The Great American Bash ’97

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

The Great American Bash

June 15, 1997

The MARK of the Quad Cities

Moline, Illinois

News & Notes: Hollywood Hogan was still filming a movie. So the focus is once again on DDP and Randy Savage. WCW aired a video package about DDP’s victory at Spring Stampede. (This included footage of Page beating Johnny B. Badd. WCW loves to dig at current WWF employees.) In the video, DDP said everyone underestimated him. Later, an angry Savage dragged Mean Gene to the ring for an interview. Even Okerlund said Savage miscalculated Page. Randy almost decked Gene for saying that until JJ Dillon arrived. Dillon accused Randy of hiding behind Liz the past few weeks. That was enough. Savage attacked Dillon. Eric Bischoff ran to the ring and stopped Randy before he went too far. But Bischoff told Dillon it was his own fault. The next week, DDP met Savage’s limo as it arrived. Page kicked in the window to get at Savage. But Liz slammed the car door on Page’s ribs. Then Randy appeared in the crowd later in the episode. JJ Dillon fined Randy $50,000 for attacking him. Savage said he’d pay $100,000 to do it twice. However, Dillon had more punishments. The DDP/Savage match was now unsanctioned and it would be falls count anywhere.

Before we begin, I must discuss the insanity on Nitro. Quite a lot happened. Some of it won’t manifest on this PPV. WCW already looked toward Bash at the Beach. They announced the main event for that show. Dennis Rodman will wrestle! Hollywood Hogan & Dennis Rodman will face Lex Luger & The Giant. Speaking of Luger, Dillon gave him a chance to face Hogan on Nitro. JJ said Hogan hadn’t defended his belt since February. So he had to wrestle Lex. However, it was non-title. (That makes no sense. Dillon admonished Hogan for not defending the belt.) Luger won the match with The Rack. But Hogan attacked him after the bell. He gave Lex ten leg drops. They pulled Luger’s lifeless body out of the ring and almost dropped him on his head! Then WCW gave away one of the main events for this PPV. Flair & Piper faced The Outsiders on the go-home Nitro. But it ended in chaos. The nWo attacked, which led to everybody fighting. And I mean everybody! WCW told anyone with a feud to get out there and brawl around the arena. Random luchadores even fought with each other. It wasn’t WCW vs. the nWo. Everyone fought their current rival. They simply did it around each other. It was mass hysteria. Savage knocked out DDP in the melee. So the scene ended with Sting hooking Page to his harness and lifting him into the rafters.

In other news, JJ Dillon reinstated Nick Patrick because of his help at Slamboree. (Syxx pointed out this invalidates Patrick’s decision in the main event.) Nick overcompensated for his past mistakes, much to the chagrin of one M. Wallstreet. He caught the brunt of Patrick’s efforts. Meanwhile, Eric Bischoff continued antagonizing Sting. Eric had people checking the rafters. When he thought he was safe, Eric mocked Sting again. This time, Sting emerged from a hole in the ring and dropped Bischoff. The following week, the nWo had Fake Sting emulate the spot. So Sting repelled from the rafters and attacked him. Then I have one more piece of news before we begin. Jeff Jarrett is the new U.S. Champion. He defeated Dean Malenko after Eddie Guerrero gave Dean a Frog Splash. This pushes Eddie one step closer to a full heel turn.

America is the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the home of the Great American Bash. DDP realized the American dream through hard work and dedication, much like the American worker. But this gained the attention of the nWo and Randy Savage. Page finds himself in a continuing struggle. It’s Savage/Page 2 (Electric Boogaloo).

Tony Schiavone welcomes everyone to the Great American Bash on Father’s Day. They have bitter feuds and battles in store for you! There’s a double main event! Tony and Heenan discuss Ric Flair and Roddy Piper’s history. Nash & Hall are big men, but they’re in for the fight of their life. Then Tony and Dusty talk about DDP vs. Savage. Dusty calls them mirror images of each other. Anything goes and something has to give!

Ultimo Dragon vs. Psychosis (w/ Sonny Onoo)

Notes: Onoo was busy. He made a couple of deals. One worked out, but the other didn’t. First, he brought in The Great Muta to punish Chono for joining the nWo. But Muta betrayed Sonny and joined the group. Then Onoo approached Psychosis with a business opportunity. This paid off. Now, Psychosis is Onoo’s instrument of destruction against his former client. They call this a respect match. Psychosis wants to beat respect into Ultimo Dragon.

The Match: Psychosis keeps regrouping because Dragon takes control. He uses takedowns, mat wrestling, and rapid kicks. Dragon also nails a spinning rack attack and snaps Psych on the top rope. But Ultimo misses a slingshot crossbody to the floor. This opens the door for Sonny Onoo interference. It allows Psychosis to drape Dragon on the ropes and hit a flying leg drop. However, Dragon catches Onoo interfering again and tries to suplex him. Psych stops it.

Dragon retakes control with kicks and a handspring elbow. When they fight to the floor, Ultimo lands an Asai Moonsault. Back in the ring, Dragon hits a brainbuster and a Tombstone. But Psychosis keeps fighting. Psych uses a flying wheel kick and sends Ultimo to the floor. Then he dives over the post and onto Dragon! They also trade pin attempts on a hurricanrana. Dragon follows with a super Frankensteiner, but Onoo distracts him. This allows Psych to nail a missile dropkick. Next, Onoo wants to interfere again. It backfires. He kicks Psychosis and Dragon catches him in a Dragon Sleeper for the win.

Thoughts: It started slow, but this turned into a solid match. I liked the storytelling with Onoo’s interference. Dragon turned it against him. This makes Dragon look crafty. Also, I like how they built to the bigger spots. Psychosis’ dive over the top rope looked great. The crowd was hot for this and rightfully so. It was a good opener.

Winner: Ultimo Dragon (14:20)

Onoo enters the ring and looks to attack Dragon. But Ultimo spots him. Sonny grabs Psychosis and pulls him out of the ring instead. Onoo says it isn’t over.

Meanwhile, Chris Benoit on wcwrestling.com. A WCW employee asks Chris questions and loudly types his answers. (Punch the keys, for god’s sake!) A fan asks how Benoit will counteract the Dungeon interference. Benoit says it’s always an issue. But he hopes tonight will be man-on-man, not man-on-dungeon.

Tag Team #1 Contender Match: Harlem Heat (w/ Sister Sherri) vs. The Steiner Brothers

Notes: JJ Dillon declared The Steiners as next in line for the tag team titles. This angered Harlem Heat. They confronted Dillon about it. JJ decided the two teams could make their cases by defeating their opponents for the night. But Harlem Heat and The Steiners interfered in each other’s bouts. The next week, The Steiners questioned why they should prove themselves. They already defeated The Outsiders. This led to a brawl between The Steiners and Harlem Heat. So WCW booked this #1 Contender bout to settle this.

The Match: Stevie Ray tries his hand against both Steiners. Both Rick & Scott give him suplexes and Steinerlines. Scott even hands out a few to Booker until Harlem Heat regroups. Then Booker wants a test of strength. Scott Steiner finds that amusing. But Booker gets Scott in a full nelson. Scott answers with a Tiger Bomb and The Steiners hand out more suplexes. However, Booker boots Scott on a diving nothing. Then they tumble outside on a clothesline and brawl.

Harlem Heat takes control when they pull Rick outside and double-team him. Stevie uses a powerslam and a high knee. Harlem Heat then nails a sidekick variation of the Hart Attack. But Rick catches Booker with a suplex and tags Scott. He cleans house with slams and suplexes until a brawl erupts. Rick and Stevie fight to the floor while Scott lands a super Frankensteiner. But then the nWo’s Vincent appears. He drops an elbow on Booker in front of the ref. This causes a DQ win for Harlem Heat.

Thoughts: The match was decent. It had good action and a hot crowd. But this dragged at times. Plus, that finish was lame. I get the story. The nWo screwed over The Steiners again. But it’s a disappointing ending to this bout.

Winners: Harlem Heat (by DQ) (12:02)

Harlem Heat is happy to be the #1 Contenders. But Stevie doesn’t like how it happened. Vincent shows solidarity with Harlem Heat. Stevie tells him to get lost. Then Scott Steiner pulls Vincent into the ring. The Steiners hit Steinerlines, rip off his nWo t-shirt, and give him The Steinerizer.

Konnan vs. Hugh Morrus

Notes: Morrus claimed Konnan wanted to further his career at Hugh’s expense. Hugh tried to attack Konnan during a match, but Dillinger stopped him. Later, Konnan mocked The Dungeon. He said he lost respect for Sullivan because Kevin lost his woman to Benoit. Then Konnan called Morrus The Pillsbury Fatboy. Later, Konnan attacked Morrus before a match. He broke a broom over Hugh’s head. The next week, Konnan had a match with Mongo. While Mongo fought with Greene in the aisle, someone laid out Konnan. We didn’t see who. But there was a broken broom in the ring. (I have to point out something amusing. During Morrus’ entrance, he yells, “Aw, shucky ducky!” Is that where Booker T got it?)

The Match: They trade dropkicks, forearms, punches, and palm strikes until it spills to the floor. Konnan rams Hugh into the steps and returns him to the ring. Back inside, Konnan uses a rolling clothesline, more dropkicks, and some weak mat holds. Then they head outside again and Hugh returns the favor with the steps. Back in the ring, Hugh uses armbars and a gut-wrench suplex. Konnan answers with kicks, clotheslines, and various submissions. We see a stump puller, head scissors, and a cross armbreaker. But Hugh blocks another clothesline and returns to the armbar. Next, they reverse through an awkward roll-up before Morrus nails a powerslam. He then heads to the top for No Laughing Matter. But Hugh waits forever. Konnan forgot the spot. He eventually trips Morrus and gives him a suplex. Konnan then locks in the Tequila Sunrise. Morrus is unconscious, so the ref calls for the bell.

Thoughts: This was messy, awkward, and dull. They did multiple rest holds because both men were winded. Even the commentators called them out on it. Then you add in the miscommunications and it became worse. Who thought this was a good pairing? The once-hot crowd couldn’t care less about this bout.

Winner: Konnan (10:34)

Gene plugs the hotline. He says someone might show up in Chicago tomorrow. This person has issues with his current organization. (Spoiler alert: it’s Raven. But I believe they delay his debut.) Then Gene welcomes The Public Enemy for an interview. They bring a table. All three men sit on it and have a nice chat. Gene asks why they’re there. Rocco says he’s overwhelmed and exasperated. His flipadidamus is flipped! It’s like Saturday night on South Street in Philly. (What the hell is a flipadidamus!?) Gene tells Rocco not to wet his pants. Okerlund also claims everyone’s asking questions about The Public Enemy. Rock responds to that by rambling about the top and the bottom. He also says Gene reminds him of Johnny Pots & Pans. (I popped for that ECW reference. It’s been a while since I heard that name.) Then Rocco questions why Harlem Heat is the #1 contender. A confused Grunge doesn’t know who the #1 contender is. So Rocco whacks him with his hat and calls him stupid. Grunge wants to party, but Rock has more to say. He claims the office is ignoring them and they’re not afraid of Harlem Heat. Grunge says, “I’m afraid of Harlem Heat—NOT!” The Public Enemy then has a dance party in the crowd. (How high was The Public Enemy for this promo? It was blathering nonsense.)

Glacier vs. Wrath (w/ James Vandenberg & Mortis)

Notes: Glacier took two weeks off to sell his beating at Slamboree. Vandenberg questioned his whereabouts. When Glacier returned, he faced Alex Wright. But Mortis & Wrath attacked Glacier. Alex Wright, who recently turned heel, wanted in on the action. He helped the two men beat on Glacier and held Glacier for a kick. But Wright ate the kick instead. Glacier then fended off his attackers. However, we haven’t seen Ernest Miller since Slamboree. Will we see him on this show? Also, I should point out they handcuff Mortis to the post. JJ Dillon didn’t want him to interfere.

The Match: They trade elbows, kicks, and chops until Glacier dropkicks Wrath out of the ring. Glacier then follows with a slingshot crossbody, but Vandenberg distracts him. Wrath attacks and they ram each other into the post and the steps. Back in the ring, Glacier misses a corner splash. Mortis was close enough to pull Wrath away from it. Then Wrath takes control with a powerbomb/hotshot and a chinlock. Glacier breaks free, but he tumbles outside. Wrath capitalizes with a cannonball off the apron and a flying clothesline in the ring. Wrath then slaps Glacier until Glacier answers with a choke. It’s not enough. Wrath nails a backbreaker.

Then Glacier rallies with a backdrop and a jumping back elbow. Wrath counters with a side slam and climbs the turnbuckles. But Glacier knocks Nick Patrick into the ropes to crotch Wrath. Glacier follows with a superplex, but Vandenberg and Mortis run interference. James distracts the ref and Mortis throws a chain into the ring. However, Glacier gets it and punches Wrath. Vandenberg grabs the handcuff key from Nick. But Glacier gets a three-count before James can free Mortis.

Thoughts: This was another dull bout. They botched nothing, but it wasn’t interesting. The match was slow. Wrath looked fine. His moves were impressive. Glacier brought it down. His offense is mostly kicks and strikes. They’re doing their best to kill this once-hot crowd.

Winner: Glacier (12:02)

James frees Mortis and distracts Glacier. It allows Mortis to nail Glacier with the handcuffs. Then they use them to attach Glacier to the ropes. Wrath & Mortis beat down Glacier with punches and kicks. They stomp him in the corner while Nick Patrick calls for help. The officials arrive and stop the attack. Randy Anderson removes the handcuffs while Vandenberg, Wrath, & Mortis leave. Where was Ernest Miller? Was he at a James Brown concert?

Title vs. Career for the Women’s Title: Akira Hokuto (c) (w/ Sonny Onoo) vs. Madusa

Notes: Madusa grew tired of the controversy around the Women’s title. She wanted a match with Hokuto and claimed she would do anything for it. This piqued Sonny Onoo’s interest. But it didn’t go the way you’d expect. (This isn’t Attitude Era WWF.) Sonny said she could have her wish if she put her career on the line. Madusa was reluctant, but she agreed. Hokuto had a warm-up bout with Malia Hosaka. She almost broke Hosaka’s neck with two nasty-looking Northern Lights Bombs. Madusa rushed the ring and gave Akira multiple German suplexes.

The Match: Akira spits on Madusa and slaps her. Then she uses hair-based offense and chokes. Hokuto also stretches Madusa on the ropes and nails a piledriver. But Madusa answers with a slingblade and diving dropkicks. Sonny puts Akira’s foot on the ropes, which distracts Madusa. Hokuto capitalizes with punches, chokes, and a suplex. She even bites Madusa, but this fires her up. Madusa uses kicks and a snapmare. Then she flips over the ropes and boots Akira in the face. Madusa follows with a flying axehandle. But she injures her knee when she lands.

Hokuto pounces on the injury. Akira puts Madusa in a surfboard and nails a northern lights suplex. Madusa fires back with a handstand headscissors and a powerbomb. But the knee gives her fits. She can’t do a German suplex. Akira lands a superplex and puts Madusa in a legbar. Madusa breaks free and finally nails a German suplex. But Onoo trips her. Hokuto then attacks the leg again. Akira attempts a flying splash, but Madusa raises her knees. It’s a mistake. Madusa collapses on a back suplex attempt. So Akira nails a Northern Lights Bomb for the victory.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this. It had some messy moments. But they made up for it with storytelling and intensity. I liked Madusa’s selling of the knee. They even woke up the crowd a bit after those last two matches. This shows they could give some substance to the women’s division. It’s a shame they had a limited selection of women wrestlers in 1997.

Winner: Akira Hokuto (11:41)

Akira continues attacking Madusa’s leg after the bell. She even bites it. The ref finally stops them and makes Sonny & Akira leave. Lee Marshall can’t believe Madusa’s career is over. But Heenan finds it hilarious. Bobby says, “One good news is she won’t be standing in an unemployment line with that bad leg.” Tony threatens to turn off Heenan’s mic.

The officials help Madusa out of the ring while Gene tries to get a word. He asks for an update on her knee. Gene says Madusa’s career is history. He asks her if she understands the gravity of it. Madusa says, “Not now!” The fans chant leave her alone at Gene. He doesn’t understand why. (What a jerk!)

Death Match: Chris Benoit vs. Meng (w/ Jimmy Hart)

Notes: Sullivan took a sabbatical. Benoit wanted to know where he was and how he could get him in the ring. Jimmy Hart told Benoit to go through The Barbarian first. So Benoit did. He made The Barbarian tap out to the Crossface, which shocked Heenan. However, it wasn’t enough. Hart said Benoit must defeat Meng in second Death Match. Then he will get Sullivan. The Taskmaster returned on the go-home Nitro and brawled with Benoit. Kevin initially told the Dungeon to stand down. But Meng grabbed a Tongan Death Grip, and The Dungeon joined the attack.

The Match: Benoit dives onto Meng and chases Jimmy Hart to the back. Chris also uses the railing to hurt Meng’s arm. Back in the ring, Chris nails a flying headbutt and attempts multiple Crossfaces. Meng slams Benoit off the turnbuckles and kicks him in the head. But Chris returns to the submission. Meng also uses tree of woe attacks, a spinebuster, a Dragon Sleeper, and a flying splash. But it’s not enough. (Meng attempted a pin after the splash. He forgot the rules.)

They fight in and out of the ring. Benoit uses German suplexes. Meng answers with a Tongan Death Grip. But Benoit rolls into the ropes to break it. Meng returns fire with more chops and kicks. Then he tries a diving splash, but Meng misses. Chris grabs another Crossface. Meng reaches the ropes. Benoit then avoids another Death Grip and returns to the Crossface. Meng is in the hold for a while. He tries in vain to grab the ropes and begins fading. Meng finally taps out when he can’t break free. (It was a light tap out. Even the announcers were unsure if he tapped or passed out.)

Thoughts: It was hard-hitting and intense, but I found it a bit dull. I wouldn’t call it bad. But it never clicked with me. I preferred their previous bout. However, they did a good job making Benoit look strong. He now has tap-out victories over both Faces of Fear. Those two don’t submit often in matches. It’s a vote of confidence in Benoit by WCW. (On a side note, why are there rope breaks in a Death Match? It kills the gimmick when there are strict rules.)

Winner: Chris Benoit (14:59)

After the match, they place a neck brace on Benoit and wheel him out on a stretcher. Meanwhile, the trainer checks on an unconscious Meng. He asks him questions while they wait on the medics to return with the stretcher. (Did they have only one?) The medics come back and they wheel Meng out of the arena. Heenan says he’s never seen this happen to him. (I get why they did this with Meng. But Benoit didn’t take enough damage to warrant a stretcher job. Also, why would they help Benoit first? Meng was the unconscious one.)

They go to Gene, but he freaks out when the paramedics drop Meng by accident. (What a bunch of amateurs!) Then Gene regains his composure. He wishes everyone a happy Father’s Day and plugs the hotline. Gene repeats his rumor from earlier.

Then they show a commercial for Bash at the Beach. They show footage of Gene and Heenan partying with some ladies. The narrator says it’s time to hit the beach and ride the waves. But he changes his mind. This show is more about Hollywood Hogan & Dennis Rodman. They’re going to crash the Bash!

Kevin Greene vs. Steve Mongo McMichael (w/ Debra)

Notes: Kevin Greene doesn’t forgive or forget. It’s been a year, but Greene is back for revenge. He attacked Mongo during a match. Mongo found Kevin in the locker room and they brawled. The next week, Greene did commentary during a Horsemen match. Mongo spotted him and confronted Greene. But this left Jarrett alone with Harlem Heat. Jarrett was fed up. He said this was the last straw. Later, Mongo cut a promo on Kevin. Steve took credit for turning Greene’s career around. He claimed Kevin owed him money for it. Then Greene made one more appearance. He jumped Mongo on the way to the ring and they fought again.

The Match: Greene rushes the ring. He attacks Mongo with a slingshot kick, forearms, and running clotheslines. Mongo regroups and attacks Kevin’s leg. He rams it into the apron and mocks Greene’s family. This leads to Kevin’s mom smacking Mongo with her purse! Then Greene rams McMichael into the steps and rolls him into the ring. But Mongo kicks Kevin in the ribs and nails a neckbreaker. Greene answers with a Thesz Press, but Mongo nails a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Next, they trade punches and Greene does ten in the corner. However, Mongo turns it into a Manhattan Drop.

Mongo then focuses on Kevin’s leg. But Greene counters with boots to the face and a flying forearm. He also takes McMichael to the floor and slams him. So Debra distracts Kevin by faking an ankle injury. Greene doesn’t fall for it. He avoids Mongo’s attack. But Kevin misses a corner charge. Then Debra distracts the ref while Jeff Jarrett arrives. Jarrett swings the briefcase, but Greene pulls Mongo into the line of fire. Mongo is out cold, so Kevin covers for the win.

Thoughts: This was surprising and fun. I’m not saying it was a great match. But it was better than expected. They also kept it the right length. It didn’t overstay its welcome. Kudos to whoever produced this match. I’ll say it again. WCW hired the wrong football player to the full-time contract. With some seasoning, Greene could have been a good wrestler.

Winner: Kevin Greene (9:21)

Jarrett leaves in a huff. Debra is upset because Jeff hit the wrong man and didn’t stick around to help. Meanwhile, Greene exits the ring and celebrates with his family.

Then they go backstage. Trainer Chuck Tache checks on Madusa’s leg. She cries in pain as he prods her knee. Tony wonders if she’ll need reconstructive knee surgery. Heenan starts another insult, but the nWo music interrupts him.

Tag Team Title Match: The Outsiders (c) (w/ Syxx) vs. Ric Flair & Rowdy Roddy Piper

Notes: Syxx challenged Flair to a match on Nitro. It was a trap. The Outsiders attacked him. Hall & Nash threatened to put Flair & Piper out of the business for good. After all, Piper claimed he was going home after Starrcade. But he was still there. The next week, Hall found himself in a match with Flair after running his mouth. It ended in DQ when Hall hit Ric with the tag belt. Then we got this bout on the go-home Nitro. It ended in chaos when the nWo attacked. (On a side note, Piper only appeared on the Nitro before this PPV. He was filming a movie. Plus, he had real heat with Nash. They got into a scuffle after Slamboree. Nash felt Piper went into business for himself during the Slamboree match.)

The Match: Hall and Flair trade punches and chops until Hall regroups. Scott then whips Ric into a Flair Flip, but Nash boots Flair. Nash tags and nails knees, elbows, and forearms in the corner. Nash follows with a side slam and Snake Eyes. Hall also clotheslines Ric from the apron. But Flair hits a low-blow and tags Piper. Roddy throws punches, whips The Outsiders into each other, and puts Hall in a sleeper. Syxx distracts the ref, so Hall crotches Piper. Then Syxx uses the opening to kick Piper in the head. So Flair chases him. They brawl to the back, which leaves Piper alone in the ring. Roddy fights, but The Outsiders are too much. They beat him up and Hall plays Roddy’s head like bongo drums. Roddy fends off the double-teaming, but there’s no one to tag. Nash nails a big boot and Hall hits The Outsiders Edge for an easy win.

Thoughts: It wasn’t much of a match. But I liked the storytelling. This was more about the story development than the action. I’m fine with that. It adds intrigue. What happened to Flair? Was he jumped backstage or did he abandon Piper? However, this was one of their main events. Perhaps this is better suited for TV than PPV. I’m a little torn. I liked it. But I’m unsure it was the right decision for a PPV match.

Winners: The Outsiders (10:02)

Piper rises to his feet and wonders where Flair is. He leaves the ring in frustration. Heenan says this bothers him. Tony calls it another ploy by the nWo.

Falls Count Anywhere Match: Macho Man Randy Savage (w/ Miss Elizabeth) vs. Diamond Dallas Page (w/ Kimberly)

Notes: Buffer says there’s been no grudge match in the history of wrestling like this. It’s an unsanctioned lights out match. There are no disqualifications or count-outs and falls count anywhere. Buffer then says his catchphrase before Savage enters the arena. Michael claims Savage’s no mercy style made him one of the most feared men on the planet. (Buffer’s scared Savage will slap him around as he did with Penzer.) Then DDP’s music plays. Kimberly arrives on stage. But Page emerges from the crowd and jumps Savage from behind. Buffer clears the ring. You can almost see the look on his face that says, “Not this again!” (I also want to point out something. Buffer announced Mickey Jay as the ref for this encounter. Mickey is a native of the quad cities. In true wrestling fashion, the hometown guy gets beat up during this bout.)

The Match: They brawl and Savage avoids a Diamond Cutter. But he can’t escape a slingshot crossbody. Page hurts his ribs with the move, so Randy attacks. They brawl around the ring until Randy hides behind Liz. DDP moves her aside and catches Savage with clotheslines. Then the fight spills into the crowd. Page rams Randy into the wall and a door. He also grabs a fan’s crutch and breaks it over Savage. When they return to the ring, Savage uses white powder and attacks Page’s ribs. He rips off the tape. This concerns Mickey Jay. He gets in Savage’s face. So Randy gives him a piledriver. It draws out Mark Curtis. Savage throws him over the ropes. The action returns to the floor and Randy intimidates Kimberly. So Nick Patrick arrives to protect her.

This gives Page time to recover, and the fight heads to a VIP picnic area. They destroy it. Page breaks a platter on Randy’s head and dumps the contents of a grill onto him. He even chokes Savage with his t-shirt and they return to the ring. They fight back and forth until Savage exposes the concrete floor. He attempts a piledriver, but Nick Patrick stops him. So Savage attacks Nick. Randy also beats up a cameraman. Then DDP and Savage exchange chair shots and low-blows. But Page nails a Diamond Cutter! However, Scott Hall arrives and kicks Patrick while he makes the count. Savage clocks Page with the tag belt. Hall nails an Outsiders Edge. And Savage lands a flying elbow for the win.

Thoughts: This was a fun and intense brawl. It was chaos toward the end. But I like that. They’ve done a great job making Savage look like an absolute madman. No one is safe. It makes for entertaining mayhem. I prefer the Spring Stampede bout. But this one was good too. It’s no surprise these two work well together. DDP and Savage are both known for meticulously planning their matches.

Winner: Randy Savage (16:56)

The match ended with no time left. Schiavone quickly says goodnight, while Heenan plugs Nitro.

The Good:

• The main event was good.

• The opener was solid.

• Madusa/Akira told a good story.

• Greene/Mongo was surprisingly fun.

The Bad:

• The Konnan/Morrus match.

• Glacier/Wrath was dull.

• There were some disappointing finishes.

Performer of the Night:

It’s a tie between DDP and Savage. They tore it up again. These two have great chemistry in the ring.

Final Thoughts:

I’d call this show average. It had good action, but the middle dragged. I’ll give them credit. Each match had a decent build. But they somehow made this event feel like an afterthought. WCW already focused on Bash at the Beach on Nitro. It feels like they’re spinning their wheels while Hogan films his movie. It’s a good show, but you can tell it’s filler in the grand scheme of things.

Thank you for reading. My next review is the WWF’s In Your House: Canadian Stampede. Look for it next Sunday.