[2000-04-26-WCW-Thunder] Jeff Jarrett & Eric Bischoff vs DDP & David Arquette

[soup23]

Why DDP decided to put the title on the line in these conditions, I will never know. Western Union is sponsoring Slamboree, did you know that? If not, you will hear it at least 3 times on commentary in each match. Kimberly comes out as special guest ref because why the hell not. The action is predictably awful with Arquette and Bischoff fumbling around ringside and Kimberly refusing to count any pinfall attempt by Page. Eventually Page kisses Kimberly which I guess knocks her out of commission and we have a double pin with Arquette on Bischoff after spearing him and Jarrett on Page. Mickey Jay comes in and counts the Arquette pin and he is the new world champion. In a company full of jump the shark moments, this is without a doubt the final nail in the coffin. DUD

[Loss]

The booking decision that got them what all pro wrestling booking strives to achieve -- coverage in USA Today! David Arquette wins the WCW World Title because ratings and two weeks in, Russo's run goes to shit. We don't need to walk through the disaster this one was again. All I can think of is Russo complaining on Austin's podcast that pro wrestling looks like something anyone can just come off the street and do now because the stars just look like ordinary guys, yet he's also the one that conceived this. It goes beyond the Arquette decision too. Check out the wrestler (DDP) punching the non-wrestler (Bischoff) and the non-wrestler doing the pop-up bumping for each strike. This is all maddening to watch, to the point it's sort of uncomfortable.

[GSR]

Tag match for the WCW World Heavyweight title where the man who gets the pin wins the belt. After DDP and David Arquette make their entrance, Page enquires where the referee is. Some music plays and out comes Kimberly who it transpires is the official for this match. DDP and Arquette rush their opponents and pair off, with Arquette and ‘Easy E’ fighting to the back. Swinging neckbreaker by Page, Kimberly slowly gets into position to make the count but stops at one claiming to have broken a nail. Christ! Powerbomb and Kimberly dithers about not even attempting to count the pin. Jarrett blocks a sunset flip and drops down to cover DDP, Kim fast counts him, however Page is still able to get his shoulders up in time. Bischoff returns to the ring wiping his hands as though he’s taken care of Arquette and Karate Eric even gets in a few shots at Page. DDP with a double clothesline, he unloads on his opponents and here’s David Arquette hobbling back to down the aisle. Jarrett shoots DDP at Kimberly but just about stops himself from colliding with her, although for some reason starts kissing her. Arquette with a spear to Bischoff and Jarrett nails Page with the World title belt. Kimberly appears to be in great distress in the corner after having received a smacker from DDP so a second referee is out. Both men are making a cover, the official heads over to Arquette, counts the pin for him and David Arquette is the new WCW World Heavyweight champion. To cap this off, instead of being angry and annoyed that he lost his title Page finds it all hilarious. You’re not the only one mate!

 

Where to start? Why would DDP even agree to a match like this in the first place? Defending his World title in a tag match where he could not only lose his belt by being pinned, but he could also win the match and still lose the title!!! The latter is what ended up happening and instead of being upset or devastated that he lost the most ‘presitigious’ title in his sport, DDP acts as if it’s all a joke. Which to be fair this is! Arquette at least looked like he was enjoying himself even though he’s not very good. I didn’t expect much from Bischoff, but he was worsed than I imagined with even his Karate kicks and strikes looking bad. I’ve not even started on Kimberly being the referee yet! Fast count the heels, slow count he faces. Yawn! Then to top it off we have DDP forcing himself on her. This has been one hideous month for WCW.

[AstroBoy]

Just the image of a bemused Page smiling and wandering around the ring after the match. Unbelievable. David Arquette smartly mastered the open-palm back strike for this match as him and Bischoff brawling up the ramp is like watching two men at a bingo social tear into each other. These are the moments where you laugh that such a beautiful art can insult its fans so much.

[Robert S]

As bad as this looks on paper this was even worse in execution. It's so funny that while the show ends "We're Not Gonna Take It" is playing in the background. I would guess there were loads of WCW fans back in 2000 who thought exactly that after the segment (and the show) was finished.