[1995-11-13-WCW-Nitro] Sting vs Dean Malenko

[Superstar Sleeze]

Sting vs Dean Malenko - WCW Nitro 11/13/95

Strange match-up on paper. This exists as a backdrop to the bombshell announcement the Hulkster has challenged the Stinger to a match on Nitro the next week. This is the biggest match on Nitro since the Hogan vs Luger match. It is pretty crazy they would be putting this on Nitro with only a week of hype, but it feels hot. Hogan has been suspicious of Sting for weeks and apparently Luger being able to talk some sense into Sting last week was the straw that broke the camel back. I just wish Phantom of the Opera Hulk Hogan could have explained this better during his bizarre promo. 

The size difference is pretty obvious but Malenko goes full pitbull. He tries a waistlock, a shouldertackle, but gains a measure of success targeting the leg with dropkick. Sting for his part sells really well for Malenko and really lets him shine. We see during the break that Sting almost gets the Scorpion Deathlock on Malenko, but Malenko wriggles to the ropes.  The big Malenko spot is a German suplex with a bridge. Sting avoids a dropkick. I expect this to be over soon. However, Sting MISSES a Stinger Splash! Missile dropkick. Malenko goes for the Cloverleaf, but Sting counters with a cradle for the win! WOW! Sting even sells the knee post-match. That is some serious protection for Malenko. They clearly liked Benoit, Malenko and Eddie a lot as each one gets a match tonight and has been featured for about a month. The fact Sting didnt demolish Malenko at the end with a barrage of his signature spots is pretty shocking. Enjoyed this short match. ***

Sting says he doesnt know where Hogan is coming from. However he takes exception to Hogan calling him a little dog. So if we need to settle in the ring so be it. Looks like the Stinger is going to show his true colors next week. Not the most impactful Nitro but Hogan/Sting announcement is a bombshell and Eddie/Badd was a good enough match to anchor the show.