WCW Clash of the Champions XXXI

RATING LEVELS: 

Curt Hennig – A “GOAT” show, as Perfect as possible

Watch It – A consistently good show worth watching in its entirety

Watch It…With Remote in Hand – 3 or more above-average ratings 

High Risk Maneuver – Mostly filler, inessential, but 1-2 good matches

DUDleyville – Zero redeeming qualities, chore to watch

Clash of the Champions XXXI - August 1995

Daytona Beach, Florida

COMMENTATORS: Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan

CHAMPIONSHIP RUNDOWN: Hulk Hogan is the reigning WCW World Champion, Sting holds the United States Championship, The Renegade is the TV Champion, and the Studs Stable of Bunkhouse Buck and Dick Slater are the recognized WCW World Tag Team Champions.

Our opening contest is what Michael Buffer calls a “very special tag team match,” as Colonel Parker brings out his clients Meng and Kurasawa to take on the team of Sting and Road Warrior Hawk. Hawk hits a noticeably poor dropkick early on, then no sells Kurasawa’s moves like it’s the 1980s. Sting does better work in the ring, but once Hawk gets back in the ring, it’s a return to awkwardness between himself and Kurasawa especially as Hawk wants nothing to do with making Kurasawa look remotely competent. Granted, Hawk isn’t necessarily wrong in his decision (Kurasawa seems pretty green and no-selling was essentially Hawk's entire gimmick), but the lack of drama keeps this match from being remotely interesting. The post-match features an injury angle that salvages (and arguably helps explain) the story of the match, but even with this bonus, I wouldn't waste my time viewing this bout. (1.5/5)

We get a video recap of what transpired earlier as Hogan, Macho Man, and Sting fought off the Dungeon of Doom – aka The Shark, Kamala, the Zodiac, and Kevin Sullivan. When we come back to Schiavone, he reminds viewers that Hogan will be making his way into the Dungeon of Doom tonight!

Next up is Diamond Dallas Page, accompanied by Kimberly, taking on “Das Wunderkind” Alex Wright. Wright takes control early and shows off some good-looking moves, including a crossbody to the outside and some decent mat wrestling. DDP’s offense and shtick isn’t bad either – he hits a great swinging neckbreaker (to which Kimberly responds by holding up a “10” placard) and, though his outfit is ridiculous, Page works with confidence and energy. As the match continues, there is a noticeable shift in the audience’s reactions as they go from indifference in the opening minutes to, if not full engagement, at least somewhat interested in seeing who will win this. It helps that there are a number of good near-falls and high spots (a great German Suplex from Wright, Page sidestepping a risky crossbody to the outside). (2.5/5)

Backstage, Arn Anderson and Ric Flair speak about their opponent tonight, Vader. 

Before our next match, we get some totally sick commercials for Judge Dredd toys and Slim Jims. I’m genuinely surprised that you’ll find these on the Network and wish they ran even longer. Network nuggets of awesomeness!

Paul Orndorff challenges The Renegade for the TV Championship next. Orndorff tries to cut Renegade off as soon as he comes in, but Renegade, to the delight of very few in the crowd, ends up reversing the momentum and taking control of the bout. Orndorff quickly gains up the upper hand, though, which is the smart move considering there’s no way Renegade could lead this dance. The fans couldn't care less as Renegade gets bumped off the apron multiple times before finally catching Orndorff with a crossbody. Like their match at Bash at the Beach, there is controversy surrounding the finish, but only to the viewers at home as both Schiavone and Bobby Heenan, counting along with Nick Patrick, count only to 2. The video clearly shows that Patrick slaps the mat three times but the first count was tough to see. Oh well – that slight hiccup is the only remotely interesting or thought-provoking aspect of this match. Half-point rewarded for keeping it short. (0.5/5)

We get a nice recap of the feud leading to our next match. This sort of video package really helps the “watchability” of these shows and sets the stage well for the 5-man-1-woman match we’re about to get. As hokey as this storyline is, it actually ages decently thanks to the excellence of Sensational Sherri.

Harlem Heat and Sherri vs. Colonel Parker, Bunkhouse Buck, and Dick Slater is next. Was there no more natural feud in the history of wrestling than this one? Between the Bash At The Beach and this show, the Studs Stable had captured the WCW Tag Team Championships. What’s noticeable about this match is that the Heat is clearly working as faces and their offense comes off significantly better than it did when they were “tweeners.” Booker T is the funnest guy to watch in the ring as he hits a number of his future signature moves (at this point, they draw little reaction, though). When Parker and Sherri get in, the pop is huge and their spots, if not perfectly executed, are well selected and effective. The finish and post-match are confusing, but continue the storyline and take it somewhere new. I think this is my favorite Heat match yet and it may have something to do with the killer WCW Harley Sweepstakes commercial in the middle. (4/5)

Hulk Hogan cuts on a promo on the Dungeon of Doom and gets in a nice joke about Vince McMahon too. When we come back from break, “Mean” Gene is with Tomas Diaz, a national ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This is as awkward as it sounds and then gets even more awesome when Randy Savage shows up. This stretch of ridiculous segments also features a Tim and Eric-esque Macho Man music video. Finally, the video package stretch is rounded out by Hulk Hogan going down to the Dungeon of Doom, getting into it with The Giant, and then being rescued by his former adversary, Vader. Unbelievable Network nuggets! (5/5)

The main event is next – Vader vs. Ric Flair and Arn Anderson. The action is pretty good, but really just makes me want to see Anderson vs. Vader one-on-one, which I’m not sure happened based on the little bit of googling I did. The booking doesn’t make perfect sense as, a year or so earlier, Flair defeated Vader 1-on-1, but that doesn’t prevent the live crowd from enjoying things. As per usual, Vader’s offense is awesome and the Horsemen sell plenty for him. Really, this match is all about the aftermath, though, as Flair and Anderson’s friendship seems to dissolve before our eyes. Not a great match, but an intriguing one no less. (3/5)

With a somewhat astonishingly decent 2.75-out-of-5 average match/segment rating, the 31st Clash of the Champions is no masterpiece, but it is significantly better than the card looks on paper -  thanks largely to several must-see segments. Based on my reviews, this is the highest average rating that WCW put out on one show since Fall Brawl 94’. A slightly better main event and at least one other match worth watching would’ve put this in an even higher bracket, but for a snapshot of WCW in 95’, you can do worse than catch this cheesy, cartoonish TV special.

FINAL RATING – Watch It…With Remote in Hand