The Final Nitro

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

Monday Nitro

March 26, 2001

Boardwalk Beach Resort

Panama City Beach, Florida

News & Notes: WCW learned AOL/Time Warner’s CEO Jamie Kellner was pulling the plug on their programming after Greed. He didn’t see WCW as a fit for the network’s new image. After all, wrestling fans didn’t stick around for the regular TNT programming, and vice versa. Plus, WCW lost 60 million dollars the previous year, and they had declining numbers. Without the TV time slot, Eric Bischoff’s Fusient Media deal fell through, so Vince McMahon stepped in. He purchased WCW and their tape library for 4.2 million dollars. Eric Bischoff phoned into Nitro and announced his attempt to buy the company hit a massive roadblock. He also said the following week might be the final episode on TNT. However, he made it a special one. Bischoff announced a Night of Champions, and he invited any former champion to bring their wrestling boots and be ready to wrestle.

Now here’s a final rundown of some extra storylines. The mystery assailant continued targeting the Magnificent Seven. He took out Luger and even Ric Flair! Everyone suspected Rick Steiner because he was the only one who remained unscathed. Plus, Rick was the last person to enter Flair’s locker room. But this wasn’t Rick Steiner’s only problem. Shane Douglas and Konnan both sought revenge on the Dog-Faced Gremlin. Meanwhile, another wrestler wanted vengeance. M.I. Smooth wrestled Kanyon, but Animal helped Kanyon win. Later, Smooth and Miller fought Kanyon and Animal, and Smooth pinned Kanyon for a victory. In other news, the strange pairing of Disqo and Mike Sanders persisted. Disqo called Mike his new best friend, but Sanders cost Disqo a match against Jason Jett when Mike hit Disqo by accident. And speaking of Jett, he met a familiar old foe when Kid Kash debuted in WCW!

The show opens with Vince McMahon! He says, “Imagine that! Vince McMahon on WCW television! How can that happen?” Vince says it was only a matter of time before he bought his competition. He now owns WCW! Later tonight, he will address the WCW fans and Superstars on the final Nitro on TNT. What is WCW’s fate? Everyone will find out in a special simulcast because Vince holds WCW’s fate in his hands!

Next, Tony welcomes everyone to a landmark day in sports entertainment. Tony and Scott can’t believe they saw Vince McMahon at the start of the program. They call it an emotional day and they sound concerned about their future. WCW’s fate is in Vince’s hands, which Tony calls surreal. This is the last WCW Nitro, but Hudson says they will finish with a bang.

Now Ric Flair comes to the ring. He promised an old friend he wouldn’t cry or apologize, but Flair has words for McMahon. Flair lists legends of the NWA and WCW, plus Buff Bagwell. He asks Vince if he really thinks he holds these men in his hands. WCW ran neck-and-neck with the WWF for years. Furthermore, Vince Sr. voted for Ric Flair to win the world title while Vince was trying to become a commentator in 1981. Ever since that day, Flair has been a limousine-riding, jet-flying, wheeling and dealing son of a gun! He and WCW kissed the girls worldwide and made them cry! Flair says Vince can’t hold their fate in his hands because he hasn’t sweated and bled like they have. With that said, Flair also challenges Sting to one last match. He wants to go out on a high note tonight against his greatest rival.

Meanwhile, we learn about tonight’s sponsors. Slim Jim, 1-800-Collect, and AOL version 6.0 present this episode of Nitro! There has never been a better time to sign up for AOL Internet!

WCW/U.S. Title Match: Booker T vs. Scott Steiner (w/ Midajah)

Storyline: Scott Steiner mocked DDP with a memorial video for his career the night after Greed. Then Steiner, Flair, and the Seven gloated about the previous night until Dusty Rhodes interrupted. He brought Booker T with him, and Booker told Steiner he was coming for his title. Later, Eric Bischoff phoned into the show and created this Night of Champions. He said Steiner and Booker would face each other in a title-for-title contest. Terry Taylor provided the match contract, which Steiner signed immediately. However, Steiner attacked Booker with the pipe when Booker tried to sign it. They fought until Booker got the pipe from Steiner and chased him out of the ring. Finally, on Thunder, Steiner attempted to injure Dustin Rhodes after a tag match. Steiner used the pipe and put Dustin in the Recliner, but Booker saved Dustin.

The Match: They exchange strikes and holds before Booker gets Scott in the corner. Then Steiner turns corner punches into a powerbomb and he throws Booker to the floor. While they are there, Midajah slaps Booker and distracts the ref. Scott uses the opening to grab the pipe, but he misses a swing at Booker’s head and whacks the post. Back inside, Steiner hits a belly-to-belly and places Booker in a standing surfboard. Once Booker escapes, he scores a Ghetto Blaster, a flapjack, and the Harlem Sidekick with a Spinaroonie in between them. Booker also attempts the Book End, so Steiner counters into a northern lights for two. Next, Steiner tries a powerbomb, but Booker lands on his feet and nails the Book End for the three!

Thoughts: They have to keep these short, so the length was fine. This packed enough action, reversals, and signature spots to make it exciting. Plus, the right person won. Steiner was dealing with injuries, and he didn’t accept a buyout of his contract, so Booker had to take the title. The only shame is this was an abrupt ending for what was a pretty good reign for Steiner.

Winner: Booker T (New WCW Champion) (5:11)

Next, we get a WCW Spring Break Out segment hosted by Riki Ratface. Oh, excuse me. I mean Riki Rachtman. They show WCW wrestlers hanging out with people on the beach. The wrestlers sign autographs while people play volleyball and swim. Some bikini-clad women say they love WCW, but don’t you dare call them collect without using 1-800-Collect!

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, Vince speaks with his attorney on the phone. Vince can’t believe WCW chose some redneck beer joint in Florida’s panhandle for their final episode, but he calls it appropriate.

Cruiserweight Tag Team #1 Contender Match: The Filthy Animals (Rey Mysterio Jr. & Billy Kidman) vs. 3 Count (Shannon Moore & Evan Karagias) vs. The Jung Dragons

Storyline: Kidman received a Cruiserweight title shot against Helms the night after Greed. Helms retained his gold, but Chavo, Skipper, and Romeo attacked Shane until Rey Mysterio ran to the rescue. Then, on Thunder, Rey, Kidman, and Helms fought Skipper, Romeo, and Chavo. Kidman pinned Romeo to win the contest, so Kidman holds a pinfall over one-half of the Cruiserweight tag champs. Meanwhile, the Jung Dragons had a match with Air Raid (AJ Styles & Air Paris), which the Dragons won.

The Match: Shannon, Kidman, and Kaz exchange takedowns and pin attempts, but Evan breaks it up. Now Evan and Yang trade wheelbarrow moves before Mysterio sends Yang outside with a springboard dropkick. This leads to everyone performing planchas until Kidman lands the Kidmankaze! Back inside, Yang nails the Yang Time, and Moore stops a Kid Crusher before giving Kidman the Bottoms Up. When Kaz breaks up the pin, the Dragons nail a double-team powerbomb off the top rope! Afterward, Kidman and Yang fight on the floor while Evan does a 450 onto Kaz. This doesn’t end it because Kidman takes out Evan. Once this happens, Moore blocks a Bronco Buster with a boot to Rey’s balls. Fighting on the apron follows, and Rey drapes Shannon over the ropes. With Moore prone, Rey gives him a guillotine leg drop for the three.

Thoughts: This was a fun spot-fest. They fit all their stuff in during a short window, and that’s what this needed to be. It excited the crowd and got a great reaction, so I can’t fault this. The only downside is the winner was a forgone conclusion based on what happened over the previous week.

Winners: Rey & Kidman (3:38)

Back in Cleveland, Vince speaks on the phone. He says someone has a lot of talent, but we don’t find out who he means. Trish enters the room with a bottle of champagne and a pair of big—glasses. Vince hangs up the call because Trish wants to celebrate his purchase of WCW. However, Vince has a better way to celebrate. He makes out with Trish while we hear the cork pop on the champagne bottle. The camera pans down to show a foamy puddle of champagne on the floor. They aren’t being subtle, are they?

Cruiserweight Title Match: Shane Helms (c) vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr.

Storyline: Shane realized he never would have earned his Cruiserweight title shot if Animal hadn’t attacked Kidman at SuperBrawl, so Helms offered Kidman a chance at the gold. After Shane won the match, Chavo jumped Shane. Helms fought back, but Skipper and Romeo joined the beating until Mysterio intervened. This led to the six-man tag I mentioned earlier. Helms and Chavo were brawling outside the ring while Kidman pinned Romeo.

The Match: After a strike exchange, Helms nails the fireman’s face crusher and a neckbreaker. Chavo stops this by sending Shane to the floor before landing a back suplex and attempting a superplex. As they fight on the top rope, Helms knocks Chavo down and performs a flying sunset flip for two. Fighting on the apron follows until Shane does a flying crossbody for another two. Next, they trade suplexes and pin attempts, and Shane gives Chavo a gut-wrench backbreaker. He also scores the Sugar Smack after two tries. This leads to a series of counters that ends with a Vertebreaker and the three.

Thoughts: They kept this one calmer and simpler than the other bouts on this show, but they still hit all the important spots. This contained some fine reversals and nearfalls. Plus, it had a nice finish.

Winner: Shane Helms (4:39)

Now Booker T has some comments about his big win and his future. He says he has mixed emotions about becoming the WCW and U.S. champion in one night. This may be the end of a chapter, but there are a lot of pages left in this book! From this point on, he will prove he is the best the business has to offer. He tells anyone who wants to test him to step to him like a man. But he will tell them this. He will prove he is the best to every sucka! As he says every time, don’t hate the player. Hate the game!

Afterward, Team Canada arrives for a tag title shot. Storm wants to be serious for a minute. They started their road to the tag team championship last week, and that road ends tonight. With that said, Lance calls for the Canadian anthem. They go to a break while the song plays.

When they return, we go back to Cleveland. Michael Cole interrupts Vince and Trish to ask for Vince’s thoughts. Many of the WCW fans worry that their brand of sports entertainment will go away. Also, the wrestlers worry that they’ll never compete again! Vince asks if that’s right. He wonders how Cole feels about his own job security. This makes Cole nervous, so Vince tells him to get the hell out of there. Once he leaves, Trish says she likes it when Vince is forceful. Vince makes a toast to being forceful while Tony and Scott worry about their jobs.

Tag Team Title Match: Chuck Palumbo & Sean O’Haire (c) vs. Team Canada (Lance Storm & Mike Awesome)

Storyline: Team Canada targeted the tag champs after Greed, just as Lance promised. They had a non-title contest against Palumbo & O’Haire. During the match, Awesome attacked Chuck with a chair and pinned him after an Awesome Bomb. This led to a one-on-one fight between Palumbo and Awesome on Thunder. Palumbo dared Storm to interfere because O’Haire would be waiting for him. While Palumbo and Awesome fought, Chuck blocked one of Awesome’s chair shots and used the weapon on Mike. Sensing trouble, Storm intervened, but O’Haire brawled with him. As Lance and Sean fought, Palumbo nailed Awesome with the Jungle Kick and defeated him.

The Match: After some back-and-forth action, Chuck catches Lance on a crossbody and lands a fallaway slam. Then Palumbo decks Awesome, but this allows Storm to nail a superkick. Now Awesome does a slingshot splash and a step-up back elbow. Chuck almost rallies with a catapult on Storm, but Lance answers with a seated dropkick. However, both men tag out. O’Haire enters and gives Awesome a fireman’s carry slam, but a brawl erupts. Team Canada tries to double-team Chuck, so Sean pulls Storm outside. While this happens, Palumbo escapes an Awesome Bomb and nails a Jungle Kick. It opens the door for O’Haire’s Seanton Bomb and the victory.

Thoughts: The action we got was good, but I wish this had gone longer. I know these teams could have a great encounter. This was still fine, but it left me wanting more. I would have cut out the next contest and extended this one.

Winners: Palumbo & O’Haire (3:21)

Speaking of the next contest, Stacy Keibler comes to the ring before it begins. She introduces the Shawn and Stacy Show. Then Stacy welcomes the man who rocks her world and the Mecca of Manhood, Shawn Stasiak! Shawn tries to cut a promo when he arrives, but Bigelow interrupts. He carries his tattoo kit to the ring and threatens Shawn with it, so Stasiak uses Stacy as a shield. As the ref takes Bigelow’s kit, Shawn attacks Bam Bam.

Tattoo Match: Shawn Stasiak (w/ Stacy Keibler) vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

Storyline: Bam Bam accused Stasiak of having his woman fight his battles for him, so Bigelow challenged Shawn to a rematch on Nitro. Shawn and Stacy tried to use the hairspray again, but Bigelow intercepted it. However, he threw it away and won with the Greetings from Asbury Park instead. Afterward, Stasiak claimed Bigelow cheated and demanded one more fight, but Bigelow didn’t seem interested. He said there was nothing in it for him. Since Bigelow wouldn’t grant him his wish, Shawn said he would do anything for a shot at him. This was enough to change Bigelow’s mind. Bam Bam asked for a special stipulation. If he succeeded, he said he wanted to tattoo that pritzy little thing in the ring. Shawn thought he meant Stacy, so he agreed to the idea. The problem was, Bigelow was talking about Stasiak.

The Match: They trade punches and clotheslines until Bigelow misses a corner charge. Stasiak follows with another clothesline, but Bigelow evades his flying crossbody. With Stasiak down, Bam Bam lands the flying headbutt, so Stacy distracts the ref. Bigelow tells her to get down before attempting the Greetings. Unfortunately, Stacy grabs Shawn to block it. Stasiak drops behind Bigelow and scores a neckbreaker for the three.

Thoughts: This was forgettable. Plus, they didn’t even give us the payoff for the stipulation, so it disappointed me on every level.

Winner: Shawn Stasiak (1:23)

Next, Regal shows off his WrestleMania jersey for Vince, but Mr. McMahon says he already saw it. What does Regal want? William says he heard Vince bought WCW, so Regal asks if he’s sure he wants to do that. Regal calls WCW a bloody awful place. Unbelievable nonsense goes on there! Regal doesn’t want to second guess Vince, but he doesn’t want Vince to get in trouble. Vince thanks Regal for his concerns and assures him he’s on the case.

Then they show a DDP interview from earlier in the day. DDP quotes the Grateful Dead. He says, “What a long strange trip it’s been!” However, he loved every second and wouldn’t trade this for anything. Tonight, on this historic evening, he thanks the fans for letting Page Joseph Falkinburg become Diamond Dallas Page. They said he would never make it, but he did. This proves anything is possible if you want it bad enough and put in the work. The promoters don’t decide who is over. That’s the fans’ job, so he thanks them and his wife, Kimberly. They let him live his dream, but this dream isn’t over. It’s time to take things to another level.

A video featuring the stars of the NWA and WCW follows this. Afterward, Vince says it’s just about time, so he is going to get ready. Tony and Scott wonder what he means. Schiavone also takes issue with Regal’s comments. He says they had to do some crazy things, like putting Steve Regal’s ass over on TV! Hudson tells Tony to focus.

Cruiserweight Tag Team Title Match: The Filthy Animals (Rey Mysterio Jr. & Billy Kidman) vs. Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo (c)

The Match: Rey and Kidman score takedowns and a springboard dropkick, but Romeo cheap shots Kidman. This opens the door for Skipper’s belly-to-belly and double-teaming. They give Kidman a double-team powerbomb. Plus, Romeo hits an alley-oop. Next, Kidman performs a crossbody, but Skipper escapes with a Matrix bridge. Undaunted, Kidman dropkicks Romeo out of the air and tags Rey. Now Mysterio takes out Skipper and Romeo with a springboard press and a tornado DDT. This enables Rey and Kidman to do a baseball slide and Bronco Buster to Elix. Romeo answers with a sit-out Pedigree to Kidman, but Rey powerbombs Romeo and lands a springboard headbutt. Once Skipper breaks up the pin, he lifts Rey into a bridging electric chair drop! Another pin breakup leads to a brawl, and Rey and Romeo tumble outside. Finally, Kidman evades the Play of the Day and ends it with the Kid Crusher.

Thoughts: This was good fun, and they used some unique spots and moves. Everyone shined and had their moment. They also had a strong finish. This was everything it needed to be. The problem is, the WWF doesn’t use the Cruiserweight tag belts, so it’s ultimately meaningless.

Winners: Rey & Kidman (New Champions) (4:43)

Meanwhile, Sting hangs out in a room filled with hanging baseball bats. He says surprise because the Stinger is back! Did anyone think he would miss this night? He wouldn’t miss this historic event for anything! Sting will have one more match with Ric Flair. They started this years ago, and they will end it tonight! As for the fans wondering about his future, only one thing is for sure about Sting. Nothing is for sure. It’s showtime, folks!

After another commercial for AOL 6.0, we see Vince strutting through the hallways. He greets a security guard while Hudson worries about his paycheck. He says Vince won’t take his calls.

Sting vs. Ric Flair

Storyline: Dusty wanted to make sure Flair kissed his ass after Greed. He wouldn’t let Ric get off the hook so easily. Then Bischoff told Ric it was in his best interest to kiss Dusty’s ass. This turned Flair into a nervous wreck, so Jarrett told Ric to act like the boss and do something about the situation. Surprisingly, Flair was a man of his word and agreed to do it. However, Dusty had a surprise. The ass Flair had to kiss was a donkey named Silver Dollar, and Dusty had fed a plate of burritos to the animal! Flair and Jarrett attempted to fight it, but Dusty and Dustin made both of them kiss the donkey’s ass! When Dustin mocked Flair for this on Thunder, Flair booked Dustin in a handicap fight against Scott Steiner and Jarrett. Steiner tried to injure Dustin, but Booker saved him.

The Match: Flair argues with Charles Robinson and shoves him after Sting takes Flair down. When Sting scores more knockdowns, Flair goes to the eyes. This brings us shoulder blocks and strutting. Sting laughs before press slamming Flair, so Ric begs off. More strikes cause a Flair Flop, but Ric takes control with a low blow and a knee drop. Even getting slammed off the top rope doesn’t stop Flair. He secures a Figure Four and uses the ropes for leverage. Since Flair won’t stop, Sting pulls him to the middle of the ring and reverses the hold. Once Ric releases the submission, Sting hulks up. He shakes off chops, whips Ric into what is almost a Flair Flip, and lands a superplex. With Ric down, Sting puts him in the Scorpion Deathlock for the victory.

Thoughts: This was a greatest-hits package, and I’m okay with that. It was what I wanted from one last meeting between these two. This was the most fitting way to bring WCW to a close because these two epitomized the company, so I loved this.

Winner: Sting (7:17)

Sting helps Ric to his feet, and they hug. Hudson calls this the ultimate respect. Tony says this was an emotional rollercoaster because of the uncertainty in the air. Then they awkwardly cut to RAW in the middle of a segment. Mr. McMahon makes Lilian introduce him again before the simulcast.

Vince says this is WCW’s final night on TNN, but he means TNT. Next, he reveals he hasn’t finalized the deal yet. Time Warner signed the contract, but Vince wants Ted Turner to bring the documents to him at WrestleMania. Afterward, he will give Turner a front-row seat alongside Linda. They will watch as Vince squeezes the life out of his son Shane, as he did to his competition. Vince beat a billionaire by becoming one! So what will he do with WCW? Will he put them on a shelf or turn them into a media conglomerate? To help with his decision, Vince polls the fans on various WCW wrestlers with a thumbs up or a thumbs down. The usual suspects get great reactions, but the response for Buff Bagwell surprises Vince. It’s all for naught because Vince says he will put WCW on the shelf, just like Shane!

Speaking of Shane, “No Chance in Hell” plays, so Vince prepares for his son’s arrival. The problem is, Shane isn’t in Cleveland. He’s in Panama City Beach! Shane enters the WCW ring, much to Vince’s shock. Shane says Vince’s ego got the better of him again. He didn’t sign the deal, so Shane seized the opportunity. They finalized the deal, and the name on the contract reads McMahon, but it reads Shane McMahon! Shane now owns WCW! They will kick Vince’s ass like they did in the past. And the same will happen at WrestleMania. JR and Heyman can’t believe what they heard. Shane bought WCW right from under his father’s nose! Heyman says Shane screwed and one-upped his old man! With that said, JR plugs the rest of the episode of RAW. Nitro ends with a graphic that says goodnight and goodbye.

The Good:

• Sting vs. Flair

• Booker vs. Steiner

• The Cruiser tag #1 Contender contest

• Helms vs. Chavo

• Rey & Kidman vs. Skipper & Romeo

The Bad:

• Stasiak vs. Bigelow

Performer of the Night:

I’m having a tough time picking one person, so I’m going to do a cop-out. The honor goes to everyone on this show. This had to be an uneasy night for many of them, so I’ll give them kudos for putting on such a good episode.

Final Thoughts:

Watching this was bittersweet. The show itself had a fine quality, but it’s sad to view it. It becomes even more depressing when you know the WWF fumbles the invasion storyline. However, a lot of great talent get spots on the WWF’s roster now and in the future. So it isn’t all bad.

Final Thoughts on WCW:

I can’t believe I reached the end. My heart always held a soft spot for WCW. A WCW match hooked me on wrestling, so they were a sentimental favorite. Overall, I preferred the WWF, but I still enjoyed WCW. This doesn’t mean they didn’t frustrate me. Bad management and poor choices plagued the company constantly. They were still committing careless mistakes, even during their peak years. Vince wouldn’t have ever allowed some of them to happen on his program. For instance, why couldn’t we ever hear David Penzer’s ring announcements? They were background noise. That’s a big part of the presentation.

Then we come to the end. I know a lot of people hate Jamie Kellner for his decision, but let’s be honest with ourselves. He made a business decision most businessmen would have made. WCW was lucky to have lasted as long as they did with the product they put out in the year 2000. WCW did the damage themselves, he just brought it to a close. This makes me sad too, but I hold no ill will toward Kellner.

Well, that’s it for WCW and ECW, but the project continues! This train will move forward toward the ultimate goal of WrestleMania XXX. Fittingly enough, my next review is WrestleMania X-Seven, so join me next week!