This match on WCW Monday Nitro on January 12, 1998 was a crisp, competitive technical contest between two of the company’s most respected grapplers, Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit. From the opening bell they traded holds, counters, and suplexes in a way that showcased their strong in-ring chemistry, with Malenko working wrist locks, dropkicks, German suplexes, and even attempting his signature Texas Cloverleaf, while Benoit responded with shoulder blocks, chops, clotheslines, and powerful snap suplexes. After numerous reversals and near-falls — including counters of roll-ups and submission attempts — Benoit ultimately gained the upper hand by locking in the Crippler Crossface, forcing Malenko to submit for the victory. Immediately after the bout, Raven and The Flock jumped Benoit, attacking him and then isolating Malenko with a Ring of Saturn from Perry Saturn before they departed, furthering the ongoing Flock storyline.
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