Souled Out ’97

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

Souled Out

January 25, 1997

Five Seasons Center

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

News & Notes: The nWo earned their own show by winning War Games. This led to the creation of a nWo-themed PPV, Souled Out. The Giant finally receives his WCW title match. He won the right at World War 3. But Hogan didn’t want to give it to him. The nWo accused The Giant of dropping the ball at Starrcade. Hogan told him to be glad the WCW title was still in the family. He should know his place. Then Hogan told The Giant to chokeslam Roddy Piper. The Giant refused. He grabbed Hogan instead and threatened him. Hogan agreed to give The Giant his match. But the nWo attacked The Giant and kicked him out of the group. Then Hogan tried backing out of the defense. WCW forced him to face The Giant in a non-title bout on Nitro. It happened after the show went off the air. They aired the encounter in clips during the commercial breaks of The New Adventures of Robin Hood. It helped promote the TV show for TNT. The fight was short and ended in a DQ. But they made it seem longer by airing it in pieces.

Building the nWo into its own brand was Eric Bischoff’s ultimate goal. He wanted this event to feel as different as possible. Kevin Sullivan didn’t book it. They didn’t use the usual commentary team. It emanated from a smaller venue in a non-traditional town. They’re in the Five Seasons Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (No, it’s not Four Seasons Total Landscaping.) They even used experimental camera equipment. The crew carried cameras on long poles. It reminded me of Go Pros, but of poorer quality. These provided shaky footage with a fisheye distortion. I’m glad they never used them again.

The other idea Eric had was holding a Miss nWo pageant. Since the nWo was counter-culture, he wanted to subvert expectations. Eric told his crew to find women who weren’t traditionally pretty. He wanted them to resemble someone’s mother or grandmother. His only caveat was they must own their own motorcycle and live in the area. Eric chose a young man named Jeff Katz to host the festivities. Katz is the son of a Hollywood producer. He later followed in his father’s footsteps. Jeff even created an indie promotion through Kickstarter. They filmed footage, but never released it.

The show opens with the nWo arriving on the back of garbage trucks. (What fitting imagery.) The Cedar Rapids police escort them to the building through snowy streets. Bischoff speaks about changing the world as everyone knows it. Syxx runs around saying, “Hey! Look at me!” Hogan joins them at the arena. He arrived in a limo because he’s not riding on a trash truck. Hogan says he has backup. The Dallas Cowboys are with him tonight.

Then they show a video of Bischoff holding a press conference. It’s filled with quick cuts between Eric’s speech and soundbites from the nWo. Bischoff says, “We are in control!” (This clip becomes part of the nWo theme song.) Eric also thanks those who rose to the challenge and joined their ranks. Next, he addresses those who offered themselves as opponents. Eric says, “What the hell were you thinking?”

Eric stands at the podium in the arena. He introduces Hogan, Hall, & Nash. They appear on three screens and address the crowd. Then they introduce the commentary team, Bischoff and Ted DiBiase. Miss Elizabeth helps Eric change jackets like an evil Mr. Rodgers. Eric & Ted don’t have a commentary table. They sit on speakers. DiBiase doesn’t know where the hard cam is. Bischoff tells him.

Masahiro Chono vs. Chris Jericho

Notes: Many of the matches don’t have a build. WCW wrestlers volunteered to face the nWo stars. All nWo members enter to the group’s theme or the B-Team music. The WCW guys get nothing. The voice of the nWo (Neal Pruitt) mocks them over the speakers. He calls them losers and makes snarky quips. Also, Nick Patrick referees every bout. (That must be exhausting.) He no longer hides his affiliation. Patrick wears a nWo shirt. He makes slow counts when the WCW guys have the advantage. During the match, WCW stars enter the arena and take ringside seats. We see Harlem Heat and members of the Dungeon and the Horsemen. WCW ref Randy Anderson is also with them.

The Match: Chono accuses Jericho of hair-pulling and Patrick believes him. Then he sends Chris to the floor with shoulder blocks. They fight back and forth with a test of strength. Chono cheats to get the advantage and nails Jericho with a flying shoulder tackle. But Jericho rallies with suplexes, a wheel kick, and a springboard crossbody. This continues until Chris collides knee-first with the post. Chono pounces on the injury and attempts an STF. (The fans chant USA. Neither man is American.) Jericho counters with a German suplex, but Patrick gives him a slow count. Next, Chono regains control with a sleeper drop. But he botches another flying shoulder tackle. He then grabs a table and sets it up on the floor. Jericho blocks a suplex and lands the Lionsault. However, it hurts his knee. This allows Chono to catch Chris on the top rope. He shoves Jericho through the table and nails a Yakuza Kick for the win.

Thoughts: I don’t dislike this match as much as some. But it wasn’t great. They don’t have good chemistry and there were awkward moments. However, the closing sequence wasn’t bad. The Nick Patrick stuff would be fine if it were only this match. But the shady officiating happens in every bout. It becomes tiresome. This match set the tone for the show and it isn’t good.

Winner: Masahiro Chono (11:08)

Bischoff shows pictures of the women who entered the Miss nWo contest. Not everyone made it. Eric admits they chose women who paid for their own accommodations and travel. Then Jeff Katz asks if the fans are ready to crown the first-ever Miss nWo. (They aren’t.) He interviews the first contestant without introducing her. I have no idea what her name is. Katz asks what the term nWo going all the way means to her. She mumbles an answer I can’t understand. Jeff calls her quiet. Then he interviews a woman with a mullet. Jeff asks what she would do to tame big Kevin Nash. She says, “Anything it takes!” Katz asks for details, but she remains silent. He calls her a minx and sends it back to the action. (This is captivating TV.)

Mexican Death Match: Big Bubba Rogers vs. Hugh Morrus (w/ Jimmy Hart)

Notes: They booked Konnan vs. Big Bubba. That’s why it’s a Mexican Death Match. The Dungeon tasked Konnan with getting revenge on Bubba. However, Konnan had travel issues after working on a show in Mexico. Hugh Morrus is a last-minute replacement. This bout has Last Man Standing rules. You win when your opponent can’t answer a ten count. During the entrances, Pruitt makes fun of Hugh’s looks. He says his face is funnier than his laugh. Bischoff asks if someone forgot the WCW wrestlers’ music.

The Match: It begins with shoving and clotheslines. Bubba regroups, so Hugh rams him into the steps. Bubba answers with low-blows. He then tries handcuffing Morrus to the ropes, but Hugh stops it. He sends Bubba to the floor, where Jimmy Hart attacks. However, Bubba grabs a chain and nails Morrus in the face. Hugh recovers and whips Rogers with it. Then Morrus lands the No Laughing Matter (moonsault). But Patrick does a slow count and pretends he’s distracted. Next, Hugh punches Bubba with the handcuffs and both men trade more low-blows. They head to the ramp. Hugh misses an awkward moonsault off the steps. Bubba uses the opening to take one of the women’s bikes. He slowly rides it into Morrus, who takes a comical bump. Hugh can’t answer the ten count.

Thoughts: This was an awkward mess. But it was entertaining. It amused me. I’d never call it great, but I found enjoyment in it. The finish was laughable. Hugh jumped at the last moment and did a pratfall. It’s not a match to show your non-wrestling friends, but it’s good for a chuckle.

Winner: Big Bubba Rogers (9:03)

Bischoff sends it back to Jeff “Babe Hunter” Katz. His microphone doesn’t work for a moment. (We almost got lucky.) He asks a blonde with big hair what she would do to be in one of Hogan’s movies. She says, “Whatever it takes!” (Bischoff calls her out for saying the same answer as the last woman.) Next, Katz speaks with a woman he calls buoyant. (Eric scoffs at the comment.) Jeff quotes Zillionaire Ted DiBiase. He says everyone has a price, and he wants to know hers. Katz claims he has a buck fifty on him. The woman says, “You would walk away with a big bill.” Katz then threatens to give us more of this. (Please make it stop!) They also show biker women dancing behind screens. Bischoff compares it to James Bond. He calls it too much. (I agree.)

Then Bischoff shows off the nWo website. (It’s funny seeing the 1997 internet. What a throwback.) DiBiase claims he has his own website. Bischoff asks, “What are you talking about?”

Jeff Jarrett vs. M. Wallstreet

Notes: Not much has changed for Jarrett. Benoit & Mongo still don’t like him. However, Debra does. During this match, Debra convinces McMichael he should help Jeff. Mongo is reluctant. The nWo voice calls Jarrett a redneck. Bischoff says Jarrett needs to get a new outfit. (Was this a legitimate comment?) Then DiBiase says no one wants Jeff. (Man, they’re shooting on the poor guy.) Meanwhile, DiBiase hints at his history with Wallstreet. He doesn’t mention most of it was in the WWF.

The Match: Jarrett catches Wallstreet with shoulder blocks, hip tosses, and a crossbody. But Jeff keeps arguing with Nick Patrick. Then Jarrett chokes Michael on the ropes and uses the five-count to his advantage. But Patrick saves Wallstreet from a running knee. Next, they fight on the floor, and Wallstreet whips Jarrett over the railing. Both men trade sleeper holds, but Patrick calls Jarrett’s a choke. Jarrett rallies two more times and puts Michael in a Figure Four. But Patrick pulls Wallstreet to the ropes. Meanwhile, Debra drags Mongo to the ring to help. While they argue, Jarrett and Wallstreet trade abdominal stretches. Patrick helps again, so Mongo clocks Wallstreet with his briefcase. McMichael then threatens Nick Patrick until he makes a three count for Jarrett.

Thoughts: This was a basic and uninteresting match. But I did like the finish. It was the only part worth anything. It wasn’t enough to save the bout. They went through the motions until it was time for the ending. The match had no build. Both men were heels. There was little reason to care. Plus, it included more Nick Patrick shenanigans.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett (9:22)

We go back to Jeff Katz. He says we’re half-way through the Miss nWo contest. (Thank goodness!) Jeff calls this the senior division. He asks a woman what part of her anatomy she would use to win. She says her feet. (Bischoff can’t believe his ears. Has he never heard of a foot fetish?) Next, Katz interviews someone’s grandmother. She can’t hear him. He asks her what she’d use to buff Buff Bagwell’s biceps. She says, “What? How would I explain this?” Katz says her miracle ear isn’t turned up, so she’s disqualified.

Buff Bagwell vs. Scotty Riggs

Notes: The American Males explode! After joining the nWo, Marcus Bagwell began calling himself Buff Bagwell. This character change came with lots of muscle poses and arrogant behavior. He did the posing during Riggs’ matches to distract him. Buff also attacked Scotty while he faced nWo Sting. The ref awarded Riggs the match by DQ. But the nWo made the ref change the decision to a count out win for them. During Riggs’ entrance, Pruitt says Scotty has always been number two. He’s the loser American Male. He also randomly calls him a loser during this match. Meanwhile, Buff pretends he can’t get his jacket off over his massive biceps.

The Match: Riggs flusters Bagwell with clotheslines and punches, so Buff regroups. Then they trade leapfrogs and Riggs lands a belly-to-belly. He also hip tosses Bagwell over the ropes. (Bischoff wants a DQ.) Next, they fight on the floor. Bagwell takes control by sending Scotty into the railing and into the apron. Buff continues with a gutbuster and a powerbomb. Riggs counters with a sunset flip and exposes Buff’s—stuff. However, Bagwell slows the match with a long Camel Clutch. Riggs turns it into an electric chair drop. Scotty follows with a suplex, an atomic drop, an enziguri, and a tornado DDT. They fight back and forth until Buff pokes Scotty in the eyes. Bagwell then nails a Buff Blockbuster (flying somersault neckbreaker) for the win.

Thoughts: This was a slow and boring match. Bagwell wrestled in tag matches most of his career. It feels like he doesn’t know how to wrestle a longer singles bout. There wasn’t much substance to this. It was rest holds and basic moves. I like the Blockbuster as a finish, but it didn’t save this.

Winner: Buff Bagwell (13:51)

Katz makes weed jokes about the pyro smoke in the arena. He then makes fun of Vincent for dressing in a powder blue suit and a hairpiece. (Wait, which Vince is he talking about? Oh, that’s the joke.) Jeff uses this as a transition into his question for the next contestant. He asks her what she would wear if she dressed up. She says she can’t hear him over the band. He asks her if she would wear sexy lingerie with Vincent. She says, “Sure, why not.” (I still don’t think she heard him. She wanted him to leave. He should have asked if she’d go to Olive Garden with Vincent. They could get some meat sauce.) Next, Jeff approaches the youngest contestant. (She seems out of place among the middle-aged and older women.) He asks her if she’d help Scott “Flash” Norton with his flashing problem or add to it. (Somewhere, Norton wants to kill Katz.) She says she’d add to the problem. Jeff says he’s going to take a cold shower. (Someone kill me, please.)

Scott Norton vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Notes: The Outsiders attacked Page at Starrcade. But they gave him a chance to change his ways and join the nWo. Dallas appeared to accept their offer. He put on the t-shirt and shook their hands. But then DDP pulled Scott Hall into a Diamond Cutter and escaped through the crowd! This officially turned Page into a babyface. It’s been a long time coming. Page even saved Eddie Guerrero from the nWo to further cement his turn. I should also point out Sting appears in the stands during this bout. He stares at the ring, but he does nothing more.

The Match: Norton shoves DDP, so Page takes a cigar break. Then they trade slaps until Dallas pokes the eyes and grabs a headlock. Page also uses a neckbreaker and a pancake. Norton counters with chops. DDP then signals for the Diamond Cutter. But Norton evades it with a jawbreaker and clotheslines. Next, Scott hurts DDP’s shoulder. He gives him a shoulderbreaker and rams him into the post and the railing. Dallas rallies with clotheslines, a sunset flip, and boots to the face. He even nails a flying clothesline and a DDT. However, Buff Bagwell and the nWo B-Team arrive. They give Page one last chance to join the group. DDP says he has no issue with them. It’s cool. They punked each other out, so they’re even. Page accepts the t-shirt, much to Norton’s chagrin. He shakes hands. But then DDP pulls Norton into a Diamond Cutter and escapes the ring! Nick Patrick awards Norton the match by count out.

Thoughts: The action was okay, but it was a backdrop for the finish. They filled the time until then. I liked the story of the ending. The rest was forgettable. These segments do a great job building DDP in the eyes of the fans. The reactions are growing. It served its purpose, even if the match wasn’t much.

Winner: Scott Norton (by Count Out) (9:39)

Page jumps the guardrail and tears his nWo t-shirt in a Hogan-like manner. He then makes the sign of the Diamond Cutter while fans cheer. Buff Bagwell says Page doesn’t know what he’s done. He will never be part of the nWo. Neal Pruitt calls Page a loser. Bagwell then says it will never happen again. Page had his last shot. Buff blows a raspberry into the camera while Bischoff calls Page an idiot.

Katz asks another contestant what her favorite maneuver is. She says she’d show him, but children are watching. (We see none of this. They’re showing a replay while it happens.) When they return to Jeff, he’s with another lady. He asks her what she’d do to make Masahiro Chono’s stay in America more comfortable. She says, “Anything he wants, as long as I have some chopsticks.” Bischoff then apologizes for showing replays of DDP over the women. But they must show the incriminating evidence. (He should apologize for this Miss nWo stuff.)

Tag Team Title Match: The Steiner Brothers vs. The Outsiders (c)

Notes: They announced The Steiner Brothers as the number one contenders to the tag titles. The Steiners got a warm-up match with The Amazing French Canadians at Clash of the Champions. It saw Scott nearly kill PCO with a Doomsday DDT. The Steiners also saved Lex Luger from an Outsiders beating. During the Steiners’ entrance, the voice of the nWo calls them Michigan Mutts. Scott looks ready to kill Neal Pruitt.

The Match: The Scotts exchange strikes and arm wringers. But Hall grabs an abdominal stretch. Steiner answers with a pumphandle slam and a belly-to-belly. Then The Outsiders regroup when the Steiners hand out clotheslines and suplexes. Next, Rick and Hall trade slams. Nash gives Rick elbows and knees in the corner. But The Steiners answer with more suplexes and powerslams. However, The Outsiders double-team Rick and take control. They keep sending Rick to the floor and attack him. Hall & Nash wear him down with Snake Eyes, a side slam, and cheap shots. Scott Steiner has enough. He attacks and gives them rude gestures. (Bischoff apologizes and threatens fines.)

Rick finally makes a hot tag after a low-blow. Scotty cleans house and nails a Tiger Bomb. He also uses a side suplex and The Steiners attempt a Steinerizer. Hall stops it, but they clip Nick Patrick. (He takes a comical bump out of the ring.) Hall lands the Outsiders Edge, but there’s no ref. Rick uses the opening to land a diving bulldog. He pulls Scott on top of Hall. Randy Anderson then jumps the guardrail and makes a three count!

Thoughts: This was a solid match. It dragged when Rick was in trouble. But I still enjoyed it. Plus, the finish was fun. It’s a shame none of it matters. They reverse the decision on Nitro. Bischoff strips the titles from the Steiners and gives them back to The Outsiders. He also fires Randy Anderson. It builds Bischoff’s heel character, but it kills any meaning to this bout.

Winners: The Steiner Brothers (New Champions?) (14:43)

Bischoff vows this won’t stand. He says the pinfall doesn’t count. DiBiase says Randy Anderson wasn’t a sanctioned referee at this event. Eric also claims the fans are angry. (They cheer the Steiners.) Bischoff then promises to fire Anderson on Monday.

Ladder Match for the U.S. Title: Eddie Guerrero (c) vs. Syxx

Notes: Syxx still has possession of the US title belt. Eddie is the champion, but Syxx stole it at Starrcade. They announced this would be a Ladder Match. It’s the first one in WCW. Bischoff claimed Scott Hall invented the match type. He even calls Hall the master of it. (Somewhere, both Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels take offense.) During Guerrero’s entrance, Pruitt calls him a Mexican jumping bean. Bischoff says, “Oops.” DiBiase pretends he’s shocked. Neal also calls Syxx the ultimate swinger. (That’s not something I wanted to know.)

The Match: Eddie jumps Syxx and they exchange chops, kicks, and uppercuts. Guerrero uses a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and a flying crossbody. Syxx answers with a flying wheel kick and a Bronco Buster. Then they fight on the edge and Syxx suplexes him to the floor. Syxx continues with a somersault plancha and grabs the ladder. They fight at the apron. Guerrero uses the ladder to give Syxx the old Joey Mercury buster. (His face is thankfully fine.) But Syxx reverses a whip into the ladder. He also presses him onto it and stomps the ladder while Eddie is underneath.

Syxx tries riding the ladder onto Guerrero. But Eddie dropkicks it. Guerrero follows with a superplex. Then they fight on top of the ladder until Syxx nails a jumping kick. They climb again, but Guerrero knocks the ladder over with Syxx on it. Next, they fight on top a third time. Both men grab the belt and have a tug-of-war. Eddie clocks Syxx in the face with the title. Syxx and the belt fall, but Eddie grabs it for the win.

Thoughts: This was quite good. It’s not the best ladder match I’ve covered. But it’s the best bout on this show. The action was fun. They had some good ladder spots. I also liked the finish. You don’t see both men grab the belt often. They don’t reverse the decision. Even the nWo admit Eddie won. Nick Patrick had no choice but to declare him the winner.

Winner: Eddie Guerrero (13:48)

Jeff Katz finally introduces the contestants by name. They show graphics for each lady. It lists their careers, hobbies, and quotes. One woman is a school bus driver. Her quote is, “Shut up you brats!” They show the same info for two contestants because no one cares. We learn Miss Mary is a grain inspector who loves men in flannel. (She must love Mick Foley.) After Jeff introduces everyone, he says the final choice belongs to Eric Bischoff. He takes the mic and says the nWo picks winners. Bischoff admits they picked the women because they were local. They didn’t have to pay for tickets or hotel rooms. Also, they have their own hogs. Eric says the competition is down to a tie. He asks the two final women a secret question. They whisper their answers and Bischoff reacts like it’s something naughty. He chooses Miss Becky as the victor. Bischoff makes out with her while fireworks explode. He says it’s good to be king. They give her a sash and a tiara. She does a victory lap and sits on her throne. It’s a giant toilet. (How fitting.)

Bischoff returns to commentary. DiBiase sounds like he’s trying not to laugh at this nonsense. Eric says Miss Becky is beautiful in ways people don’t understand. Then they discuss the main event. Eric says Hollywood will right the wrongs of tonight.

WCW Title Match: Hollywood Hogan (c) vs. The Giant

Notes: Neal Pruitt calls The Giant the biggest failure the nWo will ever have. Then Hogan mocks him from the big screens. He says The Giant is going down. There will be no chokeslam tonight. They add wind, lightning, and thunder effects to Hogan’s introduction. There’s even pyro. It startles Eric Bischoff. Eric then says all the promoters Hogan worked for owe him a grebt of dattitude. (Do you want to try that line again, Eric?) Meanwhile, members of the Dallas Cowboys (Nate Newton, George Teague, and Ray Donaldson) accompany Hogan to the ring. Bischoff also says George Clooney wanted to be there. But they didn’t want that Buff Bagwell wannabe. (Somewhere, Clooney says, “Who the hell is Buff Bagwell?”)

The Match: The Giant chops Hogan until he regroups. Then Hogan lures him into a trap and attacks. But both men go down to a double clothesline. They fight to the floor and Vincent helps Hogan. The Giant rams both Hogan and Vince into the railing. When they return to the ring, The Giant blocks an awkward roll-up and slams Hogan. However, Hogan takes control with powder to the eyes. He also chokes The Giant with his wrist tape. The Giant rallies with a backbreaker and heads to the top rope! But he misses a flying elbow. (Hogan calls him an idiot.)

Hogan then wears The Giant down with a chinlock. He hits the big boot, but The Giant absorbs it. Hogan then slams him and lands the leg drop. But The Giant rises! Hogan poses, so he doesn’t notice. The Giant nails a chokeslam and covers. Nick Patrick keeps pretending Hogan kicked out. The Giant has enough and chokeslams Patrick. This draws out the nWo. The Giant chokeslams everyone, so Bischoff grabs a guitar from the band. He gives it to Hogan and Hogan breaks it over The Giant. The match ends in a no contest.

Thoughts: It wasn’t great, but it was one of the better Giant/Hogan matches. Until that stupid finish, it was entertaining. However, that ending ruined it. The last thing this show needed was a non-finish in the main event. They already had enough pointless stuff.

Winner: No Contest (10:52)

The fans chant we want Sting while Hogan breaks a wooden chair over Giant’s back. They don’t get their wish. The nWo spray paints The Giant’s back and poses over his prone body. Hogan asks who’s next. Hogan calls The Giant another fallen hero. He promises to give the fans more of them. It’s nWo 4-life. Hogan says he’d do anything for Eric Bischoff. He then plays air guitar on the WCW title belt while the nWo music plays.

The Good:

• The Ladder Match was great.

• The tag team title match was solid.

• The DDP character work was good.

The Bad:

• The awful Miss nWo segments.

• The finish of the main event.

• Pointless matches.

• The disorienting stick-cam footage.

Performer of the Night:

It’s a tie between Eddie Guerrero and Syxx. Both men stole the show. Their Ladder Match is the only thing worth watching.

Final Thoughts:

This was bad. You can see why they never did a nWo-exclusive PPV again. (They would do a nWo Nitro. It’s almost as terrible.) I get Bischoff wanted to buck trends and be different. That’s not always good. Even he admits much of this didn’t work. But he doubled down on the decision to do it. Don’t watch this (except the Ladder Match). I’d rather watch The New Adventures of Robin Hood.

Thank you for reading. My next review is the WWF’s In Your House: Final Four. I may post it early because of the holiday. Stay tuned.