The latest episode of WCW Monday Nitro, broadcast on April 1, 1996, at the CSU Convocation Center in Cleveland, Ohio, showcased a series of exciting matches, setting the stage for significant developments in the wrestling landscape. The show opened with a surprise match featuring Sting against The Giant, an unexpected twist that captivated fans from the outset.
In an unadvertised match, Sting faced The Giant after an apparent last-minute change. The original plan had been for Sting and The Giant to team up against Harlem Heat, but interference from Jimmy Hart led to a shocking turn of events. Hart reportedly paid Harlem Heat to withdraw from the match, allowing The Giant to turn against Sting. The match concluded without a winner as Lex Luger intervened, prompting the referee to call off the contest at just 2:23. Although this bout leaned more towards storyline development than wrestling, it effectively captured audience interest and maintained the momentum of the evening.
Following the opening, the broadcast continued with an explosive Triangle Match featuring the Legion of Doom, The Steiners, and The Nasty Boys. This type of three-way matchup was rare at the time, heightening the anticipation. The action was intense as The Nasty Boys attempted to seek revenge for a previous attack.
Rick Steiner and Brian Knobbs began the contest, exchanging blows before the chaos intensified. The match saw various tag exchanges and high-impact maneuvers, including a stunning Gorilla Press Slam from Scott Steiner. Animal and Rick Steiner brought their signature power moves into play, while the Nasty Boys showcased their cunning tactics. The final moments brought a surprising twist when Johnny Grunge of Public Enemy disguised himself as Knobbs, allowing Scott Steiner to secure the pinfall victory at 13:52. The match was both exhilarating and chaotic, demonstrating the unique dynamics of a three-way tag match and earning a commendable rating of ***1/4.
Key Matches Conclude with Drama
The show continued with a tag team matchup featuring Hulk Hogan and The Booty Man against Kevin Sullivan and Arn Anderson. Though the match had elements of entertainment, it failed to resonate with the audience as much as earlier bouts. Hogan’s dominance was evident as he and The Booty Man secured a victory in 7:47, yet the match was met with lukewarm reactions from the crowd, earning a rating of only *.
The tension between Hogan and his opponents escalated post-match, setting the stage for future confrontations. Following the match, Booty Man hinted at a secret stipulation for their next encounter, creating anticipation among viewers.
The night culminated in a highly anticipated WCW World Heavyweight Championship bout between the defending champion Ric Flair and Lex Luger. This match was pivotal, not only for the championship status but also for Luger’s evolving persona. Flair, accompanied by Woman and Miss Elizabeth, faced off against Luger, who was vying for his third title.
The match unfolded with both wrestlers exchanging momentum, showcasing their extensive history in the ring. Flair initially struggled under Luger’s strength but managed to turn the tide with clever tactics, including using the ropes for leverage. The contest reached its climax when Woman threw coffee into Luger’s face, allowing Flair to roll him up for the pin at 10:54, thus retaining his championship. This clever twist and the high-stakes action earned the match a solid rating of ***.
As the evening concluded, Bobby Heenan made a light-hearted remark about the date being April Fool’s Day, reflecting the show’s playful spirit. With two strong matches and engaging storylines, the April 1 episode of WCW Monday Nitro proved to be a compelling addition to the wrestling calendar, keeping fans eager for what lies ahead.
Overall, the episode received a favorable review, scoring a solid 7.0, thanks to the entertaining matches and the development of ongoing rivalries. As WCW continues to build momentum, fans are left looking forward to the next chapter in this storied wrestling saga.
