WCW UK TOUR 2000 Event Report, London Arena, 11 March 2000
The music blared, the fire exploded from the ring- posts, fireworks and smoke erupted in the aisle and out came WCW ring announcer David Penzer. Penzer welcomed the fans to London and to a night of World Championship Wrestling. Then he introduced The Nitro Girls! Chae, Spice and Chameleon all entertained the crowd with their dancing and got the show off to a great start. Then, it was time for action!
1 Norman Smiley defeated Brian Knobs in a Hardcore Match:
In an entertaining opening match, "Screamin'" Norman Smiley beat Brian Knobs in a Hardcore Match. Wearing a London Knights ice hockey jersey, Smiley pounded Knobs with rubbish bins, chairs, broom- sticks and any other dangerous objects he could get his hands on. Smiley took a plunge through a ringside table, but bounced back with several hockey stick shots to Knobs who happened to be stuck in the rubbish bin at the time! Norman decked Knobs with a chair, beating him yet again.
2 Bam Bam Bigelow pinned The Wall:
Thanks to The Wall, David Flair (wearing a neck- brace) was unable to compete against the big man in London, although this may have been a blessing in disguise (and not just for David, for the fans aswell). David explained the situation on the microphone, and Daffney made a contribution aswell! So, Bam Bam Bigelow took on The Wall in a decent brawl, where Bigelow got the win with a flying head - butt. Following the decision, The Wall caught Bigelow with a low- blow and then choke- slammed him. David Flair, wielding a crowbar, was also choke- slammed. Then when Daffney got in the face of The Wall, she was choke- slammed aswell!
3 Dustin Rhodes pinned Terry Funk:
Rhodes and Funk matched verbal obscenities on the microphone with one another, before getting this match underway. Funk got in some of his classic moves, and when stunned, he staggered about in his unmistakable manner. Eventually, it was Dustin who got the win, with a low- blow. Following the match, Funk continued the brawl and used a roast chicken on Rhodes! As Dustin made his way up the ramp, the chicken went with him!
Following that bizarre situation, the lovely Miss Hancock appeared and began to dance for the crowd. Then those spoilsports, The Harris Brothers appeared and took her away to the backstage area!
4 Hacksaw Jim Duggan retained the TV Title against Fit Finlay:
Duggan locked up in a grapple with Finlay, but it didn't last. This match wasn't about technical holds. Finlay called the London crowd "English Peasants!" and Hacksaw got a "USA" chant going (for some reason). Then he started an "England" chant. There was actually some classic wrestling moves in this match, thanks to both competitors. When Finlay brought a chair into the ring, it backfired. Duggan grabbed his 2x4 and smashed the chair back in Fit's face! Disqualification? Maybe, but Finlay brought the chair into the ring in the first place, so what the hell!?!
Following that match, David Penzer said that he had a surprise for the London fans. And in a night full of surprises, this was the biggest surprise of all. Bret Hart stepped through the ropes and cut a touching interview, where he thanked the fans for their support. He said he enjoyed making the trip to the UK and spoke fondly of his late brother Owen and his match with The British Bulldog at Summerslam 92'. Though the crowd were near silent for most of the evening, they got on their feet for The Hitman, and rightly so. The place erupted. I cannot describe the feeling of being there and seeing The Hitman in person. I'll never forget it.
After the interval, The Nitro Girls dazzled the crowd once more. This time they were joined by Norman Smiley himself! Smiley impressed the crowd and got all three Nitro Girls doing "The Big Wiggle"!
5 The Mamalukes retained the Tag Team Titles against The Harris Brothers:
The Harris Boys were disgusted with The Nitro Girls "girly" dancing, and said they were all business. The Mamalukes were the crowd favourites (why?) and The Harris' were the heels (to everyone except me, my brother and a handful of other people). At one point, Johnny The Bull nearly fell and broke his neck while leaping onto the top rope. Miss Hancock returned and distracted the Harris' long enough for The Mamalukes to retain the titles.
6 Vampiro defeated Jeff Jarrett by DQ in a US Title Match:
In his first match of the UK Tour, Jeff Jarrett defended the US belt against Vampiro in the best match of the night. Jarrett insulted the London fans when he spoke on the microphone. Though I am a fan of Vampiro, I cheered for Jarrett in this one. During the match, The Harris Boys arrived. Vampiro accidentally nailed the ref, and Jarrett used the belt on "Vamp". Vampiro kicked out at 2, and stunned Jeff with The Final Nail In The Coffin. Unfortunately, The Harris' manhandled the ref before "Vamp" could register the 3 count. Jarrett left with his belt, but Vampiro left with Jeff's guitar. The NWO ran for cover as Vampiro waved "the acoustic equaliser".
7 Booker T beat The Total Package with Elizabeth by DQ:
Booker made his entrance to a big ovation. The Package took ages with his entrance. When he DID emerge, it was to the dissaproving sound of booing. Booker said that the London people didn't appreciate being kept waiting and that they wanted him to kick Luger's ***! While it lasted, this match was entertaining enough. When Booker had it in the bag, Ric Flair ran in and interfered on The Package's behalf. Curt Hennig made the save for Booker, which set up the tag team Main Event. Commissioner Kevin Nash arrived on crutches, and booked the match (no change there, then). He barred Elizabeth from ringside, so that the odds were fair. The bell sounded for the match to get underway.....
8 Booker T and Curt Hennig defeated Team Package:
A good main event this , Booker and Luger done most the work , although Hennig got the odd look - in , and Flair executed the odd chop . Towards the end of the bout , Liz showed up again , and attempted to do some swinging with her bat . But Buff Bagwell appeared , snatched the bat off Liz , and nailed Luger in the gut with it , giving Booker and Hennig the win . Bagwell , Booker and Hennig then celebrated in the ring , capping off a throughly entertaining evening. WCW 's show at London was everything I expected and more . Many stars were there, including The Nitro Girls, Jeff Jarrett, Ric Flair, amongst others and the action was great.