WCW Monday Nitro Review: Results, Analysis and Grades for Jun. 10, 1996

Jim Powers vs. Diamond Dallas Page

Result DDP wins via pinfall.

Rating 1.9 out of 5 stars

DDP is coming off the back of winning the Battle Bowl, this match has his winners ring on the line. This is classic early wrestling DDP, the slightly cocky heel who you can’t help but love.

Page gets the advantage with power in the early going before getting rolled up a couple of times for 2 counts. DDP dominates the match, whilst doing his best to get the crowd involved in what’s going on.

Powers hits back with punches and a big dropkick for another 2 count. Just when Powers is looking good DDP hits the back elbow followed by the Diamond Cutter out of Nowhere (the move Randy Orton stole 10 years later) for the 3 count and the win.

Carl’s Take: DDP is in the very early stages of his career here, but still decent between the ropes. A quick win over a strong opponent, they’re building Page to be a big deal in the future.

We see a promo for the feud between Chris Benoit and Taskmaster Kevin Sullivan. A wrestling feud that became a real-life one, Benoit would end up in a real-life relationship with Woman on the back of it. Sullivan was the booker at the time and the whole situation is a massive part of the WCW product at the time, involving the Horsemen amongst others.

A promo package for U.S. Champion Konan airs. You forget now how good he was in the ring, and how instrumental he was in getting luchadors into American wrestling at the time.

Meng vs. Sting 

Result Sting wins via submission.

Rating 1.7 out of 5 stars

Surfer paint Sting, one-half of the tag team champs with Lex Luger, is massively over with the crowd. Meng is just a beast.

Meng gets the better of the early power moves, he really looks a fearsome opponent, beating Sting down to the ground. Much of the commentary revolves around the feud between Sting and Steven Regal.

Sting comes back with his trademark clotheslines before a small package from Meng gets 2. Sting returns the favour, Meng then hits a shoulder breaker and heads to the top rope. Sting knocks him down and applies the Scorpion Deathlock for a quick tap out win.

Carl’s Take: Meng beats Sting down, looks strong then Sting taps him out. This Sting is one of the most over men in wrestling at this time, the crowd love him.

Next: Jim Duggan