WCW Nitro

Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 19, 1998

Just like Chicago, Minneapolis -- Flair's birth town -- proved to be Horsemen country. After Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko wrestled an exceptional match (see results), Gene Okerlund brought out the mayor of Minneapolis, who announced that October 19th was now officially Ric Flair Day. The crowd cheered the announcement, but Eric Bischoff wasn't quite as happy.

The disgruntled WCW President marched to the ring and told everyone that he'd rented the arena and Flair had to leave. The mayor disagreed and the two exchanged insults, until two members of the Minneapolis Vikings stepped up to Bischoff. Flair dared his nemesis to go further, but a local police officer ended the spirited debate. Claiming Bischoff had outstanding warrants in the area, the top cop gave Bischoff 20 minutes to get out of the building.

Match Results

Saturn d. Kaos
Nitro opened with this barn-burner and, once again, Kaos showed his proficiency for singles match-ups. Saturn stayed focused, however, and won with the Death Valley Driver.

Ernest "The Cat" Miller d. a fan
After blabbing about his superiority, a fan rushed the ring and tried to get The Cat. Security immediately grabbed the man, but Miller pleaded that he should be freed. The Cat then hit the audience member with a Spin Kick.

The LWO (Damian, Psychosis, Hector Garza and El Dandy) d. La Parka, Chavo Guerrero, Silver King and Ciclope
An already out-of-control Luchador contest -- complete with dozens of high-risk manuevers -- was made even more interesting when La Parka turned on his own teammate, Ciclope, with a steel chair (the move allowed Psychosis a pinning opportunity). Post-match, Eddie Guerrero came down to the ring and inducted La Parka into the LWO -- Chavo left in disgust.

Kanyon d. Scott Putski
Putski made his finest showing to date, but couldn't overcome the power and unique offense of Raven's right-hand man. After hitting a pancake out of a fireman's carry, Kanyon finished Putski with the Flatliner.

Rick Steiner vs. Scott Steiner
Scott came to the ring and started his standard attack of his former fans and Nitro audience members. Tired of the tirade, Rick came down and challenged his brother to a fight. The two tussled, until Scott attacked Rick with a chair. Buff Bagwell made the surprising save.

Fit Finley d. British Bulldog
These two European superstars exploded into fast action immediately, with Bulldog utilizing his power and Finley exploiting his notorious ferocity. Bulldog had an advantage when the referee was inadvertently knocked out. Alex Wright used the opportunity to attack Bulldog, giving Finley an opportunity to hit the tombstone. Post-match, Finley decked Wright.

Wrath d. Tokyo Magnum
This was a quick one, folks. Warming up for his Halloween Havoc match-up, Wrath obliterated the Ultimo Dragon pupil with the Meltdown.

Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko with Arn Anderson d. Alex Wright and Disco Inferno
Pre-match, Silver King and Super Calo surrendered their match spot to the new Horsemen dream tag team. Eric Bischoff joined the commentating team and claimed that he would withhold pay from the Horsemen involved. But the guest announcer didn't distract Benoit and Malenko -- the team dissected the dancing duo and finished off the bout with the Crippler Crossface.

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Chris Jericho
Page came out with a butt-kicking agenda; Jericho did everything he could to slow down the rage. The Lyin' Heat succeeded and nearly beat the People's Champion, but Page countered a Liontamer attempt and was setting up for the Diamond Cutter. Enter Goldberg. Before Page could finish the job, the undefeated marvel speared Jericho and went for the Jackhammer. Page stopped him and struck with the Diamond Cutter. Goldberg and Page began to scuffle, but it was stopped by referees and authorities.

Kidman vs. Rey Mysterio, Jr.
Cruiserweight Title Match
Once again, Kidman steals the award for best match of the night -- but credit might go to his phenomenal superstar. Mysterio and Kidman put on a Luchador clinic, with plenty of power moves and outside action to keep the fans shouting until the closing bell. Mysterio was setting up for his trademark roll-up pin, but was met with a well-timed dropkick. Before either man could pursue victory further, time ran out.

Kevin Nash, Konnan and Lex Luger d. Scott Hall, Stevie Ray and Scott Norton
Pre-match, BigSexy seemed to be MIA, but a backstage camera revealed Nash heavily intoxicated and wearing an old Outsiders T-shirt. Nash finally arrived to confused looks from the crowd and fellow Wolfpac members. Nash and Hall seemed to be sharing a moment, due to his inebriation.

Both teams exchanged control, until Nash and Hall were tagged in simultaneously. After some joking in the ring, Nash revealed that his cup was empty and pummeled his former partner ruthlessly. The referee called the match, due to Hall's inability to compete.

Hollywood Hogan vs. Horace
At the beginning of the match, Hogan told the crowd that Horace was his blood nephew and called the NWO down to the ring. He told Horace he loved him, and then annihilated the youngster with his belt and a chair (Hogan went as far as knocking over a stretcher Horace was being wheeled away on). Warrior ran to the ring with a bat, to battle all the black-and-white express, but was eventually put down by a Giant choke-slam. Hogan spray-painted Warrior and executed multiple leg drops.

Bret Hart d. Sting
After watching Hogan call out the Warrior, Hart said he was inspired to do the same to Sting. The Red-Faced Superstar complied and administered a beating to the Hitman. Sting executed the Scorpion Deathlock but, when Hart reached the ropes, Sting refused to let go of the hold. Other officials, Stevie Ray and Vincent came down to help, but Sting attacked the other NWOers as well. The evening ended with Sting chasing a weary Hart to the dressing room.