Featured Article: Shannon Moore and Shane Helms
This is an article that compliments both Shannon and Shane. It scarcely covers the talent that Shannon and Shane possess. Please credit WCW.com for this article.
Sensational Suga
3 Count's recent battles with the Jung Dragons have allowed newcomers "Sensational" Shannon Moore and "Sugar" Shane Helms to introduce WCW audiences to their unique brand of aerial wizardry.
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Shannon at a recent 3count autograph session. |
"I grew up with Matt and Jeff in Cameron, North Carolina," says Moore, the youngest and wildest member of WCW's most-hated trio. "Jeff and I are still best friends. I wrestled my first match against him when I was in high school."
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Shane and Shane in the early days of 3count |
While Moore struggled to break into professional wrestling, Helms had already built up a substantial following in a variety of independent regions. "WCW fans haven't even seen a sliver of what I can do," said Helms. "Throughout my career, I have prided myself on my work in the ring."
Helms' reputation eventually lead him to meet another promising indy star, Matt Hardy. "We liked each other's style and became instant friends," said Helms. "We're still very close. The other day, we went and saw 'Beyond the Mat' together."
As rookie wrestlers, Helms and Matt Hardy opted to watch Japanese wrestling tapes, instead of mainstream movies. Both superstars idolized Michinoku Pro's Great Sasuke, and adopted the wrestler's Senton Bomb finisher into their repertoire.
"My version is better and Jeff can't stand it," said Helms.
In early 1999, Moore and Helms discovered their common friends and the joy of working with each other during a stint in NWA Nashville. Working as the Badstreet Boys, the sky-high duo learned the nuances of being teenage heartthrobs (back in those days, Moore and Helms actually received deafening cheers). When WCW scouts signed Moore and Helms to contracts later that year, Jimmy Hart immediately began pushing to create a new pop group with Power Plant graduate Evan Karagias.
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Shane signaling the new improved 3count |
Changes in WCW's creative department and Helms' work on the Warner Brothers film Ready to Rumble delayed the group's debut, but the pair never doubted their eventual success with the promotion. "Fans always popped for us during our independent days," said Moore, "and Matt and Jeff's success up north only reminded us that people love to see wrestlers push the limit."
"And, no offense to our boys," added Helms, "but when WCW finally allows us to really fly, we're going to make the Hardys look like a still painting."
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