Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 8: Hulk Hogan vs. Sting (Nitro 11/20/95)

Hogan is wearing black here and teasing a heel turn, but the fans are booing him pretty bad at this point anyway. This was a precursor to his NWO days. He sneaks up behind Sting early, but doesn’t jump him. I guess that shows he’s a good guy. I guess. He was wearing a goofy black Halloween mask and had a fully shaved face. Not sure what he’s going for. Final pre-match thought I have is why oh why did they give this away on free TV? Oh yeah, because it’s WCW Nitro.

Hogan does a lot of no selling of some inspired Sting offense early. The crowd really gives it to Hogan once he takes control. Sting really tries to make this match work. It isn’t like Hogan isn’t doing anything. He gives Sting a suplex on the mats at ringside. Two seconds later Sting is running around like it never happened. They stale mate and back off, so you are getting a match that builds at least.
Hogan actually drops down and gives Sting an arm bar. Well, I’ve seen it all now. The story here is Macho (at ringside) and Hogan are walking on the dark side (wearing black) and want to see what Sting is made of. Is he with them or against them. I doubt we’ll find out in this match.

I dig that they’re going back and forth in this one. Allows both babyfaces to equally shine, even if the fans boo Hogan and are at times apathetic to Sting. This isn’t a mat classic, but it’s not a junker either. Hogan gets lazy at selling and such, but there is a cool spot where he catches a Stinger splash and holds him in a bear hug for a few seconds. Seven minutes in Sting uses some RING PSYCHOLOGY and starts working on the leg to set up the Scorpion Death Lock. Hogan, of course, Hulks up out of it after barely selling the finisher. Hogan gives the old song and dance, but misses the leg drop. He grabs the injured leg. Sting puts him back in the SDL. DQ finish in nine minutes and change when the Dungeon of Doom comes down to interfere. The Giant plays monster heel in the aftermath. 2 ¾ and 5.5/10.