel plate. As they run for cover, Rick Steiner comes out to aid his partner.

Match 5 (non-title): WCW US tag team champions the Freebirds versus the Patriots

For those unaware, the Patriots were portrayed by Firebreaker Chip & Todd Champion.
After a leap frog, Hayes tossed Chip between the ropes to the floor.
Chip came back with a powerslam, caught Garvin on the top rope, and tossed him down to the mat.
Next, he gave each Freebird a dropkick sending them scurrying.
Garvin tagged in, but Chip reversed a cross corner whip and hip-tossed him.
Following another dropkick, Chip hooked a sleeper on Garvin.
When Hayes tried to intervene, Chip applied a sleeper to him.
According to Ross, Kazmaier "vehemently refused to go to the hospital."

Meanwhile, Chip executed a sunset flip for 2 on Garvin.
He then rolled up Garvin for another 2.
As Chip got to his feet, Hayes nailed him with a devastating left.
Tags were exchanged on both sides as Champion backdropped Hayes.
After he slammed both Freebirds, Champion gave them a double noggin knocker.
He then delivered a flying back elbow to Hayes for 2.
Upon ducking a double clothesline, Champion hit one of his own.
Chip tagged in, mounted the top turnbuckle, and gave the Freebirds a flying double clothesline.
When the Patriots delivered a double back elbow to Hayes, they followed with a double back drop to Garvin.
After a double clothesline, Chip earned a false pin on Garvin because Champion distracted referee Mike Adkins.
Hayes then nailed Chip with an elbow drop to the head.
As a result, Garvin pinned Chip.
The Freebirds won.

Summary: This match was necessary because the Freebirds had already lost to the Patriots on 8/12. However, the title change aired on 9/7.

After a commercial break, Uncle Paul interviews Cactus Jack in the ring. Cactus Jack wants to celebrate the end of Sting's career as another gift box comes down the aisle. When Cactus Jack opens the box, Sting emerges and backdrops him on the ramp. He then hip-tosses Cactus Jack off the ramp onto the concrete floor. OUCH! Next, Sting pulls him back to the ramp for a standing dropkick. Cactus Jack then grabs a trash can and nails Sting with it. While officials separate them, Sting gains some revenge with the trash can.

Prior to the next match, we witness the retirement of Simmons' football jersey at Florida State University. Following that, a pre-recorded video features FSU football coach Bobby Bowden supporting Simmons.

Studd attacked Simmons at the bell, and as Simmons attempted a leap frog, he chokeslammed Simmons for 2.
As Simmons reversed a cross corner whip, he ate boot on his follow-through.
Studd then mounted the second turnbuckle and hit a bulldog for 2.
When Simmons countered Studd's arrogant cover with a sunset flip, he got 2.
Simmons then reversed another cross corner whip yet ducked the boot this time.
Upon taking Studd off his feet, Simmons crotched him with the ring post. YEE-OUCH!
Simmons then gave Studd an inverted atomic drop followed by a regular one.
After a clothesline, Simmons reversed an Irish whip and delivered a spinebuster.
He then hit the flying shoulder block.
1-2-3.
Simmons won.

In the ring, Uncle Paul interviews Simmons who's ready for Halloween Havoc. While Simmons cuts a promo on Luger, Harley Race and Mr. Hughes come to the ring. Simmons then exits the ring to pursue Luger.

This match marked Van Hammer's WCW debut.
Before the opening bell, Taylor nailed Hammer from behind with the computer.
Hammer then no-sold Taylor's offense and slammed him twice.
Upon hitting a series of clotheslines, Hammer's imitated the currently-suspended Ultimate Warrior remarkably.
He then gave Taylor a front suplex, mounted the top turnbuckle, and delivered a knee drop to Taylor's back.
1-2-3.
Hammer won.

Back in the locker room, Hyatt interviews Luger with Race. Suddenly, Simmons knocks on the door. Luger comes to the door and shoves Simmons out of the room. Simmons then breaks down the door. While a group of babyfaces remove Simmons, the segment ends. The less Hyatt the better is the way I like it.

Match 8 for the WCW World TV title: “Stunning” Steve Austin (champion w/ Lady Blossom) versus Z-Man

After some mat wrestling, Austin took Z-Man down with a shoulder block but ate a superkick.
Z-Man then backdropped Austin for 2.
When Austin sought refuge outside the ring, Z-Man hit a plancha on the ramp.
He then tossed Austin back in, mounted the top turnbuckle, but missed a cross body block.
Next, Austin hooked a rear chin lock and put his feet on the second rope until referee Nick Patrick caught him.
He then gave Z-Man a stungun, but Z-Man came back with an inside cradle for 2.
As Z-Man reversed an Irish whip, he hooked a sleeper, but Austin made the ropes.
In the process, Blossom gave Austin a foreign object. SNEAKY!
Austin then missed a haymaker while Z-Man attempted a belly-to-back suplex.
During the move, Austin WALLOPED Z-Man with the object.
1-2-3.
Austin retained.

Summary: With the exception of a couple of moments, these guys phoned it in BIG TIME.

After the match, Blossom retrieves the object and stores it in her ample cleavage. Woohoo!

Prior to the next match, a video featuring Simmons at the Atlanta Boys' Club airs. Next, Simmons accompanies one hundred-fifty boys from the Boys' Club to the Omni to see him wrestle.

At the entrance, Bischoff moderates a "press conference" to sign the contract for the World title match at Halloween Havoc. While Simmons has his wife and Dusty Rhodes seated next to him, Luger emerges with Race and Hughes. Simmons then signs the contract, and Luger follows suit. Afterward, an overconfident Luger suggestively offers him a position on his team post-match--chauffeur. An angry and offended Simmons then physically assaults Luger while WCW security tries to separate them. As they climb into a white limousine, Luger, Race, and Hughes avoid an oncoming and enraged Simmons.

We then revisit World Championship Wrestling when Steiner and Kazmaier defeated One Man Gang and Executioner in the semifinals (aired 8/17, taped 8/6). Next, we fast-forward to the following week when the Enforcers defeated the Patriots (aired 8/24, taped 8/6). Afterward, we revisit the earlier segment when the Enforcers attacked Kazmaier.

Match 9 (final for the WCW World tag team titles): The Enforcers versus Rick Steiner & Bill Kazmaier

Due to Scott Steiner's legitimately torn bicep, the Steiners had to vacate the World tag team titles on 7/20.
For those unaware, the Enforcers were comprised of Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko.
As Kazmaier made his entrance, his ribs were taped.
After Rick hip-tossed Zbyszko across the ring, he gave Arn a powerslam for 2.
Shortly after, Zbyszko delivered a vertical suplex for 2.
Arn tagged in, but Rick blocked a suplex and delivered one of his own.
When Zbyszko tagged in, the Enforcers tried a double-team, but Rick gave Arn a Steinerline.
He then placed Arn atop the top turnbuckle and joined him.
Before a superplex could occur, Zbyszko nailed Rick from behind.
Arn then hit a clothesline from the second turnbuckle.
As Kazmaier tagged in, he slammed Arn and attempted a military press of Zbyszko.
Arn then nailed him in the injured ribs to thwart the attempt.
While Zbyszko fell on top, he pinned Kazmaier.
WE HAVE NEW CHAMPIONS!

Conclusion: While the main event is technically historic, thes show minus the Pillman-Badstreet match genuinely stunk. Since the hype for Halloween Havoc was its purpose, the execution of some angles could have been better. Unless you're a HUGE Arn Anderson fan, I'd skip this show.