Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 36: Scott Steiner vs. The Giant (Nitro 6/17/96)

Steiner is taped up at the ribs from a Harlem Heat attack, so that should factor in. The Giant was pretty bad ass in 1996, and he was the champ at this point too. The Giant is the WCW Champ too. If Steiner is motivated this should be a very good power contest.

Real basic meat-and-potatoes stuff here. Steiner goes for the slam or suplex and can’t get the Giant over. Giant works the hell out of those ribs. Steiner is’nt as over as you’d think while Giant is getting the heat w/ heavy forearms and chokes. The Giant sure uses his feet a lot for a guy that never kicks.

A lot of NWO talk during this one. A fascinating time to be a WCW fan because even the heel champ was being called on to fight off Hall/Nash, plus you had the mystery of who the third guy was (Hogan).

This match really isn’t to fascinating as far as the body of it. Giant throws a suplex, which I didn’t remember, and Steiner bumps more then usual (and hard given his opponent), but it’s pretty dull/average stuff. The trick to the Giant is a faster opponent I’d say.

The Steiner hope spots are okay. The place explodes when Steiner suplexes The Giant, but then it’s like after the near fall Steiner doesn’t quite know what to do offensively. The finish is what I’m sure everyone remembers. Wooden chair over the Giant’s back. No sell. The Giant puts him way up in the air and chokeslams the muscle man. Clean win for the Giant in about 12 minutes. Heenan yells “go to your room” during the pin. I love that man. The match is a novelty for the finish and the suplex on the big man before that, but it’s not even the sprint that The Giant had with Luger in terms of fun or story. 2 ½ and 5/10.