The podcast discusses the Halloween Havoc 1999 event in WCW, including the chaotic matches and controversial promos. They also explore the fading identity of the cruiserweight division and the importance of title belts in wrestling. The hosts analyze the creative struggles and decisions made during this time in WCW, as well as the potential benefits of managers for wrestlers. The chapter concludes with discussions on Nitro cologne promotion, access to high-quality beef, and the character evolution of Diamond Dallas Page.
03:12:31
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Quick takeaways
The opening segment featured disjointed and confusing promos, indicating a lack of coherence in WCW's storytelling.
WCW's ratings in October 1999 fluctuated and showed signs of audience burnout, prompting a potential cutback to a 2-hour format.
Eric Bischoff clashed with standards and practices due to wrestling's live nature conflicting with scripted TV expectations.
Halloween Havoc 1999 was marked by confusion, including awkward promos, backstage brawls, and overall disorganization.
Medusa's bikini promo for Nitro cologne was embarrassing and reflected poorly on Russo's storytelling.
Hogan no-showing the match against Sting created confusion and disappointment among the audience.
Deep dives
The Halloween Havoc chaos begins with a mess of promos
The opening segment of the podcast featured several disjointed and confusing promos from various wrestlers. Buff Bagwell's promo in particular focused on inside jokes and references that may not make sense to the average listener.
Ratings for WCW in October 1999
The podcast discussed the ratings for WCW in October 1999, with fluctuations between 2.6 and 3.3. There were concerns that the style of booking under Russo's reign was burning out the audience and translating poorly into the 3-hour format. It was anticipated that Nitro would be cut back to 2 hours in January.
Standards and Practices challenges with WCW
Eric Bischoff discussed his experiences with standards and practices, specifically mentioning an encounter with Terry Tingle. He explained that he clashed with her because the fast-paced live nature of professional wrestling didn't align well with her expectations of scripted television. Additionally, Bischoff recalled a note from Tingle regarding the use of the word 'stupid' in a promo, which she deemed demeaning.
Chaos at Halloween Havoc
The Halloween Havoc pay-per-view was marked by confusion and chaos. The podcast highlighted various moments, including an awkward promo featuring Ric Flair and Kimberly Page, the confusing backstage brawl between Buff Bagwell, Jeff Jarrett, and Lex Luger, and the overall disorganization of the event as a whole.
Bret Hart comes out limping with an injured ankle
Bret Hart enters the ring selling an ankle injury from a previous match. He dominates the match against Lex Luger until his ankle gives out, allowing Luger to apply a half-crab for the submission. The finish surprises the crowd, and there is confusion about the result.
Medusa promotes Nitro cologne in a strange segment
Medusa comes out in a bikini to promote Nitro cologne. The segment includes strange comments and claims, such as comparing the scent to the odor of a men's room in an airport. The segment is seen as embarrassing and disrespectful to the licensee. It reflects poorly on Russo's approach to storytelling.
Hogan and Sting engage in a controversial non-match
Hogan no-shows the match against Sting, leading to confusion and disappointment from the audience. The match is revealed to be a swerve, making it seem like Hogan's absence was unintentional. The lack of follow-up on subsequent shows leaves fans confused and disinterested in the angle.
Goldberg and Sid Vicious brawl with police involvement
Goldberg makes a dramatic entrance with Las Vegas police officers accompanying him, adding to the intensity of the match. The outsiders attack Goldberg before the match begins, leading to a brawl. The police officers are ineffective in stopping the attack. The match is praised for its intensity and gets a lot of crowd heat.
Lack of Organization and Confusion
The podcast episode highlights the lack of organization and confusion present in the WCW at the time. The main event of Halloween Havoc 1999 didn't live up to expectations, with the advertised match being changed and the title not being on the line. This led to disappointment among paying customers and showcased a lack of communication and planning within the company.
Poor Booking Decisions and Incoherent Storytelling
The podcast episode criticizes the poor booking decisions and incoherent storytelling in the WCW. The sudden title change between Goldberg and Sting, along with the confusion surrounding it, left fans feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. Additionally, the lack of proper build-up and explanation for matches on the pay-per-view added to the overall disappointment and contributed to the decline of WCW.
Russo's Lack of Understanding of Television and Storytelling
The podcast episode highlights Russo's lack of understanding of television and storytelling. Russo's creative decisions, such as the unsanctioned match and the abrupt title changes, demonstrated a lack of coherence and logic. His focus on shock value and swerves at the expense of meaningful storylines and character development contributed to the decline of WCW and showcased his limitations as a writer and creative mind.
On this ghoulish edition of 83 Weeks, Eric and Conrad are taking us back to the horrors of WCW in 1999. The guys sit back and endure 3+ hours of Halloween Havoc madness. From the bizarre booking decision of Vince Russo, to Madusa attempting to sell the Nitro cologne this PPV has it all.
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