Road Wild ’99

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

Road Wild

August 14, 1999

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Sturgis, South Dakota

News & Notes: Savage issued an open challenge the night after Bash at the Beach, and Hogan answered it. When Savage spotted him, he attempted to back out of the deal. But Hogan convinced him to accept the bout. During the match, Kevin Nash interfered. He attacked Savage and gave Hogan the win and the belt! Afterward, Kevin said it was the second time he handed the title to Hogan. So now Nash wanted a proper fight for the gold. Then Hogan sought redemption for the past few years. He claimed he changed his tune and cleaned up his act. Hogan even shaved the black beard. However, everyone doubted him because he still wore his nWo gear. As for what happened next, I’ll explain that before the main event.

Now for a rundown of some extra storylines. WCW booked a match between Finlay and the First Family. They feuded because Jimmy Hart stole Finlay’s junkyard trophy. Unfortunately, Fit suffered a severe leg injury at a house show. We won’t see him again for a while. Also, they canceled another contest. WCW wanted to rekindle their women’s division. Madusa and Miss Madness couldn’t get along. So they tried to outdo each other in warm-up matches. They faced such legends as Brandi Alexander and Patty Stonegrinder (Leilani Kai)! It didn’t last because WCW dropped the idea. Meanwhile, the Lenny and Lodi angle took an unexpected turn. JJ Dillon revealed Lenny and Lodi are brothers. It makes the entire storyline creepy. Finally, WCW answered the WWF’s popularity with celebrities galore. Country star Chad Brock performed, and KISS will appear after Road Wild. Plus, Jason Hervey was a guest commentator on one Nitro.

The show opens with a video package about Nash vs. Hogan. They will face each other again for the WCW Title, but is Hogan a changed man? He used a chair to stop an attack by Sid and Rick Steiner. So Nash powerbombed Hogan on the announce table. Afterward, Hogan put his career on the line as long as Nash did the same. Then Hogan returned to his red and yellow roots. Road Wild will mark the end for one of these men. Nash says it is Hogan’s last match.

Then Tony welcomes everyone to a night of epic proportions. Two of the sport’s greatest stars put it all on the line. Road Wild is off and running, and Hulk Hogan is back in the red and yellow! Heenan thinks Hogan wants his face on Mt. Rushmore. Also, Tenay brings up the last meeting between Hogan and Nash. He says Nash laid down for Hogan because it was the right thing to do. (Huh?) In other news, Sting will wrestle Sid and Savage faces Rodman. Plus, they will give away a motorcycle to a lucky fan!

Next, they recap the feud between Vampiro and Konnan’s respective stables. Tony says the footage comes from the WCW network. (Is this an alternate timeline where WCW won the war?) Vampiro and Konnan hate each other, so they formed their own groups. Vamp chose Raven and the Insane Clown Posse. Konnan picked Rey, Eddie Guerrero, and Kidman. And Heenan says they’re all nuts!

Vampiro’s Dead Pool faction arrives first. Tenay says Vamp’s ties to the music and wrestling worlds made this possible. But Heenan forgets the ICP’s names. When the Dead Pool reaches the ring, Rey, Eddie, and Kidman join the party. They aren’t the Filthy Animals yet, but the name is coming. Once everyone is there, Rey, Eddie, and Kidman jump the Dead Pool.

Rey Mysterio Jr., Kidman, & Eddie Guerrero vs. The Dead Pool (Vampiro & The Insane Clown Posse) (w/ Raven)

Storyline: Vampiro and Konnan don’t like each other. This became obvious when Vampiro threw a chair at Konnan’s head during a match. Later, Konnan saved Eddie Guerrero when the angry luchadores sought revenge on Eddie. Since Konnan found allies, Vampiro did the same. He aligned himself with Raven and the Insane Clown Posse. Together, they formed a new group called The Dead Pool. This faction attacked Konnan, Rey, and Eddie. Plus, Vampiro tried to recruit Kidman, but he sided with Konnan and Rey. However, the growing numbers didn’t prevent the ICP from giving Konnan a concussion. Now the rest of K-Dawg’s friends look for revenge.

The Match: Eddie, Kidman, and Rey do a snap suplex, Sky High, slingshot senton, and guillotine leg drop. But the Dead Pool takes over with double-teaming. The ICP also uses frequent tags and ref distractions. We get a suplex and jawbreaker from the ICP before Vamp nails the uranage. But Guerrero fights back with a springboard hurricanrana and a superplex. This leads to Rey and Violent J fighting. Rey scores springboard moves. So Vamp breaks the cover and takes Rey to the floor for a Nail in the Coffin! Raven taunts Rey, as the Dead Pool uses more double-teaming and low blows. Shaggy even nails a running powerslam. This lasts until Rey lands a split-legged moonsault, and a brawl erupts. In the chaos, Rey does a Bronco Buster. Vamp tries to break up the fight only to kick Shaggy by accident. And Kidman ends it with the SSP.

Thoughts: This exceeded my low expectations. It was my first time watching the ICP wrestle, and they weren’t bad. My only gripe is the heat segment on Rey went a little too long. Plus, I wanted to see more of Eddie vs. Vampiro. They didn’t have many interactions. Other than that, it was good.

Winners: Rey, Kidman, & Eddie (12:22)

Booker T and Stevie Ray proved blood is thicker than water. When the Jersey Triad attacked Booker, Stevie saved his brother. It led to the reformation of Harlem Heat. Then they scored a non-title victory over the Triad. So DDP and company jumped Booker and Stevie and spray painted their symbol on them.

The recap video leads to the entrances for the tag title contest. Tony notices DDP isn’t there. He says Page is backstage preparing for his own bout. Meanwhile, Bigelow’s title belt falls off, so Bam Bam and Kanyon laugh about it. When they reach the ring, Kanyon insults the fans. He calls them rednecks and says they can’t afford cable TV. Therefore, Kanyon explains his shtick to them. When they rev their engines in response, Kanyon refuses to ask his usual question.

Tag Team Title Match: Harlem Heat vs. The Jersey Triad (Bam Bam Bigelow & Kanyon) (c)

Storyline: Booker T drew the ire of the Jersey Triad during a bout with DDP. Most of the B-Team found this hilarious, but Stevie Ray rushed to his brother’s aid. Because of this, the B-Team questioned Stevie’s allegiance. Next, Stevie wrestled Kanyon, and Booker saved him from a beating. This was the final straw. The B-Team attacked Stevie until Booker rescued him again. Afterward, Booker agreed to reform Harlem Heat, but only if Stevie removed his nWo shirt. Stevie obliged, and the brothers reunited. It led to a non-title match against the Triad, which Harlem Heat won with Benoit’s help. As a result, the Triad jumped Harlem Heat two more times. They even spray painted them with the Triad’s logo.

The Match: Harlem Heat makes the Triad regroup after a brawl and a Harlem Sidekick. Then Kanyon fakes out Stevie on a test of strength and throws strikes. But the Triad regroups again after Stevie’s press slam. Next, the teams exchange headlocks, shoulder blocks, and leapfrogs. However, it ends when the Triad gains the advantage. Later, Kanyon draws Booker into the ring for ref distractions and choking. He also slows the pace with chinlocks and pin attempts. This lasts until Stevie catapults Kanyon into Bigelow, and Stevie tags Booker. He nails a jumping forearm and heel kick and tries an axe kick. So Bigelow low-bridges Booker. This allows Kanyon to do a diving Rocker Dropper. But Booker counters with a powerbomb when Kanyon tries a second one. Afterward, DDP arrives, but Stevie whips Bigelow into him! And Booker capitalizes with a missile dropkick for the win.

Thoughts: This was slow and had too much stalling. They had to work around Bigelow and Stevie’s conditioning because of the heat. Only the finish was exciting. Everything else was dull. If Kanyon and Booker worked more of the bout, it would have been better.

Winners: Harlem Heat (New Champions) (13:06)

Next, they recap the issues between the Revolution and the West Texas Rednecks. Hennig insulted Saturn and compared him to Uranus, but it was a distraction. Bobby Duncum jumped Saturn from behind. However, Saturn fought him off and hit the Death Valley Driver. He then called Hennig a stupid redneck. But Hennig wasn’t afraid of this tattooed goon. The Rednecks attacked Saturn again and hogtied him!

After both teams arrive for the bout, Saturn grabs a mic. He addresses the Rednecks. Saturn says the Revolution isn’t WCW’s answer to the Mystery Men. They don’t care about cowboys or Chad Brock. Their only goal is to set things straight. So Saturn calls the Rednecks ladies and tells them to pick someone to start and get in the ring.

The Revolution (Shane Douglas, Saturn, & Dean Malenko) vs. The West Texas Rednecks (Curt Hennig, Bobby Duncum Jr., & Barry Windham) (w/ Kendall Windham)

Storyline: Malenko had continuing issues with Ric Flair and his antics. Meanwhile, Benoit and Saturn were at odds with the Rednecks in the tag team scene. They needed help, and that help arrived in the form of Shane Douglas. After saving Malenko, Benoit, and Saturn, Shane promised things would change in WCW. Douglas vowed to rid WCW of its cancer, which included Flair, the Triad, and the Rednecks. So Douglas, Malenko, Benoit, and Saturn joined forces and named themselves The Revolution. Their first order of business was helping Finlay regain his stolen junkyard trophy. Next, they focused on the Rednecks. Country star Chad Brock performed on Nitro, so Hennig and company confronted him. But the Revolution ran them off. As a result, the Rednecks attacked the Revolution and hogtied Saturn.

The Match: The Revolution scores takedowns until Douglas finds himself in the Rednecks’ corner. Once Saturn ends the double-teaming, he tags and lands suplexes. But Barry stops it with a lariat and Hennig enters the fight. Hennig throws chops and hits a neck snap on Saturn. Also, the Rednecks throw Perry outside for Kendall’s attack. This continues until Douglas tags and does double-team moves with Malenko. However, Hennig blocks a Pittsburgh Plunge. Plus, he tosses Shane outside for more Kendall interference. Afterward, the Rednecks toy with Shane. They wear him down with chinlocks, strikes, cheap shots, and a DDT. But a nonchalant cover only gets two. Finally, Shane rolls to his corner for a tag and a brawl erupts. Dean puts Hennig in the Cloverleaf only for Kendall to break it. So Douglas sends Kendall to the floor, and Saturn hits the DVD on Duncum for the win.

Thoughts: This wasn’t bad, but it was a little basic. They never hit a second or third gear. The action was so pedestrian the commentators talked about Savage vs. Rodman instead. No one wants to go all out in the August heat. As usual, it takes a toll on the show.

Winners: The Revolution (10:57)

The brawl continues after the bell, but the Revolution clears the ring. Then Saturn swipes one of the Rednecks’ hats. He puts it on his head before removing the hat and stomping on it. Also, they do a replay. It shows Saturn almost drop Duncum while doing the Death Valley Driver. Why would they run a replay of that?

Next, The Cat and Sonny Onoo arrive for a match. They wear biker gear. Plus, Miller has some confederate flag gloves, which he shows to everyone. (The commentators pretend they don’t know what is on them.) After threatening to kick the fans, Miller insults them. He tells the bikers to turn off their mini-bikes or he will whoop every stupid redneck in the crowd. Heenan says they will be there a while. Afterward, Buff Bagwell joins them. He takes the mic, but Miller keeps interrupting him to taunt the audience. Once Bagwell speaks, he tells The Cat to kiss his ass.

Buff Bagwell vs. The Cat (w/ Sonny Onoo)

Storyline: The Cat took exception to Bagwell boxing and dancing. There was only one combat sports master and fine dancer in WCW, and that’s Ernest Miller! He called Buff out and said he would whoop him in a karate fight. Miller also insulted Judy Bagwell, so Buff confronted him. But Miller kicked Bagwell with the red slipper of death. Then he covered him while Onoo performed a three count. As a result, Bagwell mocked Miller with a parody skit. So Miller rightfully admonished him for doing blackface. But it didn’t stop Bagwell. He replaced Miller’s red shoes with bunny slippers before a match. The humiliated Miller sought revenge only for Bagwell to fend him off and punch Onoo. Later, The Cat interrupted Buff vs. Norton and tried to recruit Norton to help him. It backfired because Norton sided with Bagwell, and Buff gave Onoo a Blockbuster.

The Match: Both men stall and pose after takedowns. The Cat even heads outside to threaten a large shirtless man. When he returns, Miller offers a handshake before throwing strikes and biting Bagwell. Then Miller takes control with a low blow and distracts the ref for Onoo’s interference. He follows with a chinlock only for Buff to escape with elbows. But Miller responds with an eye rake. (You could see Buff tell him to do it.) Next, Bagwell reverses a suplex and nails atomic drops and a crossbody. So Miller stops him with a jawbreaker, and Onoo climbs on the apron with the briefcase. When Buff spots Sonny, he shoves Miller into him and rolls Ernest up for the victory.

Thoughts: They did too much stalling for my taste. When we got action, it was simple and dull. Buff and Cat didn’t want to overexert themselves in the heat. This was another example of why an outdoor event in August is a bad idea.

Winner: Buff Bagwell (7:24)

After the bell, The Cat attacks Bagwell. He stomps and chokes him while Onoo mocks Buff’s dance. Afterward, Sonny removes his vest, so Tony begs him to put it on again. After a few more shots, Miller and Onoo leave.

Then they recap the US Title feud. DDP attacked Benoit and taunted him. He said Benoit didn’t have what it takes. But Benoit told him he had a lot more than DDP. So Page responded with your mama jokes. Later, they wrestled, and Benoit performed a flying headbutt. As Benoit landed, Dallas hit him in the face with the title. However, Benoit defeated David Flair for the belt and challenged DDP.

This leads to the entrances for that bout. After singing his own praises, DDP apologizes for his comments about Benoit’s mom. He says Chris loves his mother, but so can anybody for $2.99 a minute! Tony replies, “You guys got that number?” (Whoa, Tony! Easy, man!) Schiavone also claims last year’s Road Wild was DDP’s greatest match. He has to be joking!

No DQ Match for the U.S. Title: Chris Benoit (c) vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Storyline: The issues between the Revolution, Flair, and the Triad led to Benoit challenging for the US Title. He had David Flair beat twice. But Robinson’s officiating and Triad interference ruined it. So the Triad mocked Benoit for failing. Then Benoit wrestled DDP, and Chris scored a roll-up win. Because of the loss, the Triad attacked Benoit with multiple Diamond Cutters. And David Flair taunted Benoit with the belt. However, fortunes turned in the Revolution’s favor. Sting appointed Dusty Rhodes as the new head of the championship committee. (More on that later.) Dusty gave Benoit a rematch with David. The Revolution fended off the Triad and Benoit won the gold! Afterward, Benoit challenged DDP to a No DQ bout for the PPV.

The Match: They exchange strikes until Benoit blocks a powerbomb. Then Benoit’s baseball slide sends the action off the platform and to the guardrail. Back in the ring, DDP takes control. Page hits a gutbuster and clothesline before toying with Benoit. But DDP argues with Charles Robinson after a two count. Next, Benoit fights back until DDP crotches him on the top rope. He also puts Benoit in a tree of woe. Afterward, DDP removes Charles Robinson’s belt and whips Benoit. Plus, he hangs him over his shoulder. However, Benoit breaks free, returns the belt shots, and scores rolling Germans. This draws Kanyon and Bigelow to the ring. Benoit thwarts Kanyon, but Bigelow scores the flying headbutt. It only gets a two, and Benoit whips the Triad into each other. Bigelow falls on DDP’s crotch, which pins him down. So Benoit lands the flying headbutt for the three.

Thoughts: This was a great match. They found a way to weave a nice story without overexerting themselves in the summer sun. It’s a testament to how good these two were. My only complaint is the choking spots with the belt. Those were uncomfortable in hindsight.

Winner: Chris Benoit (12:14)

After talking about the remaining card, Tony sends it to Chad Damiani. He’s hosting a motorcycle giveaway! Chad stands in front of some fans and a tumbler. He says American Iron Horse sponsored Road Wild and provided the bike for this contest. Then Chad has one of the American Iron Horse ladies roll the tumbler, but the door is stuck. After fiddling with it, Chad grabs an envelope and hands it to Tim Edmonton. He’s the president of American Iron Horse. Tim announces Darnell Potter as the winner, and Heenan loses it. He laughs at the guy’s name. Heenan thought they said Darnell Squatter.

Afterward, Sid Vicious arrives for his contest. WCW starts Sid’s music twice because someone slipped and hit the wrong button. A different song played after thirty seconds. (Oh, WCW!) Meanwhile, Sid calls himself the Millennium Man. He says no one will remember Sting after he’s done. The commentators say Sid is trying to match Goldberg’s winning streak, but no one knows his number of wins. Also, Tenay thanks Sting for ending Flair’s presidency. Tony says Sting delegated the power to JJ Dillon and Dusty Rhodes.

Sid Vicious vs. Sting

Storyline: Sting had enough of Flair’s crap. He challenged Ric for control of WCW, but he had to go through David Flair first. However, Sid wouldn’t let this happen. He attacked Sting and brawled with him. Later, Sting received his match with Ric. There was a ref bump, but Bischoff saw Ric submit to the Scorpion Deathlock and declared Sting the winner. So now Sting is WCW’s president! Meanwhile, Sid wanted a shot at Hogan’s WCW championship. He got the bout, but it ended in chaos when Nash and Rick Steiner interfered. When Sting intervened, Goldberg came to Sting’s aid. As a result, Sting and Goldberg wrestled Sid and Steiner. It was another schmoz, so Hogan sided with Sting and Goldberg against Sid’s crew. This led to Sting, Hogan, and Goldberg vs. Sid, Nash, and Rick Steiner. But I will speak more about that encounter before the main event.

The Match: Sting lands multiple Stinger Splashes before they brawl outside. There, Sting dumps Sid over the rail, and the fans are gently ease him to the ground. When they return to the ring, Sting crashes on a missed Stinger Splash. So Sid uses a powerslam, backbreaker, and chinlocks. After more outside brawling, Sting elbows out of another chinlock. But Sting collapses on Sid’s crotch. Once they recover, Sting slams Sid off the top rope. However, when Sting runs the ropes, Sid trips him. So Sting attempts a splash next only for Sid to raise his knees. Afterward, Sid hits a big boot and climbs the ropes. Sting crotches him and lands a superplex, which Sid no-sells. He rises and stands in the corner. This leads to more Stinger Splashes until Sid catches Sting by the throat and chokeslams him. It’s enough for the three.

Thoughts: This was an odd one to rate. They started hot. Then Sid slowed it down, but it gained momentum again. The problem is, the finish fell flat because Sid looked bored. He no-sold the superplex and stood in the corner for the Stinger Splashes. It looked like he was going through the motions. I get they want to establish Sid as part of the main event scene, but this was lackluster. It hurt Sting more than it helped Sid.

Winner: Sid Vicious (10:40)

Sid looks into the camera and says it’s one more for the record books. He tells everyone to be careful or they are next. During the replay, Heenan tries to explain the finish. He says Sid baited Sting in for a chokeslam, but he doesn’t mention Sid shaking off a superplex.

Goldberg stopped one of Rick Steiner’s attacks. So Rick told Goldberg not to stick his nose in his business. He vowed to take Goldberg’s head off if it happened again. Afterward, Rick and Sid attacked Goldberg with a chair and a shovel. But Goldberg came back for more. He told Steiner to bring his ass to Sturgis for a fight.

During the entrances, the commentators try to put over the idea Rick Steiner is a good match for Goldberg. Tenay also says Bill needs a big victory to return to the main event picture. Plus, they mention Goldberg’s role in Universal Soldier.

Goldberg vs. Rick Steiner

Storyline: Rick Steiner took exception to Goldberg sticking his nose in his business. Steiner sent a message to Goldberg by squashing Sick Boy in a match. Later, Sting and Hogan wrestled Sid and Nash, which became a brawl. When Goldberg intervened, Steiner hit him with a chair. Next, Sid and Steiner also jumped Goldberg backstage and decked him with a shovel. But Goldberg kept coming back. So Rick released his frustrations on WCW commentator Scott Hudson. As I mentioned earlier, Sting and Goldberg fought Sid and Steiner. Hogan interfered, which led to the six-man tag. During the bout, Goldberg speared Rick Steiner to prevent a chair attack.

The Match: They trade wild punches, knees, and forearms until Goldberg reverses a whip. Then Rick shakes off clotheslines before another strike exchange. But Rick has to regroup after a stiff sidekick. When he returns, Rick shoves the ref into Goldberg and throws a low blow. With Goldberg down, Steiner removes Bill’s knee brace. He hits him with it and puts it on his arm to use as a weapon. After fiddling with the thing, Rick nails a Steinerline. (The commentators say it’s legal because Goldberg wore it to the ring. That doesn’t sound correct.) We get more brace attacks before Rick flips off the fans. Plus, Rick targets the bad knee. Afterward, he grinds the brace against Goldberg’s face. Next, Rick scores suplexes and a DDT, but Goldberg has enough. He fights back with punches, a press powerslam, and a spear. Finally, Bill ends it with a Jackhammer.

Thoughts: This was awkward and had no flow. Why did the ref allow all the knee brace stuff? Tony tried to explain it, but it made no sense. Then, after all that, Goldberg shook it off and hit his finishers. Also, Goldberg gave Rick one of his infamous stiff sidekicks. He didn’t do the damage he did to Bret, but you could tell he pissed off Rick Steiner. Rick gave Bill some receipts.

Winner: Goldberg (5:39)

Dennis Rodman returned to WCW. Now he faces Randy Savage because the TV character Arliss wanted to see it. (Yes, I’m serious.) So Rodman attacked Savage with a purse and kidnapped Gorgeous George. Once he freed her from Rodman, Randy told Dennis to get his punk ass to Sturgis. Randy won’t bring George with him, but he will invite the mysterious Hummer driver!

Afterward, Rodman takes forever to enter the arena, so they show some signs in the crowd. One sign says, “Look at me. I’m butt ugly!” At least the person is honest. Then Dennis arrives in a geisha robe. Heenan says a motel is missing its shower curtain. Once Rodman and Savage arrive, they exchange pleasantries. Rodman says, “Where’s my bitch at?” Savage says Rodman is his bitch tonight, but the fans can have the sloppy seconds. So Rodman replies he does his shit outside. He jumps Randy and pulls him to the floor for a fight.

Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Dennis Rodman

Storyline: Two things led to this odd match. First, Bischoff announced Rodman was returning to WCW. Then Savage guest-starred on the TV show Arli$$. As a result, Robert Wuhl appeared in-character on Nitro to scout Rodman as a client. He even suggested Savage vs. Rodman. While Savage wrestled Kidman, Rodman attacked Savage with a loaded purse. So Savage mocked him for wearing dresses and carrying purses. Next, Rodman ran off with Gorgeous George and took her to his trailer. It made Savage so furious he dropped an f-bomb on TV. Once he got her back, Savage sent George home until he dealt with Rodman. Plus, Randy teased an appearance by the mysterious Hummer driver. But this wasn’t Savage’s only drama. He also fired Madusa and Miss Madness because they couldn’t get along. Miss Madness begged for her job, but Savage used her as a human shield against Rodman.

The Match: After fighting outside, they enter the ring. Rodman scores a short-arm clothesline and Russian Leg Sweep. They only earn a two, so Rodman beats up the referee. Mickey Jay takes over, but he doesn’t last long. Savage takes him out along with the editor of WCW Magazine, Ross Foreman. So WCW sends Scott Dickinson and Johnny Boone. Then the action spills backstage. There, Savage closes Rodman in a port-a-potty and tips it over! When the door opens, goop falls out. (It looks like chopped hot dogs.) Next, Rodman stumbles out and reverses Randy into the production truck. Afterward, they finally return to the ring and wipe out another ref. This leads to Gorgeous George appearing while Rodman grabs a sleeper hold. Savage breaks free and collects a chain from George before she gives Dennis a low blow. Finally, Savage punches Rodman with the chain for the win.

Thoughts: This was better than Rodman’s Bash at the Beach ’98 performance, but that isn’t saying much. It was an awkward mess. No amount of bells and whistles saved this. When they fought backstage, the fans chanted bullshit because they couldn’t see anything. So it fell flat for both the live audience and the home viewers. Plus, Savage needed a low blow and a chain to defeat a non-wrestler. It did Savage no favors. (On a side note, does this mean Gorgeous George drove the hummer? Randy promised an appearance, but only George interfered.)

Winner: Randy Savage (11:30)

Next, they recap the main event. But it’s the opening video again. Lazy WCW strikes again!

This leads to Michael Buffer’s introductions. He claims they will force the loser into permanent retirement. (Yeah, right.) With that said, Buffer asks the bikers if they are ready. They rev their engines in response, so Buffer says his catchphrase. Meanwhile, Tony claims the WCW Title is 95 years old. I’m pretty sure it’s only been around since 1991. This isn’t the NWA belt. Also, I want to point out something. Buffer learned how to say Hulkamania. It’s a miracle! Finally, Tenay mentions Nick Hogan’s appearance on Nitro. Heenan says, “That was his kid? I thought he was a midget!”

Retirement Match for the WCW Title: Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Kevin Nash

Storyline: Nash didn’t buy Hogan’s new attitude, so Kevin tested Hogan’s resolve. Nash attacked Horace and powerbombed Hogan on the announce table. Kevin also interrupted Sid vs. Hogan, but Sting and Goldberg came to Hogan’s rescue. Because of this, Nash challenged Hogan and Sting to face him and a mystery opponent. Nash’s partner was Sid. Meanwhile, Sting didn’t trust Hogan because he still wore his nWo colors. He teamed with him anyway, but Nash pinned Hogan after a chair shot and Rick Steiner interference. Hogan had enough. He put his career on the line for a match with Nash, but Kevin had to do the same. Then we got the six-man I mentioned earlier. Before the bout, Nick Hogan convinced his dad to make one last change. Hogan donned the red and yellow and became Hulk Hogan again for the first time in three years!

The Match: They shove each other into the corners and pose. Then Nash grabs a long headlock, but Hogan counters into a back suplex. After regrouping, Nash asks for a test of strength and wins the exchange. When Hogan shows life, Nash nails him with a knee. This leads to Nash’s usual corner offense and taunting. However, Kevin misses an elbow and Hogan throws punches and eye pokes. So Nash returns the favor and targets Hogan’s eyes. Afterward, Kevin uses strikes, a side slam, and a boot choke. He also takes Hogan outside and rams him into the lighting rig. When they return to the ring, Kevin lands hip attacks on the ropes and more corner strikes. With Hogan dazed, Nash nails a big boot and the Jackknife. But Hogan kicks out and hulks up! He does the big boot and leg drop for the win.

Thoughts: If you like classic Hogan matches, this is for you. But it wasn’t my cup of tea. This was a Hulk Hogan’s greatest hits compilation. It wasn’t bad, and they kept it short. Plus, the crowd reacted well to it. I can’t fault this, but I didn’t love it. As for Nash, he takes a few months off from in-ring competition and returns later in the year.

Winner: Hulk Hogan (12:18)

As Hogan celebrates, fireworks explode. Tony says Hulkamania lives again, and Heenan asks who can beat this man. Also, Tenay says Nash’s career is history. Then Hogan continues posing as she show ends.

The Good:

• The opener was good.

• DDP/Benoit was great.

The Bad:

• The hot environment once again made for lackluster performances.

• Savage/Rodman was a mess.

• Cat/Buff was dull.

Observations:

• WCW’s idea for better ratings is musical performances. Between DJ Ran on Nitro, Megadeth, Chad Brock, and now KISS, it’s been a music-filled summer. Plus, they have the West Texas Rednecks and the ICP is wrestling in matches.

• I get they wanted to turn Nash heel, but they never explained why he’s working with Sid. Sid attacked him only weeks before the turn.

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to DDP and Benoit. They found a way to work around the hot summer environment by telling a good story.

Final Thoughts:

This wasn’t as bad as last year’s Road Wild, but it still wasn’t good. At least this show had two good bouts. However, bad booking and subpar performances still plagued this show. I see why Nash only has one more PPV as the booker before they go with someone else. Also, I’m glad this is the final Road Wild. But what replaces it isn’t much better.

Thank you for reading. My next review is the WWF’s SummerSlam ’99. Look for it next Sunday.