Fall Brawl ’99

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

Fall Brawl

September 12, 1999

Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

News & Notes: Bret Hart reappeared on TV after Road Wild. He said he was back to focus on the WCW Title, and he desired a match with Hogan. So Bret promised to watch the Fall Brawl main event closely. But while Bret returned, Raven departed. Bischoff held a contentious backstage talent meeting. He said anyone could leave if they didn’t like what he said. So Raven took the offer and left. Meanwhile, WCW debuted two new gimmicks. First, the B-Team kicked Brian Adams out of the group. Afterward, KISS invited Brian into their limo. The next time we saw Adams, he was the KISS Demon. This is a KISS-themed wrestler as part of WCW’s deal with the band. However, Adams won’t last in the role. The second character is a mysterious blond piano player named The Maestro. He played music between breaks, but we know little about him.

I also have some sad news before we begin. Brian “Mark Curtis” Hildebrand passed away prior to this PPV. He lost his battle with cancer, so the referees and announcers wear black armbands on this show in his honor.

Who do you trust and believe? Will Hogan stab Sting in the back? Luger called Hogan a liar. Should Sting listen to his old friend? Then circumstantial evidence put doubts in Sting’s mind. If Hogan betrays him, Sting promised payback. After all, Hogan did it many times already. So what is the truth? And why was Randy Savage in Hogan’s locker room? Plus, who attacked Sting? Hogan gave his word, but is it enough?

Tony welcomes everyone to the show and introduces his co-hosts. Next, the commentators speak about tonight’s themes. It’s all about trust and major title defenses! Heenan says you can’t trust anybody once the bell rings. Winning is the goal. After discussing the main event, Tony claims Sid is 79-0. He will face Benoit for the US championship. With that said, Tony plugs the hotline. (Hey! That’s Gene’s job!)

This leads to the entrances for our first bout. Tony, Mike, and Bobby talk about the ICP. Are they rappers or wrestlers? The Filthy Animals said the clowns are in over their heads. But the ICP threatened to play the Animals’ heads like bongos. Also, Vampiro says he never liked Guerrero in Mexico and Eddie doesn’t like him. Meanwhile, Tenay and Heenan like the ICP. And in case we didn’t recognize him, Tenay tells us the guy with the new blond hairstyle is Rey Mysterio.

The Filthy Animals (Rey Mysterio Jr., Eddie Guerrero, & Kidman) vs. The Dead Pool (Vampiro & The Insane Clown Posse)

Storyline: During an interview with Mean Gene, Kidman dubbed his group the Filthy Animals. He said they loved their women and their parties. In fact, Kidman liked the Nitro Girls, especially Kimberly. This comment earned Kidman a beating from DDP. But that wasn’t the Animals’ only problem. The Dead Pool still hounded them. Vampiro helped the ICP defeat Rey and Kidman, so Eddie challenged Vampiro. When they fought, the ICP aided Vamp in a victory over Guerrero. Then the Dead Pool intimidated other wrestlers. They interfered in random matches and told the winners they owed the Dead Pool a favor. Vampiro pulled this stunt with Scotty Riggs, Evan Karagias, and Prince Iaukea. So the Animals and even the KISS Demon stopped their antics. Meanwhile, Rey teaming with Eddie caused some drama with Chavo on Saturday Night.

The Match: Kidman and Shaggy start the action. Soon, the Animals control things with double-team moves. Eddie nails a slingshot senton, and Rey does a springboard splash. The Dead Pool attempts ref distractions and double-teaming, but Rey scores a Bronco Buster on Vampiro. However, the Dead Pool uses the tactic again and succeeds. It leads to Vampiro giving Kidman a powerbomb. (Wait, what!? That’s impossible!) Rey rallies with a Lionsault, but he hurts his knee outside. Vampiro’s group pounces. So Eddie retakes the advantage with a hot tag. The ICP makes a brief comeback with a guillotine leg drop on Eddie’s head, but it doesn’t last. Eddie uses a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker before a brawl erupts. In the chaos, Vamp does a super tilt-a-whirl slam on Kidman only for Eddie to break up the pin. He lands a missile dropkick and opens the door for Kidman’s SSP. It earns the victory.

Thoughts: It wasn’t bad, but it never quite clicked. Vampiro had an off night. He seemed slow and unsure. Somehow, the ICP looked better in this match than him. I like Vamp, but it wasn’t his best effort. However, a hot finish brought this up a notch.

Winners: The Filthy Animals (14:14)

Rey can’t walk because of his knee, so the Animals and the officials carry him. Heenan says, “Is he too lazy to walk to the back?” Tony admonishes him. Then they show a replay of the SSP. Kidman landed knee-first on Vampiro’s head! There’s another concussion for Vamp.

Chad Damiani has the Revolution in the internet booth. He wants to discuss their night, but Saturn asks about downloading the Nitro Girls’ pictures. Once Perry refocuses, Chad asks if they can make a clean sweep tonight. Saturn guarantees it will happen and removes his headset. The Revolution leaves, which upsets Chad. He had more questions!

Next, they recap Lenny and Lodi’s ambiguous antics and Kaz Hayashi’s surprise wins. Tony also mentions a strange match ending. Kaz wrestled Lodi, but he pinned Lenny. The commentators won’t stop pointing it out, despite its nonsensical nature. Also, Lodi carries a sign that dubs his team the West Hollywood Blondes. I would say he used the wrong spelling, but I think it was intentional. (You use blond when speaking about men and blonde when discussing women.) Lenny and Lodi wear body glitter and pigtails. Plus, Lenny decorated the Cruiserweight Title with tassels. Heenan likes it, but Tony questions if they are from West Hollywood.

Cruiserweight Title Match: Lenny Lane (c) (w/ Lodi) vs. Kaz Hayashi

Storyline: Lenny earned a Cruiserweight Title match with Rey, but Sid ruined it. So Lane complained until he received a rematch. During the fight, Lenny whipped Rey into Lodi and scored a surprise roll-up to capture the gold! Afterward, Lenny retained his belt through more Lodi shenanigans and Sid interference. They even took advantage of the Filthy Animals/Dead Pool drama. Lenny used it to escape with the championship. But a fresh challenger loomed on the horizon. Kaz Hayashi got WCW’s attention with a new attitude and a few victories. They announced Kaz vs. Lane, so Hayashi faced Lodi on Nitro and Thunder. On both occasions, Kaz thwarted Lenny and Lodi’s nonsense to win. (In one bout, Kaz somehow defeated Lodi by pinning Lenny. Oh, WCW!) They tried to attack him, but Kaz evaded the duo.

The Match: Lenny skips and prances while trading takedowns and arm wringers. Kaz tries to stop this by kicking Lane’s backside. Plus, he scores dropkicks and headscissors, but Lenny regroups in Lodi’s arms. So Hayashi does a corkscrew plancha onto them! Back inside, Kaz attempts a victory roll only for Lane to turn it into a sit-out facebuster. Lenny also blocks a slingshot move with a forearm. When Kaz rallies with a somersault plancha, Lodi attacks behind the ref’s back. This allows Lane to use strikes and choking. Next, they trade bulldogs before Kaz counters a sunset flip into a Liger Bomb. With Lane in trouble, Lodi keeps trying to interfere. It almost backfires until Lodi nails a hotshot on Kaz. This gives Lenny a chance to land a full nelson facebuster for the win.

Thoughts: When Kaz went on offense, it was good. He did some impressive spots. But when Lenny controlled things, the pace slowed. Some of his antics were amusing, but they killed the flow. The action started and stopped too often. Much like the opener, it wasn’t terrible, but it was lackluster.

Winner: Lenny Lane (12:10)

Now Mean Gene enters the ring to interview Sting. He calls Sting a man of few words, but they have a lot to discuss. First of all, what are Sting’s thoughts about Lex Luger? Sting says Lex is close to losing their friendship. So Gene accuses Luger of poisoning the water. Sting agrees. Tonight is huge, but if Luger sticks his nose in Sting’s business, he’ll receive the same result as last week! Next, Gene asks if there is a comfort level with Hogan. Sting confirms there is. Hogan proved week after week he is on the up and up and walking the straight line. Sting says he has no issue with Hulk until the bell rings. Then Sting has an opportunity to win his ninth championship. With that said, Sting takes the mic. He claims he is back in black and it is showtime!

Are you ready for a revolution? The First Family isn’t. They called the Revolution crybabies and demanded a No DQ fight. So Shane called them a stepping stone to the new millennium. This leads to the First Family’s entrance. But the commentators continue talking about Hogan vs. Sting. Afterward, Shane Douglas and Dean Malenko arrive. Shane thinks they are in Saginaw, Michigan. Oh, no! You’re not even close, Shane! After a brief pause, Douglas corrects himself. Tony says the fans are ready for a revolution, regardless of what state they are in. Schiavone also mocks a fan for misspelling revolution on his sign.

No DQ Match: The First Family (Brian Knobs & Hugh Morrus) (w/ Jimmy Hart) vs. The Revolution (Shane Douglas & Dean Malenko)

Storyline: The First Family increased their numbers by adding Jerry Flynn. Then they fought the Revolution in a six-man. During the contest, Rick Steiner ran in and attacked Saturn to cause a loss. When the Revolution called them out for it, the First Family labeled them crybabies. This led to a return bout between the factions, which ended in a double count out. Both teams brawled to the back. Next, Jerry Flynn answered a Benoit open challenge. However, it turned into a First Family attack until the Revolution stopped them. Later, the Family and the Revolution competed in a #1 Contender Battle Royal. It would conclude with singles matches between the last remaining competitors. As a result, Saturn faced Hugh Morrus, and Saturn won despite Jimmy Hart’s interference. (On a side note, they never determined a #1 Contender because Sid interrupted the final.)

The Match: Everyone brawls until the Revolution throws low blows. But it doesn’t take long for the action to spill outside again. Douglas uses the railing and the steps on Morrus and rips at his face. Then Knobs stops this flurry with an unseen weapon. When they return to the ring, Knobs gives Shane Pitty City. So Douglas explodes with an angry clothesline, arm wringers, and a drop toe hold. Next, Malenko takes over the arm work and tries to break Hugh’s wrist. After a brief Morrus rally, Shane scores a rolling neck snap and more takedowns. Another Hugh comeback leads to more floor brawling and Jimmy Hart interference. This continues until Malenko makes a hot tag. He cleans house with punches, a backdrop, and dropkicks. Dean even decks Jimmy, but this allows Knobs to trip him. With Malenko down, Morrus ends it with No Laughing Matter.

Thoughts: The fans cared so little for this they didn’t even boo Shane for getting the city wrong. This was a match that belonged on Nitro, not a PPV. Plus, the First Family scored a clean pin over the Revolution. Are they pushing the First Family? The Revolution is WCW’s hot new faction, but they made them look like fools. It was a mediocre contest with a finish no one wanted.

Winners: The First Family (9:26)

The replay shows Malenko’s shoulders weren’t on the mat, but does it matter? With that said, we move on to the Revolution’s next encounter. Rick Steiner called himself public enemy number one. So you better lock up your door and run for your life! (Quoting AC/DC won’t win points with me, Rick!) Then Rick told Saturn to bite him. But Perry said he won’t bite Rick. He will beat him! After the recap, Steiner enters the arena. Heenan claims wrestlers feared Rick before Goldberg came to WCW. (On a side note, the commentators also mention Buff Bagwell hasn’t arrived yet. So someone will take his place later against Berlyn.)

TV Title Match: Rick Steiner (c) vs. Saturn

Storyline: The Revolution said they wanted more gold. So Rick Steiner issued an open challenge to any Revolution member. Saturn answered the call, but Sid caused a DQ. When Benoit came to the rescue, he asked for a tag contest against Steiner and Sid. This led to more attacks by Steiner and Sid, including the one I mentioned earlier. Then the Revolution got their tag bout, but Steiner and Sid won with help from Charles Robinson. Saturn had enough. He demanded a TV Title shot against Steiner at the PPV. Plus, the Revolution sent a message to Rick Steiner. Dean Malenko swiped his TV belt and dared him to come get it. Because of this, Rick Steiner wrestled Malenko, but Sid interfered again. So the Revolution chased Sid and Steiner away.

The Match: Steiner scores takedowns and a Steinerline before ripping at Saturn’s face. So Saturn answers with a springboard leg drop, suicide dive, and release German. It makes Rick hide behind the ref and throw a low blow. This leads to fighting outside and a DDT on concrete! Steiner doesn’t cover. Instead, Rick does a release German. When the pin only gets two, Rick yells at the ref. Despite a Saturn rally, Rick maintains control with rear chinlocks and half crabs. Next, Rick taunts the fans, so Saturn nails a missile dropkick and suplexes. Rick gets a surprise powerslam, but Saturn rebounds with the DVD. It only earns a two! When Perry tries another one, Steiner counters and runs him into the corner. Afterward, they fight on the top and Saturn almost does a superplex. But Rick shoves him down and hits the Steiner Bulldog for a three.

Thoughts: It was slow and dull. They did some good spots, but Rick moved at a snail’s pace. He looked winded. Plus, Rick kicked out of Saturn’s finisher, but it took only one Steiner Bulldog to defeat Perry. That’s two clean losses in a row for the Revolution.

Winner: Rick Steiner (9:23)

Gene spoke with Sting earlier. Now it’s Hogan’s turn. Hogan says he walked up and down the halls all night. He’s sick of people asking what is his deal. Hogan says he talked to his kids on the phone and promised them he won’t let them down. If he wanted to stab Sting in the back, Sting would be gone a long time ago. But Gene brings up Luger’s accusations, so Hogan compares Gene to the clowns backstage. (Is he talking about the ICP?) However, Gene asks again if Sting can trust Hogan. Hulk says he swore on his kids, so his word is his bond! Flexy Lexy’s agenda doesn’t matter! Once Hogan leaves, Gene says Hogan was good in the past—for the most part.

Meanwhile, Buff Bagwell still hasn’t arrived, but it’s time for Berlyn’s match. Berlyn appears with his unnamed bodyguard. (They will later call him The Wall.) Heenan calls Berlyn scary-looking. He also wonders about Uma’s whereabouts. She’s much nicer on the eyes. Then Penzer introduces Bagwell’s replacement. The fans boo when they hear Buff isn’t there, but they cheer for Hacksaw Jim Duggan! Tenay claims this is what the USA needed. Tony agrees until a hot female fan distracts him. As this happens, Duggan threatens Berlyn with his 2×4.

Berlyn (w/ The Bodyguard) vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Storyline: For weeks they hyped the debut of an avant-garde German wrestling artist named Berlyn. The commentators pretended they didn’t recognize him as Alex Wright because of his new look. When Berlyn arrived, he came with a nameless bodyguard and his interpreter, Uma Ludendorff. She said Berlyn could speak English, but the language disgusted him. Berlyn only spoke German, and he encouraged the fans to broaden their minds by doing the same. Also, Berlyn promised to destroy the narcissistic and self-indulgent American wrestlers. He would start with Buff Bagwell. So Berlyn interrupted Bagwell’s autograph signing and almost started a fight. Afterward, Buff vowed to defend America’s pride against this German invasion.

The Match: Berlyn jumps Duggan and they trade strikes, dropkicks, and clotheslines until Berlyn regroups. After Duggan scores an atomic drop and a running axehandle, Berlyn begs off into the corner. Next, Berlyn tries stomps, a face wash, headlocks, and uppercuts. But Duggan keeps getting up and coming back for more. So Berlyn tries a sleeper hold while Duggan makes goofy faces. Duggan rallies and elbows out of the hold, but Berlyn continues his attack. Then Duggan doesn’t cooperate on a fireman’s carry or a stump puller. Hacksaw rolls through it and grabs Berlyn’s leg. In response, Berlyn grabs another sleeper and uses the ropes for leverage. It doesn’t work, so Berlyn sends Jim outside for the bodyguard to attack. He exposes the concrete and clotheslines Duggan. This allows Berlyn to throw more strikes and end it with a messy neckbreaker.

Thoughts: Duggan didn’t sell a damn thing in this match, and he wouldn’t cooperate. I’ve always heard Jim was a nice guy, but this was a shameful performance. In an interview, Wright said he thinks someone got in Duggan’s ear. They made Jim worried about his job and told him not to sell. Also, the rumor was Bagwell didn’t want to lose to Berlyn, but Wright denied this in the same interview. He said he got along great with Buff. So it was probably WCW’s call to change this. Wright said they switched his opponent before the PPV. It wasn’t a last-second decision.

Winner: Berlyn (7:58)

After the win, the bodyguard hands Berlyn his sunglasses and cane. As they leave, we go backstage to see Buff Bagwell arguing with Mike Graham. Mike chews him out of being late, but Buff blames an airline delay. He couldn’t get ready in two minutes! This doesn’t matter. Graham continues yelling until Bagwell leaves. Buff heads to the ring to thank Duggan for filling in for him, but Duggan shoves Bagwell.

Next, it’s time for the tag team title bout. Curt Hennig used a cowbell to help the Windham brothers win the belts. The Rednecks said they beat Harlem Heat once and they will do it again! So the teams arrive. Harlem Heat has the number nine on their minds. Their reign only lasted nine days, but they might win their ninth championship. Also, the Rednecks have a new song. It’s a remix of Jarrett’s old WCW theme with the Rednecks singing over the tune. They call it “Good Ol’ Boys.” As they enter the ring, Tony explains Duncum’s absence. Harlem Heat injured him.

Tag Team Title Match: Harlem Heat vs. The West Texas Rednecks (Barry & Kendall Windham) (c) (w/ Curt Hennig)

Storyline: After Road Wild, Harlem Heat brought a merciful end to the B-Team. Then they focused on a new threat. Booker and Stevie defended their titles against the Windhams on Nitro. During the bout, Hennig used the cowbell. He helped Barry and Kendall defeat Harlem Heat for the championship! But the Rednecks claimed Harlem Heat wasn’t worthy of a rematch. Because of this, Harlem Heat and the Rednecks attacked each other multiple times. This included the Rednecks hogtying Booker. Also, the Rednecks and Harlem Heat competed in the #1 Contender Battle Royal. However, Booker and Stevie prevented Kendall from winning. This led to Booker vs. Barry Windham. It ended with the Rednecks knocking Harlem Heat out with the tag belts. (On a side note, Vincent offered his services to the Rednecks after the B-Team dissolved.)

The Match: Harlem Heat controls things with strikes, a double suplex, and Manhattan Drops. So the Rednecks answer with eye rakes and a double clothesline. Momentum shifts, as Harlem Heat scores sidekicks and a powerslam. But the Rednecks keep returning to the eye rakes. Then they send Booker outside and distract the ref while Hennig attacks. The ref has to pretend not to see it. Booker rallies again and does the Spinaroonie, but Barry stops him with a lariat! Next, the Rednecks use illegal switches, more Hennig attacks, and a superplex. When Booker fights to his corner, the ref misses his tag twice. The second time, Stevie ignores the ref. It leads to a brawl. Stevie attempts the Slapjack only for Barry to clothesline him. Afterward, Kendall whips Stevie into Hennig’s cowbell, but the ref watches Booker. Since Booker is still legal, he nails a missile dropkick for the win.

Thoughts: It was a solid match with a hot finish. Plus, I liked the storytelling. For once, the ref paid attention to the legal man, and it factored into the ending. I can’t believe it! This wasn’t an outstanding match, but it’s the most competent thing WCW did on this show. I enjoyed it. Also, this was one of the few bouts the fans reacted to tonight. They’ve been silent.

Winners: Harlem Heat (New Champions) (13:07)

Now we have Sid vs. Benoit. Tony claims Sid’s streak is at 79-0. Benoit called Sid the biggest man he ever faced, but the crippler backs down from no one! As for Sid, he said Benoit is the only member of the Revolution who stands out above the others. Benoit responded he won’t stand out, but he will step up! (On a side note, they dubbed Sid’s theme on this show. It was intact for Road Wild, so I don’t understand this. There’s no consistency to the WWE’s music issues. However, I like Sid’s dubbed theme. It’s one of WWE’s better ones.)

U.S. Title Match: Sid Vicious vs. Chris Benoit (c)

Storyline: The Millennium Man Sid Vicious went on a rampage. He interrupted every cruiserweight and jobber match he wanted and attacked everyone. Then Charles Robinson counted mock pins to inflate Sid’s growing winning streak. It reached 77-0 according to Tony Schiavone. As I mentioned earlier, they drew the ire of the Revolution. Benoit had enough and challenged Sid to a fight at the PPV. Chris claimed Sid would have to beat him to death to take his title. Next, the #1 Contender Battle Royal ended with a final of Benoit vs. Malenko. But Sid ruined it before they could determine a winner. Afterward, Sid had a warm-up handicap contest with Adrian Byrd and Bobby Blaze. He pinned both men to add two more victories to his record.

The Match: They tussle into the corners for a break before Sid shoves Benoit to the mat. Then a hard shoulder block makes Benoit regroup. When he returns, Chris shakes off strikes and attacks Sid’s leg. He uses a dragon screw and jumps on the knee. Plus, Benoit locks in a standing deathlock. After Sid misses a corner charge, Benoit wraps his leg around the post. Next, Benoit dropkicks the steps into Sid’s leg twice! Later, Benoit hits a German suplex and tries crucifix pin. But Sid turns it into a Samoan Drop. He also scores a Cobra Clutch slam and grabs a rear chinlock. Once Benoit escapes, we get a series of counters before Chris hooks the Crossface. Sid powers to his feet, but Benoit takes him down again. After a rope break, Benoit attempts the flying headbutt. It misses, so Sid nails a powerbomb for the win.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this. It was a strong match with a good story. Benoit sold and bumped his ass off to make Sid look strong. Plus, they had some nice sequences. The Crossface spots were great. This was easily Sid’s best match in a while. I’m not a fan of the outcome, but I get it. They’re building Sid for the main event scene. However, that’s three clean losses for the Revolution on this PPV.

Winner: Sid Vicious (New Champion) (11:48)

Next, they recap the DDP/Goldberg feud. DDP wants to kick Goldberg’s teeth down his throat, but Goldberg keeps coming back for more. Even chair attacks and backstage brawls didn’t stop him. So DDP enters the arena for this bout. He grabs the mic and says the fans will never forget him, whether they love him or hate him. And that’s because he’s the two-time heavyweight champion of the world! When he finishes, Dillinger and the security team escort Goldberg to the ring. Once he arrives, the ref checks DDP for weapons and finds a chain! This causes an argument, and DDP shoves the ref. As he does, a roll of quarters spills out of his pocket.

Goldberg vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Storyline: DDP lost his cool after Kidman flirted with his wife. Kimberly tried to calm him, but the Triad went after Kidman. So Goldberg rescued Kidman and confronted the Triad. As a result, DDP called Goldberg out for a fight. He answered the call, but the Triad jumped Goldberg with a pipe and double-teamed him. When Goldberg showed life, the Triad ran for the hills. Afterward, DDP vowed to go after the WCW Title, and he sucker punched Hogan. So Hogan asked Goldberg to let him face DDP instead. Goldberg offered a compromise. He and Hogan would tag against the entire Triad. During the handicap match, DDP used brass knuckles and a chair on Goldberg, which wasn’t enough. Goldberg chased them to the back. Later, DDP squashed Al Green because he claimed Al resembled Goldberg. Plus, Goldberg wrestled Bigelow. Bill won after a miscommunication between Page and Bam Bam.

The Match: They trade headlocks and shoulder blocks until DDP regroups. DDP grows frustrated, so he grabs a mic. Page threatens to leave if the fans don’t stop chanting Goldberg’s name. When he fulfills the promise, Goldberg chases him into the stands. They return to the ring, but DDP attacks Goldberg. Then a Diamond Cutter counter clips the ref, so DDP uses a hidden chain and chokes Goldberg. Another brush with the official allows a second shot with the chain. Next, Page wears Goldberg down with chinlocks and a DDT counter. However, Goldberg rallies, which draws the Triad to the ring. DDP occupies the ref while Kanyon shatters a tray over Bill’s back. It knocks him into DDP’s uranage for a two count. So DDP argues with the ref while the Triad attacks again. This time, Bill fends them off and scores the spear and Jackhammer for the win.

Thoughts: This wasn’t as great as their Halloween Havoc contest, but it was good. DDP played to the crowd well, and they reacted to it. Plus, the finish was hot. Some of it dragged, but that didn’t ruin this. I still liked it.

Winner: Goldberg (9:04)

Afterward, they recap the main event with the same clips they used in the opening video. Then Michael Buffer introduces the match. He wears his ugliest shirt yet. What is that? Once Buffer says his catchphrase, Tony talks about trust. He thinks Hogan is telling the truth, but Tenay gives Tony a look. When Tony asks why, Tenay says he doesn’t trust anybody. Meanwhile, Buffer calls Sting the true lone wolf of the sport. He refuses an association with any group. (Didn’t anyone tell Buffer the nWo is dead?) Next, Hogan arrives and shakes Sting’s hand. He even gives him a fist bump. Bret Hart’s entrance follows this. He wishes both men good luck and leaves. (That was odd. Was he reminding fans he’s there too?)

WCW Title Match: Sting vs. Hulk Hogan (c)

Storyline: After Sting helped Hogan against Sid and Rick Steiner, Hogan offered Sting a title shot. He even suggested they team together and fight Sid and Steiner. Goldberg and Luger could watch their backs. However, there was a problem. Luger didn’t trust Hogan. He thought Hulk was still bad news, and Luger claimed he had proof. Lex showed Sting a picture of Hogan in a Hummer. Was Hogan the infamous Hummer driver? The plot thickened when Sting found Savage in Hogan’s locker room. But Hogan said Luger framed him. He didn’t know why Randy entered his dressing room. Next, Sting asked to speak with Hogan alone, but someone turned out the lights and attacked Sting! Finally, Luger tried to talk Sting out of teaming with Hogan, so Sting told Lex to get off his case. As a result, Luger punched Sting in the gut and they scuffled.

The Match: It doesn’t take long for tempers to flare. A lack of a clean break causes a confrontation, but Sting swats Hogan’s hand away. Then they trade hammerlocks, takedowns, and some mat wrestling. Hogan even does a drop toe hold! Next, they exchange slams, elbow drops, and arm wringers. Once Sting no-sells a suplex, the fight heads outside. It devolves into brawling, back and eye rakes, and choking with a cable. Afterward, they return to the ring. Sting scores Stinger Splashes, but he crashes on a missed one. So Hogan hulks up and nails the big boot.

However, DDP arrives, attacks the ref, and gives Hogan a Diamond Cutter. He also drags Sting on top, but Hogan kicks out. When DDP takes out Nick Patrick, Bret Hart returns and brawls with him. During the chaos, Luger appears with a bat. Hogan says he warned Sting, but Sting attacks Hogan with the weapon! He then puts an unconscious Hogan in the Deathlock. Nick Patrick recovers and sees Hogan is out.

Thoughts: Most of this was a basic Hogan match. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t thrilling. Then the finish was an overbooked mess. Also, who asked for a Sting heel turn? Did anyone want this? What a strange decision. The fans cheered the outcome, so it already didn’t work as intended. This baffled me.

Winner: Sting (New Champion) (12:24)

Sting and Luger hug as Sting collects his belt. The commentators say Sting and Luger double crossed Hogan. They all questioned Hogan’s motives, but Sting was the untrustworthy one all along! Tony calls it a plan. As he says this, Sting and Luger leave with the bat and the title.

The Good:

• The tag title match was solid.

• Sid/Benoit was surprisingly good, despite the outcome.

• Goldberg/DDP was enjoyable.

The Bad:

• The baffling main event and Sting’s heel turn.

• The first hour was unremarkable and dull.

• Duggan’s shameful performance.

Observations:

• Who did the Revolution piss off before this show? They booked them strong on TV, but the Revolution lost every match cleanly at the PPV. I’m guessing this is about Nash and Douglas. The Kliq never liked Shane.

• WCW threw some weird gimmicks at the wall during the tail end of Nash’s booking run. We got the KISS Demon, Berlyn, the Maestro, and Seven is on the horizon.

Performer of the Night:

It’s a tough one, but I’m giving it to Harlem Heat. They told a great story in their match. But I will give Benoit a mention for going out of his way to make Sid look good.

Final Thoughts:

The first half of the PPV felt like an episode of Thunder. Then the stretch from the tag title contest to DDP/Goldberg almost saved it. However, the mind-boggling main event put a damper on things. Overall, it wasn’t good, but I didn’t hate it like some do. I can see why this is Nash’s final PPV as the booker. He has a few weeks left, but they replace him before Halloween Havoc. Get ready because Russo is coming.

Thank you for reading. My next review is ECW’s Anarchy Rulz ’99. Look for it next Sunday!