On the May 6, 1996 edition of WCW Monday Nitro, Dean Malenko went one-on-one with Jushin “Thunder” Liger in a standout cruiserweight bout that helped establish the look and feel of WCW’s burgeoning cruiserweight division. The match opened with technical exchanges and wristlock counters, as both Malenko and Liger showcased their crisp mat-based skills before Liger gained early momentum with kicks, a senton, and a brainbuster for a near-fall. Malenko shifted the focus to Liger’s leg, working it over with targeted holds and knee strikes to slow the high-flyer’s offense, while Liger responded with handspring attacks and impactful dropkicks, including a top-rope dive to the floor. The action stayed competitive and fluid through counters and reversals; Malenko gained the upper hand with a super gutbuster and ultimately sealed the victory with a double underhook sit-out powerbomb for the pinfall. The relatively short but well-executed match highlighted both men’s contrasting styles—Liger’s aerial artistry and Malenko’s technical precision—while providing a quality segment early in the Nitro broadcast.
