Pro Wrestling Chronicle

Match # 72: The Steiner Brothers vs. Scott Hall and Syxx (Nitro 10/13/97)

From a work rate standpoint, adding Syxx to Hall meant a better match than the outsiders. I always liked the idea that the three were the new Freebirds, and wished more was done with it. But politics are politics, and WCW was WCW. Funny, since those guys actually had enough control to do more if the place wasn’t such a playground joke full of free money.

This match is set just past the prime of the Steiners as thought of by most observers (good matches up until mid-96 seems to be the consensus). This is also one of the final matches for Syxx before an injury and his eventual release from WCW that set off a feud between Hall/Nash and Bischoff/Hogan behind the scenes and sometimes in front of cameras.

Hall does the survey and everyone is there to see the NWO. Sorry Steiners and inept WCW booking. Syxx does the “4 life” catch phrase. He was such a dork with spin kicks. Hall was one half of the WCW tag champs when he and Nash almost never defended them, and only seem to do so against the Steiners (who would win and then have them taken away). Finally, the Steiners come out with an NWO defector to WCW, Ted Dibiase. He ruled in Mid South, was great as the Million Dollar Man, and pretty much sucked in WCW as a mouth piece.

Hall teases the Razor’s Edge early, but the heels have to powder out of the ring. Good crowd atmosphere for this match. Syxx takes one good bump for Scott, while Hall takes a few for Rick. Hall catches Rick and sidewalk slams him in an impressive feat. Heels gain control with a numbers game and lots of tags. They cut off the ring well and it really is Freebirds style stuff. Hall is a very capable Michael PS Hayes. Scott Steiner gets the hot tag and the heels are in the right place for all their beatings and spots. This match flows well as a simple formula TV match.

They do a good false finish where Syxx is out from a top rope DDT, the ref counts two and Hall pulls him out. Larry “The Legend” is down and distracts Hall. The Steiners pull off a bull dog and Larry counts three on both heels who sell death. New Champions! At least, for the night, since something tells me this doesn’t stick either and the belts are going back to Hall/Nash. Very fun 6 minute match that accomplishes some goals and got a huge pop for the finish. 2 ¾ and 6/10.