WCW Monday Nitro (April 21, 1997) Review: Malenko Retains U.S. Title, Glacier Dominates, and a Chaotic nWo Confrontation

From the Saginaw Civic Center in Saginaw, Michigan, WCW Monday Nitro on April 21, 1997, kicked off with a limo pulling up, from which J.J. Dillon emerged to announce the night’s events. The first‑hour announcing team featured Tony Schiavone and Larry Zbyszko, with a brief opening pyro segment before the action began.

The opening match saw Dean Malenko defend the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship against Yuji Nagata. After a series of wrist‑lock exchanges, Malenko secured a trip and earned a two‑count, drawing cheers from the crowd. Nagata responded with a head‑scissors takedown, but Malenko broke free with a belly‑to‑back suplex and later locked in a chin‑lock. Despite crowd support for Malenko, the bout lingered in submissions before he finally forced Nagata to submit at the 6:02 mark. “This was fine but this crowd was begging to see a bit more.” **1/4**

Next, Ciclope faced Glacier. Glacier executed a series of suplexes and a “Cryonic Kick” to win in just 33 seconds, prompting a vocal “Glacier Sucks” chant from the audience. The quick defeat was noted as a “SQUASH.”

A dark‑horse moment arrived when the man who would later become Wrath made his entrance, greeting the crowd and reuniting with Mortis. The duo laid out Glacier, stole his helmet, and performed a dramatic superkick. The crowd erupted in cheers, with occasional boos, as the scene built toward the next segment.

The television title was on the line as Ultimo Dragon (with Sonny Onoo) battled Bobby Eaton. Eaton landed several powerful kicks and a running clothesline, but Dragon countered with a series of kicks and an Onoo‑aided dropkick that sent Eaton to the floor. After a rana and a Dragon Sleeper, Dragon forced Eaton to submit at 2:47, earning a solid win. “A solid win over a name for Dragon and they did what they could with less than 3 minutes.” **1/2**

Gene commented alongside Lord Steven Regal, who referenced his infamous night with Sarah Ferguson before promising to recapture the TV title at Slamboree. Regal berated Dragon, daring him to face his “best pink mask and tights.”

Meng (with Jimmy Hart) took on Chris Jericho. Meng’s early chops drew a standing ovation, but Jericho fought back with a belly‑to‑back suplex and a spinning heel kick. After a botched springboard moonsault, Jericho secured a German suplex for a two‑count, only to be caught in Meng’s Tongan Death Grip, which ended the match at 3:20. “Between the distracted crowd and things being off, this was kind of a mess.” **1/2**

Gene joined Meng and Jimmy Hart, while Kevin Sullivan and Jackie added their commentary, hyping Meng’s toughness and daring anyone to step to him. The segment ended with a brief video package on Chris Benoit, followed by the “Saturday Night” lineup: Public Enemy, The Steiners, Lex Luger, and Mortis.

Public Enemy faced The Steiner Brothers in a chaotic brawl that spilled into the crowd. The Steiners, backed by their parents in the audience, earned a major pop with a double‑clothesline, but the match ended via disqualification at 3:12. “The crowd was great and the match was just there for the brawl before and after.” **

Hour two opened with a second pyro show, and the announcing team now included Mike Tenay and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. After a recap of the first hour, Gene interviewed J.J. Dillon, who was named Chairman of the WCW Executive Committee. Dillon addressed Nick Patrick’s pending reinstatement, revealed details about Eric Bischoff’s iron‑clad contract, and noted that the nWo’s contracts were void, leaving Bischoff still under WCW obligations. A tense exchange followed, with Bischoff repeatedly telling Dillon to “bite me.”

The next contest featured Jeff Jarrett (with Debra) rematching Scotty Riggs. Jarrett dominated with a neckbreaker, gut‑wrench suplex, and the Stroke before locking in a figure‑four on the ropes. Despite Riggs’ comeback attempts, Jarrett forced the submission at 3:58. “Energetic match and even got some heat for the Reggie/Mongo match.” **

In the cruiserweight title clash, defending champion Syxx (with Kevin Nash) faced Rey Mysterio Jr. Rey initially took the early advantage, but Syxx countered with an alley‑oop and a Bronco Buster, later using the middle rope for leverage. Nash’s interference led to a series of brawls, culminating in Syxx pinning Rey at 5:55. “Fun match with an ending that made the ref look really dumb.” ***

After the match, paramedics wheeled Rey away while Syxx and Nash mocked Dillon. The crowd chanted for Sting, tossing trash into the ring as the nWo—Syxx, Nash, Bagwell, Vincent, “Sting,” DiBiase, and Norton—entered. Syxx accused Flair of ripping off Buddy Rogers, while Nash criticized Piper and Flair for leaving “young guys nothing.” The segment ended with a chaotic, time‑capped brawl that included Flair, Piper, and the nWo members.

Mid‑card action continued with Psychosis versus Diamond Dallas Page (with Kimberly). DDP quickly dispatched Psychosis with a Diamond Cutter in 49 seconds, a decisive “SQUASH.”

Randy Savage, still on crutches, appeared in the crowd with Liz, prompting a verbal showdown with DDP. DDP called out Savage for an immediate match, which was not scheduled due to the injury.

Gene then brought out Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, and Kevin Greene, only to have the nWo surround the ring once more, leading to a final, time‑expired melee that left the audience energized despite the truncated finish.

The broadcast concluded with a closing thank‑you to the viewers, leaving the crowd buzzing about the night’s chaotic blend of title matches, veteran rivalries, and the ever‑expanding nWo storyline.

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