WCW 1993

[LillaThrilla]

The time is February 1993. WWF has just recently debuted Monday Night RAW. Bill Watts has been fired from WCW. Jim Ross has been taken off TV and is about to quit.

How this circuit is being ran:

1. Mostly booked.
2. It will try to be period correct. For example: lots of no-name jobbers getting squashed.
3. Real wrestlers only and time period correct. Generally, wrestlers (and managers, etc) who joined WCW in real life will become available to this circuit around the same time, but there's no guarantees exactly when or if they will appear. Also, other period correct wrestlers might appear if its realistically reasonable for them to have done so.
4. This circuit is running in the same universe as Peter's WWF93/94. Therefore, during the time anyone is in his WWF they will not be in my WCW, which means certain wrestlers will leave WCW for WWF earlier (or in some cases later) than they did in real life. But it also means the opposite may be true, with wrestlers who left WWF early (or never joined at all) in this universe showing up early in WCW.
5. Monday Nitro will not debut until September 4, 1995 - just as it did historically. Generally, PPVs and shows will occur on the same dates and locations as they did historically (except for taping 4 months of TV at once).

Titles & Champions as of Feb 21, 1993:
WCW World Heavyweight Title: Big Van Vader
NWA World Heavyweight Title: The Great Muta
WCW Tag Team Titles: Ricky Steamboat & Shane Douglas
WCW US Heavyweight Title: Dustin Rhodes
WCW TV Title: vacant (16-man tournament in progress)
WCW Light Heavyweight Title = vacant (tournament TBA)

[LillaThrilla]

Superbrawl III
Civic Center – Asheville, NC
February 21, 1993
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

Maxx Payne plays the National Anthem on his guitar.

Eric Bischoff announces Ron Simmons is out with a shoulder injury so Dustin Rhodes will defend the US Title against Maxx Payne instead.

2 COLD SCORPIO vs CHRIS BENOIT
Some junior heavyweight action to warm up the crowd, especially now that they're freed from Bill Watts ban on top rope moves. Scorpio got a hot start, but Benoit mounted a comeback. Scorpio was able to avoid the Crossface and his his 450 splash after turning a Northern Lights suplex attempt into a DDT.

2 Cold Scorpio pinned Chris Benoit with the Scorpio Splash in 0:06:27.
Rating: ** 1/4

ERIK WATTS & MARCUS ALEXANDER BAGWELL vs THE HOLLYWOOD BLONDS
The Blonds cut a brief promo before the match, declaring the "kids" aren't ready to take the stars. "Enjoy your brush with greatness!" Despite the Blonds scorn, the young team of Watts and Bagwell puts up a good fight, including Watts getting several two counts on Austin. However, the crowd is not fond of Watts, who was seen as unfairly pushed by his father.

The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) defeated Marcus Alexander Bagwell and Erik Watts when Austin pinned Watts after the Stungun in 0:12:29.
Rating: * 1/4

DAVEY BOY SMITH vs BILL IRWIN
This is Irwin's return match after years away and Smith's debut after leaving WWF due to a contract dispute. Irwin gets in a little offense, but it's really just a glorified squash.

Davey Boy Smith pinned Bill Irwin with the Running Powerslam in 0:04:27.
Rating: * 3/4

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE: CACTUS JACK vs "MR. WONDERFUL" PAUL ORNDORFF
Orndorff controls at first, until Cactus is able to clothesline him to the floor. They brawl outside then things spill onto the ramp then onto the floor then over the guardrail into the crowd. Cactus gets the win after pulling up the ringside mats and hitting a Double Arm DDT on the exposed floor.

No-Countout-No-DQ-Falls-Count-Anywhere Match
Cactus Jack pinned Paul Orndorff after the Double Arm DDT in 0:15:12.
Rating: *** 1/2

SMW TAG TEAM TITLES MATCH: THE ROCK'N'ROLL EXPRESS vs THE HEAVENLY BODIES (c) w/ JIM CORNETTE
Both teams are from Smokey Mountains Wrestling, by previous agreement between Cornette and Bill Watts. However, the change in management means this might be the last time we see SMW in WCW. Your usual classic RnR match with Morton as face-in-peril. When the Express make a comeback, Bobby Eaton comes out and attempts to help the Bodies, but hits Lane by accident resulting in him getting rolled up for the pin and the titles.

Rock'n'Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) defeated The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) when Morton pinned Lane after an inside cradle in 0:10:27.
Rating: **
[Bobby Eaton interfered against Stan Lane.]
(Rock'n'Roll Express won the SMW Tag Team Titles.)

WCW US TITLE MATCH: MAXX PAYNE vs "THE NATURAL" DUSTIN RHODES (c)
Payne makes a strong showing and even gets the Whammy Bar, but Dustin is able to esscape and mount a comeback. Crucifix rollup off a short clothesline attempt gets the pin.

Dustin Rhodes pinned Maxx Payne after a crucifix in 0:05:47.
Rating: **
(Dustin Rhodes retained the WCW United States Title.)

NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: BARRY WINDHAM vs THE GREAT MUTA (c)
Back and forth match with Muta kicking out of the Superplex and Windham kicking out of the Moonsault before Barry hits a surprise DDT for the win and the championship.

Barry Windham pinned The Great Muta after a DDT in 0:15:12.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Barry Windham won the NWA World Heavyweight Title.)

WHITE CASTLE OF FEAR STRAP MATCH FOR THE WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE: STING vs BIG VAN VADER (c) w/ HARLEY RACE
This match was set up in part by an infamously campy vigenette a month earlier on WCW Saturday Night that included Cheatum the Evil Midget. A hard hitting match. Sting nearly wins after managing to carry Vader, but Vader ties up Sting with the strap then drags him around all four corners for the win.

Strap Match
Big Van Vader defeated Sting in 0:22:31.
Rating: ***
(Big Van Vader retained the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)

[jlamb]

Just listened to the episode of The Lapsed Fan that covered this Superbrawl.

Always like these circuits with a historical jumping off point. However, it was Bill Irwin that DBS wrestled that night. I'd hope he'd be able to beat Scott Irwin since he was dead for about six years at this point. :-)

[LillaThrilla]

Aug 20, 2018 21:41:54 GMT -5 jlamb said:

However, it was Bill Irwin that DBS wrestled that night. I'd hope he'd be able to beat Scott Irwin since he was dead for about six years at this point. :-)

DOH! Fixed the card results and changed out the export.

[LillaThrilla]

WCW Worldwide - February 27, 1993
Georgia Mountains Center – Gainesville, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

Paul Orndorff pinned Bobby Baker with the Piledriver in 0:09:18.
Rating: 1/2*

Vinnie Vegas pinned Steven Dane after a side slam in 0:04:52.
Rating: -1/4*

Maxx Payne made Johnny B. Badd submit to the Payne Killer in 0:06:17.
Rating: ***

Payne kept his armbar locked in after the match and only released it when the referee threatened to overturn the decision. Badd received medical attention for his injured right arm.

[TV Title Tournament]
Robbie V pinned Shanghai Pierce with the Split-Legged Moonsault in 0:10:52.
Rating: *

The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) and The Heavenly Bodies (Stan Lane and Tom Prichard) and
Rock'n'Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson), Shane Douglas, and Ricky Steamboat battled to a double countout in 0:13:30.
Rating: ** 1/4

The match broke down into a big ringside brawl.

[LillaThrilla]

WCW Saturday Night - February 27, 1993
Center Stage Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

This is a special 2 1/2 hour edition of Saturday Night.

The Cole Twins (Kent Cole and Keith Cole) defeated The Wrecking Crew (Rage and Fury) when Kent pinned Fury after a backslide in 0:07:23.
Rating: -* 1/4

The Coles scored an upset here, hitting a backslide when the Wrecking Crew went for their finisher. Ventura was so impressed he tried to interview the Coles after the match, but twin shenanigans ensued.

Marcus Alexander Bagwell pinned Mike Thor with the Fisherman Suplex in 0:06:54.
Rating: -1/4*

Steven Regal and Erik Watts defeated Chris Sullivan and Bob Cook when Regal pinned Sullivan after the Regal Plex in 0:09:58.
Rating: -1/4*

There was an audible chant of "Daddy's boy!" by the crowd when Watts was in the ring, although it was not acknowledged by the announcers. Cook and Sullivan got a surprising amount of offense and Regal's attitude steadily soured as the match went on, especially while he was on the ring apron. Although he scored the pinfall, Regal walked out in disgust without letting the referee raise his hand. Watts seemed confused. Tony Schiavone attempted to get a word with Regal, but the Englishman stormed right by.

Johnny B. Badd pinned Mustafa Saed with the Tutti Frutti in 0:04:04.
Rating: 1/2*

Badd has a bandaged right elbow due to Maxx Payne.

Shanghai Pierce pinned 2 Cold Scorpio after a gutwrench power bomb in 0:07:27.
Rating: ** 1/4
[Tex Slazenger interfered against 2 Cold Scorpio.]

Pierce's tag team partner lurked at ringside throughout the match and they cheated at every opportunity. Pierce and Slazenger put the boots to Scorpio after the match, but Marcus Alexander Bagwell rushed out to chase them off.

Davey Boy Smith pinned Buddy Lee Parker with the Running Powerslam in 0:05:05.
Rating: ** 3/4

Schiavone interviewed Smith after his match. The British Bulldog declares “There's a new dog in town" and he's coming for Vader!

Maxx Payne made T. C. Carter submit to the Payne Killer in 0:03:30.
Rating: *

Schivavone interviewed Payne after the match. “If you don't think I'm bad, ask Johnny about his arm.” Payne declares he will win the TV Title Tournament and make everyone feel the Payne Killer.

Van Hammer pinned Bobby Baker with the Hammer Rocks in 0:03:44.
Rating: -*

Dustin Rhodes defeated Dick Slater with the Bulldog in 0:05:53.
Rating: 1/2*
(Dustin Rhodes retained the WCW United States Title.)

Paul Orndorff joined commentary for this match. Afterwards he confronted Rhodes. “Why aren't you man enough to put that title on the line against Mr. Wonderful?” “Any time, any place...Paula!” Orndorff threw a fit.

The Barbarian pinned Rip Rogers with the Flying Clothesline in 0:04:06.
Rating: * 1/4

Vinnie Vegas and Big Sky defeated Terry Travis and T.C. McCoy when Big Sky pinned McCoy with the Choke Slam in 0:08:54.
Rating: DUD

Don't let the match time fool you; this was just an extended squash - the equivalent of tigers playing with their food.

The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) defeated Tom Zenk and Johnny Gunn when Austin pinned Zenk after the Stungun in 0:11:02.
Rating: ** 3/4

The Blonds remain the number-one contenders for the WCW Tag Team Titles. After the match, Austin and Pillman motioned for the championship belts they believe will soon be around their waists.

The announcers recap the TV Title Tournament thus far:

Ole Anderson Conference (WCW Worldwide)
Erik Watts def. Johnny Gunn
Maxx Payne def. Marcus Alexander Bagwell
Robbie V def. Shanghai Pierce
Vinne Vegas vs. Van Hammer

Mr. Wrestling II Conference (WCW Main Event)
Paul Orndorff def. 2 Cold Scorpio
Steve Regal def. The Barbarian
Cactus Jack def. Tom Zenk
Johnny B. Badd vs. Chris Benoit - on tomorrow night's show

Schiavone interviewed Arn Anderson who has been out for several months with a knee injury. He promises to return to the ring soon and he's inspired by the recent change in the atmosphere around WCW. As for Erik Watts, who caused the injury, “The big powerful eagle has flown the coop and left the little duckling to fend for himself. This thing isn't over; it's just begun!”

Barry Windham pinned Brad Armstrong with the Superplex in 0:06:54.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Barry Windham retained the NWA World Heavyweight Title.)

Schiavone interviews Big Van Vader and Harley Race who are quite smug about the defeat of Sting at Superbrawl. Vader has no fear of Davey Boy Smith. “Even though I walk through the valley of WCW I have no fear because I rule the valley! I am the king of the world!”

[LillaThrilla]

WCW Main Event - February 28, 1993
Center Stage Theatre - Atlanta, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyszko

Robbie V pinned Scotty Flamingo with the Split-Legged Moonsault in 0:05:57.
Rating: *** 1/4

Shane Douglas pinned Fred Avery with a bridging back suplex in 0:04:03.
Rating: DUD

[TV Title Tournament]
Johnny B. Badd pinned Chris Benoit with the Tutti Frutti in 0:10:17.
Rating: * 3/4

Barry Windham pinned Ricky Steamboat after a kneedrop in 0:11:06.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Barry Windham retained the NWA World Heavyweight Title.)

Circuit Comments
Next major event is Slamboree on May 23, 1993.
Historically, WCW Saturday Night on Feb 27, 1993 saw the return of Ric Flair to WCW, but he's still in Peter's WWF at this point so no Flair yet!
Erik Watts injured Arn Anderson's knee in a brawl at a gas station. Yes, really - look it up on YouTube.
The flattop-mullet combo of The Cole Twins is really a sight to behold.
I knew Vader was titanic, but I never realized he was such a big fan of "Titanic" four years before it was made.

[jlamb]

ah, 1993 where the kneedrop could still be considered a finish.

[dewelar]

Aug 24, 2018 15:19:23 GMT -5 jlamb said:

ah, 1993 where the kneedrop could still be considered a finish.

Well, a credible finisher, anyway, since Hacksaw would be using one some six years later in the same federation...

[kingofoldschool]

Loving this so far. Great work Josh!

[LillaThrilla]

WCW Worldwide - March 6, 1993
Civic Center – Dothan, AL
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

Vinnie Vegas and Van Hammer have a rematch of their arm-wrestling contest from a couple weeks ago. Vegas insists he lost only because he wasn't using his dominant left arm and Hammer is eager to prove he's stronger in either arm. Hammer indeed wins the arm-wrestling rematch, but Vegas is a sore loser and immediately attacks Hammers including repeatedly slamming his head into the high-top table used for the arm-wrestling. Referees have to intervene.

Davey Boy Smith pinned Mustafa Saed with the Running Powerslam in 0:05:56.
Rating: 1/4*

Maxx Payne made T.C. McCoy submit to the Payne Killer in 0:02:22.
Rating: -* 1/2
(Chris Sullivan no-showed.)

[TV Title Tournament]
Vinnie Vegas pinned Van Hammer with the Snake Eyes in 0:01:14.
Rating: DUD

Hammer was clearly still dazed and hurting from the beating earlier, but insisted on going through with the scheduled match.

The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) defeated 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell
when Austin pinned Scorpio with the Stun Gun in 0:10:11.
Rating: **

Blonds won after some heel shenanigans, include a low blow from Austin while Pillman had the ref distracted.

---

WCW Saturday Night - March 6, 1993
Center Stage Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated State Patrol (James Earl Wright and Buddy Lee Parker)
when Bagwell pinned Wright after the Fisherman Suplex in 0:05:12.
Rating: DUD

Scorpio and Bagwell have good tag-team chemistry together. Interesting, instead of the traditional double team and combo moves, their teamwork includes lots of Bagwell giving a boost to Scorpio's high-flying manuevers.

Davey Boy Smith pinned Sonny Trout with the Running Powerslam in 0:03:21.
Rating: 1/2*

Interview: Missy Hyatt
Schiavone interviews Missy Hyatt who declares she's tired of announcing and is "looking for a few good men" worthy of her talents as a manager.

Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas defeated Vinnie Vegas and Big Sky when Douglas defeated Big Sky by disqualification in 0:11:21.
Rating: DUD
[Steve Austin and Brian Pillman interfered against Shane Douglas.]

During the match Ventura accused Steamboat and Douglas of ducking the Hollywood Blonds. The tag team champions had some difficulties with the size and power of their opponents, with Douglas taking the brunt of the beating. Steamboat got the hot tag, but the Blonds ran in for the DQ. Vegas and Sky join in, with Steamboat being dumped out of the ring and Douglas taking a 4-on-1 beating until Ricky grabs a chair and chases all the heels off.

Commercial for WCW/NJPW Japan Supershow III on PPV.

Maxx Payne made Rick Hardrock submit to the Payne Killer in 0:02:23.
Rating: 1/4*

Johnny B. Badd pinned Danny Dietz with the Tutti Frutti in 0:08:09.
Rating: 1/4*

Badd plants one of his sticker kisses on Dietz after the match.

The Wrecking Crew (Rage and Fury) defeated Chris Walker and Steven Dane when
Rage pinned Dane after the Wrecking Ball in 0:00:50.
Rating: DUD

The Crew obliterated a couple of jobbers then grabbed a mic and demanded an immediate rematch with The Cole Twins.

The Cole Twins (Kent Cole and Keith Cole) defeated The Wrecking Crew (Rage and Fury)
when Keith pinned Rage after a small package in 0:04:07.
Rating: -* 1/2

The twins proved last week's upset was no fluke...or did they? The pin came after a swithero: Kent was dumped from the ring, Keith checked on his brother then took his place, and caught Rage with a surprise rollup for the win.

Interview: Rick Rude
Pre-taped solo promo by Rude. He declares WCW made a mistake when they stripped him of the US Title due to his injury. He credits Dustin Rhodes for rising from nothing to become the current champion, but warns that makes him a marked man. Rude promises to get his US Title back and send Dustin back to being nothing - ashes to ashes. "Dustin Rhodes, you're in for a Rude Awakening!"

Dustin Rhodes pinned Rip Rogers with the Bulldog in 0:05:05.
Rating: * 3/4

Rogers has pigtails and has his bangs in a third short ponytail that, combined with his fashion choices, make him look like a unicorn.

Schiavone interviews Rhodes after the match. He heard about Rude's comments, but he doesn't care if he defends his title again him or Orndorff. They need to stop talking and go sign on the dotted line. Mr. Wonderful interrupts, declaring once again that the title belongs to Mr. Wonderful, regardless of what Rude thinks. “You can call yourself whatever you want, but everyone in the audience and watchin' on TV knows who really are, Paula!” Orndorff flips out again.

Paul Orndorff pinned Larry Santo with the Piledriver in 0:04:24.
Rating: * 1/4

Orndorff was still irate about Rhodes and the crowd's taunting chants of "Paula" and Santo suffered because of it, including a second piledriver after the match was over.

Sting made Bruiser Mastino submit to the Scorpion Deathlock in 0:05:26.
Rating: **

Schiavone goes to the ring to interview Sting after the match, but his attempts at a promo are cut off by the crowd's excitement as the show goes to credits.

---

WCW Main Event - March 7, 1993
Center Stage Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyszko

Paul Orndorff defeated Bobby Baker via pinfall in 0:03:54.
Rating: -3/4*

[TV Title Tournament]
Steven Regal pinned The Barbarian after a Regal Plex in 0:05:05.
Rating: * 1/4

Erik Watts pinned Mike Thor after a powerslam in 0:04:28.
Rating: -** 1/2

Big Van Vader and Cactus Jack battled to a double countout in 0:11:13.
Rating: * 1/2
(Big Van Vader retained the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)

---

Circuit Notes
TV Title Tournament - Ole Anderson Conference Semifinals:
Erik Watts vs Maxx Payne
Vinnie Vegas vs Robbie V

TV Title Tournament - Ole Anderson Conference Semifinals:
Paul Orndorff vs Steve Regal
Cactus Jack vs Johnny B. Badd

[jlamb]

That felt like a real episode of Saturday Night. A ton of four and five minute matches packed into a two hour block. Absolutely loved that show growing up.

[LillaThrilla]

WCW Worldwide - March 13, 1993
Civic Center – Dothan, AL
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

[TV Title Tournament]
Maxx Payne made Erik Watts submit to the Payne Killer in 0:05:18.
Rating: -1/2*

Payne refused to release his armbar resulting in...

[TV Title Tournament]
Erik Watts defeated Maxx Payne by reverse decision in 0:05:18.
Rating: -1/2*

Payne's behavior has finally gone too far and now it's cost him a chance to win the TV Title!

Davey Boy Smith pinned Rick Thames with the Running Powerslam in 0:03:41.
Rating: DUD

2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Bob Cook and Fred Avery when Scorpio pinned Cook after a roundhouse kick in 0:05:03.
Rating: -1/4*
(Marcus Alexander Bagwell suffered a neck injury. He will be out for approximately 11 months.)

During the match, Cook knocked Bagwell off the apron. Bagwell landed badly from the fall and stayed down, and something was obviously wrong. The match rushed to a finish then Scorpio went to check on his tag team partner. Marcus was stretchered out of the arena, accompanied by a visibly upset Scorpio and a stunned crowd.

Steven Regal made Tommy Angel submit to the Regal Stretch in 0:03:13.
Rating: * 1/4

Regal attacked Angel before the bell and wrestled with an aggression that surprised the announcers. Schiavone attempted to get a word with Regal, but the Englishman stormed right past him.

The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) defeated Shane Douglas and Ricky Steamboat when Austin pinned Douglas after hitting him with the title belt in 0:16:35.
Rating: *** 1/2
(The Hollywood Blonds won the WCW World Tag Team Titles.)

The long awaited title match between these two teams lived up to expectations, but the way the match ended left the former champions livid.

---

WCW Saturday Night - March 13, 1993
Center Stage Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

Schiavone notes the Tag Team Titles changed hands on Worldwide and announces tonight's main event will Rhodes defending his US Title against Orndorff.

Big Sky and Vinnie Vegas defeated Tom Zenk and Johnny Gunn when Big Sky pinned Gunn with the Choke Slam in 0:06:33.
Rating: 1/2*

Chris Benoit pinned Mike Winner after a small package in 0:08:14.
Rating: *** 1/4

Barry Windham pinned Brad Armstrong with the Texas DDT in 0:06:07.
Rating: * 3/4
(Barry Windham retained the NWA World Heavyweight Title.)

Schiavone interviewed Windham after the match about who he sees as a potential challenger for his NWA Title. Windham declared himself confident that nobody in WCW is capable of beating him.

The Wrecking Crew (Rage and Fury) defeated Bobby Baker and Steven Dane when Rage pinned Dane after the Wrecking Ball in 0:02:48.
Rating: -** 1/2
(Rage tore his right rotator cuff. He will be out for approximately 6 months.)

Schiavone attempted to interview The Wrecking Crew after the match about their pair of recent loses to the Cole Twins, but they were in no mood to talk, especially as Rage was clutching his right shoulder in barely contained pain.

Davey Boy Smith pinned James Earl Wright with the Running Powerslam in 0:04:15.
Rating: *

Schiavone interviewed the British Bulldog after his match, reminding viewers that he is undefeated since arriving in WCW. Smith declared Vader needs to step into the ring and show what he's made of.

Interview: Rick Rude
Rude, in a suit and tie, was intereviewed by Schiavone in a pre-taped segment. Schiavone declared him "possibly the greatest United States champion ever." Rude said there was no doubt about it. He claims claims WCW ripped him off. “I will pay with my blood, sweat, and tears to regain MY United States Championship” and Dustin Rhodes will suffer. Rude will make his in-ring return next week.

2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce when Scorpio pinned Slazenger after a standing moonsault in 0:03:02.
Rating: * 1/4

This match came about after Slazenger and Pierce double-teamed Scorpion in a singles match two weeks ago. After the match, Schiavone acknowledged that this match had been taped before the match show on Worldwide this week in which Bagwell suffered a very serious neck injury. Even Ventura acknowledges that Bagwell, in only his second year with WCW, showed promise. With the momentum he and Scorpio were building they might have made a run for the tag titles.

Maxx Payne made T.C. McCoy submit to the Payne Killer in 0:02:15.
Rating: -* 1/4

Big Van Vader pinned Chris Walker with the Vader Bomb in 0:02:40.
Rating: DUD

The Bruise Brothers (Ron Bruise and Don Bruise) defeated Terry Bronson and T.C. Carter when Ron Bruise pinned Bronson after the Bruise Cruise in 0:05:49.
Rating: -** 3/4

Jesse Ventura hyped this match as the WCW debut the best twins tag team in wrestling - better than the Cole Twins.

Dustin Rhodes and Paul Orndorff battled to a double countout in 0:15:44.
Rating: * 3/4
(Dustin Rhodes retained the WCW United States Title.)

Rick Rude joined Schiavone and Ventura on commentary for this match. After weeks of warring with words, Rhodes and Orndorff finally squared off in the ring. The match spilled outside with both men brawling without regard to the referee's count. A few moments after the bell signal the match was ending in a draw, Rhodes sent Orndorff head-first into the ringpost. A dazed Mr. Wonderful staggered to the back, but Rude threw down his headset and stormed the ring. He demanded that Rhodes fight him then and there. Rhodes had to be held back by several referees as the show went off the air.

---

WCW Main Event – March 14, 1993
Georgia Mountains Center – Gainesville, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyszko

Johnny B. Badd pinned Jeff Stone after a flying sunset flip in 0:02:19.
Rating: * 3/4

Davey Boy Smith pinned Randy Sledge with the Running Powerslam in 0:04:11.
Rating: 1/4*

The Barbarian pinned Rick Hardrock with the Flying Clothesline in 0:03:05.
Rating: DUD

2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Mike Thor and Fred Avery when Bagwell pinned Avery with the Fisherman Suplex in 0:04:08.
Rating: -*

[TV Title Tournament]
Paul Orndorff pinned Steven Regal after an inside cradle in 0:06:22.
Rating: * 3/4

Orndorff got the pin with a handful of tights. Regal was clearly disgusted by the way he lost.

The Cole Twins (Kent Cole and Keith Cole) defeated Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce when Keith pinned Slazenger after a flying clothesline in 0:10:48.
Rating: 1/4*

Slazenger and Pierce cut an insert promo about how the Cole Twins recent winning is a fluke. Now they've suffered the same "embarrassment" as the Wrecking Crew. Maybe the Cole Twins really are that good?

Circuit Notes
Marcus Alexander Bagwell is expected to miss close to a year after breaking his neck on a bad bump. As viewers can guess by them being featured on all three shows this week, this injury derails a major push the Bagwell/Scorpio team were receiving.

TV Title Tournament continues next week with the other Conference Semi-Final matches: Vinnie Vegas vs. Robbie V (Worldwide) and Cactus Jack vs. Johnny B. Badd (Main Event). Rick Rude will make his in-ring return on next week's Saturday Night. Tony Schiavone will also seek interviews with Maxx Payne and Steven Regal regarding their recent actions.

[LillaThrilla]

14 WCW stars went to the British Isles for a six-show tour. Besides top names Sting and Vader, WCW made a point to spotlight its two British wrestlers - Davey Boy Smith and Steven Regal - and also heavily featured Canadian wrestler Chris Benoit.

WCW UK Tour – March 11, 1993
Wembley Arena – London, England

Steven Regal made Chris Benoit submit to the Regal Stretch in 0:13:19.
Rating: **** 1/4

Paul Orndorff pinned Van Hammer with the Piledriver in 0:15:33.
Rating: **

Johnny B. Badd defeated Scotty Flamingo by countout in 0:10:16.
Rating: **

Cactus Jack pinned Maxx Payne with the Double Arm DDT in 0:09:27.
Rating: **

Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes fought to a time limit draw in 0:20:00.
Rating: *** 1/4
(Barry Windham retained the NWA World Heavyweight Title.)
(Dustin Rhodes retained the WCW United States Title.)

Davey Boy Smith pinned Vinnie Vegas with the Running Powerslam in 0:08:26.
Rating: *** 1/4

Sting pinned Big Van Vader after an inside cradle in 0:16:08.
Rating: ** 1/2
(Sting won the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)

---

WCW UK Tour – March 12, 1993
NEC – Birmingham, England

Steven Regal defeated Scotty Flamingo by countout in 0:12:28.
Rating: ** 1/2

Maxx Payne pinned Van Hammer after a powerslam in 0:04:28.
Rating: *

Davey Boy Smith pinned Chris Benoit with the Running Powerslam in 0:10:14.
Rating: *** 1/4

Big Van Vader pinned Cactus Jack with the Vader Bomb in 0:08:01.
Rating: * 3/4

Sting and Dusty Rhodes defeated Barry Windham and Paul Orndorff when Sting pinned Orndorff after a crucifix in 0:18:06.
Rating: *** 1/4

---

WCW UK Tour – March 13, 1993
G-Mex – Manchester, England

Steven Regal defeated Johnny B. Badd when Badd passed out in the Regal Stretch in 0:06:04.
Rating: ***

Dustin Rhodes pinned Chris Benoit with the Bulldog in 0:08:30.
Rating: 3/4*
(Dustin Rhodes retained the WCW United States Title.)

Big Van Vader pinned Van Hammer with the Vader Bomb in 0:10:46.
Rating: * 1/2
[Harley Race interfered against Van Hammer.]
(Barry Windham no-showed.)

Davey Boy Smith pinned Scotty Flamingo with the Running Powerslam in 0:05:16.
Rating: * 1/2

Sting made Paul Orndorff submit to the Scorpion Deathlock in 0:21:37.
Rating: **** 1/4
(Sting retained the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)

---

WCW UK Tour – March 14, 1993
Exhibition & Conference Center – Aberdeen, Scotland

Johnny B. Badd pinned Scotty Flamingo with the Tutti Frutti in 0:06:00.
Rating: *** 1/2

Chris Benoit pinned Van Hammer with the Bridging Dragon Suplex in 0:12:31.
Rating: ** 1/2

Cactus Jack pinned Vinnie Vegas with the Double Arm DDT in 0:10:07.
Rating: ***

Steven Regal and Barry Windham and Dustin Rhodes and Davey Boy Smith battled to a time limit draw in 0:20:00.
Rating: ** 3/4

Big Van Vader and Sting battled to a double countout in 0:22:10.
Rating: ****
(Sting retained the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)
[Harley Race interfered against Sting.]

---

WCW UK Tour – March 16, 1993
Kings Hall – Belfast, Northern Ireland

Steven Regal made Chris Benoit submit to the Regal Stretch in 0:09:20.
Rating: ***

Dustin Rhodes pinned Paul Orndorff with the Bulldog in 0:11:18.
Rating: ***

Van Hammer pinned Johnny B. Badd with the Hammer Rocks in 0:10:57.
Rating: ** 1/4

Davey Boy Smith pinned Maxx Payne with the Running Powerslam in 0:05:17.
Rating: *** 1/2

Sting defeated Barry Windham by disqualification in 0:18:26.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Sting retained the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)
(Barry Windham retained the NWA World Heavyweight Title.)

---

WCW UK Tour – March 17, 1993
The Point – Dublin, Ireland

Steven Regal defeated Johnny B. Badd when Johnny B. Badd passed out in the Regal Stretch in 0:05:45.
Rating: ** 3/4

Paul Orndorff pinned Van Hammer with the Piledriver in 0:08:40.
Rating: ** 1/4

Barry Windham defeated Dustin Rhodes by countout in 0:10:16.
Rating: **

Davey Boy Smith pinned Vinnie Vegas with the Running Powerslam in 0:10:06.
Rating: ** 1/2

Big Van Vader pinned Sting with the Vader Bomb in 0:17:19.
Rating: ****
(Big Van Vader won the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)

---

Tour Notes
WCW management is very displeased with Windham for missing the Manchester show. They are also not very happy with Scott Flamingo who is perceived to have not performed very well during the tour. On the other hand, they were quite pleased by Chris Benoit's performance.

[LillaThrilla]

WCW Worldwide - March 20, 1993
Macon Coliseum – Macon, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

Joey Maggs pinned T.C. Carter after an enzuigiri in 0:03:42.
Rating: -3/4*

Brad Armstrong pinned Bill Irwin with the Side Russian Legsweep in 0:01:18.
Rating: **

Davey Boy Smith pinned Mike Thor with the Running Powerslam in 0:02:16.
Rating: 3/4*

[TV Title Tournament - Conference Semifinal]
Vinnie Vegas pinned Robbie V with the Snake Eyes in 0:05:58.
Rating: 3/4*

Dustin Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat and Shane Douglas defeated The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) and Paul Orndorff
when Steamboat pinned Pillman with the Flying Cross Body Press in 0:12:56.
Rating: ** 1/2

---

WCW Saturday Night - March 20, 1993
Center Stage Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

The show opens with a replay of Rick Rude calling out Dustin Rhodes at the end of last week's show.

Rick Rude pinned T.C. McCoy with the Rude Awakening in 0:02:06.
Rating: 1/4*

This was Rude's first match back from his neck injury. He came out in his usual robe, but skipped his usual "Cut the music!" pre-match shtick and instead immediately attacked his opponent without even removing his robe at first.

Larry Zybysko interviews Missy Hyatt. She's been scounting WCW talent like she promised and has selected her man - or more accurately, men. They'll team up for the first time tonight, but Missy is confident she can make them champions.

The Bruise Brothers (Ron Bruise and Don Bruise) defeated Mike Thor and Randy Sledge when Ron pinned Sledge after the Bruise Cruise in 0:06:06.
Rating: -***

Interview: Dustin Rhodes
Schiavone intereviewed Dustin who agrees Rude's return performance was impressive. Rhodes respects Rude's talent, but whether he likes it or not Rhodes is the US Title. Rude needs to put up or shut up!

Barry Windham pinned Mike Winner with the Texas DDT in 0:06:08.
Rating: **

Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce defeated Bob Cook and Chris Sullivan when Slazenger pinned Sullivan after a belly-to-back suplex in 0:06:06.
Rating: -* 1/4

Cactus Jack pinned Rip Rogers with the Double Arm DDT in 0:08:07.
Rating: *** 1/4

This was a surprisingly hard brawl between the two men and it spilled out on the floor several times. Rogers also hit an impressive dive from the ringpost. He may behave strangely and not win many matches, but Rip Rogers is no joke.

The Barbarian & The Bruiser (The Barbarian and Bruiser Mastino) defeated Chris Walker and Larry Santo
when Barbarian pinned Walker after the Double Big Boot in 0:05:46.
Rating: -** 1/2

Missy Hyatt's new duo looked dominant as promised. Barbarian is still sporting his mohawk and facepaint. Bruiser debuted a few weeks ago in a loss to Sting, but is now sporting similiar facepaint to Barbarian and has shaved his head. Schiavone notes that Barbarian has tag team experience and, although Bruiser is inexperienced, his massive size speaks for itself.

Interview: Maxx Payne
Schiavone asks Payne about the reversed decision last week on Worldwide. Payne explains that he enjoys hurting people more than he enjoys championships. He wants to ensure nobody ever forgets his name.

Big Sky pinned Van Hammer after hitting him with brass knuckles in 0:08:09.
Rating: -* 3/4

Vinnie Vegas was at ringside for this match. Sky repeated bailed out of the ring to confer with his tag team partner. When the ref wasn't looking, Vegas slipped Sky some brass knuckles which he used to knock Hammer out cold then wisely concealed the evidence of his cheating.

The Cole Twins (Kent Cole and Keith Cole) defeated Bobby Baker and Mustafa Saed when Kent pinned Baker after the Double Dropkick in 0:03:15.
Rating: -*

Vinnie Vegas pinned Terry Bronson with the Snake Eyes in 0:02:17.
Rating: -1/4*

Interview: Rick Rude
Schiavone interviews Rude who promises "I will get back what is rightfully mine.” Regarding Rude's very aggressive attitude during his match, The Ravishing One said “The injustices committed by WCW have ignited a raging inferno. The good, the bad, and the ugly will all feel the heat. You're looking at the one man who will be left standing over the smoldering heap.”

Johnny B. Badd pinned Fred Avery with the Tutti Frutti in 0:03:26.
Rating: -1/2*

Schiavone interewed Badd after the match. Johnny heard Maxx Payne's comments earlier in the show. Badd hasn't forgotten that last month Payne tried to break his arm. He wants a rematch.

Big Van Vader pinned Tommy Angel with the Vader Bomb in 0:04:49.
Rating: 3/4*

Vader mauled his opponent and looked to have things finished with a powerbomb, but instead of covering followed up with two Vader Bombs to add insult to potential injury. Schiavone interviewed Vader and Harley Race after the match and asked them about Davey Both Smith. “Who is Davey Boy Smith? What arrogance does he have to think he can survive in the ring with Big Van Vader?”

---

WCW Main Event – March 21, 1993
Georgia Mountains Center – Gainesville, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyszko

Erik Watts defeated Buddy Lee Parker when Buddy Lee Parker passed out in the STF in 0:03:41.
Rating: -* 3/4

Maxx Payne defeated The Italian Stallion when The Italian Stallion passed out in the Payne Killer in 0:04:39.
Rating: * 3/4

Big Sky pinned Chris Sullivan with the Choke Slam in 0:11:43.
Rating: -*** 1/2

[TV Title Tournament - Conference Semifinal]
Cactus Jack pinned Johnny B. Badd with the Double Arm DDT in 0:08:21.
Rating: ***
[Maxx Payne interfered against Johnny B. Badd.]

Payne came out during the match and lurked at ringside. When the referee wasn't looking, Payne clocked Badd with his own Badd Blaster leaving him easy pickings.

Tom Zenk and Johnny Gunn defeated Bob Cook and Rip Rogers when Gunn pinned Cook with the Gunn Show in 0:07:58.
Rating: ** 1/4

---

Circuit Notes
TV Title Tournament Conference Finals next week: Vinnie Vegas vs. Erik Watts (Worldwide) and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndroff vs. Cactus Jack (Main Event). Jack beat Orndorff in a Street Fight at Superbrawl, but can he beat him in a regular match?

[LillaThrilla]

WCW Worldwide - March 27, 1993
Macon Coliseum – Macon, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

Johnny B. Badd pinned Danny Dietz with the Tutti Frutti in 0:04:10.
Rating: * 3/4

The Cole Twins (Kent Cole and Keith Cole) defeated State Patrol (James Earl Wright and Buddy Lee Parker) when Kent pinned Wright after the Gutwrench Suplex in 0:06:42.
Rating: DUD

[TV Title Tournament - Conference Final]
Vinnie Vegas pinned Erik Watts with the Snake Eyes in 0:07:58.
Rating: -1/4*
[Arn Anderson interfered against Erik Watts.]

Anderson had promised he would get revenge on Watts and delivered here, costing Watts a chance to become TV Champion.

Sting made Fred Avery submit to the Scorpion Deathlock in 0:04:16.
Rating: *

---

WCW Saturday Night - March 27, 1993
Center Stage Theatre – Atlanta, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Jesse Ventura

The announcers explain the show is only 1 hour this week due to TBS scheduling needs.

Steven Regal pinned Mike Moon with the Regal Roll in 0:03:04.
Rating: *

After the match, Schiavone interviewed Regal and asked him about his behavior lately. First off, address him as LORD Steven Regal. His Lordship talks about the respect he received from his countrymen during the recent UK Tour and contrasts it to the lack of respect he's received in WCW. He's been wrestling for a DECADE all over the world, but everyone in America treats him like a rookie. Being forced teamed with someone as clueless as Erik Watts was the final insult. He's through being nice and polite. He doesn't get the respect he deserves and therefore he has no respect for anyone else in WCW. "You bloody stupid Americans disgust me - piss off!" He walks off with a sneer.

Music Video: Maxx Payne
Payne's new music video for "Norma Jean's Blues" featuring him in a dark room with fog and strobe lights, shredding on his guitar.

Interview: Arn Anderson
Schiavone interviews Anderson who announces his return to the ring next week. He heard Barry Windham's boast that nobody in WCW can beat him. Anderson challenges Windham to prove it.

The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) defeated Mike Winner and Tommy Angel when Pillman pinned Angel after a flying splash in 0:08:18.
Rating: 3/4*

Winner and Angel were making a strong showing until Pillman caught Winner from behind and choked him with a towel while the ref was distracted. This turned the tide in favor the Blonds.

Taped promo of Davey Boy Smith from the recent WCW UK Tour, followed by several clips of British fans saying they want to see Smith face Vader and that they believe the Bulldog can win.

[Taped During UK Tour]
Davey Boy Smith pinned Vinnie Vegas with the Running Powerslam in 0:08:26.
Rating: *** 1/4

Van Hammer pinned TJ Maverick with the Hammer Rocks in 0:02:07.
Rating: 1/4*

Rick Rude pinned Steven Dane with the Rude Awakening in 0:02:33.
Rating: *

Rude again skipped his traditional pre-match routine and instead attacked before the bell.

Paul Orndorff pinned Robbie V with the Piledriver in 0:06:16.
Rating: *** 1/2

Dustin Rhodes joined commentary for this match. The crowd loudly chants "Paula" much to Dustin's amusement and Mr. Wonderful's aggrivation. Ventura brings up Rude's comments about never being beaten for the US Title. Dustin acknowledges that it's true, but points out that he's been a fighting champion and shown he deserves to have the title. He'll gladly defend against Rude too. After the match, Dustin went to ringside to encourage the crowd to keep chanting "Paula."

---

WCW Main Event – March 28, 1993
Georgia Mountains Center – Gainesville, GA
Announcers: Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyszko

Davey Boy Smith pinned Mike Moon with the Running Powerslam in 0:03:16.
Rating: * 3/4

Maxx Payne defeated Terry Bronson when Bronson passed out in the Payne Killer in 0:03:16.
Rating: * 3/4

Van Hammer pinned Bill Irwin with the Hammer Rocks in 0:04:09.
Rating: * 3/4

The Barbarian & The Bruiser (The Barbarian and Bruiser Mastino) defeated The Southern Posse (Sonny Trout and Rick Thames)
when Mastino pinned Thames after a flying clothesline in 0:04:32.
Rating: -** 1/2

Another dominating victory by Missy Hyatt's new team.

[TV Title Tournament - Conference Final]
Paul Orndorff pinned Cactus Jack after a powerslam in 0:07:25.
Rating: ** 1/4

[LillaThrilla]

WCW @ The Omni - March 28, 1993
Atlanta, GA

Kids tickets only $1.01.

2 Cold Scorpio pinned Shanghai Pierce after a power bomb in 0:05:14.
Rating: * 1/4

Maxx Payne made Fury submit to the Payne Killer in 0:04:20.
Rating: -1/4*

Johnny B. Badd pinned Tex Slazenger with the Tutti Frutti in 0:05:06.
Rating: * 1/2

Paul Orndorff and Steven Regal defeated Dustin Rhodes and Erik Watts when Orndorff pinned Watts with the Piledriver in 0:10:30.
Rating: * 1/2

Davey Boy Smith pinned Big Sky with the Running Powerslam in 0:07:07.
Rating: 3/4*

Big Van Vader defeated Sting by disqualification in 0:08:09.
Rating: *** 1/4
(Big Van Vader retained the WCW World Heavyweight Title.)
[Harley Race interfered against Sting.]

Race tried to throw a strap to Vader, but Sting intercepted and whipped Vader to the crowd's delight, notwithstanding this action cost Sting the match.

Shane Douglas and Ricky Steamboat and The Hollywood Blonds (Steve Austin and Brian Pillman) battled to a time limit draw in 0:30:00.
Rating: **** 1/4
(The Hollywood Blonds retained the WCW World Tag Team Titles.)