WCW The Great American Bash

- The opening video focuses on the theme of chaos, something that has been prevalent in WCW for some time now. It starts with Brodie's attack Necro Butcher, continues with the Midnight Guns injuring Jay Briscoe, to scenes of Naomichi Marufuji misting Davey Richards, Necro Butcher's return and ensuing brawl with Brodie Lee, Windham Rotunda being hung by Chris Masterson, Jimmy Jacobs being assaulted by the Old School Wrecking Crew with a chair, and finally ending up the huge brawl that ended last night's episode of Underground and the debut/return of Ric Flair.

- Jim Ross and JML are on commentary tonight, flanked by security officials. Jim Ross says things have never been crazier in WCW than they are now. He says due to the chaotic nature of late, they have personal security to protect them if anything gets out of hand. Ross runs down the card, giving brief tidbits about each match, and then focuses in on the main event. He says he can't remember any pro wrestling rivalry in recent memory that has elicited the pure emotion that CM Punk and Chris Jericho have. Finally he says that, tonight, RIC FLAIR will be here to address the crowd. As they're talking, Chris Masterson interrupts the proceedings by getting into the ring and requesting a microphone. Chris tells the fans that Windham Rotunda went into a diabetic coma and couldn't make it this evening. So of course Windham's music hits and he comes out with the bull-rope to a great reaction, setting up the opening contest.

Match #1: Chris Masterson vs. Windham Rotunda - Bull-rope Match
This whole issue started back the Bunkhouse Stampede, where Rotunda eliminated Masterson. Masterson did not take kindly to that and started making fun of Windham for his weight, so Windham responded by questioning Masterson's masculinity. They ended up having a match at SuperBrawl which Masterson won by using the brass knux. To counteract that, Windham started bringing a bull-rope with him to the ring. After Windham pinned Alberto Dos Caras on Underground, he leveraged that big win into a bull-rope match with Masterson. To win this match, you have to touch all four corners of the ring consecutively without being stopped by your opponent. The referee ties them up with the bull-rope and they start off with a tug of war. Windham yanks Masterson right into a punch and the crowd loves it. Masterson pops up and gets yanked into another punch. Masterson gets up again and gets yanked into a back body drop. Masterson then flees to the outside, but doesn't get far and Windham yanks him into the ring apron. Windham ends up outside and he beats up on Masterson around the ring-side area. Masterson takes a beating on the outside, getting crotched on the guardrail and then clotheslined off into the crowd. Windham plays to the crowd and this momentary distraction lets Masterson yank Windham HARD into the guardrail, flipping Windham over the railing into the crowd himself. Masterson wraps the rope around his fist and then pummels Windham on the ground. Masterson tosses Windham into the ring-side area and eventually back into the ring, where he starts choking Windham with the bull-rope. Masterson makes an attempt to tag the corners and gets two before Windham stops his progress by yanking him back. Masterson stomps away at Windham for doing so and chokes him out some more. Masterson spends a lengthy time just beating over Windham in the ring with bull-rope, choking him out, etc. He makes a few more attempts to tag the corners, but Windham stops him each time. Masterson ends up coming off the second turnbuckle with a huge flying shoulder-tackle. He goes for the turnbuckles again and almost gets to the fourth, before being yanked in a HUGE Rick Steiner-like powerslam by Windham. Windham mounts his comeback finally, knocking Masterson down repeatedly with punches. Windham even busts out Dusty Rhodes' old bionic elbow for good measure. Windham hog-ties Masterson at the feet and drags him around, but only gets three turnbuckles before Masterson stops him. They tee-off in the middle of the ring exchanging punches (Windham) and chops (Masterson), until Masterson knees Windham low. Masterson charges with a clothesline but get DROPKICKED~! by Windham! Windham ties Masterson up and hoists him on his back as he goes for the turnbuckles. Each time Windham tags one and moves on, Masterson tags it as well. As they near the fourth, Masterson breaks free and almost tags it - but Windham stops and they break the progression for each other. Masterson pulls the brass knux out, which JR claims is as legal as a headlock here. He puts them on the hand that's tied up, which is important. He wildly swings at Rotunda, but Rotunda ducks and yanks the rope causing Masterson to punch himself and knock himself out. That's a pretty great moment, there. With Masterson unconscious, Windham tags all four corners to get the win. Windham shoves Masterson out of the ring and celebrates his big win, while Jim Ross speculates that Windham might be moving on to bigger and better things.

Result: Windham Rotunda wins via tagging all four corners
Time: 14:51


- BACKSTAGE~!, Lenny Leonard is with Steve Corino and Adam Pearce - collectively known as the Old School Wrecking Crew. Pearce wants to know why he didn't get TV time last night. Lenny says he's not sure. Pearce says it's the same old, same old at work trying to keep him and Corino from being successful. He says after tonight, there's nothing anyone in WCW will be able to do about it. Pearce says they started by taking out the midget and tonight they'll finish the job.

Match #2: The A-List (w/ Austin Aries) vs. The Hollywood Kings
The story here is pretty long. Austin Aries started as a commentator for WCW, but then got put in active competition teaming with Brian Kendrick and Joey Ryan as the Three Kings. They ended up in feud with the Briscoes and JML, which resulted ultimately in Aries losing his active competition contract. During this process, Aries kept getting full of himself and costing the Kings their matches. When he came back as a manager, he tried to recruit Kendrick and Ryan (now the Hollywood Kings), but they beat him up instead. So Aries his old buddy Roderick Strong and bought Karl Anderson after his impressive showing against DOOMSDAY to take care of the Kings. A-List sneak attacks the Kings to start the match. Roddy pairs off with Kendrick while Joey and Karl go at it. The Kings end up turning the tide with dual suicide dives to the outside. It ends up in the ring finally with Roddy getting worked over by the Kings. Aries ends up causing a distracted long enough for Roddy to take Kendrick's eyes and tag in Karl. From there, Kendrick is YOUR face-in-peril. They spend the match working Kendrick's back over, which is of course Roddy's forte. A-List uses a ton of quick tags to keep the advantage. They also use some very creative tag moves, like Karl holding Kendrick in the Torture Rack and then tossing him over into a double-back breaker. They also utilize the old Demolition Decapitiation~! at one point. After a lengthy period of time, Kendrick ducks a double clothesline and responds with a double dropkick to turn momentum in his favor and make the hot tag! Joey explodes into the ring, knocking out both Roddy and Karl. Karl gets whipped into the ropes and eats one of the prettiest dropkicks I've seen, sending him to the outside. That allows Kendrick to dive off the top turnbuckle onto him, while Joey beats up on Roddy in the ring. Joey gets a couple of near-falls, but no decisive win. Aries ends up on the apron and gets clocked by Joey, but that allows Roddy to catch Joey with a half-nelson back breaker for a near-fall. Kendrick springboards in with a dropkick that sends Roddy sliding out of the ring. Joey back body drops Kendrick over the ropes on top of Karl and Roddy on the outside. Roddy ends up back in the ring and gets nailed with Regicide, but the referee is distracted by Aries again. The Kings pull Aries into the ring and lift him up for Regicide, but Karl makes the save with a BIG boot to Kendrick that sends Kendrick tumbling out of the ring. Karl and Joey tee off, but Roddy attacks him from behind and that sets up the Killshot - where Karl grabs Joey by the head and shoves him into a VICIOUS Sick Kick by Roddy, to give A-List the win. The heels celebrate before scrambling for safety after Kendrick charges the ring with a steel chair.

Result: A-List wins via pin w/ the Killshot
Time: 14:11


- BACKSTAGE~! where Lenny Leonard is with Windham Rotunda. Lenny asks Windham what his plans are for the future, but before he can talk RIC FLAIR~! walks into the room! Windham introduces himself and shakes Ric's hand. Ric doesn't say anything, he just smiles and walks off.

Match #3: The Cross vs. Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team - Tables Match
When the year started, WGTT had this pretty great series of matches with DOOMSDAY. In their last match, the Cross interfered costing WGTT the win. The result of that was that WGTT couldn't compete for the tag titles again until 1/1/13. WGTT and the Cross has some interaction and, as the Cross is wont to do, the Cross ended up putting Shelton Benjamin through a table. Ipso facto, tables match! No tags necessary here, as they all end up brawling to start. Ares pairs off with Shelton, while Haas and Claudio go at in the ring. Shelton nails Ares with a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. He slides into the ring and, with Haas, double teams Claudio with a double back body drop. Claudio stumbles around the ring and then gets nailed by Shelton with Pay Dirt. WGTT exit the ring and get a table from underneath it. They set it up in the middle of the ring. Claudio gets whipped into the ropes, but Ares pulls him out. They huddle on the outside, thinking they're safe, but Shelton dives over the ropes with a somersault planca onto them. Shelton rolls Ares into the ring and Haas power bombs Ares through the table, putting WGTT up 1 to nothing. Shelton sets up a table in the ring-side area and places Claudio on top of it. In the ring, Haas continues to beat up on Ares. Shelton starts climbing the turnbuckles, but Claudio attacks him from behind. Claudio then drives Shelton through the table with an ALPAMARE WATERSLIDE OFF THE TURNBUCKLES~! Huge "HOLY SHIT"-chant kicks up! We're less than 10 minutes in and if either Haas or Claudio goes through a table, they lose the match. Haas checks on Shelton on the outside but gets nailed from behind by Ares with a chunk of table. Ares ends up tossing Haas into the guard rail a few times for good fun. Ares props a table against the guardrail and tries to suplex Haas through it, but Haas fights out. Haas ends up grabbing Ares by the heading and whipping him right into the table, shattering it to pieces. Haas celebrates his moral victory, only to get DRILLED with the Iron Boot by Claudio! Claudio rolls Haas in the ring and stomps away at him. Haas takes a massive, lengthy beating here. Claudio caps the beating off with Panzer Bomb (cross-armed power bomb). Claudio rolls out of the, grabs a table from under the ring, and slides it in. He sets it up in the middle of the ring. Claudio whips Haas into the ropes, but Haas slides out while Shelton simultaneously springboards off the ropes and nails Claudio with a clothesline. Shelton props the table in the corner and whips Claudio into it, but Claudio stops just in time to avoid crashing into it. Shelton flies at him with a Stinger Splash, but Claudio dodges and Shelton crashes through the table. On the outside, Ares has Haas on a table of his own and is choking Haas with a cable. Claudio joins him and tells Ares to go up to the top. Ares flies off the top with a senton, but Haas moves out of the way at the last minute. Haas catches Claudio with a belly-to-belly suplex on the concrete. Haas sets a table up, bridging it from the ring apron to the guardrail. He places Claudio on it and searches for Shelton. Haas checks on Shelton and gets nailed from behind by Claudio. Claudio drags Haas over to the table and tries to Panzer Bomb him through it, but Haas fights out of it. Haas tries to back drop Claudio through it, but Claudio lands on his feet. Shelton attacks Claudio from behind, giving them a 2-on-1 advantage. Haas then lifts Claudio on his shoulders and Shelton climbs on the turnbuckles for the dropkick, but when Shelton jumps Ares catches him in mid-air with a HUGE SPEAR on the ring apron! Another "HOLY SHIT"-chant pops up for that. Claudio fights off Haas, again, and tries to the Panzer Bomb again but Haas ends up back dropping Claudio into the crowd. Haas yanks Claudio back into the ring-side area and rolls Claudio into the ring. Haas tries throwing Claudio over the ropes through table, but Claudio lands on the apron and rams Haas in the mid-section with his shoulder. Claudio pulls Haas onto the apron again and goes the Panzer Bomb again, but this time Shelton makes the save with a HUGE kick to the back of Claudio's head. Haas lifts on his shoulders, while standing on the apron, and Shelton flies off the turnbuckle with a bulldog driving Claudio through the table, finally, to give WGTT the big win. Not sure what happened to Ares at the end there, but that finish was somewhat anticlimactic. WGTT celebrate their win, regardless.

Result: Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team win via putting Claudio Castagnoli through a table
Time: 16:30


- BACKSTAGE~! Austin Aries with with Aries Unlimited. He says they've already taken care of one piece of business, and in a minute they're going to go out and rid us all of that illiterate idiot, Davey Richards.

Match #4: Naomichi Marufuji (w/ Austin Aries) vs. Davey Richards
Davey and Naomichi is, essentially, a byproduct of the Eddie Edwards/Brent Albright-rivalry. Marufuji was brought into WCW by Austin Aries to counteract Davey, basically. In what should come as a surprise to no one, they start off with chain-wrestling. It's actually a very lengthy bit of it, with them trading holds and counter-holds for about five minutes. To the crowd's credit, they seem to enjoy it immensely. JR puts over Marufuji as the consummate professional wrestler. Davey ends up putting an end to feeling-out process with a series of stiff kicks. Marufuji, not to be outdone, returns the favor with some stiff kicks of his own. Before you know it, JR is spouting things like "Both of these guys have feet that were educated in the Ivy leagues." The kicks turn to chops and then Davey unloads on Marufuji with the Kawada kicks. Marufuji, in turn, gears up for a rapid assault of his own, only to thumb Davey in the eye~! Marufuji grounds Davey an Octopus-like submission and spends the duration of the match working Davey's neck. After a lengthy segment of using various submissions and other signature moves of his (sliding dropkick to the head) to beat Davey up, Davey manages to hit his springboard spin kick on Marufuji to mount his comeback. It ends up like every Davey Richards-match ever, where they hit each with various big moves and kick out. They follow that with a VICIOUS strike-battle, with Davey nailing Marufuji with a vicious kick to the head for a near-fall. Davey goes for the DR Driver, but Aries pops up on the apron of course. The referee argues with Aries and Davey gets distracted long enough to receive the GREEN MIST~! to the face, followed by a DEADLY superkick, but DAVEY KICKS OUT~! Davey stands up and gets superkicked again and that's enough to put him away, continuing his losing streak. This was a perfectly good match, but I was left wanting more!

Result: Naomichi Marufuji wins via pin w/ the Superkick
Time: 13:49


- BACKSTAGE~! WGTT are with Lenny Leonard. He asks them how it feels to win their match, but before they can answer, Ric Flair pops up to shake some more hands.

Match #5: DOOMSDAY [c] vs. The Old School Wrecking Crew - WCW World Tag Team Championship Match
Both of these teams are undefeated. DOOMSDAY has been on a monstrous run in WCW, defeating all challengers. The Crew both started out, essentially, as an enhancement talent. Both were fed up with that, so they paired up and have been on quite the streak themselves. They beat Fastball Special to earn this match (because wins matter). DOOMSDAY normally is seconded by Jimmy Jacobs, but the Crew ended up taking him out of action on a recent edition of Underground. JR questions if the lack of Jimmy Jacobs will have an effect on this match. The Crew try to sneak attack DOOMSDAY before the bell, and end up paying for it by getting beaten out of the ring. After stalling on the outside, Corino slides in to start things off with Morishima. Morishima beats up Corino pretty soundly with some stiff forearms and chops. Morishima tags in Walker and Corino escapes to tag in Pearce. Pearce challenges Walker to a test of strength, and Walker laughs at him. Pearce keeps challenging him, so Walker just kicks him in the stomach and gutwrench suplexes Pearce across the ring. Pearce and Corino consult in the corner again. Pearce then beckons for Morishima, so Walker shrugs and tags him in. Pearce asks Morishima for a test of strength and Morishima gives it to him, only for Pearce to kick him in the stomach. Pearce quickly drags Morishima over to his corner and unloads of Morishima with a series of punches. Morishima quickly battles back, but Corino yanks him down by the hair. Why, if I didn't know any better, I might think we have a true-blue FACE-IN-PERIL~! Pearce and Corino take turns working over Morishima's arm for good fun. They do this great bit where they Pearce puts Morishima in an arm-wringer, then Corino tags and puts Morishima in an arm-wringer, then Pearce tags back in and puts Morishima in an arm-wringer, and this goes on for like 20 arm-wringers, drawing boos from the crowd. Great stuff. Morishima gets worked over for quite some time. He makes several close tags, but every time he does either Pearce or Corino cuts him off. Before you know it, the crowd is chanting "DOOMSDAY" in Goldberg-fashion, trying to revive Morishima. Morishima's big moment finally comes when he catches Pearce with the Scrap Buster (FOR THE SCRAP DADDY~!). Morishima makes the hot tag and the crowd comes unglued as Walker murders everyone in sight. Corino falls victim to a double chokeslam that gets only a near-fall, thanks to Pearce. Morishima and Walker beat up on Pearce in the corner. Morishima then drills him with a lariat in the corner and Walker follows up with his big splash, but Pearce grabs the ref in front of him. REF BUMP~! Walker and Morishima aren't fazed by that, though, and Pearce gets DRILLED with the Omega Driver in the middle of the ring. No ref to make the count and Corino ends up DRILLING Walker in the back with a steel chair. Corino and Pearce beat Morishima up with the steel chair as well and roll him to the outside. They place chair on the mat and give Walker a Spiked Piledriver onto the chair! While Pearce kicks the chair out of the ring, Corino covers Walker and.... WIN THE BELTS! I did not expect that! The crowd is furious with that decision as Corino and Pearce escape with the tag titles!

Result: The Old School Wrecking Crew win via pin w/ the Spiked Piledriver onto a chair
Time: 15:09


- Jim Ross questions the ethics of what just went down. Talk segues into discussion about the Necro Butcher/Brodie Lee-feud. A video plays detailing their vicious hatred of one another. Apparently there will be no intermission tonight.

Match #6: Necro Butcher vs. Brodie Lee
Necro Butcher brought Brodie Lee in to help him during his feud with CM Punk. After that, Brodie was getting visibly upset with Necro's attitude about the then-upcoming Bunkhouse Stampede. During the Stampede, Necro eliminated Brodie. After winning the Stampede, Necro was viciously assaulted by Brodie with the Bruiser Brody Cup trophy, which put Necro out of action for awhile. Necro returned with an eye-patch, and the war was on. Brodie doesn't even make it to the ring as Necro attacks him in the ring-side area. They brawl all around the ring and into it, finally starting the match. Necro beats on Brodie in one corner, whips Brodie into another corner, and beats on him some more. Brodie catches Necro with a big boot, though, and then returns the favor - beating on Necro this time. There's little in the way of wrestling holds or moves here, as they just take turn beating each other up. After awhile they end up brawling outside, tossing each other into the guardrail and banging each other's head on the ring apron. Necro ends up grabbing a camera from the crew and nails Brodie with it, officially drawing the disqualification. The crowd is not pleased with that. Needless to say, that's not the end of it. They end up brawling into the crowd and up onto the stage, where the security officers keep them away from JR and JML. Then, in a huge moment, Necro spears Brodie OFF THE STAGE and INTO THE RING~! With nothing to break their fall, they crash hard on the canvas. Both men lay on the mat, pretty hurt. Paramedics rush the ring and tend to them, but before you know it - they're fighting again! Brodie ends up slamming the stretcher over Necro's head! Security, refs, etc. pour out of the locker room to keep them separate. It takes a while, but eventually both men are escorted out. JR promises that this is far from over.

Result: Brodie Lee wins via disqualification after Necro Butcher hit Brodie Lee with a camera
Time: 8:11 (20:01 for the whole thing)


- BACKSTAGE~! Pearce and Corino are celebrating with the champagne. They shove Lenny Leonard away without giving him a comment.

Match #7: Alberto Dos Caras (Team Captain)/Chris Hero/The Midnight Guns vs. The Patriot (Team Captain)/Richie Steamboat/Fastball Special - Captain's Challenge Match
Basically, the Patriot is Kurt Angle in a mask. Alberto Dos Caras beat the Angle last year in a match where if Angle lost, he had to quit. But then Angle came back under a mask as the Patriot. Caras realized that and drama unfolded, of course. The match works like this: it's elimination style (like a Survivor Series-match), but if you pin the team captain (Caras or Patriot), then the match ends regardless of how many people remain on that team. The remaining members of the winning team get to split $100,000. So money and pride on the line here. The Patriot wants to start with Caras, but Caras denies him the opportunity. Instead, we start with Generico and Moxley. Moxley tries to use heel tactics to get the upper-hand, but Generico continuously out-smarts him. Black comes in, so Generico tags in London. They do a bunch of cool stuff with tons of counters right out of an RVD/Jerry Lynn-match, to get the crowd applause. Before long, though, London is getting beaten up by the Guns in uniform fashion. London makes a quick tag to Richie, though, who clears the Guns out of the ring, and then beckons for Hero. Hero and Richie pair off in the ring, going through some nice chain-wrestling. Hero ends up in the face-corner, and gets worked over by all of the good guys involved. But then London ends up getting caught up in the wrong corner, before long, getting worked over. They spend a good bit of time working on him and eventually chaos ensues in the ring with every battling everyone. Hero ends up drilling London with the Deathblow and Black makes the pin to eliminate him.

Eliminated: Paul London

The action doesn't let up as the brawling continues around ring-side. The referee finally gets things under control, but the cost is Generico getting worked over by the Midnight Guns. They spend a lengthy amount of time beating him up, with Caras and Hero taking turns as well. The Guns use some of their innovative tandem offense, like the rocking horse (by Moxley)/punt kick (by Black) for a few near-falls. Generico comes very close to making the tag several times, but it never pans out. Black and Moxley keep him cut off while Hero and Caras relax. Black and Moxley attempt their back drop (by Moxley)/power bomb (by Black)-combo, but Generico counters with a swinging DDT on Black. Moxley swings a wild punch at Generico, which Generico ducks and counters with a quick roll-up to eliminate Moxley!

Eliminated: Jon Moxley

Taking advantage of the brief distract, Black grabs Generico and DRILLS him into the mat with Paroxysm (reverse brainbuster), to eliminate him.

Eliminated: El Generico

The Patriot gets in the ring and tees off with Black, but Hero ends up tagged and they work him over a bit. The Patriot fights back, though, and ends up tagging in Richie who clears house. Richie gets a few near-falls on Hero, but Black and Caras make the save respectively. Black and Richie tee off in the ring, as JR mentions they have a bit of history down south (a reference to their rivalry in FCW), hitting all kinds of quick moves on another (enzuiguris, suplexes, etc.). Richie keeps getting near-falls, but Black keeps kicking out. Black makes the tag, and before long Richie is getting beaten up by all three of the remaining heels. They each take turns coming in and beating up on Richie. The big swinging in momentum comes with Richie hitting a flying forearm on Hero. He makes the hot tag and the Patriot comes in to clean house and FINALLY gets his hands on Caras. The Patriot beats up on Caras corner to corner, using the big 10-punch spot to crowd approval. The heels try to triple team the Patriot, but Richie helps fight them off. The action gets a little hectic and Richie ends up tagged in. He catches Black with a quick sunset flip out of nowhere to eliminate him.

Eliminated: Tyler Black

The action doesn't get any less hectic though. The Patriot and Richie spend some time double-teaming Hero, nailing him with a Hart Attack for a near-fall thanks to Caras. Caras tosses the Patriot out of the ring, allowing Hero and Caras to work over Richie. They spend some time double-teaming him, eventually nailing him with a various of the KRS-ONE (old Hero/Castagnoli finish - YouTube it). Patriot makes the save to prevent Richie being eliminated. They end up all brawling in the ring and ring-side area, of course. The ref tries to contain things, but it's no use. Patriot ends up taking a bad spill into the guardrail, which allows Richie to get double-teamed again. Caras holds Riche, while Hero motions for the roaring elbow. Richie ducks just in time, causing Hero to nail Caras! The Patriot yanks Hero out of the ring, while Richie covers Caras with a tight jackknife cradle for the big win!

Eliminated: Alberto Dos Caras

Hero and Caras argue while the Patriot and Steamboat celebrate in the ring.

Result: The Patriot/Richie Steamboat win via pin w/ Richie Steamboat last eliminating Alberto Dos Caras
Time: 23:11


- BACKSTAGE~! Austin Aries is celebrating with A-List and Naomichi Marufuji. He says they've only got one last thing to do tonight and that's put an end to Eddie Edwards.

Match #8: Brent Albright [c] (w/ Austin Aries) vs. Eddie Edwards - United States Championship Match; Two Out of Three Falls Match
These two have had quite the under-appreciated rivalry. It started at Starrcade where Eddie beat Albright in the finals of the United States Championship Title tournament. They ended up doing a rematch on TV where Albright had Eddie in the Crowbar and Eddie passed out. The ref was doing the requisite arm-lifts, where if you lift the arm threes time and it drops you lose. On the third attempt, Eddie's hand hit the mat with the kicker being that the time-limit expired just before his hand hit the canvas. Albright lost it, there. They had a rematch at SuperBrawl, where Albright debuted Austin Aries as his manager. In the match, Albright took Eddie out with a half-nelson suplex. When Albright pinned Eddie, Eddie got his foot off the rope, but Aries knocked the foot off before the ref could see it giving Albright the win and the United States Championship. So you see, two matches with incredibly inconclusive and controversial finishes leads, logically, to this match where you have to win TWICE - thus, nullifying any BS finishes. Smart booking, AMIRITE?

First Fall: Chain-wrestling to start, of course. Albright is more powerful, so he gets the advantage. As a true heel, he mocks Eddie for being a little weakling. Eddie responds with a VICIOUS kick to the head that sends Albright reeling to the outside. Albright consults with Aries and then gets back in the ring. More chain-wrestling, this time with Eddie being quicker and using that to his advantage, getting a couple of quick pins on Albright for near-falls. Eddie goes for another lock-up but Alright kicks him instead. Albright then tosses Eddie shoulder first into the ring-post! Well then! From there, Albright works the arm over like a beast. He does all kinds of things, like knee-drops to the arm and arm-drags, etc. After a lengthy segment of beating on the arm, Albright goes for the Crowbar, but Eddie rolls through and somehow managaes a La Majistral cradle out of it for a winning pin-fall! Albright goes crazy on the referee while Eddie slinks into the corner, nursing his arm.

Second Fall: Albright quickly resumes his attack on the arm, beating it senseless with stomps, kicks, etc. He slides out of the ring and slams the arm on the apron several times. He even slams Eddie's arm into the ring-post. He gets back in the ring and locks the Crowbar in hard, right in the middle. Eddie quickly taps, with JR making sure to point out that it's the best decision to make.

Third Fall: Albright goes for the Crowbar almost immediately, but Eddie rolls through and kicks Albright in the head. With Albright momentarily dazed, Eddie DRILLS him with a flying knee strike that sends Albright to the outside. Eddie then flies through the ropes with a suicide dive for good measure, popping the crowd! Eddie gives Albright a vicious series of chops on the outside. He sits Albright on a chair in the corner of the ring-side areas, and then flies into him with a running drop kick! Eddie rolls Albright in and the nails Albright with a beautiful missile dropkick that only gets two. Eddie hits Albright with a series of kicks, finishing him with a solebutt kick for two. Eddie tries a suplex, but Albright counters with the Crowbar, but Eddie counters that with the La Majistrl cradle again but Albright kicks out! Albright catches Eddie with a half-nelson suplex. He goes for the pin, and Eddie gets his foot on the ropes, but Aries knocks it off - only this time the ref sees it! After interfering all night long, the referee ejects Aries from ring-side! Albright argues with the ref, which allows Eddie the quick roll-up for two. Albright swings wildly at Eddie, but Eddie ducks and NAILS the Angle Slam for a crazy near-fall! Eddie then locks in the Achilles Lock and tries to wrench it in, but his arm is too hurt and he ends up letting go. He reaches down for Albright, who quickly yanks him into the Crowbar dead in the center of the ring! Eddie tries to fight out of it by rolling through, but Albright rolls with him to keep the hold applied! Eddie ultimately passes it out, so the ref goes for arm-list spot. He lifts Eddie's hand once, and it drops. He lifts it again, and it drops. He lifts it a third time but Eddie stays in it! Eddie fights back to a standing position, nailing Albright with forearm shots from his good arm. He tries to break away but Albright DRILLS him with a half-nelson suplex, and then rolls over and nails ANOTHER half-nelson suplex, and then a THIRD half-nelson suplex. Albright then locks in the Crowbar, but Eddies done for. The ref checks the arm three times, and each time it drops giving Albright the win.

Result: Brent Albright wins via submission w/ the Crowbar
Time: 20:05


- Following the match, Jim Ross thanks the fans in attendance and watching at home on iPPV for making this show a success. He then introduces RIC FLAIR~! Ric comes out to a chorus of "WHOOS" of course. He takes the mic from Jim, thanks him, and cuts a promo like only Flair can.

"WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Baby it's great to be back in Atlanta, GA, back here in WCW. WHOOOOO! A couple of a weeks ago, Jim Ross called me and says: 'NAITCH... WE NEED YA...' He says things have been gettin' a little rowdy 'round here. He says they need someone to come in and run the show! And who better than limousine riding, jet-flying, wheelin' dealin', kiss stealin' SON OF A GUN... 'NATURE BOY...' RIC FLAIR... 16-time World Champion... 2-time Hall of Famer... I've seen a lot of things here in WCW. I've been keepin' my eye out. It's amazing, I tell ya, that the more things change the more they stay the same. I came here today thinkin' about my good friend Barry Windham, damned if I don't run into his nephew backstage. I remember a time when Bruiser Brody was beatin' the hell out of me in Texas, and here's the Necro Butcher. I see Austin Aries walking around with the million-dollar suits and the ladies and he's four men by his side, and WHOO you know what popped in my mind then. But the real deal is next. Two men are going to do what we do in this business best - they're going to fight for the World Championship. I've seen CM Punk and I know Chris Jericho, and I know they're goin' to leave it all on the ring! May the best man win because whoever does, needs to know that from here on out... 'THE NATURE BOY' is calling the shots in WCW! WHOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

- A video package recaps the Chris Jericho/CM Punk-rivalry.

Main Event: Chris Jericho [c] vs. CM Punk - WCW World Championship Match
No matter how hard he tries, CM Punk has always drawn a great reaction from a certain portion of the fans in WCW. So when he earned a title-shot by defeating Davey Richards at SuperBrawl, that became the issue at hand for this match. Jericho didn't like being booed in favor of Punk. Punk, being Punk, used some thinly-veiled shoot comments to rile Jericho up. Jericho returned the favor and before you know it, they were basically just shooting at each other in the ring. Punk accused Jericho of being the Triple H of WCW, while Jericho accused Punk of not being straight-edge. So the issue between these two is pretty heated, to say the least. The crowd is 50/50 for them starting out. JR notes that, as with all World title matches on iPPV, there's a 60-minute time limit. Jericho and Punk come face-to-face in the middle of the ring. They jaw with one another and before you know it, they're exchanging punches. Jericho grabs a headlock, but Punk pushes him off into the ropes, Jericho responds with a shoulder tackle, flies into the ropes, Punk drops down and then nails Jericho on the return with a leg lariat. The crowd goes wild! They lock up and engage in some nice little chain-wrestling. They shift the advantage back and forth with neither man gaining true ground, until Punk catches Jericho by surprise in the Anaconda Vise. Jericho quickly grabs the ropes to break the hold. Punk leans in for the lock up again, but Jericho counters with a drop toe hold and transitions into a rear chin lock. Punk fights out of it with elbows, but Jericho charges at him regardless only to have Punk duck down (grabbing the middle rope) and causing Jericho to crash to the outside. Punk then dives through the ropes onto Jericho with a suicide dive to a huge reaction. Punk gives Jericho a few chops on the outside, but Jericho counters by yanking Punk - causing Punk to slam into the ring-post. Jericho checks on Punk, lifts him up, and then slams him into the ring-post again - drawing the ire of the crowd. Jericho rolls into the ring to break the count and when he rolls out, Punk is wearing the proverbial crimson mask. Jericho tosses Punk in the ring, allowing the ref to check on him. Jericho shoves the ref away and starts punching Punk in his bloody face! The crowd does not respond favorably, although JR says Jericho is merely taking advantage of the opportunity. Thus, the match goes with Jericho beating on a bloodied Punk. Jericho at one point wipes Punk's blood across his chest. At another, he uses the old Eddie Guerrero standby of standing Punk's face, and then twisting to rake the boot on the forehead. Every time Punk mounts a comeback, Jericho stems the tide with a big punch or kick. The big comeback finally happens when Jericho misses a clothesline in the corner, and Punk then charges with running knee followed by the bulldog. Punk screams to the crowd who roars its approval. He hits Jericho with a series of strikes, ending with the big kick to the head for two. Punk goes for the G2S, but Jericho rolls down with a sunset flip for two. Punk counters back with a roll-up of his own for two and they trade near-falls. Punk nails Jericho with another big kick to the head, and then steps on the apron for slingshot clothesline. Punk flies into the ring but Jericho catches him in mid-air with the Codebreaker! Jericho follows up with the Lionsault for the pin-fall victory.


















EXCEPT PUNK KICKS OUT~! The crowd LOSES it as Punk musters strength behind his bloody visage. JR comments that no one has kicked out of that combo before! Jericho nails Punk from behind and whips him in to the ropes, but Punk flies back with a flying clothesline! Both men pop up very quickly and Punk catches Jericho with a swinging DDT out of the corner. Punk then goes up top for a HUGE elbow drop that only gets two. Punk signals for G2S again, but again Jericho slides down the back into a reverse cradle that only gets two. Jericho slowly gets up and gets caught with a SHINING WIZARD~! That only gets a near-fall as well. Punk lifts Jericho up for the G2S, but Jericho catches knee coming down and flips Punk into the Liontamer! The bloodied CM Punk HOWLS in pain as the crowd is now firmly, 100% behind him chanting "PLEASE DON'T TAP!" Punk crawls to the ropes, but Jericho drags him back to the middle of the ring. Punk tries to power out, but it's no use. Punk crawls again to the ropes and when he grabs them, the crowd EXPLODES! Jericho reaches for Punk, but Punk catches him with an inside cradle for two. Both men get up quickly and Punks nail Jericho with another kick to the side of the head. Punk lifts Jericho up for the G2S, but his leg is hurt and he staggers back in to turnbuckle, sandwiching the ref between them. REF BUMP~! Jericho falls over onto the apron while Punk checks on the ref. Jericho slides in the ring...















And kicks Punk in the balls! HEEL TURN: COMPLETE. Jericho soaks in the boos as a bloodied Punk crumples up on the mat. Jericho slips out of the ring and walks over to the timekeeper's table. He grabs the WCW World Championship and slides back in the ring. He kneels down in front of Punk and the camera man is just close enough to catch his words:

Chris Jericho: You will NEVER get this.

Jericho then BLASTS Punk in the side of the head with the belt. Jericho tosses the belt out of the ring and revives the referee. Jericho hooks the leg to get the cheap win.

























BUT PUNK KICKS OUT~! The crowd ROARS in approval with "CM PUNK"-chants! Jericho argues with the referee and turns around to Punk, who's barely able to hold it together. Punks give him the bird and yells...

CM Punk: FUCK YOU!

Jericho kicks Punk in the gut and delivers the Codebreaker again. He lifts the unconscious Punk up and delivers a SECOND Codebreaker, followed by the Lionsault...

































....to finally score the pin.

Result: Chris Jericho wins via pin w/ the Lionsault
Time: 25:33

- Trash litters the ring as Jericho raises the belt into the air triumphantly. JR causes him a devil in disguise as the show comes to an end.

WCW SuperBrawl

- The intro video this time around plays out like something out of the 80s. Paul Heyman is doing the voiceovers again, as he runs down the eight matches. Heyman does his best Vince McMahon-impression at the end: “It’s Superbraaaaaaaaaaawl!” Great stuff!

- Jim Ross and JML are on commentary tonight. No time for dilly-dallying as we go straight to the opening contest.

Match #1: Fastball Special vs. The Old School Wrecking Crew – Top Contenders Match
The backstory here is that both teams have been on a good run and believe they should be up for championship contention. The Wrecking Crew has a better claim, as they’re undefeated, whereas Fastball Special has already lost against DOOMSDAY once. However, Fastball Special’s run has been pretty to the point with several quick victories, whereas the Wrecking Crew ended up having a match where they kind of struggled against a jobber-team. So anyway, the winners get a WCW Tag Team Championship match. The match starts off quickly with London and Generico flying all around the ring and basically outmaneuvering Corino and Pearce. It goes outside which leads to a beautiful set of stereo-Asai moonsaults by London and Generico. The action gets back in the ring with London and Corino. London dominates Corino with a bunch of quick moves (dropkicks, headscissors, etc.). Pearce makes a blind-tag though and that leads to London being YOUR face-in-peril. The Crew work London’s neck over for a good portion of time. There’s a lot less in the way of your present-day double-team moves by the Crew – i.e. no double suplexes, assisted moves of that nature. It’s more, Corino holds London over and Pearce drops an elbow to the neck. It’s all very “old school.” The crowd is really behind Fastball Special, too. Corino and Pearce try a double-team move where Corino whips London into the ropes, them drops down forcing London to jump over him. The idea is that Pearce would then punch London, but instead London nails Pearce with the dropsault, landing on Corino in the process. If you’ve never seen it, the dropsault is a dropkick that lands like a standing moonsault. That leads to a hot tag to Generico who runs in and attacks everyone in sight. Pearce ends up getting knocked out of the ring via a Yakuza kick, but that’s the distraction Corino needs to cheapshot Generico from behind to give you a SECOND face-in-peril sequence, this time with Generico taking the beating. They work Generico over in the same fashion they did London, focusing on the neck area. JML brings up the Spiked Piledriver as reasoning behind working the neck. A double-team maneuver backfires again on the Crew as Pearce and Corino attempt a double back drop, but Generico counters with a kick to Pearce’s face and a tornado DDT on Corino (which is done by Generico kicking off of Pearce). Hot tag and it’s BREAKING DOWN in Atlanta. Fastball take the momentum and send Pearce and Corino outside. They follow up with dives onto the Crew. London and Corino end up back inside the ring and exchange near-falls. Outside Generico ends up back dropped into the crowd. That allows Corino and Pearce to double-team London and use the Spiked Piledriver to win. Corino and Pearce celebrate as they leave.

Result: The Old School Wrecking Crew win via pin w/ The Spiked Piledriver
Time: 17:32


- Jim Ross and JML talk about the tag team championships and what could happen tonight. Ross says that Vince McMahon is an evil man and would love nothing more to throw their belts in the trash if Bad Intentions win tonight, which could very well happen. JML says that DOOMSDAY are two of the baddest men he’s ever seen in pro wrestling, but he’s not sure that they can get the job done against Bad Intentions.

- Match #2: Chris Masterson vs. Windham Rotunda
This match came about as your basic pretty boy vs. fat boy story. Masterson thinks Windham is a slob, Windham is your tough guy who might not look as fit as others but can definitely go in the ring – similar to Dusty Rhodes, albeit not as charismatic. It’s not hard to see that they’re trying to make Masterson a modern-day Lex Luger. They lock up and it becomes a test of strength, with both men pushing the other into a corner. Windham breaks clean, but Masterson cheapshots Windham. No chain wrestling here, as they devolve right into a brawl. They trade punches back and forth with Windham getting the upper hand. Masterson rolls to the outside to stall. There’s a pretty good set of “WINDHAM”-chants. Masterson back in and they lock up, but Masterson cheapshots Windham with a knee to the mid-section. Masterson dominates from there, using his repertoire of power moves combined with standard heel tactics (eye-rakes, etc.). Windham, to his credit, bumps like a mad-man for Masterson. Masterson uses a Barry Windham-style superplex on Rotunda and the irony is not lost on Jim Ross. Masterson gets a few near-falls following some power moves (including a well-executed double-underhook backbreaker – similar to what CM Punk does). Masterson tries to lock in the Torture Lock, but Windham fights out of it only to get nailed with a Polish hammer from Masterson. Masterson works the upper back to soften it up for the Torture Lock. Masterson tries a back drop, but it’s too soon and Windham counters with a DDT~! That only gets two but it’s enough to light a fire in Windham, who unloads with a series of punches on Masterson, capping it off with a discus punch. Windham nails Masterson with the Rick Steiner-like powerslam for two. Windham nails Masterson with a superplex of his own for two. Windham lifts Masterson up for the Death Valley Driver, but Masterson slides down the back and goes for the Torture Lock. He doesn’t get it locked on though and Windham pushes Masterson into the turnbuckles and then rolls Masterson up for two. Windham argues with the referee and then turns around only to get nailed by Masterson. I’m pretty sure Masterson had an illegal object in his hand. Masterson locks in the Torture Lock and Windham is out of it, so the ref calls for the match. A replay shows Masterson pulling brass knux out of his trunks.

Result: Chris Masterson wins via submission w/ The Torture Lock
Time: 9:43


- Ross and JML speculate whether we’ve seen the last of this situation. Next, they show a video of Bad Intentions that aired on the Event Center awhile back. Talk segues to the last major challenge DOOMSDAY fought, being Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team, and what happened there.

- Match #3: The Cross vs. Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team
Leading up to this, WGTT was involved in a pretty heavy series with DOOMSDAY over the tag team championship. In the final match of their trilogy, WGTT wrestled with the stipulation that if they lost the match then they wouldn’t be able to challenge for the championships again until 1/1/13. Well, the Cross cost WGTT the match in order to make a statement. So that brings us to here. They brawl to start. Benjamin pairs of with Claudio, Haas with Ares (on the outside). WGTT dominate to start. Haas knocks Ares around on the outside while inside Benjamin tosses Claudio around with a few suplexes. The ref settles things down and Benjamin and Haas work Claudio over. Ross questions if the Cross might have bitten off more than they can chew. They use the Broken Arrow (slingshot drop) on Claudio, officially transitioning it into a regular move – which is for the best because I never bought it as a tag finish anyway. Haas and Claudio get into a test of strength, with Claudio cheapshotting Haas. You’d think this leads to face-in-peril, but when Ares comes in Haas levels him with a big boot. The crowd is eating WGTT up here. Benjamin and Haas work Ares over a bit. Ross utilizes his old standby to describe Benjamin as the most physically gifted athlete in pro wrestling. I find that hard to believe with Claudio RIGHT THERE. Claudio gets a blind tag and that sets up Benjamin as YOUR face-in-peril. Hey, I know – it’s formulaic but it’s called formula for a reason! So Benjamin gets worked over with the focus being on his arm. At first glance that doesn’t make sense, but JML is voice of reason when he mentions that a hurt arm will prevent Benjamin from hitting the springboard lariat for their STILL un-named tag finisher. Anyway, they do a good job of working it over. Of course, it doesn’t last as Benjamin nails Ares with a spinning heel kick to set up the hot tag. Haas gets a huge pop as he runs in and immediately belly-to-belly suplexes Claudio. Benjamin and Haas hit some swank double-teams (including a sweet German suplex/superkick-combo which SHOULD be their finish) for near-falls. Haas sends Claudio out of the ring with a boot. Benjamin and Haas nail Ares with the modified Hart Attack and go for the pin – BUT WAIT~! The ref says Ares isn’t legal. Haas argues with the ref while Benjamin gets DRILLED with the Iron Boot (bicycle kick) from Claudio! Haas walks around and gets nailed with the Ricola Bomb but STILL KICKS OUT~! That sets up the Blitzkreig, which gives Claudio the pin while Ares holds Benjamin down. In the post-match, Benjamin gets jumped as well by Ares and Claudio. The Cross set up a table and sure enough Benjamin goes through it. Finally they depart after some pressure from officials.

Result: The Cross win via pin w/ Blitzkreig
Time: 14:05


- Ross and JML discuss the ramifications of the previous match. They then show a training video with DOOMSDAY. I have to say, they’re hyping the main event like it’s the most important match in history. Ross again expresses his concerns over Bad Intentions winning the championship tonight. Talk segues to mystery of The Patriot and Alberto Dos Caras’ claims.

Match #4: Alberto Dos Caras vs. The Patriot
Alberto thinks the Patriot is Kurt Angle (he is). This annoys Alberto because he defeated Kurt Angle last year in a Career Match and Kurt Angle was forced to leave WCW. The Patriot is so obviously Kurt Angle, to the point that fans are chanting “ANGLE” at him. They lock up and Alberto out-wrestles him at first. Alberto yells at him to quit screwing around and “you’re an Olympic Gold Medalist!” Alberto out-wrestles him again on the mat, so we don’t really get any chain-wrestling sequences like you might expect. That would put us four matches in without having one – but that’s OK because Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards will more than fill the quota later on. Alberto plays to the crowd, which allows the Patriot to him with a good powerslam. The Patriot then backs Alberto into the corner for the 10-punch spot. Alberto Flair-flops out of the corner for good measure. The Patriot goes to work on the leg, but Alberto inevitably pokes the eye to take control. Alberto works the arm over as only he can. He’s become an expert at it, I must say. However, every time he goes to the Destiny Lock – the Patriot counters somehow, be it with a roll-up or by yanking his arm away, so that Alberto never gets it locked in. Alberto keeps working the arm to get it locked into the Destiny Lock, but it doesn’t work. The big momentum shift happens when Albert charges the Patriot in the ropes, but the Patriot gets a big boot up. The Patriot then flies off the top turnbuckle with a flying clothesline for two. The Patriot goes for the Sharpshooter, but Alberto counters with an inside cradle for two. They go back and forth with a series of reversals and near-falls. The Patriot tries a flying shoulderblock, but Albert dodges it and the Patriot knocks out the ref. Alberto attacks the Patriot from behind and shoves the Patriot shoulder-first into the ring-post. Alberto then removes the turnbuckle pad~! RUH ROH! Alberto tries to whip the Patriot into the exposed buckle, but the Patriot reverses and then rolls Alberto up from behind. The ref finally starts counting, but Alberto kicks the Patriot off, face-first into the exposed buckle. Alberto rolls up the Patriot that way and gets three. By my math, that puts the heels at 4-0 tonight. Alberto continues attacking the Patriot afterward. And, of course, he goes after the mask. The Patriot shoves him and Alberto charges only to get tossed halfway across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex! And the crowd EXPLODES for that! The Patriot leaves quickly after that one.

Result: Alberto Dos Caras wins via pin w/ a roll-up
Time: 12:51


- Ross and JML discuss the mystery of the Patriot before going into intermission.

INTERMISSION (during which Caleb Konley finds himself being squashed by Brodie Lee in a quick match)

- We return from intermission and we are BACKSTAGE~! with Lenny Leonard and Bad Intentions. Lenny asks if Giant Bernard will really take the WCW Tag Team Championship to Monday Night RAW. Bernard says he’ll not just take it, he’s going to throw it in a trash can on live TV. He says, “And it’s not a hypothetical. That’s what will happen.”

- Back to ring side. Ross says the final four matches all championship implications starting with the next one where the winner will garner a WCW Championship match at the next iPPV: The Great American Bash. JML and Ross talk about the history between CM Punk and Davey Richards, leading into the next match.

Match #5: CM Punk vs. Davey Richards – Top Contenders Match
This story actually began as a spin-off of the mini-rivalry between Drew Gallows and Eddie Edwards earlier this year. It grew as Punk and Richards (alongside Chris Hero) began vying for a WCW Championship match. Hero took on Richards to get a match, which greatly upset CM Punk. And so they got a match together and after some petitioning, it was made into a Top Contenders Match. So here we go. And guess what? CHAIN-WRESTLING~! They trade holds back and forth, various submissions and the like. Punk is really game, here, and Davey is his usual 110% self. Davey outwrestles Punk, naturally, but Punk outsmarts Davey using the referee to separate the two of them and then nailing Richards with a kick to the head. They exchange some strikes next, and again with Davey being more dominant in the exchange, but this time Punk outsmarts Davey by dodging a running forearm and Davey crashes into the turnbuckles. So the story is set: Davey is more naturally gifted at wrestling while Punk is the wizened veteran. They lock up again and Punk cheapshots Davey, but Davey immediately fights back with a series of strikes and Punk rolls out to stall. So, of course, Davey charges and flies out onto him with a tope con hilo. Davey props Punk on the apron and kicks him in the chest a few times. Then Davey gets on the apron and postures for the crowd, which allows Punk to trip him up and drag him off the apron. Punk then rams Davey into the ring post. They get back in the ring and Davey is busted open, so Punk focuses on that beating away at the open wound. That becomes the focal point as Punk utilizes numerous ways of working over the cut – scratches, boot rakes, etc. Punk utilizes all of his normal stuff, including the rising knee in the corner. Punk gets a couple of near-falls, but Davey has that fighting spirit of course. Davey does try to turn the momentum on a few occasions, but Punk quells all of them by attacking the cut. Davey is a bit of a bloody mess, really. The big momentum swift does finally arrive with Davey counter a second rising knee strike attempt with a hotshot on the turnbuckle. From there Davey pulls in all of his big moves: running forearm strike in the corner, Alarm Clock, and the handspring backflip spin kick. All of them get near-falls. Davey signals for the DR Driver, but Punk counters with a roll-up for two. Punk catches Davey with a VICIOUS Shining Wizard for two. Punk signals for the G2S, but Davey rolls out and rolls Punk up for two. More back-and-forth stuff with tons of near-falls. They get into a strike-fest complete with “BOOS” and “YAYS” for the appropriate person striking. Davey goes for the DR Driver again, but Punk manages to lift Davey onto his shoulders and nail the G2S for the big win. Punk celebrates while Ross speculates about what has led to this series of losses for Davey Richards.

Result: CM Punk wins via pin w/ Go 2 Sleep
Time: 17:21


- JML says that there’s no denying that the right man won that match. Ross says both men fought hard and speculates that on any other night we could have seen a different finish. Talk turns to the Albright/Edwards 30-minute draw. JML says tonight that Albright will be able to make right what went wrong on that show, while Ross speculates why Albright thinks he has a guaranteed game-plan to win.

Match #6: Brent Albright vs. Eddie Edwards [c] – WCW United States Championship Match
Albright and Edwards went to a 30-minute a month ago on Underground. The kicker is that Edwards was locked in the Crowbar and unconscious, so the ref was doing the arm-lift spot. The ref lifted it twice and it fell. The ref lifted it a third time and it fell, but unfortunately for Albright the time limit expired right before it did. Albright went crazy and beat up some refs, which earned him a suspension. Albright promises a guaranteed game-plan to win tonight which ends up being: AUSTIN ARIES~! So Aries is officially Albright’s manager. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. They chain-wrestle to start, but Albright is much more powerful than Eddie so he has an advantage in that respect. Indeed, Albright continuously overpowers the smaller Edwards. Eddie turns the table by striking at Albright’s legs with a series of kicks. Ross brings up Eddie’s finisher, the Achilles Lock. JML mentions that Eddie has also adopted the Angle Slam after training with Kurt Angle. Eddie kicks at Albright’s legs a bunch and then nails him with dropkick to the knee for good measure. Albright conferences with Aries and then they lock up again. Albright pushes Eddie into the turnbuckle and then unloads with a series of knee-strikes. Albright tosses Eddie around with a few suplexes. Ross questions if Edwards has the ability to overcome the raw strength of Brent Albright. Albright uses a couple of power strikes (big clotheslines, shoulderblocks, etc.) and slams (in particular a devastating tilt-a-whirl slam) to keep control over Eddie. Albright gets a couple of near-falls, but nothing concrete. Ross notes that Albright hasn’t focused on the arm at all. Albright starts working over the back, in fact. Albright bends Eddie with a series of backbreakers, but it only gets two. Albright then locks in a grounded bearhug, which is yawn-worthy if I’m being honest. Albright sends Eddie to the outside and then argues with the ref allowing Aries to get in a few cheapshots. Albright tries a pin but it still only gets two. Albright goes for the half-nelson, but Eddie lands on his feet and then DRILLS Albright with a flying knee strike! So there’s your momentum shift. Eddie bloodies Albright’s chest with some of the most vicious chops I’ve ever seen. Eddie hits Albright with a SICK Frankensteiner but it only gets two. That’s not a part of his regular repertoire. Eddie goes after Albright’s leg again, kicking away with some stiff kicks. Eddie nails Albright out of nowhere with the Die Hard (cross-legged brainbuster), but Aries puts Albright’s foot on the ropes to break the count! Eddie argues with Aries and that allows Albright to him with a VICIOUS release German suplex for two! Albright then nails Eddie with the half-nelson suplex and covers him, but Eddie gets a foot on the rope but Aries knocks the foot off and Albright steals the win! Albright becomes the United States Champion! Albright and Aries escape with the championship while Eddie argues about his foot being on the rope. Interesting role reversal there, as Eddie did kind of sneak one by Albright in their first encounter and now Albright has returned the favor.

Winner: Brent Albright wins via pin w/ a half-nelson suplex
Time: 15:23


- We head BACKSTAGE~! where Lenny Leonard is with DOOMSDAY and Jimmy Jacobs. Lenny asks Jimmy what his thoughts are about tonight. As Jimmy is about to answer, Walker cuts him off and cuts a great promo.

"Everyone is talking about how Giant Bernard is going to take the belt to Vince McMahon. Has everyone forgotten just what’s going on here? Everyone seems to be blinded by the hype of what COULD happen. Well let me tell you what WILL happen Lenny. The same thing that happens every time Takeshi and I get in that ring. I don’t know where along the path to this night that we – me and Takeshi Morishima; DOOMSDAY; the WCW Tag Team Champions – I don’t know how WE became the underdogs in this fight. But don’t forget a second just who we are. WE are the undefeated team in WCW. WE are the ones who beat Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team – not once, not twice, but THREE times. Everyone is talking about how Bernard is going to walk away with our belts? Hell, after tonight everyone’s going to talk about whether not Bernard can get out of bed to go to work on Monday."

Fantastic stuff.

- Back to ringside. Ross talks about Chris Jericho title run and announces that whoever wins tonight will take the championship to Japan in May to defend it in the Pro Wrestling NOAH promotion. JML really puts over the deal, talking about how doing so will make the WCW Championship a “World”-class championship.

Match #7: Chris Hero vs. Chris Jericho [c] – WCW Championship Match
This is Jericho’s first PPV title defense, interestingly. Hero got here by putting together some wins that capped off with a clean victory over Davey Richards. See, in WCW wins matter. Anyway, Ross puts the match over as the biggest match in Hero’s career. They engage in some of that famous chain-wrestling to start. Jericho continuously outwrestles Hero. Hero gets frustrated and tries to cheapshot Jericho, but Jericho gamely counters it with an enzuiguri. Hero goes outside to stall but Jericho doesn’t follow him. Hero gets back in and goes for a lock up but Jericho takes him down with a drop toe hold. Jericho dominates Hero pretty easily, all things considered, working the leg. Hero shifts momentum when Jericho goes for a back suplex and Hero lands on his feet, getting enough time to nail Jericho with a few elbow shots. Hero follows that up, quizzically almost, by attacking Jericho’s ribs. I suppose that does help prevent a Lionsault. Hero hits some of his usual stuff, including the senton. Hero then shifts to attacking the arm, which Ross questions the logic in. It ends up turning against him though as he goes a hip-toss which Jericho counters with a beautiful monkey flip. Jericho then gets back on the offensive, attacking the leg of Hero. Jericho even busts out the ring-post figure four at one point, for good fun. Hero takes another opportunity to shift momentum, this time by nailing Jericho with two consecutive roaring elbows. Hero then locks in a cravat of all things, and now JML is questioning the logic. The idea I believe they’re going for is almost like the inverse of Davey/Punk, where Hero is really a rookie in the main event and can’t seem to focus on one part and Jericho has zeroed in on the leg. So it’s a rookie vs. veteran mentality again with the face/heel roles reversed. Hero does hit a nice cravat suplex though, so there’s that. Hero goes back to the ribs though with some elbow strikes. Hero tries a few more shoulderblocks in the corner, but Jericho counters with a sunset flip for two. Jericho tries to transition into the Liontamer, but Hero rolls him up for two. They then get into a big move exchange with each man getting near-falls. It’s of note though that Hero hasn’t gone for the Deathblow, yet. Jericho goes for the Codebreaker, but Hero flips him over and hits a Flash Kick to the back of Jericho’s head for an insane near-fall. They exchange some more near-falls for fun. Hero then gets a flurry of strikes in out of nowhere and really gets Jericho reeling with a good number of near-falls here. Ross comments that this is what Hero should have been doing since the opening bell. Jericho looks stressed as Hero keeps bringing the various elbow strikes. Hero charges Jericho in the corner but Jericho gets a boot up. The boot actually catches Hero low, which seems to have been a mistake by Jericho. Jericho says it was an accident and Hero smartly tells the ref not to call for the DQ (because Hero can win the championship that way). It’s all for not though as Hero turns around and gets nailed with the Codebreaker, followed by the Lionsault for the Jericho-win. I get what they were going for there with Hero being inexperienced in main event matches and Jericho being a veteran, but really it didn’t come together that well. I give them props for going against formula, but it didn’t pay off like they wanted to. I would say that this would be the first face-win this evening, but those were some questionable means of victory by Jericho.

Result: Chris Jericho wins via pin w/ The Lionsault
Time: 18:13


- Ross and JML talk about the main event and its importance. They show the hype video from Underground for the match. Ross says the honor and dignity of WCW is on the line in this bout.

Main Event: Bad Intentions vs. DOOMSDAY w/ Jimmy Jacobs [c] – WCW Tag Team Championship Match
A tag team match as the main event. What a novel concept, amirite? So this one started with the Bunkhouse Stampede iPPV in February. DOOMSDAY and Bad Intentions had a run-in and there was conflict, simple enough. It got taken to the next level though when Giant Bernard signed with WWE and started showing up on a weekly basis as Lord Tensai. Ah, but he still had a contract to appear for WCW two more times (it was three total), so here he is filling out his commitments. These teams have developed an immense animosity for each other despite not having seen each other since the iPPV. Pretty much the entire feud has revolved around some pretty good promos from either team. They have a huge staredown to start. Shades the Rock/Hogan~! The crowd is firmly behind DOOMSDAY on this one, pretty much louder than any other star tonight (which is justification in and of itself to make this the main event for those who were hating). Karl Anderson starts out with Takeshi Morishima. They do a bunch of power-stuff, dueling clotheslines and shoulderblocks and what not. Karl then pairs off with Keith Walker and they do pretty much the same bit. Karl tags in Bernard and the crowd boos him unmercifully. It’s funny because he’s getting this huge, monstrous reaction here and yet you can hear the crickets chirping on RAW. Anyway. They do the power-stuff again, but Bernard is a massive individual, so when he nails Walker with the shoulderblock, Walker goes down. Bernard motions to Takeshi and they do the same thing and Takeshi goes down. Takeshi tries again but Bernard PRESS SLAMS Morishima! The crowd goes apeshit over that. Morishima consorts with Walker and Walker tags in. Walker challenges Bernard to a lariat-duel. So they go for it but Walker ducks the lariat and when Bernard turns around, Walker unloads some punches which gets quite the reaction. Seriously, the crowd is epic here! Bernard gets whipped into the ropes and powerslammed and the crowd comes UNGLUED~! Karl comes in and so does Takeshi. They lock up and we a regular match out of them. Bernard makes a blind tag and that’s been the key tonight as far as momentum in tag action goes. Sure enough, Bernard hits Takeshi with a huge boot and Takeshi is – you guessed it – YOUR face-in-peril. Bernard and Karl take turns beating Takeshi up. They don’t work any specific body part, they just pound of the former ROH World Champ. Takeshi has really mastered the close-tag, as well, probably better than anyone in WCW (or the world for that matter). He gets tons of near-tags and every time he’s cut off, the crowd gets riled up even more. Takeshi FINALLY murders Karl with a VICIOUS lariat and makes the hot tag and the crowd loses it. Walker mauls Anderson and then faces off with Bernard. They exchange forearm shots and Walker ultimately clotheslines Bernard out of the ring. Anderson is left in the ring and he’s the legal man to boot, so Anderson gets destroyed with the Omega Driver for the pin.

Except not.

Wait, WHAT?!

Anderson gets a shoulder up!! The crowd, suitably, chants “HOLY SHIT” since no one has ever done that in WCW. Walker and Morishima are pissed and Bernard takes this opportunity to send Morishima out of the ring. Bernard beats on Walker and Anderson finally comes to and they hit Walker with the Magic Killer~! Bernard covers but Morishima BARELY gets there to make the save! HOLY GOD WHAT A NEAR-FALL! Morishima and Walker double team Bernard. They set Bernard up for the Omega Driver, but Walker eats a boot when going for the lariat and then Morishima GETS POWERBOMBED for his troubles! AND KICKS OUT AT TWO. Anderson comes in and they lift Morishima up for the Magic Killer, but Walker breaks it up and Morishima ends up nailing Bernard with a tornado DDT of all things! Walker nails Anderson with an Iron Claw Slam (a nod to Bison Smith) but it only gets two. DOOMSDAY try a modified Omega Driver on Bernard, with Walker flying off the turnbuckle with the lariat but Walker – hilariously I might add – just ricochets off Bernard! Morishima tries the Backdrop Driver, but Bernard is too big and fights out of it – tossing Morishima to the outside. Bernard turns around and Walker clotheslines him to the outside again. Walker gets on the apron while Morishima grabs Bernard. Walker flies off the apron with the lariat while Morishima nails the Backdrop Driver for a MODIFIED OMEGA DRIVER ON THE CONCRETE! And Bernard takes it like a man! Anderson attacks Morishima from behind and slams Morishima into the guardrail. Walker attacks Anderson though and POWERBOMBS ANDERSON THROUGH THE TIMEKEEPER’S TABLE~! BAH GAWD IT’S A WAR. They roll Bernard in and he STILL kicks out! They nail Bernard with an Omega Driver in the ring for good measure, and that is apparently not enough for DOOMSDAY so they DO IT AGAIN~! And THAT is enough to finish Bernard off and give DOOMSDAY the win. My goodness, that was quite the epic. Another five-star affair? I think so.

Result: DOOMSDAY win via pin w/ The Omega Driver
Time: 23:15


- The babyface lockerroom empties into the ring to celebrate. Confetti pours from the ceiling and Morishima, Walker, and Jacobs get lifted into the air for their big win.


- Jim Ross says it’s been a momentous evening and thanks everyone for tuning in. He reminds the fans to check out Underground on Thursday and to order the Great American Bash in June. That ends the show.

WCW Bunkhouse Stampede

- We kick things off with an intro-video similar to the old Royal Rumble videos. Paul Heyman announces the tag match, with corresponding images flying in, then the United States championship match, and finally the Bunkhouse Stampede. Pretty awesome stuff, really.

- The camera man runs around ringside looking at all the screaming fans before settling on Jim Ross and Lenny Leonard. Leonard says that JML is still recovering from a brutal attack at the hands of Three Kings but he will return next Thursday on Underground with an announcement we'll all want to hear. Ross talks about the historic evening that is in front of us tonight and awarding the first ever Bruiser Brody Cup. Ross explains that the winner of the cup will be granted a guaranteed title-shot at any time of his or her choosing before 1/1/13.

- Cut backstage to Jimmy Jacobs with DOOMSDAY. SHANE HAGADORN~! is doing the interviews tonight. Jacobs says that we are only moments away from the conclusion of the situation that exists between DOOMSDAY and Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team. He says the monsters beside him hold respect for accolades of Haas and Benjamin, but they will have no mercy. He says tonight is the end of the road for WGTT and the end can only mean one thing: DOOMSDAY.

- Ross and Leonard talk about the upcoming tag team match. Ross says he predicted that DOOMSDAY will walk away on the Event Center and he's holding to that prediction. Leonard says that DOOMSDAY are a powerful team, but you have to give experience to WGTT and he thinks WGTT will claim the gold tonight.

- Backstage again as Hagadorn is with Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team. Haas says that almost ten years ago he and Benjamin showed up next to Kurt Angle and started a road to glory. He says the road was filled with pot-holes, speed bumps, and detours and they never got to where they wanted to go. He says that two years ago, Benjamin and Haas found each other again in New York standing across the ring from the greatest tag team they had ever faced. He says on that night, even though we lost, we put the car in top gear and we started back on that road. He says this time there is only one stop in sight before they hit where they want to be. He says that stop is 600+ pounds of brutality called DOOMSDAY. He says that Jacobs says they represent the end, but Jacobs has it all wrong. He says DOOMSDAY represents the beginning of the Era of Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team. Once they determined Haas could talk and Benjamin couldn't, that has made all the difference in the promos from this team. Great stuff.

Match #1: DOOMSDAY [c] vs. Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team - WCW Tag Team Championship Match
This has been one of the longer running rivalries in the company. It started out with an issue building between WGTT and the Bison Smith-version of DOOMSDAY. Bison unfortunately passed and Keith Walker came in to take his role on the DOOMSDAY team with Takeshi Morishima. At Starrcade they had a pretty good showing with DOOMSDAY coming out on top. In either incarnation of the team, DOOMSDAY has been the dominant tag team force in WCW. The Bison Smith-version was getting quite the crowd reaction, which this version hasn't really achieved yet. WGTT are playing the veteran-card trying to attain the greatness they feel that they have yet to truly attain. So that's your back-story. Ross immediately puts over Benjamin training with Brock Lesnar. Benjamin starts off with Walker. They do a test of strength which Walker, of course, wins. Benjamin tags out to Haas, so Walker tags out to Morishima. They do some chain-wrestling, with Morishima constantly overpowering Haas. Benjamin tags in and it's more of the same. Benjamin and Haas huddle up and Walker enters opposite of Haas. Another test of strength, more even-sided this time. Walker ends up winning, but Haas counters with a suplex to a great reaction from the crowd. Ross acknowledges that when it comes to WGTT, they have to focus on counter-wrestling. Haas drops Walker with a drop toe-hold and immediately locks in a reverse chin-lock. Benjamin tags in and they double team Walker with a double suplex. They try a double-clothesline on Walker, but Walker bursts through and then levels them with a clothesline on both men of his own to a HUGE reaction. Morishima and Walker spend a good bit working over Benjamin. They toss Benjamin high in the air at one point and the height he gets is damn impressive. Benjamin ends up clipping Morishima and tags in Haas and by God Morishima is going to be the face-in-peril. Together, Haas and Benjamin MURDER the left leg of Morishima. Tons of great stuff here, ranging from Bret Hart-type moves (Haas locks in a ring-post figure four) to stuff you never see (Haas traps Morishima's leg in the rope and Benjamin hits a running dropkick into it). Morishima sells the leg like crazy, to boot. Great spot comes when Morishima tries a Samoan drop but collapses. Similar to the match with Fastball Special a few weeks back, there are bunch of near-tags but no heel shenanigans to prevent them. Just basic stuff like dragging Morishima back, etc. We hit the 15-minute mark and Ross mentions that all title matches have a 60-minute time limit on iPPV. Great moment where Haas locks in a single-leg crab and Walker isn't near the tag, so he leaves the turnbuckle and gets in front of Morishima and motivates him to grab the ropes. Great, great moment for that one. Haas argues with Walker for that and turns around into the damndest non-JML lariat I've seen in some time! Morishima FINALLY makes the hot tag and the crowd EXPLODES! Walker comes with all kinds of powerslams and clotheslines and big boots. He clotheslines both members to the outside and then backdrops Morishima onto them~! WHOA~! He pulls Benjamin in and nails him with a HUGE chokeslam for two, thanks to Haas. Haas and Walker go at it, but Benjamin attacks from behind. They hit Walker with the Broken Arrow (Benjamin jumps over Haas on Walker) but it only gets two. Haas tries to lift Walker for WGF, but he's too big. Morishima knocks Benjamin off the turnbuckle onto the guardrail. We're over 20 minutes and Leonard mentions that DOOMSDAY has never been in a match this long. Morishima climbs up but Haas crotches him on the turnbuckle. Haas superplexes Morishima into the ring but neither he, nor Morishima is legal according to the referee. Walker tosses Haas outside the ring and follows him. Walker goes after Benjamin, but Benjamin drives him into the guardrail back first. Benjamin then dives out onto Walker to a huge pop! Haas and Benjamin get Walker into the ring and Haas finally lifts Walker onto his shoulder. Benjamin goes for the springboard bulldog, but Morishima catches him out of nowhere with the Scrap Buster (Side Slam)~! Walker gets off Haas and they toss him into the ring-post. Benjamin then gets KILLED with the Omega Driver to give DOOMSDAY the win. WOW. If there has been any doubt about tag team wrestling in America, kill that doubt now. This isn't just the best tag match in WCW history – which is saying something considering we've had WGTT vs. Fastball Special and CM Punk/Drew Gallows vs. Eddie Edwards/Davey Richards in the past month – this is the best match in WCW history. Hyperbole? Maybe, but see it for yourself and tell me you disagree. RUH ROH~! Business picks up because here come Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson of Bad Intentions. Words are exchanged and Takeshi ends up shoving Karl Anderson, which results in a flood of officials rushing in to separate the teams.

Result: DOOMSDAY wins via pin w/ The Omega Driver
Time: 25:10


- Backstage, Hagadorn is with Drew Gallows. Drew says that the world needs to come to terms with the idea that after tonight there will be no more Eddie Edwards. Straight to the point, I guess.

- Leonard and Ross are at ring-side. Ross talks about the previous tag match and how it was one of the best matches he's ever seen. He says he thinks that the situation that erupted between Bad Intentions and DOOMSDAY is far from over. Leonard agrees and segues to talk about Eddie Edwards vs. Drew Gallows. Leonard thinks that the training Eddie Edwards has been doing with Kurt Angle will give him and edge, but not enough of an edge to overcome the sheer power of Drew Gallows. Ross agrees.

- Backstage, Hagadorn is with Eddie Edwards. Eddie says that all of his life and his career people have overlooked him. He says whether it's been size, youth, or even who his tag team partner was, he's been overlooked. He says he's the United States Champion for a reason. He says all the power in the world will not change the outcome of tonight's match. He says he predicts two things will happen tonight: people will change their minds about Eddie Edwards and Drew Gallows will look at the lights.

Match #2: Eddie Edwards [c] vs. Drew Gallows – WCW United States Championship Match
Eddie's first title defense was against CM Punk. Gallows ended up interfering in the match which led to a program between good friends Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards against CM Punk and his “Straight-Edge Soldier” Drew Gallows. They had a tag team match on Underground which was near-perfect. The story here is as great of a wrestler as Eddie is, he's still a small guy compared to the towering and powerful Drew Gallows. They face off in the middle of the ring, which creates one hell of a visual. Gallows goes for the lock-up, but Eddie ducks it and starts kicking away at the legs. Ross acknowledges that Eddie will need to use quick strikes to stay on top in this match. Gallows swings at Eddie, who ducks, and then responsd with more kicks. Gallows takes a powder to the outside to collect his thoughts so Eddie flies out onto him! Eddie rolls him in the ring but Gallows quickly attacks as Eddie enters. Eddie tries to fight him off but gets leveled with a big boot for two. From here on it's all Gallows, who just slow and methodically pounds away at Edwards. Lots of slams and big elbows from Gallows, but not a lot in the way of restholds interestingly. Gallows chokes Eddie out with his boot in the corner. Eddie tries to mount a comeback, but gets cut short with a short clothesline. More power-moves and what not from Gallows. Gallows makes several pin attempts, but Eddie always kicks out. Gallows goes for a superplex, but Eddie knocks him off the turnbuckle and then drops on him with a double-stomp for two. Eddie fires up the crowd and starts kicking away at a kneeling Gallows,before nailing him with a running dropkick for two. Eddie tries for the Die Hard, but Gallows powers out of it and suplexes Eddie himself. Gallows goes for the power bomb but Eddie rolls over him into a sunset flip for two. Gallows goes for another big boot, but Eddie catches the boot and dragon screw leg whips Gallows over right into the Achilles Lock! Gallows powers out of it though. Ross questions whether that will be a viable method to beat Gallows. Eddie places Gallows on the turnbuckle and goes up for a top rope rana. Gallows slips down though and KILLS Eddie with a power bomb but it ONLY GETS TWO~! Gallows argues with the ref and gets cradled for two. Gallows quickly up and charges right into a drop toe-hold and another Achilles Lock from Edwards. Gallows AGAIN powers out and Ross says that Edwards needs to find something else. Gallows is limping to sell the leg, so we'll see if it plays into the finish. 15-minute mark is reached as Gallows nails Edwards with a vicious clothesline. Gallows goes for another power bomb but indeed the leg gives out on him, putting Edwards into position for a HUGE Angle Slam which he then transitions into an UPRIGHT~! Achilles Lock and starts STOMPING Gallows' head in! Gallows taps! Whew! Fun match! Eddie grabs his championship as Ross exclaims that Eddie has overcome all odds here tonight.

Result: Eddie Edwards wins via submission w/ The Achilles Lock
Time: 16:03


- Ross and Leonard announce that is intermission time.

- Intermission. They take this time to air a great, great video package hyping the FOX special on 3/31 which now been named “Jericho vs. Dos Caras 2.” I like it. Next up is another video package for WCW Legacy, which is finally confirmed to be an online onDemand video library that will start up in April. Nice!

- Back at ringside with Ross and Leonard. Ross says the moment has finally arrived for the Bunkhouse Stampede. He says that tonight will set the stage for 2012 and tosses it over to Bobby Cruise. Cruise announces the rules for the match: two men will start and every two minutes another participant will enter. This will continue until all 25 participants have entered the ring. The only way to be eliminated is to be tossed over the ropes and have both feet touch the floor. When only one man is left remaining, that man will be declared the winner and the recipient of the Bruiser Brody Cup, which will allow him a title-shot on any day, at any time, at any moment within the year.

Main Event: The Bunkhouse Stampede Match
Cruise, for great effect, draws influence from THE FINK~! for the first competitor. “The man who drew NUMBER ONE...” Which ends up being El Generico (1)! And number two is.... Claudio Castagnoli (2)! Nice idea to put these two in to start. They've had some great encounters in the past. They lock up and Claudio overpowers Generico to start. They hit some fast-paced offense, with Generico hitting a beautiful dropkick. Generico tries to eliminate Claudio but no dice. More back and forth action. Next up is Richie Steamboat (3 – 2:00). Ross says that Steamboat has more potential to be a huge star than anyone he can think. Steamboat and Castagnoli go at it with Steamboat getting the better of him on each situation. Generico and Steamboat double-team Castagnoli and try to eliminate him, but Castagnoli lands on the apron and slides back in. Brent Albright (4 – 4:00)) is out. Albright beats up on Steamboat while Generico pairs off with Castagnoli. A couple of near-eliminations, but nothing yet. Brian Kendrick (5 – 6:00) is next. Kendrick helps Castagnoli beat up on Generico. Steamboat goes to the top turnbuckle, I guess for a flying crossbody, but Albright quickly knocks him out to eliminate him (Steamboat eliminated (1 – 7:13)). Ross says we'll see more of Steamboat in the future. Tyler Black (6 – 8:00) is out now. Leonard says he thinks Tyler Black has just as much potential as Steamboat does. Generico and Castagnoli are both on the apron trying to eliminate one another, but they end up back inside the ring. Black almost eliminates Albright, but no dice. Ares (7 – 10:00) comes out and helps Castagnoli beat up Generico. Kendrick is just chilling in the corner not messing with anyone, which is smart strategy. Black hits Albright with his Small Package Driver, which is cool. Albright won't be eliminated though. Getting pretty crowded and it's hard to believe any of these guys could win realistically. Chris Hero (8 – 12:00) is out and the crowd responds unfavorably. Hero comes in and starts nailing people with elbows (except Kendrick who continues to relax in the corner). Hero tries to eliminate Generico, but Generico lands on the apron and slides back in. Hero and Castagnoli pair up to face off and the crowd starts the “Kings of Wrestling”-chant, instead they hug and nailed with a dropkick by Generico. Giant Bernard (9 – 14:00) comes out next and he is MASSIVE. I reckon it's house cleaning time, because Bernard almost immediately tosses out El Generico (Generico eliminated (2 – 14:10)). Tyler Black gets in his face, so he gets thrown out (Black eliminated (3 – 14:23)). Ares and Castagnoli try to double-team and Castagnoli press-slams Ares onto Bernard, who just catches Ares and tosses him out (Ares eliminated (4 – 14:50)). Castagnoli is livid and attempts a bicycle kick, which is dodged by Bernard. Bernard then drills Castagnoli with a bicycle kick, which eliminates Castagnoli (Castagnoli eliminated (5 – 15:01)). Bernard turns around to face Kendrick, Albright, and Hero. The latter three motion as if to gang up on him. When Kendrick charges, Hero grabs Albright. So of course Kendrick is alone in his attack and of course Kendrick ends up gone (Kendrick eliminated (6 – 15:52). Should have stayed in the corner! Down from eight to three in less than two minutes! Albright and Hero are ready to double-team Bernard, but guess who ends up coming out next? Karl Anderson (10 – 16:00). Bernard smiles as Hero and Albright. RUH ROH~! Morishima and Walker are out to try and continue the drama from earlier with Anderson! In the ring, Bernard is distracted and that's all Hero and Albright need to flip him over the ropes! (Bernard eliminated (7 – 16:14))! I LOVE IT! AND THEN HERO QUICKLY ELIMINATES ALBRIGHT! (Albright eliminated (8 – 16:16)). Bad Intentions and DOOMSDAY to brawl around the ring. Albright bitches at Hero and leaves. So Hero's all that's left in the ring. Security, etc. FINALLY separate DOOMSDAY and Bad Intentions. Anderson rolls in and gets blitzed with a Flash Kick immediately. Hero beats away on Anderson until Paul London (11 – 18:00) makes his way out. Leonard notes that these two have a little history on the West Coast. Not sure about that, actually. Hero and London go at it in the middle of the ring, while Anderson tries to recover. Newcomer Windham Rotunda (12 – 20:00) it out next. Rotunda immediately tries to eliminate Karl Anderson. Hero goes for the Deathblow, but London back drops him onto the apron and Hero slides back in. Rotunda goes for the Death Valley Driver on Anderson, but Anderson fights out of it and tries to eliminate Rotunda. CM Punk (13 – 22:00) is next up. Great heel reaction for him. Punk tries to help eliminate Rotunda, playing on their WWE-history. London almost gets eliminated, but he skins the cat back in the ring only to get leveld with a vicious roaring elbow from Hero. Rotunda fights off Punk and Anderson, but then gets nailed by Hero. Hero motions for Anderson to help him eliminate Rotunda. They shove Rotunda over the ropes onto the apron and then Hero tosses Anderson over instead (Anderson eliminated (9 – 23:58)). Jay Briscoe (14 – 24:00) is next and he immediately goes after Hero. Punk beats up on London. Rotunda saves London and bangs the heads of Punk and Hero together. Chris Masterson (15 – 26:00) is next. Masterson spends a lot of time flexing, for some reason. Hero tries to eliminate Jay, but isn't successful. London gets back-dropped over the turnbuckle but lands on the ring steps (!). Great spot! Joey Ryan (16 – 28:00) is next and he makes a bee-line for Jay. London helps Jay out and they double-suplex Ryan. They charge Ryan with a double-clothesline but Ryan pulls the ropes down. Jay stops in time but London goes flying to the outside (London eliminated (10 – 28:56)). Lots of near-eliminations going on, but nothing major. Mark Briscoe (17 – 30:00) is next and he and Jay go to work on Ryan. They hit him with all kinds of double-team moves (double shoulderblock, flying hip-toss, etc.) before double-clotheslining him out (Ryan eliminated (11 – 31:29)). Punk almost eliminates Jay, but Mark saves him. Hero almost eliminated by Rotunda and Masterson, but no dice. Masterson and Rotunda end up in a shoving contest. Jon Moxley (18 – 32:00) is next. Rotunda ducks a wild punch from Masterson and then tosses Masterson out (Masterston eliminated (12 – 32:04)). Moxley quickly eliminates the celebrating Rotunda (Rotunda eliminated (13 – 32:09)). Rotunda and Masterson get into a fight on the floor but get separated by referees. Punk and Hero are getting worked over by the Briscoes while Moxley watches on. Moxley pulls Mark off of Hero and tries to eliminate him. Jay makes the save and the Briscoes beat up on Moxley, eventually eliminating him (Moxley eliminated (14 – 33:38)). The Briscoes face off with Hero and Punk and they go at it. The Patriot (19 – 34:00) is next. The Patriot targets Chris Hero and they go at it. Punk low-blows Mark and almost eliminates him, but Jay makes the save. They try to work together to eliminate Punk, but no dice. Some more near-eliminations. The Necro Butcher (20 – 36:00) is out next and the place comes unglued! Necro starts punching anyone who walks near him and before long everyone is out and unconscious on the mat. Huge “NECRO BUTCHER”-chants here. Necro tries to eliminate Punk, but Hero saves him. The Patriot tries to eliminate Jay, but Mark makes the save. They then work together to eliminate the Patriot (Patriot eliminated (15 – 37:41)). Punk and Butcher exchanges punches in the middle of the ring while Hero and the Briscoes watch. Brodie Lee (21 – 38:00) is next and the crowd roars with disapproval. Brodie storms the ring and he and Necro immediately go at it! Other wrestlers try to pull them apart, but they get knocked to the side. The Briscoes pull Brodie away and try to double-clothesline him over, but instead get back-dropped out at the same time for a double-elimination (M. Briscoe & J. Briscoe eliminated (16 & 17 – 39:49))! Brodie and Necro resume their brawl. Davey Richards (22 – 40:00) is next. Ross questions his odds with Hero and Punk in there. Hero and Punk immediately attack him to try and eliminate him, but he fights back with some vicious kicks. Davey nearly eliminates Punk but no dice. Same with Hero. Brodie is pounding away on Necro in the corner. Adam Pearce (23 – 42:00) out next. Pearce helps in trying to eliminate Davey Richards. Brodie tries to eliminate Necro, but no dice. Little dead-time here. Hero and Punk hold Richards while Pearce charges with a clothesline, but Richards yanks Hero and Punk into the line of fire. They all stagger around and Richards eliminates Pearce (Pearce eliminated (18 – 43:51)). Steve Corino (24 – 44:00) is next and he consoles Pearce outside the ring. Richards tries to eliminate Hero, but Punk saves him. Brodie and Necro continue brawling in the ring. Corino enters and tries to help Brodie, but Brodie shoves him off. Punk and Hero double-team Richards in the corner. Necro finally nails Brodie with the Deathdrop and then gets blind-sided by Corino. Corino dumps Necro onto the apron. Corino charges, but Necro pulls the ropes down and Corino tumbles to the outside (Corino eliminated (19 – 45:47)). Richard knocks both Hero and Punk out with kicks. Austin Aries (25 – 46:00) is the last man. Ross says that Aries has the biggest advantage right now. Aries slides in and then immediately gets kicked out by Richards (Aries eliminated (20 – 46:04)). WOW. Hero and Punk square of with Necro and Davey. They brawl a bit and try to eliminate each other. Punk almost has Necro out, but Brodie saves him. Punk argues with Brodie and gets a Boss Man Slam for his efforts. Necro grabs Brodie in a guillotine choke and then drags him over the top-rope to eliminate him (Lee eliminated (21 – 51:24)). Brodie loses his shit at at ring-side.

Final Four: So we're left with Chris Hero, CM Punk, Davey Richards, and Necro Butcher. Hero has been in for near forty minutes, FYI. Hero and Davey square off while Necro and Punk reignite their old hatred. Lots near-eliminations here. Richards and Hero trade tons of strikes and counter-holds with each other. Davey unleashes a fury on Hero in the corner. He charges with the running forearm and then, rather shockingly, Hero back drops Richards out of the ring (Richards eliminated (22 – 58:19)! I did not see that coming, as I had Richards pegged to win! Hero and Punk double-team Necro and toss him over the ropes but he lands on the apron. They charge and Necro drops down, holding the ropes, but they both stop. They go for double sliding dropkicks, but Necro slingshots over them a la Eddie Guerrero of all people! Necro ducks a double-clothesline and starts punching both men. Hero rakes the eyes but receives a big boot to the face from Necro. Necro tries to clothesline Hero out, but Hero pulls the ropes down and Necro ends up on the apron. Necro grabs Hero by the hair, punches him a few times, and finally suplexes Hero out (Hero eliminated (23 – 1:05:31)). Hero lasted 53:31 seconds, for the record. Punk tries to quickly knock Necro down, but Necro nails him with a shoulder to the ribs and then sunset flips in (!). Ross drives home the hatred between these two. They end up face-to-face and then explode into punches with each other. Punk ducks a punch and pokes Necro in the eye. He lifts Necro up for the G2S, but Necro fights out and nails the Deathdrop on Punk! Necro lifts Punk's limp body and tosses it over the ropes but Punk lands on the apron. Punks yanks Necro over the ropes onto the apron by the hair. Punk charges Necro but Necro backdrops him off the apron to the floor below (Punk eliminated 24 – 1:10:41) to win!

Result: The Necro Butcher wins last eliminating CM Punk
Time: 1:10:41

Trophy Ceremony
Necro slumps back into the ring, exhausted. Paul Heyman comes out with a big trophy, of course. Ross gets in the ring for the awarding. He says that was one hell of a performance from Necro Butcher and he's proud to call him the Bruiser Brody Cup winner for 2012. Butcher doesn't get to say much before he's blind-sided by Brodie Lee! Brodie takes the trophy and breaks it over Necro's back. Brodie then drills Necro in the face with a broken piece for good measure, which busts Necro open. Brodie then takes a shard from trophy and starts to gouge Necro in the eye with it! HOLY SHIT! Security and referees storm the ring to separate them. The show ends zooming in on Necro's bloody face.