May 1995 WCW: Savage and Flair Snap!
A complete recap from watching May 1995 World Championship Wrestling, including match recommendations, key takeaways, and show-by-show notes.
WCW returned to pay-per-view in May with Slamboree, headlined by Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage facing Ric Flair and Vader. Renegade watched their backs to neutralize Arn Anderson. Hogan and Savage introduced a secret weapon: Angelo Poffo, who taught them how to reverse the Figure Four. Vader, Flair, and Arn referred to themselves as a dream team—“The Big Three.” During the Slamboree main event, a brief shot revealed a “giant “of a man. Hogan secured the win over Flair after Arn accidentally hit Flair. Post-match, Flair snapped, attacked Angelo Poffo, and locked him in the Figure Four, possibly breaking his leg. This enraged Randy Savage, who demolished Steve Austin in the U.S. Title Tournament to send a message to Flair. Savage went one step further by getting Alex Wright disqualified, ensuring he would face Flair in the next round of the tournament. Savage stated he had no respect for Flair anymore, escalating their feud as WCW moved into June.
What you’ll find below:
Recap: A rundown of the major happenings this month.
Recommendations: A mix of interesting matches, promos, and segments.
Takeaways: My key points that stood out from the month.
Show-by-Show Notes: Comments from going through each show.
Sting concluded his feud with Big Bubba Rogers in a Lights Out Match at Slamboree. Arn Anderson still had unfinished business with Alex Wright, despite being pulled into Flair’s conflicts with Hogan and Savage. Arn and Wright delivered a strong match at Slamboree, with Arn’s veteran experience proving too much for Wright to overcome. Arn also returned to using his familiar entrance music and was no longer associated with Col. Parker.
A notable highlight in late May was WCW’s attempt to run Saturday Night live from the Charlotte Raceway on May 27. They set up a ring on the street ahead of a NASCAR race and held a Slim Jim Challenge tournament for a TV Title shot. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and the rain created difficulties for both viewers and wrestlers. Paul Orndorff defeated Flyin’ Brian in the finals to earn the title shot.
Harlem Heat and The Nasty Boys wrapped up their feud in entertaining fashion, with the Nasty Boys overcoming a sneak attack to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles in their hometown. The Blue Bloods were next in line as tag title challengers.
The Dungeon Master summoned Kevin Sullivan at Slamboree, marking the beginning of the Dungeon of Doom. The Great Muta appeared to defend his IWGP Heavyweight Title against Paul Orndorff. Muta received a grand entrance and delivered an impressive performance. Meanwhile, Diamond Dallas Page continued to gain momentum, fueled by his alleged Vegas winnings. A heartwarming moment at Slamboree came when Dusty Rhodes surprised Gordon Solie with a Hall of Fame introduction.
May 1995 WCW Recommendations
Full credit to everyone out there who makes all of this accessible. You know who you are!
Diamond Dallas Page goes car shopping (May 6 Pro)
Blue Bloods vs. Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner (May 6 Pro)
Meng video package (May 6 Saturday Night)
Randy Savage and Angelo Poffo promo (May 13 Saturday Night)
Big Bubba Rogers vs. Alex Wright (May 13 Saturday Night)
Ric Flair vs. The Patriot (May 14 Main Event)
Ric Flair & Vader vs. Los Dos Amigos (May 20 Worldwide)
Harlem Heat vs. The Nasty Boys (May 21 Slamboree)
Dungeon Master first appears and summons Kevin Sullivan (May 21 Slamboree)
The Great Muta vs. Paul Orndorff (May 21 Slamboree)
Vader, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson interview (May 21 Slamboree)
Arn Anderson vs. Alex Wright (May 21 Slamboree)
Sting vs. Big Bubba Rogers (May 21 Slamboree)
Hulk Hogan & Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair & Vader (May 21 Slamboree)
Arn Anderson vs. Alex Wright (May 22 Prime)
Arn Anderson vs. Brian Pillman (May 27 Worldwide)
Sgt. Craig Pittman vs. Brad Armstrong (May 27 Pro)
Steve Austin vs. Randy Savage + interview (May 27 Saturday Night)
Big Bubba Rogers vs. Flyin' Brian (May 27 Saturday Night)
New look Diamond Dallas Page squash + interview (May 27 Saturday Night)
Alex Wright vs. Ric Flair + post-match with Randy Savage (May 27 Saturday Night)
Wrestler of the Month: Randy Savage
Match of the Month: Hulk Hogan & Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair & Vader (May 21 Slamboree)
Promo of the Month: Vader, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson interview (May 21 Slamboree)
May 1995 WCW Takeaways
A fairly light month as they extended the long build for Slamboree. The PPV itself was solid. Ric Flair getting back in the ring has been great for the TV. He jumped back in and worked all sorts of matches.
I really liked how they escalated the Ric Flair/Randy Savage feud and made it about Flair taking out Angelo Poffo instead of just calling back to their WWF feud. They had beef when they first crossed paths but Flair took it to a new level. Made the feud feel fresh and unique to WCW.
Production has noticeably improved throughout the year and they make good use of video packages on TV and PPVs.
The live WCW Saturday Night outdoors at Charlotte Raceway was a cool idea that we’d see more of in the future with Nitro. Unfortunately the rain spoiled most of the matches.
The Dungeon of Doom stuff kicked off with Kevin Sullivan being summoned by the master. The divide is feeling real as the Hoganverse is getting goofier and everyone else is getting more serious.
May 1995 WCW Show-by-Show Notes
Current Champions
WCW World Heavyweight Champion: Hulk Hogan
WCW United States Champion: Vacant
WCW World Tag Team Champions: Harlem Heat
WCW World Television Champion: Arn Anderson
May 6, 1995 WCW Worldwide
Blue Bloods v Stars & Stripes. Good match. Building up Blue Bloods for the tag team titles. Regal and Eaton win with a distraction and the Tower of London. Nice finish.
May 6, 1995 WCW Pro
Dusty Rhodes is going into the Hall of Fame at Slamboree
Johnny B. Badd squash.
Diamond Dallas Page goes car shopping. These are short and effective.
Slamboree Control Center: Hogan and Savage have good news and bad news. The good news is that there’s no good news for Flair and Vader. Hogan insists he’ll always watch Savage’s back. Teasing a Jimmy Hart turn. Renegade’s watching all their backs. He can hold his own against Arn.
Nasty Boys squash
US Title Tournament recap
Hacksaw Duggan squash
Blue Bloods v Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner. Good match. Real tag team wrestling. The Blue Bloods gimmick is comedic on the surface but they’re just a great old school team when the bell rings. Use a nice leg trip to prevent the hot tag. Win with the distracted Tower of London again.
May 6, 1995 WCW Saturday Night
Sting squash
Meng video package of him in a gi and a waterfall. Spliced with no selling chairshots. Recommended.
Meng squash. Post-match interview on the second round match with Pillman. Col Parker’s not worried. Going to turn Flyin’ Brian into a beat up young boy like Bagwell. Good promo
WCW World Television Champ Arn Anderson squash.
WCW World Tag Team Champs Harlem Heat squash. Post-match interview. Gonna settle it with Nasty Boys once and for all.
Randy Savage vs. The Man With No Name - US Title Tournament First Round. Ok. Macho wins quick with an elbow. Flair and Arn hit the ring but The Renegade helps Macho. Vader comes out swinging a chair around but Hogan hits him with the belt. “Typical Hogan” says Heenan! Another big standoff.
Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage interview. No more sneak attacks. Their secret weapon will be Angelo Poffo. He taught them how to reverse the figure 4. Alright build.
May 8, 1995 WCW Prime
WCW World Tag Team Titles Harlem Heat v Stars & Stripes. Decent short match. Heat have cool purple hoodies. Sherri helps them win again.
May 13, 1995 WCW Worldwide
Kevin Sullivan v Man With No Name. Ok brawl. Avalanche in for the DQ. Takes out Brutus.
May 13, 1995 WCW Saturday Night
Stars And Stripes squash
The Nasty Boys squash.
Sgt. Craig Pittman squash.
Randy Savage promo with his dad Angelo. The most normal you’ll hear Randy speak. Angelo gives him advice. Thinks Flair and Arn have a devilish plan
Blue Bloods squash.
Sting promo. He doesn’t think Bubba can juggle Alex Wright and Stinger. Sting’s a magician. WCW is number one.
Big Bubba Rogers v Alex Wright. Good main event. Bubba works this well and Wright shines. Wright’s selling is improving and has good fire with the uppercuts. Bubba has to throw him over the top for the DQ. Sting saves Wright.
Vader, Ric Flair, and Arn Anderson promo. Hogan stuck his foot in his mouth. Dream team. The Big Three. It sucks that they’ve turned Arn’s focus from Alex Wright to Renegade.
May 14, 1995 WCW Main Event
Ric Flair v The Patriot - US Title Tournament First Round. Good Flair match plugging in Patriot. Arn DDT’s Patriot and Flair wins with the Figure Four to advance.
May 20, 1995 WCW Worldwide
Ric Flair & Vader v Los Dos Amigos. Renegade out right away. Savage and Hogan are under the masks. Run off Flair and Vader. Hogan and Savage cut a goofy promo. Recommended.
May 20, 1995 WCW Pro
Alex Wright squash.
Slamboree Control Center: Harlem Heat and Nasty Boys promos. Antonio Inoki, Lanny Poffo, Dusty Rhodes, Terry Funk in HOF
Kevin Sullivan squash
Sgt Craig Pittman squash
Stud Stable (Dick Slater & Bunkhouse Buck) v Flyin Brian & Johnny B. Badd. Solid match. Pillman and Badd are a good team. Pillman gets win.
May 20, 1995 WCW Saturday Night
Johnny B. Badd squash.
Meng squash. Post-match interview. Facing Pillman on Main Event.
Kevin Sullivan squash.
The Randy Savage promo with Angelo.
WCW World Tag Team Champs Harlem Heat squash.
Sting vs. Paul Orndorff - US Title Tournament Second Round. Ok match. Not too much to it. Sting wins. Post-match interview. Lights out for Big Bubba at Slamboree
Show is actually live next week in Charlotte
May 21, 1995 WCW Slamboree - A Legends Reunion - St Petersburg, FL
Eric Bischoff, Bobby Heenan, and Gene Okerlund open the show. Road Warrior Hawk showed up on Main Event and will face Meng tonight. Bischoff just wants to talk about Hogan. Heenan thinks he’s scared.
Harlem Heat promo with some cool highlights behind them. Improved production.
WCW World Tag Team Titles Harlem Heat (c) vs. The Nasty Boys - Last Chance. Fun match. Knobbs was injured earlier so Saggs is on his own. Nice start with Saggs getting some offense before Sherri intervenes. They really play up the drama of the last chance and no Knobbs. It’s the most interesting match they’ve had because of it. Sherri’s the MVP of this. She’s working her ass off. Knobbs comes out with his ribs taped ready for the hot tag. Gets it and Nastys win the titles. Short and to the point. Nasty Boys get the win in their hometown. Blue Bloods come out after. They’re next in line and it’s a natural feud.
Nasty Boys post-match interview. Three peat. Ain’t scared of anyone. Blue Bloods are next.
Kevin Sullivan interview. Feels cold. Told him not to show up. Hasn’t slept.
The Man With No Name vs. Kevin Sullivan. Short and fine. Brawl. Sullivan hits hard. Wins with the tree of woe and double stomp. The Dungeon Master comes on the screen yelling for Sullivan. The End of Hulkamania. Sullivan runs into the crowd. Come forth my son. We’ve arrived at the start of the Dungeon of Doom.
Monster Maniacs interview. Unhinged promo. Hogan says they were dog paddling from the beach. Hogan has a new tricep vein.
Angelo Poffo in HOF
Wahoo McDaniel vs. Dick Murdoch - Legends Match. Can’t do much. Show it in black and white. Not flattering to them.
Big Bubba Rogers interview. One of the few men to pin Sting. Everyone lost faith in Sting. The end of Sting. Going to run him out of WCW. Good promo.
IWGP Heavyweight Title The Great Muta vs. Paul Orndorff. Good match. Muta gets a big entrance with drums. Looks good early and keeps this moving. Orndroff is still such a great heel. Tough, can wrestle, cheats but is still a chicken when he sells. Muta wins with a great moonsault. Worked hard here.
Vader, Ric Flair, Arn Anderson interview. Vader’s growling. Arn’s going to teach Alex Wright why he should call him Mr. Anderson. Flair’s going downtown tonight. Turning the big man loose. Vader’s doing the woo. He has the biggest shoulders in the world. Python eaters. Vader’s promos are great in this feud. Recommended.
Terry Funk inducted into HOF
WCW World Television Title Arn Anderson (c) vs. Alex Wright - 30 Minute Time Limit. Good match. Arn now has his familiar music and is without Col. Parker. Wright shows some good work on the mat. Hits a nice plancha. Wright and Arn work very well together. Action escalates really well. The crowd celebrates when Arn hits the fakeout DDT. Arn retains. Arn’s veteran presence was too much for Wright to overcome.
Road Warrior Hawk vs. Meng. Decent. Hawk gets a big pop. Bischoff puts over the North Korea show finally. New Japan and WCW set the standard for pro wrestling. Both guys no sell and it rules. Brawl to a double countout on the outside. Wrestlers from the back pull the apart.
HOF Ceremony. This is LONG for a PPV. Wahoo, Funk, Inoki, Dusty, Poffo. Cody there’s there with Dusty. Dusty surprises Gordon Solie with HOF induction. Very sweet moment. Solie seems legit broken up about it
Sting interview. No chance for a rematch.
Sting vs. Big Bubba Rogers - Lights Out Match. Good match once it got going. Sting brings a table with him. Bubba’s being cautious until he can find an opening. The table is very heavy duty. Bubba uses powder. Fans are very much with Sting and everything he does. Sting stomps the table onto Bubba. Wins with the Scorpion. Feud ender.
Hulk Hogan & Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair & Vader. Strong main event tag. Michael Buffer does the intros. Arn is there and still in his gear. The Renegade gets his own introduction. Vader’s mask comes off quick as he battles Hogan. Good energy to this. Flair and Savage are great together. Finally isolate Hogan. The Giant debuts in the entrance in shades. Just a quick tease. Vader runs through a backdrop! They get the crowd back after Giant leaves. Vader actually hits the moonsault on Savage. The WCW crowds react differently to the hulk up. Arn nails Flair by mistake and Hogan pins Flair. Limited the BS and just had a good tag team match. Flair and Vader attack post match. Angelo Poffo comes in to confront Flair and Flair punches him out! Flair slaps on the Figure Four. Savage sells it big like Flair broke his dad’s leg. Strong heated angle to close setting off a new version of the Flair/Savage feud instead of it just being a callback to WWF.
Decent show. Nothing blowaway but nothing awful either.
May 22, 1995 WCW Prime
WCW World TV Title Arn Anderson v Alex Wright. Good match on par with the PPV match just doesn’t have a finish. Dusty’s really funny burying Flair on commentary. Says he should sue whoever cut his hair like that. Flair causes a DQ. Brian Pillman helps out Wright.
May 27, 1995 WCW Worldwide
WCW World TV Title Arn Anderson v Brian Pillman. Good match. Not going all out at all but still have a good match. Arn has to use the ropes to win.
May 27, 1995 WCW Pro
Key point coming out of Slamboree is Flair attacking Poffo
Jim Duggan squash.
Stars & Stripes squash.
Great American Bash Control Center: Flyin Brian gets promo time. Facing Alex Wright. Is he a flash in the pan? Alex Wright promo. Honored to wrestle Brain.
Paul Orndorff squash.
Hotline rumor is heavy negotiations between WCW and UFC Champ.
Sgt. Craig Pittman v Brad Armstrong. Good match. The first real match for Pittman. Brad is so good here. He makes Pittman look like a killer. Keep it simple. Pittman gets the armbar and Brad won’t give up. Ref stops it. Brad sells the damage big time. This way overdelivered.
May 27, 1995 WCW Saturday Night - Live in Charlotte Raceway
Eric Bischoff and Dusty Rhodes open it. They’ve got a ring set up in the street ahead of a NASCAR race. Unfortunately it’s raining and it makes it tough to see.
WCW World Tag Team Champs The Nasty Boys squash. Post-match interview in pouring rain. Knobbs likes it.
WCW World Television Title Arn Anderson (c) vs. Tim Horner. Solid match back in Center Stage. Arn wins with fakeout DDT. Post-match interview. Greatest TV champ of all-time and a better champ than Hogan. Good promo.
Paul Orndorff vs. Jim Duggan - Slim Jim Challenge Semi Final Match. Ok. Back in the rain. Very wet. Technical difficulties. Orndorff wins with the tights.
Meng squash. Post-match interview. Had Hawk’s number. Sting is next in US Title Tournament.
Steve Austin vs. Randy Savage - US Title Tournament First Round. Decent match in Center Stage. Only a few minutes but there styles meshed well. Savage wins. Point was Savage was on fire after what Flair did and had to send a message. Post-match interview. He calls Austin a great wrestler who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Promises to take out Flair. Recommended.
Big Bubba Rogers vs. Flyin' Brian - Slim Jim Challenge Semi Final Match. Good match. Work a fast pace and keep it short. Pillman dropkicks Bubba over the ref and gets a surprise pin!
Diamond Dallas Page squash. DDP has a nice new outfit. Diamond Doll is all dressed up and has the 10 signs. Uses the Diamond Cutter by name. Post-match interview. DDP and Doll doing a Savage/Liz bit. Great reset for Page. Recommended.
Paul Orndorff vs. Flyin' Brian - Slim Jim Challenge Final. Good match. Rain has cleared up a bit. Orndorff uses tights and wins TV Title shot.
Alex Wright vs. Ric Flair - US Title Tournament Round 1. Good main event in Center Stage. Get about fifteen minutes to work. Flair’s really working with Wright well. Wright potentially has it won but Savage pulls him off and goes after Ric for the DQ. Wrestlers have to pull Savage off of Flair. Savage gets in Wright’s face after and explains that he wanted Ric to win so he could face him next week. Wright understands and would do the same if Flair did what he did to his father. Savage has no respect for Flair and he’s gonna take him all the way out next week. Good promo. Recommended.
May 29, 1995 WCW Prime
Big Bubba Rogers squash.
