On this day in 1995, WCW Monday Nitro debuted live from the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Raw was pre-empted that week for the US Open, so the first Nitro aired unopposed, and the head-to-head Monday Night War didn’t start until the following week. Brian Pillman beat Jushin “Thunder” Liger in the first match in Nitro history. Lex Luger walked out unannounced during Sting vs. Ric Flair, one night after working a WWF house show in New Brunswick, Canada, and confronted Hulk Hogan after the main event. Hogan beat Big Bubba Rogers to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Eric Bischoff, Bobby Heenan and Steve McMichael called the show from ringside. #WCW #Nitro #MondayNitro #OnThisDay #WrestlingHistory