NWA 1990: The Cornette Days

[Burnsy1]

NWA 1990: The Cornette Days

1990, The turn of the decade. 1989 saw the WWF in poor form as Hulkamania took a backburner amongst other problems withing the Company. The year did however prove a successful one for the NWA and more specifically WCW with some great matches between Ric Flair and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, The Four Horsemen where faces for the first time in thier career. The NWA had managed to firmly cement their place as the number 2 promotion in the World thanks to WCW. All in all the end of the 80's was a good sign for the NWA.

But the NWA couldn't be satisfied with no.2 spot. They wanted, no needed to compete with WWF to show that they where the main authority in Wrestling. It could only be good for business. The NWA had to do 2 things to compete with the WWF. 1)Keep World Championship Wrestling under the NWA banner. 2) bring the promotion into the modern era and provide programming the fans want to see. December 28th 1989 the NWA managed to achieve thier first requirement. Jim Crockett Jr. ,the president of NWA and former owner of the WCW promotion, negotiated with Ted Turner to keep WCW under the NWA banner. Turner agreed to keep WCW under the NWA banner with WCW's official name now including the NWA prefix aslong as he was given a position of Authority within the NWA. Turner was granted this position and would be placed in the Presidents seat once Jim stepped down. NWA WCW now needed to be brought into the 90's in such a way that it could compete with the WWF. To do this they needed someone to lead the way to update the NWA. The obvious candidates for the job where the ones who had the experience. People such as Ole Anderson and Bill Watts. But had one problem. They where still stuck in the Teritorial days and ways of running the show. An unlikely candidate stepped up and made himself heard. NWA took notice. Jim Cornette, Manager and Announcer for WCW, had ideas and plans to completely revamp the NWA product. Jim, although another firm believer in the Territorial system, knew that it was time for change, a new way of thinking. January 1st 1990 Jim Heard the Executive Vice President of WCW placed Cornette into the position as head booker and Company Director of WCW. The decision raised some eyebrows but the start of something had begun. These are the Cornette Days.​

 

[Burnsy1]

Jim Cornette sat in his new office at NWA WCW HQ. It had all happened so quickly. January the 1st 1990. The new decade was upon us and a new start for the NWA and WCW. It had been only a week since Jim had decided to throw his name into the hat for the position and now here he was, sitting in his office on his first day in the job. Tonight was the first WCW programme of the year and Jim had yet to get around to meeting with his newly formed writing team to discuss tonights show. As he sat in a state of shock the phone rang. It startled him as he jumped a little before picking up the phone.

Cornette:"Hello, This is Jim Cornette. Who's speaking"
Herd:"Hi Jim it's me, Jim Herd. Happy new year Jim. I'm just ringing to check up on how you're settling in over there."
Cornette:"Well it's sure as hell different from sitting behind the announcers desk."
Herd:"Ha,ha. So first WCW programming of the year tonight Jim. I hope you've got something good planned for Power Hour."
Cornette:"I've got a few ideas up my sleaves. I promise you I won't let you down."
Herd:"Well you better not Jim. I've had everyone including Ted breathing down my neck for hiring you, now prove I didn't make the biggest mistake of my life."

The phone went dead on the other line as Jim slowly placed the reciever back down. It was 12:30PM Power Hour would air live in just under 10 hours. The basic card was ready but Jim still had to finalise it and fill the gaps. His main thought right now was 'What the hell have I got myself into'. He picked up the phone and dialed.
Scott:"Hello, It's George speaking"
Cornette:"Hey, George are you guys around for a creative meeting."
Scott:"Sure are Jim we're ready when you are"
Cornette:"Good I'll be down in 10 minutes"

Jim put the phone down again and started to jot a few things down on a notepad. He looked at his watch, 12:43PM. Jim grabbed the notepad and headed out of his office. He traveled along the long corridor towards the confrence room. He stopped infront of the door before entering. Inside was his assembled team of writers: George Scott, Todd Gordon being the older, wiser pair with Ed Ferrera, Benton Fraiser and Vince Russo.

Cornette:"Good Afternoon gentlemen. Let's get down to business."

Cornette took a seat at the head of the table. The team infront of him all pulled out notepads, or sheets upon sheets of paper. George cleared his throat and pulled his notpad closer to speak.

Scott:"Well Jim we've got 3 matches sorted and 3 segments. We just need to fill in the rest of the gaps. We can probably just throw in an interview and a squash match to fill the rest of the time."
Cornette:"It's not really what I had in mind George, we need to be looking forward and competing. we need to put on the best shows we can to draw in those fans. It'll have to do for this week. Now anyone got any plans for fueds and storylines?"
Russo:"We'll I think we've got a great setup with The Four Horsemen. We could have them all turn on Sting turning them heel again and setting up our World Title feud."
Cornette:"It's a good idea....but no. I think we should go a different route. Sting will stay with the face Horsemen."
Russo:"But that could be one of the greatest storyli...."
Cornette:"I'm in charge here not you. Think of something else. I suggest we have Luger feud with the Horsemen maybe creating his own stable.
Scott:"Okay Jim you got it. We'll finnish it up and pass it on to everyone."
Cornette:"Good. These meetings will be a weekly afair from now on. I bid you good day gentlemen."

Cornette collected his things and headed from the door. Russo shot Cornette a look as he exited through the door. Jim took the long walk again down the corridor towards his office thinking to himself, This was the start of something different.....

 

[Burnsy1]

NWA WCW Power Hour on TBS
Monday 1st January 2009
​

The opening credits roll as the first Power Hour of 1990 gets underway. Jim Ross opens up the show welcoming everyone to Power Hour and intorducing his co comenatator,Paul E Dangerously. They both introduce the show and run down the highlights of the evening including the main event, Sting Vs Sid Vicious. A High emphasis is put on the name of the company being NWA WCW by refering to the company and the program as NWA World Championship Wresling. Ross and Dangerously share some banter about current NWA WCW affairs and such as our first match gets underway.

Pez Whatley Vs Michael PS Heyes
​

Heyes makes his way down the enterance ramp to boos from the crowd. Whatley is already in the ring as Heyes makes his way to the ring. As Heyes is removing his robe Whatley goes on the attack by laying lefts and rights on the disgruntled Heyes. He knocks him to the floor and attepts to get Heyes to his feet, but is kicked away by Heyes, who removes his robe, before getting back onto his feet. The two lock up the the middle of the ring and it shifts into a headlock by Heyes on Whatley. He walks into the ropes and irish-whips Whatley into the ropes on the opposite side, knocking him down with a shoulder block. He runs into the ropes to his left and knocks Whatley down again with a clothesline. As Whatley gets to his feet again he is met with a boot to the mid-section. Heyes continues the attack with lefts and rights before an irish-whip into the ropes and a back bodydrop to follow. Heyes continued with the onslaught taking the attack to Whatley and never letting up. Whatley had a short lived fight back before Heyes hit a combination of Powerslam and suplex before a running leg drop and getting the pin for the 1,2,3.

Winner:Michael PS Heyes at 2:46 by Pinfall
Rating:49

Tournament For The Belt
​

After the opening match we go to Tony Schiavone backstage. He has a microphone in one hand and in the other is one of the NWA United States Tag Team Championship belts.

Schiavone:"Welcome ladies and getlemen I am Tony Schiavone and right now I've got an important announcement to make. As you all know the NWA US Tag Team Championships, one of which I hold in my hand here, are as of this time vacant. I have just been told then starting on next weeks Power Hour we are going to have a tournament to decide the next Champions. A draw will be made on this Saturdays presentation of NWA WCW Main Event determining who will face who in the first round of the Tournament. 14 teams will be participating in matches over the following weeks with the Final taking place at this months Clash Of The Champions event. The winning team will not only win the NWA US Tag Team Championships but also recieve a prize of
$20,000. Good luck to all participants and back to you Jim at ringside."

Rating:82

The Steiner Brother Vs State Patrol
​

The Steiners make their entrance first, working up the crowd and showing off their NWA Tag Team Championships. State Patrol make thier entrance to very little reaction from the crowd. They make their way quickly to the ring to get the match-up under way. Scott Steiner and Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker are the first two in the ring as the bell sounds to get it underway. Both men walk into the middle of the ring and circle around each other. The two eventually lock up with Scott managing to take Parker off his feet and into a seated headlock. The two slowly get to their feet and Parker pushes off Steiner. Scott lays a barage of lefts and rights on Buddy Lee before knife-edge chopping Parker in the chest knocking him down. Scott lifts Parker to his feet and Irish-Whips him into his teams corner. A tag between Scott and Rick is made and the two repeatedly boot Parker to the mid-section before Scott exits the ring leaving Rick with Parker. Parker is dragged into the middle of the ring and put down with a powerslam from Rick before an elbow drop and a pin attempt that only gets the two count. Both Steiners tag in and out working down parker with attacks and power moves. Eventually Scott goes to hit the Steinerline and runs into the ropes but, as he gets to the ropes, Lt. James Earl pulls down the ropes sending Scott to the outside.Scott however lands on his feet and pulls Earl off the apron throwing him into the barricade before re-entering the ring. Parker is laying on the floor as Scott re-enters and so Scott locks in the Steiner Recliner to get the submission victory.

Winners:The Steiner Brothers at 5:25 by Submission
Rating:64

Undisputed Champions Of The World
​

Just as the match has finnished and The Steiner Brothers and have their titles upon their shoulders, Scott picks up a microphone and starts to address the crowd.

Scott:"Ladies and Getlemen, We stand before you as NWA World Tag Team Champions. But thats all about to change. You see after Clash Of The Champions we will stand here infront of you as NWA Undisputed Tag Team Champions. Thats because at Rick and I are gunna win this tournament for the United States Tag Team Championships and no one will stand in our ways. Once we get our hands on Both the NWA World Tag Team and the NWA United States Tag Team Championships we will prove to everyone that we are one of the greatest Tag Teams in the history of the NWA. And we're gunna do it all for you ladies and gentlemen."

The crowd cheers loudly as both Steiners stand and smile. Scott passes the Microphone over to Rick who shares a few words about his opponents in the up coming tournament.

Rick:"Skyscapers, Road Warriors, Doom and The Fabulous Freebirds. You want to take us on and prove where not the greatest Tag Team in the world today then be my guest, but be warned. You come and step into my Yard beware of the dog I bite. And trust me when I say my Bite is bigger than my bark."

Rick drops the microphone as the Steiners exit the arena to cheers from the crowd.

Rating:72

The Horsemen United
​

Next up we go backstage where Tony Schivone is stood by with the entire Four Horsemen. Ole, Arn and Rick are all wearing casual dress while Sting is in his ring attire as the all stand around him.

Schivone:"Welcome back wrestling fans and now at this time I'm here with the Four Horsemen, the most dominant force in wrestling today and an elite unit."

Arn:"You've hit the nail on the head there Tony Schivone, The Four Horsemen is the cream of the crop. Here you've got four of the best guys in the business together at once. The greatest faction today has the greatest championship in wrestling today, The NWA World Heavyweight Championship around the waist of the greatest Champion in Wrestling today, Rick Flair"

Flair:"Tonight it's not about me or the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but about Sting. Tonight Sid Vicious you go one on one with our man Sting in that ring so you better say your prayers as Sting is going to beat you like the dog you are. Woooo. Sting is one of heck of a young performer in the wrestling business and he makes a fabulous Horseman. With Sting we can finally be the most dominant force in wrestling today when we take all the titles once again. I've got the World Title Arn and Ole are gunna take the US and then the World Tag Team titles, no matter what you say Steiners. And to top it all off Sting is gunna get that NWA United States Championship around his waist. It's time for the Horsemen to rule again Woooo."

Flair pats Sting on the shoulder repeatedly as The Horsemen walk off camera.

Rating:96
​

NWA United States Championship
Lex Luger Vs Terry Funk
​

Luger makes his way down to the ring with the championship around his shoulder. He walks down the entrance ramp with a mean look on his face while the arena fills with boos. As he enters the ring he hands the US title over to the ref as Terry Funks music plays over the sound system as the crowd erupts in cheers. The Funker makes his way down to the ring. The ref holds the belt up in the air as the bell rings getting the match underway. The two run straight into a lock up. Leger breaks it up by pushing Funk away and the two circle around the ring. Luger runs to clothesline Funk who ducks under Lugers arm and runs into the ropes before attempting his own clothesline. Luger grabs Funk and hits a powerslam. He pulls Funk to his feet and hits a combination of left and rights before irish whipping Funk into the ropes and knocking him down with a big boot. Luger taunts to the crowd who respond with boos. He gets Funk to his feet once again but Funk fights back with punches to the mid section. The two brawl in the middle of the ring for a while until Funk knocks Luger down with a punch combination. Funk continues to take the attack to Luger with numerous kicks, lefts and rights along with the occasional move thrown in. Eventually Luger manages to turn it round after a suplex from Funk and moonsault attempt that Luger managed to get out of the way of. Luger drags Funk to his feet and throws him onto the turbuckle before climbing and hitting a mounted punch combination. after 9 punches he gets down and allows Funk to fall to the ground. Funk rolls out of the ring and lies still on the floor. As the ref reaches the 4 count Luger goes outside the ring and hits a diving forearm smash on Funk before rolling him back into the ring.
Luger drags Funk towards the centre of the ring and hits a piledriver before covering Funk and getting the 1,2,3 count for the victory. Luger continues to attack Funk kicking him repeatedly before lifting him up and performing a gorrilla press slam and leaving the ring while the fans booed him off.

Winner:Lex Luger at 9:32 by Pinfall
Rating:78

Put your money where your managers mouth is
​

We move on to our next segment as The Great Muta and Gary Hart come down to the ring, Mut with the NWA Television Championship around his waist. Hart gets a microphone and adresses the audience.

Hart:"I present to you, Ladies and Gentlemen, The pearl of the orient, The greatest Japan has to offer The Great Muta. Everyone who has come up against The Great Muta has fallen. The Great Muta tells me that he is not satisfied by the lack luster competition here in the NWA. The Great Muta says that no one here in the NWA is good enough to face him in the ring and that it is an embarasment to him to face against these sub par competitors."

Hart is interupted when Brian Pillmans music hits the sound system. Pilman makes his way down to the ring with a microphone in hand. He enters the ring and comes face to face with The Great Muta before backing off and talking on the mic.

Pillman:"So, Gary Hart, you say that The Great Muta over here thinks thats he's too good for the guys here in the NWA?"

Muta nods his head with wide eyes. Hart also nods.

Pillman:"It's an embarasment for Muta to be wrestling against the 'Sub par' competition here in the NWA? Well why don't you take him back to Japan and give me that NWA Television title before you go. I don't like you insulting us here at NWA WCW Muta. We all work our asses off for the title shot for the fame and you go and call us lack luster. You may have defeated everyone else that you've come up against but you haven't beaten me. So put your money where your managers mouth is."

The crowd cheers and Muta walks up to Pillman as the two go toe to toe getting into each others face. Gary Hart steps in and pulls Muta away.

Hart:"The Great Muta may not have beaten you yet Pillman but when he meets you in this ring I can guarantee you that The Great Muta will walk away the victor and prove to you that the NWA doesn't offer the right competition for Muta."

Pillman:" That sounds like a challenge Hart. Anytime Muta wants to step into the ring with me I'll take him on. But on the condition that he puts that NWA Television Championship on the line, so than when I kick his ass I have something to show for it. In fact why don't you make it easier for yourself and just hand it over."

Muta pushes Pillman who charges at Muta and takes him down Pillman hits Muta in the head with repeated rights. He gets up and works up the crowd. Hart pulls Muta out of the ring and the two quickly make their way backstage with Pillman and Muta staring each other out the whole way.

Rating:82

Sting Vs Sid Vicious

The main event of the evening is ready to begin as Sting makes his way to the ring. He is acompanied to the ring by the rest of The Four Horsemen and looks fired up for this one. As he enters the ring flair pulls his jacket off his shoulders and places it on the apron. Sid makes his entrance and makes his way down to the ring to booing fans. When Sid enters the ring and the two are ready to get it on the ref calls for the bell to get the match underway. The two circle around the ring until Sting works the crowd with Wooos. Eventually the two lock up with Sting getting Vicious into an armlock and taking him down to his knees. Sid manages to get back to his feet and pushes Sting into the corner. Sting releases Sids arm who then elbows Sting in the midsection. Sting is then Irish whiped into the opposite Turnbuckle which Sid follows up with a clothesline, knocking Sting to the floor. Sting lifts Sting to his feet before throwing him back onto the canvas with a scoopslam. Sid goes to pull Sting to his feet again but Sting catches Sid by suprise and rolls him up with a small package getting a 2 count. As Sid rolls away Sting plays the crowd once again. While his back is turned Sid charges at Sting who moves out of the way at the last second sending Vicious over the ropes and to the outside. Sting exits the ring and drags Sid back to his feet. He Scoopslams Sid onto the Floor leaving Sid clutching his back in pain. After pulling up again he irish whips him into the ring post but Sid moves out of the way at the last second. Sid clambers back into the ring and Sting follows suit. When Sting is on the apron however Sid suplexes him back into the ring and the two lay motionless on the mat as the ref starts the 10 count. Flair starts to bang on the apron trying to rally Sting up. After the 8 count both men are back to their feet. Sid gets the advantage from this point as the two get into a back and forth fist brawl. After a back breaker and a huge clothesline Sid lifts Sting up for the Powerbomb. Sting manages to slide down Sid's back and grabs his legs pulling him to the ground. He turns Sid over and locks in the Scorpion Deathlock which Sid eventually Taps out to.

Winner:Sting at 10:26 by Submission
Rating:80

The rest of The Horsemen get into the ring and celebrate with Sting as Sid makes his way out of the arena with his hands on his head. We finnish the show with Jim Ross and Paul E. Dangerously close the show and telling the viewers to tune in for NWA WCW World Wide on friday night, with the final image of The Horsemen with hands linked raised in the air.

Overall Rating:75
TV Ratings:1.90

​

 

[The Majestic]

Very retro.