REVIEW: Spring Stampede 1997: They’re Kind Of Bad At This

Welcome to KB’s Old School (and New School) Reviews. I’ve been reviewing wrestling displays for over ten years now and feature reviewed over 5,000 displays. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I’ll be posting a brand new evaluate right here on Wrestlingrumors.internet. It might be anything else from fashionable WWE to old-fashioned to indies to anything else in between. Note that I charge the usage of letters as an alternative of stars and I don’t charge fits underneath 3 mins as in reality, how excellent or unhealthy can one thing that quick be?

Spring Stampede 1997
Date: April 6, 1997
Location: Tupelo Coliseum, Tupelo, Mississippi
Attendance: 8,356
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Bobby Heenan, Dusty Rhodes

It’s time to get into a unusual duration for WCW, as the corporate remains to be rolling with the NWO however they want anyone to get up for the corporate. That would appear to be Sting, however since he has now not been in a fit for months now, issues is usually a little extra sophisticated. This is a B display without a Hogan, Piper, or somebody else for probably the most phase and a chief match of Savage vs. Page in a grudge fit. Savage joined the NWO at SuperBrawl and was once put with Page to deliver DDP as much as the primary match. Let’s get to it.

The opening video is ready Page vs. Savage in fact. On and the Steiners vs. Outsiders for the millionth time. The 3rd fit mentioned is the Women’s Title fit. See what we’re up in opposition to right here?

This is the place Uncensored 96 took place. It HAS TO be higher than that proper?

Nash has mentioned that he’ll combat all of WCW if he has to. Scott Hall is lacking and has been for THREE WEEKS, however they’ve introduced him up up to now simply because. Therefore it’ll be a handicap fit for the titles with Nash vs. Steiners.

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Ultimo Dragon

No Sonny with Dragon right here. Dragon takes him to the mat to begin after which Rey takes Dragon right down to the mat as smartly. There’s a camel snatch however Dragon temporarily escapes. We get to a standoff so Dragon hits the rapidfire kicks to take Rey down. Flair has a large announcement later this night. Dragon hooks an armbar and so they’re nonetheless at the mat. Back up and he hits a type of spinning crucifix right into a changed model of what we name Shock Treatment.

Powerbomb is adopted via a sizzling shot after which a sleeper via Dragon. Not a Dragon Sleeper however a sleeper via Dragon this is. A BIG Liger Bomb places Rey down however Dragon received’t quilt. There haven’t been any pin makes an attempt between falls and it’s roughly hurting the fit. Tombstone will get two and it’s again to the sleeper. Rey comes again with a spinwheel kick however Dragon kicks him down as a result of Rey can’t observe up.

Gordbuster units up an Indian Deathlock. Rey will get out and manages to kick Dragon off to the ground to get a breather. Sleeper #three is going on via Dragon however Rey counters into considered one of his personal to a BIG pop. Dragon will get thrown to the ground once more and Rey hits a dive up and excessive. And let’s lower to Lee Marshall to get a commentary from Kevin Nash. Instead it’s Syxx and we will be able to’t listen him so there was once NO POINT to this.

Back to peer Rey losing the dime for a not on time two. Rey so much up a moonsault press however Dragon dropkicks him off the highest and Mysterio crashes down onto the ground. Dragon dives excessive however hurts himself on the similar time. Back in Rey tries a Lionsault press however Dragon dropkicks him out of the air in a groovy counter. Giant swing via Dragon places each guys down. They industry speedy pinfall makes an attempt for 2 each and every and an enziguri places Rey down. Super rana will get two for Dragon. Tiger and dragon suplexes via Dragon are each countered via Rey and a status rana will get the pin for Mysterio.

Rating: C+. It was once an entertaining fit however for probably the most phase it was once a large number. They stored seeing to be lacking the chemistry available in the market and that’s a foul factor more often than not. Also the mat paintings is the flawed thought right here. Not a foul fit in any respect however this was once a type of fits you anticipated extra from. Dragon would win the TV Title the following evening.

Marshall tries to get to speak to Nash once more however will get Syxx once more. The Steiners attempt to soar throughout the door however safety stops them. Scott will get maced and handcuffed. Ok then.

Women’s Title: Akira Hokuto vs. Madusa

This was once a unusual identify because it best existed for a couple of years. It was once received in December of 96 and defended a handful of occasions ever. It was once vacated in the summertime, received in Japan in September and not discussed on WCW TV greater than two times once more. Later on they if truth be told offered a Women’s Cruiserweight Championship. Hokuto is champion coming in. For some reason why that I’ll by no means fathom, Lee Marshall, the man WCW fired for being terrible at remark, is speaking about this fit.

They get started off speedy with Madusa hammering her down within the nook however strolling right into a clothesline. Akira chokes her within the nook and covers for 2 as Madusa bridges out. She hits some hair slams for 2 and Hokuto is going to the nook. Madusa hits a Stratusphere to take her down however Hokuto is true again at the leg. Madusa fights off Onoo and hits a couple of dropkicks. Madusa hits a German suplex however Sonny distracts once more. Luna Vachon is available in and takes out Madusa’s knee in order that Akira can retain.

Rating: F+. Madusa gave the look of Kaitlyn a bit of bit so I will be able to’t name it a complete on failure, however dang this was once dull. At the top of the day you’ll’t deliver out a identify as soon as each 4 months and be expecting us to care about it. Nothing to peer within the fit both with each chicks doing fundamental stuff for 5 mins.

TV Title: Prince Iaukea vs. Steven Regal

So on February 13, 1997, the WWF’s younger Samoan Rocky Maivia beat the blue blood Hunter Hearst Helmsley for the Intercontinental Title. On February 17, 1997, WCW’s younger Samoan Prince Iaukea beat the blue blood Lord Steven Regal for the TV Title. Now I’m positive this was once a TOTAL twist of fate proper? Iaukea had not anything to supply within the ring and misplaced the identify the following evening.

Regal stalls for awhile so we’re advised that Scott Steiner has been arrested. The Prince takes him to the mat with a headlock as Tony tries to give an explanation for that Iaukea is among the strains of protection in opposition to the NWO. Dennis Rodman is a part of the NWO and because we hate him, let’s plug his film and air clips of it the following day evening on Nitro! Regal comes again with a knee elevate however it’s proper again to the headlock via the Prince.

Cross frame will get two for the champ. Regal complains a few punch so Heenan says that Iaukea doesn’t know that he’s the champion at this time. Prince takes him down with a take a look at of energy so Regal hooks a headscissors and nips up into an eye fixed poke. It’s now a singles fit for the tag titles with Rick vs. Nash. Regal hooks a complete nelson after which kilos him down within the nook.

The Prince Hawaiians Up after which does not anything in any respect with it. Regal simply takes him into the nook and hits a couple of knees to the face. A move frame via Prince misses and Regal takes regulate once more. He whips the Prince into the nook and tries a rollup however Iaukea sits on him and will get the pin to retain.

Rating: D. Iaukea was once in order that dull it’s unreal. He by no means had anything else particular about him and it by no means stuck on with the lovers in any respect. Regal is superb however he can’t paintings miracles right here, and regardless of Iaukea protecting the belt for nearly two months, he by no means were given any higher for probably the most phase. Nothing to peer right here.

Regal beats up the Prince put up fit and places him within the Regal Stretch.

Here’s Flair for some large announcement. Gene thinks that it’s Flair returning to the hoop. Flair says that the Horsemen will win this night and that he’s again on May 1. He says Anderson can be again however it by no means took place. As for Flair and Piper…..Kevin Greene is coming to WCW. Seriously, that’s nearly an instantaneous quote. Flair desires the NWO in Charlotte and he doesn’t care who it’s because the Horsemen are going to run them out of right here. WHY DID IT TAKE THEM 10 MONTHS TO FREAKING DO THAT???

Jeff Jarrett/Steve McMichael vs. Public Enemy

Can Jarrett elevate 3 other people? I undoubtedly hope so or that is going to be terrible. Mongo vs. Rocco to begin us off and it’s time to stall. Rocco unearths Mongo’s loss of ability tense so he chats with identified ring basic Johnny Grunge. Mongo tackles each enemies and it’s a double Horsemen strut. Off to Jarrett (thank goodness) vs. Grunge and Double J hooks an stomach stretch.

Johnny will get out of it and tries a leapfrog however will get stuck via an uppercut from Grunge. Jeff will get knocked to the ground and teases strolling out however comes again and counts with the referee. Back to the starters and it’s a Mongo chinlock on Rock. McMichael works at the again with a backbreaker and a tilt-a-whirl for 2. Everything breaks down and so they pass break up display screen.

Rock is thrown into the facet of a lined wagon. I’ll give WCW this: their PPV units tended to be in reality cool and undoubtedly now not generic like maximum WWE ones these days. Grunge tries to position Debra at the desk however Jeff saves with a chair. As Rock is thrown right into a steer, Grunge dives via a desk. Back to the hoop and it’s utterly damaged down. Debra journeys Rocco and it’s briefcase time. Jeff cleans space with dropkicks however Rock will get the briefcase. Figure Four to Grunge however Rock blasts Jeff with the case and Jarrett is pinned whilst protecting Grunge within the grasp.

Rating: D. This wasn’t as terrible as I used to be anticipating. I believed it was once going to be terrible however it wasn’t all that unhealthy. It furthers the in reality disturbing Horsemen break up which might after all occur after many extra months. Boring fit for probably the most phase however the wagon spot was once roughly cool.

Gene talks to Harlem Heat who’re in a 4 corners fit this night, as singles competition with Luger and Giant. The winner will get a shot at Hogan, so who do you suppose goes to win in the end? Sherri says her guys are able. This will be the fit the place Booker rants about Hogan and calls him the N phrase sooner than straight away panicking. It’s censored on this model (house video) and he says sucka however you’ll learn his lips announcing the opposite phrase.

US Title: Dean Malenko vs. Chris Benoit

Dean is champion coming in. They pass into the nook nearly straight away and it’s a blank damage. They pass to the mat and neither man can get regulate for various seconds. Malenko is distributed to the ground however he runs again in nearly straight away. Malenko takes him to the mat and works at the knee as Woman screams. Benoit kicks him off and it’s again to a stalemate.

Benoit hooks a best wristlock and issues sluggish go into reverse once more. Back up right into a take a look at of energy which neither can in reality win. Benoit does the all the time wonderful bridge which he holds whilst Malenko lands on him. Chris takes him to the mat and works at the arm sooner than right into a chinlock and surfboard grasp. It’s a Benoit fit so in fact they’re flying via holds. Malenko escapes with a abdominal to again suplex and takes over. Small bundle will get two for Dean.

Here come the chops from Benoit however they appear to wake Malenko up. Camel snatch is going on for a little bit after which it’s off to a brief arm scissors. Benoit does the Shawn/Bulldog counter and each guys are down. Clothesline will get two for Chris. Now it’s an stomach stretch because the submission parade continues. Dean comes up with a fascinating counter via losing to 1 knee. I don’t have in mind ever seeing that sooner than.

Benoit works at the ribs some extra and channels his interior Dynamite with a snap suplex for 2. Dean tries a vertical suplex however Benoit reverses right into a opposite suplex….and right here comes Jackie to wreck the whole lot that they’ve were given happening right here. We’ve were given a catfight at the ground and Jimmy Hart comes out….to do not anything.

Swan Dive hits and Jimmy is stealing the identify. Here comes Eddie Guerrero and Dean will get draped excessive rope. Dean suplexes Benoit excessive and out to the ground, most probably breaking the Canadian’s hip. Arn Anderson comes out and beats up Dean however Kevin Sullivan comes out and Anderson shall we him hit Benoit with a Singapore cane which will get the DQ.

Rating: B-. This was once getting excellent till we had 5 run-ins within of 3 mins. This Benoit vs. Sullivan feud went on for over a 12 months and I don’t suppose anything else was once ever in reality settled. The finishing right here sucked however the fit wasn’t nice within the first position. They have been having a sluggish submission based totally fit however it wasn’t in reality that groovy. The ultimate 5 mins sooner than the interference have been excellent despite the fact that.

Everyone instead of Arn depart in combination and put the belt on Eddie’s shoulder for some reason why, within the 3rd (that I do know of) stolen belt storyline of the 12 months. Dean says he wasn’t intended to be right here, which was once intended to steer to a couple faction however it by no means got here in combination.

Tag Titles: Kevin Nash vs. Rick Steiner

Only in WCW. Nick Patrick is referee as a result of we want extra gimmicks on this. Rick jumps him however will get knocked down nearly straight away. DiBiase and Syxx are at ringside so that is 4-1. Nash kilos on him within the nook and hits his knees however runs right into a boot. Belly to abdominal suplex seems like Rick is choosing up a boulder. That suplex/powerslam transfer he makes use of will get two.

Syxx pulls the highest rope down and Steiner crashes to the ground. Back within the facet slam will get two. Why isn’t Patrick speedy counting him? The Outsiders are the champions coming in right here. DiBiase will get in a proper hand and Nash hits the working crotch assault whilst Rick is in 619 place. Big boot places Rick down as we’re completely in squash territory. There’s the Jackknife however Steiner kicks out. I don’t have in mind many of us ever doing that apart from Undertaker.

Steiner hits him low on any other Jackknife try which Patrick if truth be told doesn’t DQ him for. He’s roughly doing a foul task of being an evil referee right here. Rick hits the bulldog however it best will get two, although Nash’s shoulder by no means got here up. Down is going Syxx however Nash comes again with a clothesline to take yet again.

Syxx takes to the air the buckle pad and Snake Eyes onto the buckle units up Snake Eyes at the buckle which units up Snake Eyes at the buckle which units up Snake Eyes at the buckle which units up the Jackknife for the pin and a compelled rely (Patrick was once hesitant) for the pin. The attention-grabbing factor this is that DiBiase says that’s sufficient in the course of this and Nash yells at him. DiBiase walks out.

Rating: D-. So Nash wins a squash on PPV in a one on one fit for the titles. I assume the extra necessary phase this is that DiBiase appears to be like to be defecting which might imply extra if he was once a real wrestler. This would result in him managing the Steiners which might ultimate for awhile till I feel February. The fit sucked.

Luger and Giant are able.

Stevie Ray vs. Booker T vs. Giant vs. Lex Luger

One fall to a end right here and the winner will get Hogan in the end. Luger vs. Booker to begin which will have to be attention-grabbing. Feeling out procedure to begin till Luger begins slamming Booker a couple of occasions. Off to Stevie who punches Luger down a little bit however will get stuck between Giant and Luger which fits badly as you’ll consider. Off to Giant and Stevie appears to be like scared. Stevie knocks Giant again and will get loudly booed however Giant comes again with a clothesline.

Booker will get thrown round as smartly and it’s time for a gathering at the ground. I stay forgetting this can be a 4 corners fit. That will get remedied via Giant vs. Luger who’ve an influence lockup. Luger tries a slam however Giant falls on him for 2. The tag in Harlem Heat and the brothers having to combat will get a large response from the group.

They lock up and Booker works at the arm. There’s numerous non touch right here which is smart for probably the most phase. Booker tags in Lex and all is true with the sector once more. Stevie comes again with moves and it’s Booker with an aspect suplex to position Lex down. A knee drop misses and it’s Giant time. A large elbow drop misses and Stevie is available in sans tag. An ax kick via Stevie doesn’t paintings and neither does an aspect kick so that they pass to the knees to get Giant down.

Giant will get up comfortably and a large boot places Ray down. Off to Luger once more for some elbow drops which get two. Belly to again places Booker down however Stevie breaks up the Rack. Booker hooks a chinlock and the Harlem facet kick will get two. Harlem Heat double staff Luger and it’s again to the chinlock. Lex suplexes his method out of it however Booker breaks it up. Giant breaks up a canopy off an ax kick however there’s no quilt. Harlem Hangover misses and it’s Stevie vs. Giant. Giant kicks Booker to the ground and requires the chokeslam however tags in Luger so he can win with the Rack as an alternative.

Rating: C+. This wasn’t unhealthy for probably the most phase because it was once in reality a tag fit in cover. That being mentioned, it didn’t imply a factor as Luger wouldn’t get his identify shot till August so this was once roughly a waste of time. The fit itself was once beautiful a laugh despite the fact that as each groups performed it like a tag fit as an alternative of the fourway which was once the proper thought.

Randy Savage vs. Diamond Dallas Page

We get the lengthy stroll to the hoop with Savage and Liz. Savage desires to make it a celebration. “SLIM JIMS FOR EVERYBODY!!!” This is the primary major match for Page. He cuts a snappy promo sooner than the fit about having to get up for what he believes in. Savage did one thing to Kimberly so this can be a revenge fit. It’s now not necessary sufficient to say, however it’s price revenge. Ok then. This is No DQ.

Savage stalls like he’s in Memphis (it’s just about it) however jumps Page to get us going. Page fights again and so they pass into the hoop. He tries one thing like a suplex however I do not know what it wound up being. A snappy Cutter try is countered and Page is distributed to the ground. They pass into the group and the digital camera chasing after them is more or less cool. Page grabs a garbage can to blast Savage within the head. Savage is NWO in case that suggests anything else to you.

They brawl again to the hoop with some choking at the method. Savage hides at the back of Kimberly and Liz rakes Page’s again. There’s the ax deal with to the ground and Page is distributed into the ground. With Page down, Savage chases Kimberly however is stopped via a beautiful chair. After a shot to the again he beats up Dave Penzer and brings in any other chair. Coming again in Page manages one thing like a Van Daminator however with a shove as an alternative of a spin kick.

Unfortunately for Page he can’t observe up so Savage chokes away within the nook. Page makes a snappy comeback however is knocked proper again don. Discus lariat out of nowhere places Savage down however Page is spent. Savage slams him 3 times and is going to the ground to get the bell. Kimberly steals it from him however Savage jumps anyway, proper into the ft as an alternative of the elbow. I HATE that spot. Cutter is countered with a low blow for 2.

Savage beats up the referee after the rely and hits a excellent piledriver on him. He takes the belt off of Mark Curtis and whips him a bit of bit. The elbow hits however there’s no referee. Cue Nick Patrick within the sleeveless blouse of EVIL. Diamond Cutter out of NOWHERE hits and Patrick counts the pin on account of the Nash stuff previous.

Rating: B-. Good fit right here with Page pulling off a super disillusioned win to pop the group and ship them house glad. The brawling wasn’t nice however they did it smartly sufficient for what the aim right here was once. These two would feud over many of the summer season and it introduced Page as much as the primary match stage that he would keep at for years.

Post fit the entire NWO (together with DiBiase) comes out as Nash has Patrick via the blouse. The lovers need Sting however you already know he’s now not popping out in this display. Patrick will get overwhelmed down and Page is distributed to the ground. Savage is going after Kimberly however Bischoff stops a smack. There’s a shoving fit and Savage drills Bischoff and the NWO FREAKS to finish the display.

Overall Rating: D+. This was once very a lot a filler display as not anything of observe took place right here in any respect. It’s on no account the worst display I’ve ever noticed and I wouldn’t name it unhealthy, however I undoubtedly wouldn’t name it excellent both. Either method, issues would best proceed to be this fashion for the following few months with not anything important going down till the autumn when Sting vs. Hogan in reality were given going.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has noticed over 50,000 wrestling fits. He has additionally been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 complete displays lined. You can to find his paintings at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or take a look at his- Amazon author page with 30 wrestling books.

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