9 WCW Monday Nitro Episodes You Must Watch On WWE Network
9. Debut - September 4, 1995
WCW was out to make a bold statement with their premiere episode of Monday Nitro. The show was broadcast live from the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was an odd choice to hold the first episode of a new prime time wrestling program from a mall, but it was somehow, kind of cool. Back then, Nitro -- like Raw -- was only one hour, and as such, only featured three matches. However, all three contests were top notch affairs. Jushin Thunder Liger and Flyin Brian Pillman kicked off the broadcast with their high-flying, daredevil antics. Then, longtime rivals, Sting and Ric Flair, did battle as they had numerous times before, but as always, the pair delivered. The main event saw WCWs resident megastar, Hulk Hogan, defeat Big Bubba Rogers -- formerly known as the Big Boss Man up North. However, the biggest event of the night came at the conclusion of the show. As Hogan celebrated his victory over Big Bubba, a familiar face suddenly appeared in the entranceway. Lex Luger -- a former WCW Champion -- strolled out to ringside. Fans in the audience and at home were shocked, as Luger had been with the Federation only the night before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30EKWrtdyjQ That moment alone set the tone for what was to come from WCW. For better or worse, fans expected the unexpected every week when they tuned into Monday Nitro. The show often delivered countless surprises, but they werent always for the best.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
