WCW Monday Nitro
Monday, October 17th, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina
Commentary Team: Jimmy Smith & Tony Schiavone
We kick off tonight’s episode as promised, with Chris Jericho making his way out to the ring accompanied by Drew McIntyre! Jericho takes a moment to soak up the crowd’s boos before ordering the production crew to play the events of last week’s main event, having them stop the video to keep a still image of Jericho and McIntyre standing over Cody Rhodes on the jumbrotron for the remainder of Jericho’s promo. Jericho explains that McIntyre was the one who approached him about an alliance as both Drew and Jericho were both unhappy with Cody Rhodes being looked at as the “Face of the New WCW”. He explains that while Drew McIntyre is bigger and badder than anyone else in the company, he also realizes that WCW would be nothing without Chris Jericho, hence why he has now been hired on as Jericho’s personal “insurance policy” on his road to becoming the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. “Cody!” chants roar from the crowd, but Jericho quickly silences them by stating that their hometown hero Cody Rhodes isn’t at the arena tonight thanks to Drew kicking his head off with that Claymore which brings in another loud chorus of boo’s from the crowd. Jericho ends his promo by declaring the official “Road to the WCW World Heavyweight Championship” starts tonight when he officially goes undefeated after beating Brian Myers. Interesting to note that Drew McIntyre doesn’t say a single work during this segment as his size and the menacing look on his face do more than enough to get him over while Jericho does all the talking.
*****
Singles Match
Jay White vs. Xavier Woods (w/ Big E & Kofi Kingston)
WCW continues its tradition of starting off it’s shows with dream type matches as Jay White takes on arguably the most underrated member of The New Day, Xavier Woods. Big E and Kofi are out to accompany their stable mate as always, but White is out alone as the commentary team question the fate of The Bullet Club as the other 3 members of the WCW roster have nowhere to be seen tonight, wondering if all the turmoil and faction shuffling since it’s inception in 2013 have finally put an end to the long running stable. White and Woods put on a clinic in this match that definitely has the crowd hot to start off the night, but it doesn’t carry all the way to the finish as our questions regarding the Bullet Club are seeming answered once The Good Brothers jump the barricade and attack Kofi and Big E on the outside, distracting Xavier Woods and the referee just long enough for White to capitalize with a low blow before hitting Woods with the Blade Runner and covering him for the pinfall victory. With Big E and Kofi down on the outside, and Woods down in the ring, White and The Good Brothers embrace in the center of the ring before leaving together, signalling that all is well and The Bullet Club have officially arrived in WCW!
Winner: Jay White by pinfall @ 13:22.
*****
We see Kevin Owen’s walking backstage when he is stopped by his opponent from last week, Ken Kennedy. Kennedy congratulates Owens on his victory last week, but makes the typical excuses for losing, which KO laughs off. Kennedy then brings up how Owens’ entrance last week cut off Kennedy's introduction to which Owens apologizes, though he states that he’s not sure why it’s that big of a deal. Irritated, but trying to keep his composure, Kennedy calmy explains to Owens that doing his own introduction is his “thing” and that he’s being doing it long before Owens was even relevant outside of small town indy shows. Owens laughs off Kennedy’s comment, but that clearly struck a nerve as Owens half-heartedly apologizes to Kennedy for interrupting him last week. Kennedy arrogantly slaps Owens on the shoulder and thanks him for understanding before telling him to enjoy the rest of his night and walking off.
*****
Singles Match
Riddick Moss vs. WALTER
WALTER makes his debut tonight by making a statement. He easily dismantles Riddick Moss, who isn’t a small guy by any means. Moss manages to get the jump on WALTER at the bell, but that only lasts for a few brief seconds before WALTER takes control. Showing off some of the more powerful move sin his arsenal, WALTER floors Moss with the Golden Bomb before covering him, but WALTER takes his boot off of Moss’ chest before the referee can count to 3, electing instead to continue the assault by locking Moss in the Gojira Clutch and holding the move until Moss passes out, giving the referee no choice but to call for the bell!
Winner: WALTER by submission @ 4:55.
*****
We get a video package hyping some of the notable teams to hold the WCW Tag Team Championships over its original tenure in WCW. The video ends with a voiceover announcement by WCW Chairman Eric Bischoff that next week’s Main Event will be a Tag Team Turmoil match pitting 8 of WCW’s top tag teams against each other, with the winners being crowned the inaugural WCW World Tag Team Champions!
*****
Following the announcement, we head backstage to Chavo Guerrero, Jr who is with Los Lotharios. Guerrero voices his disappointment in the way both Garza and Carrillo were easily beaten by a Power Plant trainee before essentially hiring himself to be a manager/mentor to the two Mexican superstars. Chavo reminds Los Lotharios that they have another opportunity to redeem themselves tonight, before telling them that the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been. Chavo says that he spoke with Eric Bischoff this morning, and Bischoff has agreed to give the winner of tonight’s match the 8th and final spot in next week’s tag team turmoil match! Garza and Carrillo are overjoyed with this news and takes off in excitement before even asking who their opponents for tonight will be.
*****
We head to a pre-recorded interview with Nick Aldis. He says that over the past few years, he has achieved a lot in the wrestling industry and is well aware of how much that had gotten to his head. Since signing with WCW, Aldis knows that the slate has been wiped clean and that nothing is going to be handed out here, meaning that essentially, he is back at the bottom of the ladder just like everyone else. Aldis vows to arrive to WCW hungry and with something to prove. He then states that although it may not be the 10lbs of gold he grown used to, he promises he’ll be back at the top in WCW in no time!
*****
Following Aldis video package, it’s announced that Aldis will make his WCW debut next week against Kurt Angle!
*****
Tag Team Match
Los Lotharios (w/ Chavo Guerrero, Jr) vs. FTR
The excitement that Los Lotharios had leaving their locker room earlier tonight has seemingly faded now that they’re standing in the ring with the Top Guys! Garza and Carrillo try to use their speed to their advantage as they do appear to be slightly quicker than Harwood and Wheeler, but FTR are one of the best tag teams in the world for a reason as even with a speed disadvantage, they’re able to keep Los Lotharios’ offense to a minimum. On top of the match up disadvantage, Chavo Guerrero’s constant yelling of orders during the match proves to be quite the distraction for his two proteges although FTR don’t really need the help in putting Los Lotharios away after a Shatter Machine for the pinfall victory. Following the match, Chavo leaves ringside fuming as FTR celebrate being the final team to enter next week’s tag team turmoil match.
Winners: FTR by pinfall @ 12:35
*****
Singles Match
Mike Bennett vs. Ken Kennedy
Bennett is out first, meaning Ken Kennedy gets to come out last and have his big entrance. Standing in the ring, the microphone lowers down from the rafters as Kennedy begins to do his introduction. Although playing the heel, Kennedy’s intro always has the fans attention as he digs deep for his “MIIIIIISSSSTERRRRRRRR…….” Just then, the music of Kevin Owens plays and the crowd erupts as he interrupts Kennedy’s entrance for the second time in as many weeks! This time, Owens is out to join Jimmy Smith and Tony Schiavone on commentary. Owens’ mind games appear to work as Kennedy at least momentarily loses his momentum throughout the match, allowing Bennett to muster some offense, but eventually it’s Kennedy to takes the victory after nailing Bennett with the Mic Check for the pinfall victory. Owens doesn’t stick after the bell as he heads to the back while a tired and frustrated Kennedy celebrates his victory, not taking his eyes off Owens the entire time.
Winner: Ken Kennedy by pinfall @ 8:11
*****
We see a man walking through a graveyard on what appears to be a cold, dark and rainy night. The eerie voiceover from last week’s post apocalyptic video appears again as he speaks about the ancient traditions of burying the dead. He states that the early traditions called for burning the bodies before burial which then transformed into what we do now. As the voiceover explains further, you can see the man beginning to dig up a freshly backfilled grave. The voice questions what happens when the dead start to raise? He asks, will there be enough of the living in order to fight off the living dead? As he stops digging, the man bends down and reaches in to the freshly dug hole, pulling out and hourglass. He then turns the glass over, allowing the sand to start falling to the other side. As the man walks away, the camera pans from the open whole to the tombstone. As the camera reveals the words on the tombstone, they are also spoken aloud at the same time by the voiceover. TICK-TOCK!
*****
Before the start of the Main Event, Steve Corino is out to join Jimmy Smith and Tony Schiavone on commentary once again. It is announced that Corino will be providing commentary this Friday on Power Hour, as well as for the entire broadcast next week on Monday Nitro!
*****
Singles Match
Brian Myers (w/ Matt Cardona) vs. Chris Jericho (w/ Drew McIntyre)
A bit of a comedy feel to start off this match, as Brian Myers tries to do everything he possibly can to avoid having to actually face off with Chris Jericho, including both faking an ankle injury, and a stomach ache much to the dismay of Jericho, but the crowd loves it. Eventually, Myers agrees to tie up with Jericho, but tries to dive out of the ring at the last second, running right in to Drew McIntyre, who back him up into his partner Cardona. With seemingly nowhere to run, Myers knows that he needs to get this over with and finally agrees to actually get in the ring and wrestle. From here, we get quite the entertaining match, as Myers plays the role of an underdog who surprisingly catches Chris Jericho off guard at numerous occasions as the commentary team question whether or not Jericho underestimated Myers heading into this match. After scoring a near fall on a roll up which causes the crowd to roar loudly, Myers sees his offense come to a complete stop as Jericho’s frustration seems to be causing him to finally take this match seriously. From here on out, Jericho dominates the remainder of the match before putting Brian Myers away with the Judas Effect and starting his WCW career off undefeated as promised.
Winner: Chris Jericho by pinfall @ 14:47
Following the victory, Jericho has McIntyre join him in the ring, as it looks like both men are ready to celebrate Jericho’s victory together, but instead Jericho has McIntrye stand guard as he locks Brian Myers in the Walls of Jericho! Cardona slides into the ring to aid his best friend, but is forced to watch as Drew McIntyre stands tall, stopping Cardona from trying to get involved. Just then, the music of Cody Rhodes hits the loudspeaker as the hometown hero comes rushing down to the ring with a steel chair in hand getting a heroes welcome from the red hot crowd! Jericho releases the hold and dives out of the ring to safety before Rhodes can try to swing the chair. Rhodes instructs Cardona to help Myers up to his feet as he stands guard with the chair in hands, making sure Drew McIntyre doesn’t try anything. Jericho slowly rolls back into the ring and stands alongside McIntyre, trying to get him to exit the ring with him, but McIntyre doesn’t budge, staring a hole through Cody Rhodes as the crowd continues to chant for their hero. Finally, Rhodes tosses the chair out of the ring and steps forward, McIntyre does the same as you can cut the tension in this arena with a knife! Rhodes motions to McIntyre that he’s ready to fight, when suddenly he is hit with a lowblow from behind by Matt Cardona! The boo’s from the crowd are deafening as Rhodes slowly drops to his knees, his eyes not locked on his one time friend who has betrayed him as Cody has now been fooled two weeks in a row! Cardona and Myers grab Cody, pulling him up to his feet and holding him steady so McIntyre can plant him with a Claymore Kick! Quickly, they drag his now unconscious body up to his feet again, fighting against Rhodes’ limp body as they hold him up long enough for Jericho to nail him with a Judas Effect!
Jericho grabs a microphone from Justin Roberts and soaks in the anger of this crowd before informing all of them that he is smartest man in WCW and that they are all a bunch of stupid idiots! Jericho takes a moment to compare what has just happened to when Cody’s own father has his leg broken in a steel cage, before asking Drew McIntyre whether or not they should do the same to Cody tonight? The crowd boo’s heavily at the though, causing Jericho to pause his promo in fear that he may be inaudible to the television audience. McIntyre turns to grab the chair from the outside, but he’s stopped by Jericho who says he wants to defeat Rhodes on his own when the time comes. Jericho takes a moment to embrace Matt Cardona and Brian Myers before going back to address the angry fans in the arena. He says that over the last few years, he’s learned as he’s gotten older that it’s always better to have friends, which is why he started the Inner Circle in AEW, and later founded the Jericho Appreciated Society. This brings him to tonight. First, it was his insurance policy, Drew McIntyre and now, it’s Matt Cardona and Brian Myers! Jericho tells the crowd the moving forward they will now be known as his own personal Entourage, and their goals are simple, make sure Chris Jericho becomes the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and send Cody Rhodes packing to the old age home to join his father and brother. WCW Monday Nitro fades to a close as for the second time in as many week, Chris Jericho stands tall over Cody Rhodes. This time though, flanked with his new alliance, his Entourage!
