By V ( v@hempseed.com )
10th June, '99

Today, for the first time ever, I'm going to make predictions for a PPV event in this column- WCW's Bash at the Beach. Although I follow WCW very closely and like it, I think the card is nothing short of pitiful. The only matches worth watching, IMO, are Nash vs. Savage and Knobbs vs. Kak. We've already seen all the rest. So, without further ado, here are the predictions-

Brian Knobbs vs. "Hardcore" Hak- It's really difficult predicting this and this very fact will make the match very exciting to watch. I expect a great match with maybbe a few run-ins.
Who I want to win- Hak
Who'll win- Hak by pinfall

Scot"Flash" Norton vs. Earnest "Cat" Miller- WCW would be indredibly foolish (aren't they already) to job Norton a second time to Miller. I think The Cat will be destroyed.
Who I want to win- Norton
Who'll win- Norton by pinfall

Konan/Mysterio vs. Henning/Duncum- There was a time when I used to count Curt Henning as one of my favourite wrestlers and any match of his was good enough for me to watch. But now I don't see why he is involving himself in this pointless feud and hurting his legacy.
Who I want to win- Henning/Duncum
Who'll win- Double DQ

Ric Steiner (c) vs. Sting for the TV title- I think established wrestlers fighting for the TV title is a travesty. The TV title should only be worn by the up and coming stars. I think WCW is using this match to set up a bigger feud between Sting and Scott Steiner. Mr. Steroids is somehow going to cost Sting the TV title.
Who I want to win- Sting
Who'll win- Ric Steiner by pinfall or Sting by DQ

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs. Ric Flair for the Presidentship of WCW- Piper is sure to win this one to set up an old vs. new angle.
Who I want to win- Flair
Who'll win- Piper by some sort of screw-job

Bigelow/Page vs. Saturn/Benhoit (c)- Any more week-long title reigns and i'll stop watching Nitro. Page has to realize that his time is up and it's time to pass the torch to someone younger. Oh well, at least Bigelow will get some sembelence of a push.
Who I want to win- Saturn/Benhoit
Who'll win- Page/Bigelow by pinfall

Kevin Nash (c) vs. Macho "The man of a thousand names" Savage- This is the only match, apart from the first one, that I'm really interested in. Not only will this be great entertainment, but will also determine what direction WCW will be heading in politically. I'm, of course, referring to the infamous Nash-Hogan backstage feud for the title. If Nash wins, Old Baldy will finally retire and Bischoff & co. will live happily ever after (that is until December when Nash will refuse to job). If Savage wins, it will be a terrific boost to WCW but Hogan will promptly win the title back and WCW will lose what little it had gained.
Who I want to win- No one. Hold up the title and have an under-40 tounament
Who'll win- Nash

Before writing this column, I promised myself I would not paint a bleak picture of WCW. As soon as I started writing, it was clear this promise had been broken. I was helpless.

Instead of random thoughts, I'm doing something different this time. Here are some of the lowest points in recent wrestling history:-

>> 1993- The Undertaker loses a casket match to Yokozuna after 10 men interfere. Then, as the entire crowd watches with amazement (and some of us cringe with disgust), the Underatker 'rises'- An incredibly crude image of the Undertaker is displayed on the screen with the Undertaker saying, "I will not rest in peeeeeace!".

>> 1994- A new wreslter debuts and is a sensational hit after defeating both Ted Dibiase and Razor Ramon. The only problem is he is 19 years-old, weighs 190 lbs. (much less legit) and his name is the 1-2-3 Kid (worst part is he was one of my favourites until he jumped!).

>> 1995- The Dean Of Wrestling, Dean Douglas is Vince McMahon's latest find. He appears after every match involving a high-profile wrestler and berates their wresling ability. The gimmick finally end with his 20-minute Intercontinental title reign.

>> 1996- A "Crybaby" match is held at the Royal Rumble in which Razor Ramon pins the 1-2-3 Kid, who has to wear a diaper and drink from a bottle!

>> 1997- A USA vs. Canada angle dominates the Year Of the Absurd which also includes the formation of three new 'gangs', hog-farmers turned hillbillies and the most shocking incident of all- Bret Hart being robbed of the WWF title at SS.

>> 1998- A mysterious masked wrestler known only as Chainsaw Charlie debuts as Cactus Jack's tag-team partner. Everyone is clueless about his identity until he peels his mask off to reveal that he is the 54 year-old Terry Funk.

>> 1999- An unknown 'Higher Power' is hyped for months until he is revealed to be Vince McMahon.

Due to time and space constraints, I had to begin at 1993 with the advent of the new WWF generation. Look at 1999, my message is VERY obvious.

Before ending, I'd like to apologize for a very poor column this time. I guess this has something to do with writing so much about WCW (although I'm a WCW mark). The results of my 'Best Wrestler and Biggest Draw' poll will be out tomorrow. Send all questions, comments, complaints and kudos to v@hempseed.com.

PS:- Please visit my home page at oocities.com/Colosseum/Stadium/6053.