WCW Monday Nitro 12-15-97

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

What happens when Bret makes his WCW debut? Will Sting get the upper hand again on Hogan? Can Flair excite his hometown faithful in anticipation of his Starrcade ‘97 appearance? Let’s find out!

To open the show, we revisit the ending to last week’s show when Sting finally reappeared. Schiavone then announces that Bret Hart will be here.

Eric Bischoff leads the nWo through the entrance to the ring. They all search for Sting before Hennig cuts a promo on Flair. Afterward, Hogan calls Sting a “coward.”

Traylor reversed an Irish whip but ate a double axe handle.
When Traylor delivered a spinebuster, he gave Vincent a cross corner whip followed by an avalanche.
He then hit a big boot while Raven’s Flock meandered toward their seats.
As Traylor reversed a cross corner whip, he followed with a belly-to-back bomb.
To finish Vincent off, Traylor unleashed Traylor Trash upon him.

Similar to last week, the Nitro Girls dance at the broadcast table while Schiavone shills the Nitro Party contest.

Prior to the next match, we revisit last week’s episode when Disco regained the TV title.

Match 2 for the WCW World TV title: Disco Inferno (champion) versus Yuji Nagata (w/ Sonny Onoo)

Nagata started off with a pair of kicks followed by an enziguri.
As Disco reversed an Irish whip, he delivered a back elbow.
He then gave Nagata a HARD cross corner whip to injure the back.
When Nagata tossed him down to the floor, Onoo distributed numerous kicks behind referee Billy Silverman’s back. SNEAKY!
Back in the ring, Nagata hit a T-bone suplex for 2.
Disco reversed another Irish whip, but Nagata leapfrogged him and scored with an abisegeri.
After Nagata gave him a cross corner whip, he delivered his own back elbow.
He then launched a flying forearm for another 2.
As Disco rebounded with an inverted atomic drop, he hit a lariat for 2.
He then hit a gourdbuster for another 2.
When he supplied Nagata with a swinging neckbreaker, Disco couldn’t get 3.
Onoo then got up on the apron and grabbed him, but Disco retaliated with a Chartbuster.
After he provided Nagata with a stun gun, Disco delivered a Chartbuster.
1-2-3.
Disco retained.

Summary: Solid workrate from both wrestlers, but the Charlotte faithful neither felt love nor hate for Nagata.

On WCW Saturday Night, Saturn faces Jericho. Also, Steiners square off against Faces of Fear. And last, and certainly least, Bagwell and Luger hook it up again. Do they really need that much practice for the PPV? Can’t it be at house shows?

Eddie Guerrero joined the broadcast table for this match.
When Finlay slammed Malenko, he got 2.
Malenko then countered a side head lock with a belly-to-back suplex.
As Malenko applied a rear chin lock, Finlay countered with a jawbreaker.
He then clotheslined Malenko for 2.
After Finlay brought him down to the floor, Malenko reversed an Irish whip sending Finlay back-first into the steel railing.
Back in the ring, Finlay gave Malenko a cross corner whip while Eddie made another wise crack about Mrs. Malenko.

Finlay then gave Malenko a second cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through.
When he delivered a somersault slam, Finlay got 2.
He then missed a dropkick, so Malenko rolled Finlay up for 2.
As Eddie departed the broadcast table, Malenko hooked a somersault roll-up for another 2.
Malenko then reversed an Irish whip and hit a spinning heel kick.
After Eddie went to ringside and got up on the apron, Malenko noticed and nailed him.
Finlay then clotheslined the distracted Malenko and pinned him after a tombstone piledriver.

Summary: Good psychology by both wrestlers, but the distraction finish rears its ugly head again.

Instead of wearing his customary white skeleton outfit, La Parka was adorned in gold.
Upon being vaulted to the apron, Guerrera yanked Psicosis down to the mat.

He then mounted the top turnbuckle and delivered a flying headscissors.
As he snapped off a speedy huracanrana, Guerrera ate a knee to the back from La Parka followed by a clothesline from Psicosis.
La Parka tagged in, positioned Guerrera between the ropes, and caused Mysterio to distract referee Charles Robinson.
In the meantime, Psicosis mounted the top turnbuckle and demolished Guerrera with a guillotine leg drop. Amazing!
La Parka then hit a belly-to-belly suplex for 2.
When he powerbombed Guerrera, La Parka got another 2.
Psicosis tagged in, mounted the top turnbuckle, but inadvertently missile-dropkicked La Parka rather than Guerrera.
After a quick roll-up, Guerrera got 2.
Psicosis then dropkicked Guerrera and tagged in La Parka.
As los rudos gave Guerrera a cross corner whip, a Psicosis-assisted avalanche by La Parka came up empty.
Guerrera then landed a Juvi driver on Psicosis and tagged in Mysterio.
When he launched a springboard clothesline to Psicosis, Mysterio delivered an Unprettier to La Parka. Wow!
Los rudos then missed a double clothesline, and Guerrera attempted a springboard cross body block.
Unfortunately, they caught him, but Mysterio scored with an Asai moonsault to take them both down.
With all four wrestlers in the ring, los rudos rammed los technicos together, but los technicos caused some heel miscommunication.
Next, Mysterio hit a springboard splash upon Psicosis. Outstanding!
Los technicos then supplied los rudos with a double dropkick that sent them to the floor.
After a double somersault plancha by los technicos, Mysterio tossed Psicosis back into the ring. Exciting!
He then gave Psicosis a cross corner whip, and los technicos provided him with a Whisper in the Wind for 2.
As Guerrera vaulted La Parka atop the top turnbuckle, he did the same to Mysterio.
That allowed Mysterio to deliver a top rope huracanrana to La Parka for 2.
With both wrestlers on the top rope, Guerrera countered a super powerslam with a super Juvi driver. Incredible!
Surprisingly, that only got 2 but only thanks to a save by La Parka.
Speaking of La Parka, he performed his customary dance, but Mysterio wasn’t impressed and launched a springboard dropkick at him.
When Psicosis hoisted Guerrera atop the top turnbuckle, he joined him, but Mysterio caught Psicosis on his shoulders.
To thwart a double-team by los technicos, La Parka crotched Guerrera on the top turnbuckle.
Mysterio then continued his unmitigated criticism of La Parka’s dancing by dropkicking him to the floor. In the process, La Parka ate the apron.
After a springboard flying headscissors to La Parka on the floor by Mysterio, Guerrera hit a 450° splash to Psicosis.
1-2-3.
Guerrera and Mysterio won.
Whew! What a match!

Summary: Superb lucha libre match that told a great story, excited the Charlotte faithful, and had spectacular high-flying by los technicos. That should have been the main event! Bravo, gentlemen!

In the ring, “Mean” Gene Okerlund introduces Chief Snyder, Major Barnes, and Doug Dellinger. While the first two are members of the Charlotte police department, Dellinger is a retired member. Okerlund then introduces ARN ANDERSON! Much like me, the Charlotte faithful EXPLODED!

“Well, Gene, I just bought a new house down the road a little ways from here, and that’s where I live. But this arena, and, moreso, between these four posts, this is my home. (Charlotte faithful cheers.) It’s the only place since I’ve been an adult that I actually felt comfortable. So, it’s good to be here if just for a little while.

“But the fact of the matter is about 90 days ago, the people of Charlotte, NC were supposed to see Ric Flair wrestle in this building. And they were robbed by Curt Hennig and the rest of the nWo. Curt Hennig, your daddy should have taught you a long time ago that when you start a fight, you should’ve finished it because this one is a long way from over...my best friend, the “Nature Boy”, is right back there. C’mon out, Naitch!”

Flair comes to the ring styling and profiling while the Charlotte faithful adorn him with praise. As Okerlund provides an opening pitch, Flair informs us that Arn might make him cry again with words such as those. He then honors the Charlotte police department on the memorial for fallen Charlotte police officers and offers them a check for $15,000 from WCW.

Chief Barnes mentions that 22 officers in Mecklenburg County have lost their lives and thanks WCW for its generous donation. When Okerlund turns his attention back to wrestling, Flair removes his suit jacket and cuts a promo on Hennig. He wants a rematch TONIGHT! As the show goes to break, the memorial is shown. What an awesome fifteen minutes of pro wrestling!

At the entrance, Okerlund interviews chairman of the WCW Executive Committee JJ Dillon. Before Dillon can utter a complete sentence, Bischoff reemerges to confront him. Upon insulting Dillon, Bischoff succumbs to the extremely strong “Lar-ry” chant from the Charlotte faithful. While they bellow “Bischoff sucks” at him, Bischoff wants a special stipulation added to his match against Zbyszko—punches, kicks, and knockouts being legal. Dillon agrees to the stipulation but also adds submissions to the mix. Despite being frustrated, Bischoff agrees to the new stipulations. I never knew submissions didn’t count.

Prior to the next match, Hall conducts his customary survey to a round of boos. When he asks about WCW, the Charlotte faithful EXPLODE again and jeer the nWo out of the arena. Hall tries again but fails.

Tenay pointed out this was a rematch as Jericho upset Hall in their first meeting. Will it happen again?

When Hall tried to attack him before the bell, Jericho caught him, mounted the top turnbuckle, and hooked a top rope sunset flip.
1-2-3!
He did it again!

Whoops, it was only 2.
He then hooked an inside cradle for another 2.
As he landed a spinning thrust kick, Jericho launched a Lionsault but couldn’t get 3.
He then attempted a cross body block, but Hall caught him and scored with a fallaway slam.
After Hall gave Jericho a cross corner whip, he followed with a corner clothesline.
Jericho then reversed a cross corner whip and delivered his own corner clothesline.
When he made another attempt, Jericho ate a back elbow during his follow-through.
Hall then complained to referee Billy Silverman, so Jericho rolled him up for 2.
As Hall blocked a hip toss, Jericho flipped over but ate a chokeslam.
Hall then mocked Giant and hit an Outsider Edge.
1-2-3.
Hall won.

Summary: Hall allowed Jericho to get some offense in, but inevitably he won.

Schiavone then introduces a Nitro Party video by Kevin Parkman and Eric Burco from Central Michigan University. With Nitro on the big screen, a theater full of Chippewas become enthralled.

We then revisit last week’s episode when Mongo defeated Barbarian but fell victim to Meng.

As Schiavone mentioned that Mongo will face Goldberg at Starrcade ‘97, Goldberg stood over a fallen Mongo and flubbed his line about bull and horns. If I recall, that was one of Mongo’s favorite lines due to his college days at Texas.

Dillon intervened and instructed Goldberg to substitute for Mongo.
When Goldberg trash-talked Meng on his way to the ring, Mongo recovered and began brawling with him.
WCW Security separated them to end the segment.
No match.

In the ring, Kimberly performs a solo before the rest of the Nitro Girls join her.

Match 7 for the WCW World tag team titles: The Steiners (champions w/ Ted DiBiase) versus Konnan & Scott “Flash” Norton (w/ Vincent)

Scott reversed an Irish whip and delivered an overhead belly-to-belly suplex to Norton.
When he leapfrogged Konnan, Scott hit a Steinerline.
He then gorilla-press-slammed Konnan before scoring with a standard belly-to-belly suplex.
As tags were exchanged on both sides, Norton gave Rick a cross corner whip but ate boot on his follow-through.
Rick then attempted a Steinerline, and Norton completely botched a powerslam. OUCH!
After Rick reversed an Irish whip, he launched his version of a powerslam, mounted the top turnbuckle, and hit a flying clothesline for 2.
He then mounted the opposite top turnbuckle, but Konnan upset his balance.
When Norton slammed him down to the mat, Konnan illegally entered and landed a senton splash.
Norton then delivered a shoulderbreaker for 2.
As Konnan tagged in, Rick powerslammed him for 2.
Scott and Norton then headed to the floor, and Scott whipped Norton flank-first into the steel railing.
After the Steiners prepared to annihilate Konnan, Vincent entered the ring to cause the DQ.
Steiners retained.

Summary: That botch by Norton sticks out like a sore thumb in this match as he mistakenly caused Rick to land on his head.

Booker T scored with a flying forearm that sent Savage to the floor.
As he joined Savage, Booker T made him taste the steel railing. It must have tasted like Porktacular at Mac’s Speed Shop.
Back in the ring, he landed a back elbow, slammed Savage, but missed an elbow drop.
Not to be outdone, Booker T recovered with a spinaroonie!
He then launched a Harlem sidekick, joined Savage on the floor again, and rammed him back-first into the steel railing.
When he attempted to avalanche Savage, Booker T also tasted the steel railing. Waiter, please give the up-and-comer a Southern Loop?
Savage then CLOBBERED Booker T with a plastic chair.
After he guillotined Booker T with the steel railing, Savage mounted the top turnbuckle and delivered a flying double axe handle.
He then rammed Booker T shoulder-first into the steps before tossing him back into the ring.
Suddenly, a fan rushed the ring, so Savage kicked at him while WCW Security pulled him away.
Savage then missed a running guillotine, so Booker T reversed an Irish whip and hit another Harlem side kick.
As Booker T dropkicked Savage, referee Billy Silverman accidently got knocked down.
Booker T then delivered an atomic drop followed by a scissors kick.
When Booker T mounted the top turnbuckle, Elizabeth grabbed his left ankle. How dastardly!
Savage then CREAMED Booker T down to the floor.
After Savage joined him, he OBLITERATED Booker T with the plastic chair again.
Upon tossing Booker T back into the ring, Savage mounted the top turnbuckle and hit the big elbow.
1-2-3.
Savage won.

Summary: Booker T not only got his offense in but also took a good licking from Savage. Thanks to Elizabeth, Savage won again.

In lieu of Raven this week, Riggs substituted for him.
When Benoit tossed Riggs to the floor to locate Raven, Riggs nailed him giving Benoit a taste of the steel railing. It must have tasted like Tony Baloney at Pinky’s.
He then rammed Benoit face-first into a plastic chair.
Back in the ring, Riggs gave Benoit a cross corner whip followed by a corner clothesline.
He connected after a second cross corner whip but ate a back elbow on the third.
As Benoit hung him out to dry, he chopped Riggs down to the floor.
He then rammed Riggs back-first into the steel railing, but Riggs retaliated with another taste of the steel railing. Waiter, could you give the toothless wrestler a Velvet Elvis please?
After Riggs countered a German suplex attempt with a back elbow, he ate knees on a splash attempt.
Benoit then pancaked Riggs, mounted the top turnbuckle, and delivered a diving head butt.
Upon turning his attention to the Flock, Benoit received a jawbreaker.
Riggs then attempted a suplex, but Benoit countered with a Crippler Crossface.
To no one’s surprise, Riggs submitted.

After the match, Benoit grabs the microphone and states “Quote the Crippler nevermore.” He then cuts a promo on Raven before yelling at the Flock. Irate, Benoit leaps over the steel railing and dives onto the Flock. Initially, Benoit gets the advantage, but the numbers catch up to him. The Flock then tosses Benoit into the ring, and Saturn applies the Rings of Saturn.

In the ring, Okerlund interviews Dillon again. They discuss Bischoff, and he appears. While the Charlotte faithful chants “Lar-ry” at him again, Bischoff questions who will be the referee. Dillon mentions Randy Anderson, but Bischoff dismisses him as “fat.” OUCH! To counter, Bischoff offers Kevin Nash, but Dillon counteroffers with Scott Dickinson. Bischoff again dismisses the offer referring to Dickinson as “fatter than (Dillon).” When Dillon requests another name, Bischoff offers Syxx whom Dillon completely rejects.

Dillon then offers “one of (Bischoff’s) guys” but has to pick which one. Without question, Bischoff accepts. Dillon then introduces the man who will be the referee—Bret “Hitman” Hart! After Okerlund welcomes him, Bret’s “honored” to be a referee while Bischoff crows about “$7.5 million of Ted’s money.” Despite Bischoff’s excitement, Bret states “nobody knows better than I do to know what it’s like to get screwed over by a referee. You’re on your own, Jack.” Bischoff is beside himself to say the least.

HOT TAKE: WCW has the hottest wrestler on the planet with a live microphone, and THIS is what they do with him? Considering what happens later in the show, Bret could certainly do more at the PPV.

In the ring, Okerlund interviews Luger, but Bagwell emerges. Bagwell cuts a promo on Luger, and Luger heads to the ring. When Bagwell uses his catchphrase, Luger challenges him again. Bagwell then mentions that he’s not “warmed up yet,” so Luger slaps the taste out of his mouth and the sunglasses off his head.

Yet again?
Luger backdropped Bagwell and followed with a pair of clotheslines.
As he gave Bagwell a cross corner whip, Luger followed with a corner clothesline.
He then gave Bagwell another cross corner whip but came up empty on his follow-through.
When Bagwell gave Luger a cross corner whip, he ate boot on his follow-through.
Luger then clotheslined him before powerslamming him.
In expected fashion, Vincent came to the ring, got up on the apron, but Luger nailed him.
Norton tried the same mission but failed.
After Luger got carried away and tossed Bagwell over the top rope, referee Nick Patrick had no choice but to disqualify Luger.
Bagwell won again.

Summary: More storyline than match as the Bagwell-Luger story continues to run in nonsensical fashion.

Prior to the main event, Hennig challenges “anybody in the building” and runs down Flair. He then touts his title before heading to commercial.

Match 11 for the WCW US title: Curt Hennig (champion) versus “Nature Boy” Ric Flair

Before Flair could remove his robe, Hennig attacked him; however, Flair retaliated with a shot near the South Carolina border.
When Flair tossed Hennig across the ring, Hall jumped into the ring to ambush Flair.
No contest.

After the bell rang, Flair uses his trick knee to foil Hall. Savage and Bagwell join the fray but also receive trips down SOUTH. The nWo then pummels Flair while Henning BRAINS him with the US title belt. As Hennig uses an ankle crusher on Flair, he hooks a figure-four leg lock.

Abruptly, DDP hits the ring to save Flair’s bacon. The Steiners and Luger also arrive to dig into some nWo meat as DDP beats up Hennig. Flair appears to be seriously injured.

While the Steiners and Luger carry Flair backstage, DDP grabs the microphone and challenges Hennig. Astonishingly, more fans storm the ring, but referee Randy Anderson exercises his authority and hammers a guy out of the ring. In addition, ring announcer David Penzer pulls another fan from the ring.

Hogan leads the nWo to the ring as Bischoff carries the WCW World title belt. In the meantime, DDP exits through the crowd to save himself. While Hogan runs down Sting, the lights go out just like last week.

Via spotlight, Sting appears in the rafters. When the lights reillumine, WCW Security fiercely removes another fan from ringside. Hogan again calls Sting a “coward,” and the lights go out again.

The lights return, and Sting stands atop the entrance like he’s stalking prey. A terrified Hogan cries in fear while Sting climbs down to make his way to the ring. As you’d expect, the show ends.

Conclusion: An incredible show that continues to build up Starrcade ‘97. Unfortunately, Flair’s ankle isn’t ready for primetime, so I believe DDP will take his place. As the Bagwell-Luger nonsense will continue into the PPV, Bret becomes the special guest referee for the rights to Nitro match. He should have been able to lace up his boots for the biggest show of the year.

On the other hand, the two highlights of the show happened consecutively. The lucha libre tag match was phenomenal, and the Anderson-Flair interview made this show glorious. To top it off, Charlotte truly hated the nWo, and their disapproval during Hall’s survey cemented it.