Mayhem ’99

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

Mayhem

November 21, 1999

Air Canada Centre

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

News & Notes: After the controversial end of Halloween Havoc, Sting demanded the return of his belt. The powers that be and JJ Dillon agreed Goldberg didn’t win it, but they wouldn’t hand it back to Sting. He attacked an official. Therefore, they stripped Sting of the gold and started a 32-man tournament for a new champion. And speaking of the powers, we got our first taste of them after Havoc. Wrestlers met with an unseen man in his office. Viewers only ever heard his voice and saw his hand, but you knew the person behind the thick New York accent. Then the powers revealed their enforcers. They call them Creative Control, and their names are Patrick and Gerald. (This is the Harris twins. The names are a parody of Patterson and Brisco.) The powers used Creative Control to ensure things went the way they wanted.

Now for a rundown of the utter madness from the past month. First, the Filthy Animals took Ric Flair and buried him in the desert. Later, the Animals regained the tag titles from Harlem Heat. Plus, they picked people’s pockets and stole items from other wrestlers. Meanwhile, Seven debuted, but he immediately dropped the gimmick and called it stupid. He only wanted people to call him Dustin Rhodes again. Elsewhere, the powers had fun at the expense of others. They made Chavo Guerrero sell Amway, demoted Duggan to a janitor, and dubbed an English voice over La Parka’s promos. Then we have the Maestro. He made his in-ring debut and began a feud with Prince Iaukea. And finally, the Nitro Girls experienced some drama. Kimberly left to deal with David Flair, so Spice and AC Jazz bickered over who would lead in her absence.

They begin the show with two different videos about the tournament. The first one shows highlights from each round while the second focuses on the final four men. Sting says they can do things the easy way or the rough way. Then Bret talks about waiting forever for a title shot. He says he isn’t a quitter. Next, Benoit promises everyone will feel the wrath and find out what silent but violent is all about. Plus, Jarrett calls himself the chosen one. He claims he has all the stroke around here! Four men remain, but only one will become champion. It’s Mayhem!

Tony welcomes everyone to the first WCW PPV in Canada. They discuss the full card, including the two main events. WCW will crown a new champion, and Goldberg fights Sid in an I Quit Match. While talking about the latter, Bobby compares a bloody Sid to a squashed grape. But he doesn’t believe Sid will quit. Also, Bobby loses his focus when they discuss Torrie Wilson. Tony can’t reign him in after this point.

Afterward, Jarrett and Benoit arrive for the first of two semifinal matches. Tony says the powers put Jarrett on first so he can rest before the finals. Heenan agrees with him. He says they are protecting Jarrett. During the discussion, the crane camera pans over the crowd, but it hits something. This causes the camera to point straight down for a moment.

Semifinals: Chris Benoit vs. Jeff Jarrett

Storyline: After Havoc, Benoit locked Douglas and Saturn in their locker room and jumped Malenko. This led to a Last Man Standing Match with Malenko, which Benoit won. Then Benoit and Malenko met in the first round of the tournament, and it was inside a cage. Chris advanced by nailing a flying headbutt off the top of the structure. However, the Revolution cuffed Benoit to the cage until the Animals and David Flair intervened. Later, Benoit cost Malenko a victory against Hennig. Plus, Benoit defeated Scott Hall in the next round with Bret’s help. Elsewhere, Jarrett handled the Luger situation. Jeff swore he never attacked Liz because they don’t beat up women in WCW! With Lex out of the way, Creative Control helped WCW’s chosen one progress through the tourney. Jarrett eliminated Hennig by count out and pinned Buff Bagwell.

The Match: After trading strikes, Benoit scores a tornado DDT, neckbreaker, and superplex. So Jarrett regroups and avoids a baseball slide. While outside, Jarrett crotches Benoit on the post and drops him on the rail. But when they head inside, they trade pin attempts and sleeper holds. Next, Chris breaks free and nails rolling Germans, so Creative Control arrives to help Jarrett. They watch as Benoit and Jarrett exchange more covers, but they don’t attack yet. Creative Control waits until Benoit lands the flying headbutt. Then they interfere and distract the ref. However, Dustin Rhodes jumps the rail to take out Creative Control. As this happens, Benoit thwarts Jarrett’s plans and smashes the guitar over his head. It earns Benoit the three.

Thoughts: This was solid, even with the overbooked finish. It fit Jarrett’s ongoing storyline, so the interference didn’t bother me. The problem is, they overuse it on this show. Get ready for a night of run-ins. Despite the minor gripe, I still enjoyed this, and so did the crowd.

Winner: Chris Benoit (9:27)

After the bell, Jarrett and Creative Control attack Benoit. They double-team him until WCW’s security runs to the ring. (What happened to Dustin Rhodes?) Jarrett shoves Dillinger and his men, but they stop the onslaught.

Next, Mike Tenay interviews Disco Inferno behind the curtain. He talks about Disco’s Cruiserweight Title defense, but he also mentions Disco’s money troubles. Mike asks which is more important. So Disco says, “What? You don’t think I respect the belt?” He assures Mike the title is important, but then Disco asks how much the gold plating is worth. As he says this, an angry Jarrett and Creative Control walk through the curtain. They ambush Disco for being in their way. This continues until the Filthy Animals and the Misfits break up the fight.

Unfortunately for Disco, the next match is his. Evan Karagias arrives with Madusa, and they walk hand-in-hand. When Disco’s music plays, they show him still lying on the ground. Tony Marinara tells Disco to get up and get out there. He even shoves Disco through the entrance. As Disco stumbles down the aisle, Karagias attacks him. Meanwhile, Tony Marinara joins the commentary desk.

Cruiserweight Title Match: Evan Karagias (w/ Madusa) vs. Disco Inferno (c) (w/ Tony Marinara)

Storyline: The powers punished Madusa for her defiance by making her face Meng in the tournament. When Meng won with the Death Grip, Karagias rescued her. So the powers gave Madusa a second chance against Evan! She advanced by pinning him while they kissed. Afterward, Evan blamed referee Johnny Boone for his loss. He defeated him in a match with Madusa’s help. Then Madusa met Benoit in the next round, and Jarrett screwed her out of a win on behalf of the powers. Meanwhile, Disco landed in hot water with the mob. An enforcer named Tony Marinara confronted him about his debt. So Disco tried and failed to bet on matches and do dirty work for the powers. Later, Disco bet Karagias $25,000 he could beat him at the PPV. So Marinara sent a symbolic warning to Disco. He would sleep with the fishes if he lost.

The Match: They exchange headlocks, knockdowns, and takedowns. Plus, Evan does a springboard crossbody. So Disco answers with a hotshot and Manhattan Drop. But then he flirts with Madusa. This allows Evan to score reversals and pin attempts. Despite Karagias’ rally, Disco nails a Russian Leg Sweep and makes Evan regroup. When Disco tries to follow him with a diving axehandle, Karagias dropkicks Disco. Later, we get more back and forth until Disco lands a DDT. However, he hits on Madusa again and gets slapped. So Marinara shoots his shot with Madusa as well. He shows her his watch, but she wants no part of him. This draws Evan outside to confront Marinara, and Disco grabs a chair to stop him. But Disco clocks Marinara by mistake! Evan uses the opening to roll Disco inside and perform a springboard crossbody. It’s enough for the win.

Thoughts: This was awkward. I know these guys are capable of better, but they didn’t gel in this bout. Plus, the crowd didn’t care about this. They chanted boring a few times. I hate to say it, but I agreed with them.

Winner: Evan Karagias (New Champion) (8:28)

Evan and Madusa kiss in celebration while Disco carries an unconscious Tony Marinara to the back. Heenan says we might have seen the last of Disco after his mistake.

After showing Bret Hart arrive at the arena, we cut to Jeff Jarrett and Creative Control in the powers’ office. The mysterious New Yorker berates Jarrett for blowing his opportunity. But Jarrett believes they should fire Doug Dillinger for getting in his way. It falls on deaf ears. The powers tell Jarrett he has until the end of the night to impress them. Otherwise, they will end his favors.

Next, Gene interviews Screamin’ Norman Smiley ahead of his Hardcore Title bout. Gene says hardcore rules will prevail when they crown the first Hardcore Champion. He asks about Norman’s preparation for this contest. Smiley says, “Of course, I’m prepared. I’m a consummate professional!” It’s Knobs who didn’t prepare! But then something falls and makes a racket. The sound elicits a shriek from Smiley, so Gene tells him to calm down. It’s just some backstage construction. Norman tries to blame the scream on his inner hardcore warrior trying to get out. He also promises a victory.

This leads to the entrances. Smiley wears a full set of Toronto Maple Leafs hockey gear. He even dons a goalie’s mask.

Hardcore Title Match: Norman Smiley vs. Brian Knobs (w/ Jimmy Hart)

Storyline: Hardcore fights scare the crap out of Norman. He wore protective athletic equipment to survive, and it worked. Norman scored fluke victories over Bam Bam and the Faces of Fear. This gave Smiley the confidence to declare everyone would fall to the Hardcore Wiggle. Unfortunately, the statement drew the ire of Brian Knobs. He threatened Smiley, so Norman cost Knobs a tournament victory. Afterward, WCW booked Knobs vs. Bigelow in a Falls Count Anywhere contest. The winner would face Norman for the new Hardcore Championship. Knobs won by count out when Kimberly asked Bigelow to leave the bout and help her fend off David Flair. Later, Jimmy Hart challenged Norman to a fight. Hart donned a suit of armor for protection, but Smiley succeeded after Knobs and Hart ran into each other. The success emboldened Norman, so he attacked Knobs and taunted Hart.

The Match: Knobs attacks Norman with a broom, trash cans, and lids. While Norman screams, Brian slowly removes the hockey pads. Next, Hart throws a can into the ring, but Norman intercepts it. He gains control before the fight heads backstage. There, they scuffle into a warehouse full of food. Knobs puts Norman through a table, but Smiley throws Brian into some boxes. As this happens, Jimmy Hart pelts Norman with various food items. Afterward, they brawl around an elevator. Knobs charges at Smiley, but he smacks against the back wall when Norman moves. Sensing danger, Jimmy swings a trash can and hits the closing elevator doors. So he presses the call button and waits. When the doors open, Jimmy doesn’t realize Knobs switched positions. He hits Brian by mistake, and Norman covers for the win.

Thoughts: Once they got backstage, this was good fun. The stuff in the ring was repetitive, but everything after that saved it. I love the Screamin’ Norman Smiley gimmick. It produces entertaining moments. So I enjoyed this.

Winner: Norman Smiley (New Champion) (7:29)

Norman tries to celebrate with a Big Wiggle, but Knobs clocks him with a trash can. Afterward, Brian has enough of Smiley and Hart. He throws both of them into a rack of bread and smacks Jimmy with the trash can lid.

After a recap, Tenay interviews the Revolution. His questions about what ifs annoy Shane Douglas. So Douglas asks what if Asya took out all the Animals and beat up Torrie? Next, Malenko talks about some great what ifs from human history. But this gives Saturn an idea. He interrupts and says, “What if the dinosaurs were still alive?” His teammates look at him funny, so Perry elaborates. The dinosaurs would crap everywhere like a bunch of filthy animals. So the Revolution will exterminate the Animals like man did to the dinosaurs! When he sees his friends’ baffled faces, Saturn says he knows man wasn’t around then. It was only a hypothetical what if. Then Saturn leaves, and Shane says, “What the?”

Mean Gene has the Animals’ rebuttal. Eddie films them with Kidman’s camcorder while Gene talks about Rey’s injury. He also mentions the threats toward Torrie and asks for Konnan’s thoughts. Before Konnan answers, he asks Gene if he wants to touch the belt or the hat. Gene chooses the hat and feels it, but Konnan says, “That’s enough!” Now Konnan promises to put the Revolution down for the count. Also, Kidman says Torrie can handle them. She will use their units as toothpicks. With that said, Torrie hopes Asya gets in her face. She will take Asya out, but she doesn’t know who she will tag to finish them off.

Meanwhile, Disco is in the locker room with a sore Tony Marinara. Disco swears the chair shot was an accident. Plus, he blames Creative Control for the mess. While Disco rambles, Tony has enough. He stands up and tells Disco he’s coming to Nitro, and he’s bringing the boys!

We also see Jarrett and Creative Control walking backstage. Jarrett carries a 2×4 and vows to give the powers more than they expected.

Intergender Elimination Match: The Revolution (Saturn, Dean Malenko, & Asya) (w/ Shane Douglas) vs. The Filthy Animals (Eddie Guerrero, Kidman, & Torrie Wilson) (w/ Konnan)

Storyline: After the Animals buried Flair, Asya joined the Revolution to avenge him. She helped the Revolution kidnap Torrie and put her in a cage. Then Saturn faced Eddie with the key to Torrie’s cage on a pole. Eddie won despite interference and a greased pole. Later, Malenko and Asya challenged Rey and Torrie. During the contest, the Revolution cuffed Torrie to the post and injured Rey’s knee. To make matters worse, the powers made Torrie referee an encounter between Asya and Kimberly. Plus, the Revolution beat the Animals in a House of Pain Match. It’s a cage fight where you cuff your opponents to the wall. The Revolution used the opportunity to aggravate Rey’s injury. Finally, they booked this bout. So the Revolution promised to rip Torrie’s arms off like a Barbie doll. Saturn seemed to take this threat literally, which amused his teammates.

The Match: The Animals send the Revolution to the floor, and everyone hits dives. So the Revolution regroups, but an unruly fan in face paint jabs Malenko with a Canadian flag. While security deals with it, Torrie and Asya scuffle, and Torrie rolls her ankle. Eddie checks on her and shoves Kidman, thinking he was an opponent. It allows Dean to roll Kidman up for an elimination. The ensuing argument gives the Revolution the advantage. But Eddie pins Dean after a hurricanrana. He also dispatches Asya with a Frog Splash. Now Eddie and Saturn trade sleepers until Perry nails the DVD. It isn’t enough, but Saturn reverses a crossbody into the Rings, and Eddie taps. This leaves Torrie alone with Saturn. When she throws a low blow, Shane leaves commentary to complain. The ref distraction opens the door for Saturn’s low blow on Torrie and a pin.

Thoughts: It was decent. I wouldn’t say it set the world on fire, but it had some good moments. Plus, Asya wasn’t bad, and they kept Torrie’s involvement simple. The only gripe is the finish was a little odd. I realize that would still hurt a woman, but why would Saturn need such tactics to beat Torrie?

Winners: The Revolution (11:15)

After the bout, we head backstage to see Jarrett and Creative Control beating up Buff Bagwell. They ram him into a chair and the wall. Plus, Creative Control stomps on him. Tony says Buff’s match is next. He has to face Hennig, and the loser will hang up their boots. But Heenan thinks this is the greatest PPV he has seen. (Was that sarcasm?)

Then Hennig enters the arena. Tony says he survived another month. They even show highlights of the various ways Hennig avoided retirement. But Buff doesn’t arrive when his music plays. It starts a second time only for Jarrett and Creative Control to appear instead. Hennig fights them when they enter the ring, but the numbers are too much. So Bagwell rushes to the rescue with a 2×4 and sends them packing.

Retirement Match: Buff Bagwell vs. Curt Hennig

Storyline: Hennig accused the powers of trying to eliminate the old guard, so the powers punished him. They said Hennig must retire if anyone pins him in a fight. Curt escaped with his career intact through disqualifications, count outs, and tapping out. Meanwhile, Bagwell continued his defiant behavior. He offered to lie down for Scotty Riggs and put on lackluster performances to piss off the powers. Buff even asked Benoit to go easy on him, but this only angered Benoit. So the powers had enough. They placed Bagwell in a Strap Match with Stevie Ray and sent Creative Control after him. Finally, the powers killed two birds with one stone. They booked this encounter between Hennig and Buff. The loser will retire.

The Match: Hennig throws strikes until they end up outside. Then they ram each other into the rail and the announce desk. Back inside, Hennig keeps choking Buff with his necklace. Plus, he drops a leg on Bagwell’s crotch and grabs a long sleeper hold. Once Buff escapes, Hennig goes back to choking and punches. Later, Bagwell rallies with an eye rake and a slam. It doesn’t last because Hennig scores an inside cradle and corner splashes. Next, Hennig charges toward the corner again. This time, Buff boots him and nails a Blockbuster for the win.

Thoughts: This was dull and repetitive. The sleeper holds went on too long, and they lost the crowd. Then the finish was abrupt. Plus, the beating Bagwell took before the bout had no impact on the outcome. This wasn’t good.

Winner: Buff Bagwell (7:47)

Heenan shouts no and calls this a sad day for the business. He can’t believe he saw Hennig’s career end. As Bobby laments the outcome, Hennig stands and the fans applaud him.

Next, Tenay interviews Sting about his semifinal match against Bret Hart. If Sting wins, he moves on to the finals. Sting says that’s true, but Bret has to realize one thing. If it weren’t for the powers that be, he would still be the champ. Sting knows they are on Bret’s home turf, but it’s showtime!

Afterward, Bret enters the arena in a Gretzky jersey, so Heenan pretends he doesn’t know who that is. But Tony takes a more serious approach. He talks about everything Bret overcame this year. After his brother’s death, Bret didn’t know if he would return. Now he’s battling through an injury to face Sting!

Semifinals: Bret Hart vs. Sting

Storyline: Bret ignored doctor’s orders and entered the tournament. He wrestled Goldberg and won when Sid and the Outsiders attacked Bill. Afterward, Hall and Nash tried to hand Bret the US belt, but Bret didn’t want it that way. So they offered it to Sid instead, which caused more controversy. Later, Bret advanced with wins over Saturn and Kidman. The Outsiders once again interfered in the latter. Elsewhere, Sting escaped the first round by using a bat on Knobs. He also defeated Meng. But then Sting discovered his buddy Luger wasn’t what he seemed. After more drama with Luger, Sting faced the Total Package in the tourney. Lex wanted to avoid his comeuppance by feigning an injury and hiding behind Liz. However, Meng returned for vengeance on Lex, which helped Sting advance.

The Match: They shove each other and exchange strikes in and outside the ring. This continues until Sting uses a low blow and a sleeper hold. When Bret escapes, they head to the floor. This time, Sting crashes on the announce table with a missed Stinger Splash. Back inside, Bret tries a flying axehandle, but Sting pulls the ref into the impact! It draws Luger and Liz to the ring. Lex grabs Sting’s bat and whacks Sting’s leg! So Bret takes the weapon and jabs Luger in the throat. He also puts Lex in a Sharpshooter, as the ref wakes up. When the ref sees the chaos, he disqualifies Sting.

But Bret doesn’t want to win like that. He convinces him to restart the fight. The ref obliges, and Bret begins his finishing routine until Sting raises a boot on the diving elbow. With Bret down, Sting puts him in the Deathlock. However, Bret attacks Sting’s leg and reverses into a Sharpshooter for the victory.

Thoughts: The action was good, and I liked the finish, but I wish they didn’t use outside interference again. The Luger stuff brought it down a notch. Plus, the disqualification made no sense. I would understand if the ref disqualified Sting for pulling him into the axehandle. Instead, they said it was because of Luger, but he attacked Sting. Either way, I still enjoyed most of this.

Winner: Bret Hart (9:27)

Bret leaves, but Sting tells him to come back. The commentators think they’re about to fight. Instead, Sting offers a handshake and a hug.

Afterward, Gene interviews Benoit. We now know he will face Bret in the finals, and it will happen in Canada! Benoit says he waited fourteen years for this chance. Now he holds his destiny in his own hands. Plus, Chris considers it an honor to face Bret. Last time, it was for Owen. Tonight, it’s for the recognition. They will learn if Bret is the best there is, was, and ever will be.

Meanwhile, Tenay speaks with the Total Package. Luger has a brace on his neck and he appears to be in pain. Mike says Bret’s bat attack was bad, but does Luger really need the brace? Lex says he would like to see Tenay compete in this excruciating pain! His doctors told him he couldn’t face Meng tonight. However, he wants the fans to get their money’s worth. Luger promises to write a personal check to every Total Package fan in the arena. (Where’s Luger going to find $20 on such short notice?)

While Tony and Bobby discuss Luger, Vampiro and Jerry Only from the Misfits arrive for the next contest. Berlyn’s entrance follows, and he brings his now-named bodyguard. They call him The Wall. (I should have known Russo gave him that name.) During their walk to the ring, Tony informs everyone about the rules. This is a chain match, but they will attach them by the neck instead of the wrist. The announcement worries Heenan, but before he can say more—the Oklahoma University fight song plays.

It brings us the PPV debut of Oklahoma with Dr. Death Steve Williams. It is Ed Ferrara doing a tasteless Jim Ross parody. He even contorts his face like he has Bell’s Palsy. Oklahoma joins the commentary booth as the bell rings.

Chain Match: Vampiro (w/ Jerry Only) vs. Berlyn (w/ The Wall)

Storyline: Since the ICP is on the outs with WCW, Vampiro found a new band to watch his back. He recruited the Misfits to help him defeat Berlyn in the tournament. Because of this, Berlyn vowed revenge. He was serious enough to even say it in English! But the powers had other plans. They made Berlyn team with Curly Bill (Vincent), but Berlyn beat him up and left. Next, Berlyn interrupted Vamp vs. Bagwell in the tourney and cost Vampiro the victory. So Creative Control ambushed Vampiro for failing to eliminate Bagwell. As a result, Vampiro and the Misfits disrupted Berlyn vs. Curly Bill and attacked Berlyn. This led to Berlyn & The Wall vs. Vampiro & The Misfits. The Wall chokeslammed Vamp for the win and Berlyn used a chain on Vampiro.

The Match: Berlyn whips Vampiro with the chain until Jerry Only attacks him. So The Wall takes over on Vampiro, and Berlyn takes Jerry outside. While Berlyn ties Jerry to the rail, Vampiro fights in the ring. He climbs only for The Wall to pull him down. Next, Berlyn attacks Vamp from behind, and The Wall connects the chain to his own neck. He then fends off Vampiro’s rally and nails a chokeslam. But when The Wall covers, Berlyn gets angry. He says he must win the match. So The Wall removes the chain, throws it at Berlyn, and leaves. While this happens, Jerry breaks free, and Vampiro hits a wheel kick. He follows with a superplex before Jerry helps him do a double suplex. Afterward, Vamp plants Berlyn with the Nail in the Coffin. With Berlyn down, Vamp puts him in a chain-assisted Camel Clutch for the submission.

Thoughts: This was a mess. They filled time while the commentators focused on Oklahoma. As much as I hate to admit it, Ferrara had a few good lines. But it doesn’t make the gimmick any less tasteless. Nothing about this presentation worked. The fans couldn’t care less about the bout, and I couldn’t care less about the Oklahoma gimmick.

Winner: Vampiro (4:57)

Before Vampiro can celebrate, Dr. Death enters the ring and attacks. He gives Jerry Only the Oklahoma Stampede and nails a Doctor Bomb on Vampiro. Oklahoma calls Williams the most impressive specimen in WCW.

Meanwhile, Tenay interviews Scott Hall. Hall holds the US and TV belts over his shoulders. Tenay shows a replay of Sid powerbombing Rick Steiner through the stage. As a result, Hall won the TV belt by forfeit. Halls calls it a shame, but he asks if the Steiner Brothers get a group rate at the hospital. Scott also claims the Outsiders like to please the fans. Therefore, if anyone wants to face him for both belts, they can come find him. Tenay asks him where, so Hall says down here and points at his crotch.

Afterward, they show Hennig leaving the building. Smiley and Konnan wish him luck. Also, we see Kimberly arriving late for the show. Tony says she will face David Flair, but Kim doesn’t look worried. Later, Heenan says she must have something up her skirt. When Tony asks if he means sleeve, Heenan doesn’t answer.

Now Luger returns to the arena. Tony says the powers ordered him to fight Meng, despite Luger’s protests. Luger still wears the neck brace and does his best to sell his pain. So Heenan says the powers are nice people. They care about everyone!

Meng vs. The Total Package (w/ Elizabeth)

Storyline: The Package wrestled Rick Steiner in the first round. He succeeded because Jarrett hit Steiner by mistake. So Jeff got back at Luger by telling Meng Luger talked trash about him. As a result, Meng came after Luger, but Lex beat the crap out of Meng with a tire iron. Next, Luger convinced Sting to go after the tag belts with him. However, Luger feigned an injury and left Sting by himself. Plus, Luger cost Sting a win over Goldberg by spraying Sting with mace. Luger swore both were accidents. He even tried to smooth things over with flowers. When this didn’t work, Luger attempted to trick Sting into eating laxative-laced brownies. By the time Luger faced Sting in the tourney, Sting had enough. But as I mentioned earlier, Meng returned for revenge. So Luger attacked Meng with a chair and targeted his knee.

The Match: Meng throws strikes and rips off Luger’s entrance attire. Lex tries to fire back with an eye poke, but Meng takes him outside for more brawling. Back inside, Luger scores a running clothesline, which Meng shakes off. He then grabs the Death Grip, but Luger’s brace renders it ineffective. When Meng releases the hold, Luger rallies with more clotheslines and a powerslam. He also uses axehandles and rams Meng into the corner. The latter is a mistake. Meng rams his own head into the buckles to show it doesn’t hurt. This leads to Meng choking Luger on the ropes. So Liz pulls out a can of mace. She struggles with it before spraying, so Meng pulls Luger’s face into the way. With Luger blinded, Meng removes the brace and puts the Death Grip on him for the win.

Thoughts: It wasn’t great, but Luger’s antics amused me enough to not hate it. Yeah, the finish was awkward and almost botched. I’m not calling it good. This falls more in the amusingly bad category.

Winner: Meng (5:23)

Next, Gene interviews Bret Hart about the finals. His dream of becoming the WCW champion could become a reality right here in Canada! But he must face a good friend and fellow Canadian, Chris Benoit. Bret says they will put aside friendship because tonight is the night. He will prove he is the best there is, was, and ever will be. As Bret says this, Luger walks into the frame and yells for Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, David Flair polishes his crowbar. (No, that isn’t a euphemism.)

Now Scott Hall arrives to make an open challenge. He struts to the ring and takes the mic. Hall says there’s nothing he likes better than beating someone up in Toronto. Also, Hall claims Nash is on the way to the building. So they will turn Toronto upside down. With that said, he calls out anybody in the back to fight him. The sound guy spoils the surprise by playing two seconds of Booker T’s theme. Then he plays it again.

U.S. & TV Title Match: Scott Hall (c) vs. Booker T

Storyline: The Outsiders continued trolling other wrestlers. Nash even wore amusing costumes. Kevin dressed as Vince McMahon, Carnac the Magnificent, and Sid. Then the Outsiders wrestled strippers. Later, Hall entered the tournament and beat Sid after Bret Hart interference. Since the Outsiders gave Sid the US belt, Hall claimed the victory made him the new champ. Now Bret, Sid, and Goldberg wanted revenge on Hall and Nash. So Goldberg disguised himself as a riot guard and speared them. This led to a four-way Ladder Match to crown a true US champ, and Nash helped Hall win. Elsewhere, the powers suspended Stevie Ray for helping Booker against Jarrett. They also sent Creative Control after Booker, but Booker had backup. The lights turned out, and a bell chimed. When the lights returned, a muscular black woman from Booker’s past appeared. Her name is Midnight, and she attacked Creative Control.

The Match: Hall shoves and taunts Booker before they trade arm wringers. Then Booker scores a heel kick and a side slam. When Booker moves in for more, Hall pulls him into the corner. But Booker rebounds with a jumping forearm, and Hall falls outside. Next, Hall returns for a chokeslam and fallaway slam. He also clotheslines Booker over the ropes for some brawling. Back inside, Hall nails a discus punch and grabs a sleeper. However, Jarrett and Creative Control arrive. Jeff distracts the ref as Booker starts a rally. This allows Creative Control to enter the ring, but Booker fends them off. Unfortunately for Booker, Hall grabs him from behind and hits the Outsiders Edge. It’s enough for a three.

Thoughts: The action was decent, but the finish ruined it. Here’s another bout brought down by outside interference. Even though it fits the storyline, it is still disappointing. I know Hall and Booker could have a good encounter without the run-ins.

Winner: Scott Hall (6:04)

While Jarrett and Creative Control attack Booker, the lights turn off and a bell tolls. When the lights return, Midnight is in the ring. She attacks Jarrett and company, and Booker sends Creative Control packing with a sidekick. Afterward, Midnight raises Booker’s arm.

Elsewhere, Luger continues searching for Liz, but he only finds a locked door.

Now it’s time for Kimberly vs. David Flair. They recap the story so far before David walks to the ring. Heenan says it looks like David hasn’t slept in two years. Kimberly, on the other hand, walks with confidence and a smirk. While Nick Patrick orders David to drop the crowbar, Kim stretches in the corner.

David Flair vs. Kimberly Page

Storyline: DDP’s actions at Havoc made David Flair snap. He demolished DDP with a crowbar and put him out of action. Then David stalked Kimberly around the arena. He chased her into the bathroom and the boiler room. David even disguised himself as a member of security to surprise her. So Kimberly tried to stop David by hitting him with her car. Plus, Kim asked Bigelow for help, but David attacked him with the crowbar. If this wasn’t bad enough, the powers booked David vs. Kimberly for the PPV. Kim told them she wasn’t a wrestler, so the powers gave her a warm-up bout. It was Kim vs. Asya with a bikini-clad Torrie as the ref. During the fight, David came after Kimberly with the crowbar. But Asya and the Revolution fended him off as Kim ran.

The Match: Kim throws a low blow, but it does nothing. David punches at his crotch to show he wore a cup. He then grabs the crowbar, so Kim gets on her knees. She pretends to seduce him, and it almost works. But it buys her time to pull the cup out of David’s pants. Afterward, Kim hits another low blow and shoves the cup into David’s face. However, he recovers and stalks her with the crowbar. So Kanyon runs to the ring and attacks David while DDP limps down the aisle behind him. Once Kanyon has David down, he hugs Kimberly. This allows David to nail a low blow on Kanyon, but DDP gives David a Diamond Cutter. Before things escalate farther, Arn Anderson comes to end the madness.

He convinces DDP and Kim to leave, and they agree. As they exit the ring, David whacks Arn in the spine with the crowbar and escapes into the crowd!

Thoughts: The first half of this was uncomfortable and awkward. But once Kanyon, DDP, and Arn arrived, it was fine. I don’t mind the storyline. David Flair has limitations, but playing the crazy role works for him. If they’re going to use him, this is the right route.

Winner: No Contest (4:55)

David’s actions leave the commentators shocked. They watch as Dillinger and the trainers load Arn onto a stretcher. Heenan worries because Arn hasn’t moved since David hit him. Meanwhile, Tony speculates about what made David snap. He says it’s a mixture of his romantic woes and what happened to his father. Tony says somebody has to stop David Flair.

Then, after a recap, Tenay interviews Sid. He says Havoc was an all-out war, and they expect the same tonight. With that said, Sid asks Mike if he can conceive of Sid saying I quit. Sid also claims everyone heard Goldberg say it at Havoc. So Sid will break every bone and shred every muscle until Goldberg admits he is his master and ruler.

I Quit Match: Goldberg vs. Sid Vicious

Storyline: Sid claimed he could prove he beat Goldberg at Havoc. He provided doctored footage where Sid tried to imitate Goldberg saying he quit. Afterward, the powers ordered Sid to team with Saturn against Benoit and Rick Steiner. Sid and Rick didn’t want to wrestle each other, but they disagreed about who would lie down and lose. It caused an argument, and Sid powerbombed Rick. This led to Sid and Rick brawling and interfering in each other’s matches. Plus, Sid wrestled Steiner and powerbombed him through the stage! Now Sid had no allies because the Outsiders had also turned on him. When Nash imitated him, Sid confronted the Outsiders and cut his infamous half a brain promo. As a result, the powers reinstated Nash and made him wrestle Sid. During the fight, Goldberg and Bret interfered, and Goldberg speared Sid and Nash.

The Match: They trade punches until Goldberg scores a powerslam. He also clotheslines Sid over the ropes and whips him into the rail. When they return to the ring, Sid kicks Goldberg and lands a Cobra Clutch slam. Plus, Sid rips at Goldberg’s face and gives him two chokeslams! Next, Sid attempts a third, but Goldberg hooks Sid with his legs and uses a cross armbreaker. However, Sid escapes, so Goldberg nails short-arm clotheslines and rapid punches. This dazes Sid enough for Goldberg to put him in a Cobra Clutch, and Sid passes out. Once the ref notices, he calls for the bell.

Thoughts: This was disappointing after their Havoc match. I enjoyed that one, and this was on its way to being good. But the abrupt finish killed it. Plus, Goldberg’s Cobra Clutch was weak-looking, so it was hard to buy the ending. Goldberg received boos during this, and the conclusion did him no favors.

Winner: Goldberg (5:30)

(Since I discussed Sid’s half a brain promo, I should use this opening. Check out my half a brain merchandise in my store. It’s a new take on the classic I’m with stupid shirts. Troll your friends with these products by clicking here.)

Next, Gene interviews Luger. Gene says Luger’s plans backfired in his face. Plus, Gene noticed Liz didn’t stick around to face the consequences. So Luger says Gene has it all figured out. Then he adds Liz figured it out too. That’s why she avoided him. Luger also claims he doesn’t get mad. He gets even, so Liz better watch her back!

Afterward, they show Benoit and Bret waking backstage before their match. Luger ducks out of frame when he spots the camera following them. As this happens, Tony talks about Benoit and Bret’s history. But Heenan says to throw the friendship out the window and do what you have to do.

Finals: Bret Hart vs. Chris Benoit

The Match: They tussle into the corners and trade takedowns. Then both men attempt their finishers before Bret throws hard uppercuts. When Benoit regroups, the unruly fan from earlier returns. He hits Chris with the Canadian flag, but Benoit removes his hat to reveal Malenko! As security drags Dean away, Bret scores a piledriver and targets Benoit’s back. Later, Benoit fights and lands a Tombstone and flying headbutt. But then the Outsiders interrupt them! This draws Goldberg to the ring to help fend off the attack. Once Bill neutralizes Hall and Nash, Benoit focuses on Bret’s bad leg. He grabs a Figure Four, but Bret reaches the ropes. After more back and forth, Benoit does rolling Germans and tries a Crossface. However, Bret trips him and locks in the Sharpshooter for the win.

Thoughts: This was a great match, but it’s a shame they couldn’t let this one go without interference. We don’t need it in every contest! Regardless, they told a good story, despite the run-ins. These two always have good encounters. Their Owen tribute was another excellent one. (On a side note, the TV show Malcolm in the Middle used a clip from this in their opening credits.)

Winner: Bret Hart (New Champion) (17:44)

Fireworks explode as Bret celebrates. After checking on Benoit, Bret holds the belt in the air. Then his family joins him while Bret and Benoit hug. They hand Bret the Canadian flag Malenko left behind. It has some of the face paint Dean used on it.

The Good:

• The main event was great, despite the interference.

• Benoit/Jarrett was good.

• The hardcore match was fun.

The Bad:

• So much outside interference!

• The Chain Match was a mess.

• The Oklahoma gimmick

Observations:

• What was Luger’s deal? None of his actions over the past month made sense.

• I get why David is mad at DDP and Kimberly, but why didn’t he go after the Filthy Animals?

• Why would Dr. Death participate in the Oklahoma gimmick? Isn’t he friends with Jim Ross?

Performer of the Night:

I’m giving it to both Bret and Benoit. They shined on this night. Plus, this was Bret’s big moment. It’s a shame WCW waited so long.

Final Thoughts:

This show contained fine action, but the booking choices undercut any impact it might have. Watching this was mentally exhausting. I wanted to like the PPV because some of it ranged from decent to good. However, I can’t call this a great show. The quality falls somewhere in the middle. With that said, falling in the middle is an achievement for 1999 WCW. So that’s almost a win.

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