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 Underground 2.25

- Opening video.

- We. Are. LIVE~!

- Lenny Leonard and JML are ring-side for this special live edition of Underground and we're only one day away from the biggest event of the summer: The Great American Bash! Lenny says that everyone is in attendance tonight, possibly even some surprise guests. Lenny starts talking about how volatile things have been in Center Stage as of late. JML suggests that Lenny hide behind him if anything goes down tonight, which it's likely to since it's the eve of the biggest event of the summer. Really hammering that point home, aren't they? Lenny runs down the card which is filled with huge matches compared to the norm, with the main event being the Patriot vs. Alberto Dos Caras in a Lumberjack Match. As they're talking they're interrupted by Claudio Castagnoli and Ares, collectively known as the Cross. Ares starts talking in German, but Claudio cuts him off again.

"There is no need for that, friend. Instead, let us speak their language. Let us speak the language that they love so dear. Let us speak the language of pain. A language of violence. A language of broken bones. The imbeciles in the crowd, they chant: "We Want Tables." Tomorrow, we shall give them what they wish. They will regret it. They will see their heroes strewn across the canvas, beaten and broken. It is a language that you Americans know oh so very well. Violence, and of course, failure. That is enough."

Great little promo, that. Claudio and Ares scamper off and we segue into our opening contest.

Match #1: The A-List (w/ Austin Aries) vs. Eddie Edwards/Davey Richards
A-List is made up of Karl Anderson and Roderick Strong, of course. Eddie and Roddy start up with some fine chain-wrestling. These two had a pretty nice rivalry in ROH last year, so they're familiar with one another. They go back and forth and then Davey tags in. More chain-wrestling. Again, these two have had a great rivalry in ROH as well, so they know what they're doing. They even used to be stable-mates. Roddy gets outclassed by Davey, so he tags in Karl. Karl's got size on everyone in the match, so he of course works a power-game, automatically taking Davey down with a shoulder-tackle. Davey tries a couple of things to outmaneuver Karl, but ends up getting DRILLED with a vicious spinebuster. Eddie tags in and makes a go at Karl, facing similar results. They cut Eddie off from Davey and work him over with quick tags. They focus on Eddie's arm, which Leonard acknowledges as setting Eddie up for tomorrow's match against Albright. Eddie takes a lengthy beating, but hits double dropkick on both men to make his hot tag. Davey comes in and clears house. Karl and Roddy end up on the outside on opposing ends of the ring, so Eddie and Davey dive out onto them. They brawl around ring-side and back into the ring finally. Eddie and Davey nail Roddy with a tag version of the Alarm Clock, but Karl makes the save. The match breaks down with all kinds of craziness going on. Eddie ends up planting Roddy into the mat with the Angle Slam and then flies over the ropes onto Aries and Karl. The ref tries to gets Aries out of there while in the ring, Davey DRILLS Roddy with the DR Driver. Naomichi Marufuji sneaks into the ring though and blows the BLACK MIST~! in Davey's eyes and then MURDERS Davey with a superkick! Naomichi puts Roddy over Davey and escapes. With Karl holding Eddie down, Roddy makes the unconscious pin.

Result: The A-List win via pin w/ the Superkick (Naomichi Marufuji interfered)
Time: 13:1


- The A-List continue their assault, with Naomichi Marufuji joining in, on Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards. Finally the crowd pops as Brian Kendrick and Joey Ryan, the Hollywood Kings, storm the ring with chairs to fend off Aries Unlimited. Lenny says this is just tip of the iceberg for the insanity he sees going down tonight.

- Commercials.

- Returning from the break, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, and the Hollywood Kings are at ring-side. Eddie is pouring water on Davey's face and wiping it off with a towel. Joey Ryan says that he's sick and tired of all the crap that keeps coming from Aries Unlimited. He says when he came to WCW, he got shoved into a situation with Aries that he didn't want to be in and he's glad he got out of it because Aries is a douchebag. Kendrick says that tomorrow night they're going to knock the A-List down a notch to the D-List, and when they're done Davey Richards is going to kick Naomichi Marufuji's head off and Eddie Edwards is going to take back the United States Championship. Eddie chimes in and says that's right. He says his arm is hurting and it's pretty damn clear that the A-List had a mission going into the match, to hurt his arm. Eddie says all that does is prove that Albright's scared. He says tomorrow night, there will be no controversy and no questions when it's all said and done because there's no way in the world that Albright can beat him twice in one night. Davey talks last, saying only: "Tomorrow, Marufuji dies." Well this certainly wasn't the best set of promos from any involved, but it did what it was supposed to I guess.

- A video package hypes the entirety of the Necro Butcher/Brodie Lee-feud.

- Brodie Lee comes out to talk and cut a promo.

"A lot of people say I've asked for this. That I've had it comin' ever since the Stampede, Lenny. Those people are right. Hell, I ain't shied away from it. I know what I did and I'm damn proud of it. Now that boy Necro Butcher, he wants ta fight me tomorrow night. I'm tellin' him right now he best bring it, bring whatever he has, bring Hell with him if he has ta. Nothin' short of it will stop me from giving him exactly what he wants. For weeks he's been out here yellin' about an eye for an eye, ain't that Lenny? Well I'm goin' to give him an eye for an eye. I'm goin' to rip out his good eye so he can have a matchin' pair. And if ya think I'm playin', watch what I do this feller right here."

Match #2: Patrick Bentley vs. Brodie Lee
Big boot. Big boot x2. Boss Man Slam.

Result: Brodie Lee wins via pin w/ the Boss Man Slam
Time: 0:42

- It doesn't take long for the Necro Butcher to storm the ring, eliciting one HUGE reaction from the crowd. Necro and Brodie light into each other, trading stiff punches as only they can. A squadron of referees storm the ring to separate them, but in the end Brodie and Necro take them out! Before you know it, the referees are strewn across the ring and Necro and Brodie are beating each other senseless again. Jim Ross shows up at ring-side, calling to the back. The jobbers, security, etc. empty into the ring with a sizable force having to hold back each man. Ross gets in the ring and asks for a microphone. Ross says he's had enough of this and from here on out, if either man lays a finger on the other, if either man provokes the other, he'll fire both of them and they won't get their fight tomorrow night. He tells them to get their crap and get out of the arena. Necro howls that he's going to murder Brodie tomorrow night, as the group of 15 or so men holding Brodie back escort him backstage. Lenny wants to know what other insanity will go down tonight, while JML says Ross and Heyman need to hire someone to take care of this kind of crap.


- Commercials.

- Lenny and JML talk about how things have gotten crazy twice tonight already, and we haven't even gotten to the Chris Jericho/CM Punk confrontation in the Event Center or the Lumberjack Match in the main event. As he's talking, Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team makes their way out to ring-side for a promo. Charlie does the talking, as usual.

"Lenny, we hard what those idiots said earlier. Let me tell you something, Lenny, about motivation. Shelton and I are the best tag team in the world, bar none. But we can't prove that, Lenny. You know why? We can't prove that because we don't have gold around our waist. And we don't have gold around our waist because of the Cross. And not just that, Lenny, not only do we not have gold around our waist - we can't even compete for gold until January One, 2013. Do you know how much that pisses me off? How much that pisses Shelton off? Well let me tell you something, Lenny, that's motivation. That's motivation to take that little pimple on the ass of pro wrestling by the name of Ares, to take him and toss him through a table. That's motivation to take "Mr. Clean" Claudio Cannolli and break him in half putting him through a table. That's motivation to let of some of this pent up rage we have inside because we can't do what we do best. This started with those two idiots trying to make a statement. Tomorrow night, Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team is going to make a statement: you don't screw with us. And we'll make that statement by leaving those two broken likes the tables we'll put 'em through!"

It truly is best to let Charlie do the talking for this team. Excellent promo.

- A video hypes up the Bull-rope Match between Chris Masterson and Windham Rotunda.

Match #3: Richard King vs. Chris Masterson
Masterson tosses King around a bit. His big display is stalling vertical suplex, which he holds for about 30 seconds before dropping King. The jobber tries to get in some offense, but no dice here. Masterson finishes him off with the Torture Lock for the submission win.

Result: Chris Masterson wins via submission w/ the Torture Lock
Time: 4:45


- Chris Masterson heads over the commentary table for an interview. Lenny asks if he feels any remorse for what he did to Windham Rotunda last week, and Masterson goes into a full-on promo.

"No, Lenny, I don't feel a single bit of remorse for that fat slob. Hey, is he even going to be here tomorrow night? Last I heard he was on a gurney in St. Joseph's. Not for what happened last week, mind you, but for some good old liposuction. Hey, he could use it! You know what, I have to say overall I just feel a tinge of disappointment. I was really looking to beating him senseless that bull-rope of his tomorrow night. I'll just have to take the count-out, I guess!"

Masterson walks off, posing the entire time. Lenny says the match is still for tomorrow night, but right now it's still up in the air if Windham Rotunda will be in condition to compete.

- Commercials.

The Event Center
Mike Hogewood is in the ring for a LIVE~! edition of the Event Center. Heck, I forgot that it was live for a bit. Great stream, tonight! Hogewood runs down the entire GAB-card, ending with the main event: CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho for the WCW World Championship. With that said, he calls out both men for an opportunity to air their grievances with each other, face-to-face. Both men come out to mixed reactions, as has been the case the entire time leading up to their big match. Jericho goes for the mic, but Punk grabs it first.

CM Punk: "Yeah, you'd like to go first but that's not going to happen tonight. You and I? This issue between us? It's escalated these past few weeks, hasn't it? Now, a lot of things have been said. I've said some things. You've said some things. All in the past, frankly, for me. I've heard every slanderous thing you've said and I'm going to turn that into me beating the Hell out of you tomorrow night for that belt. And that's all I need to say.
Jericho casually takes the mic."

 Chris Jericho: "That's all you need to say? Are you serious? Is the outspoken CM Punk finally at a loss for words? Why is that Punk? No, no - I'll tell you why. It's realization. It's comprehension. It's the understanding that tomorrow night after all that you had to say, you know you won't back it up. You tossed out a lot of accusations, Punk, but all of sudden you're getting quiet on me? Did I touch a nerve? Was it the sleeping pills, "Mr. Straight Edge?" Coming to terms with your own hypocrisy?"
Punks nods and asks for the mic.

CM Punk: To be honest, Jericho, I'm done talking - I'm ready to get with the fighting. But since you want to do this so bad, since you want to bring up the sleeping pills. Hey, you know what? It's no big deal. I take sleeping pills to, gasp and shock, sleep. You know what else I take? Tylenol when I get a headache. Straight-edge isn't about not taking medicine, idiot, Hell - it's not even about not doing drugs. Straight-edge is about being real with yourself and making choices to not do things you don't agree with. But you see that's what really irks you, about me. Because I'm real. I am who I say I am. I don't come out here, smile for the masses, and pretend to be something I'm not. You see you come out here and say you fight for the little man, right? Well let's put it all out there. Where's Davey Richards' title-shot? For six months, Lenny Leonard over there has been asking you about Davey Richards' title-shot and you've been playing every game in the book to keep from giving him it. You snuck into WCW by replacing Kurt Angle and playing besties with Davey and Eddie Edwards, when in fact you were just using them to get that belt which you couldn't get the first time around. You were just using them to get the spot you always wanted in WWE, but Triple H wouldn't ever give you. That's the only reason you're here. You don't care about the fans, you don't care about the boys in the back, and you don't care about this company. All you care about is you, your spot, your money, and that belt.

Jericho yanks the mic away from Punk.

Chris Jericho: It eats away at you, doesn't it Punk? It eats away at you that after, what, 10 years on the independent scene you come to WWE and then couldn't accomplish near the amount of things I did in a time when it was more important to accomplish them. You're a bitter man who wasted the best of his years wrestling in front of 50 guys a pop for Ring of Honor and then got held down by the politics when you finally made it to the big leagues. You can say what you want about me Punk, but I faced those same problems and between us, I'm the only one who's been Undisputed World Champion aren't I? I beat the Rock and Steve Austin in one night, what the Hell have you done? And best of all, Punk, you say I don't fight for the little man? Really? Jesus, Punk, what the Hell do you call this? What do you think tomorrow night is? That's me, giving you - the "Little Man," - a shot.

Punk's face turns to anger as he rips the mic away.

CM Punk: "How very noble of you, Jericho. Fighting for the so-called "Little Man." Hey, let me ask you something: where do you get dressed? Because you say you're the champion of those who don't get a fair shake, but where are you getting dressed at? When I get dressed? When I get dressed, to the right of me there's a Briscoe and to the left there's Roderick Strong. Everyone in the back gets dressed in the same locker room. Everyone except you. You get your own locker room because you demanded it when Jim Ross called you up begging to come in. How do you get here to Center Stage, Jericho? I drive. I load up into a car with Drew Gallows, Joey Ryan, Brian Kendrick, and Paul London and I drive here. How do you get here, you fly? Yeah? Do you fly coach like Generico or Davey? Oh, no, that's right. You fly in on Scott Coker's personal airplane don't you? You're a joke, Jericho. You think anyone in the back respects you? You think you're a Champion for the Little Guy? Newsflash, you've become your own worst enemy. You're WCW's Triple H."

Jericho smacks the microphone out of Punk's hand, having heard enough apparently. They go face-to-face, while Hogewood interjects himself to split them up. Hogewood manages to push them, and Jericho slaps Punk! Punk doesn't retaliate, he only smiles and then hocks a huge wad of spit on Jericho's face! They almost come to blows again, but the referees storm the ring to keep them apart. Finally, we cut to commercial.


- Commercials.

- Returning from the break, Lenny and JML talk about the chaotic theme for the evening. Aries Unlimited invade so that Aries can cut a promo.

"I love it out here right now, Leonard. You never know what's going to happen next, except we do. We know that tomorrow night, my soldiers Roderick Strong and Karl Anderson are going to tie up those loose ends with the Hollywood Kings. I brought those two losers to WCW, tomorrow night I'm taking out. We know that "The Asiatic Nightmare" is going to do what he does best, kick Davey Richards' head off. Hell, he's going to kick Davey so hard, Davey might just learn how to read! And best of all, we know that Brent Albright is going to put an end to all the controversy and speculation when he makes Eddie Edwards tap out, not just once - but twice! We're Aries Unlimited baby, you can and you won't stop us!"

Main Event: Alberto Dos Caras vs. The Patriot - Lumberjack Match
Your heel lumberjacks are Tyler Black, Chris Hero, and Jon Moxley. Your face lumberjacks are El Generico, Paul London, and Richie Steamboat. There's not a whole lot to this match, honestly. You get one guess on how it ends. It starts with Caras and Patriot exchanging punches, the Patriot ends up thrown out to the faces. They help him up and back into the ring. More punch/kick-stuff, and the Patriot ends up tossed out to the heels who, of course, beat him up and send him back in. Caras ends up tossed out, but he lands with the heels who help him back in. More punch/kick-stuff, and the Patriot is sent out to the heels for another beat down. In the ring, the Patriot turns the momentum in his favor following some arm drags and few bodyslams and tosses Caras out to the faces, who finally beat him up and send him back in. Patriot continues pounding on him and he gets sent over again, this time to the heels, who console him before it becomes a huge fracas of course. I know, shocker. The teams start brawling and eventually it invades the ring, drawing the no contest.

Result: No Contest
Time: 14:14


- The two teams brawl everywhere, basically. Hero and Steamboat pair off in the ring, while the Patriot and Caras end up in the crowd. The Guns and Fastball end up on the stage, sending JML and Leonard off into the back. They brawl with chairs and cameras and ring-bells and everything else you can image. It's a truly chaotic scene, befitting the show. As the chaos peaks, familiar music plays over the sound system in Center Stage.

RIC FLAIR  arrives on the scene! He shakes his head at the chaos surrounding Center Stage as the show fades to black!

WCW Underground 2.24

- Opening video.

- Lenny Leonard and JML are at ring-side, as always. Leonard hypes the Great American Bash iPPV in eight days LIVE~! on iPPV. He says that tonight we'll hear from Chris Jericho in response to CM Punk's comments two weeks ago. He also hypes the main event for tonight: Richie Steamboat vs. Chris Hero.

Match #1: Brent Albright [c] w/ Austin Aries vs. Billy Buck - Non-title Match
While Albright does his thing beating up the poor jobber, Lenny and JML really hammer home the Albright/Edwards-rivalry. Lenny goes into great detail about how Albright stole the belt from Edwards thanks to Austin Aries. If you recall, Eddie was being pinned but got his foot on the ropes, only for Austin to knock it off. JML quickly counters that Albright would have beaten Eddie via submission if not for a time-limit expiration, which would be the time where Eddie was locked in the Crowbar and the ref lifted his hand three times, and on the third it dropped but before it hit the mat the time-limit expired. And anyway, Albright folds Buck in half with the half-nelson suplex for the pin.

Result: Brent Albright wins via pin w/ the Half-Nelson Suplex
Time: 4:32


- As you might expect, Austin Aries is ready to conduct an interview on behalf of Brent Albright. He goes into full rant-mode to great effect.

"Pro wrestling fans across the world, you are looking at the 'Wrestling Machine.' Brent Albright takes no quarter and gives none. Last week, the tech nerds in the back showed you that video of Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards training with good old Coach Angle. Jesus, who even cares? You're running around with an alcoholic freak who thinks it's Halloween in July, hey guys - Albright's out here beating up the best competition WCW has to offer. Did you see who I got him a match with this week, Lenny? I'll have you know that Billy Buck is the CMLL Super Mega World Champion and he beat a hire class of wrestler to get that belt than most of the guys working here. And Albright here made short work of him. But really what we should be talking about is how the WCW brass is trying to put the screws to Albright. Albright has been a fair United States Champion. He's defended against all comers! But because Eddie Edwards pitches a fit about something, he not only gets another match, but now Albright has to beat him twice in a row? What's next Lenny, you want to make Albright wear an eye-patch and hop on one leg while he does it? This is an injustice, Lenny! Chris Jericho doesn't half to do it! Those oafs DOOMSDAY? They don't have to do it! But you know what Lenny? It doesn't matter. Eddie wants to use the lawyers and the legalities to try and hoodwink us? Well it won't work! I've always got an ace up my sleeve, and a spade in my pocket."

- Commercials.

- The Hollywood Kings, Joey Ryan and Brian Kendrick are at ring-side. Lenny asks how it felt to get one up on the A-List last week. Brian says it was a great feeling putting Roderick's shoulder to the mat, and the only thing that could be better is doing the same to Karl Anderson in a tag match. Lenny asks if they're challenging the A-List to a match. Joey says they're not just challenging them, they're calling them out to thrown down at the Great American Bash. He says, "Those idiots might think they're on the 'A-List,' but baby, we're the sleazy kings of Hollywood and there ain't no one who rocks the Boulevard like we do!"

Match #2: Kid Mafia vs. Windham Rotunda
This match goes as expected. Windham beats Mafia pretty well using all of this normal stuff: the flying tackle, the Rick Steiner-like powerslam, etc. He even introduces a new move to his repertoire using a variation of a Blue Thunder Bomb. In any event, he puts Mafia away with the Death Valley Driver for the win.

Result: Windham Rotunda wins via pin w/ the Death Valley Driver
Time: 4:32


- Windham approaches the ring-side commentary area for an interview. Just Lenny asks a question, though, Chris Masterson attacks from behind! Masterson then tosses Windham hard into the lighting scaffold on the side of the stage. Masterson takes the bull-rope Windham keeps, and ties it around Windham's neck! Just as he's about to shove Windham off the stage, a flood of security storm the stage - JML included - to stop him.

- Commercials.

- Lenny and JML talk about what happened to Windham before the break. JML says that between the stuff with Necro/Brodie, Jimmy Jacobs last week, and now this, things are really getting out of hand leading in the Great American Bash. They talk about Jimmy Jacobs and show clips of what happened last week. That segues into the next match:

Match #3: Anthony Andrews/Michael Cannon vs. The Old School Wrecking Crew
Naturally, the Crew work their "old-school" style on the jobbers. They really do operate straight out of the 80s, just with a few more modern-style moves thrown in. Some of the stuff they do is great looking though, like the belly-to-back suplex/neckbreaker-combo of theirs. They put Cannon away with the Spiked Piledriver to finish the match.

Result: The Old School Wrecking Crew win via pin w/ the Spiked Piledriver
Time: 3:54


- At the commentary table, Lenny says they should be ashamed of what they did to Jimmy Jacobs last week. Adams cuts a promo, in response.

"Tick, tock Jimmy Jacobs! Tick, tock! You say it's DOOMSDAY for us, well maybe it's DOOMSDAY for you, you little runt! You say we should be ashamed, Lenny Leonard? I say we should be praised. Since there very beginning of WCW, all anyone has ever said was that DOOMSDAY was unstoppable. DOOMSDAY can't be defeated. DOOMSDAY is the unbreakable brick wall of the WCW tag team division. I say we just took good chunk out of that wall, don't you think so? And just like in Berlin, at the Great American Bash, the rest of the wall's coming down too. No one ever gave us a chance, Lenny Leonard. No one ever thought that Steve Corino and I would be the best tag team in pro wrestling today. At the Great American Bash, no one thinks we can win. We're making a career out of proving all of those idiots in the crowd, those idiots in the back, and idiots like you Lenny, we're making a career out of proving you all wrong. You're looking at the next tag team champions. The wall's coming down, Lenny! The wall's coming down!"

- Commercials.

- Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team is at ring-side for an interview. Lenny asks for a response to what the Cross had to say last week. Haas says he heard them, but he's still not scared. He says that he's heard threats from tag teams before, he'll hear threats from tag teams again, but at the end of the day, he and Benjamin are going to put them down like they've done every other time. Benjamin says that if you want a response, to watch the ring.

Match #3: Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team vs. Bo Newsome/Lee Roy
The jobbers barely get any time to manage some offense, but before being put away with what is apparently ANOTHER new finish for WGTT. This time, Haas lifts Roy on his shoulders in the Electric Chair position, and Benjamin flies off the top turnbuckle with a missile dropkick - knocking Roy crashing to the mat to get pinned by Haas.

Result: Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team win via pin w/ an electric chair/missile dropkick-combo
Time: 2:45


- As WGTT leaves, Chris Jericho enters the ring. The crowd is, as has become the norm of late, split 50/50 for him. There are a lot of "Y2J"-chants, but also a lot of "CM PUNK"-chants. Jericho gets a microphone from Bobby Cruise.

"A couple of weeks ago, CM Punk came out here and said some things about him and he said some things about me. But that's fine. That's fine. He claimed, in front of all of you, that I am a 'character.' A 'character,' Punk? What 'character' am I? Am I the 'Defending Champion,' is that my character? I'm pretending to be something I'm not? Well let's talk about 'pretending' CM Punk. Punk, claimed, in front of all of you that he was 'straight-edge.' That's kind of funny, because it's actually something Punk and I both know are not true. I look at you Punk and I see a sad, pathetic man. I see those dark, graying lines beneath your eyes. Just how well are you sleeping, Punk? You know, this is tough life, right, Punk? Wrestlers, I mean, we're up to all hours of the night. Just how well are you sleeping, Punk? Just how well are you getting your rest at night? Because you and I both know exactly what I'm talking about. You want to call me Triple H's bitch, Punk? Huh? Is that right? I'm Triple H's bitch? Punk, you're nothing more than low-life sack of shit. How did it feel taking food off Matt Hardy's table? What kind of man goes to his boss, and gets another man fired for something of so little consequence. You're a stooge Punk. You're nothing more and nothing less. You're so quick to cast judgment on others, so quick to point the finger, well point that damn finger at yourself. At the Great American Bash, I'm putting an end to this Punk. At the Great American Bash, you're not going to be able make me 'Go 2 Sleep,' it's going to be the other way around. And to help, Punk? To help, I'll give you some of those sleeping pills you like so much. How's that for a pipe bomb?"

- Commercials.

The Event Center
This is another week edition of the Event Center, as Mike Hogewood just run downs the card and hypes the stories behind each match. He does announce that the Hollywood Kings vs. A-List has been made official, though. He says next week in a special LIVE~! edition of the Event Center, he'll conduct an interview between CM Punk and Chris Jericho. Well THAT should be exciting, at least.


- Commercials.

Main Event: Chris Hero w/ Alberto Dos Caras vs. Richie Steamboat w/ The Patriot
Lots of drama in this one. Both are members of opposing teams in the upcoming Captain's Challenge Match at the Great American Bash. They start off with a good bit of chain-wrestling, unsurprisingly. What is surprising, is that Richie continuously out-wrestles and out-maneuvers Hero! They end up on the outside trading chops (Steamboat) and forearms (Hero), and when Alberto tries to interfere - the Patriot stops him. Hero blindsides Richie getting back in the ring and uses this to maintain the advantage in the match. At Alberto's advice, Hero takes to working the arm. It's actually some pretty great stuff, particularly with the camerawork, as you get to see Alberto call out a move to a Hero - and then Hero does it. Hero does tons of stuff working the arm, like the double-knees to the arm that Alberto does. Hero gets a few near-falls but Steamboat WON'T GIVE UP~! Steamboat attempts a few comebacks, but nothing comes of them as Hero always ends up going back to the left-arm attack. Hero finally messes up, missing a senton off the second turnbuckle. Steamboat fights back with a series of forearm strikes (from the right arm, of course) and chops. Steamboat gets a few quick cradles for near-falls. Hero catches Steamboat with a big boot, but Steamboat catches Hero with a BEAUTIFUL dropkick. Steamboat tries for the Dragon Suplex, but of course his arm is too hurt to do it. Hero counters with a quick ROARING ELBOW~! and then locks in the DESTINY LOCK~! Steamboat rolls Hero up for two, though. Alberto gets on the ropes, so the Patriot drags him down and they brawl outside. Hero argues with the ref and gets rolled-up, but kicks out at two, but when he does Steamboat carries the momentum into a suicide dive to the outside on Alberto! AWESOME~! Hero goes outside and all four are brawling. Hero and Steamboat end up back in the ring before being counted out, thankfully. They trade forearms and chops to the requisite "BOO!" and "YAY!"-chants. Steamboat ducks another ROARING ELBOW~! and DRILLS Hero with PELE KICK! As he goes for the pin, Tyler Black pops up on the apron to distract the referee. While that happens, Jon Moxley sneaks into the ring and hits the Midnight Special on Steamboat. Hero hooks a leg and gets the pin. Hell of a match, that.

Result: Chris Hero wins via pin w/ the Midnight Special (executed by Jon Moxley)
Time: 18:54


- The Midnight Guns continue their assault on Steamboat, while Hero and Alberto beat up the Patriot. All of a sudden EL GENERICO and PAUL LONDON~! storm the ring with chairs, running off the heels. London grabs a microphone and says that Fastball Special will be the final members of the Patriot's team at the Great American Bash! That moment ends the show.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Update

Davey Richards did an interview with MMA Insider, where he once again talked about retiring, setting the time frame of December 2012 when his contract (the only contracts that don't end then are Rotunda, Steamboat, Black, Moxley, Austin Aries, Karl Anderson, and Roderick Strong). “There’s a reason I turned down (WWE) developmental and I turned down TNA and even left ROH,” Richards said. “I never had any aspirations to be like a superstar or make a ton of money at this.” He said he had a new career that he has lined up for himself, and right now is using wrestling as a weekend job while he, Kyle O’Reilly and Tony Kozina spend five days a week training in BJJ in the St. Louis area, where they live. “I have a set of goals. I accomplished my goals. I feel like I’m the best wrestler I’m going to be. I can honestly say I have more interest, at this point in time, in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. So I really want to put my time and energy into that. I have another career lined up that I’m putting my time and energy into. For me, I’m not giving any less than 100 percent. It’s time to move on.”

While they’ve got half a year, it’s still a big loss to WCW, which had been building Richards to be their franchise. With Richards making it public that he’s leaving, until the end, the way fans are, he almost has to be a heel until the farewell show where he’d be a face for the night. He said he would love to do MMA, but didn’t think it was happening. My impression is he’s going into the fire department or a steady job of that type. Richards was a star high school wrestler in Washington and said he’d have done MMA after high school but at the time it wasn’t popular, that he lived in a city that had no MMA schools at the time. He said it’s hard in pro wrestling for him because he doesn’t like his wins and losses being dictated, especially if he works and trains harder than his opponent, but in wrestling, that doesn’t really matter. Richards, O’Reilly and Kozina have all competed in grappling tournaments and they have grown to love the real competition. He said their training builds a toughness and callousness that he said he’s sad to see is lacking in today’s pro wrestling. Richards said that he liked the Japanese wrestling mentality where it’s more like a real sport, although he’s no longer working there after missing that PPV show.

WCW officials have been talking about a huge surprise for the live 6/29 episode of Underground. I've heard that it's not a TV deal. That means it's probably a new face coming in and if it's the guy I'm thinking it might be, then it would definitely be a huge deal for WCW.

WCW Underground 2.23

- Opening video.

- Lenny Leonard and JML are at ring-side. Lenny talks about tonight's big double main event which will feature Tyler Black vs. El Generico and Roderick Strong vs. Brian Kendrick. Lenny says there's a lot of personal animosity in both matches that he hopes will be settled this evening. JML isn't so certain that will happen. The talk of the two tag team feuds segues to talk about the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Lenny talks about how on 6/30, two undefeated tag teams will collide for the gold in DOOMSDAY and the Old School Wrecking Crew.

- A hype video plays for the DOOMSDAY/Old School Wrecking Crew match at the Great American Bash. It has clips of either team beating up jobbers, intermixed with footage from the various promos they've given since the last iPPV.

Match #1: Mike Black/Jay Hurley vs. DOOMSDAY w/ Jimmy Jacobs [c] - Non-title Match
The story of this match should come as a surprise to no one, for the most part. However, toward the end of the match, Steve Corino and Adam Pearce make their way to ring-side. DOOMSDAY quickly finishes Hurley off with the Omega Driver to get the victory, sending a very specific message to the spectating Old School Wrecking Crew.

Result: DOOMSDAY win via pin w/ the Omega Driver
Time: 3:41


- Adam Pearce ends up drawing both members of DOOMSDAY out the ring. He mouths off at both members, creating a distraction as in the ring Corino DRILLS Jimmy Jacobs with a steel chair from behind! DOOMSDAY storm the ring, but Corino escapes through the crowd as Pearce disappears into the back! DOOMSDAY look over Jimmy Jacobs as we cut to commercial.

- Commercials.

- As we return, DOOMSDAY are accompanying Jimmy Jacobs who is being stretchered out. Lenny Leonard says that what the Wrecking Crew did was a despicable act. JML compliments the move, saying it was a great strategy to get DOOMSDAY out of their normal mindset. They soon find themselves interrupted by Austin Aries and Naomichi Marufuji. Aries cuts another of his promos:

"Lenny Leonard, no one cares about that little midget Jimmy Jacobs. What you should be talking about is the number one force is pro wrestling today: Aries Unlimited. Somewhere in the back, that meat-head Davey Richards has his beady little eyes glued to the monitor. He's picked a fight with the "Asiatic Nightmare" Naomichi Marufuji and that's a decision he's going to regret. Naomichi here has beaten all of the best that Japan has to offer. He's gone toe-to-toe with guys like Mr. Kasai and Misutero and made them all cry uncle! This man pinned, I kid you not Lenny Leonard, this man PINNED - one, two, three Lenny! - he PINNED the legendary YOSHIHIKO! Do you know how many people have done that? Do you know? Not a whole lot that's how many, Lenny. And now Davey Richards wants to get in the ring with this man? Maybe you didn't get the memo Richards, when we blinded you a couple of weeks back, but you sure as heck better have gotten it last week: when you're in Aries Unlimited, you're the absolute best - and anyone who stands in our way gets packed up and shipped out to pasture, which is right where you'll belong."

Match #2: Anthony Andrews vs. Naomichi Marufuji w/ Austin Aries
Another squash, of course. The idea here is, of course, to train the audience on just exactly what Marfuji is. I find it really interesting that he's not using the Shiranui as a finish, but he delivers such a fantastic superkick that I don't care. Throughout the match he does introduce some new moves to the WCW audience, but my favorite would be the tornado guillotine, which he has shamelessly stolen from KENTA. The Superkick finishes the jobber off. Afterward, just to be a dick, Marufuji blows the BLACK MIST~! in the jobber's face.

Result: Naomichi Marufuji wins via pin w/ the Superkick
Time: 5:11


- Windham Rotunda shows up with his bull-rope at the interview table. Lenny says the days are counting down to when Rotunda will get to square off against Chris Masterson. Windham goes off into one of his, as usual, strong promos.

"A great man once said there's only two guarantees in life: death and taxes, Lenny. Well I'm the son of a 'Tax Man,' and let me tell ya, one of those guarantees just might come true on June 30 - and if ya need a hint, tax season's over! For weeks now, that little 'Prissy Boy' has come out here and made fun of me because I'm fat, Lenny. Well, yeah, I like to eat. Who the hell doesn't? And yeah, I ain't exactly got a Davey Richards-physique either. But let me tell ya something, Lenny. This ain't news to me. Hell, what do ya think those idiots down in Florida and up in Connecticut used to tell me every week? 'Well Windham, you just don't have the look we're looking for.' 'Well Windham, if you could just cut some weight here or there.' Well I tell ya what, Lenny, Dusty Rhodes didn't need 24-inch pythons to hog-tie and whip someone with a bullrope, I sure as hell don't either. And that, boys, is what it's all about. 13 feet of the damndest, roughest, toughest, and deadliest rope this side of the Mississippi. 'Prissy Boy,' I'm gonna hog-tie your ass and drag you through streets of Atlanta - and then, I might just touch those four corners if I feel ya've had enough. The time's a comin' Chris Masterson!"

- Commercials.

- Chris Hero and Alberto Dos Caras are at ring-side. Lenny wants to know who the final two members of Dos Caras' team will be for the Captain's Challenge Match at the Great American Bash. Hero interjects, saying that's not of Lenny's damn business. He says that people have been telling him for weeks now that he's scared of that idiot Richie Steamboat and he's sick and damn tired of it. Hero says that next week, in the main event of Underground, the whole world will get a preview of just how badly the Patriot's team is going to get beaten when he knocks Richie Steamboat out with the Deathblow.

Match #3: The Cross vs. Shane Curtis/Steven Styles
While the Cross squash the jobbers, the commentary team spends time discussing the heated issue between them and Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team - which is set to culminate in a Tables match at the Great American Bash. Anyway, the match goes as expected. Claudio hits all of his big moves: the pop-up European, the Iron Boot, the UFO. Curtis ends up the recipient of Blitzkreig to give the Cross the victory.

Result: The Cross win via pin w/ Blitzkreig
Time: 4:11


- The Cross head over to the interview table for their interview. Lenny wants to know how they feel about their upcoming match with WGTT. Ares start a promo in German, but then Claudio cuts him off to cut a pretty decent promo himself:

"No, friend, let there be no misconception about our intentions. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin, listen closely. We have broken you. We understand that you are, as you would say, unhappy with how things have turned out. You did not expect that we would be your betters. It is understandable that you would think that. You are, as you say, 'Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team,' no? So when it turned out that you were not even our equals, that must have been quite the shock. And now you have us in a Tables match for the Great American Bash? That is laughable at best. The Cross has greater expectations for our future. When this is over, we will wrestle for the championships and accolades we are so deserving of. What will you do? You will rest in a hospital, that is what."

- Commercials.

Match #4: Derrick Driver vs. Brodie Lee
Before the match can even start, Brodie is blindsided by the Necro Butcher! The brawl into the ring, lighting into each other with vicious punches! Driver tries to separate them and pays the price of a huge knockout punch from Necro. A large contingent of security forces, referees, and jobbers storm the ring to separate them and end the pandemonium. Lenny begs that we cut to the Event Center, instead.

Result: No Contest
Time: 0:00


The Event Center
Mike Hogewood runs down the card for the Great American Bash, giving details on each of the major matches. He then segues into talking about a training session with Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, and their coach: KURT ANGLE~! They show tons of clips of Angle working with them. Angle is wearing a full-body jumpsuit, so as to hide his upper-body I expect. We get clips of dialogue from all three men. Eddie says that it takes a lot of stamina to compete in what could essentially be three matches in a row. Eddie says he doesn't expect it to go that far and that he's planning on putting Albright down in two straight. Angle says that Eddie is slowly becoming one of the best technicians to ever grace the sport of pro wrestling. He says when he looks at Eddie Edwards, he sees Bret Hart in his prime - only better. He says Eddie's got a hell of a future in this industry and is future World champ, let alone United States champ. Davey says he's sick and tired of all these idiots goading him into personal issues and getting him off track from his goal, but he's going to make an exception for Marufuji. He says Marufuji has a great track record in Japan, but this is America, and he's going to kick his head off. Richards says if that pipsqueak Austin Aries interferes, he'll kick his head off too. Angle says that Davey Richards is the consummate professional wrestler. He says that Richards has more intensity than he (Angle) ever did. Angle says he feels bad for Naomichi Marufuji having gotten caught up in this mess, because he's never seen Richards angrier. Finally, Angle is asked about the Patriot and he responds, "I don't know who he is, but I hope makes that asshole Dos Caras tap out." Great segment, this week.


- Commercials.

Main Event #1: Brian Kendrick w/ Joey Ryan vs. Roderick Strong w/ Karl Anderson & Austin Aries
This should be some good stuff. They start out with some good, ole-fashioned, chain-wrasslin'! They go back and forth, with Roddy getting the upper-hand thanks to being stronger and stuff. Kendrick tries some quick stuff out, but Roddy uses heel-stuff like yanking him down by the air to take the advantage. Roddy, of course, works the back over like a madman using all types of backbreakers and what not. Brian mounts a few comebacks here and there, but each time he does Roddy stops him quickly either with a backbreaker (half-nelson being my fave) or a few chops. Kendrick ends up counter a powerbomb backbreaker with a sunset flip for a near-fall. He immediately ducks a chop and flies over the ropes onto Aries and Anderson. Roddy tries to outside, but Brian meets him on the apron with a shoulder to the midsection, and then slingshots in with another sunset flip that they roll through allowing Kendrick to DRILL Roddy with a dropkick to the face. Roddy fights back with a huge tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, though. Roddy then hits Brian with the Death by Roderick (fireman's carry into double knees) and follows up with a Sick Kick, but Joey Ryan distracts the ref reminding fans that he's not exactly an angel. Aries gives Roddy some powder while Anderson distracts Kendrick on the apron. Roddy throws the powder, but of course Brian ducks and he ends up blinding Anderson! Aries gets on the apron next but Brian ducks a Sick Kick from Roddy, which ends up nailing Aries. Kendrick then rolls Roddy up tight with a cradle to get the quick pin!

Result: Brian Kendrick wins a via pin w/ a cradle
Time: 14:09


- Brian Kendrick and Joey Ryan escape to the locker rooms while Aries, Strong, and Anderson bicker in the ring.

- Commercials.

Main Event #2: Tyler Black w/ Jon Moxley vs. El Generico w/ Paul London
Oh wow, this should be quite the match! These two were part of the very, very, very good tag match main event from a few weeks ago. Moxley distracts Generico to start and Black assaults him from behind. No chain-wrestling here~! Black beats up on Generico in the corner and then whips him across the ring. Black charges in and eats a HUGE boot from Generico, which draws a MASSIVE pop from the crowd! They square off in the middle of the ring trading punches and then Generico knocks Black OUT of the ring with a spinning heel kick. Generico then DIVES onto Black on the outside. They brawl around ring-side, but Black ends up spearing Generico in the guardrail. Black draws the ref's attention, while Moxley beats up on Generico. London comes for the save, but it's too late. Generico ends up back in the ring and Black works him over for the duration of the match, focusing on the ribs. Black does a great job of it and Generico, of course, does a fantastic job of selling it. There's a great moment where Black drops Generico on the ropes with a front suplex and Generico sells it magnificently. Black tries a lot of stuff to put Generico down, but Generico kicks out. The biggest movie is a huge gutbuster on the top turnbuckle. Generico finally manages to turn the tide by catching Black out of nowhere with a tornado DDT. From there it becomes a back-and-forth contest with tons of near-falls. Generico lifts Black up for the Brainbuster, but his ribs are hurt and he doubles over. Black then PUNTS Generico in the head, but it only gets two. Black goes up for a flying double-stomp, but Generico crotches him on the turnbuckle. Generico goes up for the dreaded turnbuckle brainbuster, but Moxley distracts the referee which allows CHRIS HERO~! to knock Generico off the ropes while London yanks Moxley off the apron. Black then hits the flying double-stomp on the ribs of Generico to get the win.

Result: Tyler Black wins via pin w/ the flying double-stomp
Time: 14:11


- While London checks on Generico, Chris Hero announces that the Midnight Guns will be the final two members of Dos Caras' team at the Great American Bash. This ends the show.

WCW Underground 2.22

- Opening video.

- Lenny Leonard and JML, as always, are at ring-side for another edition of WCW Underground. Lenny promises tonight two more matches will be announced for the Great American Bash on 6/30. JML says it's a match a lot of people have been wanting to see and now they're going to get to see it. Lenny also promises a huge main event: Eddie Edwards/Brian Kendrick/Davey Richards/Joey Ryan vs. Brent Albright/Karl Anderson/Naomichi Marufuji/Roderick Strong. Lenny discusses the calamity on recent shows involving the faction under the management of Austin Aries. JML uses "calamity" to segue into the next video package.

- A lengthy video package details the Necro Butcher/Brodie Lee-history. It starts with Necro and Brodie teaming at Starrcade, goes to Brodie turning on Necro at the Bunkhouse Stampede, the fantastic Brodie Lee promo from Dos Caras vs. Jericho 2, and finally Necro's big return on the first live edition of Underground.

Match #1: Necro Butcher vs. Cru Jones
And from the onset, Lenny announces that it's official: Necro Butcher vs. Brodie Lee at the Great American Bash! Necro with the eye-patch is so many buys. Got to feel bad for Cru Jones here. Necro, of course, destroys him. Tons of punches, kicks, etc. On the outside, Cru gets busted open by the ring-post. Necro brings a chair into the ring and unloads on Cru with it to get disqualified! The ref tries to stop him but Necro shoves him away. The locker room empties to stop Necro and we cut to break.

Result: Cru Jones wins via disqualification because of Necro Butcher using a chair
Time: 3:21


- Commercials.

- Back from break and things have calmed down. Lenny Leonard is with Necro Butcher at the commentary table. Lenny asks what state of mind is Necro in. Necro rips the mic from and completely ignores the question, going into a fiery rant:

"An eye for an eye Brodie Lee. That's what this is about. I brought ya in here to WCW, I got ya the big paychecks brother! And this is what ya do ta me? You try ta take my damn eyes from me! Ya and I fought in wars tagether! We bled tagether! But ya damn jealousy got the best of ya and look what ya did? Ya poked the tiger one time ta damn many didn't ya? Ya told the world that ya were waitin' on me. Ya said ya knew that I was comin' and that I'd be bringin' hell with me. Well ya were right Brodie. By God you were right. Because this here doesn't end until I've got my damn justice. This here doesn't end until vengeance has been served! EYE. FOR. AN EYE. I am goin' to bleed you like a stuck pig, Brodie Lee, and ya goin' ta come ta regret the day you tried ta end my career. Look in my eye Lenny. LOOK IN MY EYE! Ya've known me since I came ta WCW, Lenny. Ya've known what I've fought for. I've fought for respect. I've fought to be the best. At the Great American Bash, I'm just fightin' for revenge. Eye for eye, Brodie, eye for an eye."

- Commercials.

- Wrestling's Greatest Tag Team is at ring-side with Lenny Leonard for an interview. Lenny asks Charlie what he's all smiles about. Charlie responds with a heck of a promo.

"Lenny, good buddy, the INK is on the PAPER. There's no backing out, there's no running away! The match is signed - June 30! The Great American Bash! Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas, Wrestling's GREATEST Tag Team - we finally get what we want. And what we want is that little midget Ares and his idiot partner Claudio Castagnoli. But the fun doesn't stop there, Lenny, no it does not. You see, it's not just a tag team match. At the Great American Bash, there's only one way to win: put both of your opponents... Through a table. Aww yeah, baby, that's right! A tables match! You know the Cross must have felt pretty damn good when they put Shelton through that table at SuperBrawl. But I tell you what, Lenny, it probably didn't feel half as good as putting that pipsqueak Ares through a table last week! And the Bash, oh man, those two? Hey, payback has been a long time coming and it's going to arrive on June 30 in the former of some broken wood and some broken bones!"

Match #2: Chris Masterson vs. Isaiah Rain
Standard squash, here. Lenny and JML spend the majority of the match putting over the Bull-rope Match between Masterson and Windham Rotunda at the Great American Bash. Masterson toys around with Rain but ultimately submits him to the Torture Lock.

Result: Chris Masterson wins via submission w/ the Torture Lock
Time: 4:09


- Interview-time, for Masterson. Lenny asks Masterson if he's worried about his match against Windham Rotunda. Masterson ignores the question and flexes, saying that he's the epitome of physical perfection. He says God only graces a very few with the physically gifted looks he possesses. Masterson says that it is very rare in one's lifetime to encounter a specimen of both perfect physical appearance and perfect physical athleticism. He says because he embodies both of those traits, he doesn't have damn thing to be worried about. Lenny asks how he feels about the bull-rope. Masterson says that the only thing that bothers him about the bull-rope is that he's worried that the grease and sweat from that fat slob, Windham Rotunda, might get on him. Good enough, promo.

- Commercials.

- CM Punk is in the ring with a microphone. There's no Lenny Leonard, so this is just a straight promo. The fans are, as usual, split right down the middle for him.

"You know, last week Chris Jericho came out here and he had some things to say. In most cases, I could care less what Jericho has to say. He said a lot of things, but one thing in particular stuck in my craw. You called me, Jericho, you called me a "straight-edge hypocrite." Now, you can say whatever you want about them cheering who they want to. You can, "bring your A-game" and all that good shit, whatever - doesn't bother me. But "straight-edge hypocrite?" Well there, there we might have an issue. You see, before it was just business. You had the World championship and I wanted it. But now? When you start questioning my values? The values that define me? I'm not sitting here in this ring pretending to be anything I'm not, like some man who "stands up for the little guy." I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I don't smoke. I am straight-edge. When I say what I am, I'm being honest. I'm not a character like you, Jericho. I'm not a fake. You want to get into a war of words? You want to start throwing out the truth? You want to call me out for walking out on Vince McMahon? Well here's the truth, Jericho. I did walk out on Vince McMahon. I did walk out and I don't regret a damn bit of it. And you want to know why? It wasn't because of any of that bullshit you read in the Observer, Jericho. It was plain and simple - I didn't want to be Triple H's bitch like you were. Pipe. Bomb."

Punk drops the mic and leaves the ring. GREAT promo!

- Commercials.

- Back from break, Lenny Leonard and JML talk about Punk's heated promo. They're interrupted by Austin Aries and his gang: Brent Albright, Karl Anderson, Naomichi Marufuji, and Roderick Strong. Lenny asks Aries what exactly this whole stable is about. And Aries gets a lengthy promo as well!

"What you're looking at right here, Lenny Leonard, is the elite of pro wrestling. The WCW United States Champion - Brent Albright. The A-List - Karl Anderson and Roderick Strong. The Asiatic Nightmare - Naomichi Marufuji. You see, just like I espouse greatness - so to do greatness find me. And that's EXACTLY what these men are. As the man behind Aries Unlimited, I represent only the finest athletes in the world. You want me see me in the corner of Joe Sixpack or Eddie Edwards, no - I only represent class. Aries Unlimited is the future of this business. We'll start tonight by beating up those losers and then at the Bash, we'll finish 'em off."

Not too shabby, actually. Not the best promo, either, though.

Match #3: The Old School Wrecking Crew vs. Caleb Konley/Sal Rinauro
You just know that one day, Konley and Rinauro will get the Mulkey Boys-treatment. Today is not that day though. The Wrecking Crew mess around with them for a bit, with Pearce frequently yelling at the crowd regarding DOOMSDAY. The end result is fairly predictable, though, as they put Konley down with the Spiked Piledriver.

Result: The Old School Wrecking Crew win via pin w/ the Spiked Piledriver
Time: 5:10


- No post-match interview, strangely.

- Commercials.

The Event Center
Mike Hogewood starts by talking about the brimming feud between Necro Butcher and Brodie Lee. The video package from earlier is replayed. He then talks about a sit-down interview he conducted with Brodie Lee and how unpleasantly it ended. That segues to the interview itself. In all actuality, it's a pretty weak segment. Brodie Lee doesn't fit doing a sit-down interview in this situation. They address the feud, but most of the responses are just too rehearsed. It ends with Brodie knocking Mike out of his chair. This was not so good.


- Commercials.

Main Event: Aries Unlimited (Brent Albright/Karl Anderson/Naomichi Marufuji/Roderick Strong) vs. Eddie Edwards/Brian Kendrick/Davey Richards/Joey Ryan
Well this is going to be crazy. Lenny informs that there will be a special 45-minute time limit because of all of the active talent involved. It starts out BONZO GONZO~! with everyone pairing off and battling it out around ring-side. They get in the ring, with the faces dominating, doing all the fun things where you whip four guys into each other, etc. It finally settles down with Kendrick being YOUR face-in-peril, getting straight MOLLYWOPPED by the heels. It's almost Horsemen-esque the way they beat him up. They focus on the arm, setting up for the Crowbar I imagine. Kendrick gets a couple of close-tags, but nothing successful. When he finally does make the hot tag, it devolves into massive warfare again. Everyone ends up on the outside, so Davey and Eddie take turns diving onto people. There's a couple of near-falls here on the heels, but no victories. Before long, Eddie ends up getting jumped while the referee is distracted by Aries and he ends up being your face-in-peril. The heat segment here goes longer than the previous, actually. Eddie and Naomichi have a beautiful series of counters leading up to Eddie making the hot tag to Davey Richards, which causes the crowd to EXPLODE! Davey cleans house and again it breaks down. There's a great series of finishers where someone hits their finisher (starting with Joey Ryan) and then someone else hits their finisher on them. It ends with Davey PLANTING Strong with the DR Driver for a near-fall, thanks to Anderson. Davey gets DRILLED with the Killshot, but rolls out of the ring to avoid being pinned. The Kings and A-List pair off. A-List dominate at first, but then Anderson gets nailed with Regicide. Roddy hits Kendrick with the Sick Kick, sending Kendrick to the outside. Albright then pairs off with Eddie in the ring as they exchange forearms and chops. Eddie catches Albright out of nowhere with a rolling Achilles Lock, but then Marufuji makes the save. So it ends up being Davey paired off with Naomichi and they go at it. Davey goes for the DR Driver but Aries causes a distraction. That leads to Davey getting MISTED~! and then SUPERKICKED~! which gives Aries Unlimited the big win. Hell of a match here!

Result: Aries Unlimited win via pin w/ the Superkick
Time: 35:11


- The faces check in on Davey Richards as the show ends.