Halloween Havoc ’96

(All screen captures are the property of World Wrestling Entertainment)

Halloween Havoc

October 27, 1996

MGM Grand Garden Arena

Las Vegas, Nevada

News & Notes: Sting appeared on Nitro the night after Fall Brawl. He stepped into the ring and cut a promo, but he refused to face the hard camera. Sting spoke to the audience instead. He expressed his disappointment in WCW. They didn’t trust him. Sting declared himself a free agent. He said the only thing for certain is nothing is for certain. The nWo tried recruiting him, but Sting told them he was out of their price range. These are the last words Sting speaks for a while. The next time we saw him, he sat in the rafters. Sting now dressed in all black and wore white face paint based on the movie The Crow. He watched the action and brooded.

Meanwhile, the nWo was busy. They added two new members. First, the former 1-2-3 Kid (Sean Waltman) appeared in the crowd. WCW asked if he joined the nWo. He denied it, but later he dropped nWo leaflets onto the fans. We learned his new name is Syxx. This has a double meaning. He’s the sixth member of the nWo and 1+2+3=6. The second member the nWo added was the former Virgil. He changed his name to Vincent as a joke on Vince McMahon. (It’s fitting. The WWF named him Virgil as a joke on Dusty Rhodes.) After Vincent joined, The Nasty Boys attempted to follow suit. But Hogan beat them up and said no one wanted them. (He’s not wrong.) Then the nWo wanted to add a third new member. It was WCW’s newest signing, Jeff Jarrett. But Jarrett rejected their offer. He sided with The Four Horsemen instead. The nWo retaliated by attacking and injuring Ric Flair. The Giant then stole the U.S. Title from Ric. He called himself the nWo U.S. Champion. They had a match on this PPV, but Flair’s injury changed the plans. Jarrett takes Flair’s place in the bout.

The main event of this show is Hollywood Hogan vs. Randy Savage. Macho was confused. He couldn’t understand Miss Elizabeth’s behavior. Why was she concerned for him now? Things became worse when they spotted Liz in the nWo’s hotel room. Randy confronted her in an uncomfortable segment. To make matters worse, the nWo attacked Savage multiple times. Savage took out his frustrations on crooked referee, Nick Patrick. Nick started wearing a neck brace and threatened lawsuits if WCW didn’t let him keep officiating. Then Eric Bischoff showed Randy a depressing video from Liz. He thought it would help Savage. Liz apologized for what she did and reminisced about the old days. Eric showed him this footage more than once, despite admitting it was the wrong move. Savage was distraught. He even implied he thought of ending things. (There’s something fishy about Bischoff’s behavior. One might think something is up with him. He also gave into the nWo’s demands after War Games. The commentators questioned why he caved.)

The show opens with clips of the nWo’s chaos. Eric Bischoff expresses regret in bringing Hogan to WCW. He calls the New World Order thugs. Eric promises it will stop. We see clips of the nWo taunting Liz and Savage’s reaction to it. They also show footage from the previous PPVs. Generic rock music plays over the video. (This was better than the last few intros. At least they didn’t recycle the same video package.)

Tony Schiavone welcomes everyone to Las Vegas and Halloween Havoc. He’s with Dusty and Bobby. An excessive amount of fireworks explode. Tony calls the world title match the most important one ever. Dusty says there’s a fight in town for the tradition of WCW. Heenan believes Savage will take it to a new level. The nWo took everything from Randy, including his mind. (He probably lost that long ago.)

Cruiserweight Title Match: Dean Malenko vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. (c)

Notes: At Fall Brawl, Rey dared Malenko to take his Cruiserweight title. Dean took something from Rey, but it wasn’t the belt. He snatched one of Rey’s masks. He carries it to the ring for this bout. Dean places it in the corner. During the entrances, Heenan tells a story about Malenko being rude to hotel employees. Dean didn’t need their stinkin’ help! (It was a random story. Was it meant to make Malenko sound cold?)

The Match: Dean jumps Rey and attempts a Texas Cloverleaf, but Rey blocks it. Then they trade holds and reversals until Mysterio lands a head scissors. Dean regroups, but Rey nails a somersault plancha and regains his stolen mask. He takes a moment to swap it for his current one. (His gear doesn’t match now!) However, Malenko takes control with a side slam. He drops Rey knee-first across the ropes. Dean then focuses on Mysterio’s leg and back. He wants to soften him for the Cloverleaf. Malenko uses backbreakers and holds. He also utilizes a sleeper. The fight spills to the floor, but Dean kicks Rey low. Rey gets some desperate pin attempts. Dean counters with clotheslines and suplexes. But Rey rallies with a springboard corkscrew and a hurricanrana. He tries another and Dean powerbombs him. Next, Mysterio goes for a super Frankensteiner. But Dean turns it into a superbomb for the win.

Thoughts: This started and finished strong. The middle dragged when Dean controlled it. But I still enjoyed the bout. The fans reacted well to the high spots and the ending. Everything was crisp and well done. The only thing I would change is it could have been shorter. Pacing is an issue on this show.

Winner: Dean Malenko (New Champion) (18:32)

Lee Marshall is backstage. He recaps what happened to Flair. But someone stepped up to the plate to replace him. It’s Jeff Jarrett. Double J talks about pride, heritage, and charisma. (He punctuates his points with a silly fake laugh. It’s annoying.) He also has a few words for the nWo. They don’t impress him much. He doesn’t care about their monster trucks, giants, or even Hogan. Jarrett tells The Giant, “You will not chokeslam me! HA HA HA HA!” Then Ric Flair joins the fun. He claims there will be a line a mile long to meet Jarrett. Women want to hug and kiss Jeff. (I doubt that.) Flair then says he still despises Savage, but he believes Randy will win tonight. The promo ends with Flair wooing and Jarrett laughing.

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Notes: Guerrero won the Battlebowl ring from DDP at Clash of the Champions. Then Page fended off Eddie’s nephew, Chavo. Eddie is the rightful owner of the ring, but Dallas took it after attacking Guerrero. But Page claims he can’t find it. (Why is this still a thing? They stripped DDP of the title shot. Page is spinning his wheels with this storyline. It’s time to move on.) On a side note, Nick Patrick refs this bout. He still wears a neck brace. Getting down to count causes him pain.

The Match: They brawl on the floor and in the ring. Eddie uses arm drags, takedowns, and headlocks. Then Dallas is caught in the ropes. (Dusty says he’s in the hully gully.) Eddie sends Page to the floor and whips him into the rail. Guerrero follows with a slingshot senton. But DDP crotches Eddie on the ropes. DDP then returns the favor with the guardrail and tries pinning Guerrero with his feet on the ropes. Patrick catches him. Next, Page presses Eddie into the air and focuses on his midsection. He attacks with gutbusters and an abdominal stretch. (Eddie broke some ribs in this match. It’s hard to watch this.) DDP continues with a side slam, but he argues with the ref. They shove each other. This almost allows Eddie to recover, but Page low-bridges him. However, Guerrero rallies with quick pin attempts and dropkicks. He sends DDP to the floor and lands a flying crossbody. But Page hotshots Guerrero and nails a pancake and a powerbomb. They aren’t enough, but Page gets the pin with a Diamond Cutter.

Thoughts: The finish was anticlimactic, but it’s understandable. Eddie was injured. The action was good. But it’s another one that went longer than it should. I wanted to like it. It never fully clicked with me. It was decent but disappointing. However, I give Guerrero credit for fighting through the pain.

Winner: Diamond Dallas Page (13:44)

DDP celebrates. Nick Patrick finds the Battlebowl ring sitting in the corner. (Was it there the entire time? Why did the commentators sell the story it was missing?) Page puts it on and declares he’s still Lord of the Ring.

Mike Tenay stands next to a giant Slim Jim. He introduces Randy Savage to announce the winner of a Slim Jim monster truck! (What a strange prize. Where would they keep it?) Randy calls it the calm before the storm. He also wants the winner to run over Hogan in the truck. (Randy, don’t encourage vehicular homicide on a PPV.) Savage also doesn’t want the people that don’t win holding it against him. He says, “I’m trying to be copacetic in this political year.” Randy turns to Tenay and says, “You know the deal!” (Mike doesn’t know the deal.) Next, Randy imitates a drum roll and pretends to snap into the giant Slim Jim. He proclaims, “I did it!” But Tenay has to read the rules before Savage can announce the winner. Randy threatens him for interrupting. Then Savage picks Joan McChalick (sp?) out of the pile. Randy asks Joan to take him on a date in the monster truck. Tenay tries ending the segment, but Savage has a few words for Hogan.

Meanwhile, Tenay says you can listen to the PPV on Compuserve. They show Chris Jericho chatting with people online in the Compuserve room. (It’s ironic the WWF has the deal with AOL. It’s Time-Warner that merges with AOL. WCW will make do with Compuserve in the meantime.)

Busy Mike Tenay is back with the new Cruiserweight champion, Dean Malenko. Mike asks him about his future. Dean says he told everyone he would be more focused when he reached Las Vegas. He did what he said and took the Cruiserweight title. Dean then tells any contenders to take a number and wait in line. (Is Dean working the deli counter? Hmm, how would that look?)

I digress! Tenay asks if Dean would enjoy a rematch with Mysterio. Dean replies it doesn’t matter who it is. He’ll take on anybody. Tenay wraps up the segment by calling Dean the new Cruiserweight championship. (Did he mean champion? Way to go, Mike.)

Next, Ted DiBiase and The Giant are in the crowd. The Giant still has Ric Flair’s U.S. belt. Ted questions Jarrett’s intelligence. He’s a fool for rejecting the nWo. Ted also thinks Flair is a fool, but even he wouldn’t step into the ring with The Giant. Then Ted brings up Jarrett telling the nWo to stick it. The Giant thinks it’s good advice. He’s going to stick Jarrett to the floor, wall, and ceiling. (Does he think Jarrett is a piece of gum?) He then promises to chokeslam Jarrett and send The Horsemen to the glue factory. After the promo, The Giant and DiBiase head to the ring.

The Giant vs. Jeff Jarrett (w/ Ric Flair)

Notes: They ran the storyline of The Giant stealing Flair’s belt because Ric is injured. He needed shoulder surgery. This was a unique way to get the belt off of him. The Giant brings the belt to the ring and Nick Patrick holds it up. This annoys Tony and Dusty. Heenan says The Giant threatened Patrick to make him do it. Then Jarrett enters the arena alone. But he points to the entrance. Ric Flair arrives to stand in Jeff’s corner. It gives Jarrett the confidence to get in The Giant’s face. He claims The Giant’s size doesn’t intimidate him. Jarrett struts.

The Match: Jarrett evades The Giant and throws punches. Then he grabs a headlock, but The Giant throws him around the ring. Jarrett tries a sleeper hold twice. The Giant squashes him in the corner. He then controls Jarrett with boots, elbows, headbutts, and backbreakers. (Flair grabs a mic and tells Jeff to kick his nWo ass.) Jarrett fires back with forearms and a crossbody, but The Giant catches him. He gives Jeff more backbreakers and a bear hug. Jarrett bites his way out of the hold and uses dropkicks. But he fails on a slam attempt. (What was he thinking?) Jarrett then tries clotheslines, axehandles, and another crossbody. But The Giant shoves Jeff out of the ring. When The Giant collides with the post, Jarrett puts him in a Figure Four on the floor. However, The Giant grabs Jeff by the throat. Flair senses trouble, so he gives The Giant a low-blow. Nick Patrick calls for the bell.

Thoughts: This was a basic match with a disappointing finish. They never lost the crowd, but it wasn’t great. Flair was amusing. Jarrett looked fine. However, it was forgettable. It didn’t make either man look strong.

Winner: The Giant (by DQ) (9:55)

The Horsemen arrive while Dave Penzer announces the result. They dare The Giant to enter the ring. He doesn’t. The Giant leaves, but he tells the camera their day is coming.

DiBiase returns with Syxx and Vincent. He calls it a mark in the win column for the nWo. He says it’s one down and three to go. Syxx faces Chris Jericho next. Ted calls Jericho a fine young athlete. But he’s facing the best cruiserweight. Syxx then says he also thinks Jericho is a fine young athlete. However, he will crucify Jericho for the sins of WCW. (Considering DiBiase is now a preacher, I doubt he liked that line.) Then Syxx predicts the Cruiserweight title is coming to the nWo. He yells, “The nWo is for life, baby!” Ted DiBiase tells everyone to take that to the bank.

Syxx vs. Chris Jericho

Notes: The fine young athlete Chris Jericho became a flag bearer for WCW. That’s the valiant babyface he is! (I can’t wait for heel Jericho. It’s so much better.) He’s facing the nWo’s newest member, Syxx. Heenan sings Syxx’s praises, so Tony questions his allegiance. When Tony implies the nWo pays well, Heenan sounds interested. Also, Nick Patrick refs this match. The commentators notice he’s officiating the WCW vs. nWo matches. On a side note, they show Kevin Sullivan, Big Bubba, and Konnan in the crowd. They watch the action. The commentators wonder why.

The Match: They trade holds, reversals, and arm drags. Then they exchange chops and kicks. Jericho has control until Syxx dropkicks him over the ropes. He then gives Jericho a somersault plancha and whips him into the rail. Next, Syxx knocks Jericho down with more kicks and pretends to smoke a cigarette. He follows with a diving elbow on the apron. But Jericho rallies with a springboard crossbody and a flying back elbow. However, Syxx answers with a hotshot and dropkicks Chris out of the air. Jericho fights back again and lands a Lionsault. He continues with a springboard crossbody, but Nick Patrick is slow to count. Jericho argues with him. This allows Syxx to nail a spinning heel kick. Patrick makes a normal three count when Syxx covers.

Thoughts: This wasn’t bad. But I expected more. I liked the storytelling with Nick Patrick. The moves were good. But it felt like they never got out of first gear. Unlike the earlier bouts, this could have used more time. It was solid but unremarkable. Plus, the finish was a little weak. Syxx needs an established finisher. A heel kick isn’t enough.

Winner: Syxx (9:49)

Jericho confronts Nick Patrick about his count while the commentators argue about it. Jericho chases Nick out of the ring. Nick joins Syxx and helps him to the back. It infuriates Tony Schiavone.

Next, Mike Tenay interviews Lex Luger. Mike says Luger’s rivalry with Arn Anderson intensified. Luger promised to hurt Arn with his Torture Rack. Luger claims it didn’t have to come down to this. But The Horsemen blamed him for the War Games loss. Luger takes responsibility for it, but that’s not good enough for The Horseman. Then Luger says Arn sowed the seeds, and it’s harvest time! But it’s not crops or flowers, it’s cacti and thickets of things you never want to see from Luger. (Be more specific, Lex. There’s a lot I don’t want to see from you.) Arn questioned Luger’s fortitude and courage. That angered Lex. Arn will see a Total Package he’s never seen before. Luger is unglued! He’s so fired up he says, “Oh my gosh!” (Look what you did, Arn. You made him curse!) Luger promises to rack Anderson and put him out for good.

Lex Luger vs. Arn Anderson

Notes: The Horsemen reluctantly teamed with Luger & Sting for War Games. They said they would take it out on them if they lost. Sting is absent, so Luger faces their wrath. They blamed Lex for the loss at Fall Brawl. (To be fair, it was Luger’s fault.) They tasked Arn Anderson with taking out Lex. But Luger promised to hurt him. (There’s a reason for this. I’ll explain after the match.) The commentators say Luger isn’t 100%. The Horsemen attacked his ribs with a chair. They were damaged further in an encounter with Greg Valentine. (That bout was as exciting as it sounds.) Also, the Dungeon members in the crowd cheer Lex. Sullivan wants him to break Arn’s back.

The Match: Arn hits Lex with strikes and mocks his flexing. Anderson then focuses on Luger’s ribs. But Lex answers with a press slam and clotheslines Arn to the floor. Luger focuses on Arn’s back. He rams him into the post and lands a powerslam. He also gives Anderson a backbreaker and attacks him with forearms and kicks. But Arn catches Lex with a spinebuster. Arn is hurt, so he’s slow to cover. He sends Luger to the floor and rams him into the apron, the post, and the rail. Then Arn puts Lex in an abdominal stretch and uses the ropes. He tries finishing it with a DDT. Luger blocks it. Arn then sends Luger crashing into referee Mark Curtis. Arn uses the opening to grab a chair. However, Luger avoids it. He then blocks a piledriver and catapults Arn into the post. Luger follows with a suplex on the floor and takes the chair. He nails Arn’s back with it multiple times and places Anderson in the ring. Then Luger puts Arn in the Torture Rack and Anderson submits.

Thoughts: It was slow, but I liked the psychology and storytelling. They both focused on the other’s injuries. It made sense. The action was good. It wasn’t a thrilling match, but I liked it. Plus, I admire Arn for doing this bout. He’s in rough shape. They did the story of Luger hurting Anderson because his career is winding down. Doctors told Arn the wear on his spine was too much. He moves to a more non-wrestling role and retires in ’97.

Winner: Lex Luger (12:22)

Luger refuses to stop The Rack. The Dungeon members cheer while Luger continues attacking. He finally stops and poses on the turnbuckles. Tony says this is Luger as we’ve never seen him before. He’s aggressive and has purpose. (That’s a backhanded compliment.) Arn lies on the mat in pain. Ric Flair and Jeff Jarrett come to check on him while Luger leaves. The trainer calls for a stretcher to help Arn out of the ring.

Meanwhile, Lee Marshall is backstage. He tells fans to call the hotline for updates on Sting. Then he welcomes Harlem Heat, Sister Sherri, and Col. Parker. Lee compares Harlem Heat to race horses. Parker calls the nWo bad eggs. They need reprimanding. (Stevie gestures to Booker as if to say, “Are you hearing this?”) Next, Sherri says Harlem Heat lives, breathes, and eats for this. She says the nWo will get what’s coming to them. Marshall tries asking Booker a question, but he says, “Shut up, man!” Booker compares them to a football team. He’s the running back. Stevie is a nose guard. Sherri is a quarterback. And the Colonel put it all together. He calls the nWo wannabe thugs. Stevie then finishes the promo. He says they’ll be waiting in the ring, sucka!

Chris Benoit & Steve McMichael (w/ Woman & Debra) vs. The Faces of Fear (w/ Jimmy Hart)

Notes: The issues between The Horsemen and The Dungeon continue. This match doesn’t have much of a build other than past events. I want to point out The Faces of Fear’s awesome ring jackets. They have large skulls on them. It could be for Halloween, but they should keep them. Meanwhile, Sullivan, Bubba, and Konnan are still in the crowd. It could be an issue.

The Match: Meng and McMichael exchange shoulder blocks until Mongo gets the advantage. Then The Barbarian and Benoit trade strikes and suplex attempts. When Meng and Mongo return, they have a sumo showdown. Meng throws chops. Mongo uses chop blocks. But The Faces of Fear double-team McMichael. Mongo fails to rally with dropkicks. But Meng misses a senton. Benoit returns and the Faces of Fear give him a double-team powerbomb. The Faces take turns wearing down Benoit with strikes and chokes. Then Barbarino gives Chris a super belly-to-belly. The Faces of Fear follow with stereo flying headbutts and a suplex/flying splash combo. Mongo saves Benoit from the cover and pulls him to the floor. While the ref is busy, Mongo clocks Meng with his briefcase. This allows Benoit to land a flying headbutt for the win.

Thoughts: This surprised me. I didn’t have high expectations, but it turned out great. This was two teams beating the crap out of each other. The Faces of Fear had some fun combo moves. Even Mongo looked alright. I enjoyed this. I almost wished it went longer.

Winners: Benoit & McMichael (9:23)

After the match, Barbarian hits Mongo with the case. Sullivan, Bubba, and Konnan jump the rail. Konnan grabs Woman while The Dungeon attack. Benoit fights valiantly, but the numbers are too much. Sullivan beats McMichael with the briefcase. Konnan gives Benoit a dropkick. Bubba follows with a sidewalk slam. The rest of the Horsemen went to the hospital with Arn, so they can’t save them. Then Sullivan and Jimmy Hart yell at Woman. Kevin takes off his shirt and tells her he’s still the man. (That’s uncomfortable.) They make Woman watch as they attack Benoit. Tony says there’s more than meets the eye between Sullivan and Woman.

DiBiase is back in the crowd. He says the nWo has two wins. WCW has nothing. WCW says they will get them next time. But the nWo doesn’t need second chances. Harlem Heat is next on the hit list. Ted then introduces The Outsiders.

Tag Team Title Match: The Outsiders vs. Harlem Heat (c) (w/ Sister Sherri & Col. Parker)

Notes: The Outsiders want to bring the tag titles into the nWo. They announced them as the #1 Contenders for the belts. But Harlem Heat had their own problems. They traded the tag titles with the Public Enemy on TV. I’m unsure why Public Enemy held the belts for two weeks if the plan was always Harlem Heat vs. The Outsiders. Meanwhile, Harlem Heat speaks to the camera during their entrance. Tony doesn’t understand why. They did an interview in the back. (He’s mad because they interrupted him.) Also, many of the fans cheer the nWo. Tony calls them punks.

The Match: Booker and Hall exchange strikes and takedowns until Booker sends Hall to the floor. Stevie and Sherri attack him, so Hall spits on Stevie and tags Nash. Nash trades elbows, knees, and punches with Stevie until Sherri rakes Kevin’s eyes. Booker capitalizes with an ax kick and Harlem Heat double-team Nash. But Nash hits a side slam and tags Hall. Scott lands a diving bulldog and Nash clocks Booker from behind. Hall & Nash hit Snake Eyes and a chokeslam. Hall follows with a fallaway slam, but Sherri distracts him. Hall kisses her! However, this allows Booker to land a wheel kick. Then Hall and Booker exchange sleeper holds until Hall crotches him. Both men collide, but Booker tags Stevie. He cleans house and throws Hall onto Nash. Next, Booker nails the Harlem Hangover. He covers, but Nash enters the ring. Col. Parker interferes, but Nash intimidates him. Parker hands Nash his cane and runs in fear. The ref is busy with Stevie, so he doesn’t see Nash use the cane. Hall covers for the victory.

Thoughts: I liked this. It was hard hitting. Plus, that finish was amusing. It’s a good way to switch the titles without Harlem Heat looking weak. It ends the Col. Parker association with Harlem Heat. It wasn’t a good fit. Also, the crowd was hot for this match. That always helps.

Winners: The Outsiders (New Champions) (13:07)

Sherri complains to the ref, but he is confused. The commentators commiserate over Parker’s blunder. They can’t believe The Outsiders are the tag team champions. Hall & Nash pose with their belts. Kevin says the takeover is almost complete.

Next, they show a commercial for World War 3. An annoying guy rambles about WCW vs. the nWo. He says the word man multiple times. He also seems to think his mom will compete in the battle royal. This was weird.

Then Hogan and The Giant are in the crowd. Hogan has hair! (Oh, wait. It’s a hair piece.) Heenan says he has feathers. Hogan corrects the fans. It’s not Hogan Hogan Hogan. It’s Hollywood, brothers! He brags about his movies 3 Ninjas and Santa with Muscles (see my review of that movie). Hogan claims he got bored of Hollywood. He came back to slam the lovesick puppy, Randy Savage. Hogan finishes by saying, “It’s time for Hollywooooooood!”

WCW Title Match: Hollywood Hogan (c) (w/ Ted DiBiase) vs. Macho Man Randy Savage

Notes: Hogan, The Giant, and Vincent enter through the crowd. Hogan slaps hands with fans and poses in the ring. Buffer does his introductions. They play Savage’s music for a moment. But it stops when they realize Buffer isn’t finished. The music begins again and Savage enters the arena. Fireworks explode and a monster truck emerges from the side of the entrance. (It’s not the one Joan won. Schiavone confirms they gave her street legal version.) Meanwhile, Tony Schiavone questions why The Giant is allowed at ringside. The ref agrees. (It’s Randy Anderson, not Nick Patrick.) He sends The Giant to the back. Macho tells Hogan to get his goons and bag carriers out of there.

The Match: Hogan stalls and bails to argue with fans. He also hides in the ropes. Then Hogan tries a headlock and a test of strength. He kicks Savage and uses chops and back rakes. But Savage fights back and nails a flying axehandle. Hogan begs off, but Randy takes his sunglasses and his hair piece! (The commentators say he scalped him. Savage places the piece on his own head.) They fight to the floor and Savage stuffs the hair piece in Hogan’s mouth. They take turns using a chair. The ref tries in vain to stop it. This allows Hogan to gain the advantage. He crotches Savage on the rail and kisses his head. This draws out Miss Elizabeth. It distracts Hogan, so Savage rolls him up with a handful of tights. (We see too much of Hogan’s ass.) Hogan bails again and keeps using Liz as a shield. He throws her at Macho. Hogan follows with a big boot. But Liz prevents him from hitting the leg drop. She also stops Hogan from using a weapon. Hogan then tries a clothesline, but he nails the ref. Nick Patrick arrives to take over the match. Savage rallies and nails the flying elbow. But Patrick feigns neck pain before the three count. Savage shoves him, so Hogan grabs the weapon from earlier. However, Savage gets it and jabs Hogan. Both DiBiase and The Giant interfere to stop another flying elbow. The Giant pulls Randy to the floor and chokeslams him. He then places Hogan on top for the three count.

Thoughts: This wasn’t great, but it was entertaining. Hogan amused me. He embraced this heel role well. I’m unashamed to say I liked this. However, I feel bad for Savage. They made him look like a chump throughout the feud and the match. It never looked like he would win. The match itself was fun. The storyline wasn’t.

Winner: Hollywood Hogan (18:37)

The Giant returns with a bowl of ice water. He uses it to wake up Hogan. When Hogan realizes he won, he celebrates. The officials help Savage to the back. Hogan grabs a mic and calls himself the real King of Hollywood. He says he’s tired of Ted Turner. He’s taking over WCW. Everyone is going down. He tells the nWo-ites they caught the right train. They’re heading out of town. But then—bagpipe music plays. It confuses the commentators. Heenan sounds worried when he realizes the significance. Tony loses his mind because Rowdy Roddy Piper emerges from the curtain. (Some muscled guy in a paddy cap wanders out behind him. Who is that?) Hogan has a comical over the top reaction. He hides behind The Giant in fear.

Piper enters the ring. He calls The Giant sprout and tells him to join the Jolly Green Giant. Piper and Hogan greet each other. Roddy says he’s there to break Hogan’s monotony. Hogan tries explaining some of his past comments, but Piper isn’t having it. Piper says he doesn’t represent WCW, the nWo, the ASPCA, or the SOB. But he can be an SOB when he wants to be. Hogan tells him to be careful. Piper then claims he’s as big of an icon and a Hollywood star as Hogan. Piper speaks about his history in the business. Hogan tries to reign in Piper’s rambling, but Roddy keeps going. Hogan admits they were neck and neck in the past. He says Piper is as big of a star. However, Piper has more to say. He brings up WrestleMania. He also says Hogan never beat him and that bothers Hogan. Piper wants Hogan to shake his hand and admit the fans made him. Hogan calls himself an honest man. He again admits Piper is on equal footing. He shakes Piper’s hand, so Piper tells him to straighten up. Then Piper exits the ring. But Hogan mocks him for wearing a skirt. This pisses off Piper, so he returns. Hogan suggests they should have another war to settle the score. Hogan says Piper’s day is coming. He leaves the ring, but Piper tells him he forgot the belt. Hogan returns and they keep talking. But Tony says they’re out of time! (If you listen closely on a quiet day, you can hear Piper still cutting this promo.)

The Good:

• The main event was entertaining.

• The Horsemen/Dungeon tag match was surprisingly good.

• Rey/Dean was solid.

• I liked the storytelling of Lex/Arn.

The Bad:

• DDP/Eddie was kind of disappointing.

• Jarrett/Giant was flat.

• The pacing of the show was off.

• The treatment of Randy Savage.

Performer of the Night:

This might be a controversial pick, but I’m going with Hogan. He leaned far enough into the heel role and it’s amusing. He entertained me on this show. He got the crowd to boo him, despite cheering the nWo all night.

Final Thoughts:

It was another strong show. But it wasn’t as good as the previous events. There were a few things that fell flat. The pacing was all over the place. I still enjoyed it for the most part. However, you can see Hogan’s influence on the creative. People like Randy Savage can’t get much momentum. They’re building the nWo as an unstoppable force. But they might go too far in that direction. Also, I loved Piper’s surprise appearance. It stuck with me for years. But that promo was too long and rambling.

Thank you for reading. My next review will be—this Wednesday! (Surprise!) It’s a bonus review of the infamous Pillman has a gun episode of Monday Night RAW. Then I will cover the WWF’s Survivor Series ’96 on Sunday. Look for both reviews!