RIPTIDE
Intercontinental Champion
Sept. 1, 1998 - Dec. 26, 1998
Steve Austin's first defense was scheduled to be against Riptide, but inclement weather in the form of several nor-easters prevented Austin from making it to the show. Johnny Asterix, who of course always did whatever possible to screw over Steve Austin, declared the Brooklyn Brawler to be Austin's substitute. NOWF chairman Buck Norman attempted to stop the madness, but since the Brawler held a win over former Intercontinental Champion Exodus, there was no choice but to allow the bizarre substitution. Riptide, of course, made short work of the Brawler.