SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 6:23 Min.
Though the arena isn’t identified, this match was taped for WCW Monday Nitro on August 11, 1997. On one side is the NWO’s “Macho Man” Randy Savage, with his ex-wife/valet/manager, Elizabeth. Opposing them is WCW’s latest recruit from the rival WWF: Curt Hennig – the former “Mr. Perfect,” who hasn’t decided yet on what faction he will likely join. For historical purposes, this TV bout pits the WWF’s sporadic ‘Perfect Team’ from 1992-93 against each other.
On commentary are Tony Schiavone, “Iron” Mike Tenay, and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Guest appearances are made by Diamond Dallas Page, Scott Hall, and “The Total Package” Lex Luger.
REVIEW:
Slowed by accumulative injuries, the 39-year old Hennig has trouble keeping pace with a still-spry, 44-year old Savage. What little viewers witness won’t nostalgically remind them of Savage & Hennig’s chemistry at the WWF’s 1992 Survivor Series. Playing a tweener, Hennig simply looks lethargic against Savage’s more aggressive and relentless heel (including his patented move of cowering behind Elizabeth).
What sinks this already mediocre bout is plenty of pointless outside interference – i.e. why would Page pounce on Hennig, if Savage is his current arch-enemy? Once Page, Hall, and then Luger all hit the ring, Hennig goes conveniently out of sight and is instantly forgotten. Hence, the focus inexplicably shifts to Luger protecting Page from Savage & Hall’s NWO gang beating.
Had WCW trusted Savage and Hennig to conjure up a decent TV showdown (including an actual conclusion), what they had going was sufficient – just barely. Yet, by resorting to the typical WCW trash finish, this bout’s meager potential is unsurprisingly wasted for viewers.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3½ Stars
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