Background: This was a WCW World Heavyweight Championship number one contender match where the winner would get a shot at the gold at “The Great American Bash” in a month’s time.
Clash of the Champions XV
Knoxville, TN
June 11, 1991
Lex Luger vs. The Great Muta
Luger, then the United States champion, watched as Muta promised to chop the champion down after showcasing his “green mist” technique. But Lex’s power was more than enough to overcome Muta’s mat skills. Ducking a roundhouse kick, Luger slammed the Japanese star in position for a senton splash. The Great Muta moved at the last second, unleashing a knife-edge chop. Reversing an Irish whip, Luger caught Muta on the rebound with a perfect gorilla press slam. Another Irish whip didn’t benefit Luger as Muta bounced out of the corner, ducking an avalanche splash before spin back kicking the champion in position for his handspring back elbow in the corner. Taking a page out of Muta’s book, Luger avoided the attack by sidestepping. Colliding with the turnbuckles sent Muta careening over the top rope where he landed between the guardrails and the entrance ramp. With the fans cheering in approval, Luger took his chance to set up suplex. Muta slipped free, landing behind his opposition. When Lex turned around, Muta spewed that green mist in an attempt to blind Luger. But Lex was ready, getting his arms up to block the attack while feigning blindness. Muta hit the ropes, coming off with something in mind when he ran into the power slam for a three count in favor of Lex Luger.
Winner: Lex Luger (3:44)
Is It A Classic: Well, they did great with the time given, but man was that disappointingly short; especially considering it was a number one contender’s match that was very important to the card and a future event.
