WCW Monday Nitro
Date: 30th October 1995
Venue: Dayton, Ohio
Commentators: Eric Bischoff, Bobby Heenan, Steve McMichael
I decided with so many Nitro episodes to get through, I will be posting two at a time from now on until I finish this section of WCW. I hopefully found episodes up to the end of January 1996, if not around that time, so I may end up just doing a marathon at some point in August with these.
We are FINALLY past Halloween Havoc and we have a new World Champion in The Giant… via DQ. How you ask? Jimmy Hart betrayed Hulk Hogan and apparently managed to get a clause in the match contract that the title changes hands on a Disqualification. Smart but the true answer I believe will be answered tonight: Who is the actual champion? It’s the first time Hogan hasn’t held the belt since July 1994. Let’s begin.
We are going to see the footage from last night at Halloween Havoc between Hogan and The Giant. I wonder if it’s all of it?
Segment 1: Eddie Guerrero defeats Sergeant Craig “Pitbull” Pitman
Guerrero was replacing Randy Savage here (to be shown why later on in the show). I have barely seen Pitman wrestle in my life, but wow has he got some talent on him. Amateur wrestling plus some power moves in his arsenal impressed me some here! Guerrero was his normal self, which was always good to see and him getting the rollup win here was fine for me, as both men could have won this. Good match to kick off Nitro. Rating: B
Segment 2: Shark versus Scott Norton (Double Countout)
Apparently this rivalry dated back to September 11 on Nitro. Why was this not settled before then and not nearly two months later? This was thankfully short and was as basic a match as you could get. Two power guys brawling with each other and then they brawl outside for the countout. The match was there and that was it really. Rating: C-
Heenan was seen making a deal with a businessman over dinner and champagne. How civil.
Segment 3: The beginning (again) of the Four Horseman
Tony Schiavone talks about Sting/Flair versus Anderson/Pillman, where Flair turned on Sting. Surprise, surprise! Flair/Pillman and Anderson come out together, where Pillman says they are closer to reforming the dynasty. Anderson said Sting should not be ashamed for fighting, while Flair acted like he was on crack. He does say though the Four Horsemen will be on Nitro next week. Feels weird to see these three together but a solid promo here. What was Pillman doing crawling on the floor by the way? Rating: B-
Segment 4: Sabu defeats Disco Inferno
Heenan was back on commentary here. Sabu was his normal self with impressive moves here, but Inferno was awful to me. He has nothing which was that impressive to see, as he just came across as an annoying dancing freak. Thankfully, Sabu won this one with a over the top rope leg drop. Rating: C-
Sabu attacked Inferno after the match and tries to put Inferno through the table. Instead of breaking the table, Inferno moves and Sabu does not break the table. This caused him to lose it (legitimately) and basically got him fired a little bit later on. More interesting than the match though.
Segment 5: Meng/Lex Luger v American Males
Jimmy Hart and Luger joined the Dungeon of Doom at Halloween Havoc. Sadly I couldn’t find this match for whatever reason, so we go straight to the post match beatdown, where The Giant has also joined the Dungeon in the ring. I won’t fully decide on it, but I would guess Meng/Luger won the match. No rating as I couldn’t find the match.
We get the footage of last night’s betrayal by Jimmy Hart and Lex Luger. Hogan got racked after the match. When was the last time he got beaten down like that? EVER!
Schiavone interviews the Dungeon, with Giant holding the WCW world title. Hart and Luger explain their actions, while Sullivan acts out a seizure on the canvas. That’s uncomfortable, considering Sullivan had a seizure backstage for real at one time.
Overall: C+ I am sorry to everyone for having only part of this episode, as the rest was missing and I couldn’t find it for whatever reason, which is a shame. I think all that was missed was the tag team match and part of the Halloween Havoc footage, which I will hopefully review soon. The rest of Nitro was solid, with a surprisingly good match between Guerrero and Pitman and the beginning of the Four Horseman reformation. Nitro is becoming better now, but they still needed more than one hour a week. That wouldn’t be for a good while yet.
———————————————————————————————————-
Keep up to date with me on Twitter: @Irishwarrior006
Also, join my Facebook group for all the best wrestling news, views and opinions: The Wrestling Ministry (TWM).
The Wrestling Ministry (TWM) 