WCW Monday Nitro 10-20-97

WELCOME TO ROCK STAR GARY REFLECTIONS!

Live from Biloxi, MS

Airdate: October 20, 1997

Attendance: 5,950

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

It’s the go-home show for Halloween Havoc ‘97! What sorts of chaos will occur and how will it impact the PPV? Let’s find out!

As the show begins, Hennig, Konnan, Vincent, and Norton are laid out in the back. Suddenly, Eric Bischoff, “Hollywood” Hogan, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage arrive and are astounded at the carnage. The letters D-D-P are spray-painted on the concrete, and a Piper t-shirt as well as a baseball bat are shown.

Bischoff, Hogan, and Savage then come to the ring, and Bischoff depicts the bat as “proof.” As he refers to Piper as “scum,” Bischoff runs down both Sting and DDP. Hogan then points out that a steel cage hangs above the ring. Woohoo! While WCW security confiscates a fan’s sign, Bischoff calls out Piper, and the Biloxi faithful chant “Pi-per.” Excellent nuclear opening to the show.

We then revisit last week’s show when the real Sting dropped Bagwell like a bad habit, scared the bejeezus out of Hogan, and handed the World title belt to Piper.

Match 1 for the WCW Cruiserweight title: Eddie Guerrero (champion) versus the “Crippler” Chris Benoit

Highlights:

Benoit reversed an Irish whip and flapjacked Eddie.
When Benoit reversed a cross corner whip, Eddie floated over and dropkicked him.
Benoit then vaulted Eddie face-first into the top turnbuckle before tanning his hide with chops.

As he chopped Eddie over the top rope to the floor, Benoit tried to suplex him back into the ring.
On the other hand, Eddie escaped and rolled Benoit up for 2.
While the Biloxi faithful chanted “Eddie sucks,” Benoit hung their nemesis out to dry on the top rope.
He then chopped Eddie to the floor and delivered a tope suicida. Woohoo!
Following a commercial break, Eddie hooked an abdominal stretch, but Benoit escaped from and clotheslined him.
Eddie rebounded with a flying headscissors, but Benoit reversed a cross corner whip.
After Eddie vaulted him to the apron, Benoit leaped to the top turnbuckle.
Eddie then caught Benoit and attempted a tornado DDT.
When Benoit blocked it, Eddie gave him a drop toe hold into the second turnbuckle.
Since Benoit was OUT COLD, Eddie mounted the top turnbuckle and hit a frog splash.
1-2-3.
Eddie retained.

Rating: ***

Summary: Solid opener as Benoit and Eddie know each other extremely well. Next up for Eddie is Mysterio on Sunday.

We then revisit last week’s show when DDP supposedly defeated Hennig for the US title. Although Piper raised DDP’s arm, referee Randy Anderson’s ruling of a DQ stood; hence, Hennig remained US champion.

Match 2: Bill Goldberg versus Wrath (w/ Mortis & James Vandenberg)

Highlights:

According to Tenay, Goldberg’s undefeated streak, albeit brief, was alive and well.
As the bell rang, Goldberg speared Wrath who hadn’t yet removed his gear.
He then delivered the Jackhammer.
1-2-3.
Goldberg won.

Rating: DUD

Summary: Showcase match for Goldberg.

The 1-800-COLLECT Slam of the Week is Goldberg’s Jackhammer.

In the aisle, Goldberg asks “Who’s next?”

HOT TAKE: Yes, folks, Goldberg’s first words, and they eventually become his catchphrase. Good things lie ahead for the former Georgia Bulldog.

Match 3: Steve “Mongo” McMichael versus Mortis (w/ James Vandenberg)

Highlights:

When Mongo made his entrance, he stood face-to-face with Goldberg. Insta-feud!
Mongo gave Mortis a pair of three-point stance tackles, a cross corner whip, and a hip toss for 2.
As Vandenberg got up on the apron to distract Mongo, Mortis delivered the D.O.A. (reverse side-Russian leg sweep) for 2.
While the Biloxi faithful chanted “Mon-go,” Mortis hit a death valley driver for another 2.
He then gave Mongo a cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through.
After Mongo rolled up Mortis, he got 2.
Mortis rebounded with a spinning heel kick for a 1-count.
When he slammed Mongo, Mortis delivered a pair of elbow drops.
Vandenberg then got up on the apron this time to distract referee Billy Silverman, and Mortis tossed Mongo over the top rope to the floor. SNEAKY!
As Mortis distracted Silverman, Vandenberg put the loafers to Mongo. How dastardly!
With Mongo on the apron, Mortis suplexed him back into the ring for 2.
Mongo then reversed an Irish whip and hit a sidewalk slam.
After Vandenberg returned to the apron yet again, Mongo grabbed and nailed him to the extreme delight of the Biloxi faithful.
He then reversed an Irish whip and gave Mortis a tombstone piledriver.
1-2-3.
Mongo won.

Rating: **

Summary: Mortis brought some workrate, but Mongo’s a runaway freight train on his way to the PPV.

At ringside, “Mean” Gene Okerlund mentions that Mongo’s opponent is yet to be determined. As Debra interrupts, she doesn’t reveal who it is but chastises Mongo for his being malcontent. Mongo then steals a sign from Stevie Richards, rips it to shreds, and violently tosses it in his face.

Another Raven soliloquy airs. I sneak downstairs to do laundry.

On WCW Saturday Night, Giant faces Konnan. I guess nobody calls him K-Dawg anymore.

Lucha libre video by Tenay airs with a special look at Mysterio. In fact, the stipulation of mask versus belt was added to the Cruiserweight title match at the PPV. Will Mysterio become champion or will his face be revealed worldwide? The PPV awaits...

Match 4: Yuji Nagata (w/ Sonny Onoo) versus Juventud Guerrera

Highlights:

Nagata slammed Guerrera and followed with a knee to the midsection.
As Raven and his “band of misfits” (c/o Tenay) appeared among the Biloxi faithful, Nagata gave Guerrera a cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through.
He then powerbombed Guerrera and delivered a German suplex.
On the other hand, Guerrera landed on his feet and hit a huracanrana for a 1-count.
Nagata then reversed a cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through.
When he vaulted Guerrera to the apron, Nagata ate a springboard dropkick to the back of his head.
Guerrera then slammed him and mounted the top turnbuckle; however, Onoo disrupted his balance while Nagata distracted referee Nick Patrick. Devious!
After Ultimo Dragon noticed the shenanigans and came to ringside, Nagata hooked an overhead belly-to-belly suplex to Guerrera.
He then applied a Nagata lock, and Guerrera submitted.
As a result, Nagata won.

Rating: ½*

Summary: Showcase match for Nagata en route to his encounter with Dragon at the PPV.

After the match, Dragon chases after Onoo until Nagata seizes him. They then double-team Dragon, and Nagata applies the Nagata lock to Dragon.

Los Villanos IV y V along with Damien come to the ring anticipating a six-man luchador match. Unfortunately for them, Giant emerges through the entrance and grabs the microphone. He then runs down Kevin Nash for “hiding” behind a knee injury. When Damien takes exception to Giant’s monopolization of air time, Giant not only demolishes him but also los Villanos. In fact, he punctuates the segment with a powerbomb. In my eyes, he also de-pushed the luchadores singlehandedly.

Nitro Girls dance in the ring wearing silver, and Schiavone shills the Nitro Party contest.

Prior to the next match, we revisit last week’s episode when Eddie STOLE Mysterio’s mask mid-match. The horra!

Match 5 for the WCW World TV title: Disco Inferno (champion) versus Rey Mysterio, Jr.

Highlights

While Mysterio made his entrance, Stevie Richards held up a sign: “Disco...you’re 30. Move out!” HA!
Mysterio rolled up Disco and got 2.
When Disco powerbombed him, he performed a portion of the Macarena. For all of my millennial fans out there, the Macarena TOOK OVER the ‘96 Olympic Games in Atlanta. How do I know? I WAS THERE!

Regardless, with Disco on the apron, Mysterio mounted the top turnbuckle and guillotine-leg-dropped him back into the ring for 2. Impressive!
He then gave Disco a cross corner whip but ate a back elbow on his follow-through.
As Mysterio countered a swing into a sunset flip, he got another 2.
He then delivered a springboard cross body block, but Eddie stormed the ring before Mysterio could hit the West Coast Pop.
Upon noticing Eddie’s chicanery, referee Mickey Jay called for the bell.
Disco retained.

Rating: *

Summary: Nothing more than an appetizer for Mysterio (mask) versus Eddie (belt) at the PPV.

After the match, Eddie tries to remove Mysterio’s mask again, and Jacqueline runs in to pull Disco off the second turnbuckle. When Disco dismisses her, Jacqueline jumps on his back and pummels him much to the delight of the Biloxi faithful. In a clear moment of insanity, Disco retrieves the TV belt before heading backstage allowing Jacqueline to nail him in the aisle. Disco then scampers away.

HOUR #2!

Bischoff, Savage, and Hogan storm the ring again, and the Biloxi faithful chant “We Want Sting.” As an irate Bischoff declares that “nobody leaves the building,” they call out Piper, DDP, and Sting. Hogan then wants the cage lowered, and Bischoff drops Vince McMahon’s name. Before they leave, Bischoff points to a sign promoting Assault on Devil’s Island.

Promo airs for Halloween Havoc ‘97 LIVE on PPV on 10/26. Order NOW!

Match 6 for the WCW US title: Curt Hennig (champion) versus Dean Malenko

Highlights:

While the Biloxi faithful chanted “We Want Flair,” Malenko dropkicked Hennig for 2.
Following a commercial break, Hennig blocked a suplex and delivered one of his own.
He then gave Malenko a cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through due to Malenko’s float-over.
As Malenko hit a belly-to-back suplex, he hooked a sunset flip for 2.
He then gave Hennig a cross body block, but Hennig’s kick-out sent Malenko between the ropes to the apron.
When Malenko mounted the top turnbuckle, he delivered a second cross body block for another 2.
He then reversed a cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through.
After he dropkicked Hennig’s knee, Malenko made a second attempt, but Hennig evaded him.
Malenko then dragged Hennig to the floor with him and made him HIT THE POLE.
Back in the ring, he delivered a dragon screw leg whip and applied the Texas Cloverleaf.
Immediately, Hennig grabbed the bottom rope to escape. Whew!

A double whip then resulted in a head-on collision, but Hennig rebounded with a knee crusher.
As he executed a Hennigplex, Hennig retained.

Rating: ***

Summary: Although not out of the question, a Malenko upset was brewing until the very end. This was a decent match where Malenko took control of the match yet succumbed to defeat.

TV Rating: 4.3

Nitro Girls dance at the entrance while wearing blue jeans.

Prior to the next match, we revisit last week’s episode when Norton beat Traylor with help from a foreign object.

Match 7: Scott Norton (w/ Vincent) versus Ray Traylor

Highlights:

Can Traylor give Norton comeuppance for last week’s hijinks?
After Traylor disposed of Vincent, Norton powerslammed him.
He then gave Traylor a cross corner whip followed by an avalanche.
When he delivered a flying shoulder block, Norton received a spinebuster in response.
Traylor then splashed Norton for 2.
As he hit an enziguri, Traylor got another 2.
Norton rebounded with a stungun, gave Traylor another cross corner whip, but ate boot on his follow-through.
After Traylor mounted the second turnbuckle, he delivered a flying clothesline.
He then gave Norton a running guillotine followed by a sliding uppercut.

When he mounted the top turnbuckle, Traylor hit a cross body block but couldn’t get 3.
Vincent then got up on the apron and sprayed paint in Traylor’s eyes. OUCH!
As Norton delivered a clothesline, he pinned Traylor.

Rating: *½

Summary: Traylor appeared to be motivated yet felt the wrath of the nWo.

TV Rating: 4.6

After the match, a partially-blinded Traylor attacks Norton and Vincent, but more nWo members storm the ring. They then pummel Traylor as the segment ends.

Promo for Halloween Havoc ‘97 airs. It will be LIVE on PPV this Sunday. Have you placed your order yet?

Promo airs for the Nitro Party contest.

Match 8: The “Total Package” Lex Luger versus Booker T (w/ Jacqueline)

Highlights:

While the Biloxi faithful chanted “Lu-ger,” Booker T nailed their hero with a flying forearm.
Luger then reversed a cross corner whip, caught Booker T mid-float-over, and powerslammed him for 2.
As he suplexed Booker T, Luger missed an elbow drop.
Booker T then missed his own elbow drop but recovered with a spinaroonie.

When he delivered a leg lariat, Booker T followed with a scissors kick for 2.
He then gave Luger a cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through.
After he reversed an Irish whip, Booker T hit a stungun for another 2.
He then attempted a second leg lariat but crotched himself on the top rope when Luger evaded him.
As he reversed a cross corner whip, Booker T ate a clothesline. In fact, he provided a 360° sell. Woohoo!
Luger then clotheslined him twice more before nailing Booker T with a forearm smash.
When Luger attempted to hook a Torture Rack, Booker T grabbed the ropes to block it.
Luger then gave him a cross corner whip, but Booker T rebounded with another leg lariat.
Upon hitting a sidewalk slam, Booker T mounted the top turnbuckle but missed a Harlem Hangover.
Luger then applied a Torture Rack, and Booker T submitted.
As a result, Luger won.

Rating: **

Summary: Extremely competitive match as Booker T gave it his all but came up short against the former World champion.

TV Rating: 4.8

In the ring, Okerlund interviews Luger who compliments Booker T. Sportsmanship! As he touts Zbyszko’s impartiality, Zbyszko comes to the ring to clarify his neutral position despite his loathing of Hall and respect for Luger. Although the match should be fascinating, the build-up here suffered mightily.

Promo #2 for Halloween Havoc ‘97 airs. You don’t want to miss it!

THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN PAID FOR BY THE NEW WORLD ORDER:

Buy the shirt! Send it to Rock Star Gary. Make it an XL.

THE PRECEDING ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN PAID FOR BY THE NEW WORLD ORDER.

Nitro Girls dance at the entrance wearing silver and white.

Prior to the next match, Hall conducts his customary survey, but Biloxi is WCW country. As he describes Nash as “Big Grouchy,” he warns Giant of Nash’s imminent return. Hall then cuts a promo on Luger before threatening Zbyszko.

Match 9: Scott Hall (w/o Syxx) versus Scott Steiner (w/ Ted DiBiase)

Highlights:

Scott delivered a T-bone suplex to Hall who sought refuge outside the ring. Can I get a Cabernet with that please?

When Scott distracted referee Billy Silverman, DiBiase nailed Hall. Wow! This truly is WCW’s night.
Following a commercial break, Scott hooked a full nelson, but Hall escaped by backing him into the corner.
Hall then gave Scott a fallaway slam followed by a clothesline for 2.
As he blocked a hip toss, Hall chokeslammed Scott.
He then applied a rope-assisted abdominal stretch until Silverman noticed his tomfoolery.
After Scott rebounded with a pumphandle slam, he reversed an Irish whip and hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex.
He then delivered a Steinerline, yet a dazed Hall inadvertently CLOBBERED Silverman.
When Scott gave Hall a double underhook powerbomb, he earned a false count.
On the floor, Silverman was OUT COLD while DiBiase tried to revive him.
Hall then hit an Outsider Edge, and an anonymous referee wearing a black hood counted the pin.

As a result, Hall won.

Rating: **

Summary: Screwy finish to a mediocre main event, but who’s the mystery man?

TV Rating: 4.3

After the match, Hall says “there’s more than one special ref.”

Immediately, Bischoff, Savage, and Hogan approach the ring again, and Bischoff name-drops McMahon again. After Bischoff plugs Assault on Devil’s Island, Hogan runs down Piper, DDP, and Sting. Suddenly, “Sting” emerges through the entrance while another pair of “Sting” clones enter the ring. As one hooks a sleeper on Hogan, the other annihilates Savage. They then remove their masks and wigs to reveal themselves as Piper and DDP.

They then pummel a terrified Bischoff before Norton and Hennig ambush the third “Sting” in the aisle. While the nWo gangs up on Piper and DDP, the cage lowers. As the cage reaches the floor, Sting repels from the ceiling. He then proceeds to beat up Bischoff as Hogan and Savage scamper away to end the show.

Conclusion: Yet another sizzling-hot ending to Nitro that exemplified the true meaning of go-home show. The PPV looks locked and loaded, and WCW looks better than ever. As a matter of fact, WCW looked much better against the nWo on this show than in previous ones. Are you ready for Halloween Havoc ‘97?

Glad we can agree on something, Khloe. What’s on RAW is WAR?

Final TV Rating: 4.6

Stay tuned for RAW Is WAR 10-20-97!

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

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