Background: In the continued war between WCW and the New World Order, Ric Flair took on Scott Hall in one of two pay-per-view quality main events for the evening.
Monday Nitro
Dayton, OH
June 2, 1997
Ric Flair vs. Scott Hall
Throwing his infamous toothpick in Flair’s face, Scott Hall infuriated “The Nature Boy”. Punches, stomps, and even a couple of hip gyrations were there for not only Hall, but also the interfering Syxx. But taking his eyes off Hall and trying to choke Syxx cost Flair as Ric was attacked from behind by his real opponent. The fans were going crazy in support of Flair; especially when the referee never saw Syxx catch him with the broncobuster. The crowd was chanting for Sting as Hall abused the former multi-time World champion with everything from the abdominal stretch to his patented fall away slam. The referee eventually saw the illegal actions of Syxx, threatening to send him from ringside though Flair was still fighting from behind. Reversing the sleeper, Flair executed his shin breaker. Showing fighting spirit, Hall pulled off a clothesline that earned him a two count. Flair was actually in better shape when both men got up as the WCW Tag Team champion was obviously stumbling. Sending Hall into Syxx, Flair was able to suplex the NWO member without hindrance. The referee was losing control as Syxx returned with the Cruiserweight title belt. Hall grabbed the belt as Flair grabbed Syxx, bashing “The Nature Boy” with the foreign object to get himself disqualified in the process.
Winner: Ric Flair (8:10)
Is It A Classic: Though promoted as a “pay-per-view quality” match-up, this proved to be a typical TV match during the WCW-NWO wars where the numbers game eventually caused unclean wins & losses. But Flair & Hall had good chemistry and it was fun while it lasted. Sad there wasn’t a really PPV rematch to see what they could really do against each other.
