WCW Halloween Havoc 1996

"Monday Night Mayhem" Review: A Thrill Ride of Good and Bad

The MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas played host to WCW's "Monday Night Mayhem" pay-per-view event, a card that was equal parts thrilling and frustrating. Let me break it down for you.

Match 1: Dean Malenko vs. Rey Misterio Jr. (WCW World Cruiserweight Title Match)

The show got off to a hot start with this technical masterpiece. Both men traded holds and countered each other's moves in a match that was more about the art of wrestling than the result. In the end, it was Malenko's experience that won out, as he submitted Misterio with the Texas Cloverleaf. A great way to start the night (3/4).

Match 2: Diamond Dallas Page vs. Eddie Guerrero

Page and Guerrero had a fantastic match, one that showcased their unique styles. The crowd was fully invested in this one, and for good reason – both men were giving it their all. In the end, Page emerged victorious with his top-rope DVD. A great, hard-hitting match (4/4).

Match 3: The Giant vs. Jeff Jarrett

This one was a squash, plain and simple. The Giant is just too big and too powerful for Jarrett, and it showed from the opening bell. The finish came when The Giant delivered his patented sit-down splash, ending things in short order. Not much to say here (2/4).

Match 4: Syxx vs. Chris Jericho

Syxx has always been a solid worker, but Jericho is another story altogether. He's a true artist in the ring, and this match was no exception. The two men had a series of great near-falls, with Syxx ultimately coming out on top thanks to some outside interference from his nWo comrades. A great match, if a bit rough around the edges (3.5/4).

Match 5: Lex Luger vs. Arn Anderson

This one was all about Luger's power and Anderson's tenacity. The veteran Arn tried his best to keep up with the big man, but in the end, it was Luger's superior strength that won out. A solid, if unspectacular, match (3/4).

Match 6: Chris Benoit and Steve McMichael vs. Meng and The Barbarian (The Faces of Fear)

This tag team match was all about Benoit and McMichael's technical prowess. They worked well together to counter the Faces' brute strength, ultimately emerging victorious when Benoit submitted Meng with his patented Sharpshooter. A great, under-the-radar match (3.5/4).

Match 7: The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) vs. Harlem Heat

This was a great tag team match that showcased the talents of both teams. The action was fast-paced and well-executed, with both sides trading near-falls and counters. In the end, it was the nWo's superior teamwork that won out, as they captured the WCW World Tag Team Titles. A fantastic match (4/4).

Match 8: Hollywood Hogan vs. Randy Savage

The main event was everything you'd want from a title match – intense, hard-hitting action with two of the greatest performers in the business. The crowd was fully invested, and both men gave it their all. In the end, Hogan's experience won out, as he submitted Savage to retain his World Heavyweight Title. A great way to cap off an otherwise hit-or-miss show (3.5/4).

Overall, "Monday Night Mayhem" was a card that had some real highlights – particularly in the early going and the main event. However, there were also some frustrating moments, like the squash match with The Giant and Jarrett. If you're a fan of good old-fashioned wrestling, this show is definitely worth checking out.

Grade: 3.2/4

Recommendation: Worth watching for fans of technical grappling and high-flying action. Not recommended for those who prefer more traditional, hard-hitting wrestling.

Card Details

Date: 27 Oct 1996
Promotion: World Championship Wrestling
Arena: MGM Grand Arena
Attendance: 10000
Type: Pay Per View
Broadcast Type: Live
Broadcast Date: 27 Oct 1996

Matches

Dean Malenko(C) defeat Rey Misterio Jr. in a WCW World Cruiserweight Title Match
Diamond Dallas Page defeat Eddie Guerrero in a Singles Match
Match Time: 13:44
The Giant defeat Jeff Jarrett in a Singles Match
Match Time: 09:55
Syxx defeat Chris Jericho in a Singles Match
Match Time: 09:49
Lex Luger defeat Arn Anderson in a Singles Match
Match Time: 12:22
Chris Benoit and Steve McMichael defeat The Faces Of Fear (Meng and The Barbarian) in a Tag Team Match
Match Time: 09:23
The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall)(C) defeat Harlem Heat in a WCW World Tag Team Title Match
Hollywood Hogan(C) defeat Randy Savage in a World Heavyweight Title Match
Match Time: 18:37