SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 19:18 Min.
Televised on WCW Saturday Night on November 27, 1993, this six-man main event occurs four weeks before Starrcade 1993 – where “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair would supposedly risk his career for a WCW World Title challenge against the reigning incumbent, Vader.
At the time this bout was aired (but not necessarily filmed), “Ravishing” Rick Rude was the WCW International World Heavyweight Champion (having defeated Flair) while The Nasty Boys: Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sages were WCW’s World Tag Team Champions. Accompanying The Nasty Boys to ringside is their unlikely valet, Missy Hyatt.
Their formidable opposition is a trio of former (and/or future) WCW World Champions: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Sting, and Flair. They are accompanied by Flair’s valet/maid (and, decades later, his real-life spouse), ‘Fifi.’
Filmed at WCW Saturday Night’s Atlanta, GA studio facility, the Center Stage Theater, the announcers are Jesse “The Body” Ventura and Tony Schiavone.
REVIEW:
The bout’s slow start is further hampered by Ventura’s unnecessarily slow realization that Hyatt utilizes hair extensions – which Schiavone has to explain to him. Along with this dubious exchange between the announcing team, the preponderance of in-ring star power falls short of translating into a must-see showdown. It’s really more of the caliber of what one might see at a (non-televised) house show.
Of the six combatants, Steamboat gets the least amount of screen time while a game Flair unusually absorbs the brunt of the punishment. For long-time fans, the rare sight of Flair or Sting vs. The Nastys … or any of the three ex-World Champions facing off against arch-rival Rude is certainly watchable action.
As for the opposing valets, unfortunately, neither one contributes anything resembling talent — as they weren’t likely scripted a chance to do so. Still, it’s bizarre seeing the traditionally glammed-up Hyatt aligned with Knobbs & Sags – and such incongruity is as contrived as it sounds. Regarding ‘Fifi,’ WCW evidently sought a demure Miss Elizabeth wanna-be to stand pretty in Flair’s corner. Yet, she lacks the late Elizabeth Hulette’s presence and charm conveying the same role with “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Replacing ‘Fifi’ months later with “Sensational/Scary/Sensuous” Sherri Martel for Flair’s next heel run was at least a logical WCW personnel move.
This formulaic bout (including a chaotic finish), suffice to say, is merely lukewarm average.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
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