VIDEO: WCW Lives

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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March 26, 2001: WCW was bought by Vince McMahon and WWE. So to mark the occasion, I'm sharing details about my only WCW action figures. It includes an unboxing of Sid Vicious. Check it out and subscribe.

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The time Sid went sycho on me

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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When I worked in Alabama as a TV reporter and anchor I had a couple of opportunities to meet a handful of wrestling greats.  In 1998 I interviewed a handful of wrestlers at a WCW Thunder event in Huntsville.  Buff Bagwell, Goldberg, Bobby Heenan and the late Ray "Big Bossman" Traylor all spent some time with me.  

About a year later, a local gym owner and wrestling promoter were hosting a show with Sid Vicious as one half of the main event. Because he knew I was a huge fan, the promoter extended an invitation to me to attend the show.  I took a chance and asked if Sid would be available for an interview for the newscast.  I was excited to learn that he was.

Sid in action 

Sid wanted to do the interview before his match.  I was ushered back to a hallway where Sid was pacing back and forth.  We shook hands and exchanged hellos.  My intent was to ask Sid a few questions about his career (this was after his championship run with WWE but months before he showed up in WCW and won their title).  

Meeting the big man

I mounted the camera on my shoulder and held the microphone up to the big man.  Before I even finished asking my first question, Sid snatched the mic out of my hand and proceeded to cut a wrestling promo for me.  He did this at the top of his lungs, screaming until his face was beat red. Bottom line, the "interview" was nothing I could use for the newscast, but it was quite awesome being in the presence of the wrestling legend.

When he returned to town a few months later, Sid came into our studio for a sit down interview on the newscast.  This time he was much more subdued and didn't yell.  It was one of the most surreal moments of my career.  Those encounters with Sid were some of my favorite memories working in "the Shoals." 

Boo: Good Lord

Sid as Lord Humongous

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Before Sid was vicious, a psycho, or serving up justice, he was a masked monster from the Valley of Death.  He went by the name Lord Humongous, inspired by the Road Warrior/Mad Max movie.  But in doing some research on this gimmick, I was surprised to learn that Sid wasn't the only wrestler to don the hockey mask and studded leather ring attire.

The monster appeared in the Continental Wrestling Association in 1984.  Several wrestlers through the years played the character, but I'd say Sid was undoubtedly the most well known.  Managers for Humongous included the likes of Jimmy Hart, Downtown Bruno (better known to WWE fans as Harvey Whippleman) and Sir Oliver Humperdink.

Jeff Van Camp was under the mask when Humongous was feuding with Jake "The Snake" Roberts in the Mid-South territory.  This was right before Jake headed to the WWF, and I remember first hearing about Humongous at that time.  The two were embroiled in an epic feud and it was covered by the Apter magazines.  Reading those magazines is how I (and all fans) kept up with what was happening in other regions that weren't being broadcast on TV in their particular area.

Sid, Humongous, & Scott Hall

I also read about Humongous (played by Sid at this point) teaming up with a young Shane Douglas to win the CWA tag team titles.  Other notables who wore the mask, include the man who eventually became Bull Buchanan and Sid's son Gunnar.  In fact, a few years ago, Sid teamed with Humongous and Scott Hall at an event in my area, but I wasn't able to make it.  I had no idea that the gimmick that started nearly 30 years ago is still being kept alive on the indy circuit.

Friday Fail: Sid's Tough Break

Sid breaks his leg

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I debated doing this as a Friday Fail as it saw someone suffer a serious injury.  But one of our readers (and a friend of mine), Weston made the argument that a fail happens when you attempt to do something and it doesn't go according to plan.  Maybe it wasn't the best idea for a 6'7" monster to climb the top rope.

I'll be honest, I can't even go back and look at the footage of the accident.  It happened at the WCW pay per view SIN in 2001.  Sid was wrestling Scott Steiner, Animal, and Jeff Jarrett.  Sid went to the top rope and to say he landed wrong is an understatement.  He landed on his leg the wrong way and it snapped like a twig.

The break was so graphic and horrific in my opinion, I was shocked that Sid eventually was able to get back in the ring and wrestle.  He was no spring chicken at the time of the accident and to see him still active today is a testament to his determination.  I interviewed Sid once before the accident.  He talked about all the training he goes through to stay in such great shape.

It's Slater Time

Heath Slater finishes off Doink the Clown
Photo by WWE.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I have to admit, Heath Slater has grown on me in recent weeks.  I wasn't a real big fan of his during NXT, although I wasn't completely against him.  Then when the Nexus angle was born and died and morphed into the Corre, I put Heath among my least favorites.

Now as the Legends' whipping boy, I'm impressed.  I can't put my finger on why.  Even with Vader and Sid and Diamond Dallas Page and Cyndi Lauper and Roddy Piper and Wendi Richter all making him look like a chump, he's not as annoying as I once found him.  Is it the way a former tag team champion (but does that really mean anything anymore) should be treated?  Probably not, but let's face it, this is wrestling and not everyone is going to be in the main event and not everyone is going to be a champion (or at least they shouldn't be).

The segments are brief, they're good comedy relief to help with the pacing of the show, and who doesn't like to see a legend return from time to time?  I was a bit surprised that Slater pinned Doink on the most recent Raw.  Does anyone know who was the clown?  I'm not sure that it was Matt Bourne (no relation to Evan) this time around.  Also, one quick correction from what Michael Cole said about Doink.  He claimed the clown wrestled at Wrestlemanias 9 and 17.  This is true, but he was also on the Wrestlemania X card, teaming with Dink and losing to Bam Bam Bigelow and Luna Vachon.

Vader Time!!!!
Photo by WWE.com

I assume these returns and beatings will continue until Raw's 1,000th episode later this month.  Let it run its course and maybe by the time it's over, Slater will be more over with the fans and this will result in some kind of a push.  I think this could have been a good position for a heel Zack Ryder to have been in.  He peaked too soon, Broski.

Which WWE Legend would you like to see come out next?  Weigh in here or on our Facebook page.

Mania Memories: Unlucky 13

Undertaker pins Sid

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Wrestlemania 13 was the first in the franchise that I did not watch live or soon after the event on tape.  I was getting married a few months later and opted to save money by watching (more like listening) to the show on scramble vision.  Back then, you could still do that.

It seems like there was a lot of turmoil behind the scenes leading up to Wrestlemania 13.  Of course, I am merely speculating when I say that, perhaps at the end of the day it was all a part of the plan.  But this was really the point when the WWF title started feeling more like a prop and not the top prize in the game.  When 1997 started, Sycho Sid was the champion.  He dropped the belt to Shawn Michaels at the Royal Rumble, who was shortly stripped of the title.  Bret Hart won it at the February pay per view In Your House: Final Four, only to drop it the next night on Raw to Sid.  So Sid headed into Wrestlemania as the WWF champion... his opponent the Undertaker.

Taker had been on a role as we all know by this point, his Wrestlemania streak is still alive.  And in a less than stellar main event he tombstoned and pinned Sid to become a two time holder of the WWF title.  It may have been one of the weakest Wrestlemania main events to that point.  (I wasn't a huge fan of Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy either)  Shawn did do commentary for the match, but did not wrestle.  I don't know if he was really hurt at that point or if he'd been in trouble.  I've heard different stories on this topic.

Hitman vs. Stone Cold (WWE)

The undercard featured Hart versus his nemesis "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.  This was without a doubt the best match on the card, proving that the main event is always the greatest contest.  By the time this match rolled around, the two had started showing signs of reserving roles as the baby face and heel.  When the match ended (Hart won as Austin passed out in the Sharp Shooter and deemed unable to continue), Austin was over like never before and Hart was now getting more boos.  It worked brilliantly and may have been the start to the change in momentum for the WWE.  I know people will argue the exact time things started turning around, but the solidification of Austin as a face could probably be traced to that night.

Rocky gets some air (WWE)

Rocky Maivia defended the Intercontinental title against the Sultan in what was probably the worst IC title defense since the Randy Savage-George Steele match at Wrestlemania 2.  (What is it about these two cards?)  For those of you who didn't know, the Sultan (managed by Bob Backlund and the Iron Sheik) eventually became Rikishi.  Based on this match though, it's hard to believe the Kish ever became as popular as he did, and Rocky for that matter too.

My favorite team of that era the British Bulldog and Owen Hart battled Mankind and Vader to a double count out in a rare Wrestlemania heel vs. heel tag team match for the WWF tag team titles.  I liked all four men involved in this one, and thought the team of Vader and Mankind was ironic given the history between the two in WCW.  Another tag team note, there was a 6 man tag match on the card too, featuring the Legion of Doom and Ahmed Johnson against the original Nation of Domination (Faarooq, Crush, and Savio Vega), AND a four way tag match between the Headbangers, Godwins, New Blackjacks, and Doug Furnas and Phil LaFon.  By my count that's 8 tag teams, which is unheard of today (plus PG-13 was in the corner of the Nation, really making it 9 teams on the roster).  Also on the card, Hunter Hearst Helmsley beat Goldust.

So if I had to pick a favorite moment from the entire card, it'd have to be the end of the Austin-Hart match and how it helped shape the landscape of the WWF and wrestling in general.  What are your thoughts on the 13th Mania, was it unlucky for you?  Share here or on our Facebook wall.

Boo: Spinning Again

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Halloween Havoc 93 returned with the Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal contest.  This time, Vader and Cactus Jack were squaring off.  The show kicked off with a cheesy skit involving some kids and Tony Schiavanoe.  Then they went into the arena with Eric Bischoff in touting the wheel, and then cut to Schiavanoe dressed like Jessie Ventura.  Jess was dressed as "the best gynecologist on Burbon Street."

Opening match featured Harlem Heat & the Equalizer vs. Ice Train, Charlie Norris, and Shockmaster.  Wow, what a combo.  Harlem Heat members were Kole and Kane, no Booker T or Stevie Ray at that point.  Shockmaster's team wins.

"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff (with the Assassin) and Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat had a pretty good match.  I don't recall if the two ever met up when they were in the WWF.  Orndorff won this one by countout after Assassin knocked out the Dragon with a loaded mask.

The two Brits, Lord Steven Regal and the British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith, battled to a time limit draw for the WCW TV championship.

Wheel of Misfortune

This year's wheel for the Spin the Wheel looked more like something out of a cheesy Hollywood western.  There were a pair of longhorns at the top, arrows on the wheel.  Then it started sparkling when it was spun by Vader.  This year, it landed on the Texas Death Match.

"The Natural" Dustin Rhodes beat "Stunning" Steve Austin in a U.S. title defense.  Another great prelude to the Goldust vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin matches in the WWF in the years to come.  The Nasty Boys with Missy Hyatt won the tag team titles back from Too Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell.

He's got the wrong foot!

A rematch from Havoc '90, Sid battled Sting.  Sid had spent the last couple of years in the WWF and was back with WCW.  This time, Col. Robert Parker was his manager.  This match was to "determine who is the franchise of WCW."  Duh, I think we knew that before the bell even sounded.  Of course Sting won.  It was such a hokey finish with Parker "accidentally" grabbing Sid's leg, which lead to Sting pinning the big man.

Cool tights!

Ric Flair lost his bid to capture the NWA heavyweight title from "Ravishing" Rick Rude by disqualification.  Terry Taylor was the special guest enforcer for the match.  Double ref bump, Rude tried to cheat with brass knucks but lost them, Flair got DQed for using them.  This was back when WCW was recognizing the NWA title as a "world title" too.  I must say Rude's "Halloween" tights were epic.

Shocking!

Vader and Jack battled it out in a brutal Texas Death Match.  Vader was the WCW Champion at the time, but the belt was not on the line. Since there were no disqualifications, Harley Race got involved too.  Lots of chair shots and a battle into the "graveyard" set.  Both men ended up bloodied and battered. Race ended up using a taser on Cactus, who couldn't respond to the 10 count and lost the match.  This was another crappy finish in my opinion.

With the exception of the 6 man opener, this was a pretty good event.  The Sid-Sting match was kinda lame, especially the finish.  The Texas Death match was good, but I hated the finish.  Half the matches on the card were title matches, something we don't see much of these days.  And personally, I missed Jim Ross calling Havoc like he had on the previous four.  He had just left the company for WWF.

Boo: Double Vision

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

By the time the second installment of Halloween Havoc rolled around, a lot had changed in WCW. At the 1989 pay per view, Sting and Ric Flair teamed up as the company's top two baby faces.  Flair was the champ.  But it didn't take long for him to turn on Sting and drop the WCW title to the Stinger.

Flair was sidetracked in a tag team title feud with Arn Anderson, challenging Teddy Long's team of Doom.  Sting was set to defend against Anderson and Flair's fellow Horsemen  member Sid Vicious.  Sting was also being tormented by The Black Scorpion while this match was being set up.

The show started off with good ol' JR and Paul E. Dangerously dressed in costume.  The opening contest was an upset victory for Ricky Morton and Tommy Rich over the Midnight Express.  The Southern Boys did run interference and helped the faces win.

Look out Sting!

Next was an extremely cheesy vignette with Sting and Black Scorpion.  JR and Paul E. oversold this skit, with Paul being borderline annoying.  It's the one with the female fan and Scorpion disappearing and reappearing.  Lame sauce.

Renegade Warriors, Chris and Mark Youngblood made their WCW PPV debut on this show against Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin, the Freebirds.  Little Richard Marley was in their corner.  (He was once Rocky King)  The Birds won this one with some help from LRM.

An interview with the Horsemen minus Barry Windham... interesting.  Of course if you've seen this show you know why that is.  We'll get to it, be patient.  Love classic Flair and AA.  Woooo!

Third match, and it's the third tag team matchup.  The Nasty Boys challenging for the U.S. tag team titles.  Remember when there were enough tag teams to have two different titles.  This is another moment, I don't remember the Nastys being in WCW PRIOR to their WWF run.  I knew they wrestled in the AWA.  I thought they jumped from there to the WWF.  Anyway, the Steiners retain with a sloppy Frankensteiner, but that move is still really awesome.  Scott Steiner was so much better in my opinion before he became "Big Poppa Pump." Right after the match Scott was attacked during an interview by the Nasties who were dressed like concessionaires.  How did they change so quick?

Fourth match is ANOTHER tag team match.  This one is the world tag team title match.  Horsemen vs. Doom.  Anderson was the TV champ then, forgot that too.  Interesting they sidelined Flair for a tag team title feud.  SmackDown! General Manager Teddy Long is accompanying Doom for this one.  This match quickly went from wrestling to fighting and ended in a double count out.  This of course took us to Starrcade for the St. Louis Street Fight between the two teams.  Although Flair would be "hurt" and replaced by Barry Windham that night.

Stan Hansen and his mouth full of tobacco threaten Lex Luger.  Dude, he's as bad as Skinner.  Gross.  Hansen was a man of his words that night and beat Luger.  Back then I knew little of Hansen and was disappointed that he won the title.  I do recall his run as AWA world champion, so I knew who he was.  Yes, I will admit it, I was a Lex Luger fan back then.  Ref bump and a cow bell from Dan Spivey helped Hansen here, although he pinned Lex cleanly.  Luger ended up regaining the belt two months later at Starrcade.

Title match is set to begin, with Missy Hyatt joining the broadcast team.  I just realized I'm watching this on a DVD where some of the matches are cut, so ignore the comments about all the tag team matches.  There were several singles matches, most of which I question why there were on PPV, and understand why WWE left them on the cutting room floor.  No offense Brad Armstrong, J.W. Strong, or Moondog Rex.

Sid is pretty much a brawler, nothing too exciting out of this match.  Actually a weak main event in terms of wrestling. Sting did a good job.  I always liked the Beach Bum version of the character more than any other.  The action spilled out of the ring several times.  Flair and Anderson distracted the ref as Sting and Sid fight to the back.  Then they return and Sid pins Sting when Sting can't bodyslam the big man.  Sid is even introduced as champ.  But the celebration is cut short when the real Sting returns to the ring with ropes tied around him.

Sting splashes Sid and pins him.  But before all that, WCW did a fireworks display and dropped a bunch of orange and black balloons.  I think it was premature because it all happened BEFORE Sting one.  Of course it was revealed that the Sting who was pinned was actually Sid's fellow Horsemen Barry Windham.  It was an extremely sloppy execution.

Barry "Sting" Windham

They never really said it was Barry that night, JR speculated that it was.  With all the Black Scorpion hype and the tag line "Terror Rules the Ring" I didn't find anything other than Sid's performance and the lame finish terrifying.

Other notes from the show, Kevin Nash was a part of the pay per view.  He was kind of like Glenn Jacobs searching for the right gimmick.  At Halloween Havoc he was "Steel" and one half of the Master Blasters.  It's one of many gimmicks he played before finding success in the WWF as Diesel.

Fire up the grill, we're having Southern Fried Butcher at the 1991 installment of the show.  That review is coming up soon.