[2001-02-28-WCW-Thunder] Shane Helms vs Johnny Swinger

[GSR]

Swinger is seconded by his partner from the Cruiserweight tournament, Jason Lee.  Mike Tenay incorrectly says that Monday was his WCW debut, quite unlike ‘the Professor’ to get something wrong.  Lee is already trying to interfere from ringside.  Helms with those lovely Steamboatesque arm drags.  He goes up top, but as Swinger grabs the referee Lee pulls down the top rope causing Helms to fall to the mat.  Sit-out powerbomb out the corner.  It sounds like Chavo Guerrero Jr has been in Swinger and Lee’s ear, trying to get them to take out Helms before they get to Greed.   Cobra Clutch Russian legsweep for a near fall. Is that one the Swing Thing?  Where’s Joey Styles when I need him?  Tenay makes a point of noting that Swinger is a much more ground based Cruiserweight, he doesn’t take too many high risks in there. Lee is continuing to provide interference.  Helms escapes the sleeper with some back elbows.  The Running neckbreaker leads to out first hearing for the night of ‘the Sensation of Innovation’.  Sugar Smack.  He nails Lee, who is on the apron, with a forearm then takes him out the equation with a froggy crossbody to the floor.  Swinger’s momentum enables him to roll through on the high crossbody, almost getting the three.  There’s no-one home on the slingshot senton and as Helms call for the Vertebreaker, Lee is in the ring.  Nightmare on Helms Street to Lee followed by the Vertebreaker on Swinger for the win.  Chavo sneaks to ring post-match trying to blindside his challenger but comes up short.  His game plan having failed, he confronts Lee and Swinger, giving the former a brainbuster whilst berating the latter.

This won’t be a Helms match you’ll remember although the work was solid.  Tenay is right about Swinger’s offence, but that ground based attack among a myriad of flyers and innovators makes him someone who doesn’t stand out and not “essential viewing” if you like.