The show opened with an announcement from CEO Ric Flair. The Nature Boy booked Buff Bagwell against Goldberg and Scott Steiner in a world title match against someone to be revealed later in the show.
WCW Cruiserweight Title Contention Match
Sugar Shane Helms d. Shannon Moore
This match was made by promoters to determine the number one contender for the cruiserweight title, as both won the rights for the match last night at WCW Starrcade. After a fast paced exchange with several near falls, Sugar Shane threw Moore over the top rope to the floor. Helms turned Moore's high-risk maneuver attempt into a huge powerslam off the second rope. The singing duo went back and forth again, trading high impact moves, until Shane landed a swanton sunset flip for a close two-count. In the end, Sugar scored the win to gain the cruiserweight shot. As Helms helped Moore to his feet, Chavo Guerrero Jr. attacked the two, slamming them to the mat. The tag team fought back, however, sending the loco champion outside.
Backstage, General Rection told Cpl. Cajun what they just saw was proof Chavo was no good.
Interview: Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner with Midajah
Big Poppa came out to tell the CEO he was taking his job too seriously. Steiner ran down Flair's champion reigns, before turning his verbal attack towards DDP. The Nature Boy arrived, congratulating the champion on a hard fought win at the PPV. Ric announced Steiner would defend his gold against two men in a three-way dance at the next pay-per-view, WCW Sin on Sunday, Jan. 14. One of the opponents would be determined in a preliminary four-man tournament later in the show. The other was a mystery man, who Flair promised to reveal sometime during the Nitro broadcast.
Jimmy Hart challenged DJs from around the world to come and take him on in the ring.
Mean Gene Interview: Buff Bagwell and Lex Luger
Buff made fun of Goldberg's book, saying he and Lex were putting together a team called "Totally Buff." Scott Steiner stormed the set, telling Luger and Bagwell to find out who the mystery man was.
WCW Hardcore Title Match
Terry Funk d. Meng
Funk came on the Nitro Vision to challenge Meng, who had accompanied Kwee-Wee and Paisley to the ring. The Tongan monster charged to the back, where he was met head on by the new hardcore champion. Funk pulled out the handcuffs from the PPV, but Meng locked Terry's hands in them instead. They fought through the backstage production area, making their way into the arena. The challenger pulled a table from under the ring, slamming Terry in the head with a trashcan before sliding the wooden fixture under the ropes. Funk moved out of the way, sending Meng crashing through the table, but the beast from the islands was still able to clamp on the Tongan Death Grip. Crowbar came in and leveled Meng with a pipe wrench, leading Terry to the win. After the bout, Crowbar challenged Funk to a rematch at WCW Sin.
Backstage, Scott Steiner charged Jeff Jarrett, demanding he help find out who the mystery man was.
Mean Gene Interview: Big Vito
Vito told his brother he was disappointed and ready to take his frustrations out on the Natural Born Thrillers.
Backstage, Crowbar told Mike Awesome the '70s gimmick almost killed his career, and advised Mike to drop it as well.
WCW Championship Contenders Match
Lance Storm with Major Gunns d. Rey Mysterio Jr. with Tygress
Storm came out all business, telling the Richmond crowd the only WCW title that eluded him was the heavyweight crown, and he was ready to change that. Rey came out on fire, but Storm extinguished The Filthy Animal quickly, working over Mysterio's injured ribs. Rey caught Lance in the corner with a highflying takedown, sending the Canadian to the outside, a perfect spot for a Mysterio dive over the top rope. Back on the inside, Storm regained the advantage, and was able to clamp on the single leg crab for the submission win.
