The WCW Nitro 9/4/95 review features the start of the Nitro era with both a surprising debut and lots of Pastamania.
Here’s the review!
- Show: WCW Monday Nitro
- Date: September 4, 1995
- Location: The Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN
– Eric Bischoff and Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael are our commentators for this monumental event. Then Bobby Heenan arrives and kisses up to Mongo. Heenan truly is one of a kind.
Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Flyin’ Brian Pillman
Liger will forever be the answer to the trivia question as to the first wrestler to enter the ring on Nitro. Liger and Pillman had a lot of great battles over the years, so the match choice makes sense. And considering Bischoff wanted to feature cruiserweights and high-flying action to contrast RAW, it’s clear he wanted to set the tone with this match.
Lots of bickering between Heenan and Mongo in this one to no one’s surprise. As expected, good back and forth match with several near falls that would’ve gotten a bigger pop from a normal crowd. Pillman countered Liger’s offense and hooked the leg for the pin.
- Blake’s Rating: ***
– Hulk Hogan is signing autographs at the food stand in the mall. PASTAMANIA is running wild, brother! Bischoff is all smiles as Hogan talks about eating so many Hulkaroos and having a lot of PASTAMANIACS. Hogan says the word “pastamania” about 47 times in hyping the main event with Big Bubba Rogers.
Ric Flair vs. Sting
It is wild to think Flair was 46 at this point in his career. Mongo with a little WWE foreshadowing: “This place is like Thunderdome, folks.” Personally, I think it needs more LED screens and Kevin Dunn camera cuts. Before the match even starts, we get the most noteworthy moment of the debut Nitro, as LEX LUGER has jumped ship! Give Bischoff credit for playing it up like a pro and making it seem real. Heenan and Mongo were also good.
When you look back, it really was smart to have Luger’s appearance early in the show to create a buzz. What’s also creating a buzz is Service Merchandise in the background. What a store. Another competitive match that gets a better reaction with a normal crowd. Arn Anderson made his way out and he eventually caused the DQ before he and Flair exchanged blows to continue their dissension.
- Blake’s Rating: **1/2
– After the match, Scott Norton debuts in WCW and he’s PISSED as goes face to face with Mongo. Randy Savage makes the save and they tease an impromptu match.
– Sabu is also coming to WCW!
– Mean Gene Okerlund is thrilled to announce that someone has won a Harley Davidson.
– VK Wallstreet is yet another star coming to WCW! You can’t say they didn’t introduce new stars on the first Nitro.
Big Bubba Rogers vs. Hulk Hogan (w/Jimmy Hart)
Bischoff is still playing up Luger causing chaos in the locker room. Another nice move. Meanwhile, we’re getting that Savage vs. Norton match next week. Heenan and Mongo really do have great chemistry right off the bat. Nothing like Hogan and Hart, the babyfaces, using underhanded tactics behind Pee Wee Anderson’s back. Heroic stuff! Big Bubba did his best, but Hogan hit the Big Boot and Leg Drop to get the win.
- Blake’s Rating: **
– Here comes the Dungeon of Doom! Kevin Sullivan, Kamala, The Shark, Meng, and Brutus Beefcake’s character of the month (The Zodiac) hit the ring to attack Pastamania. Luger makes the save, and they tease a Hogan vs. Luger showdown.
– After the break, Mean Gene is in the ring to get the info on Luger and Hogan. Luger wants Hogan’s title and he’s tired of playing with kids. BRING ON THE BIG BOYS. Hogan gives him a title match for next week’s Nitro.
Blake’s WCW Nitro 9/4/95 Awards
- Best Match: Liger vs. Pillman
- Best Angle: Luger’s debut
- Nitro MVP: Bischoff, Heenan, Mongo
- Overall Nitro Rating: 6.0/10
- Thoughts: This was a fine start to the Nitro era, with Luger’s debut taking center stage. Bischoff was great pushing new characters, while also adding realism to Luger jumping ship. Wrestling fans had a hook, and WCW played it up nicely throughout the show.
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