WCW Saturday Night
09/30/1995
Atlanta, GA
Center Stage
Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan open the show, talking about The Giant and Hulk Hogan. They’re set for their monster truck battle at Halloween Havoc. But before the show can get started, Schiavone welcomes their newest broadcast partner, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes! Dusty comes out to a huge reaction from Center Stage. Heenan says Saturday Night is his show and orders Dusty to leave. He says if Dusty isn’t leaving, he’s leaving. Heenan leaves the show, so it will be Tony and Dusty. Heenan doesn’t really want to leave, though. He keeps coming back to demand an apology for him to stay. Heenan finally leaves. Good stuff here.
Dusty is talking about Johnny B. Badd vs Sting, says it’s Badd’s big opportunity. And then, his music plays, but there’s no Johnny B. Badd. But that won’t stop the MAN CALLED STANG! Sting makes his entrance, but he has no opponent.
Backstage, Gene Okerlund says this is very unlike Johnny B. Badd. But then, Brian Pillman walks up, says he took Johnny B. Badd to the limit at Fall Brawl. Pillman is laughing, claims the fans want to see him wrestle Sting. Gene doesn’t like it, says we need to get back to the ring for more action.
MATCH 1: MARK STARR VS ARN ANDERSON
During Arn’s entrance, Schiavone is emphasizing Nitro will be LIVE on Monday, from Denver, CO. Dusty is talking about the Giant taking out Lex Luger and Randy Savage. Arn Anderson will wrestle Ric Flair in a rematch from Fall Brawl.
We’ve got a competitive match in the early goings, as Starr is actually able to get some offense in. Anderson is working like a heel, taking a shortcut to take the advantage. More back and forth mat wrestling between the two. Anderson takes the momentum back, raking the face of Starr. The pace never picks up, and I would prefer just an enhancement style match. How am I supposed to take Arn seriously on Monday if he’s having so much trouble with Mark Starr? Arn picks up the win with a Spinebuster.
WINNER: ARN ANDERSON
This recording actually has commercials. So I’m enjoying the Spearmint gum, Raiders/Jets, Carrot Top on Cartoon Network, Twix, Midol, and Long John Silvers commercials.
Let’s see if Johnny B. Badd is ready for his match with Sting, now. The music starts, and still no Johnny B. Badd. But that’s still not going to stop the MAN CALLED STANG! Sting makes his way to ringside again. He really wants to give Johnny B. Badd his US title shot. Sting says he doesn’t want to win by forfeit, and he’ll talk to Commissioner Nick Bockwinkle if he has to.
Backstage, Gene Okerlund is now gaslighting Johnny B. Badd for no-showing Saturday Night. Pillman is now angry because he deserves the title shot and no one is giving it to him. Pillman says Johnny B. Badd doesn’t have the courage to show up and Gene says he’s way out of line. I love when “Mean” Gene sounds like a proper old lady.
“Mr. Wonederful” makes his way to ringside, oozing with confidence after bitch slapping Vader out of WCW. Apparently, Dusty Rhodes’s mother will be wrestling Monday on Nitro… Is this our first reference to Mama Rhodes?
MATCH 2: “MR. WONDERFUL” PAUL ORNDORFF VS BARRY HOUSTON
Unfortunately, Paul Orndorff lost THE BATTLE AGAINST MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, because that’s exactly what’s affected his right arm. Not to make light of something like that, but it is ironic that’s how they built towards War Games at Fall Brawl.
Orndorff punishes Barry Houston in this match. Houston takes a nice throw through the ropes to the outside area. Orndorff gets him back into the ring and comes off the top rope with a double axe handle.
Tony Schiavone says “The man of 1,000 moves” Dean Malenko is coming soon to WCW. I’m very excited to watch his debut.
Orndorff hits the Pearl Harbor on Houston for the pinfall.
WINNER: “MR. WONDERFUL” PAUL ORNDORFF
Dusty Rhodes gives phenomenal play-by-play on the replay.
Now it’s time for MOVIES FOR GUYS WHO LIKE MOVIES on TBS: The Superstation! I vividly remember these ads from the tapes of Thunder and Nitro I had growing up. This week, it’s “The Perfect Weapon,” starring Jeff Speakmanm, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Professor Toru Tanaka. We also get a commercial for one of the greatest fighting games of all time, KILLER INSTINCT (it’s “better than Mortal Kombat!”), complete with the KILLER CUTS CD, which I had and love. I still have the songs on my Spotify playlist. The ‘90s were great.
In the Control Center, Gene Okerlund catches us up on Hulk Hogan’s war with the Dungeon of Doom. We’re shown footage from Fall Brawl when The Giant crushed Hogan’s motorcycle with his monster truck. Hogan is now in a neck brace, after The Giant attacked him inside War Games. The Giant is on a war path heading into Halloween Havoc.
The Taskmaster accepts Hulk Hogan’s monster truck challenge. I can’t wait for this one… it’s gonna be awful.
Ed O’Neil suggests calling 1-800-COLLECT. Wendy’s has a new Spicy Chicken Sandwich. OVALTINE IS GREAT, MORE OVALTINE, PLEASE! Strange days are coming… Strange Days hits theaters on October 13. If you have a car dent, use Bondo UV. Ed O’Neil is reminding us we should use 1-800-COLLECT.
Gene Okerlund is back in the HAVOC CONTROL CENTER, reminding us the next WCW PPV is coming on Sunday October 29. Halloween Havoc will be in Detroit, and Gene is making preparations to see his “very close, personal, long-time friend” Smokey Robinson. It’s the little things for me. I LOVE when Gene would say this. It just puts a smile on my face. He says they’ll shop around, but when he gets the bill, he’ll have tears of a clown. Gene is awesome.
Gene says “Let’s talk turkey.” After Fall Brawl, Hulk Hogan challenged The Giant to a “Machine vs Machine” match, but also a traditional match-up for the Heavyweight Title. Standing by is Jimmy Hart with the neckbraced Champion. He says the contract has been signed and he knows what he has to do. He’s getting himself a Bigfoot monster truck with a contract signed in blood. He’s going to chop The Giant down to size and will put him in his place. He says he’s already laid to rest one “big, nasty giant” in Detroit, and he’s going to do the same at Halloween Havoc. I forgot The Giant was being presented as the son of Andre. Did anyone ever actually believe that?
Gene says Lex Luger will face Kamala, and so will Randy Savage. Are both happening at Halloween Havoc? I’m not sure, this was a little confusing.
Gene asks which former WWF Superstar is chomping to get into the action at Halloween Havoc. For that story and more, call 1-900-909-9900!
We now get an ad for the greatest fighting game of all time (sorry, Killer Instinct), STREET FIGHTER: THE MOVIE: THE GAME!
And now we get a vignette for the greatest tag team of all time. The Two Dudes With Attitudes ain’t got nothing on the AMERICAN MALES. AMERICAN MALES. AMERICAN MALES. AMERICAN MALES. You’re welcome.
Marcus Bagwell and Scotty Riggs are the new WCW Tag Team Champions and they’re in action next!
MATCH 3: AMERICAN MALES VS THE BARIO BROTHERS
I finally noticed the fans sitting on their hands around Center Stage. There is so much fan noise coming through the sound, and not one person is moving a muscle.
Regardless, I do enjoy the American Males. They have some good tandem offense, stereo planchas, and look to be having a good time in this match. They will defend their new titles against the Nasty Boys on a LIVE Monday Nitro in a couple days.
Bagwell goes for a big splash but gets a pair of knees to the “belly welly,” says Dusty Rhodes. Bagwell is nailed with a Doomsday Device, which was actually very nicely done. The Bario Brothers have the momentum, but the American Males come back with a Rock and Roll Express-like Double Dropkick for the win.
WINNERS: THE AMERICAN MALES
Sgt. Craig Pittman makes his way to ringside. Johnny B. Badd has still not shown up to the arena. No one knows what the story is, but we still have ANOTHER HOUR left in the show, wtf?? It was 30 minutes a week ago.
MATCH 4: SGT. CRAIG PITTMAN VS COBRA
We have another rematch from Fall Brawl. Sgt. Craig Pittman got the win at Fall Brawl after a sneak attack on Cobra. Last week on Saturday Night, Cobra gave Pittman a taste of his own medicine. So now, we’ve got to settle the score once and for all.
Dusty Rhodes says it will be a “slobber knocker,” which is funny, because I found in my research that the first time Jim Ross ever said this in WWF was at In Your House on September 24, earlier in the week. Was Dusty watching and decide to steal a cool line from good ol’ JR?
Pittman catches Cobra with a school boy for a quick pin.
WINNER: SGT. CRAIG PITTMAN
And now for a look at Dean Malenko. Malenko says he grew up in wrestling. Footage of Malenko in New Japan Pro Wrestling is shown, as he talks about his father, Boris. He dedicates the rest of his career to his father. Malenko says Japanese wrestling is the best wrestling style. WCW is where he needs to be for the best competition. Eddie Guerrero is his greatest opponent and he can’t wait for the WCW fans to see them go at it. A very weird presentation for Dean Malenko, as we’re so used to him being the silent, skilled “Iceman.”
Big Bubba makes his way to ringside for a match with “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.
MATCH 5: BIG BUBBA VS “HACKSAW” JIM DUGGAN
Duggan actually does have the crowd making a little noise in this match. He’s got them screaming derogatory names about women and chanting for America. Big Bubba doesn’t like it and rips a few buttons off his own shirt to protest.
VK Wallstreet comes to the ring as Duggan picks up some momentum, and they get into a tug-of-war over the 2X4. After the distraction, Bubba nails Duggan with a roll of tape for the win. Yes, a roll of tape. Even Schiavone said it was a roll of tape. Wallstreet steals the 2X4, so I guess we’re getting a Jim Duggan/VK Wallstreet rivalry.
WINNER: BIG BUBBA
Gene Okerlund welcomes us back to Saturday Night, teasing more “major superstars” who want to join WCW, and if you want to find out more, you have to call the WCW Hotline!
Tommorow night (Sunday October 1, 1995) on WCW Main Event, Eddie Guerrero will face Jushin “Thunder” Liger. I might have to do some digging to see if I can find that, because it sounds awesome.
Eddie Jackie gets an entrance this week! Good for Eddie Jackie! The bad news is he’s scheduled to take on Diamond Dallas Page, with The Diamond Doll. Anyone with Kimberly in their corner is motivated and full of adrenaline, so I don’t like Eddie Jackie’s chances here.
MATCH 6: DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE VS EDDIE JACKIE
The TV Champion is still trying to figure out his gimmick, or more specifically, which ones not to use anymore. He’s got the shades, the cigar, the gum, the rings, all of it. But again, he has Kimberly. He doesn’t need anything else.
Max Muscle is hanging out at ringside with Kimberly in DDP’s corner. There’s a distraction and Jackie pushes DDP into Max Muscle, almost gets a quick pin, but DDP stays in the match. Page hits the Diamond Cutter for a pinfall. The Diamond Doll holds up a big 10 for DDP as we get more play-by-play from Dusty during the replay.
WINNER: DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE
“Mean” Gene is standing by with DDP, Kimberly, and Max Muscle. DDP says he’s the TV Champion, and now he’s the #1 Contender for the US Heavyweight Title as well. Max Muscle is asked if he agrees, and he’s not interested in talking. Gene is having a stressful night.
MATCH 7: RIC FLAIR VS FRANKIE LANCASTER
Ric Flair makes his way to ringside to face the legendary Frankie Lancaster. I actually have no idea who Lancaster is, but he definitely has the look of a wrestler. He’s tall, has a good tan, and looks cool in his yellow trunks with white/black boots. Put him next to Jon Moxley and tell me who looks like a pro wrestler.
The main event has now been made official, as Johnny B. Badd still can’t be found. Flyin’ Brian will take his place and face Sting for the US Heavyweight Title.
Flair works on the leg of Lancaster in the middle of the ring, putting him into a single leg Boston crab. A big thumb to the eye, followed by a chop block. Flair sets Lancaster up for a Figure-4 and that’s all she wrote. Flair is ready to face Arn Anderson Monday on Nitro.
WINNER: RIC FLAIR
A hype video is shown for Eddie Guerrero. He says he’s also a second generation wrestler, like Dean Malenko. Footage of Eddie in AAA is shown, and he says wrestling in Mexico is a lot different from wrestling in the United States, but wrestling is a universal language. He’s ready for the competition in WCW.
I wish Eddie and Dean could’ve had a longer stint in ECW. We got some good stuff from them in WCW; the LWO was awesome and Dean Malenko was in my personal favorite version of the Four Horsemen. But they had some banger matches in ECW. Their farewell 2-out-of-3 falls match was so emotional, and maybe one of the best matches of their respective careers. I’m pumped for them to get started here in WCW and follow it.
I’m really wanting a Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Wendy’s and a cold glass of Ovaltine right about now.
Back in the Control Center, Okerlund talks recaps how Lex Luger joined the Hulkamaniacs at War Games. The next night, Randy Savage and Luger had issues, which prompted a match. The Giant spoiled the fun when he attacked Luger and Savage, leaving them both laid out. There will be a rematch on Nitro, and if Luger loses, he says he will leave WCW.
MATCH 8: US HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH – STING © VS FLYIN’ BRIAN
Pillman finally gets his title shot after what feels like a 6 month long telecast. He makes his way to the ring, looking confident. But can he beat THE MAN CALLED STANG? Sting is pumped that he finally has an opponent. He’s been ready for this match for over an hour now, and we’re about to get started after another sweet commercial for Killer Instinct. Cinder was always my go-to in this game. He had the best stage and theme song, too. Did you know the Bellamy Brothers had more #1 hits than any other duo in history? I didn’t either, but that’s what they said on their CD advertisement. I’m about to conduct an investigation, because I’m pretty sure that’s Todd Pettengill doing the read.
We’re back, and our main event is finally under way. I’m excited for this match. I’m always down for a Brian Pillman match, and Sting is one of my all-time favorites. We’re winding down the Surfer Sting era, so I’m going to be paying extra close attention to the subtle changes coming for Sting over the next several months. His transition to the Crow Sting character is my all-time favorite character arc.
We get some good back and forth action in the early goings of this one. Pillman is now wrestling like a heel. He thinks he’s outsmarting the Stinger, but Sting stays one step ahead. Pillman tries to retreat backstage, but the entrance tunnel is locked and there’s no way out. Back in the ring, Pillman leap frogs and fakes a knee injury when he lands. Sting is finally suckered in by Pillman, who takes advantage by attacking Sting’s knee. We get our second single-leg Boston crab of the night.
Schiavone is still upset that Pillman has taken the opportunity away from Johnny B. Badd, although no one knows where Johnny is.
Sting takes control back in the match with a big press slam on Pillman. Pillman tries a desperation cross body, but Sting catches him in a powerslam for the win. After the match, “Mean” Gene is backstage with THE MAN CALLED STANG, who is confronted by Ric Flair. Flair says Sting is the only man in the entire sport who he holds in the same esteem as him. Flair wants Sting to be his partner against Arn Anderson and Brian Pillman. Sting says he feels put down that Flair holds him in the same esteem, and he has no interest in being Flair’s partner. Flair says the partnership would change the course of history and asks him to reconsider. Sting says there’s no chance.
I thought Arn and Pillman were the heels, but Flair is definitely a heel too. Who cares.
WINNER AND STILL US HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: STING
After the commercial, Johnny B. Badd finally arrives and tells “Mean” Gene he had car trouble. It’s the worst day of his entire career, and he had a flat tire. DDP confronts Johnny B. Badd and says he’s stupid for missing his shot at the US Heavyweight Title. Max Muscle accidentally tells everyone that DDP slashed Johnny B. Badd’s tires, and we go off the air with a big punch from Johnny B. Badd. WE’RE OUT OF TIME!
Final Thoughts:
This might have been the longest wrestling program I’ve ever seen in my life. It was not good. I’ve been watching the last month of their programming and still don’t know who the heels or babyfaces are, I’m confused about who has beef with who, and I unfortunately already know about some of the horrible booking we’re getting in the weeks to come. The saving grace of this program is the hype for Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko. I don’t care to ever see another Cobra match in my life. But I can’t get enough Eddie and Dean.
The highlights of the show for me were the commercials. Besides a Super Bowl, when was the last time anyone ever said that? I love commercials from the ‘90s. Something about them are just nostalgic and attractive. I love Twix, I love Wendy’s, I love Ovaltine, and I really freaking love Killer Instinct.
The runtime of Saturday Night seems to be very inconsistent. Sometimes it’s 30 minutes, and unfortunately, this one was 2 hours. I pray to the Heavens above I never have to endure another 2 hour edition of WCW Saturday Night.
So there you have it, the 30th anniversary of the September 30 edition of WCW Saturday Night.
