WCW The Great American Bash 1996 Review!

 

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that gets more heat than Dominik Mysterio! It’s time for WCW’s Great American Bash 1996! Headlined by The Giant defending his WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Lex Luger! Kevin Greene & Steve Mongo McMichaels against Ric Flair & Arn Anderson, we have The Steiner Brothers back on PPV, Rey Mysterio Jr on PPV for the first time and Sting vs Lord Steven Regal! A nice mix of matches here, hard to think we are just one PPV away from history.

 

Fire & Ice vs The Steiner Brothers

Big meaty men slapping meat! You could not get beefier than this contest right here, it is not going to be a good match but there are going to be some beautiful bumps in here. Scott starts with Ice Train, arm-drag from Scott. Shoulder block by Scott before a clothesline by Ice Train, two for Ice Train. Clubbing blows, Scott lands a hip-toss to Ice & Norton, Steinerlines from Rick and Fire & Ice have to regroup on the floor. Norton wants Rick, clubbing blows and elbows by Norton. Norton misses a clothesline but Norton comes back with another clothesline, Rick ducks a clothesline but eats a shoulder block. Chops by Norton,  Rick is whipped to the buckle and explodes out with a Steinerline.

 

Belly to belly suplex by Rick for two, Scott comes in and lands a dropkick. Scott ducks a clothesline but a Samoan drop takes down Scott, in comes Ice Train who lands a big slam. Scott is hurt, clutching his arm. Norton lands a cheap-shot on Scott, Ice Train lands a corner clothesline on Scott. Scott lands a belly to belly suplex, Irish whip and a clothesline. Ice Train lands a shot to the ribs, in comes Norton who is hit with a dirty exploder suplex. Norton rolls to the floor, Scott is on the top rope. Norton catches Scott and delivers a powerslam for two, short-arm clothesline. Ice Train comes in and applies the sleeper, Scott lands elbows and shakes off Ice Train before Ice Train lands a clothesline. Tag to Norton, Argentine back-breaker into a Shoulder-breaker by Norton. Fujiwara arm-bar by Norton, Rick hits Norton in the head over and over but Norton will not let go of the arm.

 

Norton lands a second shoulder-breaker but Rick blind-tagged into the match. Steinerline and a German suplex, powerslam on Ice Train. Everyone is brawling, Ice throws Scott to the floor. Rick is nailed in the back, powerbomb and splash combination with Scott saving Rick from being pinned. Norton clotheslines Scott to the floor. Scott crotches Ice Train on the top rope, Rick plants Norton with a DDT. Ice lands a double axe handle to Rick, Rick no-sells that shit. Steiner Bulldog, Ice Train makes the save. Frankensteiner for the win!

 

Well there were a few botches in there but a lot of feats of amazing strength too, incredible strength on display from the likes of Norton and The Steiners. Few people here could have been paralyzed but those throws and suplexes were awesome. Odd that two babyface tag teams would start the show but WCW is a little crazy like that sometimes. Chemistry wasn’t great but the beefy bumps made up for it for me.

 

Winners: The Steiner Brothers over Fire & Ice via Frankensteiner!

 

(WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Match) Konnan © vs El Gato

Big fan of El Gato and their game capture devices. As for the wrestler, I know nothing of the man but he looks like he is ready to throw down. We also have Konnan who has been very hit and miss and shown heelish tendencies while being here in WCW.

 

Arm-drags by both men, martial arts kicks by El Gato and a dragon screw too. More kicks and arm-drags, Konnan is very confused by El Gato and his insane abilities. Flying arm-drag by Konnan, El Gato is pulled down by the mask and eats a clothesline. Shoulder block by El Gato, leapfrogs by Konnan but El Gato lands a massive heel kick to the face for two. Throat thrust and El Gato has Konnan in a crucifix, Irish whip and El Gato lands a powerbomb for two. El Gato applies a stretch on the mat, Konnan and El Gato trade holds before Konnan powerbombs El Gato onto the floor after a sunset flip. El Gato did not want to take that bump so it is very slow but the fans still react, El Gato tries a corner head-scissors but an Alabama slam into a jacnkife pin and it’s over.

 

I feel for Konnan, his style is different and his opponents are still not sure what to do to get the most out of him so despite his major push, we have no idea where any of this is going or building to. The heel turn could have been very beneficial for Konnan but as it is, it’s very awkward.

 

Winner: Konnan over El Gato via Jacknife Cover!

 

(Lord of The Ring Match) DDP vs Marcus Bagwell

DDP won the battle bowl lethal lottery thing at Slamboree which was filled with the mid-card so not exactly an impressive feat and DDP follows it up by taking on one half of The American Males in Marcus Bagwell who was last seen on PPV in 1994 I imagine with The Patriot. Bagwell sprints down to the ring, DDP sends Bagwell to the floor. Axe handle on the floor, Bagwell is smacked across the chest before Bagwell dumps DDP to the floor snap-mare style. Right hands by Bagwell, DDP is sent into the guard-rail. In the ring, Bagwell lands knee after knee into the arm. Hammerlock, elbow escape and shoulder block by DDP. Flying forearm by Bagwell, Bagwell applies a submission before DDP escapes.

 

Bagwell wants a top rope move but DDP crotches Bagwell, Bagwell is tossed to the mat. DDP lands kick after kick, choke from DDP. DDP rakes at the mouth, DDP lands a Regal Plex for a close two. Bagwell is on his knees and fighting back, abdominal stretch by DDP who uses the ropes for leverage. DDP gets caught and Bagwell lands a hip-toss, Bagwell cannot capitalize. DDP lands his tombstone like front-slam for two, DDP kicks away at Bagwell. Bagwell fights back from his knees, a gut punch. Inverted atomic drop and atomic drop by Bagwell, right hands by Bagwell. Clothesline by Bagwell, Irish whip and an elbow. Bagwell is on the apron, slingshot clothesline. Knees in the corner by Bagwell, elbow counter by DDP. Cover with the ropes for leverage for two, Bagwell lands an elbow and a tilt-a-whirl head-scissors. Bagwell looks for a fisherman suplex but DDP holds onto the ropes, lands a punch to the gut and a Diamond Cutter for the win.

 

Sad to see Bagwell has not evolved since the two years that I saw him last but that’s how it goes sometimes, DDP is continuing to rise the card which is great for him, still not the complete package at this part but the people are reacting to his bumping and his finish is one of the most protected.

 

Winner: DDP over Marcus Bagwell via Diamond Cutter!

 

(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Dean Malenko © vs Rey Mysterio Jr.

This is the shit right here, we are going to get a disgustingly fun match so stylistically different from everything in the company and this crowd right here has no idea that their minds are going to be completely blown. Side headlock by Mysterio, hammerlock by Malenko. Wrist-lock by Malenko, Mysterio sweeps the leg for one. Wrist-lock by Mysterio, Malenko flips out but Mysterio kicks off as well. Two kip-ups, crowd applauds. Drop toehold by Malenko, STF.

 

We go to the ropes, clean break by Malenko. Side headlock by Mysterio, leapfrogs from both. Elbow by Mysterio into a beautiful arm-drag, Malenko is on the floor. Mysterio lands a springboard dropkick, Malenko is on the floor. Test of strength by Malenko, Mysterio tries a sunset flip but Malenko counters for a catapult to the floor. Malenko’s baseball slide does not work as Mysterio is too quick, Malenko catches the arm and kicks the elbow with Mysterio screaming in pain. Malenko stops the arm, hammerlock scoop slam. Shoulder thrust by Malenko, arm-drag into a key-lock. Cross arm-breaker, Mysterio reaches the ropes.

 

On the guardrail, Malenko kicks Mysterio’s arm hard. Boot by Malenko, Mysterio tries a hurricanrana but Malenko counters and lands a clothesline, cross arm-breaker again by Malenko. Malenko continues torturing the arm and lands another elbow to the arm, hammerlock belly to back suplex. Two for Malenko, another suplex on the arm for two. Irish whip and Mysterio lands a dropkick, Mysterio can’t capitalize so Malenko goes back to the arm. Malenko hammerlocks the arm and falls back Indian Death-Lock style on it, Fujiwara arm-bar by Malenko. Romero special into a German bridge for two, Mysterio was in the ropes.

 

Knee to the arm, stomp to the arm. Kimura attempt by Malenko, Mysterio escapes but another suplex takes down Mysterio for a close two. Butterfly suplex for two, Mysterio is working hard to not be pinned. Two arm-breakers and a Fujiwara arm-bar, Mysterio escapes the hold and runs Malenko to the floor. Mysterio elbows Malenko down and lands a dropkick, springboard somersault from Mysterio. Ridiculous move by Mysterio, Mysterio throws Malenko to the ring. Springboard dropkick for two, Malenko is up first. Mysterio almost rolls-up Malenko for two, Irish whip reversal by Malenko. Mysterio lands his West Coast Pop for two. Chops by Mysterio, Malenko elevates Mysterio to the apron. Mysterio lands a shoulder, Malenko catches Mysterio. Avalance Gut-Buster is blocked for a super hurricanrana, Mysterio counters a tilt-a-whirl into a splash, two for the challenger. Mysterio whips Malenko to the buckle, super hurricanrana is blocked for a powerbomb and Malenko places the feet on the ropes for the win.

 

Solid arm-work throughout by Malenko, thought it was a little long in places but when Mysterio was allowed to shine, Mysterio shone brightly. Moves that had the fans freaking out, Mysterio would be one of the most popular wrestlers on the roster after a mere amount of weeks. Malenko is a great base for Mysterio and unselfish in his efforts to allow Mysterio the spotlight when necessary. Some sequences could have been a little tighter and the arm-work a little more interesting but a nice blueprint for what would become more refined and awesome as the months and years passed.

 

Winner: Dean Malenko over Rey Mysterio via Powerbomb!

 

Big Bubba W/ Jimmy Hart vs John Tenta

Tenta was kicked out of The Dungeon and Bubba took some of his hair, they start on the floor with Bubba punching Tenta. Very strange for the heel to win a fist-fight to start, Tenta knocks Bubba off the top rope. Bubba meets the steel steps, Bubba begs for mercy. Tenta hip attacks Bubba, Bubba lands an uppercut and grabs something from his pants and nails Tenta in his face. Bubba hits his leg across the back three times, Bubba wants to go a fourth time but lands a beautiful uppercut. Ropes for leverage on the cover for two, Bubba falls on Tenta. Choking and gouging, Tenta is back up though and fights his way back into the match. Bubba whips Tenta to the buckle, Tenta’s foot is sent into the buckle.

 

Knees into the leg by Bubba, Bubba chokes Tenta with his singlet. Foot choke in the corner, Tenta sends Bubba to the buckle. Tenta misses a splash, belly to back suplex by Bubba. Bubba is on the top rope, Tenta lands a slam for the win as Bubba dives into his arms.

 

Ugh very slow from the two big men, incredible compared to the prior match. Bubba can have good matches with big men that are stiff and full of big pumps but that did not happen here sadly.

 

Winner: John Tenta over Big Bubba via Powerslam!

 

(Falls Count Anywhere Match) Chris Benoit vs Kevin Sullivan W/ Jimmy Hart

Sullivan took out Pillman in his own words so Sullivan wants to take out another Horsemen, Sullivan also left Benoit to get sent through a table by Public Enemy. This match starts in the aisleway, Benoit lands a massive clothesline. Now they go to the ring, Benoit chops and throws right hands at Sullivan. Eye rake by Sullivan to regain control, they are in the crowd. They are brawling now in the crowd, Sullivan lands a nasty shot to the eye. They make their way to the bathroom, Benoit has the bathroom door slammed on his head. Double stomp before Benoit blocks being sent into the urinal but slams the door on Sullivan’s head, eye poke by Sullivan. Benoit is sent into the laundry shoot, kitchen towels are tossed on Benoit.

 

They choke one another by the entrance to the toilet, trash can to the head. Benoit hits Sullivan with the trash can, they brawl down the steps and back to ringside. Sullivan throws a chair, Benoit places Sullivan groin-first on the guardrail. Benoit wants a table, Sullivan meets the guardrail. Sullivan is into the crowd again, Benoit pulls out the table. Sullivan is smashed in the head, we have the table in the ring. Benoit is whipped onto the table, Sullivan misses a splash. Sullivan elevates Benoit onto the table which is placed on the top rope, Sullivan is met by Benoit with punches. Superplex and this is over!

 

Love the physicality of this one, this would take a darker turn as time progressed with real-life complications but here at this moment is two tough motherfuckers beating the piss out of one another. Really felt like the two hate one another, good brawling through the crowd which was rare enough so the fans react big time, a meaty finish with a monster superplex and then Anderson turns on Sullivan so the crowd is big-time happy with this moment.

 

Winner: Chris Benoit over Kevin Sullivan via Superplex!

 

Lord Steven Regal vs Sting

This is rather odd, Regal who has been mostly a tag team guy since 1994 suddenly challenging Sting right before The Outsiders take over, this feels like the trajectory Regal should have been on after dropping the television championship but it’s two years later than I expected it to happen. Sting comes right out with right hands and chops, Regal is on the floor. Into the guardrail and a back body-drop, Regal begs for mercy and thumbs Sting in the eye. Forearms and uppercuts, Sting is rocked. Snap-mare into a knee drop for two, side headlock by Regal. Sting drops down and lands a Japanese arm-drag, Regal talks trash with the fans. Regal asks for a handshake, Sting refuses. Regal sweeps the leg, Regal uses a cobra clutch before landing big elbows.

 

Uppercuts by Regal, full-nelson stretch by Regal. Sunset flip by Sting for two, Regal regains control with an elbow. Another stretch by Regal, Sting escapes but eats a lot of elbows. Regal measures and lands a dropkick to the head for two, elbow to the head and Regal talks trash. Knees to the head and an uppercut, Regal has a reverse chin-lock. Sting counters with a belly to back suplex, Regal lands a leg drop to the arm. Sting cannot escape as Regal applies a side headlock on the ground, Regal uses his elbows to the back of Sting’s head. Sting fights back applying an abdominal stretch, Regal makes it to the ropes. Regal lands a huge left to the face, Regal stretches Sting again with a head-scissors hold.

 

Regal uses Sting hair to pull him down, Sting keeps coming back. Forearms but Sting is not going down, eye poke by Regal. Kicks and uppercuts, butterfly hold from Regal. Sting reverses an Irish whip and lands a dropkick and series of clotheslines for two, top rope butterfly suplex for two by Regal. Regal Stretch! Sting does not tap, Regal lands uppercuts and forearms. A backhand slap is a bad idea, Sting is alive. Right hands and chops by Sting, Regal is being battered down. Stinger Splash is blocked by knees, Regal is back-dropped though. Scorpion Death-Lock in the middle of the ring, Regal has to give up!

 

I liked this match a lot, Regal is a different style to what Sting is used to and it’s on the second Regal starts nailing his elbows and uppercuts, it is vicious throughout with all the various submissions and it works so well as Sting just eats all of it and comes out with all that fire, crowd erupts for that Scorpion Death-Lock and I love Regal sells it like absolute death, fighting to escape the hold throughout, just really good professional wrestling.

 

Winner: Sting over Lord Steven Regal via Scorpion Death-Lock!

 

Ric Flair & Arn Anderson W/ Miss Elizabeth & Woman vs Kevin Greene & Steve Mongo McMichael

Comes totally out of nowhere, we were having Savage wanting to kill this man and now we have ex-professional football players throwing down with The Horsemen? What a risk to put all that pressure on The Horsemen to carry two people who have never worked, Anderson to start with Mongo. Anderson out-wrestlers Mongo and shoves him off like a punk, Mongo works the arm before Anderson trips up Mongo. Anderson tries to wrestle the Mongo style and it does not work as Mongo shoulder blocks the shit out of Anderson. Anderson tricks Mongo into doing it again, drop toehold by Anderson who stomps the shit out of Mongo. Mongo meets the buckle, boot smashes Anderson. Middle rope diving tackle by Mongo, Flair is outraged. In comes Greene and they stomp the shit out of Anderson.

 

Savage nails Anderson too, Anderson regroups and wants a piece of Greene. Greene is jacked, Greene wants Flair. Flair begins strutting, Flair is on fine form. Flair uses the referee to kick Greene in the head, right hand to the face. Chops and right hands by Flair, Greene shoves off Flair. Shoulder tackle to both Horsemen, Greene struts before Savage throws Flair back in, back body-drop and a clothesline. Tag to Mongo, Anderson is scared off the apron. Mongo lands shoulder block after shoulder block, Mongo is lured into the corner. Boots by Flair, Mongo shakes off the chop. Mongo shakes off the punches and chops Flair, Flair is hip-tossed and Flair begs for mercy.

 

Back body drop by Mongo, Flair is begging for mercy. Eye poke by Flair, Flair tries going high but Mongo slams Flair off the top rope. Flair is begging for mercy, Mongo puts the figure four on Flair and Greene puts on the figure four on Anderson. Woman rakes the eyes of Mongo, all the wives and valets are out of here. Anderson tags in Flair, Flair chops and tosses Mongo to the floor. Anderson kicks Mongo over and over, Savage tries to make the save. In the ring, Flair lands a knee-drop and Anderson comes in and stomps the gut. Middle rope choke by Anderson, Flair attacks Mongo behind the referee’s back.

 

Double suplex on Mongo, double choke too. Greene wipes out Anderson with a tackle, Flair & Anderson are beating down Mongo. Mongo atomic drops Anderson into Flair, this is the hot-tag moment. Tag to Greene who takes out the legs of Anderson, scoop slams galore. Back-body-drop, powerslam by Greene. Flair begs for mercy, Flair Flip and Mongo lands a boot to the face. Suplex into the ring, Anderson chop-blocks Greene. Greene is in a bad way, Anderson and Flair are isolating Greene. Shin-breaker by Flair, Flair applies The Figure Four! Benoit comes down and Savage brawls with Benoit before Anderson makes the save. Debra McMichaels is here with Woman & Elizabeth, there is a briefcase here. Mongo nails Kevin Greene with the briefcase and Flair covers for the win, Mongo is a Horsemen.

 

So this match is very interesting for a number of reasons, the first for me is Bobby Heenan being a manager for the first time in WCW, they have had this man in their company for at least 3 years by this point and Heenan was never used in that capacity and here he is being used only to be out of the position by the next month and Heenan will never be a heel again. The second interesting part is having two non-wrestlers in there with two wrestlers, the confidence and skill of Flair to make anyone look competent is staggering, truly a special wrestler. Mongo being a permanent member of the wrestling roster was also a potential risk but they have faith in Mongo and knowing his current condition makes me very sad. Fun match that had no right being that good with an interesting turn at the end of the match.

 

Winners: The Horsemen over Mongo & Kevin Greene via Briefcase To The Head!

 

(WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match) The Giant © W/ Jimmy Hart vs Lex Luger

Luger is a double champion and runs right into the boot of Giant, stomps by Giant. Irish whip and Luger ducks the clothesline, punches and clothesline. Giant lands on his feet, Giant places Luger on his shoulders and back into the ring. Giant tries to step back in the ring but Luger is all over him, Luger has a sleeper on Giant. Sting is here to stop Jimmy Hart getting involved, Sting chases away Jimmy Hart. Giant whips Luger to the buckle, forearm shots to the back. Foot choke in the corner, whip to the opposite buckle and a back-breaker. Back-breaker stretch from Giant, Argentine back-breaker from Giant.

 

Luger is dropped to the mat, Luger fights back and tries a scoop slam but Giant falls on top of Luger. Massive stomp to the lower back, Giant is executing his game plan very well to stop the rack. Luger comes back with huge clothesline and few forearms, Giant is wobbling. Chop-block from Luger, rights and lefts by Luger. Giant shoves away Luger, Giant misses a corner splash. Luger lands massive shots to the ribs, Luger wants The Torture Rack. Luger is squashed by Giant, the pain in his back was simply too much. Chokeslam by Giant and this match is over.

 

Not a great main event by any stretch of the imagination, it’s crazy though to see what happens with Giant moving forward, the most unstoppable force possibly ever in WCW, Giant had beaten Savage, Flair, Sting and Luger and to know what comes next is shocking. Luger is over with the fans but not a lot going on in this match to have the fans on the edge of their seats, Sting was far and away the better option for WCW against Giant and that’s why this is a bad main event, Luger can’t keep the fans interested like The Stinger and this leads to a disappointing main event.

 

Winner: The Giant over Lex Luger via Chokeslam!

 

That was WCW’s Great American Bash 1996, a glimpse into what WCW would become in the coming years while also showcasing the death of the other side of WCW. This is the final review of WCW for me so I want to take my time here and articulate all  my thoughts about the company as it has taken me about 2 years to get through at least 10 years of WCW content. We shall first look at this PPV as a whole, it starts off with the most meaty of tag team matches, timing is abysmal at times, it is not exactly what I had envisioned with The Steiners returning but two babyface teams go at it and hit hard. Looks like a car wreck at times so a bit tighter and I probably would have been a bit more happy. Konnan vs El Gato is what every Konnan match is here before he found his personality in WCW, some good wrestling but little reaction. It’s not working despite the big push and the fans just do not want to see Konnan.

 

DDP vs Bagwell is very tame, I stand by my claim that Bagwell despite his youth and inexperience, has not progressed at all since his tag team days. He’s bland and DDP is getting better as a worker but as a heel, still needs a likeable babyface to carry some fire into these matches. There is no fire here, there is no heat and The Diamond Cutter is welcomed not only by the bored reviewer here but also the fans, not a good sign for Bagwell. A sign of the future is Rey Mysterio vs Dean Malenko, a little slow in parts but these two tear it up when it is time to tear it up, Mysterio has been made as a star and the cruiserweight division will go on to earn rave reviews as everyone was insanely talented in the division. Things dip massively with Big Bubba vs John Tenta, it’s not fun nor exciting.

 

Benoit vs Sullivan is so intense and interesting, I love it much like Finlay vs Regal. These two guys do not like one another and proceed to hammer one another to prove that point to everyone in the building, crowd-brawling was fun before it was worn out later in the 90s and the finish garners a monster reaction. Great match, things continue on the positivity side with Regal vs Sting with Regal showcasing the ability he had and the position he deserved that was ripped from him in 1994. Shame this would probably be the peak for Regal in the company as the main event scene would become too packed and cluttered in the following months and years. Flair & Anderson vs Greene & Mongo overachieves so much, it’s ridiculous. Kudos to Flair & Anderson, they take two people who shouldn’t be able to have even a decent match and they have a very fun match at the end of the night. Main event is very bad, Sting is the only one in there who can garner a reaction against Giant, Luger couldn’t keep the fans interested and it shows.

 

Now onto how I felt watching WCW from roughly 1986 to 1996, I initially covered WCW by watching The Formation of The NWO to the closure of the company and there were some might highs along the way and some crushing lows too. However, I wanted to see what it was like before, how WCW grew and adapted throughout the years. WCW was a great alternative to the WWF, the presentation was grittier, the angles more realistic and the style was exciting to watch. I could never shake the feeling that the company was always one step behind though and one step away from meltdown. For every Flair vs Funk, Flair vs Steamboat, Sting vs Vader, Dangerous Alliance vs Sting’s Squadron, the company was losing stars or making bone-headed decisions.

 

The gimmick attached to Starrcade year after year made it difficult to watch whether it was the tournament edition from 1989 or the consecutive Battle Bowls, the company was always shooting itself in the foot. Losing the likes of Sid, Flair, Bulldog, Steamboat and the likes of Sting to injury at key times made progress a difficult goal to attain. Arguably my favourite period was 1992/1993 WCW with Vader and Sting having classics, The Dangerous Alliance and the rise of the likes of Pillman, Austin & Regal. However, a dramatic shift would occur with Hogan joining the company and all the progress would be erased. I do find it sad never seeing how Pillman would have developed, how Austin would have been in The Main Event, how Rude & Steamboat would have done if they had not had injuries that ended their careers and how Sting would have done if they had put him at the top of the mountain but sadly, it was not meant to be when it came to WCW and after watching so many PPVs, I am happy for the highs and I would gladly say that I would do it all over again. Thanks for reading and checking out any of my stupid ramblings about the sport of professional wrestling!

 

 

WCW Slamboree 1996 Review!

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that continues to operate long after it should have died! Hey it’s WCW Slamboree 1996 and look, they brought back The Battle Bowl concept, kill me now. I hate this concept, I hate everything about it, it pisses all over every feud they have going in the company and I am sure these events never did any good business, they used it at 2 Starrcades in the early 90s and I thought I had escaped this shite but no how I was once again wrong, I am not even going to get into the matches. Let’s just get this over with.

 

Animal & Booker T vs Hawk & Lex Luger

I have hated this three-way feud between these teams and they just won’t let it die, why do I have to keep being tortured with this crap, imagine creating a PPV of just tag team matches, no variety whatsoever. Animal vs Luger to start, Booker is talking shit with Animal. They lock-up, Luger has Animal in the corner. No clean break from Luger, right hands and clubbing blows. Powerslam by Luger, Animal pushes Luger to the corner. Shoulder thrusts by Animal, clothesline by Animal. Powerslam by Animal, flying shoulder block by Animal. Luger lands a clubbing blow and delivers a suplex but Animal no-sells. Dropkick and tag to Booker, Animal and Booker are shoving one another. Heel kick by Booker, knees in the corner.

 

Luger is whipped to the buckle, boot by Luger but Booker is too quick. Booker slaps on a reverse chin-lock, Luger elbows his way out of the hold but Booker lands a kick to the ribs and lands a Scissors Kick. Hawk makes the save, Luger & Hawk are brawling with one another and of course, Animal backs up Hawk. Brawl with everyone on the floor, crowd reacts which is nice. Luger is backing away, Booker T is wiped out by Hawk and the crowd counts for a double-count-out!

 

So if you are keeping score, The Road Warriors have had three horrific matches in a row on PPV, at least they did the JOB in the last one but this concept sucks and I just want to die already and this was the first match. Brutal times ahead for me, please pray for me.

 

Double Count-Out!

 

The Public Enemy vs The Taskmaster Kevin Sullivan & Chris Benoit

Sullivan and Benoit hate one another while The Public Enemy were lucky enough to stay together, Benoit and Rocco Rock to start, they slap one another. Eye rake by Rocco, big uppercut. Irish whip reversed by Benoit, flying head-scissors by Rocco. Shove by Benoit, Benoit rakes the eyes and lands headbutt. Hurricanrana by Rocco, Rocco dances and stomps on Benoit. Benoit reverses an Irish whip and powerbombs the shit out of Rocco. Benoit dances and beats the piss out of Rocco, slap across the face. Tag to Taskmaster, slaps to the chest. Grunge comes in and Benoit takes care of him, we are on the floor and weapons are flying. Chairs to the head and hold on a second, a table is just setup ready to use. The fuck is this haha, Rocco places Taskmaster on the table. Rocco is cut off by a clothesline by Benoit, Rocco from the apron suplexes Benoit to the floor.

 

Rocco puts Benoit on the table, Sullivan is on top of Benoit. Sullivan dodges but Benoit is put through the table by Grunge & Rocco, Sullivan walks out on Benoit and Benoit is pinned through Grunge holding down his foot.

 

Not much of a match really, I liked the physicality as Benoit always brings the pain, a table bump is always appreciated and it continues the feud between Benoit & Sullivan.

 

Winners: The Public Enemy over Benoit & Sullivan via Splash Through The Table!

 

Sgt. Craig Pittman W/ Teddy Long & Scott Steiner vs The Booty Man W/ The Booty Babe & Rick Steiner

The idea of Scott Steiner beating the shite out of Booty Man pleases me, please give me what I need WCW. Pittman and Booty to start, fuck this company. Pittman does a series of waistlocks and it’s boring, Scott comes in and shoulder blocks Booty Man, Booty lands a hip-toss and a knee before Scott drills Booty with a tiger driver, fuck yes. Pittman is in (Damn You!), Booty has a wrist-lock and in comes Rick, they lock-up and Pittman lands a knee and big impact blows. Rick lands a shoulder block and a powerslam, Pittman German suplexes the shit out of Rick. Rick clubs the life out of Pittman with a Steinerline, Pittman tags in Scott. Crowd wants to see it between the two, they lock-up and Scott has Rick in the ropes.

 

Firemen’s carry by Scott, judo hip throw by Rick. Waist-locks from both men, Scott lands a massive exploder suplex. Rick lands a Steinerline, small package by Scott for two. Rick reverses an Irish whip, Scott lands two clotheslines and goes for a full-nelson. Rick reverses and lands a dragon suplex, Scott lands a middle rope exploder suplex on Rick, Booty Man is here. Scott dodges a corner spear, Booty Man hits the ring-post hard. Pittman is looking for Code Red, Booty Man makes the tag to survive. Rick lands a German suplex for the win, Scott is disgusted.

 

Another quick match, Scott vs Rick was awesome, shame when they actually feuded that Scott could barely move. Some beautifully nasty bumps in here though, needed more Booty Man being massacred though.

 

Winners: Rick Steiner & Booty Man over Scott Steiner & Craig Pittman via German Suplex!

 

The Blue Bloods vs V.K. Wallstreet & Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Duggan vs Regal to start, lots of stalling to begin. Lock-up, Duggan has Regal in the corner but Regal lands an elbow to the face, Duggan lands a hip-toss. Wallstreet does not want to tag Duggan, Duggan lands a clothesline, make it three. Wallstreet is in and Dave Taylor is in too, Taylor works the arm and tags in Regal. Lots of mat-wrestling here, uppercuts galore. Duggan is aggressively tagged, Duggan & Wallstreet talk smack to one another. Regal takes control with a forearm, Duggan & Regal bang heads. Taylor is tagged in, Duggan decks everyone with right hands. Duggan has a taped fist, Taylor is knocked out!

 

Well that was quick and to the point, good for Duggan who was arguably more over than everyone in the ring so why not push him big time.

 

Winners: Jim Duggan & VK Wallstreet over The Blue Bloods via Taped Fist!

 

Dirty Dick Slater & Bobby Eaton vs The Dancing Fools

Slater pushes Disco to the corner, clean break by Slater. Leg trip and Slater works the leg before Disco shoves off Slater. Elbows and chops by Slater, Disco tags in Wright. Eaton comes in with big right hands, Eaton whips Wright to the buckle, uppercuts by Wright. Hip-toss and dropkick by Wright, head-scissors and flying wheel kick. Tag to Slater, Disco gets the tag too. Right hands all around, elbows for Eaton. Match breaks down with all 4 in the ring, Disco lands an elbow in the corner. Slater cracks Disco in the back of the head with his boot. Just why must I watch this tournament?

 

Winners: Dick Slater & Bobby Eaton over The Dancing Fools via Boot to The Head!

 

DDP & The Barbarian vs Hugh Morrus & Meng

A mysterious benefactor has given DDP the means to come back to WCW, oh joy for DDP. I have to say though having watched DDP go from curtain jerker to TV champion to now, the man got his act together and got in shape very well. DDP looks almost like a different person, it’s crazy. Eye-poke and arm-wrench by DDP, shoulder thrusts and a side headlock. Morrus looks to reverse, DDP uses the hair to maintain control. Shoulder block and DDP is on the floor, Morrus tries a plancha and splats on the floor hard. DDP delivers a huge clothesline, tag to Barbarian. Morrus lands a clubbing blow and Meng comes in, the two partners are going to destroy one another. Chops and kicks by Meng, Barbarian pokes the eyes and lands a shoulder block.

 

Elbows to the head, clubbing blows but no movement. Spinning kick by Barbarian, down goes Meng. Assisted splash by DDP and Barbarian, Meng dodges an elbow drop and lands a headbutt on Barbarian. Tag to Morrus, scoop slam and Morrus climbs high. Diving elbow drop for two, DDP crotches Morrus. Barbarian wants a belly to belly and it connects! Meng makes the save, Hugh Morrus lands his Moonsault but DDP makes the save. DDP and Meng are brawling, superkick by both Barbarian & Meng but DDP has his foot under the ropes while Morrus did not so DDP & Barbarian advance.

 

Winners: DDP & Barbarian over Meng & Hugh Morrus via Superkick!

 

Big Bubba & Stevie Ray vs Fire & Ice

 

Stevie Ray & Norton to start, clean break by Norton and Stevie Ray takes advantage, scoop slam by Stevie. Norton reverses an Irish whip and lands a flying shoulder tackle, belly thrusts in the corner. Stevie blocks Norton twice with a boot, big clothesline by Stevie. Bubba is in, wind-up punch by Bubba. Corner splash, spinebuster by Bubba for two. Ice Train is in, splash but only two for Ice Train. Clothesline with both men down, Norton is in. Face-buster by Norton, Bubba and Stevie Ray bang heads and Fire & Ice nail a shoulder block for the win. Lame!

 

Fire & Ice over Big Bubba & Stevie Ray via Shoulder Block!

 

Arn Anderson & Eddie Guerrero vs Ric Flair & Randy Savage

Arn Anderson attacks Savage before the bell and Flair attacks Savage too, Flair and Eddie are brawling now with Eddie showing Flair that this will not be easy, forearms and a dropkick. Flair is begging for mercy, Woman & Miss Elizabeth are here! Lock-up, Flair chops Eddie but Eddie is drilling him back. Back body-drop and dropkicks by Eddie, eye-poke by Flair. Flair attacks Savage again, Flair allows Anderson to tag into the match so that Anderson can rough up Savage. Anderson shoves Savage to the corner, shoulder thrusts and forearms. Savage boots Anderson after an Irish whip, Spinebuster by Anderson for two. Flair tags into the match and beats the piss out of Savage, Eddie lands an eye-poke and chops on Flair.

 

Flair Flop, dropkick from Eddie. Tornado DDT lands, Savage goes after Flair. Anderson and Eddie are talking before Anderson wipes out Eddie with a DDT, Anderson attacks Savage. Flair is going to steal a win over Eddie, Ric Flair steals the win!

 

More short matches where I would rather see matches between everyone who was feuding instead of this crap, big part here though as Elizabeth slaps Savage.

 

Winners: Randy Savage & Ric Flair over Anderson & Eddie Guerrero via DDT!

 

(WCW Cruiserweight Championship Match) Dean Malenko © vs Brad Armstrong

The Ice Man Dean Malenko became champion by defeating Shinjiro Otani so we have the beginning of something special here in WCW with the cruiserweight championship. Brad Armstrong is your favourite worker’s favourite opponent if he was in WCW during the late 80s. Nobody says Brad Armstrong was not the shit, the man was like a machine but could never have that gimmick or charisma that would take him beyond being everyone favourite’s worker.

 

Standing switches from both men, Malenko drop toeholds but Armstrong wriggles free for a rings of Saturn like stretch, hammerlock into a side headlock. Malenko turns the tide, leap-frogs before a massive enzuigiri from Armstrong. Both men try hip-tosses, Malenko lands a headbutt before Armstrong lands a hip-toss and a dropkick. Malenko is on the floor recharging the batteries. Test of strength fake from Malenko, short dropkick to the knee. Armstrong is in trouble, Malenko sends the knee into the ring-post. Malenko stretches the leg of Armstrong, Armstrong makes it to the ropes. Malenko lands a scoop slam, Malenko lands a middle rope knee-drop to the leg. Shin-breaker and a standing leg lock from Malenko, Armstrong is placed in the tree of woe. Armstrong almost scores an upset with a sunset flip, Malenko is quickly out and works the leg.

 

Heel hook leads to a rope break, Malenko snaps the leg off of the ring apron. Another scoop slam, Malenko tries a splash but Armstrong blocks with a boot to the face. Irish whip and right hand by Armstrong, powerslam by Armstrong. Armstrong is going high risk, missile dropkick from Armstrong. Armstrong puts Malenko in The Texas Cloverleaf! What is going on here? Malenko makes it to the ropes, Malenko pulls Armstrong to the floor. Armstrong is on the apron, Malenko’s head meets the ring-post. Malenko nails a top-rope gut-buster on Armstrong for the win!

 

Another brief match, loved Malenko’s leg work throughout the match even though Armstrong did not sell it towards the end of the match, only remembering to when it was necessary. Didn’t think Malenko used that gut-buster as a finish but stranger things have happened and it does look nasty, a breathe of fresh air on this terrible card.

 

Winner: Dean Malenko over Brad Armstrong via Top-Rope Gut-Buster!

 

Bobby Eaton & Dick Slater vs Hacksaw Jim Duggan & V.K. Wallstreet

Duggan beat the crap out of his partner earlier so the idea they would even come out together is ridiculous but here we are, the bell rings and Duggan is tearing up Wallstreet. Eaton & Slater are here now, they get the jump on Duggan & Wallstreet before Duggan turns the tide, Wallstreet knees Duggan to the floor. Slater lands a Russian leg-sweep on Wallstreet for two, elbow by Slater. Eaton comes in, back body-drop by Wallstreet. Duggan headbutts Eaton on the floor, abdominal stretch by Wallstreet. Slater makes the save, Duggan waffles Eaton & Slater. Duggan & Slater come into the ring, Duggan knocks down Slater for two, reverse chin-lock from Duggan.

 

Slater and Duggan collide off a comical shoulder block, tag to Wallstreet & Eaton. Wallstreet showing me why I hated him all those years ago by flopping, Eaton slams Wallstreet. Eaton is yanked off the top rope, Wallstreet nails Duggan by mistake, Duggan smacks Wallstreet back and Eaton gets the roll-up win!

 

Ugh how many more matches of this shit do I have to sit through?

 

Winners: Eaton & Slater over Duggan & Wallstreet via Roll-Up!

 

The Public Enemy vs Ric Flair & Randy Savage

Imagine The Public Enemy getting two PPV matches on one night, double payday. Savage comes out after Flair to jump Flair and security takeaway Savage, why didn’t this happen when Flair attacked Savage? That’s a bit bizarre, The American Males are here. Wow been a wild since I saw Bagwell on PPV, maybe 1994? Public Enemy win by forfeit!

 

Winners: The Public Enemy!

 

DDP & The Barbarian vs The Booty Man & Rick Steiner

DDP talks to Booty Babe, Booty Man is not happy. Big right hand by Booty Man, tag to Steiner. Steiner and Booty fuck-up a spot, great stuff. Steiner slams DDP hard for two, Steiner wants ten punches in the corner but DDP flapjacks Steiner onto the turnbuckle. In comes Barbarian who boots Steiner before being suplexed by The Dog-Faced Gremlin, middle rope belly to belly suplex. Steinerline for two, Barbarian clubs down Steiner. Powerbomb by Barbarian, two for Barbarian. Barbarian tosses Steiner over the top rope behind the referee’s back, DDP stomps all over Steiner. Barbarian lands a corner clothesline, clothesline and a second clothesline goes wrong as Steiner lands a stungun. High Knee by Booty Man, DDP makes the save. Booty Man tries an O’Connor roll but DDP lands an elbow to the head and Barbarian covers for the win.

 

Winners: DDP & Barbarian over Booty Man & Rick Steiner via Elbow!

 

(WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Match) Konnan © vs Jushin Liger

I don’t think even Sonny Onoo can make Jushin Liger a heel on this night as Konnan comes out looking like a massively jacked heel. Lock-up, trip and interesting move from Konnan, they trade wrist-locks and pin-fall attempts. Chops by Liger, snap-mare and a senton by the challenger. Onoo lands some martial arts kicks but it doesn’t work out for Onoo, baseball slide and plancha by Liger. Brainbuster by Liger for two, Konnan tries stretching Liger who reverses and stretches Konnan. Camel clutch by Liger, single leg Boston crab attempt. Konnan begins to fight back, both men slap one another before Liger lands a kappu kick.

 

Liger lifts Konnan onto the top rope, superplex by Liger. Liger calls for something big from the top, diving splash from the top for two. Liger tries a splash to the floor but Konnan lands a dropkick, Liger dodges an elbow in the ring and lands a belly to back suplex. Liger lands a fisherman buster for a close two, Liger is whipped to the buckle. Liger tries a head-scissors out of the corner but Konnan counters for an alabama slam. Konnan wanted a Splash Mountain Bomb but Liger rolls out for a sunset flip and a close two, Liger wants a Liger-Bomb. It connects, 1…2…. Konnan kicks out at the last moment! Scoop slam by Liger, Konnan blocks with a boot. Konnan lands The Power Drive and it’s over!

 

Again when I see Konnan in WCW, I become curious about how he comes across in AAA because he had to have some sort of magic factor to have people lose their minds over the guy. Liger doesn’t know how to have a bad match especially during this era so they drop bombs and while the crowd doesn’t care, I am eating it up but the question has to be asked: Why are they pushing Konnan so hard when the crowd doesn’t care.

 

Winner: Konnan over Jushin Liger via Power Drive!

 

(Battle-Bowl Match)

Eight men battling for the title of “Lord of The Ring”, a prestigious title that can only be held by the bets of the best so who do we have here tonight? Ice Train, Scott Norton, Dick Slater, Bobby Eaton, Public Enemy, Barbarian and DDP. Oh yeah, that just screams the best of WCW. Everyone is paring off in corners, lots of punching so if that’s your thing, you will be in heaven in this one. Barbarian almost boots out DDP. Finally Rocco Rock is thrown out as Barbarian back-drops him out, Slater smashes Eaton with his boot and Eaton is eliminated.

 

Eaton decks Parker with a right hand, it is beautiful. Slater must be eliminated as the camera misses it, Slater & Eaton brawl to the back. DDP throws out Scott Norton with a back-drop, what a random last four. Powerslam by Ice Train on Barbarian, DDP and Grunge. DDP drops Barbarian with a Diamond Cutter, Cutter on Ice Train and Grunge. DDP pins Grunge, DDP pins Ice Train and DDP does not pin Barbarian. Barbarian catches the foot of DDP, clothesline by Barbarian for two. Barbarian spikes DDP with a tombstone for a close two, Barbarian has the sleeper, DDP lands a low-blow. Irish whip but DDP lowers his head, Barbarian wants a powerbomb. Another two, scoop slam by Barbarian. Diving headbutt misses, Diamond Cutter and it’s over.

 

Big moment for DDP, they obviously have plans for DDP who is working very hard to improve his craft, good for him although there will always be rumours of how his relations to Bischoff and The Wolfpac would impact his career.

 

Winner: DDP over Barbarian via Diamond Cutter!

 

(WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match) The Giant © W/ Jimmy Hart vs Sting

Jimmy Hart & Lex Luger are going to be handcuffed to one another on the floor, this feels very bizarre as I love Sting while WCW has done everything to make him a backup to Hogan & Savage and even Flair in 1993 but here is Sting in 1996 challenging for the championship when Sting has been in the tag team scene for months at this point. Giant was rough with Hogan guiding him, how will he do with Sting. Both men show great speed to kick us off, Sting tries a crossbody and bounces off like nothing, Sting is talking shit with Giant. Giant eats a right-hand and tries a sleeper, the crowd come alive for the first time tonight.

 

Sting lands a dropkick, make it two and a clothesline too! Giant laughs in Sting’s face, Sting is on the floor re-evaluating his strategy. Sting wanted a slam but Giant falls on Sting for a close two, Giant steps all over Sting’s chest. Elbow drop by Giant, Luger is firing up the crowd. Giant whips Sting, elbow to the face. Giant shoulder thrusts Sting over and over, whip to the opposite buckle. Sting fights back, Giant clubs down the challenger. Low headbutt by Giant, elbow drops by Giant. Body-scissors by Giant, Giant also uses the ropes for leverage. Giant whips Sting, Sting kicks Giant in the face so Giant shoves Sting to the floor.

 

Giant throws Sting towards the stage, Luger has Jimmy Hart on the table. Giant cannot throw Sting through the table, clever from Luger. Sting is on the apron and elbows the referee by mistake, Giant is watching in the corner. Giant misses a splash, Sting kicks Giant in the ribs and Sting lands a Stinger Splash. Giant is being battered, Luger & Jimmy Hart watch on from the apron. Sting tries to save Luger who is being choked by Giant, Sting lands three Stinger Splashes.

 

Sting manages to put down The Giant with boots, Jimmy Hart is on the top rope. Sting tries a Stinger Splash but Jimmy Hart is pulled down from the buckle by Luger possibly, Sting headbutts Giant in the balls. Diving Top Rope Splash by Sting for two, Giant presses Sting onto the referee. Sting is climbing again, second splash. Scorpion Death-Lock, Luger and Jimmy Hart are fighting over the megaphone. Sting is clocked with the megaphone, was it an accident? Giant lands The Chokeslam for the win!

 

Well I am not sure if the crowd loves Sting like I do or they were so bored by the piss-poor action before this match but they are fired up here and Sting brings everything he can to the limited Giant and the result is quite a fun match. They have clearly put months into Luger coming back and will he turn on Sting, will he not and we continue that drama with the finish here appearing as Luger smashed Sting with the megaphone. Shame that ultimately it will go nowhere in about two months but hey it looked great here. Giant and Sting are infinitely more mobile and fun than Hogan vs Giant, different dynamic and some fun near-falls here with a referee bump too! Good main event made a thousand times better than everything before it being shite!

 

Winner: The Giant over Sting via Chokeslam!

 

That was WCW’s Slamboree 1996, a possible contender for one of the worst PPVs that I had to watch during this series. The Battle Bowl concept is horrible, it drops all feuds in the name of a battle royal that doesn’t feel like a Royal Rumble. The random teams thrown together get in the way of the interesting feuds I want to see, I would rather Savage vs Flair again than this tag match nonsense, Savage lost Elizabeth last month, why is he not trying to murder Flair for stealing her from him? Anyways, the concept is boring, the matches are short and the other singles matches are inoffensive, leaving no real impression on the mind after they had taken place. However, the crowd and I wake up for the main event, Sting shows why Sting should be WCW Champion in a matter of minutes and has some good drama to add to the Sting & Luger story. So this PPV was a rough one to get through because so many short matches back to back can be just as draining as bad matches. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!

 

WCW Superbrawl 1996 Review!

 

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac’s Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that continues to be delayed more than CM Punk’s return to AEW! It’s time for WCW Superbrawl 1996 as we have two massive cage matches as Hulk Hogan takes on The Giant while Randy Savage defends his WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Ric Flair! We also have Konnan vs One Man Gang for the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship, the return of The Road Warriors as they challenge for The WCW World Tag Team Championships! Big matches up and down the card but will the stipulations make for an exciting show? We shall see! Dusty Rhodes is here on commentary again which means things might get very silly!

 

(Street Fight Match) Public Enemy vs The Nasty Boys

Perfect match for two groups that I do not want to see wrestle a standard match, the two brawled at the previous Clash and I imagine this will be more of the same madness here. We start with brawling, Knobbs is tossed to the floor and Grunge is ready to go out there and brawl with him. Knobbs throws a fan’s drink in the face of Grunge, Grunge meets the ring-post. Rocco Rock grabs a table early, fans like to see that. Sags meets Rock with a chair and waffles him over and over, Sags attacks Grunge too. Grunge answers back with more chair-shots of his own, Knobbs meets the ring-post before being placed on the table. Knobbs plays possum and throws Rock through the table from the apron, Knobbs tries to cover for the pin but Grunge makes the save with a chair.

 

Sags grabs a pin full of weapons, Knobbs uses the table to attack Rock. Sags wants a piledriver on a trash can, Grunge is absolutely spiked with the piledriver. 1..2.. Grunge places a foot on the ropes, Rock chokes Knobbs by the stage with something. Grunge is right back up after the piledriver and nails Sags with trashcan lid shots. Knobb suplexes Rock through a table by the stage, they continue brawling by the stage. Sags suplexes a table onto Rock, morw chair-shots and trashcan attacks. Knobbs is laid out on a table, Rock goes for a senton bomb through the table but Knobbs moves out of the way, Knobbs drops a table piece elbow on Rock and they win the match.

 

Well it’s more of a spectacle than anything else, hardly a match with little to no-selling throughout the match but I would be damned to say if I didn’t enjoy this trainwreck. It was always moving, always going to the next spot whether it was a table bump or something vicious and while tedious towards the end with the lack of any sort of psychology, that finish was cool shit for sure and if every match these two teams had was like that, I would be one happy man.

 

Winners: The Nasty Boys over Public Enemy via Table Shot!

 

(WCW World Television Championship Match) Johnny B. Badd © W/ Diamond Doll vs Diamond Dallas Page

The championship is on the line but also the services of The Diamond Doll and DDP’s money which totals 6 million dollars! DDP comes out and tries to serenade his former love with roses before Badd clobbers him to the floor and whips him into the guardrail. DDP has Badd on the apron with clubbing blows but Badd snap-mares DDP out of the ring and bounces his head off the apron. Slingshot leg-drop for two, DDP is begging for mercy. They begin working holds with Badd continuing to out-wrestle DDP, DDP tries cheating but it does not work as Badd lands a nice arm-drag. Backslide attempt by Badd, it lands but DDP kicks out and pokes the eye of Badd. Small package by Badd for two, Badd works the arm. DDP pushes Badd to the ropes and lands a big shot to the ribs before DDP lands a stun-gun.

 

DDP lands an elbow low on Badd, the referee is not happy with DDP’s action. DDP mocks Badd who is having trouble continuing the match, DDP talks trash to The Diamond Doll too. Badd tries a sunset flip but DDP counters with right hands, DDP stays on the attack with stomps to the ribs. Badd reverses an Irish whip but DDP lands a massive DDT, DDP wants a ten instead of the pin. DDP talks to Diamond Doll again, DDP wants a ten. Kimberly gives DDP a 1, Badd almost rolls-up DDP but DDP is back on top with a choke. Reverse chin-lock from DDP, DDP uses the ropes for leverage. Badd escapes and almost rolls up DDP again but DDP is too strong, Badd begins firing back with jabs and a massive right.

 

Badd climbs high, could be sunset flip time. Diving double axe handle by Badd, Kimberley gives him a 10! Badd has DDP and wants revenge for earlier, elbow to the groin. Badd climbs high again, diving sunset flip for a close two. Sit-pot powerbomb for a close two, DDP rolls to the apron. Hot-shot by DDP, DDP whips Badd to the corner. DDP misses the clothesline and Badd rols-up DDP for two, eye-poke by DDP. Badd whips DDP into the corner, DDP elbows Badd down. DDP lands a massive slam off an Irish whip for two, DDP slaps on a sleeper. Jaw-breaker counter by Badd, sleeper by Badd. Badd uses the legs and climbs DDP, DDP is fading. DDP backs into the corner, Badd reverses an Irish whip and plants DDP with a tombstone piledriver for the win!

 

Well I wasn’t expecting that finish, I didn’t think DDP would be planted with a tombstone but unfortunately for these two, this match did not have the heat that the last match did because their last encounter had incredible energy from the crowd and it simply couldn’t match that match but as always they work hard and I appreciate both their efforts.

 

Winner: Johnny B. Badd over DDP via Tombstone Piledriver!

 

(WCW World Tag Team Championship Match) Sting & Lex Luger © vs Harlem Heat

Lex Luger continues to be a two-faced menace as Luger is cheating his way to success while hiding his efforts behind his good friend Sting’s back. Booker and Sting to start, Booker uses knees and elbows to rough up The Stinger. Sting sends Booker to the buckle and lands a clothesline, Sting tries a side headlock takedown but Booker uses his legs to trap Sting between his legs. Sting grabs a side headlock and tags in Luger, Luger comes in with massive forearms. Whip to the buckle, Booker counters with a boot. Forearms by Booker, tag to Stevie. Double elbow to Luger, Luger spills out to the floor. Luger tags in Sting, Stevie Ray batters Sting before Sting lands a hip-toss and dropkick. Quick cover but Stevie Ray goes to the eyes with a poke, tag to Booker. Side headlock by Booker, face-buster by Sting and a tag to Luger. Luger rakes the eyes of Booker off the ropes, stomps in the corner. Knee-lift by Luger, belly to back suplex by Luger for two. Luger misses an elbow drop, Booker is up with clubbing blows. Sidewalk slam by Booker, Booker misses an elbow drop but lands a beautiful Harlem sidekick. Tag to Stevie, scoop slam. Stevie continues to dish out the punishment to Luger, Booker tags into the match.

 

Booker is landing big knees to the ribs, Stevie punches Luger right between the eyes and wants a powerbomb. Stevie lands it for two, shoulder claw from Stevie Ray. Luger fights out but eats a knee to the ribs, tag to Booker. Scissors Kick by Booker, Booker does not pin right away though. Booker decides not to pin at all, front chancery from Booker. Luger wriggles free and Sting has seene enough, Sting lands Stinger Splashes before being tossed to the floor, Stevie Ray and Luger are legal in the ring. Road Warriors are here, Animal smashes Stevie Ray with something and Luger pins Stevie Ray.

 

Kind of heelish by Road Warriors no? Bit strange and a bit tame too as obviously Sting & Luger are going to work another match so they don’t go all out in this one. I do wonder where this Luger thing was going considering Luger took out Hogan and Savage at Havoc but now things are all good? Also where would this have went if The NWO didn’t happen? Decent match at the end of the day, could be better.

 

Winners: Sting & Luger over Harlem Heat via Shenanigans!

 

(WCW United States Heavyweight Championship Match) Konnan © vs One Man Gang

Things are looking good for Konnan who came in from Mexico and now is holding the second most prestigious championship in the company. However, Konnan is in there with One Man Gang who is not Psicosis and not even close to his size so how will Konnan connect with the fans here tonight? Gang jumps Konnan to begin the match, clubbing blows for days. Konnan leaps over Gang and begins to dropkick the leg and lands a spinning heel kick for good measure. Middle rope dropkick and a crossbody by Konnan, they spill to the floor. Konnan lands an ugly middle rope senton, Gang regains control in the ring. Scoop slam and a leg drop, Gang taunts Konnan. Big choke by Gang, sidewalk slam.

 

Throat thrust by Gang, Konnan is crushed in the corner by Gang. Konnan fights back form underneath, Gang stretches the mouth of Konnan. Konnan fights back from his knees but Gang kicks down Konnan. Konnan fights back and lands a hurricanrana, dropkick to the ropes. Another dropkick but Gang is on his feet, Gang side-steps the dropkick. Gang lands a massive 747 Splash but Gang says “Nah I don’t want to win yet” Gang decides the logical idea is to go to the middle rope, Konnan moves out of the way far too early and Konnan lands a rolling senton from the top rope for the win.

 

Poor match from two people who do not have any sort of chemistry, if negative chemistry existed, these two could be front-runners for it. Just noting here, everything looks awkward and slow.

 

Winner: Konnan over One Man Gang via Senton!

 

(Leather Strap Match) The Taskmaster W/ Jimmy Hart vs Brian Pillman

The match ends when one man utters the words “I respect you”, it is a leather strap mixed with an I quit match. Definitely heated here as Pillman sprints to the ring and tries to waffle Sullivan, Sullivan has a double-leg hoping for the best. Sullivan lands a massive right to the face, Sullivan kicks Pillman low and Pillman chases the referee and says “I respect you Bookerman”, that’s it and now it is over! Sullivan stands around the ring awkwardly, this all feeds into The Loose Cannon gimmick of Brian Pillman. Arn Anderson comes down to the ring and gets whipped, the fans want to see Anderson compete and Anderson is happy to oblige. Anderson comes right in and lands massive blows, Anderson whips Sullivan with the strap. Sullivan is hog-tied and stomped by Anderson, Anderson uses the strap to choke out Sullivan. Sullivan and Anderson take turns low-blowing one another, Anderson chokes Sullivan and begins to hang him from the ropes.

 

Sullivan takes away the strap and sends Anderson to the floor, Anderson is sent into the ring-post, Ric Flair is in the ring. Flair wants a resolution to this conflict, everyone ends up working together as an alliance to take out Hulkamania.

 

Not sure what you could say about this really, it’s an angle more than anything else made all the more interesting by the unpredictable Loose Cannon Pillman who seemingly walked out on the match throwing everything into chaos but of course, it was all planned but yeah, Anderson and Sullivan fight which looks tame compared to the intensity set by Pillman and Sullivan and then it just ends so not sure what they wanted to accomplish on PPV with it but it’s over now!

 

(WCW World Tag Team Championship Match) Sting & Luger © vs The Road Warriors

We still do not know what to make of Luger and his attitude, Sting still trusts his friend. Luger walks away but Sting convinces his friend to go and defend the championships. Holy hell there are about 3 minutes of stalling here with Luger, Hawk and Sting are going to start the match. Side headlock by Hawk, shoulder block by Hawk. Dropkick by Hawk, Sting rolls to the apron. Stomps to the chest by Hawk, Sting is taking a walk. Sting lures in Hawk, Hawk meets the barricade. In the ring, Hawk regains control and applies an STF. Hawk stomps all over the back of Sting, tag to Animal. Animal batters the arm, Luger comes in and now The Road Warriors batter Luger. Animal with a powerslam and a tag to Hawk, ten punches with a corner clothesline. Make it two clotheslines, Luger is down in the corner. Animal sends Luger into the barricade, Sting helps his partner into the ring. Hawk grabs Luger by the hair, Luger uses an eye-poke. Hawk eats right hands and a clothesline by Luger, two for Luger. Tag to Sting, kick by Sting.

 

Hawk manages to tag Animal, Animal knocks down Sting and Sting falls down on the nuts of Animal. Luger is in now and clobbers Animal, Animal is caught in an inverted atomic drop. In comes Sting who slaps the head of Animal, boot and a face-buster. Sting tries a top rope splash but Animal blocks with his knees, Hawk and Luger are now legal. Crowd seemed confused on who to cheer, flying shoulder tackle and leg drop by Hawk for two. Fist drop, make it two. Reverse chin-lock by Hawk, Luger fights out but Hawk applies a sleeper before Luger lands a jaw-breaker. Animal & Sting are in, Sting sends Animal to the buckle. Stinger Splash, Scorpion time! Hawk delivers a clothesline, Luger chases Hawk.

 

Animal slaps on a reverse chin-lock, Luger makes the save but Hawk flattens Luger. Sting suplexes Animal but Animal no-sells it and lands a suplex of his own but Sting fires back too. Dropkick by Animal, double elbow on Sting. Hawk and Animal start battering Luger, everyone is on the floor. Count- out!

 

Match was garbage really, love all four in the match but the chemistry was not there and they did what they needed to do to get to the finish. It was sloppy in parts, lots of stalling in the beginning and no semblance of a hot-tag or anything special in this one, a huge change from the classic that Luger & Sting had with The Steiners a few years earlier.

 

Double Count-Out!

 

(WCW World Heavyweight Championship Steel Cage Match) Ric Flair W/ Woman vs Randy Macho Man Savage © W/ Miss Elizabeth

Savage won the championship at World War 3 and since then, these two have traded the championship in confusing manner as I try to figure out what WCW wants to do with its talent. However, none of this will matter in a few months so not sure why I am bothered getting worked up about this but anyways, Giant is not interested in regaining the championship so Flair continues to feud with Savage.

 

Eventually we begin, Savage starts with punches in the corner. Flair chops Savage, Savage lands right hands. Savage tries a pin, nothing there for the champion. Big chop in the corner, snap-mare into a knee-drop. Savage is thrown into the steel cage, Savage is in the tree of woe. Flair just decked the referee a couple of minutes in, what is this about? Savage fights back from underneath, back-slide but there is no referee. Wait a minute, the referee is up already? Back-drop and clotheslines by Savage for two, Flair is on his knees and getting stomped by Savage. Flair turns the tide and sends Savage into the steel cage, Flair lands another elbow to the face. Two for Flair, chops in the corner. Elbow again by Flair, Flair batters Savage up against the wall.

 

Savage fights back on his knees, Flair lands a snap-mare and climbs high. Historically and again, a bad idea for Flair. Savage yanks him off the top rope and applies the figure four. Savage climbs high and gets nailed in the ribs with a shot from Flair. Delayed vertical suplex by Flair, Flair wants the Figure-Four and Flair applies it in the middle of the ring. Flair uses the ropes for leverage, referee pulls off Flair but what was his justification? Savage holds onto the ropes to survive, Flair is caught in a small package for two. Savage collapses to the corner, Savage fights out and sends Flair into the cage wall. Savage rakes the face of Flair off the steel cage, Savage bites the head of Flair. Ten punches in the corner from Savage, Flair counters with an inverted atomic drop.

 

Flair is bleeding, a welcome addition that has been sorely missed in WCW. Savage exposes Flair’s ass, Flair knocks down Savage but Flair falls onto the top rope. The bell rings fucking up the false finish, poor WCW. Flair lands a low blow on Savage, Flair chokes Savage. Flair’s ass makes another appearance, incredible eh? Savage eats a headbutt from Flair, Flair tries climbing away. The door is open, what will happen now? The referee is trying to fix the door, they have this wide camera which makes it difficult to follow the action. They continue with the angle while Flair back-drops Savage into the steel cage. Woman has powder but misses, Elizabeth is here and gives Flair her shoe. Roll-up by Savage with a handful of tights, Flair waffles Savage with the shoe and Flair is champion! Elizabeth has betrayed Savage!

 

I do wish they did have more heat to it but they blew their load a long time ago with the angle where Flair attacked Savage’s father, hard to believe that the feud continued like this but they got the desired result with Elizabeth turning on Savage, this should have been like Paul Bearer turning on Taker but it just did not have that same feel, I suppose it’s harder for the audience to see the spot with a massive cage in the way. While I do enjoy is how Savage always sells Flair’s attacks, possibly better than anyone else giving actual creditability to the work of Flair. Top selling from Savage and I do wish that they got more of a reaction for the work they put in on the night.

 

Winner: Ric Flair over Randy Savage via Shoe!

 

(Steel Cage Match) The Giant vs Hulk Hogan

They just cannot help themselves can they? So after the Monster Truck cheese-fest and the passable tag matches, they wanted Hogan vs Giant in the cage. Hogan sucks chants are audible hear, Hogan throws his shirt and chokes and punches Giant who is limited as always. Hogan uses his wrist-tape to choke Giant, Hogan is stepping all over Giant in the corner. Giant has yet to do anything, more shirt-choking from Hogan. Eye-rake by Hogan, Giant blocks a slam and begins clubbing Hogan. Now it is all Giant here, Giant chops and chokes Hogan. Standard stuff here, Hogan begins the comeback with right hands. Hogan calls for a slam, Giant falls on top of Hogan. Giant chokes Hogan with his boot, Giant whips Hogan to the buckle and lands a boot. Hogan meets the cage, Giant tries walking out the cage. Hogan grabs the leg, Giant has his eyes raked. Back-breaker and a stretch from Giant, Hogan meets the cage again. Bearhug from Giant, Hogan tees off with right hands. Shoulder block does not budge Giant, knee by Giant. Elbow and down goes Hogan, Hogan comes alive and Giant is shocked. Right hands, Giant meets the cage. Hogan bites the head of Giant, Giant is bleeding. Over and over again off the cage walls, big boot and Hogan slams The Giant. Atomic Leg Drop 3 Times!!! Giant shakes it off and battles Hogan on the top rope, chops and chops. Hogan right hands Giant down, Hogans slowly wiggles his way over the top and wins. Taskmaster assaults Hogan after the match, Hogan shakes it off. The Dungeon of Doom is here but Hogan is winning with one chair against like 10 guys. What is this garbage? Hogan’s greatest night.

 

Hogan fought off ten men after a cage match with The Giant…… Do I even need to add anymore after that to tell you what I thought of this? 10 fresh men beaten by one Hogan just after a cage match, the guy is a joke.

 

Winner: Hulk Hogan over The Giant via Escape!

 

That was Superbrawl 1996, a disappointing show from WCW. We kicked things off well with an extended brawl between Public Enemy and The Nasty Boys, I don’t want to see either team wrestle a straight-forward tag team match so this match accentuated their positives and I was a happy boy. DDP vs Johnny B. Badd was solid, they have good chemistry and the crowd care about the angle, no major complaints here. The tag team title matches were both horrific, Sting & Luger phoning it in for the first match and then the double count-out mess for the second match. Why bother being invested with this crap? Konnan vs One Man Gang was a clashing of two different styles, it doesn’t work, it’s quite ugly and I rather wish I didn’t have to see it. Pillman vs Anderson didn’t even take place while Flair vs Savage could have been better, should have been better but ultimately felt a little flat despite the big shock of Elizabeth turning on Savage. The main event would be passable for late 80s WWF with a molten hot crowd but this was 1996 and WCW was not late 80s WWF so Giant plods around being let by Hogan to a tame cage match that has a predictable finish considering everyone loses to Hogan and then the ending is the shit cherry on this cake. Avoid this PPV, it has no real value. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!