WCW Nitro

Tampa Florida
December 14, 1998

Since last week's contest was stopped by security, WCW execs agreed to give Bam Bam Bigelow, Kevin Nash, Goldberg and the fans what they wanted: an interference-free 3-way dance (see show results).

But the main event seemed insignificant when compared to Ric Flair's condition. During an interview segment with Gene Okerlund, The Champ seemed more pumped than ever, but Flair's desire to energize the fans might have cost him his career (see show results).

Plus: Giant takes Page past the breaking point, Lex Luger and Booker T are invited into the black-and-white, and Raven's laments are finally answered...

Show Results

The show opened with footage from a week ago, when heavyweights Kevin Nash, Goldberg and Bam Bam Bigelow collided in a stirring 3-way dance. Afterwards, commentators reviewed one of the most anticipated Starrcade encounters in the pay-per-view's glorious history: Diamond Dallas Page versus Giant.

No Contest: Scott Putski vs. Raven
Once again, Raven came down without any plan of wrestling. Kanyon came down to stop Raven's ranting, dismissed Putski and then told the crowd that the former Flock leader actually came from a wealthy family and has a Ivy-league education and a 3.2 million dollar trust fund. Ignoring his only friend's words, Raven left the ring and headed for the dressing room.

No Contest: Eddy Guerrero with Bodyguard vs. Villano V
The youngest and largest Villano scored early with a suicide dive, but the more the fans booed his opponent, the more vicious Guerrero became. Guerrero's Bodyguard helped the cause by slapping Villano off-the-top rope, setting up Guerrero to execute a superplex and frog splash. But Guerrero chose not to pin Villano. Instead, The LWO leader called down the troops and invited the Masked Luchador into the group. Villano accepted, while a frustrated Rey Mysterio, Jr. watched from the ring apron.

Wrath d. Al Green
Al Green managed to absorb an off-the-top clothesline, but -- like so many others -- couldn't shake The Meltdown. One more for the big guy...

Gene Okerlund Interview: Eric Bischoff
Before Bischoff came to the ring, Nitro showed a video recap of the recent history between Ric Flair and the WCW President... including the despicable turn by Barry Wyndham. Bischoff told fans that the 13-time World Champion was a historical footnote, and that he was a trained killer. An outraged Flair bulleted towards the ring, but Bischoff escaped. Okerlund took the opportunity to speak with the Horsemen leader, who honored Florida for its wrestling heritage, promised to injure Bischoff, and wrestled an imaginary opponent. Flair then collapsed, mid-speech, holding his arm and asking for help. Dozens of WCW employees -- including Arn Anderson and Dusty Rhodes -- came to his aid, and the WCW legend was carted off by an ambulance. Commentators theorized that Flair had re-injured his left shoulder, but trainer Danny Young later speculated the injury might be heart-related.

While everyone attended to Flair, Bigelow snuck into the building and attacked the first man to step in his way, Scott Hall. The Beast from The East demolished the Outsider, until security and Kevin Nash intervened. Before guards could get control of the situation, Big Sexy attempted to attack Bigelow and Goldberg -- rushing from his dressing room -- tried to take apart both wrestlers. Desperate to restore order, executive Terry Taylor agreed to let the men take their grudge to the ring for a second 3-way dance.

Gene Okerlund Interview: Kidman
Kidman invited Rey Mysterio, Jr. to the ring, and then offered the Masked Luchador an interference-free contest. Mysterio thanked Kidman for the opportunity, and accepted the challenge.

No Contest: Kidman vs. Rey Mysterio, Jr.
Cruiserweight Title Match
This impromptu bout was filled with breathtaking aerials, mat holds and counters, delivered at a breakneck pace. But before a winner could be chosen, The LWO attacked both men, only to have Kidman and Mysterio deliver a series of offensive maneuvers in tandem. Guerrero's goons eventually overwhelmed the duo and worked to injure the premiere cruiserweights.

Chris Jericho Segment
The Lyin' Heart and bodyguard Ralphus conducted a ridiculous dramatization to show how Konnan had robbed the Canadian Superstar of the TV Title. Jericho recruited a faux Konnan for the reenactment, and then actually applied The Liontamer to the impersonator. Jericho told The Wolfpac member to prepare to lose in their Starrcade rematch.

Barry Windham d. Emery Hale
Hale, who really impressed fans with his bout against Lex Luger last week, had difficulty sizing up Windham, an athlete of deceptive size and speed. The former Horseman scored the pin after a superplex with rollover.

Norman Smiley d. Saturn
Since learning a few dance moves, Smiley's wrestling has improved wildly -- but Saturn is still WCW's most dangerous man. Smiley exchanged moves with the former Airborne Ranger, but eventually incurred Saturn's rage. When Smiley managed to slow his opponent once again, The Cat and Sonny Onoo appeared at ringside. The distraction allowed referee Charles Robinson to suffer an injury, Miller to strike Saturn with a spinning kick, and replacement referee Scott Dickinson -- still angry after receiving a DVD from Saturn last week -- to make an exceptionally fast count.

Gene Okerlund Interview: Bret Hart
The Hitman claimed he'd come to the ring to offer Diamond Dallas Page another U.S. Title shot, despite having a pulled groin muscle. Page wasted no time heading towards the ring, but was soon halted by Giant and a well-placed chair. As DDP tried to get to his feet, Giant ripped apart the large WCW icon next to the dressing room entrance, carried Page to the top of the platform, and choke-slammed his Starrcade opponent through the floor. As Giant celebrated and Hart crept away, Page was motionless amidst the rubble.

Konnan d. Stevie Ray with Booker T
TV Title Match
Pre-match, Konnan was filmed, backstage, telling Disco he wasn't part of the Wolfpac. Joined by several Florida sports stars, Konnan roused the crowd, before getting bum-rushed by Stevie Ray. The NWOer exhibited his superior strength and -- with the exception of an argument with Wade Boggs -- stayed focused on his title mission... until Big Heat tried to use his blackjack. Booker T. jumped to the ring apron and implored his brother to win fairly. The argument gave Konnan a needed break, and a chance to hit his pancake piledriver for the pin. The Harlem Heaters argued violently after the bout.

Eric Bischoff Segment
A somber Bischoff told fans that Flair had suffered a mild heart attack. He then apologized to Flair's friends, family and fans, telling the Nitro audience that the Nature Boy deserves a great amount of respect.

Gene Okerlund Interview: Booker T.
Booker T. started by sending his prayers to Flair, but when the former TV Champion tried to discuss his problems with Stevie Ray, his delinquent brother took over the interview and accused Booker of losing his roots. Big Heat ended the interview by throwing a NWO T-shirt at his former tag partner.

Cameras then went backstage, showing a well-dressed woman trying to push pass security. The socialite identified herself as Raven's mother, but security would not let her pass. Eventually, Kanyon arrived and told the woman he would take her to Raven.

Scott Hall d. Horace Hogan
Since joining the NWO, Horace Hogan has never looked better. But Scott Hall, swearing away his demons and courageously going on his own, also has displayed the intensity that once made him a main event player. Still reeling from his fight with Bigelow, Hall was overwhelmed by the big NWOer, and nearly went night-night during a sleeper. The Outsider fought out of the hold, delivered the drop-away slam and prepared to execute his finisher. Sensing the end, NWO black-and-white swarmed the ring and pummeled Hall. Disco Inferno, wearing a Wolfpac shirt, came to his aid, only to receive a Powerbomb via Scott Norton.

Scott Steiner with Buff Bagwell and NWO Referee d. Van Hammer
WCW's beatnik got beat down rather quickly by the new leader of the New World Order. After Hammer submitted to the Steiner Recliner, Big Poppa Pump told fans that the latest NWO attacks have all been in an effort to recruit Lex Luger. The Total Package came to the ring, and the NWO troops told Luger if he joined the NWO they could make him a World Champion. Luger left the ring without accepting or denying the invitation.

No Contest: Goldberg vs. Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Kevin Nash
Since last week's contest was stopped by security, WCW execs agreed to give these 3 behemoths and the fans what they wanted: an interference-free 3-way dance. Goldberg, Bigelow and Nash all enjoyed advantages over their opponents, but it was Goldberg that scored two momentum-changing Head Spears. With The Beast winded, the World Champ attempted to Jackhammer Big Sexy, but was stopped by Scott Hall. Avenging an attack earlier in the evening, Hall quickly went for Bigelow, and the two fell to the arena floor swinging. As Nitro ended, Nash and Goldberg had recovered and gave Tampa fans a taste of what awaits at Starrcade.