Starrcade ’98

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

Starrcade

December 27, 1998

MCI Center

Washington D.C.

News & Notes: We learned why Hollywood Hogan missed World War 3. Hogan appeared on The Tonight Show and announced his retirement. He wants to focus on his presidential run. Hogan appointed Scott Steiner as the new leader of nWo Hollywood. Steiner’s first order of business was Scott Hall. He placed a bounty on Hall’s head. This led to The Outsiders reuniting to face Steiner & Horace. Hall also faced Stevie Ray and Steiner himself. The nWo ref screwed Hall out of a victory and Steiner put Hall in the Recliner. Meanwhile, Scott Steiner had another mission. He tried to recruit Lex Luger away from The Wolfpac. Scotty pointed out how Nash eliminated Lex from the battle royal. Then Konnan left Luger out of his music video. They don’t care about Lex! Scott offered Luger a nWo Hollywood shirt. He didn’t accept it, but Luger looked intrigued.

Here’s a rundown of the other news. Raven fell deeper into depression. Kanyon had enough. He revealed Raven is really a spoiled rich kid with a trust fund. Raven claimed his mother didn’t love him. So Kanyon brought Raven’s mom to Nitro. She dragged Raven back home to visit the family doctor. Elsewhere, Stevie Ray attempted to make Booker T see the error of his ways. He asked Booker to stop playing to the fans and join the nWo. But Stevie’s antics only cost Booker victories. Booker refused to join Stevie. Finally, Kenny Kaos is still one-half of the tag champs with Rick Steiner. Judy Bagwell was a temporary replacement. This fact didn’t sit well with Kaos’ other partner, Robbie Rage. He accused Kenny of replacing him.

On a side note, WCW made a major change to their booking team before this event. They appointed Kevin Nash as the head booker. WCW needed a change, but we’ll see if this is the right one.

Generic music plays over close-up shots of Goldberg’s body. We see footage of Goldberg’s entrance and clips of his matches. Then the video ends with the Starrcade logo. I take back what I said in my last review. This is now the laziest opening to a WCW PPV.

Tony welcomes everyone to the granddaddy of them all! They waited months for the biggest title match the world has witnessed! Tonight will decide the fate of WCW, the nWo, and the world championship. Heenan says Nash is bigger than Goldberg. Kevin won gold in another company. However, Bobby bets his mortgage on Goldberg. Tenay says the Wolfpac has the momentum. Then Tony reveals breaking news about Flair vs. Bischoff. Eric banned The Horsemen from the building. Flair agreed to the stipulation to get his hands on Eric. Heenan calls Bischoff dangerous. He thinks it’s a trap. Finally, Tenay says DDP will get payback against The Giant.

Next, Bret Hart, Scott Steiner, and Chris Jericho plug the QVC WCW special. Bret guarantees it won’t be a jewelry show. The program airs on Wednesday from Philadelphia.

Then we go to Mean Gene. He says the police escorted Mongo McMichael out of the building. Plus, Gene talks about the hotline. He spotted some familiar faces backstage, but you have to call to find out who they are. Bob Ryder and Gene have the scoop!

The first match is Kidman vs. Mysterio vs. Juventud for the Cruiserweight Title. Rey throws down his LWO shirt and wipes his feet on it. When all three men arrive, Kidman and Juvi shove each other.

Triangle Match for the Cruiserweight Title: Kidman (c) vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Juventud Guerrera

Notes: Eddie won’t let Rey leave the LWO because Rey signed a contract. He presented Mysterio with his new LWO t-shirt. It was three sizes too large. But Rey didn’t take this lying down. He cost both Eddie and Juvi matches. Rey even aided Kidman against the LWO. Then Mysterio prevented Eddie from winning the Cruiserweight title. Later, WCW announced a #1 Contender bout between Rey and Juvi. The LWO ruined it, so WCW booked this Triangle Match instead. Kidman offered Rey a one-on-one contest on TV. He wanted no LWO interference, but he didn’t get his wish. Eddie sought to teach Rey a lesson. He made Mysterio face Silver King, Juvi, and Eddie himself. During Rey vs. Eddie, Kidman interfered on Rey’s behalf. It backfired when Kidman hit Rey by mistake.

The Match: Rey and Kidman work together until they break up each other’s pin attempts. Juvi capitalizes with a double bulldog and sends them to the floor. There, Juvi lands a springboard plancha. Next, Juvi surprises Rey with a springboard hurricanrana off Kidman’s shoulders! But Kidman nails Juvi with a tornado bulldog. Rey follows with an Arabian Press and a hurricanrana from the apron. Mysterio also hits an Asai Moonsault onto both men. Juvi rallies with a Juvi Driver, but Kidman breaks up the cover. Kidman then vaults Rey into a Super Frankensteiner on Juvi. Later, Kidman does an SSP onto Rey and Juvi on the floor! This draws out Eddie Guerrero. He tells the ref to check on Rey while Kidman reverses Juvi’s sunset flip. Eddie flips the pin in Juvi’s favor. The ref returns, but Mysterio dropkicks Juvi to reverse it again. Kidman scores the three.

Thoughts: It was quite good, but it dragged toward the end. They broke up pin attempts too many times. It became excessive. I still enjoyed the action and the overall product, but I didn’t love it. If they trimmed a few minutes off of it, I’d like it more. But WCW showed they know how to do triple threats better than the WWF.

Winner: Kidman (14:56)

Eddie had his back turned, so he doesn’t know Kidman won until they announce it. It infuriates Guerrero. He berates Juvi and Rey for screwing up. They couldn’t beat a cream puff sissy like Kidman! Eddie labels them as embarrassments. He vows to finish the job himself. Eddie challenges Kidman to a match. Kidman returns and suggests they do it now. Eddie says he needs to get his gear and prepare. So Kidman calls him scared and goads Eddie into accepting the terms.

Cruiserweight Title Match: Kidman (c) vs. Eddie Guerrero (w/ Juventud Guerrera & Rey Mysterio Jr.)

The Match: Eddie powerbombs Kidman and puts him in an ab stretch. He uses Juvi for leverage, so Rey stops it. Rey also pulls Kidman to safety when Eddie scores a chop block and a deathlock. Kidman rallies with strikes, clotheslines, and a sleeper. Eddie answers by clocking Kidman with his work boot. He then throws the boot at Rey and gives Kidman a brainbuster. But Kidman surprises Eddie with a superplex. It doesn’t last. Eddie attacks the leg and grabs a leglock with leverage. Rey thwarts this with Eddie’s discarded boot. It allows Kidman to reverse a powerbomb into a facebuster. He continues with a slingshot leg drop and places Eddie on the top rope. Eddie blocks a Frankensteiner as Spyder arrives and distracts the ref. Juvi crotches Kidman, so Rey does the same to Eddie. Guerrero falls and Kidman lands a Shooting Star Press for the win.

Thoughts: It was slower than the first match and that’s fine. Both bouts had distinct styles and stories. I liked the storytelling in this one. These matches made Kidman look like a million bucks. The only shame is the crowd wasn’t hot for either contest. But this was a great start to the PPV.

Winner: Kidman (10:48)

We get a strange video for Nash and Goldberg. They show clips of their various confrontations. But they edited the footage with clouds and bright sunshine. Angelic music plays. Is the match taking place in Heaven?

Norman Smiley vs. Prince Iaukea

Notes: Norman Smiley changed his attitude. He added a gyrating dance called The Big Wiggle and a new finisher. Smiley calls it The Norman Conquest. It’s a Crossface Chickenwing. He used the move to win a few matches. Two of those victories were over Prince Iaukea. Smiley then informed the announcers they pronounced his name wrong. It’s Nor-MAN Smile-LAY. Meanwhile, Iaukea got mixed up in Mysterio’s LWO woes. Rey helped Prince defeat Juvi. So Juvi stole Iaukea’s spot in a match with Mysterio. Prince scored revenge by snitching on Juvi for cheating. Now Prince is back for a third attempt at beating Norman Smiley.

The Match: After some reversals, Iaukea sends Smiley to the floor for a cannonball. Norman answers with strikes and arm submissions. He uses a Kimura Lock and short-arm scissors. He also lands a spinning slam and does the Big Wiggle. Next, Smiley hits a double stomp and grabs a seated ab stretch. Prince rallies with palm thrusts. Norman ends that with a stalling butterfly suplex. Iaukea keeps fighting back with more strikes and takedowns. Norman responds with another double stomp and a bodyscissors. However, Iaukea scores an atomic headbutt and Smiley regroups. Prince follows with a flying crossbody. Smiley rolls through it. Then he locks in the Norman Conquest after two tries. Iaukea taps.

Thoughts: It was dull and pointless. The action was solid and crisp, but it never built to a crescendo. It also went longer than necessary. They received boring chants from the fans. Norman already beat him twice on TV, so the outcome was obvious.

Winner: Norman Smiley (11:31)

Scott Hall appears in an Outsiders shirt. He has no music because Hall no longer has a group. Scott says it’s too sweet to be in DC for the holidays. But he had a pretty bad year. He can’t blame anybody but himself. That’s okay. Tonight, the guy he used to call his best friend gets the opportunity of a lifetime. Nash could be the main man in wrestling. Then Hall says everyone told him to prove himself. But Hall says he doesn’t have to prove anything to Nash or the fans. He only has to prove something to himself. Hall can’t wait to kiss 1998 goodbye because 1999 is his year!

Next, they recap the issues between Bam Bam Bigelow, Nash, and Goldberg. Bam Bam showed up to Nitro and brawled with Scott Hall. Nash and Goldberg confronted him, so Terry Taylor made a triple threat match. Scott Hall interfered, so Goldberg speared Hall and Bigelow. It led to a fight between Nash and Goldberg.

Then Ernest Miller and Sonny Onoo arrive. Miller taunts an old granny in the front row. He then tells everyone to shut up, so Heenan apologizes. Miller says the fans should be glad. They get to witness the greatest whoop somebody! This leads to Saturn’s entrance. Penzer starts his introduction, but he stops. Tony cracks a joke about it. When Saturn enters the ring, Miller takes the mic. The law requires Miller to give Saturn five seconds to leave. Miller turns and counts, so Saturn winds up a punch and decks him.

Saturn vs. Ernest the Cat Miller (w/ Sonny Onoo)

Notes: Saturn called Miller a coward for his sneak attack at World War 3. Miller responded by mocking Saturn because Onoo pinned him. Saturn challenged Miller. But Perry had to defeat Sonny to get the bout. Saturn lost by DQ after Glacier interference and chain shenanigans by Onoo. Then Saturn fought Glacier twice. Referee Scott Dickinson disqualified Perry when Miller kicked Glacier by mistake. A frustrated Saturn gave Dickinson the DVD. So Dickinson got revenge. He fast counted Saturn’s shoulders when Perry wrestled Norman Smiley. Saturn took out his frustrations on Onoo with the Rings of Saturn. Onoo complained to Miller because Ernest didn’t save him. Miller didn’t care. Since Miller wouldn’t help, Onoo bribed Saturn to stop hurting him. Perry accepted the money and attacked Onoo anyway. Saturn also disguised himself as Santa to jump Miller.

The Match: Miller regroups, stalls, and then slides into the ring. He stops short, so Saturn nails him with strikes. Then Miller lures Saturn into a trap by offering a handshake. The Cat uses an eye rake and chokes. He taunts the fans and argues with the ref. This allows Perry to attempt the Rings of Saturn. It doesn’t work, so Saturn does amateur mat wrestling instead. Miller rallies with sidekicks, chops, and punches. Saturn answers with suplexes and a swinging neckbreaker. But Perry misses a flying axehandle. The Cat sidesteps him and nails another sidekick. Next, Miller calls Onoo into the ring. Ernest holds Saturn for Sonny’s kick, but Onoo hits Miller by mistake! The Cat kicks Sonny. Saturn takes the opening and nails a Death Valley Driver for the three.

Thoughts: It had some amusing moments, but it wasn’t good. They at least kept it short, unlike the last match. Saturn deserves better than this. Thankfully, he gets a nice feud next.

Winner: Saturn (7:07)

Mean Gene interviews Ric Flair. Gene gets to the meat of the matter. Bischoff banned The Horsemen from the building. Flair agreed to the stipulations. Ric says Bischoff still runs WCW, but it makes no difference. He doesn’t care who is there. Flair will kick Bischoff’s ass tonight! He threatens to rip Eric apart piece by piece. He’ll take his fingers, eyes, arm, neck, and his you-know-what! Then Flair will put the Figure Four on him and squeeze until the bone goes gick! Flair heard the noise before. He promises to teach Eric what it’s like to be a limousine-riding, jet-flying, son of a gun! Bischoff will pay the price of tradition!

Next, they recap Bischoff’s history in the nWo from the beginning. Eric is a power-hungry, controlling, egomaniac. They suspended Bischoff and drove him crazy. Then the vicious and domineering Bischoff disrespected The Horsemen. Eric even attacked WCW executives and fired Dusty Rhodes! The excitement was too much for Flair. He had a mild heart attack. So Flair’s family confronted Eric. Bischoff insulted them, beat up David Flair, and kissed Beth Flair!

Meanwhile, Scott Steiner and Buff Bagwell barge into Konnan’s locker room. Scott tells Konnan the red and black are dead. Scotty promised not to put his hands on Luger, but he can’t say the same about K-Dawg. Konnan looks for a fight, but Luger arrives and holds him back. Scott and Buff leave, so Konnan questions Luger. Is there something he should know?

During the entrances for the next bout, someone hands Tony a note. It’s from the championship committee. They made Nash vs. Goldberg a No DQ contest. Tony wonders who lobbied for the change. But he thinks all title matches should be this way.

Scott Norton & Brian Adams (w/ Vincent) vs. Fit Finlay & Jerry Flynn

Notes: Why is this match happening? Your guess is as good as mine! Finlay & Flynn competed in NJPW’s Super Grade Tag League in November. But they lost all their matches. Also, Scott Norton is the IWGP champion. It’s the only tenuous link between these teams. Finlay wrestled a few times on TV. He drew the ire of Mike Enos by defeating him. Enos jumped him after the bout. Meanwhile, Adams and Vincent tried to injure Luger with a spike piledriver. They failed. Luger Racked Adams for the win. Plus, Norton had a few squash victories. That’s what these men were up to over the past month.

The Match: Adams and Finlay exchange strikes until Fit crashes on a missed corner charge. Norton tags and nails a powerslam. He also breaks Finlay and Flynn’s double clothesline and hits his own. Flynn answers with a corner wheel kick, but Vincent attacks from the apron. It allows Adams to hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Then Finlay returns, but Adams gives him a sloppy piledriver. Norton continues with a DDT, a neckbreaker, and a head vice. Fit gets in more trouble. Norton uses a short-arm clothesline and a shoulderbreaker. Fit rallies with a jawbreaker and a DDT. It isn’t enough. Adams rebounds with a pressing gutbuster and jumps on Finlay’s back. But Fit knees Adams in the groin and tags Flynn. It leads to a wild brawl. Adams and Finlay fight to the floor. Norton remains with Flynn and lands a powerbomb for the victory.

Thoughts: It was another boring and meaningless bout. Once again, the action was fine, but no one cared. It had no build and no reason to happen. The crowd was silent. This is WCW’s biggest show. They couldn’t fill it with meaningful encounters?

Winners: Norton & Adams (8:56)

Gene interviews Bischoff. Okerlund says everything between Flair and Bischoff has to stop! Eric agrees, but first, he greets the Clinton family. Then Bischoff apologizes. He caused Flair’s family pain and spoke untruths. So Eric wants to set the record straight. He feels bad for Flair. Ric is pushing himself beyond his limits. The fans should cheer him for overcoming a bad heart. No other athlete could to that! Flair is risking his life to face Bischoff. Then Eric says Flair is doing it because he’s broke. He never saved a dime during his hundred and four years in wrestling. Ric paid for the jets and limos from his own pocket. But Bischoff pays for his with WCW’s money. Also, Bischoff calls himself the king of kiss-stealing. Eric’s antics disgust Gene.

Next, they recap Jericho’s recent shenanigans before Jericho arrives for his bout. Chris wears the TV title, but he isn’t the champion. When Chris enters the ring, he grabs a mic. Jericho wishes the Jerichoholics a happy Jerichoholiday. Then he insults Konnan. Chris calls him Baby Huey. He doesn’t understand any of Konnan’s phrases. But Jericho has a rhyme about himself. Chris also tells Konnan to show fashion sense like Ralphus. Konnan needs to pull up his pants because his drawers are showing! This leads to Konnan’s entrance. He tells Jericho he’ll show him how to rock a mic. Konnan does his shtick.

TV Title Match: Konnan (c) vs. Chris Jericho (w/ Ralphus)

Notes: Jericho’s problems with Duncum continued. Bobby hogtied Ralphus. Jericho left Ralphus helpless because Scott Hall appeared. Then Jericho defended his gold against Konnan. Chris’s antics backfired and Konnan won the TV Title! Later, Konnan helped Duncum defeat Jericho to teach Chris a lesson. Jericho retaliated by insulting Konnan’s music video. He called Konnan a Rico Suave rip-off. Jericho also reenacted his bout with Konnan using an impostor. He used the display to show how Konnan cheated. Finally, on the go-home Nitro, Jericho attacked Konnan and stole the TV belt! Meanwhile, Konnan dealt with other issues. Disco Inferno insists Nash made him a member of The Wolfpac. He even has a personalized Wolfpac t-shirt from Kevin! But Konnan doesn’t believe him.

The Match: They trade strikes and leapfrogs until the action spills outside. Jericho shoves Konnan into the rail on a dive and grabs the steps. He sets them up, but Konnan whips Chris into the rail. Jericho answers by ramming him into the post. Back inside, Jericho does his cocky pin and hooks chinlocks. But Konnan fights back and nails a rolling clothesline and an Alabama Slam. Jericho responds with a jawbreaker, a Lionsault, and a triangle jump plancha. Konnan sidesteps the latter and Chris lands on the steps! When they return, Konnan blocks a Liontamer and attacks Jericho in the corner. The ref tries to stop him, so Konnan shoves the ref and regrets it. Jericho takes the opening and decks Konnan with the belt. It only gets a two! Jericho throws a fit, so Konnan surprises him with an X-Factor and the Tequila Sunrise for the win.

Thoughts: It started slowly, but they built it into something decent. They also kept it at a good length. However, it’s clear Jericho isn’t regaining the TV title. He lost his momentum when they nixed the Goldberg angle. He moves into a non-title feud next.

Winner: Konnan (7:28)

Lee Marshall welcomes The Giant to the internet booth. They laugh about Giant’s recent chokeslam antics. But Lee says DDP laughed in The Giant’s face after his attack. This pisses off The Giant. He throws down his headset, yet his volume doesn’t change. (Are the headsets props?) The Giant asks if Lee is insulting him. He tells Lee to never get in his face again. Then The Giant leaves. Tony wants them to stay with this, but they go to the next bout.

It’s time for Flair vs. Bischoff. Tony hates to admit it, but Bischoff led WCW to their greatest success. But tonight he faces Ric Flair! Tony discusses Flair’s Starrcade history as Ric enters the arena. Flair removes his robe and storms to the ring.

Eric Bischoff vs. Ric Flair

Notes: Bischoff told Flair he had no authority to bring Barry Windham back to WCW. But it was a ruse! Windham attacked Flair, and the nWo jumped The Horsemen. Then Bischoff said Flair could have a match with him. But Malenko had to defeat Windham with Dusty Rhodes as the ref. Malenko won when Dusty disqualified Windham for a low blow. Dusty wouldn’t explain himself, so Bischoff fired him. Next, Flair got too worked up during a promo on Bischoff. He had a mild heart attack. Ric’s wife Beth and his sons David and Reid confronted Eric. Bischoff said he was sorry—that Ric’s heart was too weak! He had Windham beat up David Flair while Bischoff kissed Beth! Ric returned the following week and chased Eric away. Then Ric targeted Windham and caused a wild fight with the nWo. Bischoff had security detain Flair and The Horsemen.

The Match: Flair chases Eric around the ring and beats him from pillar to post. Bischoff begs for a break. Flair doesn’t give it to him. He rips at Eric’s face and throws chops. Bischoff claims his knee hurts, so Ric targets it. The ref warns Ric and they argue. Bischoff uses the opening to kick Flair in the head. Ric regroups, but Eric rams him into the rail. Back inside, Eric uses mounted punches and another kick. But Flair answers with three low blows and rips off Eric’s shirt. Charles Robinson admonishes Ric again, so Flair shoves him. Flair takes the opportunity and gives Bischoff Shattered Dreams. He continues with a back suplex and a Figure Four. However, Curt Hennig arrives. He hands Bischoff a fist weapon. Eric decks Flair in the head and covers for the three when the ref recovers.

Thoughts: This was more of a storyline than a match, and that’s fine. It was amusing watching Flair beat the crap out of Bischoff. I’m almost fine with the ending, but I know what happens next. They should have put what occurs on Nitro on the PPV instead. Big moments should happen at the most important show.

Winner: Eric Bischoff (7:08)

They recap DDP’s issues with Bret Hart and The Giant. The Giant helped Hart win back his US belt with two chokeslams on DDP. He told Page you don’t mess with Bret or the nWo. But Page attacked The Giant with a chair. Page told the Giant scum to come get some. Then it appeared Page would get a rematch with Bret. It was a trap. The Giant dismantled the WCW sign and chokeslammed Page through the stage!

Diamond Dallas Page vs. The Giant

Notes: Bret Hart had a match with Dean Malenko. He tried to injure Dean, so DDP stopped him. Page then challenged Bret. Hart claimed Malenko injured him and he couldn’t wrestle. Page accused him of lying, so Bret agreed to the fight. However, he wanted no disqualifications and the US Title on the line. The Giant interfered. He gave DDP two chokeslams to hand Bret the win and the gold! (Bret received a legitimate groin injury in the Malenko encounter, so why put the belt on him?) Next, DDP demanded a PPV bout with The Giant. He attacked The Giant twice with a chair. The Giant retaliated by chokeslamming DDP through the Nitro stage! But Page appeared in the crowd on the go-home Nitro. He cut a promo on The Giant.

The Match: They spit at each other. Then the fight spills outside and over the rail. DDP blocks a punch with a trash can and clocks The Giant with it. But The Giant pulls Page into the post and press slams him into the ring. Next, The Giant targets Page’s knee and avoids another Diamond Cutter. He then locks DDP in bear hugs. Dallas breaks free, but The Giant turns a sunset flip into a choke-lift backbreaker. When The Giant continues, Page hits a DDT counter. However, The Giant powers out of the pin and DDP lands on the ref. This allows Bret Hart to interfere with a chair. He hits The Giant by mistake! Page gives Hart a low blow and nails The Giant with flying clotheslines. The Giant catches him on one and sets up a Super Chokeslam. Page turns it into a Diamond Cutter for the three.

Thoughts: I liked the finish, but the rest was slow and boring. The Giant looked gassed and forgot his spots. You could see Page waiting for him a few times. It was a nice win for DDP, but the match wasn’t good.

Winner: Diamond Dallas Page (12:45)

Bret sticks around, so Tony calls him a lame brain. He tells Hart to go back to Calgary. Page celebrates, but he watches Bret. Hart backs away, so Page continues his celebration.

Next, they replay the heavenly video package for Nash/Goldberg. Then Buffer introduces the main event. He says Nash’s accomplishments make him a citizen of the world. (Other countries might dispute that.) This leads to Goldberg’s entrance. He stops and signs an autograph backstage. When Goldberg reaches the ring, Nash takes the belt and tries it on for a second. Goldberg glares at him. Tony tells us Goldberg is 173-0, but Buffer thinks it’s 174.

No DQ Match for the WCW Title: Kevin Nash vs. Goldberg (c)

Notes: After Nash earned his title shot at World War 3, he wanted to prove he was ready. Nash faced Wrath and ended his winning streak as a message to Goldberg. Then Nash and Goldberg had a contract signing. They made a stipulation because of Goldberg’s issues with Bam Bam. Goldberg agreed not to defend his belt before Starrcade. An angry Bigelow stormed the ring upon hearing this. It led to a parking lot brawl between Bigelow and Goldberg. Bill demanded a fight with Bam Bam. Nash wasn’t happy about this, so he added himself to the mix. It took two tries, but we got Goldberg vs. Bigelow vs. Nash. Hall interfered on Nash’s behalf and scuffled with Bigelow. Then Goldberg wrestled Scott Hall. Bigelow once again intervened. Nash pulled Hall to safety, but he left Goldberg to fight Bam Bam alone.

The Match: Nash regroups after Goldberg breaks a headlock with a back suplex. Then Nash takes Goldberg to the corner for elbows and knees. Goldberg powers Nash to the mat and they trade holds. After more corner offense, Nash tries a big boot. Goldberg ducks it and nails a spear. But Nash blocks the Jackhammer with a low blow. Nash capitalizes with more attacks at the ropes. It continues until Goldberg turns a suplex into a spinning neckbreaker. He then does a superkick and a powerslam, but interference arrives. Goldberg fends off Disco Inferno and Bam Bam. During the chaos, Scott Hall climbs on the apron in a security disguise. He zaps Goldberg with a stun gun. Nash didn’t see it, but he spots Goldberg on the mat. Kevin lands a Jackknife and covers for the win.

Thoughts: It wasn’t a great match. The action was heavy on the punching and kicking. But the crowd was hot for it. These fans were silent most of the night. This wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t set the world on fire. Also, I’m fine with the finish. Goldberg’s streak had to end sometime. It needed to involve chicanery. His streak shouldn’t end cleanly. Plus, Nash was one of the most popular stars in 1998. My issue is with what happens next. Without the Finger Poke of Doom, fans wouldn’t have hated this as much. It also doesn’t help Goldberg never regains the belt. They should have built to Goldberg winning it back. That doesn’t happen.

Winner: Kevin Nash (New Champion) (11:20)

Nash collects the belt, but he looks at Goldberg with confusion. Bill convulses on the mat and falls out of the ring. Tony says he needs medical attention. The replay shows Scott Hall taunting the cameraman with the stun gun. Tony calls the ending unbelievable. Kevin Nash was the first man to stop Goldberg’s streak!

The Good:

• The cruiserweight matches were good and made Kidman look great.

• Jericho/Konnan was decent.

• Watching Flair beat up Bischoff was fun.

The Bad:

• The middle of the card was a slog.

• Throwaway matches on the biggest show of the year.

• The main event wasn’t great.

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to Kidman. He wrestled two matches for almost thirty minutes. This night made him look amazing.

Final Thoughts:

The events after this show taint people’s view of it, but it’s still not good. It started well, but the middle was hard to get through. The show picked up a little toward the end. Then the main event was lackluster. Why couldn’t WCW fill an entire card with meaningful bouts for their biggest show? This had too much filler, and almost none of it delivered.

Thank you for reading. The next week will have two reviews again. On Wednesday, I’m doing a bonus review of the January 4, 1999 episode of RAW. Then on Sunday, I’ll cover ECW’s Guilty as Charged ’99. Look for both reviews!