So, in 1997 tensions had boiled over with the Bret Hart situation, his schedule, and his feelings of being held down. So, he didn't renew his contract with WWF and instead sat home waiting to make a debut for WCW. On January 5th, 1998, "The Showstopper" Shawn Michaels made his debut on an episode of WCW Monday Nitro.

Opening Segment: The nWo (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Syxx) come out to the ring to start the show. Nash and Hall introduce their "surprise" partner, who they say is a close friend and a former World Champion. Shawn Michaels' music hits, and the crowd erupts as he comes out to join the nWo in the ring. Michaels cuts a promo about how he's tired of being held back in the WWF and how he wants to come to WCW to prove that he's the best wrestler in the world.

Match 1: Chris Jericho vs. Eddie Guerrero

As Jericho makes his way to the ring, he cuts a promo about how he's tired of being overlooked and that he deserves a shot at the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. Jericho and Guerrero put on an exciting back-and-forth match, with near falls and high-flying maneuvers. Jericho picks up the win after hitting the Lion Tamer on Guerrero.

Backstage Segment: Mean Gene Okerlund interviews Ric Flair about his upcoming match against Diamond Dallas Page later in the night. Flair cuts a passionate promo about how he's going to prove that he's still the "Nature Boy" and that DDP doesn't stand a chance against him.

Match 2: Konnan vs. Buff Bagwell

Konnan and Bagwell have a hard-hitting match, with both men hitting their signature moves. Bagwell wins after hitting the Buff Blockbuster on Konnan.

Backstage Segment: Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels are seen talking backstage. Nash and Hall congratulate Michaels on his debut and welcome him to the nWo. Michaels says that he's excited to be a part of the group and that they're going to take over WCW.

Match 3: Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Juventud Guerrera (Best of 7 Series)

Mysterio and Guerrera put on a fast-paced match, with both men hitting their signature high-flying moves. Mysterio wins after hitting the 619 followed by a top rope hurricanrana on Guerrera.

Backstage Segment:

Hollywood Hogan is seen watching the show from his locker room. Hogan cuts a promo about how he's not worried about Michaels joining the nWo and that he's still the leader of the group. He gets up to leave and doesn't have his gym bag with him. Who took it?

Main Event: Diamond Dallas Page vs. Ric Flair

Flair and DDP have a hard-hitting match, with both men hitting their signature moves. Michaels, Nash, and Hall come out to the ring and start attacking Flair, causing a disqualification. DDP and Flair fight back against the nWo, but they eventually get overwhelmed by the numbers game. Michaels hits Flair with Sweet Chin Music, and the nWo stands tall to end the show.

Closing Segment: The nWo celebrates in the ring, with Michaels holding up the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Hogan comes out to confront Michaels for taking his belt. Michaels laughs so does Kevin and Scott. He hands Hogan the belt and extends a hand. "It was a joke." But Hogan looks at Nash, Hall, and Michaels and leaves.