wrestling / Columns
The Ten Count 10.25.13: The Top 10 WCW Matches
YES I CHANGED THE TOPIC OF THIS WEEK’S LIST
After I started looking at the matches on my Top Ten Women’s Matches it really showed my lack of knowledge about independent and Japanese wrestling. I thought that it would not be anything near a real list so I made the decision to change it to a different topic. I have a feeling that you probably weren’t looking forward to what was on the list I had. Always remember it’s good to be honest with your readers and that is what I will be. With that out of the way, let’s get started!
OF COURSE I MISSED A FEW THINGS
Seems Like I Only Missed 1 Match:
I had this on my initial list but I guess I don’t remember it as fondly as some others on the comment board. I don’t why but it’s just personal preference and since it’s my list I guess I get to make that call.
YOUR THOUGHTS (IF WE WANT TO CALL THEM THAT)
So What Exactly is An Era? : “While it might not have been “The End of an Era” (whatever that meant)…” I think that’s meant to refer to the end of 4 year/Wrestlemania story that had started with Shawn/Taker at 25. In some ways you could even connect it back to Shawn retiring Flair at 24 as the start.
MY THOUGHT: I agree with you that this is probably what WWE was referring to but are 5 matches really an era. Also, Triple H and Undertaker have had other matches so it’s not like they retired.
You Want MY Opinion? : Triple H/Jericho, the Armageddon six-man, Triple H/Michaels ALL above Foley/Undertaker? DX /McMahons and Show above Undertaker/Lesnar?? To each his own I guess, but your order seems really random and thrown together. You should have elaborated a bit more as to why you put some matches above others. It would be nice to actually read YOUR opinions and feelings about each match, not just a quick recap of why the matches are generally respected.
MY THOUGHT: I think you bring up a valid point in terms on my opinions and feelings. My feeling is that the order of the matches is a good representation of my thoughts on the greatness of those matches.
The Worst “Hell in a Cell” Match (not really)?
no Kennel In A Cell?
this list is a failure
MY THOUGHT: Well played sir, enjoy your Pepper Steak.
Bow Down to the King: So is it safe to say you consider HHH to be the king of the Hell in a Cell match?
MY THOUGHT: He always loved bleeding and was in the main event. I think that The Undertaker is the true king of the cell.
This Is What We Call Wrestling 101: Also Daniels brought up something that hit the nail on the head with these evil authority figure feuds…The McMahons know how to take a beating. This is why I have no faith in the HHH as evil owner feud. The most we’ve seen of any comeuppance is him being punched out by a 20 year veteran who could “legit” punch him out, also this week he threw his coat. I dont see him getting his head stuck up anyone’s ass anytime soon (unless its his own)
MY THOUGHT: I’m hoping he does what’s “best for business” when the time comes.
Remember a Pat on the Back is Only 18 Inches from a Kick in the Ass:
Great list – quickly becoming my favorite read, (also due to a slip in the quality of other articles).
MY THOUGHT: You are the king of the backhanded compliment, I salute you. Also, you read other articles on here??? What is wrong with you people?
And Finally, Someone Who Keeps Their Opinions Short:
CAPS LOCK MAN – SHIT LIST
MY THOUGHT: And there you have it. It is comments like that, that makes me really love doing this for you.
ERRORS, CORRECTIONS, AND CLOSE CALLS
Stat Boy says I was clean….so he is out of the show!
Sorry ladies and littles. Who got that???? Anybody?
NOW SOMETHING NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT, MY FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAMS!
On to Week 7 of fantasy football and my teams are officially a dumpster fire. I did the improbable and went 0-3 this week. I am now 2-5, 2-5, and 4-3 across my leagues. Here is where I am in each league and how I got there:
Keeper League, No PPR (2-5); Steven Jackson (hurt), Stevan Ridley (not good), Danny Amendola (hurt), and Michael Vick (always hurt). I am in official sell mode and trying to pick up keepers for next year.
Non-Keeper, Half PPR (2-5); This is not really about the players but more about my mismanagement. I have 2 losses because of me not starting an obvious starter. I still think I have a small chance to make the playoffs, very, very small.
14 Team Work League, No PPR (4-3); 8 teams make the playoffs so I don’t think I have any worries there but my team is in shambles. Doug Martin (hurt), Julio Jones (out), DeMarco Murray (hurt), Michael Vick (always hurt), Nick Foles (hurt), Danny Amendola (hurt). My hope is everyone, minus Julio, is back for the playoffs.
ALSO, HOW ABOUT THOSE CLEVELAND BROWNS?
It was another tough week for the Browns as they lose to the Green Bay Packers moving to 3-4 for the season. Next week, they go to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs with Brandon Weeden as the Browns starting QB.
Congratulations to you, Kansas City Chiefs Defense Fantasy Football Owner, you basically can bank on at least 20 fantasy points from them. It just isn’t going to be pretty on Sunday.
I think that we can officially call the 2012 Browns draft a bust. This was the Luck/RG3 draft and the Browns were in the #4 and #22 pick and were actively trying to move to #2 to get RG3. The Vikings were asking for a king’s ransom for the right to move to that pick. The Browns didn’t bite and the Redskins sent the Vikings their #1 in 2012, 2013, and 2014 along with their 2012 2nd round pick. I think in the long run the Vikings will get the better of the deal as RG3 is going to be as hurt as Vick over the years.
Back to the Browns, they traded up 1 spot with the Vikings to select RB from Alabama Trent Richardson. Later in the 1st, they selected a 29 year old QB from Oklahoma State Brandon Weeden. Weeden is going to be out of the NFL very, very soon while Richardson has been traded to the Colts for their 2014 1st round pick. That trade is probably the smartest thing the Browns have done in a long time. That leads me to this:
Hey Evan, speaking of your Cleveland Browns (mine too), what QB do you like in the upcoming draft??? I think Brett Hundley of UCLA will be the choice if he comes out. Manziel is a real possibility also.
I think the Browns need to take a really close look at Brian Hoyer during training camp but they will be going QB at the draft next year. I am predicting they will have the #12 and #25 pick in the draft. They are not taking Manziel, no chance in hell. Manziel and the Eagles are perfect for each other. I don’t think he is going anywhere else. I would tend to agree with “The Big Lead” that Cleveland will get Tajh Boyd, QB Clemson. He is a big mobile QB with a big arm which is important during November and December home games. I will be hopeful as you need to be as a Cleveland fan but I am not sold on Boyd.
Here are the Ground Rules
Without any further ado, here is the Top 10 WCW Matches!
AND NOW * Top 10 WCW Matches *
14. 91-02-24 WarGames (WrestleWar) by puropwgwwestuff
#10. {Ric Flair/Barry Windham/Sid Vicious/Larry Zbyszko vs. Sting/Brian Pillman/Steiner Brothers; War Games – WrestleWar 1991}
Background: Sting had been feuding with The Horsemen ever since February 1990 when he was kicked out of the group. I won’t really talk about the Halloween Havoc match with Sid Vicious or the Black Scorpion angle. Sting eventually lost the newly named WCW World Heavyweight Championship to Flair in January, 1991. Sting decided it was time to end this feud and asked his friends Flyin Brian and the Steiners to join him in this battle. A funny thing happened on the way to the match, Brian got his shoulder hurt by the Horsemen.
Why This Match is On the List: This is the 1st of 2 War Games matches on this list. Brian started the match to the chagrin of his team captain due to the hurt shoulder he sustained. Even with that injury he beat the hell out of Windham for those first 5 minutes. Of course the bad guys won the toss and throughout the match they continued to focus on Pillman. The other thing was the top of the cage was a little shorter than it probably should have been. This came into play at the end of the match when Sid powerbombed Pillman and he landed on his head. Folklore is that this wasn’t planned and was Sid’s fault, I don’t know if I believe that. If you watch closely, Pillman does jump into the 2nd powerbomb and El Gigante was ready to come out to end the match. Overall, a great brawl to start this list.
#9. {Brian Pillman vs. Jushin Liger; Light Heavyweight Championship Match – SuperBrawl 2}
Background: Pillman and Liger engaged in a number of matches in late 1991 across the country at house shows along with a few in Japan. The powers that be decided that this match was worthy of being on pay-per-view and did it ever deliver.
Why This Match is On the List: Like a match later on this list, it was just so crisp and precise. It was two men with a very similar style bringing something new and different to 1992 WCW. It was something so fresh that the crowd really didn’t understand what was happening in front of them at first but by the end of the match the crowd appreciated the effort of these 2 men. I believe this match stands up very well in comparison to the later matches we saw in WCW of the same style. It is a shame that nothing more came of this feud as the 2 wrestlers were shuffled back on the card or back to Japan.
#8. {Big Van Vader vs. Sting; White Castle of Fear Strap Match – SuperBrawl 3}
Background: Sting and Big Van Vader had been feuding for the majority of 1992. It started with BVV breaking Sting’s ribs in the Omni followed by BVV winning the WCW title at the Great American Bash 1992. Sting went on to feud with Jake Roberts while Vader lost the title to Ron Simmons. At Starrcade, 1992 Sting finally defeated BVV to win the illustrious “King of Cable” in another really good match. BVV regained the WCW title in December and was worried about Sting beating him for the championship. BVV decided to challenge Sting to this “White Castle of Fear” strap match.
Why This Match is On the List: Probably the best strap match in the modern era of the business. Vader knows how to dish out a beating and how to take one. I read once that Vader is one of the few big men that can bump like a small man. I also give Vader a ton of credit for letting Harley blade his back (which was on camera) and Sting just for being a willing participant in his beating. If there is anything you can say for Vader, he made you believe he was beating the crap out of his opponent probably because he really was. Great brutal match at the end of the Bill Watts era.
Background: If the Steiners win this match they become the #1 contenders for the IWGP Tag Team Titles. The Japanese team came to the US to make sure that the Steiners wouldn’t have a shot at the titles. Oh yeah, I just couldn’t find a video of just this match so there is nothing above. I’m sure someone will in the comments and I’ll have it next week.
Why This Match is On the List: This would be the 1st of 2 matches from this show. The Steiners were at their ass kicking apex and geez did they beat the holy hell out of Ilzuka. I mean the holy f’in hell out of Ilzuka. This was one of those moments when the Steiners just didn’t care about their opponents and the opponents didn’t care about the pain they were about to endure. On top of that, the Japanese team brought the pain as well with crisp suplexes and double team moves. A great wrestling “fight” with all four guys not caring about the others feelings.
#6. {Chris Benoit vs. Bret Hart; Owen Hart Tribute Match – Nitro, 10/4/1999}
Background: Owen Hart passed away 5 months earlier and his older brother and the man he trained with wanted to put on a great wrestling match in the same arena Owen had his accident in.
Why This Match is On the List: Emotion and Good Wrestling makes me happy. The match probably gets more credit than it should but due to the circumstances surrounding the match make it very important. We also didn’t know this then, but this is the last high caliber match of Bret’s career as he got hurt later that year at Starrcade.
#5. {Chris Benoit vs. Kevin Sullivan; Falls Count Anywhere Match – Great American Bash 1996}
Background: Kevin Sullivan and Brian Pillman started feuding earlier in 1996 as Sullivan didn’t think Pillman was a “true horseman”. Pillman did what he did at SuperBrawl 6 which left Sullivan with nobody to feud with. Benoit stepped into the feud which leads to this match.
Why This Match is On the List: “There’s a lady in the men’s bathroom. They gots to get some relief here, baby.” These two guys just beat the holy hell out of each other in Baltimore. I don’t think the bathroom thing has been done since. I don’t know why it hasn’t since it was such a great visual. The match is another great example of when being different than the norm is good. This was so different than anything else happening that it becomes memorable. Also, Arn running out and beating down Sullivan while the crowd went nuts was the-bomb-dot-com. Yeah, I’m cool….really I am.
#4. {Cactus Jack and Maxx Payne vs. The Nasty Boys; Chicago Street Fight – Spring Stampede 1994}
Background: Cactus, Maxx, and the Nasty Boys had multiple matches leading up to the Chicago Street Fight at Spring Stampede. One of those matches was at SuperBrawl 4 that ended in a DQ when Sags broke Maxx’s guitar over Maxx’s head. It was decided that they needed free reign to destroy each other so this match was signed. And oh yeah, Cactus had just lost his ear…..
Why This Match is On the List: Back in 1994, I knew nothing about hardcore wrestling. I knew nothing about ECW, nothing about Japan, nothing about anything. This match blew my mind back in the day with all the violence. It also led to some of my favorite lines of commentary that my brother and I still quote to this day. “A shovel, that’s a shovel, where do you find a shovel?” It was just so different than anything I had ever seen on PPV so it just made it bigger than it probably really was. Perception becomes reality and this match has become legendary.
#3. {Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio, Jr.; Cruiserweight Championship vs. Mask Match – Halloween Havoc 1997}
Background: So, this was WCW in 1997 which means not a lot of background to most matches. Eddie was the Cruiserweight Champion and Rey wanted it. Eddie was not willing to give him a shot unless he got something really important, Rey’s mask.
Why This Match is On the List: I will say this was then, and possibly to this day, the sharpest match I have ever seen. Eddie was at the peak of his heel persona in WCW with Las Vegas booing him out of the building. This match had everything. Mat wrestling, high flying, power moves, emotion, and a great crowd reaction. As a nice touch, Rey wore a bodysuit with the mask attached so it was close to impossible for Eddie to “steal” the mask. The finish came with Rey reversing a Splash Mountain into a Rana for the 3 count. The final nice touch was Eddie jumping Rey during his moment of celebration and absorbing even more boos.
#2. {Lex Luger and Sting vs. The Steiner Brothers; World Tag Team Championship Match – SuperBrawl 1}
Background: There isn’t much background to this match which makes the greatness of it more amazing. Sting and Luger had been feuding with Flair and the Horsemen for the majority of the past 2 years and needed something else to do. The Steiners just won the tag team titles from The Fabulous Freebirds and this was their 1st major title defense on PPV. It seems like everyone just wanted a good match and they delivered.
Why This Match is On the List: Before I talk about the match, the video package shown before the match is one of my favorites for just how simple it was while awesome at the same time. Anyways, the match was basically a highlight show for the 4 men. They bumped around the ring and on the outside while showing off their power and innovative moves. Most of the time when friends are in matches you usually get results that are better than you would expect. Sting was flying in the air, Luger was using his power moves, and the Steiners were just throwing people around. I don’t take anything away from the match due to the finish as it just led to what was next.
#1. {The Dangerous Alliance vs. Sting’s Squadron; War Games – WrestleWar 1992}
Background: Back at Halloween Havoc 1991, Rick Rude was revealed as the newest member of WCW. More importantly, he was paired with Paul E. Dangerously and Madusa as the cornerstone of the new Dangerous Alliance. Paul’s agenda was to bankrupt WCW and take them over. Arn Anderson, Booby Eaton, Larry Zbyszko, and Steve Austin became members in the following months. Sting lost the US Title to Rude, Austin and Windham traded the TV Title, Rhodes and Steamboat beat The Enforcers for the Tag Team Titles, and then lost them to Anderson and Eaton. Steamboat began feuding with Rude for the US Title. In essence, everybody was fighting everyone else so War Games were the only way to attempt to blow off the feud.
Why This Match is On the List: In my mind, this is the last true War Games match. It was an absolute blood bath with a huge amount of violence. Austin and Windham were the 2 men that started the match which made a ton of sense. Both men have great endurance and had a pretty good program going at that point. As always, the heels won the toss and had the advantage the entire match. I also give a lot of credit to whoever developed that finish. The end came when Rude took the turnbuckle apart to expose a large steel rod which “by accident” Zbyszko hit Eaton with. Sting locked on a vicious arm-bar and the match was over. The match goes down as the greatest match in WCW history and one of the best of all time.
So there you have it, the Top 10 WCW Matches! What is your opinion?
Tweet Me: @EvanDaniels411
Email Me: [email protected]
Make Fun of Me in the Comments Section: Keep Scrolling
Next week I bring on the internet hate by highlighting the most hated person on this site, JOHN CENA! I will be taking a look at his Top 10 Matches in all their glory.
Until then, remember it’s all entertainment and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. And I’m out.
