WCW Monday Nitro delivered an electrifying show on April 1, 1996, at the CSU Convocation Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The event featured unexpected matchups and significant developments that set the stage for upcoming changes in the wrestling landscape.
The night opened with a surprising match between Sting and The Giant, which was not advertised prior to the event. In a clever production move, the Nitro graphic lights flashed on the mat, indicating the impromptu nature of the bout. The match stemmed from an incident where Jimmy Hart paid off the Harlem Heat to no-show, leading to The Giant’s turn against Sting. The action was intense, with Sting taking a toss into the railing and The Giant showcasing his strength by pressing Sting overhead. However, the match ended abruptly when Lex Luger entered the ring, prompting the referee to call it a no contest at just 2 minutes and 23 seconds. Although brief, this opening segment effectively set the tone for a night filled with unpredictable moments.
Following the initial chaos, the show properly commenced with Eric Bischoff welcoming viewers. A video package was shown, revealing Hart’s earlier exchange with Harlem Heat, further enhancing the storyline and audience engagement.
Triangle Match Delivers High Energy
The main event of the evening featured a Triangle Match involving the Legion of Doom, the Steiner Brothers, and the Nasty Boys. This match format, while rare at the time, provided an exciting dynamic. Tensions ran high as the teams exchanged blows, with Rick Steiner and Brian Knobbs trading powerful strikes. The action was chaotic yet entertaining, with multiple near-pins and blind tags that kept the crowd engaged. The match culminated in a surprising turn when Public Enemy interfered, allowing Scott Steiner to secure a pinfall victory over Knobbs at 13 minutes and 52 seconds. This match was praised for its high energy and innovative execution, earning a solid rating of ***1/4.
Flair vs. Luger: A Championship Clash
The night also featured a highly anticipated match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship between the defending champion Ric Flair and Lex Luger. With Luger already holding the Tag Team and Television Championships, he aimed for a historic third title. The match showcased their longstanding rivalry, with both competitors leveraging their extensive experience in the ring.
Flair initially struggled against Luger’s strength, but as the match progressed, he employed cunning tactics, including eye rakes and distractions from his manager, Woman, to gain the upper hand. The encounter reached a fever pitch as Luger executed powerful maneuvers, including a superplex that drew cheers from the audience. Despite a valiant effort, Luger fell victim to Flair’s underhanded tactics when Woman threw hot coffee in his face, allowing Flair to roll him up for the pin at 10 minutes and 54 seconds. This conclusion, although controversial, effectively maintained Flair’s championship reign and added another layer to their rivalry.
As the night wrapped up, it was announced that there would be no Nitro the following week due to the NBA playoffs, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Overall, this episode of WCW Monday Nitro received a score of 7.0, highlighting the successful execution of engaging storylines and memorable matches. The blend of unexpected twists, high-energy encounters, and championship stakes reflected the strengths that helped WCW dominate the wrestling scene during this era.
