wrestling / Video Reviews

Raw History #140 and Reliving Nitro #16-17

August 1, 2016 | Posted by Kevin Pantoja
Monday Night War WWE WCW Raw Nitro
3.7
The 411 Rating
Community Grade
12345678910
Your Grade
Loading...
Raw History #140 and Reliving Nitro #16-17  

In Your House: Season’s Beatings Results
I reviewed this show a while back and will provide my star ratings.

Marty Jannetty and Razor Ramon def. 1-2-3 Kid and Sycho Sid (**ÂĽ)
Ahmed Johnson def. Buddy Landell
Hunter Hearst Helmsley def. Henry Godwin in an Arkansas Hog Pen Match (**Âľ)
Owen Hart def. Diesel via disqualification (**Âľ)
The Undertaker def. Mabel in a Casket Match (**)
Bret Hart def. British Bulldog to retain the WWF Championship (****Âľ) My personal match of the year for 1995


Raw History
Episode #140
December 18th, 1995 | Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware

It’s the final Raw of 1995! Nitro would run an episode on Christmas to finish out the year though.

Fatu vs. Jeff Jarrett
I feel like it’s been forever since we’ve seen Jarrett. He made his return by attacking Ahmed Johnson (who he had just beaten for the USWA Title). Jarrett avoids Fatu and struts, so when Fatu sends him outside, he responds with a strut of his own. Jarrett begs for mercy outside and Fatu gives chase, only for Jarrett to stomp him. Fatu no sells a DDT because he’s a Samoan, but a neckbreaker works. They go to break and when they return, Jarrett hits a dull double axe handle off the second rope. Vince promises a special video package for Shawn Michaels later. Oh boy. Fatu starts the babyface comeback, giving Vince the opening to say “Fatu is making a difference.” Fatu seems to hurt his arm and Jarrett throws it into the post. He tries for the Figure Four, but Ahmed Johnson shows up and attacks him.

Winner via disqualification: Jeff Jarrett in 5:47
Not the best match here and really nothing to write home about. Jarrett was mostly boring, but Fatu seemed to be trying out there. *ÂĽ

Jeff Jarrett escapes Ahmed Johnson, who then helps Fatu up.

Dok Hendrix is coked out and standing by with Gorilla Monsoon. They talk about the upcoming Bret Hart vs. Undertaker WWF Championship match at the Royal Rumble. They even play the old school Rumble theme music. Diesel was pissed to hear that Undertaker got the shot and they nearly came to blows to close the show last night. I mean, he is owed a rematch. Anyway, Dok hypes the Rumble, promising it would be the biggest ever (it wasn’t). Jeff Jarrett threw his name in the hat for the Rumble last night but Monsoon kicked him out and announces Ahmed vs. Jarrett at the Rumble. Monsoon will release some names starting this weekend on Superstars. I wish the Network had Superstars.

Goldust cuts a promo somewhere about the bond between himself and Razor Ramon. His awesome theme music plays over it, making this better. Goldust says that Razor “oozes machismo” so they should ooze it together.

LAST NIGHT ~ The confrontation between Diesel and the Undertaker last night is shown again. Diesel says people have been dodging him lately, though Undertaker responds that he doesn’t dodge anyone.

Bob Holly vs. Buddy Landell
Landell is a complete Ric Flair wannabe, with theme and all. Dok shills some merchandise during Holly’s entrance. Delaware actually gives Landell a positive reaction when he lays into Holly in the corner. This match goes on for far too long as Landell works a modified camel clutch. Ahmed Johnson squashed Landell in thirty seconds or so a night earlier. Holly tries offensive moves, only for Landell to avoid or block them. Holly hits a Frankensteiner but doesn’t go for the pin. Landell then scores on a corkscrew elbow and wins.

Winner: Buddy Landell in 6:51
Who thought this should be longer than the opener? This was so boring, it hurt. Also, why have Landell win? He just got squashed a night earlier and this would be his only Raw appearance. DUD

Oh my god, they left in commercials for the Hot Shot, Karate Fighters and Ricoshot toys. My childhood.

BROTHER LOVE SHOW ~ Oh dammit, why? Ted Dibiase is the guest and talks about Santa Claus beating up Savio Vega at the PPV last night. However, it wasn’t Santa. It was Xanta Claus, and he’s the newest member of the Million Dollar Corporation. He says that 1996 will the year of the Corporation, as Sid and the 1-2-3 Kid will be the next Tag Team Champions in his mind, and he’ll be bringing back the Million Dollar Title.

An ad airs for the Raw Bowl, which still isn’t on the WWE Network.

WWF Intercontinental Championship
Razor Ramon (c) vs. Yokozuna w/ Jim Cornette and Mr. Fuji

Goldust comes out during Yokozuna’s entrance to watch from the aisle. They recap the weird letter that Goldust had delivered to Razor last night. As Razor gets in the ring, his pyro doesn’t go off, but instead, Goldust’s sparkles fall from the ceiling. Yokozuna attacks quickly but Razor send shim packing while his belt and vest are still on. They go back and forth until Razor tries a sunset flip. Yokozuna nearly squashes him but Razor avoids and works the arm since Yokozuna is already blown up. Yokozuna turns it around into a neck wrench, again because he’s blown up. He pounds away on Razor in the corner after a while. Razor starts the comeback and hits a bulldog as the lights begin to flicker. The Undertaker drags out a casket for Yokozuna as I wonder why this feud is still going. Yokozuna runs faster than I’ve ever seen him move before and gets counted out.

Winner via countout: Razor Ramon in 8:46
Dumb finish. Up to that point, this was typical stuff from the two of them. Yokozuna did rest holds, Razor was fine and they did what you’d expect. **

Razor Ramon gets interviewed by Dok Hendrix about Goldust’s intentions. Razor agrees with Goldust that he’s handsome but he likes women and doesn’t swing that way. Dok wants the contents of the letter but Razor says it’s a family show, so he won’t reveal it.

Raw in 1995 closes with the unbelievably cheesy “Tell Me a Lie” video for Shawn Michaels. It remains one of the most over the top things the WWE has ever produced, which is saying something.

Top Ten Matches in Raw History So Far!
1) WWF Championship: Bret Hart (c) vs. 1-2-3 Kid – 7/11/94 – ****½
2) 2 Out of 3 Falls: Doink vs. Marty Jannetty – 6/21/93 – ****
3) Loser Leaves Raw: Mr. Perfect vs. Ric Flair – 1/25/93 – ****
4) WWF Intercontinental Championship: Shawn Michaels (c) vs. Marty Jannetty 5/17/93 – ***Âľ
5) Bret Hart vs. Hakushi – 7/24/95 – ***½
6) No Holds Barret: Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart – 3/27/95 – ***½
7) Bret Hart and British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart and Jim Neidhart – 8/1/94 – ***½
8) Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels – 8/1/94 – ***½
9) Owen Hart vs. Shawn Michaels – 11/20/95 – ***½
10) British Bulldog vs. Owen Hart – 6/5/95 – ***½


Reliving Nitro
Episode #16
December 18th, 1995 | Civic Center in Augusta, Georgia

Georgia is the heart of WCW country. Our usual announce team introducing the show when CONTROVERSY strikes! Current WWF Women’s Champion Alundra Blayze, now back to being Madusa, walks up to the booth with a microphone. She holds up the title and dumps it in the trash can. She says that’s what she thinks of the WWF Women’s Title before saying she’s no longer Alundra Blayze. She says this is where the big girls play. The promo itself was terrible. She was always bad on the microphone and the fact that she was doing something like this probably made her more uncomfortable than ever. The segment is historic and memorable, but not good. Mongo brings William “the Refrigerator” Perry to stand guard for some reason.

Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
A few episodes ago, Flair declined wrestling Guerrero and had Pillman do it instead. They go through a feeling out process with neither man gaining an advantage. Flair has a title shot in a few weeks but Guerrero is staying close. He dropkicks a “wooing” Flair, takes him down with a slap and does his own strut. Flair takes a powder and gets in control for a bit, though Eddie busts out a small package and backslide for two near falls. He again mocks Flair. Eddie’s mustache is a solid 9.5/10 at this point. Flair again has his momentum stopped, this time by a tornado DDT. Eddie then snaps off a flying headscissors that commentary pretty much no sells. ACT LIKE YOU CARE! Eddies high risk style costs him as Flair shakes the ropes and he falls outside. Eddie holds his knee in pain and Flair takes advantage, going after it outside. He sends Eddie inside and slaps on the Figure Four. In a rare finish, Eddie has his shoulders counted to the mat for the loss.

Winner: Ric Flair in 7:36
A really enjoyable opening contest. Eddie looked like he could hang and only lost because he made a mistake that hurt his leg and set up the Figure Four. Also, having Eddie not submit was cool. ***

Arn Anderson joins the ring as it’s time for the first of our weekly MEAN BAH GAWD GENE interviews. They remind us of what happened to Paul Orndorff last week, which is what happens when you mess with the Horsemen. Jimmy Hart and Kevin Sullivan show up. Sullivan puts them both over, but says that Brian Pillman is a loose cannon. He wasn’t happy with Pillman dissing the Dungeon of Doom last week and he wants Anderson to be the “Enforcer” and keep him on a shot leash. Anderson doesn’t appreciate that, but Flair keeps the peace.

Sgt. Craig Pittman comes up to the announce table to talk to Bobby Heenan. He gets a microphone but doesn’t speak into it. Eric Bischoff has to hold it for him. He wants Bobby to manage him, but Bobby declines because he’s no longer a manager. He promises to find a worthy manager though. Why do they try stuff with Pittman? He was so lame.

Lex Luger w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Marcus Bagwell w/ Scotty Riggs
It’s the future team of TOTTAL BUFF! Luger does a quick hip toss and pretty much controls the match. There’s a weird sound effect during Luger matches each week. I think it comes from Jimmy’s megaphone. Bagwell avoids a shot in the corner and starts laying into Luger. He hits some of Luger’s own SCREAMING CLOTHESLINES and a forearm. The crowd doesn’t give a shit. Luger shrugs this off and wins via Torture Rack.

Winner: Lex Luger in 3:08
Pretty much the expected squash.

Mean Gene is back, to interview Lex Luger. Luger says the same shit from last week, about being the uncrowned WCW Champion.

Earl Robert Eaton w/ Jeeves vs. Sting
These guys come out to Lord Steven Regal’s theme. We all know how this is going down. They do a lot of nothing for the first bit of the match, before Eaton gets in some basic heel strikes. Eaton misses a flying knee drop that leads to a Stinger Splash and the Scorpion Death Lock. That’s a wrap.

Winner: Sting in 3:59
Though that was a squash, Eaton got in more offense than expected. I really like Sting, I do, but can we get some other guys some shine on Nitro? It’s Sting and Luger each week.

The formulaic style continues as Mean Gene is back to interview Sting about Ric Flair. Sting says he will not forget what Flair has done.

WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Savage (c) vs. The Giant w/ Jimmy Hart and Kevin Sullivan

Savage still has the taped up elbow gimmick. He immediately tries a sleeper to wear down the big man but it fails. Savage takes Hart off the apron, opening the door for Giant to do typical Giant things. Kicks, clubs, body slam, etc. Giant applies another big man trope, the bearhug, as we go to commercial. Returning, he hits a slam. Giant continues to do standard stuff before missing a damn top rope splash. Savage goes up and nails the flying elbow but Giant emphatically kicks out. Giant plants Savage with a Chokeslam and kills time before hitting a leg drop. Hogan, who has been on probation, shows up with a steel chair and whacks Giant. He also hits Nick Patrick as the DQ gets called.

Winner via disqualification: The Giant in 7:30
A hot crowd really helped to make this better. The in ring stuff wasn’t anything special outside of seeing Giant try a splash, but man they were hot. The finish sucked ass though. *

Hulk Hogan continues to hit everything moving, including security. Mongo gets up from the booth as he and William Perry try to calm him down. Also, Hogan is kind of a dick for costing Giant the title right? Mean Gene gets in to interview Hogan about his actions. While Hogan whines that it’s unfair that Giant and Flair, while on probation, get title shots, the Giant tries coming back out while Sullivan and Hart hold him back. Hogan meets him in the aisle and gets in like seven more chair shots on Giant, before running back to the ring for an “ooh yeah!” Hogan mentions that his name is still on the World Title (Seriously? Fix that shit) and he wants the first shot after Starrcade.

Reliving Nitro
Episode #17
December 25th, 1995 | Civic Center in Augusta, Georgia

This is an understandable time to have a taped show. The commentary team, including Pepper, are decked out in Christmas gear.

Lex Luger w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Scotty Riggs
Oh fuck, even on a taped show where he wrestled earlier, we have to see Lex Luger. I guess Marcus Bagwell couldn’t accompany Riggs due to the effects of the loss to Luger last week/earlier in the night. Riggs gets an early upper hand, so Luger stalls a bunch outside. Bischoff plugs Starrcade, which is on a Wednesday. That’s so strange to me. Riggs is doing much better than Bagwell as works the arm. Riggs gets two on a cross body but has his suplex blocked. Luger gets him on the apron and nails a clothesline. There’s someone in the front row dressed as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket. At least I think so. Luger hits some of his stuff and wins with the Torture Rack.

Winner: Lex Luger in 6:23
I’m glad Riggs was able to get in some offense but this ended up lasting too long. ¾*

Mean Gene interviews Sting, who gets tired of the same old questions about Lex Luger. I’m just sicker of the constant Mean Gene in general. He chooses to discuss Ric Flair and the NJPW/WCW battle at Starrcade. Dumbass Gene asks about Luger again at the end, causing Sting to get in his face.

Big Bubba vs. Sting
Sting went backstage after his promo, only to come right back out for this match immediately. Classic WCW. Big Bubba hits a damn enziguri early on, showing that he still had some agility. In an effort to try and promote the NJPW/WCW series, Bobby Heenan starts to talk about Hideo Nomo. No lie. Bubba works a rest hold until Sting starts a comeback. He goes up top but Bubba pokes him in the eye. He ties to slam Sting off the top, but Sting counters into an inside cradle for the 1-2-3.

Winner: Sting in 5:15
This felt pretty directionless. I’m not sure why they went with the “from out of nowhere” finish. Bubba is a big guy, but he’s been going nowhere and Sting is a focal point of the show.¾*

Moe from Mean Gene, who is again interviewing Lex Luger and Jimmy Hart. He puts over the Triangle match and says the same thing he said last week. Poor fans had to hear the promo twice. Then Jimmy Hart basically repeats Luger. Sgt. Craig Pittman shows up to ask Jimmy to manage him. Jimmy declines because he doesn’t like Pittman’s physique. Doesn’t he manage Kevin Sullivan and the Taskmaster?

Dean Malenko vs. JL
Instead of 17 Luger and Sting interview each week, can we have a segment dedicated to explaining what happened to cause JL to lose his “Mr.” status? These two work at a quick pace and it was clear that they weren’t going to get a lot of time. Some back and forth before Malenko blocks a monkey flip. Malenko then does an alley-oop bomb that drops JL’s throat on the top rope. They go up top where Malenko hits a second rope gutbuster, which Schiavone calls a “side breaker”. Dean then wins with a toehold variation.

Winner: Dean Malenko in 3:43
I would have rather seen that get the six or five minutes that one of the previous matches did. This was fine for the time given, but never really got to go anywhere good. **

Since we have to get Mean Gene as much screen time as possible, he’s out to interview Ric Flair RIGHT BEFORE Flair’s upcoming match. Jimmy Hart interrupts to apologize for Kevin Sullivan’s words last week. Hart then wants to accompany Flair to the ring for the main event since he owes him one, and Flair agrees.

WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Savage (c) vs. Ric Flair w/ Jimmy Hart

I’m quite surprised to see this main event here. It’s a big money match and while that isn’t unheard of for Nitro, there was no Raw to compete with here. You could have aired anything in this timeslot. They go through some basic stuff for the first few minutes until Hart gets in some cheap shots outside and a commercial break comes. Returning, Flair is wearing him down and using the ropes for leverage at every turn. Flair was the master at all of the heel tropes. Savage takes a beating as a second commercial break comes and goes. Flair is laying into him with chops. This heat segment just goes on and on. Flair slaps on the Figure Four, again using rope for leverage. Savage survives and starts the comeback. I like that his comeback isn’t of the Hogan variety, where it is just him dominating. It looks like a desperate, battered man. As he gets near a win, Lex Luger runs out to attack him and cause the DQ.

Winner via disqualification: Randy Savage in 14:23
A mostly disappointing match. I understood what they were going for and the stuff they did was mostly fine, it just seemed to really drag at times. Not their best effort. **ÂĽ

Lex Luger attacks Savage until Sting shows up. Sting and Savage clean house before coming face to face because the only way Nitro can end is with some tension between babyfaces.

Top Five Matches in Nitro History So Far!
1) Ric Flair vs. Sting – 11/6/95 – ***½
2) Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero – 10/16/95 – ***½
3) Arn Anderson and Ric Flair vs. Hulk Hogan and Sting – 12/11/95 – ***ÂĽ
4) Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero – 10/2/95 – ***ÂĽ
5) Brian Pillman vs. Jushin Thunder Liger – 9/4/95 – ***ÂĽ

Raw Rating 12/18: 2.3
Nitro Rating 12/18: 2.7
Nitro Rating 12/25: 2.5

3.7
The final score: review Bad
The 411
Raw: A pretty bad ending to a pretty bad year (though it had some high spots). I did like that Raw was starting to deliver bigger matches but a lot of them fell flat. This episode had nothing of real note. Two boring matches to start (especially the bad Landell match) and a house show style main event. Blah all around. 3.0

Nitro 1:  Slightly better than this week’s Raw. The opener between Guerrero and Flair was fun but the rest of the show severely lacked. I’m tired of the same formula of constant Mean Gene interviews as well as the overuse of Luger and Sting (especially Luger). The final segment of Hogan going nuts on Giant was cool, but the rest of it was too much Hogan pandering. 4.0

Nitro 2: About on par with last week’s Nitro. The first two matches really bothered me. They weren’t very good and featured the same guys we always see. The last two matches aren’t great, but an improvement. I’m just tired of the same formula. Same guys, same Mean Gene interviews, same endings. 4.0

legend

article topics :

RAW, WCW Nitro, WWE, Kevin Pantoja