WELCOME TO ROCK STAR GARY REFLECTIONS!

WCW SuperBrawl VII

Live from San Francisco, CA

Airdate: February 23, 1997

Attendance: 13,324 (12,145 paid)

Hosted by Tony Schiavone, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, and the “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes

Will this be the San Francisco treat? Or will this show give you tremors? Read on!

From Alcatraz, Piper,” residing” there for a week, exits his cell and leaves the prison. In a crazed state, Piper screams at Hogan from the bow of the boat returning him to San Francisco. I fear for the main event.

Prior to the first match, we revisit Starrcade when Syxx stole the US title belt. We then revisit Nitro from 2/10 when Syxx stole the Cruiserweight belt. On the 2/17 edition of Nitro, Syxx attempted to steal the US title belt, but Eddie thwarted his effort while losing by countout.

Match 1 for the WCW Cruiserweight title: Dean Malenko (champion) versus Syxx

Highlights:

Rating: ***1/2

Summary: Convoluted finish to a decent match.

In the locker room, “Mean” Gene Okerlund shills the WCW hotline and interviews DDP. He then informs DDP that he will face Bagwell later tonight. I hope DDP has his stuff together.

Partido 2 (lucha libre): Juventud Guerrera, Super Calo, y Ciclope contra Konnan, La Parka, y Villano IV

Reflejos:

Rating: **

Summary: Confusing finish because even the announcers couldn’t tell if Guerrera kicked out. This was eons better than the WWF’s futile attempt last month, and I look forward to more lucha libre on Nitro.

Match 3 for the WCW World TV title: Prince Iaukea (champion) versus Rey Mysterio, Jr.

Highlights:

Rating: *

Summary: Despite the aerial maneuvers of Mysterio and the awesome super Samoan drop, this match drew crickets during and boos afterward.

After the match, Iaukea can’t accept the win, but Mysterio acts sportsmanlike and raises Iaukea’s arm.

Back in the locker room, Okerlund again shills the hotline and interviews Giant.

Match 4: Diamond Dallas Page versus Buff Bagwell

Highlights:

Rating: **

Summary: One thing you can say without any doubt about DDP—he’s OVER.

After the match, DDP exits through the San Francisco faithful.

Schiavone then announces the winner of the Sony Playstation Giveaway as Keith Phillips of Ogden, UT.

Match 5 for the WCW US title: Eddie Guerrero (champion) versus “Lionheart” Chris Jericho

Highlights:

Rating: **1/2

Summary: Without any backstory, the San Francisco faithful went out for popcorn. While each wrestler has a great repertoire, their chemistry together is lacking.

After the match, each wrestler shows respect for the other. Great sportsmanship!

Match 6 (triangle): Harlem Heat (w/ Sister Sherri) versus Faces of Fear versus Public Enemy

Highlights:

Rating: **

Summary: That was an unexpected upset. While the other teams showcased their arsenals, Public Enemy stole a victory.

Match 7: Jeff Jarrett versus Steve “Mongo” McMichael (w/ Debra)

Highlights:

Rating: *1/2

Summary: The only intrigue this match contained surrounded Debra.

Match 8 (San Francisco Death): Chris Benoit (w/ Woman) versus Kevin Sullivan (w/ Jacqueline & Jimmy Hart)

Highlights:

Rating: ***

Summary: Take the usual crazy brawl between Benoit and Sullivan, add another crazy brawl between their valets, and you whip the San Francisco faithful into a frenzy.

After the match, Arn Anderson shakes his head. Suddenly, Paul Orndorff, Terry Taylor, and “Stagger” Lee Marshall enter the ring to check on Benoit, Sullivan, and Jacqueline. EMTs then place all three combatants on stretchers. As they are wheeled backstage, Sullivan and an unconscious Jacqueline share an ambulance. Woman then joins Benoit in a separate ambulance.

A promo for WCW Uncensored airs. It will be LIVE on PPV on 3/16.

Match 9 for the WCW World tag team titles (handicap): The Outsiders (champions w/ Syxx) versus Giant

Highlights:

Rating: **1/2

Summary: While I’ll add a * for that powerbomb, the shenanigans used by the babyface team scream another miscarriage of justice tomorrow night. Stay tuned! According to Meltzer, Syxx separated his shoulder upon getting nailed by Luger.

Match 8 for the WCW World title: “Hollywood” Hogan (champion w/ the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Vincent) versus “Rowdy” Roddy Piper

Highlights:

Rating: DUD

Summary: God-awful overbooked main event. What’s the deal with Savage?

After the match, Savage helps Hogan to his feet and nails Piper. WE HAVE A HEEL TURN! He then takes spray paint from DiBiase and writes on Piper’s chest. In the meantime, Hogan dispatches Curtis from the ring. Next, Savage mounts the top turnbuckle and hits the big elbow. Hogan then follows with a pair of leg drops. Again, Savage mounts the top turnbuckle and hits a second followed by a third elbow. Hogan then counts a pin for Savage while stroking his ego to the camera.

Conclusion: This was the first instance of Hogan’s creative control was used to “get his win back.” While the hype for the main event exceeded its execution, the nWo storyline continued with a huge addition. As far as the rest of the show is concerned, unless you’re a big fan of Sean Waltman or the Sullivan/Benoit feud, I’d skip this show.

Stay tuned for WCW Monday Nitro 2-24-97!

Buyrate: 0.75

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

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