Nitro-Glycerin - Monday Nitro recap for November 23, 1998

The show starts with a performance by The Nitro Girls.

Lex Luger beats Mike Enos with the Torture Rack.

Goldberg is seen coming out of a white limousine outside of the arena. Beside that limo is a black limousine is Kevin Nash and Konnan. Nash and Konnan poke fun at the former being "next," but Goldberg tells him "The funny thing is, being next ain't a safe place to be; ask your girlfriend."

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Kidman. He brings out Rey Mysterio Jr., as he has a few things to say to him. He says that Rey smartened up last night and that there is no ill will between them, and respects him for leaving the Latino World Order. He promises him a shot at the Cruiserweight title tonight. Rey thanks him for the shot, then tells him he had a great match last night and may the best man win. Suddenly, Eddie Guerrero and his bodyguard shows up, and Eddie pulls out a contract stating that he is bound legally and by blood to him and the LWO. He then says he has much love and respect for him even though he "[acted] like a turd on national television," he will give him another opportunity, and pulls out a shirt that matches the expectations he has for him and wants him to wear it. It is a 6XL-sized Latino World Order. Rey puts it on, saying he will fix this later.

"The Crippler" Chris Benoit beats Norman Smiley with the Crippler Crossface.

Ed Begalla from Highland, Indiana is the winner of this week's Nitro Party Pack. We see some footage from his Nitro Party.

nWo Wolfpac (Kevin Nash, Konnan, Lex Luger) show up. The three of them celebrate Nash's win in the World War 3 Match. Lex Luger says he hates winning second place in anything, but last night was a Wolfpac victory, and that Nash will be the next World champ at Starrcade. Nash says that when they put the Wolfpac together, it seemed like everyone put the gun sights on them and that everybody tried to hold them back by taking out "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Sting along with the rest of them. He says that one great thing about pro wrestling is nights like last night, because when you win it, there's nothing you can do. Whether everyone likes it or not, he's next. He then says that when Goldberg has the number one in the loss column, "it's gonna be me!"

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Kevin Nash backstage, asking about him and Scott Hall from last night. Nash says the last time he put his hand out to Hall, he was put through a hall, and Hall will have to prove he wants to be friends again, as it is something he also wants. Suddenly, Goldberg shows up with two security guards, and Kevin Nash says to Lex Luger, who is next to him, "watch my back." Goldberg tells Nash not to worry about his back, as he wants him to "see that truck that runs him over."

Before the next match, Kanyon is seen arguing with Raven, telling him to grow up and that he wants him at ringside. Raven stays in the back and Kanyon heads out on his own. He almost does his "Who's better than Kanyon?" pre-match promo, but then he says "Forget it. You're not gonna get it right, anyway." Tokyo Magnum then almost wins the match on a schoolboy pin.

Kanyon beats Tokyo Magnum. During the match, it is announced that Hollywood Hogan will be on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Thursday night, and that he will explain why he was absent from last night's World War 3 Match.

We see another performance by The Nitro Girls.

Bobby Duncum Jr. beats Glacier.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews The Giant. He says Kevin Nash knew he was the man to beat in the World War 3 Match, and when it came down to the last few men, he had to get rid of him. He did, and now he has a shot at Goldberg. He then calls Nash a coward who hides in the back and does not want to face him one-on-one, and that the nWo Wolfpac has "a big case of chicken-itis." He wants to know if Nash has any guts, as he will beat Goldberg for the belt and Nash will not be able to run away from him then, as he will have to win the World title from him at Starrcade. If Goldberg has any balls, he will face him tonight.

Pyrotechnics signal the start of the second hour.

Before the next match, Saturn says that if he will allow Ernest "The Cat" Miller sneak attack him, he is out of his mind. If Miller is half the man he says he is, he will meet him face-to-face.

Saturn beats Silver King. During the match, Ernest "The Cat" Miller shows up with Sonny Onoo, and asks him what makes him think he can handle him when Sonny Onoo beat him last night. He tells Saturn and everyone in the crowd to kiss his ass concerning Saturn's challenge. Saturn chases after Onoo and Miller after the match.

It is announced that Goldberg has accepted The Giant's challenge, and it is announced that in their match, there must be a winner.

Kidman retains the WCW Cruiserweight Championship against Rey Mysterio Jr. During the match, Eddie Guerrero and Juventud Guerrera head towards the ring. As Kidman and the referee are distracted by Eddie Guerrero, Juvi hits Rey with the Juvi Driver. This allows Kidman to hit the Shooting Star Press to retain the title.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Eric Bischoff. Bischoff says it is time to accomplish a couple of things tonight, most notably settling issues with "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. He also makes it very clear that he runs WCW, and for better or worse, he is the boss, and that Scott Hall found out the hard way last night. He then asks Flair to come to the ring. Flair shows up, and says he is overwhelmed with the fact that tonight, Bischoff not only has the guts, but has extended him the courtesy to stand eye-to-eye with him. Bischoff tells him he deserves it, as what is going on between them has affected their families and everyone in the crowd and the industry, and that it is time to put an end to it. Bischoff tells Flair that even he has to acknowledge that he runs this company. Flair says he will acknowledge that even a man like Ted Turner makes a few mistakes along the way, and that Bischoff is one of them. He tells Flair he cannot hire or fire anybody, and brings out Barry Windham, who shows up. Bischoff tells Flair he has a future in WCW, but Barry Windham is the same man that will look him in the eye and knock him flat on his ass. Flair says the one thing he wants to make clear to Bischoff is tradition, as Windham is talent and has paid the price, and that he was once a Horseman and can be again. He tells Bischoff that tradition is still alive in this sport. Bischoff tells Flair that the one thing he wants him to understand is that he has the power. Bischoff punches Flair, but Flair punches back, and Windham attacks Flair from behind before taking one of his knees out and punching him out. He then puts Flair in a reverse chinlock before Bischoff kicks at Flair. Steve "Mongo" McMichael, "The Crippler" Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko try to make the save, but nWo Hollywood cuts them off at the pass and beat on them. Bischoff and Windham then leave.

Konnan beats Booker T by disqualification. At the beginning of the match, it is announced that The Four Horsemen ("The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, "The Crippler" Chris Benoit, Steve "Mongo" McMichael) have left the arena to regroup after what happened earlier regarding Barry Windham, and that Dean Malenko has stayed behind as he is contractually bound to face Bret "The Hit Man" Hart in a wrestling match later tonight. During the match, Stevie Ray shows up and gets his hands on Konnan from the apron, causing the match to end by disqualification. Stevie Ray tells Booker T that he should have had Konnan beaten in minutes last night while Booker T could not, and wants to know where his head is at. Booker tells Stevie to handle his business and let him handle his with his nWo brothers. Stevie says his brothers stick with him, and he tells Booker T to look at what is going on and see what is happening.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Bret "The Hit Man" Hart. Bret says he should be the United States Heavyweight Champion right now, and says the fans are so happy that Diamond Dallas Page won, but he tells DDP last night was a cheap victory, and that DDP is "cheap" and "a punk." He also says the people are punks. He tells DDP he knows he is backstage and that it is not over between them, as he wants a rematch as last night was "the pits." He plans to set an example with every opponent he gets in the ring with, and mentions that Dean Malenko has a bad leg. He says it is a dirty job, but he will have to throw Malenko's leg into the crowd as he will beat the crap out of him and wants DDP to watch him do it, as he will do it to everybody until DDP gives him his rematch for the US title.

We see a performance by The Nitro Girls.

Pyrotechnics signal the start of the third hour.

Kevin Nash beats Wrath, putting Wrath's undefeated streak to an end with a Jackknife Power Bomb.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund interviews Chris Jericho. Jericho says he feels let down and betrayed a little bit by the Jerichoholics, as he feels they have not given him the respect he deserves and have not been cheering him as loudly, and that they have forgotten they are cheering for him because he is better than all of you. He says Bobby Duncum Jr. was embarrassed and torn apart last night. He hates cowboys, especially after Stu Hart made him a cowboy in his very first match, but then realizes that being a cowboy is a little fun and says that he can "rope up a dogie" and "rustle up some vittles" just as good as anyone else can. Suddenly, Duncum shows up with Ralphus, who is tied up with Duncum's bullrope with his mouth duct taped. Duncum then hogties Ralphus and leaves him in the aisle before heading to the back.

Before the next match, Chris Jericho is untying Ralphus from Bobby Duncum Jr.'s rope while Scott Hall makes his way down the aisle. Scott Hall then kicks at Ralphus. As Hall makes his way to the ring, the nWo Hollywood theme plays until it immediately stops when Hall tells the production crew to stop it. Hall says that after two-and-a-half years of surveying, tonight is the final survey as everybody is here for one reason: to see the nWo. He says it is no secret that there are two factions in the nWo. The first is nWo Hollywood, who told him that he is out, even though he started the nWo all by himself. If he is all alone again, than that is the way he likes it. The second is nWo Wolfpac, and Kevin Nash says he has to prove some things to him, and Hall feels that the people think he may have some things to prove to them. However, he has things to prove to himself, and he plans to start tonight with Alex Wright. When Wright shows up, he tells the crowd - and Scott Hall - to show him some respect.

Scott Hall beats Alex Wright.

We see a performance by The Nitro Girls.

Dean Malenko beats Bret "The Hit Man" Hart by disqualification after Bret hits Malenko with a Diamond Cutter on a steel chair. During the match, it is announced that a special one-hour extra edition of Nitro will air on TNT tomorrow night at 8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central. After the match, Diamond Dallas Page gets in the ring, and Bret "The Hit Man" Hart attacks DDP with the chair until DDP somehow gets back up and punches Bret off the apron as he tries to escape. DDP then helps Malenko to his feet, then grabs the microphone and says that next week, he will take Bret in a rematch for the United States Heavyweight Championship because he gets all jacked up when Bret feels the bang.

Goldberg retains the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against The Giant. After the match, Bam Bam Bigelow rushes into the ring to beat up Goldberg, and numerous security guards and police officers have to keep both men away from each other as Bigelow is ejected from the arena yet again. Kevin Nash then shows up and gets in the ring, and the show ends with security and law enforcement keeping both Goldberg and Nash separated in the ring.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for November 23, 1998

RAW

WWF owners Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon come to the ring with Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and WWF Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter. Vince says he has nothing to do with The Undertaker attacking "Stone Cold" Steve Austin with a shovel last week, saying he does not lie and that when he guarantees something, the fans can take it to the back. In a moment, Vince will name a new WWF Commissioner, as what he and his family do is done for the fans. He admits they disagree sometimes, but everything they do, they do it for the fans. Vince tells the fans that Sgt. Slaughter has decided to graciously step aside to allow the World Wrestling Federation to advance, so it can have an independent, free-thinker at the helm who does not answer to him. This Commissioner will have full rights and privileges to treat every WWF Superstar with equality and dignity, with the only exception to the rule being "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, as Austin is his, and he will make all decisions as it pertains to him. He then introduces the new WWF Commissioner: "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. Shawn shows up in a street clothes and a cowboy hat, and says "It looks like there's a new sheriff in town!" Shawn thanks Vince for the opportunity, and is thrilled to be back in the ring in one form or another. As a token of his appreciation and as the new Commissioner of the World Wrestling Federation, he can be the one guaranteeing things around her and that things will never, ever be the same again. In an effort to add a little bit more "sizzle to tonight's steak," he then asks to book his first match, right here, right now. Tonight, the WWF Championship is one the line as The Rock will defend the title against X-Pac. He then asks for the DX music to be played, and Vince and companies realize they may have made a mistake.

Kevin Kelly interviews The Oddities (Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, Luna Vachon, Golga, Kurrgan, Giant Silva), who have a rematch against The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) tonight. Violent J tells The Oddities he is ready, but Shaggy 2 Dope is not ready, and they are not ready as a team, telling The Oddities they are right and that they are not ready physically or mentally. He asks The Oddities to have his back in the match tonight. Luna says The Oddities can handle it, but they feel disappointed.

The Headbangers (Thrasher and Mosh) beat The Oddities (Kurrgan and Golga). Before the match, it is announced that the newest issue of Raw Magazine is available tomorrow. During the match, Violent J gets on the apron, and Golga inadvertently knocks him off. This distracts Golga, and Mosh chokes Golga out with a shirt before Thrasher gets the schoolboy pin. After the match, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope stomp on Golga along with Thrasher and Mosh, and Shaggy 2 Dope sprays spray paint into Giant Silva's eyes. The four of them attack everyone else in the ring save for the referee, cutting Luna Vachon's hair after spray painting her in the eyes and tieing Giant Silva up in the ropes. Mosh says this is the new Headbanger attitude and that there is not right way or wrong way, only The Headbanger way, and that it's their turn to kick a little bit of ass.

"The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman beats The Blue Blazer. During the match, it is made evident from a close-up of The Blue Blazer that Owen Hart is not behind the mask. After the match, Blackman tries to unmask The Blue Blazer, but Owen Hart rushes in from behind and hits Blackman in his injured leg with a chop block before leaving with The Blue Blazer.

We see footage from yesterday in San Jose, California, where "Stone Cold" Steve Austin collapses after a match, having suffered nausea and dizziness, among other symptoms, from being hit in the head with a shovel by The Undertaker last week on Raw.

WWF owner Vince McMahon and WWF Commissioner "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels are seen having a word backstage.

The Brood (Gangrel and Edge) beat The Nation (D'Lo Brown and "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry). During the match, Chyna shows up, distracting Mark Henry and allowing Gangrel to win with a schoolboy pin. After the match, Chyna simply says "All right, Mark...I'll do it." Mark is excited, as the dinner date is on.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin is seen talking to the doctors at the hospital, who give him some medication to allow him to get some sleep. He is also told to take a couple of weeks off. He tells Jim Ross that he feels like he's been hit in the head with a shovel, and that The Undertaker and Paul Bearer will have hell to pay when he comes back. His blood pressure goes up upon the mere thought of getting revenge.

WWF Commissioner "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is seen talking with D-Generation X ("Road Dogg" Jesse James, "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn, X-Pac) backstage.

Goldust vs. "Marvelous Marc Mero" ends in a no-contest. Before the match, it is announced that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin will face The Undertaker in a Buried Alive Match at next month's pay-per-view, Rock Bottom, and if Austin wins, he qualifies for the Royal Rumble Match in January. During the match, Terri Runnels shows up, and Jacqueline shows up soon after. Terri gets up on the apron to distract the referee as Goldust readies Mero for Shattered Dreams, then Jacqueline hits Goldust with a low blow before Terri kicks Mero in the crotch.

Back at the hospital, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin signs an autograph, then has his blood pressure checked before he gets some sleep. A hearse is then seen pulling up in front of the hospital.

WAR ZONE

Mankind retains the WWF Hardcore Championship against The Big Boss Man and "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock. WWF owners Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon show up and watch from the stage during the match. Near the end, The J.O.B. Squad (Al Snow, 2 Cold Scorpio, Bob Holly) show up, and Al Snow hits Shamrock with Head as Shamrock has Mankind in the ankle lock to allow Mankind to retain.

The Undertaker and Paul Bearer are seen assaulting "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in the hospital in San Jose, California and putting him under with a handkerchief covered in ether. The Undertaker tells Austin "This is where you get off" and "This is your last ride."

The Undertaker and Paul Bearer place "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in their hearse and drive off.

Dwayne Gill beats Christian to become the WWF Light Heavyweight Champion! During the match, The J.O.B. Squad (Al Snow, 2 Cold Scorpio, Bob Holly) attack Edge and Gangrel, and 2 Cold Scorpio hits Christian with a splash before placing Gill on top of him. Michael Cole - who calls this "the greatest upset in WWF history" - interviews Gill, who says that aside from the birth of the son, this is the greatest moment of his life. He is then helped to the back by The J.O.B. Squad.

The Undertaker and Paul Bearer take a sedated "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to a mound of dirt in the middle of nowhere. Nearby is an open grave, which Bearer asks The Undertaker to make a little bit deeper. Bearer tells Austin he has crossed the line, and Austin comes to and grabs Bearer. The Undertaker puts Austin in a headlock while Bearer puts Austin back under with a handkerchief doused in ether. The Undertaker then says burying Austin alive is too good for him, and tells Bearer he will embalm him alive and that Austin will know what pain is.

The Undertaker and Paul Bearer are seen driving away with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

Before the next match, The Godfather gives Tiger Ali Singh the choice between fighting him - to which he says he will kick Singh's ass - or any of his three hoes for the entire night. Suddenly, Steven Regal shows up and tells Singh he got screwed royally last week, because he trusted The Godfather and that Singh "can afford better slappers than this." Regal and Singh then double-team The Godfather, and Val Venis gets in the ring to beat up Singh. Referees and officials have to restore order. After the match, The Godfather gives the hos to Val Venis.

WWF Commissioner "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and The Rock are sen having a disagreement backstage, and WWF owners Shane McMahon and Vince McMahon have to keep The Rock away from Shawn.

WWF Commissioner "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels is seen talking to referee Earl Hebner in the locker room.

The J.O.B. Squad (Bob Holly and 2 Cold Scorpio) beat The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn). During the match, it is revealed that Dwayne Gill has joined The J.O.B. Squad. Near the end, Mankind shows up with a leafblower and hits Billy Gunn in the head with it. After the match, The Big Boss Man and "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock show up and attack everyone in the ring. Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco and Sgt. Slaughter show up and try to recruit The New Age Outlaws.

The Undertaker and Paul Bearer take "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to a funeral home.

In the funeral home, The Undertaker takes "Stone Cold" Steve Austin into the embalming room and places him on the slab. As Paul Bearer gets prepared for the enbalming, The Undertaker tells Austin that he cannot tempt the fate and tempt "the Ministry," and that this it did not have to be this way and that this is his fault. He tells Austin this is what he gets when he crosses the line into a realm of darkness from which there is no escape, and that this is the final road for him. Bearer then cuts Austin's shirt in half.

In the funeral home, The Undertaker tells "Stone Cold" Steve Austin that he hopes he can hear him, for what he will experience is going to be the worst imaginable pain and horror that he could ever endure, as when one understands death, they become ageless, deathless and immortal. The Undertaker then chants some foreign words, then points a dagger at the throat of Austin. Suddenly, Kane shows up and attacks The Undertaker. Bearer tries to finish the job with some scissors, but Austin comes to, resists and escapes. The camera then suddenly cuts off, and the transmission ends.

WWF Commissioner "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up before the next match and ejects The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn), "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock and The Big Boss Man from ringside, sending them back to the back and ensuring that the next match is strictly one-on-one. He then watches the match from ringside.

The Rock retains the WWF Championship against X-Pac. During the match, WWF owners Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon show up and watch the match from the stage. Near the end, The Rock introduces a steel chair into the match. WWF Commissioner "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels heads into the ring, takes it away from him, and then hits X-Pac in the head with the chair before The Rock hits The Corporate Elbow to retain. After the match, The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dogg" Jesse James and "Bad Ass" Billy Gunn) rush into the ring. The Rock escapes, but The Big Boss Man and "The World's Most Dangerous Man" Ken Shamrock rush in and attack The Outlaws and X-Pac. Vince, Shane, The Rock and Shawn are seen mockingly giving The Outlaws and X-Pac the D-Generation X crotch chop from the ramp to end the show.