TotalExtremeWrestlingNews.com was live for the relaunch of WCW at the Staples Center, and the atmosphere was electric. The big story before the first bell even rang was the attendance. A massive 20,271 fans packed the building. Shane O’Mac definitely knows how to dress up a set. The production value felt higher and the energy was great.
Shane McMahon opened the show with an emotional promo hyping the new WCW before bringing out Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page. Having the two main eventers out there with the boss really set the stakes for the night. Let's break down the card.
Match 1: WCW World Cruiserweight Title Ladder Match: Shane Helms (c) vs. Billy Kidman vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Juventud Guerrera
Following tradition, the new WCW started with the Cruiserweights. Juventud Guerrera was the shocker here, returning as the mystery fourth man. The match was a total sprint filled with big spots. Chavo Guerrero really carried the narrative of the match, while Helms and Juventud looked sharp. Interestingly, Billy Kidman seemed a step slow compared to the others. Helms retained in a quick 9:45.
Winner and Still WCW World Cruiserweight Champion: Shane Helms
Rating: 6.9 / 10
Could have used more time, but the sprint pace worked for an opener.
Match 2: The Big Bang Brawl Battle Royal
This was an over the top rope battle royal that served as a massive who is who for the new roster. We saw some unexpected debuts from BG James (formerly Road Dogg), Curt Hennig, Greg Valentine, and Johnny B. Badd.
Team Canada appears to be dead, as Mike Awesome reverted to his Career Killer gimmick. He and Lance Storm teased a fight, but the rest of the ring teamed up to toss Awesome early. The final four were Road Dogg, Hennig, Bagwell, and Storm. Road Dogg tossed Hennig, Buff tossed James, but Lance Storm snuck up and dumped a celebrating Bagwell at 20:21.
Winner and #1 Contender: Lance Storm
Rating: 6.2 / 10
Fine for what it was, but a Royal Rumble style entry might have given the surprises more room to breathe.
Match 3: WCW World Tag Team Titles: Natural Born Thrillers (c) vs. Disqo & Mike Sanders vs. Primetime Players vs. Misfits In Action
The Misfits in Action (General Rection and Corporal Cajun) were the surprise addition here. The match itself was a bit messy. Mike Sanders appeared to legit hurt his shoulder halfway through and the Primetime Players were not given much to do. The shocker came when Chuck Palumbo accidentally superkicked his own partner, Sean O'Haire, allowing Disqo to get the roll up at 9:34.
Winners and NEW WCW World Tag Team Champions: Disqo and Mike Sanders
Rating: 4.9 / 10
A weird choice for the focus of the division. Watch for a Thrillers breakup soon.
Match 4: Hardcore Match: Rob Van Dam vs. Tommy Dreamer
Shane McMahon personally introduced this one, hyping WCW as the home for extreme talent. This was easily the match of the night. While the LA crowd was a little quiet for Dreamer at first, the ECW and RVD chants took over by the end. RVD finished Dreamer with a Van Daminator and the Five Star Frog Splash at 12:31.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
Rating: 6.5 / 10
RVD is going to be a big part of this new WCW, and that's a good thing.
Main Event: WCW World Heavyweight Championship: Booker T (c) vs. Diamond Dallas Page
This was a solid, professional main event, but it never quite hit that legendary next gear. You could hear the crowd chirping with Goldberg chants throughout. Everyone expected a heel turn or a massive debut like Hogan or Sting, but it never came. Booker T retained clean with the Book End at 20:21.
Winner and Still WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Booker T
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Good, but predictable. The lack of a major closing surprise felt like a missed opportunity.
FINAL SHOW RATING: 7.3 / 10
It was a good show and well worth the $20 price tag. It felt professional, but it did not quite capture magic. Booker T is the clear anchor and RVD is the future, but Shane needs to secure some more heavy hitters if he wants to keep this momentum going into Nitro's debut on FX.
