Post by JoshiQ on May 20, 2010 15:07:30 GMT -5
WCW Superbrawl II
3/1/92
Milwaukee, WI: The Mecca
Your hosts are Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, and Dusty Rhodes
Jim Ross welcomed everybody watching live on pay-per-view to Superbrawl II. Jim Ross said that tonight was the night for scores to be settled as men that have been chomping at the bit to get at one another would be finally able to get that chance. Tony Schiavone followed that by saying that no two men want to get at each other more than Lex Luger and Sting. Dusty Rhodes said it was a shame that it came to this between Luger and Sting because he knew what a great friendship they had, but Luger went and turned his back on the fans and has been a no good scallywag since that time. Rhodes was hoping that Sting might pound some sense in to him tonight and in the process win his second World Heavyweight Championship. Jim Ross said that tonight was so full of action that we needed to head to the ring to get the night started.
THE DIAMOND MINE (DIAMOND STUDD AND VINNIE VEGAS) VS JUSHIN LIGER AND THE Z-MAN:
Diamond Dallas Page, of course, accompanied his fellow Diamond Mine mates to the ring for tonight’s opening bout. Vinnie Vegas and the Diamond Studd pretty much dwarfed Jushin Liger and the Z-Man, but the two high flyers didn’t let that intimidate them. In fact, for the opening few minutes Liger and the Z-Man had Vegas and Studd completely off guard with numerous quick tags and their high risk offense. The Studd and Vegas just couldn’t grab a hold of their much faster opponents. Liger shocked everybody when at one point he tackled the Studd and laid in to him with punches to the face. Liger was definitely looking for some revenge for the attacks he has suffered at their hands.
Luckily for Vegas and the Studd they had Diamond Dallas Page at ringside, and it was Page that helped the two bigger men gain an advantage. Liger had bounced off the ropes, and Page hooked his foot causing Liger’s head to bounce off the mat. From there Studd and Vegas took over on Liger. Studd and Vegas took turns tagging in and delivering some brutal offense for several minutes, but Liger was fast enough to duck under a clothesline by Studd and make the hot tag to the Z-Man. Tom Zenk entered the ring a house of fire and quickly knocked both Vegas and the Studd down with dropkicks. Things broke up into a four man brawl quickly enough with Vegas and Liger going to the outside to continue their fight. Meanwhile it looked like the Z-Man was going to drop Studd with a piledriver, but DDP jumped up on the ring apron Zenk was distracted and went to get Page off the apron, but when he turned around Studd was waiting for him with a kick to the midsection and was then able to lift him up and drop him with the Diamond Death Drop. Liger still had his hands full with Vegas and thus was unable to break up the three count giving the Diamond Mine a big win leading off Superbrawl II.
The Diamond Mine (Diamond Studd and Vinnie Vegas) defeated Jushin Liger and Z-Man when Studd pinned Z-Man with the Diamond Death Drop in 0:10:53.
Rating: ***
After the match Vegas got the upper hand on Liger on the outside and was able to push him back into the ring. Page also entered the ring and tossed Zenk out of the ring. The Diamond Mine had Liger totally surrounded, and it looked like things were going to end badly for Liger. Vegas hooked Liger’s arms, and the Studd took to lightly slapping Liger in the face. Page was laughing as he saw Liger being bullied around. Things changed, however, when Studd bounced off the ropes and went to nail Liger with a clothesline, but Liger ducked and pulled away causing Studd to hit his friend, Vinnie Vegas! Vegas staggered backwards and fell through the ropes. The Diamond Studd seemed shocked, and Liger took full advantage by nailing the Studd from behind with his koppo kick! The Studd went through the ropes as well and that left DDP alone with Liger.
Diamond Dallas Page backed up slowly as Liger stalked him in the ring, but Page only had a few steps before his back hit the turnbuckles. Liger charged him and clobbered him with a clothesline and then monkey flipped him back in to the center of the ring. Page quickly escaped the ring and headed back up the aisle. Vegas and Studd decided that the win was good enough for them as they also headed to the back with their leader. Even though his team lost the match, it was Liger standing in the center of the ring at the end.
GRUDGE MATCH
EL GIGANTE VS CACTUS JACK:
These two men didn’t wait for the bell to ring before they tore in to one another. El Gigante still had his knee brace on, but he didn’t seem to let that bother him as he beat Cactus Jack from one side of the ring to the other. El Gigante controlled the majority of the match with Cactus only able to get in the occasional blow here and there. Things got a little crazier when Cactus Jack pulled referee Randy Anderson in the way of a big overhand chop by Gigante. Anderson hit the mat hard, but just because there wasn’t a referee didn’t mean the match would stop. The two men continued to brawl around the ring and they eventually went to the outside. Unfortunately for El Gigante, that’s where Jack feels at home. Cactus Jack found a folding chair and was able to ram it into the knee of El Gigante. Gigante fell to one knee, and from there Cactus Jack went crazy with the chair. Cactus Jack sent chair shot after chair shot raining down across Gigante’s back and head. Gigante still wouldn’t go down, but that was probably a good thing for Cactus as after he was done he was able to roll the giant in to the ring. Randy Anderson was starting to come to as Jack dropped Gigante with the Double Arm DDT. Anderson slowly rolled over and three seconds later Cactus Jack was announced as the winner.
Cactus Jack pinned El Gigante with the Double Arm DDT in 0:07:27.
Rating: DUD
After the match Dusty Rhodes said that he hoped El Gigante was okay, and Tony Schiavone included that he had never seen the big man pinned before. Cactus Jack, meanwhile,wasn’t done with El Gigante it appeared as he crawled over to where El Gigante lay, but instead of attacking him he held Gigante’s head in his hands and started petting his head in a weird way all the time screaming out “Thank you! Thank you!”
Jim Ross seemed a little taken aback by what Cacuts Jack was doing as officials came down to the ring to clear the ring. Eventually Jack left with that deranged smile of his on his face while it took numerous officials to come down and help El Gigante from the ring and to the back.
Jim Ross then sent it to the back where Eric Bischoff was standing by with Sting. Eric Bischoff asked Sting if he was ready tonight’s main event to which Sting replied that yes, he was most definitely ready. He said that Luger tried to pay off Arn Anderson to injure his back, and a couple weeks ago Luger attacked him with a chair, and weeks before that Luger had laid him out with a vicious beating. Sting then asked Eric if he really thought he wouldn’t be ready after all of that? Sting said it was time for a little payback and tonight he would be dishing it out.
THE FABULOUS FREEBIRDS AND “STUNNING” STEVE AUSTIN VS “THE NATURAL” DUSTIN RHODES, BIG JOSH, AND RON SIMMONS:
This match showed off the tag team abilities of all six men here tonight. All six men have been known to be pretty successful when it comes to tag team wrestling. Things stayed at a pretty fast pace for most of the match with frequent tags. There really was not a specific time where one of the men seemed to be in major trouble. It became pretty clear, however, that Austin and Rhodes were wanting to get at one another and the same can be said about the Freebirds and the US Tag Champs, Simmons and Big Josh. Near the end there was a little bit of confusion as Austin tagged in Michael Hayes, but referee Randy Anderson didn’t see it. Hayes came in to fight it out with the other legal man, Dustin Rhodes, but Anderson tried to break it up. This led to all six men getting in the ring. Because of the chaos Rhodes was able to nail Austin out of nowhere with his Bulldog at the same time Hayes dropped Simmons with the DDT. Hayes went to cover Simmons as Rhodes covered Austin. Garvin and Big Josh continued to brawl in the corner as the three count was delivered. There was a lot of confusion after the match as both teams thought they had won, but it became clear when Anderson raised Rhodes’ hand.
Big Josh, Dustin Rhodes and Ron Simmons defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin) and Steve Austin when D. Rhodes pinned S. Austin with the Bulldog in 0:14:10.
Rating: ** ½
The Freebirds and Austin were irate after the bell as was Paul E. Dangerously, but the decision had been made as Anderson had considered Rhodes and Austin both the legal men. Rhodes, Simmons, and Big Josh walked to the back victorious while Hayes, Garvin, and Austin argued it out with the ref.
Jim Ross once again sent it to the back where Eric Bischoff was standing by with Big Van Vader and Harley Race. Race said that he wanted to apologize to Brian Pillman. Eric Bischoff took this as a good sign as he said it was nice for Harley to finally realize what he and Vader were doing was wrong. Race gave Bischoff a look that shut him up pretty fast as he clarified that he wasn’t apologizing for Vader’s attacks, he was apologizing to “Flyin’” Brian because he told Vader to stop taking it easy on his opponents. Bischoff seemed shocked at this as he yelled that most of Vader’s opponents end up in the hospital! Race said that was exactly right, and that was with Vader taking it easy on them. Race said he had no idea what would happen to Pillman tonight, but it would end badly.
Dusty Rhodes seemed a little upset with Race’s comments as he said that there was a different between wrestling and trying to intentionally hurt somebody. Rhodes said he had no respect for the way Vader wrestles or Harley Race for leading him down that path.
BIG VAN VADER VS “FLYIN’” BRIAN PILLMAN:
The size difference was definitely something to behold here as Vader had at least 200 pounds on the much smaller Brian Pillman. But you have to give it to Pillman, he didn’t back down one bit in this match. Vader tried to start the match off with as much physicality as possible, but Pillman had done his homework and used his speed from the bell to evade Vader’s hammering blows. Pillman not only tried to let Vader wear himself out, but he also threw in quite a bit of offense that was able to keep Vader staggered. Harley Race did not seem entertained at ringside as he kept yelling at Vader to crush the bug. Vader, though, still was just unable to get grip on his much faster opponent. Pillman was even able to drop the much bigger man with a missile dropkick off the top rope, but was only about to get a one count before Vader bench pressed him off.
Pillman kept up his dodging and ducking until he went back to the top and went for a flying cross body press, but that was a huge mistake as Vader was able to catch him in mid-air. A huge powerslam followed, and it looked like that would be the end for “Flyin’” Brian. But it only got a two count! Vader seemed a little surprised, but quickly brought Pillman back to his feet only to drop him with a huge chokeslam that had Pillman landing practically on his head. Another cover by Vader, however, only got a two count as Pillman kept fighting! That was it though as Vader lifted Pillman up again, and this time it was the Power Bomb! Pillman didn’t look like he was getting up from that, but Vader wasn’t done as he pulled Pillman over to the corner. He went up to the middle turnbuckle and came off with the Vader Bomb! Pillman’s leg twitched like he was going to try and kick out, but that was it. Vader scored the three count and the victory.
Big Van Vader pinned Brian Pillman with the Vader Bomb in 0:06:57.
Rating: *** 1/4
Harley Race entered the ring after the match and yelled at Vader to get back up! Vader didn’t have to be told twice as he climbed back up and dropped another Vader Bomb on Pillman. This was followed up by two more Vader Bombs, and at this point Pillman was starting to shake rather violently. The whole time Dusty Rhodes was yelling at the announcer’s booth that this was totally uncalled for and somebody needed to put a stop to it. Race walked over and draped Pillman’s leg across the bottom rope and then told Vader to go up once more. It looked like Vader was going to drop a Vader Bomb across Pillman’s totally unprotected leg. This would definitely break it, and possibly end the career of Pillman, but one man had seen enough. That man was Dusty Rhodes. Dusty Rhodes got up from the announcer’s table and entered the ring! Race turned around only to be leveled by a big Bionic Elbow! Race fell to the mat as Rhodes walked up behind Vader and gave him a low blow! Vader was stunned as he fell backwards and to the mat. Vader quickly got back up only to get three consecutive elbows to the head that floored him! Vader rolled out of the ring as Rhodes ran over to check on Pillman. The crowd was giving Rhodes a huge ovation while Vader and Harley Race glared at him from ringside.
With Vader and Race cleared from the ring, out came officials and the medical crew with a stretcher. Pillman did need to be stretchered out which was quite the shame considering how much fight he put forth tonight. Jim Ross said that he was just lucky that Dusty Rhodes was there to save the day. Dusty Rhodes apparently left with Pillman for the hospital so he would no longer be handling announcing duties tonight.
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES
ARN ANDERSON AND BOBBY EATON© VS THE STEINER BROTHERS:
In a match that was to determine the best tag team of today, none of these four men were going to accept losing. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that while the Steiner Brothers usually focus mostly on their strength based offense, they are also accomplished in their technical prowess. So when Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton started the match off by trying to mat wrestle, both Rick and Scott showed they were more than capable of holding their own. This led to a conference with Paul E. Dangerously where it looked like Anderson and Eaton decided to change it up a bit with some quick tags and some underhanded tactics to keep the Steiners off guard. This worked out quite a bit better for them as they were able to cut off Scott Steiner and work him over in their corner. Eaton and Anderson really showed some nice team work, and it was a wonder that Scott was eventually able to work his way free when he caught Arn Anderson by surprise with a release German Suplex. Scott dove over to make the tag to Rick, but at that point Paul E. jumped up on the ring apron and successfully distracted new referee, Mike Droese. Rick Steiner came in, but was promptly put back outside by Droese. Rick was so upset that he even looked like he was about ready to deck Droese, and Droese didn’t even budge.
Anderson and Eaton kept up their double teaming of Scott Steiner with Rick Steiner being forced to enter the ring and break up several close pinfall attempts. Eventually Scott was able to make a legal tag to Rick, and Rick came in a house of fire knocking both members of the Dangerous Alliance down with several Steinerlines. Rick kept up the offense and almost came away with a pinfall on Eaton with a diving shoulderblock, but Anderson was there to break it up. Things once again slowed down a bit after Rick went for another move off the ropes, but Dangerously tried to trip him up. It didn’t work, but it did distract Rick long enough for Eaton to drill Rick from behind. Eaton and Anderson once again took turns wearing down the Dog Faced Gremlin, but Rick refused to stay down for long. He was eventually able to make a diving tag to his brother, Scott. Scott took back control of the match, but things soon broke down with all four men in the ring. While Rick Steiner was brawling with Arn, Bobby came over to help out. They both threw Rick over the top rope and to the outside, but when they turned around they both walked right into a double Steinerline by Scott Steiner! Rick quickly re-entered the ring and blasted Arn with another Steinerline as he was getting back to his feet. Bobby was getting back up, but he was quickly hooked up by Scott Steiner and thrown with an over the head belly to belly suplex.
Eaton got back up to his feet, but Scott was right there to lift him up on his shoulders. Rick got up on to the top turnbuckle, but Paul E. jumped up on the ring apron apparently trying to push him off, but referee Mike Droese was right there to shove him back down! Rick jumped off and hit his Top Rope Steiner Bulldog on Eaton off of Scott’s shoulders! Rick went for the pin as Scott clotheslined Anderson over the top rope! The three count was delivered and we had new World Tag Team Champions!
The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) defeated The Dangerous Alliance (Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton) when R. Steiner pinned B. Eaton with the Top Rope Steiner Bulldog in 0:19:28.
Rating: *** ½
(The Steiner Brothers won the World Tag Team Titles.)
The Steiner Brothers ran around the ring celebrating as Paul E. collected himself at ringside with Anderson. Eaton was completely out inside the ring, but Anderson was able to get in there and pull him to the outside. In the mean time Droese handed the Steiners their Tag Team Championship belts. Rick ran around the ring barking before getting down on all fours in between his brother Scott’s legs. The crowd exploded with cheers as the men from Michigan continued to celebrate.
Jim Ross announced that due to the nature of the upcoming match and the dangerous possibilities with no disqualifications and no countouts, that Larry Zbyszko had told Paul E. Dangerously that he would not be coming down to the ring for his match with Barry Windham. Not surprisingly, Paul E. Dangerously apparently didn’t put up much of a fight. Tony Schiavone said that this match was sure to be one of a kind and that he hoped both men realized what they were getting themselves into.
UNSANCTIONED MATCH
“THE CRUNCHER” LARRY ZBYSZKO VS BARRY WINDHAM:
The pure hatred for one another was shown right off the bat as when Barry Windham stepped through the ropes Larry Zbyszko went to charge at him. Windham, however, was ready as he tackled Zbyszko and started wailing away at “the Cruncher.” Larry turned him over and got in a few blows of his own before once again Windham was able to get on top. Unfortunately for Barry Windham, who’s right hand is stuck in a cast, he was only able to use his left hand with success. Things continued at this heated pace for the remainder of the match. In fact, it didn’t take long before both men were brawling on the outside around the ringside area. With no countouts or disqualifications they were able to stay out there for quite a bit of the match. Zbyszko at one point rammed Windham’s head into the guardrail an astounding ten times in a row before Windham collapsed from the blunt blows. Windham soon had blood pouring down his face in a consistent flow.
Windham wouldn’t be the only one to be busted open during the match as a minute or so later Windham was able to reverse an Irish Whip into the ringpost. Zbyszko nailed it forehead first and he too was soon busted open right above the left eye. Things eventually got back in to the ring where Windham was able to get Zbyszko on to the top turnbuckle. It looked liked Windham was going to attempt his superplex, but he too late realized that he had no mobility in his right hand. He then tried to change it by using his left hand to do the lifting, but Zbyszko was able to push him off the top rope, and Windham landed with a thud on the mat.
The match continued on with both men still bleeding, and it looked like both men were about done for the evening as every time one of them fell to the mat it kept taking them longer and longer to get back up. Eventually it looked like Zbyszko was worn down enough to be put away, but Windham kept running in to problems where he just couldn’t keep him down for a three count. He kept nailing him with punch after punch, but he just didn’t have that big move to put “the Cruncher” away. And that always led to Zbyszko making a comeback. On one of these comebacks, Zbyszko did the unthinkable as he reached into his tights and pulled out a pair of heavy duty scissors! The crowd gasped at this, and Tony Schiavone at the announcer’s booth was screaming for somebody to get out there, but that would not be needed as Windham nailed Larry with a couple of hard fists to the stomach causing Zbyszko to drop the scissors. Windham almost tore Zbyszko’s head off with a lariat. From there Windham bent down and picked up the scissors and started cutting into his cast! Windham got the cast off and started stretching out his hand obviously grimacing in pain. Zbyszko was getting back to his feet, but Windham saw his chance as he grabbed Larry up for what looked like would be a suplex, but instead he dropped him with the Brain Buster! The same move Larry Zbyszko uses! Windham then stuck his right hand in the air to a huge cheer and applied the Claw!!! It was obvious Windham was in a lot of pain, but he kept the grip tight! Larry was stuck in the middle of the ring, blood pouring down his face, and he gave it up!
Barry Windham made Larry Zbyszko submit to the Claw in 0:16:41.
Rating: ** 1/2
Barry Windham immediately collapsed after the bell was rung, holding his hand against his chest. It obviously took a lot out of him. Windham still had blood caked on his face as he slowly got to his feet and had his hand raised. From the back out ran Steve Austin and Arn Anderson to help roll Zbyszko out of the ring, and they gave him a hand to the back. Paul E. Dangerously joined them halfway to check up on his fallen “Cruncher.” Barry Windham simply propped himself up against the turnbuckle as the crowd continued to cheer him on. This match definitely took a lot out of both men, and it was doubtful either would ever be the same.
UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
“RAVISHING” RICK RUDE© VS RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT:
This match had the promise to be the match of the night, and it did not disappoint. Rick Rude and Ricky Steamboat started the match off slow with the pace slowly rising every minute. Rude definitely had the strength advantage over Steamboat, but Steamboat’s speed and technical prowess was more than enough to keep up. This match was so evenly fought that it would be hard to even decide who had control for even a slight majority of the match. Steamboat seemed to focus mostly on trying to wear Rude down while Rude kept going for pinfalls throughout the match.
Steamboat almost came away with the pinfall and the US Title at around the sixteen minute mark when Rude missed a flying kneedrop off the top rope. Rude was clearly hurt, and Steamboat took that as the time to climb to the top rope. Rude had no idea where Steamboat was as he was staggering around the ring and turned right into the Flying Cross Body Press off the top rope from Steamboat! Rude was down, but somehow at the last second was able to get his shoulder up before the three count. Steamboat thought that he had won the match as he got up and celebrated. Referee Mark Curtis had to chase him down and let him know that it was only a two count, and during this time Rude was able to recoup. While Steamboat and Curtis were talking Rude snuck up from behind and drilled a knee into Steamboat’s lower back. With Steamboat hurt, Rude was able to turn and drop him with the Rude Awakening! Rude made the cover, and it looked like that would be it for Steamboat’s shot at the title. However, Steamboat, the veteran that he is, knew exactly where he was and was able to get his foot on the bottom rope at 2.9 seconds. Rude also thought he had won the match, and once again Mark Curtis had to explain it was only a two count.
Things continued from there with back and forth action with several close falls. Both men really started to wear down at the match winded down and each move came closer and closer to a three count. Steamboat finally took control of the match and looked like he had things in control after nailing a flying chop from the top rope. Rude hit the mat, but Steamboat wasn’t done as he lifted Rude back to his feet and went to whip him into the ropes, but Rude was able to reverse it. When Steamboat rebounded off the ropes it looked like he might go for a clothesline, but Rude side-stepped him, and it looked like Rude gave Steamboat a little shove that sent Steamboat over the top rope. However, Steamboat caught the top rope! It looked like he was going to skin the cat, but it took him a little longer than usual. Rude had his back turned for a few seconds, but turned around just as Steamboat was finishing and as soon as Steamboat’s feet hit the mat Rude grabbed his neck from behind and dropped him with the Rude Awakening out of nowhere! Rude hooked both legs this time, and he even grabbed a handful of tights as Mark Curtis dropped down to the mat and delivered the three count!
Rick Rude pinned Ricky Steamboat with the Rude Awakening in 0:22:21.
Rating: ****
(Rick Rude retained the United States Heavyweight Title.)
All Rick Rude could do was roll over and lay on the mat as the bell rang, and he was announced as the winner. Paul E. Dangerously was ecstatic at ringside as he was handed the United States Title. Dangerously quickly entered the ring and helped Rude to his feet and handed over the Title as Steamboat slowly sat up, grimacing and holding his neck. Rude was obviously exhausted as he staggered through the ropes and walked to the back with Paul E. Dangerously following. Dangerously yelled into the camera that it was the last time Steamboat ever got a Title shot at “Ravishing” Rick’s US Title. Steamboat slowly got to his feet in the ring, but he was obviously disappointed. Still the fans gave him a huge ovation as he left the ring.
Jim Ross announced that it was now time for tonight’s main event. Tony Schiavone said that this was the moment we have all been waiting for and that Sting and Lex Luger would finally be going one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship!
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
“THE TOTAL PACKAGE” LEX LUGER© vs STING:
Lex Luger and Sting were not going to back down from one another. Things started out with a rather slow feeling out stage with neither Sting nor Luger getting much of an upper hand. Harley Race kept himself rather quiet and seemed to just be taking it all in, possibly waiting for his change to give Luger an advantage. Sting eventually gained control with some high impact offense that kept Luger off his feet, and it looked like the match would end before the six minute mark when Sting dropped Luger with a faceslam and within seconds had Luger turned over in the Scorpion Deathlock! Luger was lucky enough to be close enough to grab the ropes, but it was clear that Sting could hook the hold on at any moment.
Luger and Race’s plan last night did seem to come into fruition later when Sting went to lift Lex Luger in a Gorilla Press, but collapsed under the weight. Sting screamed out in pain and started holding his back as Luger got to his feet and realized what had happened. Apparently Arn Anderson had succeeded in doing just enough damage to Sting’s back to have an impact. Luger quickly took back control and started to work over the back of Sting. An extended period of Luger draping Sting’s back across his knee had Sting almost out as when Luger covered him afterwards Sting barely got his shoulder up before the three count. Things continued to build up for the rest of the match with Sting making the occasional comeback to keep Luger on his toes. Near the end of the match, Sting made one final comeback where he took control by countering a superplex attempt by Luger. From there Sting flew off with a flying clothesline on to Luger. Sting kept on when he went to whip Luger into the turnbuckle and went for his Stinger’s Splash, but Luger moved out of the way at the last minute, and Sting smashed in to the turnbuckles chest first. Things looked bad for Sting as Luger caught him staggering backwards and went to lift him up in to the Torture Rack! Luger lifted, but at the same time Sting shifted his weight and came around the front of Luger. Sting then grabbed Luger’s legs out from under him and turned him over into the Scorpion Deathlock! Luger was caught in the middle of the ring with nowhere to go! Harley Race screamed from the outside for him to get to the ropes, but it was just too far and Luger had no choice but to surrender!
Sting made Lex Luger submit with the Scorpion Deathlock in 0:18:37.
Rating: ** 1/2
(Sting won the World Heavyweight Title.)
Sting had won the World Heavyweight Championship! The crowd went crazy as Sting was handed the WCW Title by referee Nick Patrick. Harley Race helped Luger out of the ring and to the back while Sting held the Title above his head in celebration. Sting let loose one of his howls as he stepped on to the middle turnbuckle and raised the title once more as Jim Ross said we were out of time, but he was happy to announce that Sting was once again the World Heavyweight Champion!
Card rating: ** ¾
WCW Hotline:
Sting won the WCW World Heavyweight Title in clean fashion here tonight. There can be no disputing that Lex Luger’s nine month title reign was something special, but tonight it all came to an end with Sting finally getting revenge on his former best friend. Sting will definitely be there this coming Saturday Night with WCW World Title in hand.
Rick Rude escaped with his United States Title by the skin of his teeth. He and Ricky Steamboat definitely put on a clinic here tonight and either man could have won at any point. It looks like Steamboat would have actually been better off just taking the crash to the floor on the outside as the slight delay in him skinning the cat probably cost him the victory here tonight. Ricky Steamboat can’t be happy with the result tonight, but both men should be happy knowing they gave it their all.
Barry Windham and Larry Zbyszko tore into one another like no other match we have seen in quite some time. Both men lost quite a bit of blood during the match, and both were taken to the hospital to be checked out. Arn Anderson accompanied Zbyszko, and Dustin Rhodes went with Barry Windham. We later found out that Larry needed 6 stitches to close his head wound, and Barry needed a whopping 12. Kip Allen Frey is said to be in a little bit of trouble for allowing this unsanctioned match to happen by the owners of WCW.
The Steiner Brothers walk away with their third reign as World Tag Team Champions. In what be deemed a great tag team match, both the Steiners and Bobby Eaton and Arn Anderson showcased just why both teams are considered the two best in the world. Tonight it was the Steiners walking away with the win, but the match could have easily gone either way.
Brian Pillman really had a tough fight ahead of him tonight, but he really brought it. Vader surely couldn’t have expected to have as much trouble as he did with the youngster. Vader still walked away with the win, but it wasn’t without a battle. What happened after the match, however, was totally uncalled for, and a big thank you has to be given to Dusty Rhodes for coming to the aid. Dusty Rhodes has not been in the ring in a couple of years, but he still showed he could handle his own in disposing of Race and Vader long enough to get Pillman some help.
Dustin Rhodes scored a huge pinfall victory over Steve Austin tonight in the six man tag. Due to this the WCW Championship Committee have decided to grant Rhodes another match against Austin for the Television Title this coming Saturday. The Freebirds, on the other hand, are still upset that they did not record what would have been the deciding pinfall when Hayes had Simmons pinned. It is unclear where this will lead and if there is a US Tag Team Title shot in the Freebirds future.
Cactus Jack did get a victory over El Gigante here tonight, but what will be remembered more than that will be Cactus Jack screaming out his thanks to El Gigante after the match. El Gigante was pretty badly shaken up after the match, but he refused help and simply walked out of the arena.
It was announced after tonight’s show that Jushin Liger would be heading back to Japan as his tour of the United States has come to an end. WCW will be recording his departure sometime this week as WCW says it’s farewell to one of the most athletic wrestlers we have ever seen. The tape will be shown this Saturday Night. It is unclear when Jushin Liger will return to WCW.
Be sure to tune in this Saturday Night where Sting will make his first appearance as new World Heavyweight Champion! Lex Luger will also be there, and what will the FORMER Champion have to say? Numerous superstars will also be in action including, in the main event, Television Champion “Stunning” Steve Austin defending against “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes!
3/1/92
Milwaukee, WI: The Mecca
Your hosts are Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, and Dusty Rhodes
Jim Ross welcomed everybody watching live on pay-per-view to Superbrawl II. Jim Ross said that tonight was the night for scores to be settled as men that have been chomping at the bit to get at one another would be finally able to get that chance. Tony Schiavone followed that by saying that no two men want to get at each other more than Lex Luger and Sting. Dusty Rhodes said it was a shame that it came to this between Luger and Sting because he knew what a great friendship they had, but Luger went and turned his back on the fans and has been a no good scallywag since that time. Rhodes was hoping that Sting might pound some sense in to him tonight and in the process win his second World Heavyweight Championship. Jim Ross said that tonight was so full of action that we needed to head to the ring to get the night started.
THE DIAMOND MINE (DIAMOND STUDD AND VINNIE VEGAS) VS JUSHIN LIGER AND THE Z-MAN:
Diamond Dallas Page, of course, accompanied his fellow Diamond Mine mates to the ring for tonight’s opening bout. Vinnie Vegas and the Diamond Studd pretty much dwarfed Jushin Liger and the Z-Man, but the two high flyers didn’t let that intimidate them. In fact, for the opening few minutes Liger and the Z-Man had Vegas and Studd completely off guard with numerous quick tags and their high risk offense. The Studd and Vegas just couldn’t grab a hold of their much faster opponents. Liger shocked everybody when at one point he tackled the Studd and laid in to him with punches to the face. Liger was definitely looking for some revenge for the attacks he has suffered at their hands.
Luckily for Vegas and the Studd they had Diamond Dallas Page at ringside, and it was Page that helped the two bigger men gain an advantage. Liger had bounced off the ropes, and Page hooked his foot causing Liger’s head to bounce off the mat. From there Studd and Vegas took over on Liger. Studd and Vegas took turns tagging in and delivering some brutal offense for several minutes, but Liger was fast enough to duck under a clothesline by Studd and make the hot tag to the Z-Man. Tom Zenk entered the ring a house of fire and quickly knocked both Vegas and the Studd down with dropkicks. Things broke up into a four man brawl quickly enough with Vegas and Liger going to the outside to continue their fight. Meanwhile it looked like the Z-Man was going to drop Studd with a piledriver, but DDP jumped up on the ring apron Zenk was distracted and went to get Page off the apron, but when he turned around Studd was waiting for him with a kick to the midsection and was then able to lift him up and drop him with the Diamond Death Drop. Liger still had his hands full with Vegas and thus was unable to break up the three count giving the Diamond Mine a big win leading off Superbrawl II.
The Diamond Mine (Diamond Studd and Vinnie Vegas) defeated Jushin Liger and Z-Man when Studd pinned Z-Man with the Diamond Death Drop in 0:10:53.
Rating: ***
After the match Vegas got the upper hand on Liger on the outside and was able to push him back into the ring. Page also entered the ring and tossed Zenk out of the ring. The Diamond Mine had Liger totally surrounded, and it looked like things were going to end badly for Liger. Vegas hooked Liger’s arms, and the Studd took to lightly slapping Liger in the face. Page was laughing as he saw Liger being bullied around. Things changed, however, when Studd bounced off the ropes and went to nail Liger with a clothesline, but Liger ducked and pulled away causing Studd to hit his friend, Vinnie Vegas! Vegas staggered backwards and fell through the ropes. The Diamond Studd seemed shocked, and Liger took full advantage by nailing the Studd from behind with his koppo kick! The Studd went through the ropes as well and that left DDP alone with Liger.
Diamond Dallas Page backed up slowly as Liger stalked him in the ring, but Page only had a few steps before his back hit the turnbuckles. Liger charged him and clobbered him with a clothesline and then monkey flipped him back in to the center of the ring. Page quickly escaped the ring and headed back up the aisle. Vegas and Studd decided that the win was good enough for them as they also headed to the back with their leader. Even though his team lost the match, it was Liger standing in the center of the ring at the end.
GRUDGE MATCH
EL GIGANTE VS CACTUS JACK:
These two men didn’t wait for the bell to ring before they tore in to one another. El Gigante still had his knee brace on, but he didn’t seem to let that bother him as he beat Cactus Jack from one side of the ring to the other. El Gigante controlled the majority of the match with Cactus only able to get in the occasional blow here and there. Things got a little crazier when Cactus Jack pulled referee Randy Anderson in the way of a big overhand chop by Gigante. Anderson hit the mat hard, but just because there wasn’t a referee didn’t mean the match would stop. The two men continued to brawl around the ring and they eventually went to the outside. Unfortunately for El Gigante, that’s where Jack feels at home. Cactus Jack found a folding chair and was able to ram it into the knee of El Gigante. Gigante fell to one knee, and from there Cactus Jack went crazy with the chair. Cactus Jack sent chair shot after chair shot raining down across Gigante’s back and head. Gigante still wouldn’t go down, but that was probably a good thing for Cactus as after he was done he was able to roll the giant in to the ring. Randy Anderson was starting to come to as Jack dropped Gigante with the Double Arm DDT. Anderson slowly rolled over and three seconds later Cactus Jack was announced as the winner.
Cactus Jack pinned El Gigante with the Double Arm DDT in 0:07:27.
Rating: DUD
After the match Dusty Rhodes said that he hoped El Gigante was okay, and Tony Schiavone included that he had never seen the big man pinned before. Cactus Jack, meanwhile,wasn’t done with El Gigante it appeared as he crawled over to where El Gigante lay, but instead of attacking him he held Gigante’s head in his hands and started petting his head in a weird way all the time screaming out “Thank you! Thank you!”
Jim Ross seemed a little taken aback by what Cacuts Jack was doing as officials came down to the ring to clear the ring. Eventually Jack left with that deranged smile of his on his face while it took numerous officials to come down and help El Gigante from the ring and to the back.
Jim Ross then sent it to the back where Eric Bischoff was standing by with Sting. Eric Bischoff asked Sting if he was ready tonight’s main event to which Sting replied that yes, he was most definitely ready. He said that Luger tried to pay off Arn Anderson to injure his back, and a couple weeks ago Luger attacked him with a chair, and weeks before that Luger had laid him out with a vicious beating. Sting then asked Eric if he really thought he wouldn’t be ready after all of that? Sting said it was time for a little payback and tonight he would be dishing it out.
THE FABULOUS FREEBIRDS AND “STUNNING” STEVE AUSTIN VS “THE NATURAL” DUSTIN RHODES, BIG JOSH, AND RON SIMMONS:
This match showed off the tag team abilities of all six men here tonight. All six men have been known to be pretty successful when it comes to tag team wrestling. Things stayed at a pretty fast pace for most of the match with frequent tags. There really was not a specific time where one of the men seemed to be in major trouble. It became pretty clear, however, that Austin and Rhodes were wanting to get at one another and the same can be said about the Freebirds and the US Tag Champs, Simmons and Big Josh. Near the end there was a little bit of confusion as Austin tagged in Michael Hayes, but referee Randy Anderson didn’t see it. Hayes came in to fight it out with the other legal man, Dustin Rhodes, but Anderson tried to break it up. This led to all six men getting in the ring. Because of the chaos Rhodes was able to nail Austin out of nowhere with his Bulldog at the same time Hayes dropped Simmons with the DDT. Hayes went to cover Simmons as Rhodes covered Austin. Garvin and Big Josh continued to brawl in the corner as the three count was delivered. There was a lot of confusion after the match as both teams thought they had won, but it became clear when Anderson raised Rhodes’ hand.
Big Josh, Dustin Rhodes and Ron Simmons defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin) and Steve Austin when D. Rhodes pinned S. Austin with the Bulldog in 0:14:10.
Rating: ** ½
The Freebirds and Austin were irate after the bell as was Paul E. Dangerously, but the decision had been made as Anderson had considered Rhodes and Austin both the legal men. Rhodes, Simmons, and Big Josh walked to the back victorious while Hayes, Garvin, and Austin argued it out with the ref.
Jim Ross once again sent it to the back where Eric Bischoff was standing by with Big Van Vader and Harley Race. Race said that he wanted to apologize to Brian Pillman. Eric Bischoff took this as a good sign as he said it was nice for Harley to finally realize what he and Vader were doing was wrong. Race gave Bischoff a look that shut him up pretty fast as he clarified that he wasn’t apologizing for Vader’s attacks, he was apologizing to “Flyin’” Brian because he told Vader to stop taking it easy on his opponents. Bischoff seemed shocked at this as he yelled that most of Vader’s opponents end up in the hospital! Race said that was exactly right, and that was with Vader taking it easy on them. Race said he had no idea what would happen to Pillman tonight, but it would end badly.
Dusty Rhodes seemed a little upset with Race’s comments as he said that there was a different between wrestling and trying to intentionally hurt somebody. Rhodes said he had no respect for the way Vader wrestles or Harley Race for leading him down that path.
BIG VAN VADER VS “FLYIN’” BRIAN PILLMAN:
The size difference was definitely something to behold here as Vader had at least 200 pounds on the much smaller Brian Pillman. But you have to give it to Pillman, he didn’t back down one bit in this match. Vader tried to start the match off with as much physicality as possible, but Pillman had done his homework and used his speed from the bell to evade Vader’s hammering blows. Pillman not only tried to let Vader wear himself out, but he also threw in quite a bit of offense that was able to keep Vader staggered. Harley Race did not seem entertained at ringside as he kept yelling at Vader to crush the bug. Vader, though, still was just unable to get grip on his much faster opponent. Pillman was even able to drop the much bigger man with a missile dropkick off the top rope, but was only about to get a one count before Vader bench pressed him off.
Pillman kept up his dodging and ducking until he went back to the top and went for a flying cross body press, but that was a huge mistake as Vader was able to catch him in mid-air. A huge powerslam followed, and it looked like that would be the end for “Flyin’” Brian. But it only got a two count! Vader seemed a little surprised, but quickly brought Pillman back to his feet only to drop him with a huge chokeslam that had Pillman landing practically on his head. Another cover by Vader, however, only got a two count as Pillman kept fighting! That was it though as Vader lifted Pillman up again, and this time it was the Power Bomb! Pillman didn’t look like he was getting up from that, but Vader wasn’t done as he pulled Pillman over to the corner. He went up to the middle turnbuckle and came off with the Vader Bomb! Pillman’s leg twitched like he was going to try and kick out, but that was it. Vader scored the three count and the victory.
Big Van Vader pinned Brian Pillman with the Vader Bomb in 0:06:57.
Rating: *** 1/4
Harley Race entered the ring after the match and yelled at Vader to get back up! Vader didn’t have to be told twice as he climbed back up and dropped another Vader Bomb on Pillman. This was followed up by two more Vader Bombs, and at this point Pillman was starting to shake rather violently. The whole time Dusty Rhodes was yelling at the announcer’s booth that this was totally uncalled for and somebody needed to put a stop to it. Race walked over and draped Pillman’s leg across the bottom rope and then told Vader to go up once more. It looked like Vader was going to drop a Vader Bomb across Pillman’s totally unprotected leg. This would definitely break it, and possibly end the career of Pillman, but one man had seen enough. That man was Dusty Rhodes. Dusty Rhodes got up from the announcer’s table and entered the ring! Race turned around only to be leveled by a big Bionic Elbow! Race fell to the mat as Rhodes walked up behind Vader and gave him a low blow! Vader was stunned as he fell backwards and to the mat. Vader quickly got back up only to get three consecutive elbows to the head that floored him! Vader rolled out of the ring as Rhodes ran over to check on Pillman. The crowd was giving Rhodes a huge ovation while Vader and Harley Race glared at him from ringside.
With Vader and Race cleared from the ring, out came officials and the medical crew with a stretcher. Pillman did need to be stretchered out which was quite the shame considering how much fight he put forth tonight. Jim Ross said that he was just lucky that Dusty Rhodes was there to save the day. Dusty Rhodes apparently left with Pillman for the hospital so he would no longer be handling announcing duties tonight.
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES
ARN ANDERSON AND BOBBY EATON© VS THE STEINER BROTHERS:
In a match that was to determine the best tag team of today, none of these four men were going to accept losing. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that while the Steiner Brothers usually focus mostly on their strength based offense, they are also accomplished in their technical prowess. So when Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton started the match off by trying to mat wrestle, both Rick and Scott showed they were more than capable of holding their own. This led to a conference with Paul E. Dangerously where it looked like Anderson and Eaton decided to change it up a bit with some quick tags and some underhanded tactics to keep the Steiners off guard. This worked out quite a bit better for them as they were able to cut off Scott Steiner and work him over in their corner. Eaton and Anderson really showed some nice team work, and it was a wonder that Scott was eventually able to work his way free when he caught Arn Anderson by surprise with a release German Suplex. Scott dove over to make the tag to Rick, but at that point Paul E. jumped up on the ring apron and successfully distracted new referee, Mike Droese. Rick Steiner came in, but was promptly put back outside by Droese. Rick was so upset that he even looked like he was about ready to deck Droese, and Droese didn’t even budge.
Anderson and Eaton kept up their double teaming of Scott Steiner with Rick Steiner being forced to enter the ring and break up several close pinfall attempts. Eventually Scott was able to make a legal tag to Rick, and Rick came in a house of fire knocking both members of the Dangerous Alliance down with several Steinerlines. Rick kept up the offense and almost came away with a pinfall on Eaton with a diving shoulderblock, but Anderson was there to break it up. Things once again slowed down a bit after Rick went for another move off the ropes, but Dangerously tried to trip him up. It didn’t work, but it did distract Rick long enough for Eaton to drill Rick from behind. Eaton and Anderson once again took turns wearing down the Dog Faced Gremlin, but Rick refused to stay down for long. He was eventually able to make a diving tag to his brother, Scott. Scott took back control of the match, but things soon broke down with all four men in the ring. While Rick Steiner was brawling with Arn, Bobby came over to help out. They both threw Rick over the top rope and to the outside, but when they turned around they both walked right into a double Steinerline by Scott Steiner! Rick quickly re-entered the ring and blasted Arn with another Steinerline as he was getting back to his feet. Bobby was getting back up, but he was quickly hooked up by Scott Steiner and thrown with an over the head belly to belly suplex.
Eaton got back up to his feet, but Scott was right there to lift him up on his shoulders. Rick got up on to the top turnbuckle, but Paul E. jumped up on the ring apron apparently trying to push him off, but referee Mike Droese was right there to shove him back down! Rick jumped off and hit his Top Rope Steiner Bulldog on Eaton off of Scott’s shoulders! Rick went for the pin as Scott clotheslined Anderson over the top rope! The three count was delivered and we had new World Tag Team Champions!
The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) defeated The Dangerous Alliance (Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton) when R. Steiner pinned B. Eaton with the Top Rope Steiner Bulldog in 0:19:28.
Rating: *** ½
(The Steiner Brothers won the World Tag Team Titles.)
The Steiner Brothers ran around the ring celebrating as Paul E. collected himself at ringside with Anderson. Eaton was completely out inside the ring, but Anderson was able to get in there and pull him to the outside. In the mean time Droese handed the Steiners their Tag Team Championship belts. Rick ran around the ring barking before getting down on all fours in between his brother Scott’s legs. The crowd exploded with cheers as the men from Michigan continued to celebrate.
Jim Ross announced that due to the nature of the upcoming match and the dangerous possibilities with no disqualifications and no countouts, that Larry Zbyszko had told Paul E. Dangerously that he would not be coming down to the ring for his match with Barry Windham. Not surprisingly, Paul E. Dangerously apparently didn’t put up much of a fight. Tony Schiavone said that this match was sure to be one of a kind and that he hoped both men realized what they were getting themselves into.
UNSANCTIONED MATCH
“THE CRUNCHER” LARRY ZBYSZKO VS BARRY WINDHAM:
The pure hatred for one another was shown right off the bat as when Barry Windham stepped through the ropes Larry Zbyszko went to charge at him. Windham, however, was ready as he tackled Zbyszko and started wailing away at “the Cruncher.” Larry turned him over and got in a few blows of his own before once again Windham was able to get on top. Unfortunately for Barry Windham, who’s right hand is stuck in a cast, he was only able to use his left hand with success. Things continued at this heated pace for the remainder of the match. In fact, it didn’t take long before both men were brawling on the outside around the ringside area. With no countouts or disqualifications they were able to stay out there for quite a bit of the match. Zbyszko at one point rammed Windham’s head into the guardrail an astounding ten times in a row before Windham collapsed from the blunt blows. Windham soon had blood pouring down his face in a consistent flow.
Windham wouldn’t be the only one to be busted open during the match as a minute or so later Windham was able to reverse an Irish Whip into the ringpost. Zbyszko nailed it forehead first and he too was soon busted open right above the left eye. Things eventually got back in to the ring where Windham was able to get Zbyszko on to the top turnbuckle. It looked liked Windham was going to attempt his superplex, but he too late realized that he had no mobility in his right hand. He then tried to change it by using his left hand to do the lifting, but Zbyszko was able to push him off the top rope, and Windham landed with a thud on the mat.
The match continued on with both men still bleeding, and it looked like both men were about done for the evening as every time one of them fell to the mat it kept taking them longer and longer to get back up. Eventually it looked like Zbyszko was worn down enough to be put away, but Windham kept running in to problems where he just couldn’t keep him down for a three count. He kept nailing him with punch after punch, but he just didn’t have that big move to put “the Cruncher” away. And that always led to Zbyszko making a comeback. On one of these comebacks, Zbyszko did the unthinkable as he reached into his tights and pulled out a pair of heavy duty scissors! The crowd gasped at this, and Tony Schiavone at the announcer’s booth was screaming for somebody to get out there, but that would not be needed as Windham nailed Larry with a couple of hard fists to the stomach causing Zbyszko to drop the scissors. Windham almost tore Zbyszko’s head off with a lariat. From there Windham bent down and picked up the scissors and started cutting into his cast! Windham got the cast off and started stretching out his hand obviously grimacing in pain. Zbyszko was getting back to his feet, but Windham saw his chance as he grabbed Larry up for what looked like would be a suplex, but instead he dropped him with the Brain Buster! The same move Larry Zbyszko uses! Windham then stuck his right hand in the air to a huge cheer and applied the Claw!!! It was obvious Windham was in a lot of pain, but he kept the grip tight! Larry was stuck in the middle of the ring, blood pouring down his face, and he gave it up!
Barry Windham made Larry Zbyszko submit to the Claw in 0:16:41.
Rating: ** 1/2
Barry Windham immediately collapsed after the bell was rung, holding his hand against his chest. It obviously took a lot out of him. Windham still had blood caked on his face as he slowly got to his feet and had his hand raised. From the back out ran Steve Austin and Arn Anderson to help roll Zbyszko out of the ring, and they gave him a hand to the back. Paul E. Dangerously joined them halfway to check up on his fallen “Cruncher.” Barry Windham simply propped himself up against the turnbuckle as the crowd continued to cheer him on. This match definitely took a lot out of both men, and it was doubtful either would ever be the same.
UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
“RAVISHING” RICK RUDE© VS RICKY “THE DRAGON” STEAMBOAT:
This match had the promise to be the match of the night, and it did not disappoint. Rick Rude and Ricky Steamboat started the match off slow with the pace slowly rising every minute. Rude definitely had the strength advantage over Steamboat, but Steamboat’s speed and technical prowess was more than enough to keep up. This match was so evenly fought that it would be hard to even decide who had control for even a slight majority of the match. Steamboat seemed to focus mostly on trying to wear Rude down while Rude kept going for pinfalls throughout the match.
Steamboat almost came away with the pinfall and the US Title at around the sixteen minute mark when Rude missed a flying kneedrop off the top rope. Rude was clearly hurt, and Steamboat took that as the time to climb to the top rope. Rude had no idea where Steamboat was as he was staggering around the ring and turned right into the Flying Cross Body Press off the top rope from Steamboat! Rude was down, but somehow at the last second was able to get his shoulder up before the three count. Steamboat thought that he had won the match as he got up and celebrated. Referee Mark Curtis had to chase him down and let him know that it was only a two count, and during this time Rude was able to recoup. While Steamboat and Curtis were talking Rude snuck up from behind and drilled a knee into Steamboat’s lower back. With Steamboat hurt, Rude was able to turn and drop him with the Rude Awakening! Rude made the cover, and it looked like that would be it for Steamboat’s shot at the title. However, Steamboat, the veteran that he is, knew exactly where he was and was able to get his foot on the bottom rope at 2.9 seconds. Rude also thought he had won the match, and once again Mark Curtis had to explain it was only a two count.
Things continued from there with back and forth action with several close falls. Both men really started to wear down at the match winded down and each move came closer and closer to a three count. Steamboat finally took control of the match and looked like he had things in control after nailing a flying chop from the top rope. Rude hit the mat, but Steamboat wasn’t done as he lifted Rude back to his feet and went to whip him into the ropes, but Rude was able to reverse it. When Steamboat rebounded off the ropes it looked like he might go for a clothesline, but Rude side-stepped him, and it looked like Rude gave Steamboat a little shove that sent Steamboat over the top rope. However, Steamboat caught the top rope! It looked like he was going to skin the cat, but it took him a little longer than usual. Rude had his back turned for a few seconds, but turned around just as Steamboat was finishing and as soon as Steamboat’s feet hit the mat Rude grabbed his neck from behind and dropped him with the Rude Awakening out of nowhere! Rude hooked both legs this time, and he even grabbed a handful of tights as Mark Curtis dropped down to the mat and delivered the three count!
Rick Rude pinned Ricky Steamboat with the Rude Awakening in 0:22:21.
Rating: ****
(Rick Rude retained the United States Heavyweight Title.)
All Rick Rude could do was roll over and lay on the mat as the bell rang, and he was announced as the winner. Paul E. Dangerously was ecstatic at ringside as he was handed the United States Title. Dangerously quickly entered the ring and helped Rude to his feet and handed over the Title as Steamboat slowly sat up, grimacing and holding his neck. Rude was obviously exhausted as he staggered through the ropes and walked to the back with Paul E. Dangerously following. Dangerously yelled into the camera that it was the last time Steamboat ever got a Title shot at “Ravishing” Rick’s US Title. Steamboat slowly got to his feet in the ring, but he was obviously disappointed. Still the fans gave him a huge ovation as he left the ring.
Jim Ross announced that it was now time for tonight’s main event. Tony Schiavone said that this was the moment we have all been waiting for and that Sting and Lex Luger would finally be going one on one for the World Heavyweight Championship!
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
“THE TOTAL PACKAGE” LEX LUGER© vs STING:
Lex Luger and Sting were not going to back down from one another. Things started out with a rather slow feeling out stage with neither Sting nor Luger getting much of an upper hand. Harley Race kept himself rather quiet and seemed to just be taking it all in, possibly waiting for his change to give Luger an advantage. Sting eventually gained control with some high impact offense that kept Luger off his feet, and it looked like the match would end before the six minute mark when Sting dropped Luger with a faceslam and within seconds had Luger turned over in the Scorpion Deathlock! Luger was lucky enough to be close enough to grab the ropes, but it was clear that Sting could hook the hold on at any moment.
Luger and Race’s plan last night did seem to come into fruition later when Sting went to lift Lex Luger in a Gorilla Press, but collapsed under the weight. Sting screamed out in pain and started holding his back as Luger got to his feet and realized what had happened. Apparently Arn Anderson had succeeded in doing just enough damage to Sting’s back to have an impact. Luger quickly took back control and started to work over the back of Sting. An extended period of Luger draping Sting’s back across his knee had Sting almost out as when Luger covered him afterwards Sting barely got his shoulder up before the three count. Things continued to build up for the rest of the match with Sting making the occasional comeback to keep Luger on his toes. Near the end of the match, Sting made one final comeback where he took control by countering a superplex attempt by Luger. From there Sting flew off with a flying clothesline on to Luger. Sting kept on when he went to whip Luger into the turnbuckle and went for his Stinger’s Splash, but Luger moved out of the way at the last minute, and Sting smashed in to the turnbuckles chest first. Things looked bad for Sting as Luger caught him staggering backwards and went to lift him up in to the Torture Rack! Luger lifted, but at the same time Sting shifted his weight and came around the front of Luger. Sting then grabbed Luger’s legs out from under him and turned him over into the Scorpion Deathlock! Luger was caught in the middle of the ring with nowhere to go! Harley Race screamed from the outside for him to get to the ropes, but it was just too far and Luger had no choice but to surrender!
Sting made Lex Luger submit with the Scorpion Deathlock in 0:18:37.
Rating: ** 1/2
(Sting won the World Heavyweight Title.)
Sting had won the World Heavyweight Championship! The crowd went crazy as Sting was handed the WCW Title by referee Nick Patrick. Harley Race helped Luger out of the ring and to the back while Sting held the Title above his head in celebration. Sting let loose one of his howls as he stepped on to the middle turnbuckle and raised the title once more as Jim Ross said we were out of time, but he was happy to announce that Sting was once again the World Heavyweight Champion!
Card rating: ** ¾
WCW Hotline:
Sting won the WCW World Heavyweight Title in clean fashion here tonight. There can be no disputing that Lex Luger’s nine month title reign was something special, but tonight it all came to an end with Sting finally getting revenge on his former best friend. Sting will definitely be there this coming Saturday Night with WCW World Title in hand.
Rick Rude escaped with his United States Title by the skin of his teeth. He and Ricky Steamboat definitely put on a clinic here tonight and either man could have won at any point. It looks like Steamboat would have actually been better off just taking the crash to the floor on the outside as the slight delay in him skinning the cat probably cost him the victory here tonight. Ricky Steamboat can’t be happy with the result tonight, but both men should be happy knowing they gave it their all.
Barry Windham and Larry Zbyszko tore into one another like no other match we have seen in quite some time. Both men lost quite a bit of blood during the match, and both were taken to the hospital to be checked out. Arn Anderson accompanied Zbyszko, and Dustin Rhodes went with Barry Windham. We later found out that Larry needed 6 stitches to close his head wound, and Barry needed a whopping 12. Kip Allen Frey is said to be in a little bit of trouble for allowing this unsanctioned match to happen by the owners of WCW.
The Steiner Brothers walk away with their third reign as World Tag Team Champions. In what be deemed a great tag team match, both the Steiners and Bobby Eaton and Arn Anderson showcased just why both teams are considered the two best in the world. Tonight it was the Steiners walking away with the win, but the match could have easily gone either way.
Brian Pillman really had a tough fight ahead of him tonight, but he really brought it. Vader surely couldn’t have expected to have as much trouble as he did with the youngster. Vader still walked away with the win, but it wasn’t without a battle. What happened after the match, however, was totally uncalled for, and a big thank you has to be given to Dusty Rhodes for coming to the aid. Dusty Rhodes has not been in the ring in a couple of years, but he still showed he could handle his own in disposing of Race and Vader long enough to get Pillman some help.
Dustin Rhodes scored a huge pinfall victory over Steve Austin tonight in the six man tag. Due to this the WCW Championship Committee have decided to grant Rhodes another match against Austin for the Television Title this coming Saturday. The Freebirds, on the other hand, are still upset that they did not record what would have been the deciding pinfall when Hayes had Simmons pinned. It is unclear where this will lead and if there is a US Tag Team Title shot in the Freebirds future.
Cactus Jack did get a victory over El Gigante here tonight, but what will be remembered more than that will be Cactus Jack screaming out his thanks to El Gigante after the match. El Gigante was pretty badly shaken up after the match, but he refused help and simply walked out of the arena.
It was announced after tonight’s show that Jushin Liger would be heading back to Japan as his tour of the United States has come to an end. WCW will be recording his departure sometime this week as WCW says it’s farewell to one of the most athletic wrestlers we have ever seen. The tape will be shown this Saturday Night. It is unclear when Jushin Liger will return to WCW.
Be sure to tune in this Saturday Night where Sting will make his first appearance as new World Heavyweight Champion! Lex Luger will also be there, and what will the FORMER Champion have to say? Numerous superstars will also be in action including, in the main event, Television Champion “Stunning” Steve Austin defending against “The Natural” Dustin Rhodes!