Starcade Results
Eddie Guerrero d. Dean Malenko
Cruiserweight Title Match
The latest battle in one the decade's best feuds did not disapoint fans at Washingtons MCI Arena. While Guerrero tried to keep the pace fast and furious, the Iceman grounded the Champ with power moves and mat holds. The back-and-forth battle came to an end when Guerrero managed to take out Malenko's leg and then quickly strike with his trademark frogsplash. An amazing opening match.
Scott Norton, Vincent and Randy Savage with
Miss Elizabeth d. Ray Traylor and the Steiner Brothers with Ted
DiBiase
As many insiders predicted, the weak link in this match of
superstars proved to be the NWOs head of security, Vincent.
Receiving a mid-match beating, Vincent barely escaped a brutal
offensive barrage from Traylor but couldnt avoid an
off-the-top DDT and Frankensteiner. But the NWO eventually
prevailed. After Norton dropped Scott Steiner with an
off-the-shoulders suplex, Savage-- who admirably stepped in as a
surprise substitution for Konnan-- was able to hit his infamous
elbow drop. Savage scored the pin.
Bill Goldberg d. Steve "Mongo"
McMichael
This, the best match of both Goldbergs and McMichaels
young careers, featured heated exchanges of power and strength.
But Goldberg took all the former Chicago Bear could muster and
just kept going. Staking his claim to the title of WCW's toughest
customer, Goldberg wore Mongo down, eventually taking the match
in a dominating fashion with the Jackhammer.
Saturn with Raven d. Chris Benoit
No Disqualification
Facing the last of Ravens Flock, Benoit met his most
formidable competitor in the former TV Champion. Using his
trademark strong style, Saturn interchanged power moves and
submission holds, but Benoit took momentum after hitting the
Crippler Crossface on the outside. The Flock intervened-- Legal,
evidently, in a no DQ bout-- but the Crippler maintained
momentum. Hitting a suplex and a headbutt splash, Benoit prepared
to take out Saturn. But the Flock struck back, utilizing the no
DQ stipulation t0 rush the ring. After suffering a Raven DDT, the
former Horseman was easy pickings for the Rings of Saturn and a
submission loss.
Buff Bagwell d. Lex Luger
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an irresistable
object? Battling for the title "Total Package," Luger
made every effort to avenge his losing streak to the NWOs
fastest rising star, Buff. But Vincents mid-match
appearance gave the Delicious One a few needed assists and a
match advantage. In classic Luger style, the former World Champ
made a comeback and managed to rack Buff -- but not before
referee Billy Silverman was knocked out. The ref-free situation
allowed both Savage and Norton to run down and help Bagwell.
Luger managed to rack the Madness, but not Norton. Norton clocked
Luger and draped his partner over him. Silverman recovered, and
gave Buff the three-count.
Diamond Dallas Page d. Curt Hennig
US Title Match
The NWO took out Ric Flairs leg to protect the US
Champ for Starcade. But, instead of saving Hennig, they delivered
him to the slaughter. Enter the Diamond Cutter. Page took the
best that Hennig had to offer, eluding the Fisherman's suplex
with an armbar counter. DDP then spun through a crucifix attempt,
going directly into the Diamond Cutter. After the pin, DDP took
his new belt into the stands, celebrating with fans in the arena.
Larry Zbyszko d. Eric Bischoff
Special Stipulation Match: Winner gets control of Nitro.
Special guest referee, Bret Hart
The match was about more than pride. With Nitros future
resting on the shoulders of the Living Legend, WCW superstars
filtered into the arena to see exiled vice-president Bischoff
make his ring debut and, perhaps, score the NWOs greatest
victory. The drama was heightened by the appointment of Bret Hart
-- an alleged NWO member -- as referee. Although Hart was strict
on Zbyszko concerning the rules, the Hitman showed the world that
he wasnt with the black-and-white express when he clobbered
Bischoff after the NWO CEO used an illegal object in the ring.
The Hitman then put Hall in the Sharpshooter while Zbyszko choked
Bischoff with a belt. Zbyszko won by DQ, saving Nitro for WCW.
Sting d. Hollywood Hogan
World Title Match
The most anticipated match of the decade, Hogan vs. Sting did
more than drive the MCI Center crowd into a wild frenzy. Meeting
for the first time since the Stingers transformation over a
year ago, the two superstars proved to be formidable and equaly
matched opponents. Sting was free of ring rust and fear; Hogan
exhibited the skill and strength that made him wrestlings
most legendary champion. After Sting missed a Stinger Splash and
struck the rail on the outside, Hogan managed to set up his
opponent for his trademark leg drop. Referee Nick Patrick -- a
'former' NWO member-- gave a lightning-fast three-count and
signaled for the end of the match. But Bret Hart, making his
second noteworthy appearance for the night, ran to the ring and
told Hogan that he would not allow an official cheat a wrestler
again. Hogan tried to leave, but Hart threw him back in the ring,
allowing Sting to strike again. Vicious and Delicious tried to
stop the continuation, but were thwarted by both Hart and Sting.
After several Stinger splashes, the Silent One applied his
Scorpion Deathlock and got the submission. Hogan had been
defeated and WCW had recovered its esteemed World Title.
Post-match, WCW wrestlers flooded the ring to congratulate their
champion. Sting responded by climbing the ringposts and ending
his silence with his trademark Stinger screams.