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I'm glad you featured the opening video package, providing the long-term storytelling you've conveyed over the past six months. It actually reminds me of what could have been, had the nWo stuck around in the summer of 2002 and carried out their angle with Triple H - however that would have even worked out.
I feel like one way or another, we had to get this Rob Van Dam and Eddie Guerrero Ladder match. Let's just hope that this time we didn't see a fan jump the barricade. Eddie definitely needed a win of substance like this, and I'm curious how we see him use this favour f choice. The hook has to be something associated with Mick Foley, perhaps something to bring him out of retirement again?
Very juicy match for the ECW World Tag Team Championship, but I don't feel guilty for these four for having to follow the opening Ladder match. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn were a massively underrated team due to the small stature of NWA:TNA at the time, but the outcome was for the best as a win over Lance Storm and Chris Candido makes for a star-making display. I wouldn't have been mad with a surprise here, that said. Interesting faction, and one thing I will note is that perhaps it could have used less interference from the likes of the X-Factor lads and Mike Awesome.
Youth-orientated victory for Shelton Benjamin, winning his first taste of gold. We're not far out from the time Team Angle came together, so I've no doubt Shelton was primed and ready for a main run. Hopefully he gets that as ECW World Television Champion, but I do hope Tajiri remains a credible force.
Kurt Angle getting a victory over Sean O'Haire was to be expected. won't lie, this didn't really grab me too much. It felt like more of an inevitability that Angle will be coming for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. It was a stepping stone win.
Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant had a fun match at Starrcade 1998, so seeing it four years later is certainly a choice - considering how Giant's career would pan out as Big Show. Giant was put over very strong here, but when we consider how much longer Page hangs around for as an active wrestler, it's probably for the best he start being put in this role to get other stars over. It seems you're building a lot of challengers for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
Some wild tandems in this one, namely Christian and Renee Dupree. I'd like to learn more about how those two came to be a unit. The Archdiocese of Dudleyville is a fascinating gimmick idea, very creative - maybe a little wordy? A.O.D. does have a good ring to it, though - even if it's just the D.O.A. backwards. Let's keep the Harris Brothers out of this one, huh? It felt very rushed, only receiving 6 minutes to play with - but this pay-per-view business has a time limit to adhere to after all.
I'm glad we got to see Brock Lesnar and Booker T get some serious time, as I'm sure these two would have had a solid match had they had the chance at this point in their careers. You're obviously building Brock up for a headline run more gradually that in real life, and I was happy to see how this came together. Shelton Benjamin being interwoven into this actually makes sense, coming after the Minnesota Wrecking Crew stuff in OVW. I like the added wrinkle of Shelton not going with Brock and Paul Heyman - but is it just a matter of time?
Victoria going over Molly Marvel was what it was. I can imagine they would have had a fun dynamic, but sadly in 2002 the Divas didn't get time very often. I liked Daffney's involvement, and I do think there are legs to Daffney being a homegrown star of WCW in the near future.
I won't lie, I felt like while the theatrics made every bit of sense in the world, especially with Hollywood Hulk Hogan competing in a 2002 main event. But it felt very out of place where a pay-per-view main event was concerned. With what we were told about WCW's meteoric reign of supremacy in the late 1990s, I feel like the stuff leading to Triple H succumbing to losing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship felt like a backward step. It made for a compelling cliffhanger to get us ready for Nitro and beyond.
Overall, this felt like a strong show to set us in motion for the upcoming Starrcade season. We've got a lot of stray threads, which should make more sense as we progress towards the next big event. I'll be very interested in how the New World Order stuff turns out. Your booking is very logical as it is intricate, which can on occasion come across chaotic. That, of course, is part of the time period charm, of course.
WCW Monday Night Nitro
October 28, 2002
Lawlor Events Center
Reno, NV
A video is shown recapping the events of Halloween Havoc, where Sting arrived to clear the ring of the New World Order, allowing Hulk Hogan to defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship!
Mike Tenay: “Welcome to Nitro!Don, we’re just 24 hours removed from a truly historic night! “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan is once again the WCW World Champion, the first time in over three years!”
Don West: “Mike, that match last night was insane! It was crazy enough to have Hogan and Triple H, nevermind the NWO all going to war, but for Sting to show up and turn the tide? What a night!”
Mike Tenay: “And who knows what’s in store tonight? We have a 15-foot high steel cage dangling above us and we don’t know why! My god, and here comes the new WCW World Champion now! Here comes the Hulkster!”
“Voodoo Child” plays as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan makes his way out to the ring, WCW World Championship in hand! He gets a good reaction, although perhaps not as big as you’d expect.
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “Let me tell you something, brother! I feel it tonight! The power of Hulkamania is running wilder than ever, and now, the Hulkster is your new WCW World Champion! All the Hulkamaniacs out there, you’ve been with me through the highs and lows, and this victory, this one’s for you dudes! The journey back to the top of the mountain wasn’t easy, brother. Triple H’s New World Order, they proved to be a tough obstacle. But when it comes to the power of Hulkamania, there’s no mountain too high, and no challenge too great, brother! Now, I need to throw a shout out there. Man, I never expected Sting to show up last night…”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “Stinger, I’m sure as long as I have this title, you’re gonna want a shot one day. I feel like I do owe you one, you name the time and place, and you’ve got it! Now let’s get to some immediate business tonight…”
“The Game” plays as Triple H and Eric Bischoff make their way out to the ring.
Triple H: “Did you hear that, Eric? ‘Triple H’s New World Order proved to be a tough obstacle.’ An obstacle? Is that what you think we are, Hogan? Is that what you think I am? Just an obstacle to be overcome and discarded? If that’s what you think, you have a big surprise coming. I’m no obstacle. I’m The Game! I’m the absolute best in the business. Just because some face-painted freak got involved in my business doesn’t change that fact!”
Triple H: “Yeah, I want him too. He shows up and gets in my business again I promise you they’ll be delivering Sting to the ICU!”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “Listen, brother. You act like you didn’t have all your goons out there trying to take down Hulkamania! Sting or no Sting, you don’t have what it takes to take down “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan!”
Triple H: “Is that right? Is that a fact? Why don’t we find out? Right here, tonight?!”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “You want the rematch, brother? You’re on!”
Just as Hogan accepts the rematch, Kurt Angle’s music plays…
Kurt Angle: “Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Aren’t you forgetting something, Hogan? Yeah, that’s right. Four weeks ago you promised me the very next shot if you were to win the WCW World Championship at Halloween Havoc. I don’t forget little things like that! Are you a man of your word, Hogan? Any way you slice it, you owe me for Slamboree. I’m not letting you get away with not giving me what’s rightfully mine!”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “Look Kurt Angle dude, you’re right. I did make that promise. Let me just handle Triple H once and for all…”
Triple H: “Handle me, Hogan? Is that what you think is gonna happen tonight?!”
HERE COMES THE MONEY…WCW Owner Shane McMahon makes his way out to the ring.
Shane McMahon: “Gentlemen, please, let Shane-O-Mac get this straightened out! Now I’m really not feeling this WCW World Championship rematch between Hulk Hogan and Triple H. After WCW won the War Games, frankly, I said it then, I wasn’t about to just give the New World Order title shots over and over. But I had a feeling Triple H was gonna come out here and try to get a shot, and I had a feeling despite how I felt Hulk was gonna accept to make a point. And I won’t stand in the way of that…”
Kurt Angle looks frustratingly at Shane McMahon…
Shane McMahon: “Kurt, I’m not gonna keep you waiting much longer. Saturday, November 30th, that’s the date of the WrestleWar! And while later tonight I’ll explain what the WrestleWar Match is, I can tell you, Kurt Angle, you won’t be a part of it. That’s because no matter who the WCW World Champion is, that man will defend the WCW World Championship against you Kurt Angle!”
Kurt Angle: “You know what, that sounds good to me!”
Shane McMahon: “As for tonight, as I said I saw this Hulk Hogan vs. Triple H rematch coming, even if I wasn’t for it. But I don’t want to see a repeat of last night’s mess. So yes, Hulk Hogan will defend the WCW World Championship against Triple H…in a 15-foot high steel cage match! And that’s because the boss said so!”
Mike Tenay: “WOW! Hulk Hogan vs. Triple H again, tonight! In a steel cage!”
Don West: “I can’t wait Mike! What a night this is going to be!”
Crazy and Nova lock up, but Nova takes Crazy down with a wristlock. Crazy nips up and takes Nova down. Crazy gets a hip toss, but Nova gets to his feet and responds with his own hip toss. Nova sends Crazy off the ropes, but Crazy ducks the clothesline, then leapfrogs over Nova. Crazy comes off the ropes one more time and hits a spinning heel kick that sends Nova to the outside. Crazy hits the ropes again and comes flying over the top rope with a Space Flying Tiger Drop! Crazy tries to send Nova into the barricade, but Nova counters. Crazy puts on the brakes and tries to get a head scissors, but Nova catches him and drops him face-first onto the barricade. Nova sends Crazy back into the ring and covers, 1…2…Crazy kicks out.
Nova puts Super Crazy up in a Torture Rack before spinning him around into a powerbomb! Another cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Nova sends Crazy into the corner, but when Nova runs in Crazy gets his feet up. Crazy puts Nova in the corner and hits him with hard chops, then mounts!
After the 10 punches Crazy picks up Nova and slams him with a Mexican facebuster, then follows up with an inverted surfboard, looking for the submission! Crazy eventually releases and hits Nova with a dropkick, and Nova falls back into the corner. Crazy charges at Nova, but this time Nova gets his feet up, then hops up to the second rope and hits Crazy with the Nova Blast! Cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out! Nova sets Crazy up for a powerbomb and plants him with it, ending with an elbowdrop (the Sledge-O-Matic)! Another cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out once more. Nova tosses Crazy over the top rope, but Crazy lands on his feet on the apron. Nova turns around and Crazy hits him with a springboard spinning heel kick! Crazy slams Nova down by the corner. Triple Moonsaults connect, 1…2…3!
Winner: Super Crazy via pinfall in 5:34 (Retains)
Super Crazy raises the World Cruiserweight Championship over his head, celebrating his successful defense.
***
Shane McMahon is back in his office. He looks at the camera, addressing the crowd.
Shane McMahon: “Ladies and gentlemen I have an exciting announcement, a joint venture between the Alliance of WCW and ECW. Saturday, November 30th, live on Pay-Per-View will be the WrestleWar. There have been several great ideas in wrestling’s past, especially with multi-man matches. Right here in WCW, at one time was the legendary 60-Man World War 3, Multi-Ring Battle Royal. But, my father, he had an idea you might have heard of before too, the Royal Rumble! In that one it was 30 competitors coming out in timed intervals, battle royal rules, with one man standing at the end. Each of those matches rewarded the winner with a World Championship opportunity. Our goal is to combine these ideas. To take the best of both worlds. The WrestleWar will consist of three 15-Man Royal Rumble rules matches, with 90 second intervals between each competitor’s entrance. No, not at the same time, all, three matches will take place at different times at the WrestleWar Pay-Per-View. But that’s just the beginning. The main event of the night will be the Final Battle consisting of the winners of each War Rumble. The Final Battle will be a three-way elimination no-disqualification match. Only then will we crown a winner. That winner will face either the WCW World or ECW World Champion at Starrcade! Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the WrestleWar!” Mike Tenay: "Ladies and gentlemen, you've just heard it from Shane McMahon, a groundbreaking announcement that's set to revolutionize the landscape of professional wrestling! WrestleWar is shaping up to be an event unlike any we've seen before in the history of this sport."
Don West: "Absolutely, Mike! Combining the chaos and unpredictability of the World War 3 with the excitement of the Royal Rumble, WrestleWar is guaranteed to be an adrenaline-packed event. Three 15-Man Royal Rumble matches with 90-second intervals – the intensity is going to be off the charts!"
Mike Tenay: "And let's not forget the stakes, Don. The winners of each of these War Rumble matches will head into a no-holds-barred, no-disqualification, three-way elimination match. The level of competition is going to be astronomical!"
Don West: "And the prize? A shot at either the WCW or ECW World Championship at Starrcade! This is what every wrestler dreams of, Mike. The opportunity to headline one of the biggest events of the year and possibly become the world champion. The pressure, the glory, it's all there for the taking!"
Mike Tenay: "Let’s get back on track here for our next match, as we are about to witness the debut of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville’s monster, Deacon Batista! Here they come now. Interestingly, we saw the A.O.D. kidnap Spike Dudley on RISE, but we didn’t see Spike at Halloween Havoc and he’s not here tonight either.”
Deacon Batista (w/Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von) vs. Monty Brown (w/Elix Skipper and Shane Helms)
Monty Brown and Deacon Batista trade blows in the middle of the ring to start the match. Batista wins the exchange thanks to his power and tosses Brown in the corner. Batista continues to pummel Brown, but Brown fires back with blows of his own. These blows stagger Batista. Brown hits the ropes but Batista hits a shoulder block that knocks Brown down. Powerslam from Batista, 1…2…Brown kicks out. Batista stomps away on Brown, before picking him up for more blows. Batista sends Brown off the ropes, but Brown counters the backdrop attempt with a swinging neckbreaker! Batista gets to his feet, but Brown knocks him back towards the ropes with a flying shoulder tackle! Brown runs at Batista again, but Batista clasps him up in a bear hug!
Batista tries to squeeze the life out of Brown, but Brown hits a headbutt to escape. Brown hits the ropes but Batista knocks him back down with a knee to the midsection. Big elbow to the back from Batista. Batista scoops Brown up for a running powerslam, but Brown slides behind Batista and picks up the monster himself, hitting his own running powerslam! 1…2…Batista just kicks out. Brown gets a full head of steam, but runs right into a hard spinebuster from Batista! Batista makes the cover, 1…2…Brown kicks out and the Dudleys look shocked at ringside! Batista sets Brown up for a powerbomb, but Brown backdrops him! Brown gets ready, it looks like he’s going for the POUNNNNCE! D-Von jumps into the ring, so Brown hits him with the POUNCE! Bubba comes into the ring and attacks Brown, but Helms and Skipper hit a double dropkick and send Bubba to the outside. Batista rolls to the outside as the A.O.D. leave, as the match is thrown out.
Winner: Monty Brown via DQ in 6:03
Shane Helms and Elix Skipper make sure the Dudleys know that they’re still gunning for the WCW World Tag Team Championship! The Dudleys hold back Batista from running back to the ring.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As we return to Nitro we see Sean O’Haire watching a replay of Shane McMahon’s announcement regarding WrestleWar. Eric Bischoff comes over…
Eric Bischoff: “Hey, Hunter wants to speak with you…”
Sean O’Haire: “Eric, you make sure I’m in that WrestleWar match. It’s time for a new era in the NWO...”
Eric Bischoff: “Oh, you want to go tell Hunter that yourself?”
Triple H: “He doesn’t need to say it again I heard him. Yeah, Sean? So you’re gonna just walk up and try to be the big dog just like that huh?”
Sean O’Haire: “You once told us as long as you were the champion we had to listen to you, well, you’re not the champion now, are you?”
Triple H: “You’ve got some nerve, you know that. What have you done lately? Oh that’s right, you let Angle kick your ass last night. And then, when some face-painted idiot came down and got involved in NWO business, you were the last stand. And that guy took you out in seconds. So don’t stand up to me and tell me how you’re gonna win the WrestleWar and become champion and it’ll be a new era or whatever you just said. Here’s what we’re gonna do. Shawn Michaels, he has something to attend to so he’ll be gone a few weeks. Scott and Kevin, I’ve got them working on something else. You’re gonna accompany me to ringside tonight. You’re going to ensure that nothing goes wrong tonight when I beat the hell out of Hulk Hogan and win back my WCW World Championship. How’s that sound? If you do everything, maybe Eric will get you in the WrestleWar. I can see it now. Starrcade – Triple H defends the WCW World Title against Sean O’Haire. But you need to earn that opportunity. You’re facing Booker T in a few moments right? Take him out. Get the job tonight with me against Hogan. Prove yourself for once and then we’ll talk about the WrestleWar. They’re playing the music for you so get out there!”
Sean O’Haire walks off, although he stares a hole in Triple H and Eric Bischoff when doing so.
Triple H: “Unbelievable.”
***
Booker T vs. Sean O’Haire
Booker and O’Haire lock-up and Booker kicks things off getting in some chops and punches. O’Haire fires back and punches Booker into the corner, then uses his strength to toss Booker out of the corner and half-way across the ring! O’Haire’s strength and aggressiveness surprises Booker! O’Haire continues the attack with punches that force Booker into the corner. O’Haire hits a knee to the midsection, then a couple of big right hands. Booker reverses a whip and O’Haire gets sent into the corner, and he stumbles out into a jumping Harlem sidekick from Booker! Cover, 1…O’Haire is out right away. Elbow to the face knocks O’Haire down again. Booker hits punches and chops, then knocks O’Haire down one more time with a jumping clothesline. Booker gets some momentum and runs at O’Haire, only to be stopped by the Ridge Hand! O’Haire covers Booker, 1…2…Booker kicks out.
O’Haire pounds away on Booker before picking him up and hitting a slam that sends Booker across the ring! O’Haire hits Booker with knees to the midsection, then snapmares Booker down. O’Haire kicks Booker in the spine as he has complete control of the match. Rear chinlock from O’Haire, but he releases to kick Booker in the spine again! Booker writhes in pain as O’Haire hits an elbow drop. 1…2…Booker kicks out. O’Haire shows off his power and military presses Booker over his head, but Booker escapes and lands on his feet behind O’Haire. O’Haire turns around into a side kick! Booker comes off the ropes and ducks a clothesline, then knocks O’Haire down with a flying shoulder tackle! Vertical suplex from Booker and a cover, 1…2…O’Haire kicks out. Booker gets a knee to the midsection and goes for the Scissors’ Kick, but O’Haire avoids it…just to run into a roundhouse kick from Booker. With O’Haire recovering, Booker busts out a Spinarooni! Booker whips O’Haire into the corner, only O’Haire leaps up to the top rope, and backflips over Booker! O’Haire runs at Booker, but Booker turns around and catches O’Haire with the Bookend! 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 7:25
Booker T makes the belt motion with his hands to indicate he wants the WCW World Championship…as Sean O’Haire slams the canvas in frustration.
***
Nitro returns to Shane McMahon’s office. Shane looks to be working on something when The Giant barges in.
Shane McMahon: “Whoa, big man…”
Giant: "You’ve gotta be kidding me. What the hell does it take for me to get a title shot around here? I smash Diamond Dallas Page last night, and that means nothing? Now Triple H gets a shot after we beat him at War Games? And what’s Kurt Angle done that’s bigger than what I’ve done?”
Shane McMahon: “Look, the champion accepted the challenges and had that deal with Kurt Angle. It’s how it played out…” Giant: "The champion? You mean Hogan, huh? I knew it man. I knew Hogan would get in the way.”
Shane McMahon: “Giant, the way this WrestleWar match works, you gotta be the big favorite to win it all.”
Giant: "So I gotta go win WrestleWar too now? I bet Hogan would run away from that somehow too. Shane, a year ago I came here and I told you what I wanted. I wanted to be WCW World Champion. And quite frankly I don’t feel like I’m getting the chances I deserve and with Hogan around I get the feeling it’s gonna stay that way. Shane, forget your WrestleWar. I’m out of here.”
The Giant leaves and slams the door on his way out, and Shane doesn’t know what to make of the Giant saying he’s ‘out of here’!
***
Kevin Kelly: "Kevin Kelly here with Booker T. Booker, great win tonight after a disappointing loss to Brock Lesnar last night at Halloween Havoc. But what’s next for you?”
Booker T: “Yeah it was a good win, but I’ll tell you right now, it ain’t done between me and Brock. I gotta give him credit. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s a tough kid and he got the better of me last night no doubt. But it ain’t my first loss. I’ll come back better. Me and Brock will do the dance again and next time I don’t think the result is gonna be the same. As for what’s next, I’m focused on the WrestleWar. That’s my chance to get a shot at the big gold. I’m gonna win the WrestleWar, the WCW World Title and take out Brock on the way!”
Paul Heyman steps into the shot, and Booker sizes him up immediately.
Booker T: “You got somethin’ you wanna say?”
Paul Heyman: "Let me be clear in letting you know that Brock Lesnar is not here tonight. Admittedly, you did a good number on him last night and Brock respects that. But however you want to lay it out, Brock Lesnar beat you last night Booker T. I’m also here to let you know that Brock Lesnar will also be entering the WrestleWar, so if you want even a remote shot at winning the event you will have to get by Brock Lesnar. Good luck Booker T. And by the way, you’re new friend Shelton Benjamin, you might want to let him know to watch his back.”
As Paul Heyman walks off, Booker tells Kevin Kelly one more thing.
Booker T: “Brock Lesnar’s ass in trouble. Dig that.”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis vs. William Regal and Fit Finlay (w/Dave Taylor)
Psicosis and Juvi attack Finlay to start the match. They hit Finlay with a double dropkick. Juvi springboards over the top rope and hits Finlay with a legdrop. Quick cover just gets one. Regal gets a blind tag as Juvi tags Psicosis back in. They hit another double dropkick, but Regal nails both of them from behind. Regal stomps away on Psicosis before locking in a standing armbar. Regal drags his boot against Psicosis’ face then takes Psicosis down. Regal reaches out to make the tag. Regal holds Psicosis up and Finlay hits him with a dropkick off the second rope. Finlay covers Psicosis, 1…2…Juvi breaks up the count. Finlay stops on Psicosis before tagging Regal back in. Butterfly suplex from Regal. Regal covers Psicosis, 1…2…Juvi breaks it up again. Regal pounds away on Psicosis and tags in Finlay. Finlay sends Psicosis off the ropes, but Psicosis comes back with a flying headscissors!
Psicosis leaps towards his corner and makes the tag to Juvi! Springboard missile dropkick from Juvi connects on Finlay! Spinning heel kick knocks Regal down! Juvi catches Finlay with a rocker dropper, then heads to the top rope. 450 Splash connects on Finlay, 1…2…Dave Taylor puts Finlay’s foot on the bottom rope and that breaks the count…although Juvi thinks he’s won! Psicosis saw what Taylor did and comes off the apron with a somersault senton! Finlay heads to the outside and slams Psicosis into the barricade as Juvi chops away on Regal. Regal blocks a chop though, and takes Juvi down…locking in the Regal Stretch! Juvi has no choice but to submit.
Winners: William Regal and Fit Finlay when Regal made Juventud Guerrera submit in 4:38
***
WCW United States Champion Christian along with Rene Dupree make their way out to the ring.
Christian: “Alright, alright, settle down everyone. I know you’ve been waiting all night to see a star at my statue all night. What kind of United States Champion would I be if I didn’t appear for my fans across the world. Imagine if you turned on Nitro and I was nowhere to be seen? You’d have a line a mile long asking for refunds! But I’m here as WCW’s biggest star so you bigwigs in the back don’t have to worry about things. Now for the announcement that will pump the next Pay-Per-View buyrates through the roof…I’m formally announcing my entry into the WrestleWar on November 30th. I plan to win the WrestleWar, then go ahead on to Starrcade and win the WCW World Championship, walking out as a double champion…”
Rene Dupree bumps Christian, trying to get his attention.
Christian: “Oh yeah, and Rene Dupree, he’s entering too.”
Rene Dupree smiles and begins to pose while Christian continues on.
Christian: “As for this United States Championship, I feel as if I’ve exhausted all challengers. If someone can step up and impress me, maybe I’ll consider giving that person a shot, but it’s unlikely at this point. Right now I’m focused on…”
Kurt Angle’s music plays as Christian looks on in fear. As soon as Angle enters the ring, Christian bails. Dupree attacks Angle, but gets hit with a belly-to-belly suplex for his efforts! Angle walks back up to the announce position near the top of the stage as we head to commercial.
Kurt Angle: “Honestly, I think we all wanted Christian to shut up. We’ve got a World Title Match to get to!”
The cage begins to come down as we head to our last commercial.
Triple H immediately gets the upperhand and punches away at Hogan. HHH attempts to slam Hogan into the cage, but Hogan blocks. HHH tries again, but Hogan blocks again. HHH hits Hogan in the midsection then brings him over to the other side of the cage, but Hogan blocks again. This time Hogan slams HHH into the cage! Hogan punches away at HHH before sending him off the ropes and hitting him with a back bodydrop! HHH backs into a corner and catches Hogan with a boot to the face. HHH sends Hogan off the ropes and hits him with a knee to the face. HHH sends Hogan into the corner, but Hogan explodes out of the corner and knocks HHH back down with a clothesline! With HHH struggling to recover, Hogan plays to the crowd, cupping his hand to his ear. Hogan goes to pick HHH back up from the mat, but gets hit with a low blow!
Kurt Angle: “I thought Hogan would be smarter than that.”
HHH locks Hogan in a sleeper and wears Hogan down. Referee picks Hogan’s arm up twice and it goes down, but the third time Hogan finds the strength to make his comeback! Hogan fights out of the sleeper, but when he comes off the ropes HHH uses his momentum to slam him into the cage, busting him wide open! HHH locks in an Indian Deathlock, demanding that Hogan submit! Hogan tries to get the power of Hulkamania to help him escape, but HHH has the hold locked in good. Hogan finally manages to power out, but HHH still has control and hits him in the head with a knee drop. HHH covers Hogan, 1…2…Hogan kicks out! Hogan gets to his feet and he’s starting to shake, but HHH boots him and plants him with the Pedigree! HHH covers, 1…2…Hogan kicks out and begins to Hulk Up!
Kurt Angle: “That’s one thing I might have to figure out, where does he get this from?”
HHH fires away at Hogan to no effect. Hogan with a block, then he points at HHH and the crowd is with him! Big right hand from Hogan! Another one! Three! Hogan sends HHH off the ropes and hits the big boot! Off the ropes again…but the legdrop misses as Triple H moved out of the way! HHH grabs Hogan and slams him into the cage again! HHH does this a second time, with blow splattering everywhere! HHH makes the cover, 1…2…but Hogan still kicks out! HHH then yells at Sean O’Haire and tells him something. O’Haire and Eric Bischoff harass the referee on the outside and O’Haire gets the key to the cage door…
Kurt Angle: “Well, like hell am I gonna let this go on!”
With Sean O’Haire trying to get the lock on the cage open, Kurt Angle runs down and attacks him! Angle pummels away at O’Haire, but Bischoff hits Angle with a karate kick…that has no effect. Angle chases Bischoff off, which allows O’Haire to slam the cage door in Angle’s face when Angle turns back at him! O’Haire goes under the ring and grabs a sledgehammer. O’Haire tosses the sledgehammer into the ring…a bit too far! Hogan and HHH both get their hands on the sledgehammer, and after a tussle, Hogan shoves HHH off, knocking him into the entering O’Haire, then smashes the sledgehammer over HHH’s head! Hogan comes off the ropes and hits the big legdrop! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan via pinfall in 11:26 (Retains)
O’Haire slides into the ring, but Hogan smashes him with the sledgehammer too! Hogan exits the cage, WCW World Title belt in hand and bumps into Kurt Angle on the outside. HHH, now busted open, struggles to get to his feet and angrily looks at the downed O’Haire, just as Nitro goes off the air!
WCW World Champion
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster (Focusing On This Show)
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise.
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar assuming Hogan is champion at that point
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. Recently he’s tangled with Kurt Angle as he tries to protect HHH’s World Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven.
Really fun Nitro here, RDT. I liked the thread throughout the show with O’Haire giving it the big one and then first getting punked by Booker and then fucking up in the main event. Hogan and Angle promises to be really good.
The Wrestlewar concept is really fun and honestly a huge task to take on but I’m really pumped for it. There’s so many stories you can tell with the three separate battle royals. Giant intrigued me as well so interested to see where he goes next.
Good stuff as usual, and congrats again on BTBOTM!
ECW RISE
October 31, 2002
Chiles Center
Portland, OR
Raven:“The hour draws near. You’ve all heard my words, felt the chill of my warning, but you all still fail to comprehend the depth of the abyss you’re about to step into. As Mick Foley made clear, this is not a match, this is Raven’s Nightmare. The rules of your world do not apply here. Sandman, you wander through the darkness, beer in hand, masking your fears every time alcohol touches your tongue. Your courage is nothing but a façade. Tommy Dreamer, ECW’s martyr, will once again try to sacrifice himself for a misguided cause, in this case, my destruction. Sabu, the reckless daredevil. Your destructive tendencies will be your undoing. Mike Awesome, the man who believes his sheer strength and unmatched agility will be his ticket to the ECW World Championship tonight. What you fail to realize Awesome is that your strength, when matched against the master of psychological warfare. Big muscles are always rendered useless against a twisted and tormented mind. Lastly, Bam Bam Bigelow. Despite commanding fear and respect, you and I both know that even beasts are afraid of something. The flames you wear will be extinguished by the cold, suffocating darkness of my mind. Sandman, Dreamer, Sabu, Awesome, Bigelow, welcome to MY NIGHTMARE! Quote the Raven, Nevermore!”
Joey Styles:“Welcome to ECW RISE! Tonight, it’s Halloween Night…and that means we will see Raven’s Nightmare, a six-man match for the ECW World Championship. Mick Foley stacked the deck against Raven, as anyone can pin anyone to win Raven’s title tonight…but Raven has to beat all five of his opponents!”
Tazz:“I gotta say Joey, as much as I don’t mind seeing Raven get what’s coming to him, I don’t know if this is a fair deal that Mick Foley has set for Raven tonight. Don’t forget, Raven’s Warriors are banned from the building too!”
Joey Styles:“But Tazz, what’s really surprising is that Raven seems awfully confident tonight…and also, the other big story. Eddie Guerrero is on his way out to the ring here. He defeated Rob Van Dam in the Any-Match-You-Want Ladder Match and well, let’s see what Guerrero wants.”
Eddie Guerrero stands in the middle of the ring, smirk on his face, mic in hand.
Eddie Guerrero:“What’d I tell you all, huh? I told you all that I could beat Rob Van Dam mano-a-mano, straight up and well that’s exactly what happened! So Mick Foley, let’s not waste anytime. I can have any match I want and I don’t need to wait and think about it! Come out here now!”
ECW Commissioner Mick Foley makes his way to the ring.
Mick Foley:“Eddie, congratulations on winning the Any-Match-You-Want Ladder Match this past Sunday at Halloween Havoc. I’ve already out together the paperwork for Eddie Guerrero to main event November to Remember, Sunday, November 24th against whomever the ECW World Champion is. You earned it, congratulations once again…”
Eddie Guerrero:“Wait one second el Comisario! Now you’re right, Eddie Guerrero will be in the main event of November to Remember, where I belong! But it won’t be for the ECW World Championship. I’ll challenge for the ECW World Championship after I win the WrestleWar! I’ve got someone else in mind for my main event match at November to Remember!”
Mick Foley:“What…you want to fight Rob Van Dam again?”
Eddie Guerrero:“I don’t need to beat Rob Van Dam again. When I’m champion after Starrcade perhaps I’ll give him a shot. But other than that, there’s no need! At November to Remember, I want the biggest star ECW has to offer!”
Mick Foley:“I don’t know where you’re going with this, Eddie.”
Eddie Guerrero:“I wrestle in ECW because that was my ticket back to the big time. But I’ve outgrown the competition here. But there’s still someone who matches the stardom of Latino Heat! I’ve never been in the main event before in the United States even though in this ring no one can touch me! My first major main event on Pay-Per-View in the United States needs to be against the biggest star ECW has to offer. For my opponent for the November to Remember, I choose to face…Cactus Jack!”
“FOLEY!” “FOLEY!” “FOLEY!”
Mick Foley:“I…look, Eddie. I made a commitment becoming the ECW Commissioner and part of that was never to get back in the ring again…”
Eddie Guerrero:“I don’t care about your commitments. That contract I pulled down at Halloween Havoc said any match I wanted!”
Mick Foley:“Eddie, Cactus Jack is dead. Brock Lesnar made sure of it at Barely Legal. There’s nothing left there Eddie. I still carry the burns from the F5 that Lesnar used on me through the flames. Anyone else I can make happen. But not him. Not Cactus Jack.”
Eddie Guerrero:“Cactus Jack is dead?”
Mick Foley:“Cactus Jack is dead.”
Eddie Guerrero:“Well then so is my ECW career. If anyone wants to see Eddie Guerrero wrestle again, make sure to tune into Nitro next week! I’m out of here!”
Guerrero walks out of the ring and up the ramp…
Mick Foley:“Eddie, wait!”
Guerrero stops on the middle of the ramp…
Mick Foley:“I…I can’t give him to you…”
Guerrero waits for a few seconds, then finishes walking up through the entrance. Mick Foley looks frustrated in the ring as RISE goes to commercial.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
We return to RISE…and find ourselves in the same room we saw Victoria cut a promo on Molly Marvel for their match at Halloween Havoc (aired on 10-14 Nitro). After camera cuts through spiderwebs and red lighting, screaming is heard. The camera looks for the sources of the scream…and finds Daffney…
Daffney:“HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Your resident Scream Queen is delighted to let you all know that she is FREE from the twisted whims of Victoria! Victoria, I have broken free and now you must face me in our haunted playground, the ring at November to Remember! I’ll be the ghost that haunts your every move, the witch that curses your every step! You’ll realize when it’s all over, after your, not mine, but your screams create a symphony of delight to my ears, you’ll learn that the real horror wasn’t losing the World Women’s Championship…it was facing the fury of the princess of the carnival of carnage! At Halloween Havoc, you brought her to life! Long live the Living Dead Girl! Hehe…see you soon Victoria!” Daffney lets out one last as the camera fades to black…
Tazz:“Jeez, I thought Victoria was somethin’. That girl is nuts Joey.”
Joey Styles:“I’ve heard that it’s a done deal, Victoria will have to defend the World Women’s Championship against Daffney at November to Remember. Also, some news Tazz, is that there will be a WrestleWar Battle Royal for the women as well at WrestleWar. Winner of that gets a shot at the Women’s Championship at Starrcade! Anyway, we have our opening contest coming up, featuring the new ECW World Television Champion: Shelton Benjamin! He’s taking on your cousin, Tazz!”
Benjamin and Chetti lock-up and chain wrestle a bit to start the match. Chetti surprisingly wins the exchange and gets a headlock takeover on Benjamin. Benjamin gets back to his feet and leapfrogs over Chetti before hitting Chetti with a spinning heel kick! Chetti retreats to the outside, but Benjamin doesn’t give him any time to recover as he comes off the ropes and leaps over the top with a somersault plancha! Benjamin slams Chetti into the guardrail, but when he leaps at Chetti he misses and crashes right into the steel! Chetti slides Benjamin into the ring and makes a cover, 1…2…Benjamin kicks out. Chetti takes Benjamin down with a unique droptoehold set-up by a kick, the moves to the headlock. Benjamin counters with a Northern Light suplex, 1…2…Chetti kicks out!
Chetti gets a hip toss and legdrops Benjamin in the back of the neck. Belly to belly suplex by Chetti! Chetti heads to the apron, then leaps back into the ring with a double springboard moonsault, but Benjamin moves and Chetti crashes onto the canvas. Benjamin now hops onto the apron and waits for Chetti to get back to his feet, and nails him with a springboard clothesline! Chetti staggers back to his feet but walks right into a back bodydrop! Running knee lift from Benjamin nearly knocks Chetti out. Benjamin follows with the T-Bone Suplex, 1…2…3!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin via pinfall in 4:39 (Retains)
Shelton Benjamin’s celebration of his first title defense is cut short when Brock Lesnar’s music plays!
Joey Styles:“Oh my god…is Brock Lesnar here?!”
Tazz:“I don’t know, I’ll…THERE HE IS!”
Brock Lesnar walks out to the stage and Shelton Benjamin dares him to come to the ring. Lesnar obliges and Benjamin immediately tries to take him down. Lesnar gets a knee to the midsection, then drops Benjamin with the F5! Lesnar roars in the ring as Paul Heyman runs down to tell him that he’s inflicted enough punishment.
Tazz:“That’s payback for Halloween Havoc, Joey.”
Joey Styles:“You know Shelton Benjamin isn’t going to take this lying down!”
***
RISE cuts to CommissionerMick Foley’s office, where he takes a phone call…
Mick Foley:“Hello, yes, hi Stephanie. Yeah I can put you on speaker.”
Stephanie McMahon:“Thank you, Mick. Mick, what is going on over there?”
Mick Foley:“It’s been a tough night, Stephanie, but I assure you I’ll have it all figured out.”
Stephanie McMahon:“I hope so. WCW and ECW have an agreement to allow talent to appear on any show they want, but you know most talent is going to pick the WCW side. When we have talent competing for us in ECW we can’t afford to lose them. We need Eddie Guerrero back, competing on ECW TV.”
Mick Foley:“I know Stephanie, but I can’t get in the ring again…”
Stephanie McMahon:“And to be clear, I don’t want you to either. I hired you over Paul because I needed you to be impartial. And that does require you abstain from wrestling again. Speaking of being impartial, what’s the deal with this Raven’s Nightmare thing? You’ve stacked the deck against him quite a bit. I understand that maybe there’s some history back in the old ECW days but again, I need you to be impartial here. I’m not going to cancel this match on you, but I am going to modify the rules a bit.”
Mick Foley:“I mean it’s not that bad…”
Stephanie McMahon:“Mick, you have him needing to beat everyone when no one else has to. Mick, tonight, Raven only needs to beat one man to retain the ECW World Championship tonight, and for him to lose the title, he directly needs to be pinned or made to submit, is that clear.”
Mick Foley:“It’s a done deal.”
Stephanie McMahon:“Get your head straight, Mick, I need you here. We’ll talk next week.”
Mick Foley hangs up the phone, looking very annoyed at the conversation he just had with ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon.
Raven sits in the corner as his five opponents make it to the ring. All five men approach him before Bigelow attacks Awesome to get the match started. Raven bursts out of the corner and goes after Dreamer, but Sandman attacks Raven. Sabu, who entered the ring with a chair, leaps off the chair and nails Dreamer, Sandman, and Raven in the corner with Air Sabu! Awesome and Bigelow’s brawl spills to the outside, so Sabu launches himself over the top rope and nails them both! Raven stomps away on Dreamer and Sandman, but both Dreamer and Sandman recover and start to pound on Raven. Sandman hits the ropes, but accidentally hits Dreamer with a clothesline when Raven ducked out of the way. Raven grabs Sandman’s kendo stick from the corner and whacks Sandman over the head with it. Cover, 1…Dreamer pulls Raven off and hits him with a couple of jabs, but Raven just low bridges him. Raven props Dreamer on the top rope and positions Sabu’s chair in the ring, then tosses Dreamer off the top rope right into the chair! Raven poses in the middle of the ring, but when he turns around he’s taken out by a springboard clothesline by Awesome!
Awesome plants Raven with a belly-to-back suplex. Dreamer and Sandman attack Awesome from behind and hit a double Russian legsweep. Bam Bam runs over Dreamer, but Sandman cracks Bigelow in the head with the kendo stick. Sabu throws a chair at Sandman, grabs the chair again and tosses it off Raven’s head too! Sabu jumps up to the second rope with the chair. He goes for the Arabian Facebuster on Raven, but Dreamer went for a pin and Sabu ended up getting him in the back of the head. Sabu takes the chair again, but Awesome clotheslines it in his face. Bigelow and Awesome trade blows. Bigelow goes for Greetings From Asbury Park and plants Awesome…only for Awesome to stand right back up and flip Bigelow off! Awesome kicks Bigelow then plants him in the middle of the ring with an Awesome Bomb! Raven nails Awesome from behind, but there’s not much effect. Awesome kicks Raven and sets him up…Awesome Bomb to Raven! Awesome points to the sky and heads to the top rope to finish off Raven, but Albert from X-Factor runs down and shoves him off!
X-Pac and Justin Credible run down to help Albert, but Lance Storm and Chris Candido intercept them in the aisle way! Albert pounds away on Awesome in the ring, but Awesome fights out of a Baldo Bomb. Awesome kicks Albert then has him set up for an Awesome Bomb…and carries him to the edge of the ring…Awesome Bomb through a table on the outside! Awesome heads to the top rope, and he gets stopped by Sabu. Awesome and Sabu fight on the top rope…but the crowd starts to really go crazy as The Outsiders are here now too! Kevin Nash grabs Awesome from the top rope and throws him from the top into the steel railing! Scott Hall and Kevin Nash beat the hell out of Awesome on the outside, but the match goes on! Sabu comes off the top with a legdrop on Raven, but Raven moves and Sabu crashes into the canvas. Nash and Hall dump Awesome into the crowd as that brawl continues.
Dreamer and Sandman trade punches before Bigelow knocks them both down. Bigelow picks Dreamer up over his head, but Sandman hits a low blow. Double DDT from Dreamer and Sandman to Bigelow. Raven low blows both Sandman and Dreamer. Raven hooks Sandman, Evenflow DDT! 1…2…Dreamer makes the save! To add to the chaos, Spike Dudley slowly walks down to the ring with a metal incense burner…
Joey Styles:“Now what’s going on? Is that Spike?”
Tazz:“It’s Spike Dudley, Joey!”
Joey Styles:“He’s dressed like an altar server or altar boy or whatever you want to call it!”
Raven sends Dreamer off the ropes, but Dreamer counters a spinebuster with a DDT! Dreamer makes the cover, 1…2…Spike bashes the incense burner off Dreamer’s head, with a brief flame popping out! Raven takes Dreamer and plants him with an Evenflow DDT, 1…2…3!
Winner: Raven when he pinned Tommy Dreamer in 12:14 (Retains)
Spike Dudley stares at Dreamer and Sandman in the ring in a creepy way. Dreamer holds his eye, struggling to see as Sandman checks on him. Raven grabs the ECW World Championship and sneaks away, still champion. The last shot of ECW RISE is Commissioner Mick Foley shaking his head at the result of Raven’s Nightmare.
WCW World Champion
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE.
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after an losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero has promised to appear on Nitro as a result
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar assuming Hogan is champion at that point
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. Awesome has had his chances at winning big gold, and looks determined to get the NWO and X-Factor out of his and Total Impact’s way for good
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. Recently he’s tangled with Kurt Angle as he tries to protect HHH’s World Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
UPCOMING PAY-PER-VIEW
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
I think I may have mentioned this to you before, but you write Raven so well. Along with some of those recent Dudley promos, Raven promos are probably your consistent best. The concept of all the wrestlers trying to earn a spot in Raven’s nightmare has been good, so I didn’t mind the show opening with Raven basically putting over why none of them will be successful. The reference to Bigelow’s flames on his head was especially cool, but yeah, good stuff. Smart to start the show referencing what easily will be the biggest thing on it.
I’m honestly torn on the Eddie/Foley stuff here. I think overall it would be a program, but there’s a little thing that irked me here. Let me start from the beginning, the concept of choosing your own match is fun, so I was really looking forward to hearing from Eddie after that ladder match. I think the thing that bothers me here is as a concept, the World Title should be the most important thing in the world to a wrestler, so for Eddie to choose not to use it on that, even when Foley offered to him, feels a bit off for me. I know he mentioned WrestleWar but why go through a Royal Rumble and another match to win the title, when you can, you know, just win it? With that being said, I do love the idea of Eddie wanting Cactus Jack, and the element of Foley not being able to, so then Eddie is ready to quit ECW. It’s all really awesome. Can’t wait to see how this develops in the coming weeks, it’s sure to be a lot of fun.
Daffney promo was written well and fine. Angle has been booked well and it was good to see her finally stand up for herself at Halloween Havoc.
Shelton always beating Chetti here since he just won the title, but that’s not what we’re here for. Brock coming out and drilling him with an F5 continues their thing that started when Shelton teamed with Brock a few weeks back. I’m all for a Shelton/Brock match down the line, especially if Heyman can cut some epic promos playing on their history together.
Stephanie laying the law with Foley is such a smart move. Foley dealing with pressure from above will surely make him break, or make him realise he’s not a corporate guy at some point. Anyway, the stuff about Eddie needing to be on WCW works for that angle. I’m not big on the rules of Raven’s Nightmare match being changed like this on the night of the match itself, but I get it needing to happen so Raven can actually retain without shitting on half the roster.
Quite a bit to unpack in the main event. Firstly, I’m happy that Raven retained, feels like the right move. X Factor getting involved and Candido and Storm stopping them works to progress that angle, and honestly, not sure if I missed it when reading previous shows, no idea if there is a past between Awesome and The Outsiders. Interesting attack for me. The BIGGEST twist here though was the appearance of Spike, and it looks like he may be joining his brothers’ epic gimmick which I’m really excited about. Great main event.
A few minor things which is just me being picky, but this BTB is progressing AMAZINGLY well right now. Enjoying basically everything on it.
I’m honestly torn on the Eddie/Foley stuff here. I think overall it would be a program, but there’s a little thing that irked me here. Let me start from the beginning, the concept of choosing your own match is fun, so I was really looking forward to hearing from Eddie after that ladder match. I think the thing that bothers me here is as a concept, the World Title should be the most important thing in the world to a wrestler, so for Eddie to choose not to use it on that, even when Foley offered to him, feels a bit off for me. I know he mentioned WrestleWar but why go through a Royal Rumble and another match to win the title, when you can, you know, just win it? With that being said, I do love the idea of Eddie wanting Cactus Jack, and the element of Foley not being able to, so then Eddie is ready to quit ECW. It’s all really awesome. Can’t wait to see how this develops in the coming weeks, it’s sure to be a lot of fun.
Quite a bit to unpack in the main event. Firstly, I’m happy that Raven retained, feels like the right move. X Factor getting involved and Candido and Storm stopping them works to progress that angle, and honestly, not sure if I missed it when reading previous shows, no idea if there is a past between Awesome and The Outsiders. Interesting attack for me. The BIGGEST twist here though was the appearance of Spike, and it looks like he may be joining his brothers’ epic gimmick which I’m really excited about. Great main event.
A few minor things which is just me being picky, but this BTB is progressing AMAZINGLY well right now. Enjoying basically everything on it.
Thanks for the detailed feedback! I wanted to explain a couple of things about these two points!
I added a roster section to the end the last couple of shows that outlines every competitor's history in a spoiler tag. If you aren't sure about someone's motivations, you can look in that and hopefully it'll answer them. I just implemented this on the most recent two shows (Nitro and RISE) to help explain the things that aren't clear.
Bold #1 - I'm with you that I'm aware there's a hole in this story and really I didn't know how to get to the match I'm shooting for without addressing that Eddie isn't going for the ECW World Title, while trying to plant some seeds for Mick Foley's eventual storylines. I thought of having Eddie and RVD hot potato the ECW Title (with Eddie winning it at Cyberslam and RVD winning it back on a RISE or even dropping it to Raven in a three-way at Fall Brawl) but I didn't really love that either (wanted to give RVD's reign some time), and it would have clashed with something I have in mind for Eddie in the future for this BTB (if it makes it that long!) But you're right to feel a little off there for sure.
Bold #2 - There's a long term story here and a reference to a short term one that was briefly hinted on Nitro. The long term one (which is mentioned in the brand new roster page) is that Total Impact (Awesome, Storm, Candido) and the New World Order have been at odds since the NWO invasion of ECW back in May, with Justin Credible turning to the NWO (he was originally in Total Impact instead of Candido). X-Factor is like the NWO B-Team and Total Impact has battled them throughout the summer. Total Impact has basically been in a proxy war with X-Factor (and the FBI, who also have worked with the NWO) being the main people they've been battling. The short term version is that Total Impact did try to fight off the NWO in the HHH-Hogan match at Halloween Havoc, and HHH mentioned on Nitro that Nash and Hall were working on something and not at Nitro. This something was the attack on Awesome for revenge to cost him the ECW Title.
WCW Worldwide
November 2, 2002
McKenzie Arena Chattanooga, TN
Scott Hudson: “Hello everyone, Scott Hudson here on this edition of WCW Worldwide. We have three matchups on today’s show. We will see two women who have stated their intention to compete in the Women’s WrestleWar, Ivory and The Phoenix. Right now, the Archdiocese of Dudleyville’s enforcer, Deacon Batista, is on his way to the ring!”
***
Deacon Batista vs. Hugh Morrus
Morrus attacks Batista right away, clubbing him with forearms. Batista shoves him away, but Morrus goes right back into the attack. Morrus comes off the ropes, but a Batista shoulder block sends him to the outside. Batista slams Morrus into the ring steps, then slams him into the apron before rolling him back into the ring. Batista picks up Morrus and hits a powerslam, 1…2…Morrus just kicks out. Batista pounds away at Morrus in the corner then whips him into the corner. Batista charges in but Morrus gets his feet up. Morrus slams Batista then heads to the top rope. Flying elbow drop connects! Cover, 1…2…Batista powers out. Morrus comes off the ropes and hits Batista with an elbow. Morrus slams Batista again, and again heads to the top rope. Morrus goes for the No Laughing Matter Moonsault, but Batista moves out of the way!
Morrus gets to his feet first and goes back to clubbing on Batista. Morrus hits the ropes but Batista catches him with a violent spinebuster! Batista gives Morrus his last rites…then plants him with a Sitout Powerbomb! Batista makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Deacon Batista via pinfall in 4:22
Batista grabs a metal collection box that he brought with him to the ring and bashes Hugh Morrus over the head with it! Batista stands over Morrus as Worldwide cuts back to Scott Hudson.
Scott Hudson: “Impressive victory for this monster that represents the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, Deacon Batista! I understand that this monster has entered the WrestleWar, which comes to you live on November 30th. Three 15-Man Battles that will lead to a Final Battle to determine the victor of the WrestleWar. That person will get a chance at either the WCW World or ECW World Championship at Starrcade 2002! We’ll be back in a moment!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Ivory vs. The Phoenix
Ivory takes shots at Phoenix, who doesn’t seem bothered by any of the blows. Phoenix hits a kick and a couple of hard punches, but Ivory blocks one and locks in a wristlock. Ivory gets an armdrag, but the Phoenix gets to her feet right away. Ivory doesn’t realize Phoenix got back to her feet instantly and Phoenix presses Ivory over her head and drops her throat first onto the ropes! Big bodyslam from Phoenix. Cover, 1…2…Ivory gets her foot on the bottom rope and bails to the outside. Ivory slowly gets back into the ring, complaining to the referee that Phoenix should have been disqualified. Ivory gets a shot to the midsection and goes for a suplex, but Phoenix counters and lifts Ivory up high before dropping her with a delayed vertical suplex of her own! Phoenix sends Ivory off the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but Ivory counters by putting on the brakes and dropping Phoenix with a DDT! 1…2…Phoenix kicks out!
Ivory locks in a rear chinlock as she tries to wear down Phoenix. Ivory switches to an armbar, but Phoenix uses her power to get to her feet…with Ivory hanging on the arm! Phoenix slams Ivory down. Phoenix puts Ivory on her shoulders then drops her with the Phoenix Driver! Phoenix poses to the crowd, then sets Ivory up for another suplex, only Ivory counters with a small package and holds onto the tights, 1…2…3!
Winner: Ivory via pinfall in 5:02
Ivory escapes from the ring right after the referee slaps his hand on the mat for the third time, pointing to her head, indicating to the Phoenix that she got outsmarted this time!
Scott Hudson: “Ivory used her experience and stole this one from the Phoenix. Both of these women will be in the Women’s WrestleWar match to determine the #1 contender for the World Women’s Championship. We learned on ECW RISE that the World Women’s Championship will be defended at November to Remember as Victoria defends against Daffney! What a week that is going to be. A major event on Sunday with November to Remember, and another one just six days later with WrestleWar!"
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Chuck Palumbo vs. Fit Finlay
Finlay and Palumbo lock up and Palumbo gets comes punches and kicks to start things off. Big elbow knocks Finlay down. Cover, 1…Finlay kicks out quickly. Finlay fires back with a hard elbow, but Palumbo catches him with two more hard shots and a belly-to-belly throw. Palumbo runs at Finlay, but Finlay sends him flying between the turnbuckles into the ringpost. Cross armbreaker from Finlay! Cover, 1…2…Palumbo kicks out. Finlay stomps away on the arm, then drops an elbow on it. Finlay locks in an armbar, but Palumbo is able to escape by getting his body between the ropes. Finlay follows him though and sends Palumbo flying into the steel steps, shoulder first of course. Finlay rams Palumbo’s arm into the ringpost again before rolling Palumbo back into the ring. Finaly goes for a cover, 1…2…Palumbo kicks out.
Finlay locks in another armbar, with Palumbo doing everything he can to avoid extending his arm out. Finlay changes gears and goes back to pounding away on Palumbo, then locks Palumbo in a side headlock. Headlock takeover continues to wear Palumbo down, but Palumbo manages to get back to his feet. He sends Finlay off the ropes and catches him with an inverted atomic drop! Palumbo sends Finlay off the ropes again, but Finlay holds onto the ropes and Palumbo misses a dropkick. Finlay kicks Palumbo in the spine before tossing him to the outside again. Finlay again grabs the arm and tries to ram it into the apron, but Palumbo counters and Finlay gets slammed into the apron. Palumbo rolls Finlay into the ring. Finlay approaches Palumbo but Palumbo gets a full-rotation powerslam! Cover, 1…2…Finaly just kicks out! Palumbo runs at Finlay and leaps at him, only for Palumbo to land on Finlay’s shoulders. Finlay tries to go for Rolling Hills, but Palumbo slides behind Finlay, then hits him with a Jungle Kick! Palumbo makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Chuck Palumbo via pinfall in 6:28
David Taylor comes down to attack Chuck Palumbo, but Palumbo catches him with a kick too before jumping out of the ring, just as Worldwide goes off the air!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Deacon Batista pinned Hugh Morrus
Ivory pinned The Phoenix
Chuck Palumbo pinned Fit Finlay
Champions
WCW World Champion
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE.
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after an losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion
Chuck Palumbo: – Palumbo has struggled ever since partner Sean O’Haire turned against him and joined the NWO. Has had some matches with O’Haire since, but hasn’t been able to beat his former partner and friend
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero has promised to appear on Nitro as a result
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
Hugh Morrus: – Has mostly been in the lower-mid card in the Alliance era
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar assuming Hogan is champion at that point
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. Awesome has had his chances at winning big gold, and looks determined to get the NWO and X-Factor out of his and Total Impact’s way for good
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
The Phoenix: – Talented youngster who has mainly wrestled in Canada. Has had a few battles with rival La Felina in Alliance. Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Rob Van Dam: – Rob Van Dam’s dream to finally win the ECW World Championship came true after a grueling nine month journey. After coming up short against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade 2001 for the vacant title, it took RVD until Anarchy Rulz to get a one-on-one rematch, this time in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage, to beat Lesnar and win the title. He added a TV title reign over the summer too. RVD is the only person to actually beat Brock Lesnar, and he did it twice (tag match at Slamboree and at Anarchy Rulz, both by pinfall)
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. Recently he’s tangled with Kurt Angle as he tries to protect HHH’s World Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
UPCOMING PAY-PER-VIEW
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
WCW Monday Night Nitro
November 4, 2002
Mid-South Coliseum
Memphis, TN
“Voodoo Child” plays as the WCW World Champion “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan makes his way down to the ring.
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “Let me tell you something, brother! Once again the power of Hulkamania flowed through my veins last week on Nitro. We took down the leader of the NWO, Triple H once again to retain the WCW World Title dude! Now it’s time to look ahead to the WrestleWar as I know I’ve got my hands full. Kurt Angle, I’ve got nothing but respect for you, but you need to know that once again Hulkamania is gonna power the largest arms in the world. Kurt Angle, I’m gonna go into the WrestleWar and beat you one, two, three. Hulkamania will headline Starrcade one more time, brother!”
“Medal” plays as Kurt Angle comes down to the ring.
Kurt Angle: “First off, let me once again thank you Hogan for being a man of your word and giving me the title shot. From everything I’ve heard, well, let’s say I wasn’t so confident I was going to have to beat that title shot out of you.”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “What’s that supposed to mean, brother?”
Kurt Angle: “What’s that supposed to mean? Ha. I know what you’re about Hogan. The only thing you care about when it comes to Hulkamania are royalty checks. When that dries up something tell me we’ll see a NWO t-shirt on you again. Go ahead, tell me I’m wrong.”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “It ain’t like that, brother. Where’s this coming from?”
Kurt Angle: “Look Hogan. Let’s not kid ourselves here. We’ve been on the same side for a couple of months sure, but that’s because we had a common enemy. It doesn’t mean I like you. Hell, it doesn’t even mean I respect you. You come out here, claiming to be American Made and the Real American, and I’m here to tell you that every time I hear that, it makes me sick! You want to know what makes you a real American? This gold medal right here!”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “Hey, I earned my stripes, brother! I took out the turncoat Sgt. Slaughter a decade ago to prove that! You’ve got no right to talk to me like that!”
Kurt Angle: “Oh please, you think that makes you the real American? I won this Olympic Gold Medal with a broken freakin’ neck! Yeah! And what’s the deal with the colors? Red and yellow? Where on the flag of the United States do you see the color yellow?! I mean what is wrong with you. I know what you’re about Hogan. A backstabber who only cares when things go his way. Right now you’ve got the title so you’re okay. So go ahead, do your nice guy act. But you’re in my way. The last time a guy from last century tried to hang on in my way was Ric Flair, and I crippled him to win the WCW World Title. If I have to do that to you at WrestleWar that’s what’s going to happen!”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “You do what you think you have to do, brother. But you ain’t taking this title away from me at WrestleWar, and that’s a fact!”
Hulk Hogan and Kurt Angle stand face-to-face, intensely glaring at one another…when shockingly Eddie Guerrero’s theme hits the speakers! Guerrero stands on the stage, microphone in hand.
Kurt Angle: “What are you doing out here, Guerrero?
Eddie Guerrero: “I think it’s time to inject a little bit of…heat into the WCW World Title picture, esse! It’s time to reward the fans of WCW with something new! Now you see, I beat Rob Van Dam in a Ladder Match at Halloween Havoc and was promised any match I wanted. But when I made my challenge, Mick Foley said no. And it reminded me of something. Back in the day, when…”Hulkamania” was running wild, he was running away from Eddie Guerrero!”
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “I didn’t run away from anyone, especially not you Guerrero!”
Eddie Guerrero: “Oh is that right? All I know is I did everything in WCW. United States Champion. Cruiserweight Champion. I beat everyone put in front of me. But I when asked Eric Bischoff for a shot at you Hogan, I was told that I wasn’t at your level, and that I never would be. And that made me think homes. At the time, I thought maybe he was right. Maybe I’d always be a second level wrestler. But now my head is clear, and I know the real reason I never got that match. It's because Hulk Hogan knew that he couldn’t beat Eddie Guerrero! But hey, I know I can’t just walk onto Nitro and demand title shots. But I can prove myself. So Hogan, you don’t have worry just yet. Because I’m gonna prove myself in this ring. So Kurt Angle. You’re all about giving opportunities. You understand that you actually have fight in this ring, and not back there, to prove you’re the top guy. And maybe after I beat you, maybe we start a conversation about Eddie Guerrero vs. Hulk Hogan at WrestleWar!”
Kurt Angle: “And why exactly would I do that?”
Eddie Guerrero: “Because you’re a man, Kurt Angle. Because you know that if you’re gonna be the WCW World Champion, esse, you need it to be clear that you’re the best in the world. And you also know that I can beat you. You won’t be able to live with yourself not being sure if you can beat Eddie Guerrero, title belt or no title belt!”
Kurt Angle: “You know what, Eddie. I said a lot of things to Hogan just now. And I wouldn’t be much of a challenger, much less a champion, if I ran from a fight. You want my spot in the WCW World Championship match at WrestleWar? Come see if you can take it from me! I will prove tonight that I’m better than you, and Hogan, at WrestleWar, I’ll prove I’m the best in the world. It’s true, it’s damn true!”
Eddie Guerrero smirks as Hogan and Angle stare one another down again.
Mike Tenay: “Ladies and gentlemen what a way to kick off Nitro! Eddie Guerrero has shown up and will face Kurt Angle tonight for the WrestleWar WCW World Title shot!”
Don West: “You said it, Mike. Insane start to Nitro!”
Mike Tenay: “We’ll be right back with the US Title on the line!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Mike Tenay: “Last week we heard Christian talk about not having any challengers for the United States Championship, well Shane McMahon found one in Chuck Palumbo tonight!”
Christian attacks Palumbo before the bell, but Palumbo fires back and knocks Christian down with a superkick! Palumbo sends Christian off the ropes and hits him with a back elbow. Cover, 1…2…Christian kicks out. Palumbo pounds away on Christian in the corner, but Christian gets a thumb to the eye, then takes Palumbo’s eyes across the top rope. Christian stomps away on Palumbo, and when the referee backs him away, Rene Dupree gets some cheap shots in on Palumbo as well. Christian continues his assault with more stomps before hitting an inverted DDT. Cover, 1…2…Palumbo kicks out. Christian tries for another inverted DDT, but Palumbo fights out of it and gets a powerslam. Cover, 1…2…Christian kicks out.
Palumbo hits another slam then hits a jumping elbow drop. Another cover, 1…2…Christian kicks out again. Christian rakes the eyes. Christian hits some punches then goes for a suplex, but Palumbo counters with a suplex of his own…and he holds Christian up for a few seconds before driving him to the canvas. Another cover, 1…2…Christian just kicks out. Christian backs up into the corner before trying to kick Palumbo, but Palumbo catches the kick and levels Christian with a clothesline! Palumbo picks Christian back up just to throw him across the ring with a belly-to-belly! Cover, 1…2…Dupree pulls Palumbo out of the ring to save the title for Christian! Dupree tries a clothesline, but Palumbo ducks, then levels Dupree with a Jungle Kick! Palumbo slides back into the ring and talks trash to Dupree, but Christian comes from behind and hooks Palumbo’s arms, then drops him with the Unprettier! 1…2…3!
Winner: Christian via pinfall in 5:35 (Retains)
Christian grabs the US Title belt, then yells at the camera that he’ll have two championships after Starrcade.
***
Nitro cuts backstage, specifically the NWO locker room where Sean O’Haire, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Eric Bischoff are sitting on couches. Triple H stands before them.
Triple H: “Listen, guys. It’s been a rough couple of weeks for the NWO. Everyone needs to step up if we’re going take back control of WCW. Scott, Kevin, you did a good job on ECW last week sending Total Impact a message. We need to keep up the pressure. We need to remind everyone just who the hell we are! Sean O’Haire, you need to step up more than anyone else. You let Kurt Angle beat you. You let Booker T beat you last week. What’s going on ma….”
O’Haire leaps up from the couch and gets in Triple H’s face. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall try to stand between them…
Sean O’Haire: “The hell you barking at us about stepping up? What about you? You know when you had that gold title on your shoulder I understood where my place was in the NWO. But you ain’t the champ no more Hunter. The way I see it all of your voices matter now, and maybe you need to step aside!”
Triple H: “Oh is that right? You want to make a move Sean? Huh? You think you got it all figured out big man?"
Eric Bischoff: “Come on cut it out! If we aren’t going to be united here we don’t stand a chance!”
Sean O’Haire and Triple H continue to glare at one another…before O’Haire storms off.
***
Don West: “I don’t know, Mike. It doesn’t like look like things are going well for the New World Order!”
Mike Tenay: “It looks like an implosion is imminent! We’re going to shift gears now though, Don. Coming, two women who will compete in the Women’s WrestleWar: Jazz and Molly Marvel. They have history, of course it was Jazz who took the World Women’s Championship from Molly back in April!”
Jazz vs. Molly Marvel
Jazz sprints into the ring, but misses a clothesline. Molly catches Jazz with a flying headscissors that sends Jazz tumbling across the ring. Cover, 1…2…Jazz kicks out with authority. Molly continues with some punches, but Jazz gets a hard kick to the midsection, then drops Molly throat-first onto the ropes with a stungun! Jazz covers Molly…but then transition into a choke before the referee makes any kind of count. Jazz locks in a rear chinlock, but molly fights her way out. Jazz stops any momentum Molly has with another kick, then an underhook suplex. Jazz covers, 1…2…Molly kicks out again. Jazz slams Molly and heads up to the second rope, but misses a big splash! Molly rolls Jazz up, 1…2…Jazz kicks out. Molly gets a couple of elbow strikes, but Jazz hits Molly with her own elbow that knocks her back down. Jazz whips Molly into the cover, but Molly moves out of the way of the avalanche splash! Bulldog headlock takes Jazz down! Molly heads to the top rope and hits the Molly-Go-Round! 1…2…3!
Winner: Molly Marvel via pinfall in 3:37
Molly begins to celebrate her victory when Ivory runs down and attacks her! Ivory yells at Molly, saying that she (Ivory) is going to win the WrestleWar and go onto Starrcade! Ivory bails though when Jazz gets back to her feet. Jazz stomps away on Molly before Jacqueline runs down to make the save! Jazz and Jackie trade punches, and Jackie gets a clothesline to send Jazz running off! Jacqueline also makes the belt motion to her waist, indicating she’s in the WrestleWar too!
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Brian Christopher gets some cheers coming down to the ring for this next match, as we are in Memphis.
Christopher and Crazy lock-up and Christopher gets an armdrag. Christopher punches and kicks Crazy in the corner, but Crazy fires back with chops. Christopher reverses a whip, but Crazy leaps over a backdrop attempt, then catches Christopher with a hurricanrana! Spinning heel kick sends Christopher through the ropes and to the outside. Crazy comes off the ropes and takes Christopher out with a Space Flying Tiger Drop! Crazy rolls Christopher back into the ring and hits a springboard moonsault! 1…2…Christopher kicks out. Christopher backs into the corner and Crazy continues to fire chops. Crazy mounts Christopher, then begins to punch away…
Christopher powerbombs Crazy out of the corner to stop his momentum. Christopher gets a pin and puts his feet on the ropes, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Rear chinlock from Christopher as he tries to wear Crazy down. Crazy fights his way out but Christopher catches him with a dropkick. Cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Crazy staggers to his feet and Christopher leaps off the second rope with a missile dropkick to the back of the head! Another cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Christopher sends Crazy into the corner, but Crazy moves as Christopher leaps at him, wishboning Christopher between the turnbuckles. Christoher goes down and Crazy hits all three Triple Moonsaults! 1…2…3!
Winner: Super Crazy via pinfall in 4:38 (Retains)
Alex Wright and Disco Inferno run down to the ring, but Crazy escapes before they get there with his Cruiserweight Championship. Disco and Wright check on their teammate Brian Christopher…before Inferno levels him with a clothesline! Wright and Disco have turned on Brian Christopher here in his hometown! Wright breaks Christopher’s sunglasses and leaves them on Christopher’s body as they leave him lying!
Don West: “What was that all about?”
Mike Tenay: “I don’t know, Don. I guess Disco and Alex Wright are sick of their group losing matches and it was time for a change? I don’t know. We’re going to move on here as Kevin Kelly is backstage with Test."
***
Kevin Kelly: "Kevin Kelly here with Test. Test, you have s big match-up with Booker T tonight, what’s on your mind.”
Test: “What’s on my mind? I’ll tell you what’s on my mind! Everyone’s talking about this WrestleWar but no one’s realizing that as long as I’m in it, no one else has a shot. I’ve been overlooked all year and that’s going to change. I’m winning the WrestleWar. I’m gonna win the title shot. Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan, or hell even Raven. I’m coming for one of you at Starrcade. My path to victory starts tonight when I kick Booker T’s teeth in. It’s a new era for the Alliance. We’ll see who can pass the Test!”
***
Elix Skipper and Shane Helms (w/Monty Brown) vs. The Faces of Fear
Skipper and Helms dodge attacks from Meng and Barbarian, but their dropkicks don’t do any damage. Skipper and Helms duck clothesline from the Faces of Fear, but again their dropkicks don’t have much effect. Meng and Barbarian run at Skipper and Helms, but Skipper and Helms pull down the top rope and the Faces of Fear tumble over the top rope. Helms and Meng start the match up proper, and Meng gets a stiff kick to the midsection. Helms counters a whip into the ropes, but when Helms leaps at Meng he gets caught in mid air and slammed to the canvas. Meng tags in Barbarian. Helms ducks a big boot and dives at Skipper for the tag! Skipper dodges Barbarian and Barbarian crashes into the corner. Double hip toss from Helms and Skipper, and the follow with a double elbow drop! Skipper covers, 1…Barbarian powers out right away.
Skipper comes off the ropes but Barbarian catches him with a hard shot. Big suplex from Barbarian. Barbarian sends Skipper off the ropes, but Skipper leaps over him, going for a sunset flip! Helms runs in with a dropkick, helping Skipper bring Barbarian over! 1…2…Barbarian kicks out. Skipper goes for a hurricanrana, but Barbarian holds Skipper up and tries to powerbomb him down. Helms comes off the top rope and hits a dropkick to the back of Barbarian, allowing Skipper to complete the hurricanrana! 1…2…Meng comes in and kicks Skipper off the pin. Helms comes off the top rope again, but he lands right in the Tongan Death Grip! Skipper gets an enzugiri to the side of Meng’s head, breaking the Death Grip. A Double dropkick knocks Meng onto the apron, and Barbarian accidentally knocks Meng off the apron! Helms and Skipper punch away at Barbarian and have him stunned. Helms and Skipper head to the top rope. Skipper hits a missile dropkick to Barbarian, but he stays on his feet. Helms comes off with a crossbody! 1…2…3!
Winner: Elix Skipper and Shane Helms when Helms pinned Barbarian in 6:49
Skipper and Helms’ celebration is cut short as Alter Boy Spike has appeared on the stage. Helms, Skipper, and Monty Brown look towards him…just to get attacked from behind by Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista! The A.O.D. beat down Skipper, Helms, and Brown before Tommy Dreamer appears with Spike on top of the stage. Dreamer yells at Spike to come to his senses, but Spike instead yells for help. The Dudleys see Dreamer and chase him off into the crowd, while Batista continues to beat down on Helms, Skipper, and Brown. The Dudleys call Batista over. Bubba is notably upset about Dreamer, but they still did what they came to do tonight.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
We come back live to Nitro with Sean O’Haire coming down to the ring, although with no music. He shoves ring announcer David Penzer and grabs his microphone.
Sean O’Haire: “Enough of this crap. I joined the New World Order because I thought it was the way to the top. But now I see it’s just the Triple H show. I said it before, and I’ll say it right now, maybe it’s time for new leadership in the NWO! We don’t get the belt and I plan to fix that by winning the WrestleWar, then running down Kurt Angle or Hulk Hogan or whoever has the title at Starrcade! And if I have to rip apart Triple H on the way there, well that’s what I’m gonna do! Oh yeah. Come on Triple H!”
Triple H angrily comes down to the ring, with Eric Bischoff begging him to calm down.
Sean O’Haire: “I’m not afraid of you!”
Triple H: “You’ve got some nerve coming out here! You think you suddenly you know everything huh? What about your role in this? How about where you screwed up. Last week you tosses a sledgehammer into the ring and put it right in Hulk Hogan’s hands! Hell at Halloween Havoc you let that face-painted freak take you out when you were supposed to be the last line of defense! Who are you, huh? When I saved you from WCW you were just a guy, teaming with the Chuck Palumbos of the world going nowhere. I said you were the future. And you still are. But right now you’re the screw up. You’re the reason I’m not WCW World Champion right now!”
“WE WANT STING” “WE WANT STING” “WE WANT STING”
Triple H: “You people need to shut up because if Sting were to show up it would be the end of his days being able to walk!”
Eric Bischoff: “Hunter, relax, relax. Let’s go to the back and work this out…”
Sean O’Haire: “No, no, let him continue. I’m tired of being called the future. I’m the now, Triple H! It’s time for you to step aside!”
“HERE COMES THE MONEY!” WCW Owner Shane McMahon makes his way down to the ring!
Shane McMahon: “Well, what is going on here? From the boss’s perspective it sure looks like things aren’t looking good on the New World Order front.”
Eric Bischoff: “No one asked you, Shane.”
Shane McMahon: “No one asked me, sure. But I know what I heard. I must say, Sean O’Haire, I agree with everything you said. I think you are the present, the now! And I have a way to find out! Last week I announced the WrestleWar. Now Sean O’Haire, you just said you are entering and I think you got a real shot to win it. And Triple H, while I have no reason to help you on your path to regaining the WCW World Championship, I’m a fair man and I’ve entered you into the WrestleWar as well. But here’s the catch. I’m going to ensure that the both of you are in the same War Rumble. Next week, the main event of Nitro, will be Sean O’Haire against Triple H. The winner will get to enter that War Rumble at #15. The loser? #1. Now if you excuse me gentlemen, we’ve got a match coming up. I’ll see you both next week!"
Shane McMahon leaves as Triple H and Sean O’Haire stand face-to-face with Eric Bischoff. “CAN YOU DIG IT….SUCKKKKKA?!” Booker T makes his way out for his match with Test. Bischoff gets O’Haire and HHH to leave, although it looks like O’Haire wants a piece of Booker too!
Booker T vs. Test
Test tries to attack Booker before the bell, but Booker quickly gets the upper hand with punches. Test fires back, but Booker gets the upperhand again with chops. Running clothesline knocks Test down. Test gets back to his feet and Booker is on the offensive again, but Test reverses a whip and hits Booker with a sidewalk slam. Test stomps away at Booker in the corner. Booker gets back to his feet, but Test gets a knee to the midsection. Big clothesline into the corner from Test and Booker goes down. Cover, 1…2…Booker kicks out. Test goes for a rear chinlock, but Booker fights his way back to a vertical base. Booker sends Test off the ropes, but Test catches Booker with a back elbow. Another cover, 1…2…Booker kicks out.
Test pummels Booker, but when he sends Booker off the ropes Booker comes back with a flying clothesline! Booker hits punches and chops, then catches Test with a roundhouse kick! Cover, 1…2…Test kicks out. Test backs away before suddenly catching Booker with a knee to the midsection. Test comes off the ropes, but Booker gets a spinebuster! Booker T is feeling it…and pops up with the Spinarooni! Booker gets a Harlem sidekick! Test gets back to his feet and Booker boots him, but Test moves out of the way on the Scissors’ Kick attempt. Test gets another knee and goes for the Pumphandle Slam. Booker counters and slides behind Test. Test turns around and tries for a clothesline, but Booker blocks and hits the Bookend! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 5:55
Booker T celebrates the victory and motions to his waist. It turns out Triple H had come back to the stage and was watching the match. Booker points at Triple H while pointing to his waist, making the belt gesture!
***
Jeremy Borash: "Hello everyone, Jeremy Borash here. I’m with Eddie Guerrero. Eddie, this might be the biggest match of your career against Kurt Angle. Are you ready to take on the former WCW World Champion?”
Eddie Guerrero: “Jeremy Borash I’ve never been more ready for anything in my entire life homes. You know, it made me sick hearing Hogan and Angle argue about who was more American. To me they’re both the same. They got all the opportunities that I never got. When I came back at Barely Legal I said to myself that I wasn’t going to let anyone push me, push Eddie Guerrero, around anymore. But right away I messed up. For someone like me, it takes more than just being the best. And make no mistake, esse, I am the best. But I have to take it. That’s why I played hardball last week on RISE with Mick Foley. I’m the absolute best in that ring. And it’s time for me to take what’s supposed to be mine. Now, Mick Foley, you better think about what I want, because the clock is ticking. I’m gonna beat Kurt Angle tonight, then I’ll be WCW World Champion at WrestleWar when I beat Hogan. Mick, once that happens, I may never step foot in an ECW ring again….oh, look who’s here.”
WCW World Champion “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan walks up to Eddie Guerrero.
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: “Listen brother, I heard what you said out there. I’ve always respected you and your family. Now you may think you can beat me in that ring, and maybe we’ll find out. But I welcome the challenge…”
Eddie Guerrero: “Don’t patronize me Hogan. It’s people like you that made it so hard for the Guerreros to succeed in professional wrestling. You better hold onto to that WCW World Title tightly, because I’m taking that from you the first chance I get.”
Hogan extends his hand to Guerrero, but Guerrero simply smirks and walks away. Hogan is left shaking his head.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle
Guerrero and Angle lock-up, and Angle quickly takes Guerrero down by the legs. Guerrero just as quickly grabs the ropes to break free of Angle’s grasp. Angle gets a side headlock, but Guerrero breaks free. Guerrero goes for a hip toss but Angle blocks and hip tosses Guerrero. Double leg toss from Angle sends Guerrero retreating to the outside in frustration. Guerrero takes his time getting back into the ring and locks up with Angle again. Angle gets a waistlock and again Guerrero gets to the ropes, but this time Guerrero nails Angle with a back elbow. Guerrero goes on the attack and stomps away at Angle in the corner. Guerrero sends Angle off the ropes but misses a clothesline, and Angle runs him over with a clothesline of his own. Angle goes for the Angle Slam, but Guerrero lands on his feet and counters with a belly-to-back suplex! Cover from Guerrero, 1…2…Angle kicks out.
Guerrero punches away on Angle then locks Angle in a front headlock. Angle tries to escape, but Guerrero puts his feet on the ropes to add the pressure. Angle manages to fight out and he and Guerrero trade punches. Angle ducks one and hits Guerrero with a German suplex! Angle tries to hold on for a second one, but Guerrero rolls though, sending Angle into the turnbuckles head-first. Perfect dropkick knocks Angle down. Cover, 1…2…Angle kicks out. Angle fights back to his feet again, but Guerrero gets a drop toehold, then a basement dropkick to the side of Angle’s head! Guerrero resorts to chocking Angle before kicking him to the outside. Guerrero slingshots over the top rope and nails Angle with a dive to the outside! Guerrero yells at the crowd that “Angle’s nothing!” Guerrero puts Angle on the apron and suplexes him back into the ring. Another cover, 1…2…Angle kicks out again to Guerrero’s disappointment.
Angle locks his legs around Angle’s head as he tries to wear Angle down. Angle flips his body over Guerrero’s and gets a pinning combination, 1…2…Guerrero uses his leg strength to slam Angle back to the canvas. Angle counters again though, this time grabbing Guerrero’s leg and locking in the Ankle Lock! Guerrero rolls through and escapes, but when he runs at Angle he gets hit with a belly-to-belly suplex! Guerrero gets back to his feet, dazed, and Angle hits a release German suplex! Angle pulls down his straps and gets ready for the Angle Slam, but this time Guerrero counters it into a roll-up, 1…2…Angle kicks out. Guerrero tries for a German suplex of his own, but Angle quickly counters and this time gets a German suplex that had so much momentum that Guerrero landed on his stomach! Angle tries for the Ankle Lock again, but Guerreo quickly grabs the bottom rope.
Angle sends Guerrero off the ropes and hits a back bodydrop! Angle sends Guerrero off the ropes and goes for another back bodydrop, but this time Guerrero puts on the brakes. He tries to powerbomb Angle, but Angle tries to turn it into a hurricanrana! Guerrero stands his ground though and just slams Angle down from the power bomb position, then locks in the Lasso From El Paso! Guerrero doesn’t have it in all the way though, and Angle counters into an Ankle Lock! Guerrero gets free, but Angle goes for the Angle Slam for a third time! Guerrero counters that too with a rake to the eyes! Guerrero boots Angle and powerbombs him! Guerrero quickly heads to the top rope. He briefly poses to the crowd, but he’s forced to roll through the Frog Splash attempt as Angle moved out of the way! Angle misses a clothesline and Guerrero rolls him up and holds onto the middle rope, 1…2…Angle pulls Guerrero’s tights and gets the pin himself, and HE holds onto the second rope…1…2…3!
Winner: Kurt Angle via pinfall in 14:11
Angle leaps out of the ring, realizing that he barely escaped this match with Eddie Guerrero with a victory. Guerrero shows some frustration in the ring as he thought he had Angle beaten. The last shot of Nitro is of Hulk Hogan backstage, nodding as he watched the match.
Shane Helms and Elix Skipper defeated The Faces of Fear when Helms pinned Barbarian
Booker T pinned Test
Kurt Angle pinned Eddie Guerrero
Champions
WCW World Champion
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
Alex Wright: – Was part of a trio with Disco Inferno and Brian Christopher, but recently he and Disco turned on Christopher
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE. They’ve also been feuding with the trio of Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after an losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brian Christopher: – Christopher looked to get his career back on track by joining fellow dancers Alex Wright and Disco Inferno, but Wright and Inferno turned on him on a November 2002 edition of Nitro
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion
Chuck Palumbo: – Palumbo has struggled ever since partner Sean O’Haire turned against him and joined the NWO. Has had some matches with O’Haire since, but hasn’t been able to beat his former partner and friend
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Disco Inferno: – Was part of a trio with Brian Christopher and Alex Wright, but recently he and Wright turned on Christopher
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero showed up on Nitro as a result and lost a highly competitive match with Kurt Angle in the main event
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Faces of Fear: – Meng and the Barbarian have been an intimidating team in the WCW ranks, but they’ve been unable to get to the top of the tag team division
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
Hugh Morrus: – Has mostly been in the lower-mid card in the Alliance era
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar assuming Hogan is champion at that point
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam
Kurt Angle: – Angle won the WCW World Championship the night after Starrcade 2001, beating and crippling Ric Flair. After managing defenses against The Giant, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Lance Storm, Angle would finally fall to Triple H at Slamboree thanks to the New World Order. Angle has essentially feuded with the New World Order since, which included beating Curt Hennig in a cage on Nitro. After a win against the NWO's Sean O’Haire at Halloween Havoc, Angle finds himself in position to win back the WCW Title at WrestleWar. He’s also had a bit of an adversarial issue with Booker T. Angle beat Booker T back at Starrcade 2001, but at Cyberslam 2002 the fans chose Booker unanimously to face Triple H for the WCW Title, something that seems to still bug Angle
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. Awesome has had his chances at winning big gold, and looks determined to get the NWO and X-Factor out of his and Total Impact’s way for good
Molly Marvel: – The former Mighty Molly reinvented herself and was the inaugural World Women’s Champion. She would lose it to Jazz and has been trying to win it back ever since
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
The Phoenix: – Talented youngster who has mainly wrestled in Canada. Has had a few battles with rival La Felina in Alliance. Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Rob Van Dam: – Rob Van Dam’s dream to finally win the ECW World Championship came true after a grueling nine month journey. After coming up short against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade 2001 for the vacant title, it took RVD until Anarchy Rulz to get a one-on-one rematch, this time in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage, to beat Lesnar and win the title. He added a TV title reign over the summer too. RVD is the only person to actually beat Brock Lesnar, and he did it twice (tag match at Slamboree and at Anarchy Rulz, both by pinfall)
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. After losses to Kurt Angle and Booker T, as well as several mistakes trying to help Triple H, it looks like a falling out is imminent with O’Haire and HHH
Shane Helms: – After some losses to Elix Skipper, he and Skipper joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Test: – The Alliance Era has been a mixed bag for Test. He started off as ECW Owner Shane McMahon’s bodyguard, but quickly was taken out by the Giant. Ever since he’s been in the middle of the card, recently losing matches to Billy Kidman
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc. Now without the title, he’s been challenged as the leader of the NWO by Sean O’Haire
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
UPCOMING PAY-PER-VIEW
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
The WrestleWar (Three 15-Man Royal Rumbles) – Confirmed Entrants: Booker T, Brock Lesnar, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Sean O’Haire, Test, Triple H
Women’s WrestleWar (Competitor Amount TBD - Royal Rumble) – Confirmed Entrants: Ivory, Jacqueline, Jazz, Molly Marvel, The Phoenix
ECW RISE
November 7, 2002
Prairie Capital Convention Center
Springfield, IL
Tommy Dreamer:“You know if there’s two things that have been constant in ECW, it’s been me breaking my back for all the people who come to the show each and every night, and me breaking my back for those who’ll break their back for me. Spike, I don’t know why you went back to those bullies. I sure hope it isn’t because they suddenly found religion or whatever the hell is up with them now. Spike, you’ve always been one of us man. We went ahead and saved you from your abusive brothers back at Barely Legal. If we have to do it again, so be it. We love you Spike. They out there in crowd love you Spike. Dudleys, you guys are a religion now? Well I’ve got my own congregation! We got a couple of chair swingin’ freaks and of course, if that ain’t enough for you, you’ll fall at the altar of The Sandman! We’ll see you at November to Remember and we plan to exterminate your religion once and for all!”
The Sandman, Axl Rotten, and Balls Mahoney appear by Tommy Dreamer before the show fades to the intro video.
Joey Styles:“Welcome to ECW RISE! I’m Joey Styles, alongside ECW legend Tazz. Tazz, we have a huge show tonight!”
Tazz:“That’s right, Joey. I have it on good authority that we’re hear from ECW Commissioner Mick Foley in regards to this Eddie Guerrero situation. I don’t know if you watched Nitro, but Guerrero put on a hell of a match with Kurt Angle last Monday.”
Joey Styles:“It was a great match-up. I don’t always agree who how Eddie Guerrero acts, but ECW needs someone of his talent on RISE. Also tonight, a dream match for sure to determine the next challenge to Raven’s ECW World Championship. Former champion Rob Van Dam takes on Rey Mysterio Jr.! But we’re kicking things off with a match for the ECW World Tag Team Championship!”
Lynn and Guerrera start. Lynn gets a hammerlock but Guerrera wrestles his way out of it and armdrags Lynn. Lynn dodges a dropkick though and catches Guerrera with an elbow to the back of the head. Lynn sends Guerrera off the ropes but Guerrera leapfrogs a backdrop attempt and catches Lynn with a flying headscissors. Lynn gets to his feet and Guerrera chops him into he corner. Lynn reverses a whip into the corner, but Guerrera gets a roll up when Lynn misses the charge, 1…2…Lynn kicks out. Guerrera hits the ropes and gets a blind tag from Psicosis. Lynn goes for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker but Guerrera lands on his feet. Guerrera dropkicks Lynn, then Psicosis comes off the top rope with a missile dropkick of his own! Cover, 1…2…Lynn kicks out. Psicosis sends Lynn off the ropes but this time Styles is the one who gets a blind tag. Psicosis goes for a backdrop, but Lynn kicks him and Styles springboards off the top rope with a forearm! Styles covers Psicosis, 1…2…Psicosis kicks out.
Styles goes for a slam but Psicosis counters into a small package, 1…2…Styles kicks out. Both men get to their feet and hit the ropes, with Styles hitting a rolling lariat. Styles jumps out to the apron as Psicosis gets back to his feet, and springboards over Psicosis, catching him on the way down with a reverse DDT! Styles covers Psicosis, 1…2…Guerrera pulls Psicosis to the outside! Guerrera tries to help Psicosis catch a breather, but Lynn dives off the apron onto the both of them! Lynn points to the ring as Guerrera and Psicosis get back to their feet, and Styles backflips over the top rope with a Fosbury Flop, taking out Psicosis and Guerrera again! Styles rolls Psicosis back into the ring as he looks to finish him off, but the springboard 450 splash misses! Psicosis gets the tag to Guerrera and Styles tags Lynn!
Guerrera ducks a clothesline and hits a jumping back kick. Guerrera sends Lynn off the ropes, but Lynn leaps over Guerrera and goes for a victory roll, only for Guerrera to completely roll through and hit a dropkick to the face! Guerrera picks up Lynn and plants him with the Juvi Driver! Guerrerao drags Lynn to the corner and heads to the top rope, but Styles jumps into he ring and leaps up to Guerrera, then hits him with an avalanche hurricanrana off the top rope! Psicosis quickly heads to the top rope himself and nails Styles with the Guillotine Legdrop! Psicosis pins Styles, but he’s not the legal man and Lynn hits a basement dropkick to Psicosis to knock him out of the ring. Lynn helps Styles up, and Styles catches a charging Guerrera with the Pele Kick! Lynn boots Guerrera and drives him into the canvas with the Cradle Piledriver! Styles off the ropes, Spiral Tap! Lynn covers Guerrera while Styles nails Psicosis with a forearm, 1…2…3!
Winners: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn when Lynn pinned Guerrera in 10:34 (Retains)
Jerry Lynn grabs a microphone.
Jerry Lynn:“Here’s how this is gonna go. It’s been one hell of a year for AJ Styles and myself. AJ Styles is the most talented wrestler I’ve ever seen and I’m damn proud of him as my tag team partner. We want to keep up the pace, and here’s how we’re gonna do it. We’ve beaten everyone so far. Guerrera and Psicosis. Noble and Kash. Doring and Roadkill. We beat them all. We want a new challenge. So, next week AJ and myself are gonna stand in the ring because we’re putting out an open challenge for November to Remember to any tag team we haven’t beat yet! You want a shot at these belts? Come get it!”
***
We see ECW CommissionerMick Foley hanging up the phone. Mick does a fist pump and has a big smile on his face.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
We cut back to RISE with Shelton Benjamin on his way to the ring.
Joey Styles:“We weren’t expecting Shelton Benjamin here tonight, as you saw last week Benjamin was attacked by Brock Lesnar…”
Tazz:“He looks pissed off, Joey!”
Shelton Benjamin:“Look, I don’t care what was schedule or whatever right now. Last week Brock Lesnar came out here and dropped me on my face. Brock Lesnar seems to think that he can still walk out here on an ECW show and do whatever the hell he wants! Well that’s a mistake! Brock knows this as well as anyone, that I know him better than anyone! He had his run. Whether he likes it or not I was helped maintain that run. Now he and Paul Heyman moved on to WCW and no one cared about Shelton Benjamin anymore and you know what, that’s fine by me. We doing without them. We got the ECW TV Title and we’re only going up from there! But I ain’t gonna stand for Brock Lesnar coming back and laying me out. I don’t need Harlem Heat. I know how to kick Brock Lesnar’s ass I did it all throughout college. So here’s the challenge for ya. Brock Lesnar. November to Remember. I’m gonna prove to the world that I’m better than you and that I’m the future of the Alliance!”
Benjamin prepares to leave…when Paul Heyman appears on stage.
Paul Heyman:“Shelton, you come out here criticizing Brock Lesnar because he hit you with the F5 and left you lying last week on RISE, but you’ve not taken any responsibility for your actions at all. It was you who betrayed Brock Lesnar when you sided with Booker T. Brock Lesnar asked his friend, you, to help with deal with Harlem Heat and you sided with them. Now you want to come out here and call out Brock Lesnar? Well, all that momentum you’ve claimed to have built up will run into a brick wall at November to Remember. This isn’t the NCAA anymore Shelton. Brock doesn’t need the ECW Television Championship on the line or anything. He wants to kick your ass as much as you want to kick his! So you’re on, Shelton. We’ll see you in Buffalo!”
Paul Heyman tosses the microphone to Joey Styles as Shelton Benjamin stands in the ring, nodding his head.
***
RISE cuts to a dark room with candles and red lighting, similar to rooms we’ve seen previously…Victoria sits on the wooden floor, shaking back and forth…
Victoria:“All the things she said…all the things she said…running through my head…you want to play in our haunted playground? You won’t be the living dead girl anymore…you’ll just be dead! I can’t wait to hear your screams! Oh it will be a November to Remember for you Daffney, but not because of any curse you may inflict on me, but instead because of the pain I will force on you! The real horror show begins when we face one another in the ring, and no curse, no witch, nothing will stop me from ripping you apart. All the things she said…running through my head…HAHAHAHA!”
***
Joey Styles:“November to Remember is shaping up to be a wild night, Tazz.”
Tazz:“For sure, Joey. We got these two crazy women getting ready to go at it. Brock vs. Shelton? AJ and Lynn sending out open challenges? And hey, here comes the Commish!”
ECW Commissioner Mick Foley makes his way to the ring, microphone in hand.
“FOLEY!” “FOLEY!” “FOLEY!”
Mick Foley:“Thank you, thank you. I’ve come out here to address what happened last week. Eddie Guerrero had won a special ladder match at Halloween Havoc entitled him to any match he wanted, but to my surprise he elected to challenge Cactus Jack. As much respect I have for Guerrero, and trust me I have a lot, the truth is that at Barely Legal, Brock Lesnar killed Cactus Jack for good. Now that didn’t sit well with Guerrero and I understand it seems like reneged on the deal. Now I watched Nitro last Monday and frankly I thought Guerrero had Kurt Angle beat, and really I think Angle was lucky to escape with a victory. There’s no doubt that Eddie Guerrero is on the verge of becoming one of the top stars in all of professional wrestling. So I completely understand his request of face the biggest star possible. Guerrero, we want you to compete in Extreme Championship Wrestling and I think I have an idea that I think will satisfy your match request. I ask you to come to RISE next week, let’s discuss this. We want ECW to be your path to stardom. Hopefully, I’ll see you next week.”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
#1 Contender for the ECW World Championship
Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Rob Van Dam
Mysterio and RVD circle one another before RVD, in a rare show of sportsmanship, extends his hand. Rey and RVD quickly shake hands before continuing to circle one another. They lock-up and RVD gets a side headlock. Rey sends him off the ropes and RVD leapfrogs over him. Rey drops down, but RVD stops and tries a legdrop, only Rey moves. Rey misses a basement dropkick, but Rey dodges a low kick and both men get back to their feet. We get a face off, and there’s no respect this time as RVD does his taunt in Rey’s face…
“ROB” “VAN” “DAM!”
Rey hits the ropes and catches RVD’s arm and goes for a crucifix, only RVD is too strong for him. RVD counters and presses Rey over his head, then drops him face-first on the canvas…and follows up with a standing moonsault that Rey dodges. La Magistral by Rey, 1…2…RVD breaks free. RVD charges at Rey but Rey backdrops him onto the apron. RVD hits a forearm, but Rey dropkicks him in the face when he tries to springboard back into the ring, sending him to the floor. Rey comes off the ropes and slides under the bottom rope, sliding right into RVD, hooking his head and DDTing him on the floor! Rey leaps onto the apron, hops onto the second, then the top rope and nails RVD with a springboard Asai Moonsault! Rey rolls RVD back into the ring. Rey tries to Drop the Dime, but RVD moves out of the way, then hits a low spinning heel kick on the seated Rey. RVD comes off the ropes and hits Rolling Thunder! Cover, 1…2…Rey just kicks out. RVD slams Rey and goes for the Split-Legged Moonsault, but Rey gets his knees up, then rolls RVD up. 1…2…RVD kicks out! Rey hits a baseball slide that knocks RVD under the bottom rope and back to the floor. Rey taunts to the crowd and comes off the ropes, then flies over the top rope with a somersault plancha…only to get hit with a chair in midair by RVD! RVD hits Rey with a front suplex on the railing then climbs up to the ring apron, then comes off with a corkscrew legdrop on him!
RVD rolls Rey back into the ring and takes a chair with him. Rey backs up into the corner, and RVD follows up by rolling, leaving the chair in the middle of the middle of the ring, then sending Rey flying with a monkey flip onto the chair! Rey slides under the bottom rope to try to get a breather and recover, but RVD is all over him by leaping over the top rope with a somersault plancha! RVD slides back into the ring and his arrogance shows one more time as he gives the crowd a bow. Rey rolls back into the ring and RVD hits a quick twisting legdrop and covers, 1…2…Rey still has fight and kicks out! RVD sets up the chair in the middle of the ring. Rey counters a whip and hits RVD with a drop toehold that sends RVD right into the seat of the chair! RVD staggers across the ring and ends up on the second rope, and Rey hits him with a 6-1-9! RVD ends up seated in the corner, and Rey grabs the chair and steals a page from RVD’s book…skateboarding the chair into RVD’s face! RVD ends up laid out in the middle of the ring. Rey heads to the top rope and goes for a flying splash, but RVD gets a foot up and Rey’s face smashes right into it! RVD gets to his feet and leaps up to the top rope…Five Star Frog Splash misses as Rey moved out of the way. RVD gets to his feet but tends to his midsection as Rey leaps up to his shoulders and gets a victory roll, 1…2…3! Rey got him!
Winner: Rey Mysterio Jr. via pinfall in 14:02
Rey Mysterio Jr. celebrates one of the biggest wins of his career. Rob Van Dam looks a little annoyed, but when he comes back to his feet he nods his head, basically saying “you got me”. Rey and RVD shake hands once again. RVD takes off, giving Rey the ring and letting him celebrate.
Tazz:“I gotta say that’s a bit of an upset in my book, Joey!”
Joey Styles:“What a big win for Rey Mysterio Jr…and oh, Tazz, look, right here on the stage!"
As Rey Mysterio Jr. celebrates, Raven and his Warriors appear at the top of the stage. Saturn, Terri, Whipwreck, Tajiri, Crush, Malice, and Wrath all stand behind Raven, who has the ECW World Championship around his waist. Raven stares Rey Mysterio Jr. down and strikes his trademark pose, extending his arms out. Rey looks down at Raven’s Warriors, realizing that while he has an ECW World Title match in a few weeks at November to Remember, he may have to deal with all of Raven’s stable.
#1 Contender for the ECW World Championship
Rey Mysterio Jr. pinned Rob Van Dam
Champions
WCW World Champion
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
Alex Wright: – Was part of a trio with Disco Inferno and Brian Christopher, but recently he and Disco turned on Christopher
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE. They’ve also been feuding with the trio of Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown. They also have issues with Dreamer and Sandman because of the kidnapping of Spike
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after a losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brian Christopher: – Christopher looked to get his career back on track by joining fellow dancers Alex Wright and Disco Inferno, but Wright and Inferno turned on him on a November 2002 edition of Nitro
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion
Chuck Palumbo: – Palumbo has struggled ever since partner Sean O’Haire turned against him and joined the NWO. Has had some matches with O’Haire since, but hasn’t been able to beat his former partner and friend
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Disco Inferno: – Was part of a trio with Brian Christopher and Alex Wright, but recently he and Wright turned on Christopher
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero showed up on Nitro as a result and lost a highly competitive match with Kurt Angle in the main event
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Faces of Fear: – Meng and the Barbarian have been an intimidating team in the WCW ranks, but they’ve been unable to get to the top of the tag team division
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
Hugh Morrus: – Has mostly been in the lower-mid card in the Alliance era
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar assuming Hogan is champion at that point
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam
Kurt Angle: – Angle won the WCW World Championship the night after Starrcade 2001, beating and crippling Ric Flair. After managing defenses against The Giant, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Lance Storm, Angle would finally fall to Triple H at Slamboree thanks to the New World Order. Angle has essentially feuded with the New World Order since, which included beating Curt Hennig in a cage on Nitro. After a win against the NWO's Sean O’Haire at Halloween Havoc, Angle finds himself in position to win back the WCW Title at WrestleWar. He’s also had a bit of an adversarial issue with Booker T. Angle beat Booker T back at Starrcade 2001, but at Cyberslam 2002 the fans chose Booker unanimously to face Triple H for the WCW Title, something that seems to still bug Angle
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. Awesome has had his chances at winning big gold, and looks determined to get the NWO and X-Factor out of his and Total Impact’s way for good
Molly Marvel: – The former Mighty Molly reinvented herself and was the inaugural World Women’s Champion. She would lose it to Jazz and has been trying to win it back ever since
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
The Phoenix: – Talented youngster who has mainly wrestled in Canada. Has had a few battles with rival La Felina in Alliance. Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Rey Mysterio Jr.: – Returned to WCW/ECW at Barely Legal II when he defeated long time rival Psicosis to win the World Cruiserweight Championship. Has mostly wrestled on ECW shows, although he’s made some WCW appearances. He’s feuded with another long-time rival in Eddie Guerrero throughout the summer and beat Guerrero for his first open weight major singles championship: the ECW TV Title. Had two dream matches with Sabu, the second of which saw Sabu take the TV title at Cyberslam. Rey is set for his second ever shot at the ECW World Championship at November to Remember against Raven. His first was a loss in a valiant effort against Brock Lesnar at the Great American Bash
Rob Van Dam: – Rob Van Dam’s dream to finally win the ECW World Championship came true after a grueling nine month journey. After coming up short against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade 2001 for the vacant title, it took RVD until Anarchy Rulz to get a one-on-one rematch, this time in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage, to beat Lesnar and win the title. He added a TV title reign over the summer too. RVD is the only person to actually beat Brock Lesnar, and he did it twice (tag match at Slamboree and at Anarchy Rulz, both by pinfall)
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. After losses to Kurt Angle and Booker T, as well as several mistakes trying to help Triple H, it looks like a falling out is imminent with O’Haire and HHH
Shane Helms: – After some losses to Elix Skipper, he and Skipper joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Test: – The Alliance Era has been a mixed bag for Test. He started off as ECW Owner Shane McMahon’s bodyguard, but quickly was taken out by the Giant. Ever since he’s been in the middle of the card, recently losing matches to Billy Kidman
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc. Now without the title, he’s been challenged as the leader of the NWO by Sean O’Haire
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
UPCOMING PAY-PER-VIEW
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
The WrestleWar (Three 15-Man Royal Rumbles) – Confirmed Entrants: Booker T, Brock Lesnar, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Sean O’Haire, Test, Triple H
Women’s WrestleWar (Competitor Amount TBD - Royal Rumble) – Confirmed Entrants: Ivory, Jacqueline, Jazz, Molly Marvel, The Phoenix
Rey Mysterio vs Raven sounds like a very intriguing ECW title match. Also curious which version of Foley Eddie will end up facing at November to Remember.
WCW Worldwide
November 9, 2002
Arthur Ashe Athletic Center Richmond, VA
Scott Hudson: “Hello everyone, Scott Hudson here on this edition of WCW Worldwide. We have three big matchups today, with the main event being New World Order member Scott Hall against Stevie Ray. Let’s get to the ring!”
***
Scotty Anton vs. William Regal (w/Fit Finlay)
Anton surprises Regal by attacking him before the bell sounds. Anton hits an elbow before posing to the crowd. Regal responds to Anton’s posing by pushing up a muscle on his arm himself. Anton attacks Regal again but this time Regal counters with a hammerlock. Regal takes Anton down but Anton nips up and hits Regal with a dropkick. Anton tries to slam Regal, but Regal gets a thumb to the eye. Hard slap to the chest from Regal, then a European uppercut nearly knocks Anton out. Regal locks in a hammerlock and again takes Anton down. Regal converts into a pinning situation, 1…2…Anton kicks out. Regal hits a couple of forearms, but Anton responds with one of his own and then slams Regal!
Anton hits a couple of punches, but Regal quickly counters and sends Anton into the top turnbuckle. Another hard European uppercut is followed up with a knee to the face from Regal. Reverse floatover suplex from Regal, and Regal transitions right into the Regal Stretch…and Anton gives up quickly.
Winner: William Regal by submission in 3:22
Regal and Finlay stomp away on Scotty Anton before kicking him out of the ring. Regal tells the camera that he and Finlay are the most suited for War than anyone else and guarantee victory at the WrestleWar.
Scott Hudson: “Solid victory for William Regal. When we come back, two men who are also signed up for the WrestleWar on November 30th, 2002 and two men who’ve had a rivalry as well. Billy Kidman takes on Test!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Test
Test approaches Kidman but Kidman uses his speed to stay out of Test’s grasp. Kidman gets a couple of strikes, using a hit’n’run strategy. Test finally catches Kidman and gets a knee to the midsection. Test sends Kidman off the ropes, but Kidman comes back with a flying headscissors, sending Test to the canvas! Test gets back to his feet but Kidman tries to knock him down again with a couple of dropkicks. Kidman runs at Test, but Test takes him right out with a clothesline, then drops a big elbow. Test locks in a rear chinlock to slow and wear Kidman down. Kidman tries to get back to his feet, but Test puts all his weight on Kidman.
Kidman gets some punches to the midsection and gets back to a vertical base. Test releases the chinlock and tries to slam Kidman, but Kidman counters with a roll-up, 1…2…Test kicks out. Kidman springboards off the ropes and hits Test with a bulldog. Another pin attempt, 1…2…Test kicks out again. Kidman hops up to the second turnbuckle and leaps at Test, but Test catches him. Test sets Kidman up for the Pumphandle Slam and slams Kidman to the canvas! Cover, 1…2…Kidman just kicks out! Test sets Kidman up for a second Pumphandle Slam, but Kidman lands on his feet behind Test, hooks his legs behind Test’s arms and rolls him back, 1…2…Test powers out. Kidman runs into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Test, totally stopping Kidman in his tracks!
Test smiles at Torrie Wilson before climbing up to the top rope. Test goes for the Flying Elbow Drop, but Kidman moves out of the way! Kidman uses his power and gets a BK Bomb! 1…2…Test kicks out. Test catches Kidman with another knee to the midsection then sets him up for a powerbomb. Torrie leaps onto the apron to distract Test, but Test doesn’t fall for it. Kidman though, counters the powerbomb with a facebuster! Kidman heads to the top rope…but suddenly the three monsters from Raven’s Warriors show up…Malice, Crush, and Wrath! Crush pulls Kidman under the bottom rope and they begin to beat the hell out of him, causing the DQ!
Winner: Kidman via pinfall in 8:01
Malice sets up a table on the outside as Torrie Wilson begs Test to help Kidman! Test thinks about it for a second before laughing at Torrie and heading to the back. Crush and Wrath grab Kidman by the throat and double chokeslam him through the table! ECW World Champion Raven comes down to the ring and tells his Warriors that the message has been sent. Raven grabs Kidman by the hair and shoots a sick smile before leaving him lying.
Scott Hudson: “I can’t believe that Raven would come down here and do this to Billy Kidman. This has to be a message to his opponent at November to Remember: Rey Mysterio Jr. Just disgusting from Raven!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Scott Hall makes his way to the ring for the main event, with Alexis Laree accompanying him. Hall makes a comment about how the NWO has four shots at the WrestleWar, and Laree says she’s going to win then as well.
Scott Hudson: “We haven’t seen Alexis Laree for a few months now. It looks like she’s still with the NWO.”
Scott Hall (w/Alexis Laree) vs. Stevie Ray
Hall throws a toothpick in Stevie Ray’s face before attacking. Stevie Ray fires back and pounds away on Hall. Stevie Ray stomps away on Scott Hall then tosses him into the corner. Big clothesline from Stevie Ray. Cover, 1…2…Hall kicks out. Stevie Ray continues to attack, but Hall fires back. Ray gets the better of the exchange, but Hall gets a thumb to the eye. Hall spins around before hitting Stevie Ray with a clothesline. Stevie Ray stays on his feet, but he misses a wild clothesline. Chokeslam from Scott Hall! Cover, 1…2…Stevie Ray kicks out. Hall locks in a rear chinlock, but Stevie Ray powers out and hits Hall with some elbows. Ray misses another clothesline and Hall locks in an abdominal stretch. Hall reaches out to Alexis Laree for some extra leverage as Stevie Ray struggles with the pain.
Stevie Ray finally powers through and hip tosses Hall! He hits the ropes, but Laree tries to grab his foot. This distracts Ray and Hall nails him from behind. Hall slams Ray, but then misses an elbow drop. Stevie Ray hits Hall with some hard shots, then hits a pump kick! Stevie Ray sends Hall into the corner. He mounts, looking for the 10 punches as Alexis Laree distracts the referee. Hall low blows Stevie Ray, then sneaks behind him and plants him with the Outsider’s Edge! Hall makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Scott Hall via pinfall in 4:02
Scott Hall and Alexis Laree celebrate up the ramp as Worldwide comes to a close.
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
William Regal made Scotty Anton submit
Billy Kidman defeated Test by DQ
Scott Hall pinned Stevie Ray
Champions
WCW World Champion
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
Alex Wright: – Was part of a trio with Disco Inferno and Brian Christopher, but recently he and Disco turned on Christopher
Alexis Laree: – Has been a valet for the New World Order, specifically the Outsiders
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE. They’ve also been feuding with the trio of Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown. They also have issues with Dreamer and Sandman because of the kidnapping of Spike
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after a losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brian Christopher: – Christopher looked to get his career back on track by joining fellow dancers Alex Wright and Disco Inferno, but Wright and Inferno turned on him on a November 2002 edition of Nitro
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion
Chuck Palumbo: – Palumbo has struggled ever since partner Sean O’Haire turned against him and joined the NWO. Has had some matches with O’Haire since, but hasn’t been able to beat his former partner and friend
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Disco Inferno: – Was part of a trio with Brian Christopher and Alex Wright, but recently he and Wright turned on Christopher
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero showed up on Nitro as a result and lost a highly competitive match with Kurt Angle in the main event
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Faces of Fear: – Meng and the Barbarian have been an intimidating team in the WCW ranks, but they’ve been unable to get to the top of the tag team division
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
Hugh Morrus: – Has mostly been in the lower-mid card in the Alliance era
“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar assuming Hogan is champion at that point
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam
Kurt Angle: – Angle won the WCW World Championship the night after Starrcade 2001, beating and crippling Ric Flair. After managing defenses against The Giant, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Lance Storm, Angle would finally fall to Triple H at Slamboree thanks to the New World Order. Angle has essentially feuded with the New World Order since, which included beating Curt Hennig in a cage on Nitro. After a win against the NWO's Sean O’Haire at Halloween Havoc, Angle finds himself in position to win back the WCW Title at WrestleWar. He’s also had a bit of an adversarial issue with Booker T. Angle beat Booker T back at Starrcade 2001, but at Cyberslam 2002 the fans chose Booker unanimously to face Triple H for the WCW Title, something that seems to still bug Angle
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. Awesome has had his chances at winning big gold, and looks determined to get the NWO and X-Factor out of his and Total Impact’s way for good
Molly Marvel: – The former Mighty Molly reinvented herself and was the inaugural World Women’s Champion. She would lose it to Jazz and has been trying to win it back ever since
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
The Phoenix: – Talented youngster who has mainly wrestled in Canada. Has had a few battles with rival La Felina in Alliance. Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Rey Mysterio Jr.: – Returned to WCW/ECW at Barely Legal II when he defeated long time rival Psicosis to win the World Cruiserweight Championship. Has mostly wrestled on ECW shows, although he’s made some WCW appearances. He’s feuded with another long-time rival in Eddie Guerrero throughout the summer and beat Guerrero for his first open weight major singles championship: the ECW TV Title. Had two dream matches with Sabu, the second of which saw Sabu take the TV title at Cyberslam. Rey is set for his second ever shot at the ECW World Championship at November to Remember against Raven. His first was a loss in a valiant effort against Brock Lesnar at the Great American Bash
Rob Van Dam: – Rob Van Dam’s dream to finally win the ECW World Championship came true after a grueling nine month journey. After coming up short against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade 2001 for the vacant title, it took RVD until Anarchy Rulz to get a one-on-one rematch, this time in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage, to beat Lesnar and win the title. He added a TV title reign over the summer too. RVD is the only person to actually beat Brock Lesnar, and he did it twice (tag match at Slamboree and at Anarchy Rulz, both by pinfall)
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. After losses to Kurt Angle and Booker T, as well as several mistakes trying to help Triple H, it looks like a falling out is imminent with O’Haire and HHH
Shane Helms: – After some losses to Elix Skipper, he and Skipper joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Test: – The Alliance Era has been a mixed bag for Test. He started off as ECW Owner Shane McMahon’s bodyguard, but quickly was taken out by the Giant. Ever since he’s been in the middle of the card, recently losing matches to Billy Kidman
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc. Now without the title, he’s been challenged as the leader of the NWO by Sean O’Haire
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
UPCOMING PAY-PER-VIEW
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
The WrestleWar (Three 15-Man Royal Rumbles) – Confirmed Entrants: Booker T, Billy Kidman, Brock Lesnar, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Fit Finlay, Kevin Nash, Sean O’Haire, Scott Hall, Test, Triple H, William Regal
Women’s WrestleWar (Competitor Amount TBD - Royal Rumble) – Confirmed Entrants: Alexis Laree, Ivory, Jacqueline, Jazz, Molly Marvel, The Phoenix
WCW Monday Night Nitro
November 11, 2002
The Scope
Norfolk, VA
Triple H walks up to Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in the locker room.
Triple H: “Guys, tonight the NWO locks up the last spot in one of these War Rumbles. I need you guys at my side, just to ensure that I put Sean O’Haire in his place…”
Scott Hall: “That’s a no-go, man.”
Triple H: “What?”
Kevin Nash: “Hunter, you know we’d have your back anytime against anyone. But, hey, we let Sean O’Haire in. He’s NWO 4 Life just like you. Just like Scott. Like Shawn. Like me. And honestly, he might have a point man. Maybe we need to consider how we run things. If you still want to be our leader, go get the belt back man, and go beat Sean tonight. But you gotta do that on your own.”
Triple H: “Really? After all we’ve been through? So that’s how it is?”
Kevin Nash: “That’s how it is.”
Scott Hall: “Yeah man, that’s how it is.”
Triple H angrily walks away from the Outsiders as Kevin Nash tapes up his wrist for his own match coming up.
Mike Tenay: “Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Nitro! What a big show do we have here for you tonight! In a match where one man will be #1 and the other #15 in their 15-Man War Rumble Match, NWO members Sean O’Haire and Triple H go one-on-one!”
Don West: “Mike, the NWO might just explode tonight! Did you see what Kevin Nash and Scott Hall just said to Triple H?”
Mike Tenay: “I did, Don! I can’t wait for that match tonight, that is our main event! Also tonight, Booker T looks to add some gold before WrestleWar in three weeks as he challenges Christian for the US Title! We’re kicking things off with the Cruiserweight Championship as Super Crazy takes on the man who has went by Essa Rios and Papi Chulo. He’s put the mask on and tonight, he’s under his Mexican identity: Mr. Agulia.”
Crazy quickly sends Agulia off the ropes, but Agulia leaps onto Crazy’s shoulders before getting an armdrag. Agulia leaps off the ropes and ends up getting another armdrag. Agulia off the ropes, but this time Crazy leapfrogs him, then follows up with a spinning heel kick! Crazy hits Agulia with chops, backing him into the corner. Crazy mounts Agulia and begins to punch away…
Agulia shoves Crazy off, but Crazy does a backflip and lands on his feet. Agulia runs at Crazy and Crazy sends him up high…but Agulia lands on the top turnbuckle and on his feet! Agulia backflips off, landing in front of Crazy, but that allows Crazy to hit a dropkick! Crazy quickly hits a spingboard moonsault, 1…2…Agulia kicks out. Agulia hits an elbow, then springboards off the ropes himself and lands another armdrag. This sends Crazy out to the floor. Agulia leaps up to the top rope and hits Crazy with a diving moonsault to the floor! Agulia rolls Crazy back into the ring and heads to the top rope, but this moonsault misses!
Flying headscissors sends Agulia to the apron. Crazy hits him with a hard shot to the face, then crotches him on the ropes. Crazy comes off the top rope, hitting Agulia with a flying spinning heel kick that sends Agulia off the ropes and onto the floor. Crazy comes off the ropes and leaps over the top with a Space Flying Tiger Drop onto Agulia! Crazy sends Agulia into the ring, then quickly locks in a Mexican Surfboard! Agulia refuses to submit though and Crazy releases. Crazy sets Agulia up for a powerbomb, but Agulia counters with a hurricanrana into a pin! 1…2…Crazy kicks out! Crazy struggles to get to his feet as Agulia heads to the top rope…and hits a missile dropkick! Crazy again heads to the outside, and Agulia catches him by leaping over the ringpost and onto Crazy! Agulia rolls Crazy into the ring. He sets Crazy up for a powerbomb, but Crazy counters by dropping Agulia with a DDT! Crazy drags Agulia to the corner and hits all three of his Triple Moonsaults! 1…2…3!
Winner: Super Crazy via pinfall in 7:34 (Retains)
Super Crazy celebrates his title win as Agulia slams the mat in frustration.
***
Jeremy Borash: "Hello everyone, Jeremy Borash here. I’m here with the WCW United States Champion, Christian. Christian, tonight you take on Booker T.”
Christian: “Borash, Borash, Borash. Once again there’s a conspiracy against me. What has Booker T done to get a shot at the US Title just three weeks before the WrestleWar? All of this is just to tire me out so I’m not 100% for the WrestleWar. But I’m going to do what I always do. Booker T can’t beat me. Booker T can never beat me. We’ve done this dance before. Yeah he has the Scissors Kick and the Book End and I’m sure a whole slew of office desk named moves that won’t have any effect on me. I’m the WCW United States Champion Borash. Only two guys right now are above me in the pecking order. There’s the WCW World Champion, Hulk Hogan. I think we all know that when I win the WrestleWar I’ll beat Hogan for the WCW World Title if that’s what it takes. And the other guy is Kurt Angle. All I can say about Angle is look in the record books and remind yourself who I beat to win this US Title! One guy not above me on the list? Booker T. And tonight I plan to keep him down there!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Molly Marvel and The Phoenix vs. Jazz and Jacqueline
Jazz and Jacqueline attack Molly and Phoenix before the bell, but Molly and Phoenix get the upperhand quickly with a pair of clotheslines. Molly kicks Jazz in the corner while The Phoenix presses Jacqueline over her head and slams her to the canvas. Jazz slams Molly into the corner, then kicks Phoenix and plants her with a DDT. Jazz yells at Jacqueline for not being ready to tag in, allowing Phoenix to hit a clothesline. Phoenix tags Molly in. Molly hits Jazz with a backbreaker and makes a cover, 1…2…Jazz kicks out. Molly sends Jazz into the corner, but a cartwheel back elbow is countered as Jazz hits Molly in the back of the neck. Jazz aggressively tags in Jacqueline, who takes exception and shoves Jazz to the outside. Molly tags in Phoenix. Phoenix grabs the distracted Jacqueline from behind with a Double Chicken Wing, then lifts Jacqueline up and slams her to the canvas! 1…2…3!
Winners: Molly Marvel and The Phoenix when Phoenix pinned Jacqueline in 2:03
Molly goes to celebrate with Phoenix, but before she is able to Ivory runs down and pulls Molly down to the canvas by her hair. Phoenix chases Ivory off, but this allows Jazz to stomp away on Molly. Jazz locks in her own Double Chickenwing on Molly, but before Jazz can slam her to the canvas Jacqueline attacks her! Jacqueline plants Jazz with a DDT before officials comes down to hold her back!
Don West: “These women are ripping each other apart, Mike!”
Mike Tenay: “All five of the women we just saw: Ivory, Molly Marvel, Jazz, Jacqueline, and The Phoenix will all be in the Women’s War Rumble. I understand that the Women’s War Rumble will feature seven women. The New World Order’s Alexis Laree also entered as she said on Worldwide, and there will be one unannounced entrant! Winner will get a chance at the World Women’s Championship at Starrcade, which is likely to be either current champion Victoria or Daffney! That match takes place at November to Remember, just 13 days away!”
Don West: “That should be a hell of a fight!”
***
Kevin Nash and Scott Hall are about to head out to the ring when they come across Sean O’Haire.
Scott Hall: “Hey man, just want you to know that me and Big Kev, we wish you the best of luck out there.”
O’Haire shoots Scott Hall an intense look as Kevin Nash tells Hall to “come on.”
***
Hugh Morrus vs. Kevin Nash (w/Scott Hall)
Nash and Morrus trade blows, but Nash wins the exchange with a couple of hard forearms. Nash positions Morrus into the corner and buries the knee into his midsection. Nash chokes Morrus with his boot, then knocks Morrus down with a short-arm clothesline. Nash misses an elbow drop. Morrus hits Nash with a couple of blows, then sends Nash into the corner. Morrus hits Nash with an avalanche in the corner, but when Nash calls for the referee Scott Hall drags Morrus to the outside. Morrus and Hall trade blows on the outside, but Hall wins the exchange Morrus misses a clothesline and hits the ring post. Hall rolls Morrus back into the ring and this time Nash hits a big elbow drop. 1…2…Morrus kicks out. Nash pounds away on Morrus, then picks him up and slams him into the top turnbuckle with snake eyes. Instead of covering Morrus, Nash just poses to the crowd.
Nash picks Morrus up again and slams him down with a vicious sidewalk slam. Cover from Nash, 1…2…Nash arrogantly pulls Morrus’ arm up. Nash calls for the end and sets Morrus up, but Morrus punches Nash’s legs to escape. Nash misses a wild clothesline attempt and Morrus hits him with a back suplex. Morrus points to the corner and heads up to the top rope, but Hall shakes the top rope and Morrus gets crotched, then crashes to the canvas. Morrus gets back to his feet but is immediately run down with a big boot by Nash. Nash sets him up and plants him with the Jackknife Powerbomb. 1…2…3.
Winner: Kevin Nash via pinfall in 5:28
There isn’t much celebrating to be done. As soon as the three count is made, instead of the Wolfpac music, Lance Storm’s theme plays and Total Impact makes their way down to the ring! Nash and Hall bail immediately as Storm grabs the microphone.
Lance Storm: “If you’ll allow me to be serious for a moment, myself, Chris, Mike, we’re fed up with the New World Order!Nash and Hall, you cost Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship two weeks ago on RISE. In response, we’ve drawn the line. We’ve had enough. We will not stop until you both are in the ring with us. I can promise you the impact that we’ll smash the NWO with will end you once and for all!”
Scott Hall: “Yo, yo, we ain’t committing to anything right now. Really, we got bigger things to deal with than you. But you show up on your little ECW show this week, we’ll give you an answer, man.”
Lance Storm: “We’ll be at RISE. But no matter what you say, we’re coming for the both of you! All the pieces of the NWO, they always revolve around you two. We’re going to finish you both off and I promise, you’ll feel every bit of the total impact!”
***
Mike Tenay: “The New World Order has created a lot of enemies, Total Impact is just another example of that. Make sure to tune into RISE this Thursday and we’ll see if Kevin Nash and Scott Hall show up!”
Don West: “You don’t think they will, Mike?”
Mike Tenay: “I think Kevin Nash and Scott Hall want no part of Total Impact, specifically Mike Awesome. Anyway, we need to change gears ladies and gentlemen. At WrestleWar, the WCW World Championship will be on the line as Hulk Hogan defends the title against the former champion Kurt Angle. Next week on Nitro we have a contract signing for this match. Right now we have a video package about both competitors, with comments from both as well.”
The Hulk Hogan-Kurt Angle promo video plays, primarily focusing on how both Hogan and Angle have represented the United States over the years. The video then highlights Angle’s greatest victories in his professional wrestling career, showing not only his WCW Title victories over Booker T in the summer 2001 and Ric Flair the night after Starrcade 2001, but his WWF Championship victory over The Rock at WWF No Mercy 2000. Angle’s comments follow.
Kurt Angle: “I’m not going to sit here and pretend that Hulk Hogan isn’t one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all-time. His track record proves it. But I’m also not going to sit here and pretend he’s some amazing representation of America to gain the fans’ trust again while he’s champion. I don’t really care what the fans do at the WrestleWar. They want to boo me? That’s fine. Cheer me? Hey, go ahead. I’m going to be wearing the red, white, and blue just like I always do. I’ll be wearing my Olympic Gold Medal. I’m what America is all about. As great a professional wrestler Hulk Hogan still is, and I’m not taking that away from him, the man uses and takes advantage of people whenever he can. The WWF. America. WCW. The New World Order. It’s always gotta be Hulkamania first. I’ll give him his due, he promised me a title shot and he’s giving it to me. But again, he cost me the title in the first place. Sacramento, California. WrestleWar. I put Hulk Hogan in his place in history…by taking him out of his place in the present. And if you think I’m joking, well, when’s the last time you saw Ric Flair around here? I’m going to be WCW World Champion again, it’s true, it’s damn true.”
The video audio shifts to “American Made”, with Hulk Hogan highlights. Hogan is shown predominantly with the WCW World Championship, although shots of him waving the American flag are also present. Hogan’s comments follow.
Hulk Hogan: “In that ring, Kurt Angle might be the best when it comes to moves and technical ability and all that. But brother, what he doesn’t realize that it doesn’t matter if they’re flying guys or speed guys or wrestling guys. I find a way everytime. The power of Hulkamania always comes through and it will again in Sacramento at the WrestleWar. Angle’s tried to make this personal with all this American stuff. He has his way of representing his country and so do I. It’s up to the people to decide who they want to represent them. Honestly, I think this is all mind games from him anyway. Well, I’m not going to be deterred. I’m going to go out there and do what I do best, and the way I see it, I expect it to end with the big leg being dropped on Kurt Angle. He might be one of the best in the world, but I’m still the best in the world brother. All I can say to him now is I’ll see him at the contract signing.”
Booker T tries to lock up with Christian but Christian ducks to the ropes. Christian demands Booker back up, but when they go to lock up again Christian again ducks to the ropes. Christian argues with the referee and Booker T attacks Christian, punching, chopping, and kicking him all over the ring! Booker sends Christian off the ropes and hits a flapjack! Booker continues to fire at Christian and sends him off the ropes again, and Booker knocks him right back down with an elbow. Christian slides under the bottom rope and Booker gives chase, only for Christian to roll back in and get the advantage. It doesn’t last long though as Booker T nails Christian with a Harlem sidekick! Booker covers, 1…2…Christian kicks out. Booker T punches Christian into the corner, then climbs and punches some more! Rene Dupree tries to stop Booker, but Booker punches him off the apron, but that allows Christian to hit Booker with a double-leg takedown from the turnbuckles, giving him control of the match.
Christian tries to pin Booker with his feet on the ropes, 1…2…Booker kicks out! Christian sends Booker off the ropes and gets a knee to the midsection. Christian mocks Booker by looking at his hand like Booker does. Booker tries to take advantage with a kick to the face attempt, but Christian counters and gets a kick of his own. Inverted DDT to the knee takes down Booker. Cover from Christian, 1…2…Booker kicks out again. Christian slows the pace down planting his knee in Booker’s back and pulling back his arms. Booker T twists his way out of it and Christian hits the ropes, only to run into a twisting forearm from Booker! Roundhouse kick from Booker T…and as Christian goes down Booker gets the crowd ready for it. Spinarooni from Booker T! Booker kicks Christian and prepares for the Scissors’ Kick, but Dupree tries to trip him. Booker pulls Dupree up onto the apron and slugs him, but Test runs down and attacks Booker, causing a DQ.
Winner: Booker T via DQ when Test interfered in 7:41 (Christian retains)
Test and Christian pound away on Booker T, and Rene Dupree makes it a three-on-one. Stevie Ray runs down and nails Dupree with a kick. He goes to blows with Test as Christian grabs the US Title belt and runs off. Stevie Ray wins the exchange then helps his brother up, as Test yells to the camera that “he’s going to win the War!”
***
Triple H sits in the locker room with a focused look on his face. Eric Bischoff walks up to him.
Triple H: “It’s falling apart, Eric.”
Eric Bischoff: “It’s falling apart? You don’t need them Triple H. Look, I know Sean O’Haire. I recruited him to WCW in 2000 and I helped recruit him to the NWO. One day he’ll be great. But right now he has a lot to learn from you, he just doesn’t know it. Nash and Hall, they’re your friends. They’ll come around. But you’ve for me in your corner. Let’s get this job done.”
Triple H and Eric Bischoff head out of the locker room for the main event.
***
Elix Skipper and Shane Helms (w/Monty Brown) vs. Disco Inferno and Alex Wright
Disco pounds away on Helms to kick things off. Disco hits the ropes but Helms leapfrogs over Disco, then backdrops Disco! Disco backs up to tag in Alex Wright as Helms tags in Skipper. Skipper and Helms double armdrag Wright then hit a double elbowdrop. Disco runs back in and he receives a double armdrag as well! Skipper dropkicks Disco to the outside, then flies over the top rope with a corkscrew plancha! Wright counters a Helms waistlock and tries for a German suplex, but Helms lands on his feet. The match gets thrown out though, as the Archdiocese of Dudleyville have come through the crowd and Bubba and D-Von beat down Skipper!
Winners: Elix Skipper and Shane Helms by DQ when the Archdiocese of Dudleyville interfered
Monty Brown tries to save Skipper, but he gets laid out by Deacon Batista. Helms comes off the ropes and dives onto all the members of the A.O.D., Disco, and teammates Brown and Skipper! The brawl gets even more serious as Tommy Dreamer, Sandman, Balls Mahoney, and Axl Rotten back their way through the crowd. They get involved in the brawl and things are completely out of hand! Despite being outnumbered, the A.O.D. do well to defend themselves as Batista violently goes off on everyone attacking him. Dreamer and Sandman get to Spike, but Bubba and D-Von attack them to save him. Skipper and Helms hit dropkicks on Bubba and D-Von before officials come down and break up the melee!
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Winner Receives #15 Spot in a War Rumble, Loser Receives #1 Spot in the Same War Rumble
Sean O’Haire vs. Triple H (w/Eric Bischoff)
Sean O’Haire and HHH stand face-to-face, with Triple H yelling “Are you sure you want this?” O’Haire nods his head and when HHH tries to punch O’Haire, O’Haire blocks and levels HHH! O’Haire sends HHH off the ropes and shoulder blocks him down, causing HHH to back away into the corner. HHH explodes out of the corner just to get backdropped by O’Haire! HHH escapes to the outside and O’Haire is right on him, slamming HHH into the barricade, then slamming him into the steel steps. O’Haire then catapults HHH into the ringpost, busting him open just minutes into the match! O’Haire rolls HHH back into the ring and Eric Bischoff tries to stop O’Haire. O’Haire shoves Bischoff into the barricade and heads back into the ring, but that allows HHH to land a low blow via kick. HHH seems shocked that he’s already bleeding. The blood angers HHH, who punches away at O’Haire and then chokes him. O’Haire breaks free of the choke, once again causing HHH to back pedal. HHH tries to attack, but O’Haire presses him over his head and slams HHH down! HHH again rolls to the outside as O’Haire stands tall in the ring.
O’Haire heads to the outside. He again tries to send HHH into the post with a whip, but HHH counters and O’Haire smashes into the steel. HHH rolls O’Haire into the ring and goes for a pin with his feet on the ropes, 1…2…O’Haire kicks out. HHH fires some shots, then sends O’Haire off the ropes, knocking him back down with a flying knee to the face. HHH quickly locks in a rear chinlock to wear O’Haire down and gain some rest for himself. O’Haire begins to fight back, but HHH releases and drops O’Haire with a DDT. Cover, 1…2…O’Haire kicks out. HHH drops an elbow and again locks O’Haire in a rear chinlock, only O’Haire quickly gets to his feet and hits a side suplex to break the hold. HHH gets back to his feet and O’Haire clotheslines him over the top rope. O’Haire heads to the outside and pounds away on HHH before again slamming him into the steps, then sending him back into the ring.
HHH backs away as O’Haire slowly stalks him into the ring. HHH again gets a sudden burst of energy and attacks, but O’Haire hits HHH with the Ridgehand, then hits a knee to the face! O’Haire picks HHH up and tosses him across the ring with a slam! With HHH struggling in the corner, O’Haire pounds away on him, but HHH sneakily gets another low blow, undetected by referee Charles Robinson. HHH then sends O’Haire between the ropes and into the ringpost, shoulder-first. Russian legsweep from HHH. HHH whips O’Haire into the corner, but O’Haire leaps to the top rope and backflips over HHH! HHH turns around and ducks an O’Haire superkick. HHH gets a kick himself and sets O’Haire up for the Pedigree. O’Haire tries to block…then manages to backdrop HHH over the top rope and onto the floor! O’Haire goes after him as Bischoff trips referee Robinson in the ring. O’Haire sends HHH flying into the timekeeper’s table. O’Haire rolls HHH back into the ring and looks to finish him off. O’Haire puts HHH on his shoulders and plants him with the Prophecy! O’Haire covers HHH, but Robinson is still trying to get up from Bischoff’s attack. O’Haire doesn’t know what happened and tries to help Robinson up, allowing HHH to attack him from behind. HHH signals something to Bischoff, and Bischoff pulls a sledgehammer from under the ring! Bischoff stands on the apron about to hand the sledgehammer to HHH, but O’Haire shoves HHH into Bischoff, with HHH’s head hitting the sledgehammer and Bischoff flying off the apron! O’Haire plants HHH with a second Prophecy, then heads to the top rope. The crowd gets excited as for the first time since before O’Haire joined the New World Order…O’Haire lands the Sean-Ton Bomb! O’Haire covers HHH as Robinson comes to, 1…2…3!
Winner: Sean O’Haire via pinfall in 14:06
HHH gets dragged out of the ring. HHH and Bischoff look back at the ring in shock as Sean O’Haire stands defiant. O’Haire makes the title belt motion at his waist as the crowd is completely behind him.
Don West: “Did I just see what I thought I saw?”
Mike Tenay: “I don’t think any of us expected this! Sean O’Haire has beaten Triple H, decisively! What will this mean for the New World Order? We’ll find out next week on Nitro!”
Shane Helms and Elix Skipper defeated Disco Inferno and Alex Wright by DQ when the Archdiocese of Dudleyville interfered
Winner Receives #15 Spot in a War Rumble, Loser Receives #1 Spot in the Same War Rumble
Sean O’Haire pinned Triple H
Champions
WCW World Champion
Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
Alex Wright: – Was part of a trio with Disco Inferno and Brian Christopher, but recently he and Disco turned on Christopher
Alexis Laree: – Has been a valet for the New World Order, specifically the Outsiders
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE. They’ve also been feuding with the trio of Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown. They also have issues with Dreamer and Sandman because of the kidnapping of Spike
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after a losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brian Christopher: – Christopher looked to get his career back on track by joining fellow dancers Alex Wright and Disco Inferno, but Wright and Inferno turned on him on a November 2002 edition of Nitro
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since. After the Outsiders cost Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion. Christian is slated to compete in the WrestleWar and has guaranteed victory all the while trying to avoid defending his US Title at all costs
Chuck Palumbo: – Palumbo has struggled ever since partner Sean O’Haire turned against him and joined the NWO. Has had some matches with O’Haire since, but hasn’t been able to beat his former partner and friend
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Disco Inferno: – Was part of a trio with Brian Christopher and Alex Wright, but recently he and Wright turned on Christopher
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero showed up on Nitro as a result and lost a highly competitive match with Kurt Angle in the main event
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Faces of Fear: – Meng and the Barbarian have been an intimidating team in the WCW ranks, but they’ve been unable to get to the top of the tag team division
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
Hugh Morrus: – Has mostly been in the lower-mid card in the Alliance era
Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam. After costing Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Nash and Scott Hall find themselves as the targets for Total Impact
Kurt Angle: – Angle won the WCW World Championship the night after Starrcade 2001, beating and crippling Ric Flair. After managing defenses against The Giant, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Lance Storm, Angle would finally fall to Triple H at Slamboree thanks to the New World Order. Angle has essentially feuded with the New World Order since, which included beating Curt Hennig in a cage on Nitro. After a win against the NWO's Sean O’Haire at Halloween Havoc, Angle finds himself in position to win back the WCW Title at WrestleWar. He’s also had a bit of an adversarial issue with Booker T. Angle beat Booker T back at Starrcade 2001, but at Cyberslam 2002 the fans chose Booker unanimously to face Triple H for the WCW Title, something that seems to still bug Angle
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since. After the Outsiders cost Lance Storm the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. After the Outsiders cost him the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Molly Marvel: – The former Mighty Molly reinvented herself and was the inaugural World Women’s Champion. She would lose it to Jazz and has been trying to win it back ever since
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
The Phoenix: – Talented youngster who has mainly wrestled in Canada. Has had a few battles with rival La Felina in Alliance. Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Rey Mysterio Jr.: – Returned to WCW/ECW at Barely Legal II when he defeated long time rival Psicosis to win the World Cruiserweight Championship. Has mostly wrestled on ECW shows, although he’s made some WCW appearances. He’s feuded with another long-time rival in Eddie Guerrero throughout the summer and beat Guerrero for his first open weight major singles championship: the ECW TV Title. Had two dream matches with Sabu, the second of which saw Sabu take the TV title at Cyberslam. Rey is set for his second ever shot at the ECW World Championship at November to Remember against Raven. His first was a loss in a valiant effort against Brock Lesnar at the Great American Bash
Rob Van Dam: – Rob Van Dam’s dream to finally win the ECW World Championship came true after a grueling nine month journey. After coming up short against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade 2001 for the vacant title, it took RVD until Anarchy Rulz to get a one-on-one rematch, this time in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage, to beat Lesnar and win the title. He added a TV title reign over the summer too. RVD is the only person to actually beat Brock Lesnar, and he did it twice (tag match at Slamboree and at Anarchy Rulz, both by pinfall)
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam. After costing Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Hall and Kevin Nash find themselves as the targets for Total Impact
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. After losses to Kurt Angle and Booker T, as well as several mistakes trying to help Triple H, WCW owner Shane McMahon put together a match where O’Haire would face HHH with a #15 spot in a War Rumble going to the winner (and a #1 spot to the loser). In a shocking upset, O’Haire pinned HHH almost completely clean to win the match
Shane Helms: – After some losses to Elix Skipper, he and Skipper joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Test: – The Alliance Era has been a mixed bag for Test. He started off as ECW Owner Shane McMahon’s bodyguard, but quickly was taken out by the Giant. Ever since he’s been in the middle of the card, recently losing matches to Billy Kidman
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc. HHH’s hold on the New World Order is in jeopardy as he was shockingly beaten by Sean O’Haire on Nitro. As a result, HHH will enter one of WrestleWar’s War Rumbles at #1.
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
UPCOMING PAY-PER-VIEW
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
The WrestleWar (Three 15-Man Royal Rumbles) – Confirmed Entrants: Booker T, Billy Kidman, Brock Lesnar, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Fit Finlay, Kevin Nash, Sean O’Haire, Scott Hall, Test, Triple H, William Regal
Women’s WrestleWar (7 Woman Royal Rumble) – Confirmed Entrants: Alexis Laree, Ivory, Jacqueline, Jazz, Molly Marvel, The Phoenix
ECW RISE
November 14, 2002
Hammerstein Ballroom
New York City, NY
Raven:“I was looking upon the ring one night, watching you soar through the air with the greatest of ease, a dazzling spectacle that captivates the masses. A comic book character come to life, a beacon of hope for the downtrodden, for the underdogs. But I see through you, Rey Mysterio Jr. Beneath the colorful façade and high-flying heroics lies a truth you cannot escape. I see the darkness behind the mask. You, Rey Mysterio Jr., are a fake. A charlatan. You hide not only your face, but your fears, your insecurities, behind the vibrancy of your mask. While you hide your darkness, I embrace mine. What happens to the superhero of light when he’s exposed to the darkness? What happens to the man who hides everything when he faces the man who hides nothing? It will be a November to Remember for you Rey. All heroes must be exposed. I will strip away the layers, reveal the sham of Rey Mysterio Jr. that hides behind that mask. I will show the world the fear you’ve been hiding from all this time. There will be no heroic comebacks. There will be no triumphant victory for the comic book hero come to life. There will be the cold, hard reality of the Raven. You will learn, as all others before you, that in my world, there are no superheroes, only victims. I will dismantle the myth of Rey Mysterio Jr. So it is written, so it will come to pass. Quote the Raven…nevermore.”
Joey Styles:“Welcome to ECW RISE! I’m Joey Styles, alongside ECW legend Tazz. We are approaching November to Remember, it’s just 10 days away partner!”
Tazz:“It’s going to be a wild night, Joey. Rey Mysterio Jr., the #1 contender for the ECW World Championship, takes on one of the guys in Raven’s stable, Tajiri! That’s gonna be a rocket-busta!”
Joey Styles:“We also know that Eddie Guerrero is here in New York City! Mick Foley has asked Guerrero to be here tonight and I understand they’ll meet in the ring later! Anyway, we’re kicking things off with tag team action, the FBI are in the ring, but here comes The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer!”
The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer vs. Johnny Stamboli and Big Sal E. Graziano
Sandman and Dreamer duck clotheslines and whack Stamboli and Sal with kendo stick shots to the head! Dreamer clotheslines Stamboli over the top rope. Sandman punches away at Graziano, but Graziano fires back, knocking Sandman down. Dreamer cracks him again over the head with a kendo stick. Sandman gets back to his feet, and he and Dreamer hit Graziano with a double White Russian Legsweep! Sandman covers, but Stamboli comes off the top rope with a flying legdrop…only Sandman moves and Stamboli hits Graziano! Dreamer spikes Stamboli with a DDT. Graziano rolls to the outside as Dreamer sets Stamboli up for a piledriver…but Dreamer stops as Altar Boy Spike appears on the apron. Dreamer and Sandman encourage him to come to the ring, but Deacon Batista clotheslines the both of them from behind!Batista levels refereeJohn Finnegan, and the match never gets going again.
Winners: No Contest in 3:02
The Chair Swingin’ Freaks come through the crowd and threaten to go after Batista, but Batista stands tall in the ring. Batista only heads back up the stage when Brother Bubba yells for him to come up. Reverend D-Von then takes the mic.
Reverend D-Von:“You four don’t get it, do you. Spike has made his decision. But since you all insist to continue your blasphemy, you will all pay the ultimate price!”
Brother Bubba:“You all want to fight at November to Remember, right? Well I spoke with HIM, and he guided us to the answer. HE told us that we must destroy Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, Balls Mahoney, and Axl Rotten once and for all! At November to Remember, it will be an eight-man match. But the only way to win is to drive one man through a FLAMING TABLE! We will send one of you straight through the flames of hell as a sacrifice to HIM, and then watch as Spike stands over your burned corpse!”
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville turns away as Dreamer, Sandman, Rotten, and Mahoney all nod their heads to one another.
***
Joey Styles:“Oh my God, Tazz…”
Tazz:“Joey, it looks like the Dudleys or the Archdiocese or whatever want to end Sandman and Tommy Dreamer for good….oh man what’s going on now?”
Joey Styles:“That’s Lance Storm. That’s Mike Awesome. That’s Chris Candido!”
Tazz:“We know why they’re here!”
Total Impact enter the ring and Lance Storm grabs a microphone.
Lance Storm:“Let me be completely serious for a moment…Outsiders, you said you’d be here tonight. We’re sick of waiting. Come out here now and face us!”
Total Impact stand in the ring to no response.
Lance Storm:“You guys don’t come out here now, and I promise Total Impact will hunt you and the rest of the New World Order down! Com….”
“YO YOU DEALING WITH THE X-FACTOR!” X-Pac and Justin Credible come out to the stage.
Lance Storm:“No, no more of this…”
Justin Credible:“Lance Storm, stop trying to act all tough. Yeah, we know you guys wanna kick our asses, but we’re still here, aren’t we?”
X-Pac:“Hey, that’s how the NWO works. I got it straight from Scott and Big Kev directly. You want them? You gotta get through us! Six-Man Tag, no excuses. Scott and Kev gave us a job, take out Total Impact. So if you want the Outsiders, you need to deal with the X-Factor at November to Remember!”
Lance Storm:“Let me get this straight. We beat two at November to Remember, and we get the Outsiders?”
X-Pac:“You’re almost there. You beat us…THREE, and you get the Outsiders!”
Albert attacks Chris Candido from behind in the ring! Lance Storm and Mike Awesome jump on him as X-Pac and Justin Credible hit the ring! All six men brawl for a bit, but Total Impact ends up holding the ring.
Lance Storm:“You three are on! Now that’s not just the coolest. That’s not just the best. It’s certainly not just incredible. It’s….”
Mike Awesome:“FUCKING AWESOME!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Winner Enters the WrestleWar
Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Gangrel (w/Luna Vachon)
Bam Bam pounds away on Gangrel, but Gangrel surprises him with a shot to the face with the goblet! Gangrel punches away at Bigelow, but can’t hit the double arm underhook suplex, and Bigelow just headbutts him. Big splash from Bigelow. 1…2…Gangrel kicks out. Bigelow pounds away at Gangrel in the corner, but misses the avalanche. Gangrel hits Bigelow from behind then hooks his head and climbs to the second rope. Tornado DDT from Gangrel! Cover, 1…2…Bigelow powers out! Gangrel looks to finish off Bigelow with the Implant DDT, but Bigelow powers out by shoving Gangrel into the corner. Bigelow misses another avalanche and Gangrel goes for a bulldog…only for Bigelow to counter with a belly-to-back suplex. Gangrel struggles to get back to his feet, and Bigelow hits him with an enzugiri, showing off his remarkable athleticism, even at his older age! Bigelow pounds on his chest before indicating he’s going to finish Gangrel off.
Bigelow picks up Gangrel, but Luna comes off the top rope!Bigelow catches her and slams her to the canvas! Bigelow picks up Luna…and plants her with Greetings From Asbury Park!
Joey Styles:“Oh My God!”
Bigelow goes back to Gangrel, but Gangrel spits blood in Bigelow’s eyes! Bigelow is blinded as Gangrel punches away at him, but when Gangrel comes off the ropes Bigelow squashes him with a bodypress! Bigelow wipes the blood from his eyes and heads to the top rope…and drops a flying headbutt onto Gangrel! 1…2…3!
Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow via pinfall in 5:38
Joey Styles:“Someone needs to help Luna I think Bigelow just broke her neck.”
Bam Bam Bigelow stomps off triumphantly as Gangrel checks on Luna. Luna does get to her feet as Gangrel helps her to the back.
Joey Styles:“That’s the second time Bam Bam Bigelow left his former “main squeeze” Luna Vachon lying like that.”
Tazz:“Bigelow is a dangerous man, Joey. That man put my ass through the ring once. He’s gonna be dangerous in the WrestleWar.”
***
ECW World Tag Team Champions Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles make their way to the ring. Lynn grabs a microphone.
Jerry Lynn:“A reminder to everyone here at the Hammerstein Ballroom here in New York City. You’ve seen a lot of great wrestlers come and go, especially at ECW shows over the years. But a reminder. AJ Styles, my tag team partner, someone I discovered earlier this year, is the most talented competitor who’s ever stepped foot in this ring! With my experience and his talent, we’ve been unbeatable as ECW World Tag Team Champions. We beat everyone. Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera, beat them. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash? No problem. Los Guerreros? Bigelow and Gangrel? Doring and Roadkill? No one has been able to beat us. November to Remember is the biggest show of the year for ECW year-in and year-out. We’re out to prove one more time that we are the best tag team in the world. So any team that we haven’t faced yet, you think you can take these belts from us, the challenge is out there!”
AJ Styles:“I’ve been waiting my whole career for this. Jerry Lynn was the first guy to recognize my talent. And look where it has gotten us. We are the greatest ECW World Tag Team Champions in history. As Jerry said no one’s smarter than him in this ring. And no one’s more talent than me, A…J…Styles! So come on, anyone who wants a shot!”
Styles and Lynn wait a few moments before the crowd erupts as a whistle being blown! Lynn shakes his head as he knows what’s coming, but Styles seems confused. Bill Alfonso emerges.
Bill Alfonso:“It’s Thursday Night in New York City, daddy! AJ Styles, you’re a talent kid, no doubts there. But let’s be real, Jerry Lynn knows who the most talented wrestler in the world is, and it ain’t you!”
“ROB VAN DAM” “ROB VAN DAM” “ROB VAN DAM”
Bill Alfonso:“So how about this, how about this, you two want to take on the REAL best tag team in ECW history? How about you two take on the three-time ECW World Tag Team Champions, Mr. Pay-Per-View and the Homicidal, Genocidal, Suicidal, Death-Defying Maniac! How about at November to Remember you two face Rob Van Dam and Sabu!”
The crowd goes nuts as “Walk” plays…and out come Rob Van Dam and Sabu! RVD and Sabu stand face-to-face with Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles.
Rob Van Dam:“Man, Jerry, you just don’t learn do you. Let’s just be clear here. AJ Styles, I’m sure you’re good. I’m sure you’re an entertaining part of the show. But let’s be real, I’m the whole fuckin’ show! Jerry Lynn, the audacity of you to pick anyone but Mr. PPV as the most talented wrestler in the world, you should know better. But me and Sabu, I guess we’ll have to teach you one more time. We’re gonna take those tag belts from you at November to Remember. And then you can both remember than the best in the world is…Rob…Van…”
Jerry Lynn doesn’t let RVD finish as he piefaces him! Lynn, Styles, RVD, and Sabu get into a brawl before Bill Alfonso tries to hold back his guys. RVD lets out one more challenge…
Rob Van Dam:“How about next week I kick your ass like I always do!”
Jerry Lynn:“You’re on Van Dam!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
ECW World Champion Raven is the only member of Raven’s Warriors to accompany Tajiri to the ring…but then he decides to sit opposite of Joey Styles and Tazz near the stage.
Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Tajiri (w/Raven)
Rey and Tajiri lock-up, but Tajiri quickly gets a kick that staggers Rey. Rey quickly tries to get behind Tajiri with a waistlock, but Tajiri chops his way free. Tajiri sends Rey off the ropes but Rey slides under Tajiri, then hits an armdrag! Tajiri quickly stops Rey with a kick and slam Rey. Kneedrop connects. Cover, 1…2…Rey kicks out. Tajiri sends Rey into the corner, but Rey leaps over a charging Tajiri. Rey ends up on the turnbuckles and kicks Tajiri away before leaping off and catching him with a diving hurricanrana! Victory roll from Rey, 1…2…Tajiri kicks out! Tajiri counters Rey with a trip and then gets La Magistral, 1…2…Rey kicks out! Tajiri sends Rey off the ropes and tries to send him up high, but Rey counters with a dropkick! Cover from Rey, 1…2…Tajiri kicks out.
Rey sends Tajiri into the corner but Rey runs right into the turnbuckles as Tajiri moves out of the way. Tarantula gets locked in, with Rey screaming in pain. Rey gets an arm free, forcing Tajiri to release. Tajiri goes for a kick but Rey dodges. Rey comes off the ropes and hits Tajiri with a spinning heel kick that sends Tajiri flying to the outside! Rey springboards off the top rope and hits Tajiri with a flying bodypress! Rey looks like he hurt himself on that one, but he’s able to climb up to the apron. Rey goes for a springboard Asai Moonsault, but Tajiri counters and pulls Rey down, and Rey slams his head on the apron! Now Tajiri leaps up to the apron…and hits his own springboard Asai Moonsault! Tajiri rolls Rey back into the ring and brings in a steel chair.
Tajiri sets the chair up in the middle of the ring and takes a page out of his leader’s book by hitting Rey with a drop toehold into the chair! Tajiri puts Rey in the tree-of-woe then puts the chair on his face. Basement dropkick into the chair follows, smashing Rey’s face against the steel! Tajiri covers Rey, 1…2…Rey manages to get a shoulder up. Rey surprises Tajiri by countering an Irish whip into the ropes, but Tajiri handstands off the ropes and comes back with a flying back elbow! The crowd begins to boo as Wrath and Crush make their way to the ring. Wrath and Crush get a table and slide it into the ring. Tajiri puts Rey on the table and climbs up to the top rope. He leaps off with a diving foot stomp but Rey moves out of the way…and Tajiri crashes through the table!Rey then dives over the top rope, knocking down Crush and Wrath!
Tajiri runs at Rey as soon as Rey gets back into the ring, but Rey counters with a drop toehold into the ropes. Rey comes off the ropes and hits Tajiri with a 6-1-9!Springboard splash from Rey, 1…2…Tajiri just kicks out! Rey tries something different and sets Tajiri up for a running powerbomb, only Tajiri counters and drops Rey with a DDT while held up in the air! Tajiri covers Rey, 1…2…Rey kicks out! Tajiri goes for a German suplex, but Rey lands on his feet! Rey runs at Tajiri but Tajiri sends him flying in the air…only for Rey to land on the top turnbuckle! Moonsault connects! 1…2…Tajiri just kicks out! Rey runs at Tajiri but gets kicked right in the face! Tajiri now sets Rey up for a powerbomb, but Rey counters with a hurricanrana and hooks the leg, 1…2…3!
Winner: Rey Mysterio Jr. via pinfall in 13:32
Rey Mysterio Jr. gets no time to celebrate as Saturn slides into the ring and quickly dumps Rey on his head with a suplex! Malice and Mikey Whipwreck also come down as Crush and Wrath slide into the ring too. They beat the hell out of Rey before Super Crazy leaps up to the top rope! Crazy dives, but Malice and Crush catch him and slam him down too. Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera also try to help, but the numbers game is too strong for Raven’s Warriors. Crush and Wrath double chokeslam Guerrera and Whipwreck nails Pscisois with a Whippersnapper. Tajiri gets a kick to the head on Super Crazy before leveling Rey with one as well. With the Warriors all standing over Rey and company, Raven walks into the ring. Raven grabs Rey by the mask, ripping it open but not taking it off. Raven then hooks Rey and spikes him down with the Evenflow DDT. Raven stands over Rey as we cut to commercial break.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Joey Styles:“Welcome back to RISE. During the break we saw Juventud Guerrera, Psicosis, and Super Crazy help Rey Mysterio Jr. to the back. There’s a lot of pride for the luchadores to defend their own.”
Tazz:“Yeah, Joey, for Rey Mysterio Jr. to have a world title opportunity, it’s a big deal for the luchadores as they haven’t really had many chances to be world champion in the United States. These guys may have been rivals over the years but I think they all really want Rey to win this one. But Raven has a lot of power, Joey.”
Joey Styles:“Well we’re going to shift gears. The commissioner is on his way to the ring. We need to figure out this Eddie Guerrero situation…”
“FOLEY!” “FOLEY!” “FOLEY!”
Mick Foley:“I’d like to thank all of you wonderful fans…RIGHT HERE IN NEW YORK CITY! Now, we do have business to take care of. Eddie Guerrero, I know we’ve been at a bit of an impasse with this situation about who you want to face at November to Remember. I’ve got an idea, one hell of an idea, that I think you’ll find satisfactory. So let’s get this figured out. Guerrero, I know you’re here. Come out now and let’s talk about this!”
Eddie Guerrero’s theme plays as Eddie makes his way out to the ring.
Mick Foley:“I’d like to thank you, Eddie, for returning to RISE and hearing me out.”
Eddie Guerrero:“Let’s just be clear about this, Foley. I told you I wanted the biggest star ECW could offer. Now I realize I could expand some of my options. Now, I prefer Cactus Jack. But hey, I think some of the fans out there would enjoy a dream match esse! Yeah! Like Latino Heat vs. Dude Love!”
Mick Foley:“Uh, Eddie…”
Eddie Guerrero:“Or hey, I can play the good guy! I can go ahead and take on that “one-eared” weirdo Mankind! That would be one hell of a match too!”
Mick Foley:“Eddie, do you realize that Cactus Jack, Dude Love, Mankind, they’re all the same person.”
Eddie Guerrero:“Oh really? Well no kidding. That’s the point esse, Mick Foley you are the biggest star in ECW, and you will fight me at November to Remember. Otherwise I don’t know why I’m here.”
Mick Foley:“As I told you last week, Cactus Jack is dead, Eddie. And no, Mankind isn’t going to show up and fight you. Dude Love is sure as hell not stepping in an ECW ring…”
Eddie Guerrero:“Well then I’m out of here. You broke the contract, Foley…”
Eddie Guerrero begins to leave, but Mick Foley stands in his way, stopping him.
Mick Foley:“Listen to me, listen. I have an idea. I’m just asking you to hear me out. Now I’ve got someone who I consider a friend who I think is a pretty big star, at least in my humble opinion. I’m gonna walk out of here and give you the ring. He’ll come out, and if you’re still unsatisfied, then fine, you can walk out and I’ll cut my losses. So I’m just gonna leave right now…”
Mick Foley leaves, leaving Eddie Guerrero confused in the ring.
Eddie Guerrero:“What is this?. How are you, Foley, leaving me here. You…”
Guerrero’s face goes from anger and confidence to complete shock…as the fans in the Hammerstein Ballroom go nuts!
Joey Styles:“OH MY GOD!”
*
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Stone Cold Steve Austin does his trademark pose in each corner as Eddie Guerrero stands in the middle of the ring, still in shock. Austin grabs a mic and walks up to Guerrero.
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“Word on the street is that you’re looking to fight a big star at November to Remember.”
“WHAT?”
“I said a big star.”
“WHAT?”
“A top guy.”
“WHAT?”
“A main attraction.”
“WHAT?”
“And I know somebody.”
“WHAT?”
“His name is Stone Cold.”
“WHAT?”
“I said Stone Cold.”
“WHAT?”
“Stone Cold.”
“WHAT?”
Eddie Guerrero:“What the hell are you doing here?”
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“Eddie Guerrero I’ve been watching you. You see it hasn’t been a good year for Stone Cold. This time last year I was leading the Alliance and was awarded the WCW World Championship. I was on top of the world. But then I lost it to Ric Flair. The year just kept getting worse. Kurt Angle did something that no one else could do and made ol’ Stone Cold tap out. Triple H beat the hell out of me not once, but twice. Hell the last time I was in a ring was part of some crazy Triple Cage match against Triple H. It was for it all. But Triple H beat me and I had to rethink about who Stone Cold really is.”
Eddie Guerrero:“What does any of this have to do with me?”
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“If you’d shut up maybe I’d tell ya!”
Eddie Guerrero’s initial shock has worn off, and he looks intense and determined once again.
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“Eddie Guerrero you stand up here, right in front of me looking all tough. And honestly I can respect that. Like I said before I’ve been watching you. I see the fire in your eyes every night you come out to that ring. I feel the intensity. That’s something that, as much as I hate to say it, Stone Cold’s been lacking for the last year. The only way I’m gonna get it back is by kicking your ass at November to Remember. Now, you told Mick Foley you needed to fight a big star. Well I’m gonna ask everyone here right now. If you think Stone Cold is a big enough star to fight Eddie Guerrero at November to Remember give me a hell yeah!”
“HELL YEAH!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“I’m not sure if he heard it. What was that?”
“HELL YEAH!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“I think the jury’s in. Eddie Guerrero, you will fight Stone Cold Steve Austin at November to Remember?”
Eddie Guerrero:“So you came out here to challenge me? Well understand this. My Latino Heat is gonna melt Stone Cold down to nothing at November to Remember!” Stone Cold Steve Austin:“Sounds like we got a match. All you gotta do is shake my hand and the deal is done.”
Eddie Guerrero:“You think I’m stupid or something?”
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“What’s the matter, you scared? Don’t worry, Stone Cold don’t bite.”
Eddie Guerrero thinks about it some more and begins to walk out of the ring, but decides to turn back towards Austin. Guerrero walks up to Austin and decides to shake his hand, and surprisingly Austin doesn’t attack him.
Eddie Guerrero:“You’re right, you have lost that fire. You don’t stand a chance against Latino Heat!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“Hey, I’m a man of my word. I’ll see you in 10 days.”
Eddie Guerrero turns around to leave…and that’s his mistake as Austin spins him around and hits him with the Stone Cold Stunner! Austin flips Guerrero off then celebrates in the ring as RISE goes off the air!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman wrestled Johnny Stamboli and Big Sal E. Graziano to a no-contest
Winner Gains Entry into WrestleWar
Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Gangrel
Rey Mysterio Jr. pinned Tajiri
Champions
WCW World Champion
Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
Alex Wright: – Was part of a trio with Disco Inferno and Brian Christopher, but recently he and Disco turned on Christopher
Alexis Laree: – Has been a valet for the New World Order, specifically the Outsiders
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE. They’ve also been feuding with the trio of Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown. They also have issues with Dreamer and Sandman because of the kidnapping of Spike
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after a losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brian Christopher: – Christopher looked to get his career back on track by joining fellow dancers Alex Wright and Disco Inferno, but Wright and Inferno turned on him on a November 2002 edition of Nitro
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since. After the Outsiders cost Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion. Christian is slated to compete in the WrestleWar and has guaranteed victory all the while trying to avoid defending his US Title at all costs
Chuck Palumbo: – Palumbo has struggled ever since partner Sean O’Haire turned against him and joined the NWO. Has had some matches with O’Haire since, but hasn’t been able to beat his former partner and friend
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Disco Inferno: – Was part of a trio with Brian Christopher and Alex Wright, but recently he and Wright turned on Christopher
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero showed up on Nitro as a result and lost a highly competitive match with Kurt Angle in the main event. Mick Foley found a suitable substitute that Guerrero accepted for the November to Remember match: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Faces of Fear: – Meng and the Barbarian have been an intimidating team in the WCW ranks, but they’ve been unable to get to the top of the tag team division
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
Hugh Morrus: – Has mostly been in the lower-mid card in the Alliance era
Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam. After costing Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Nash and Scott Hall find themselves as the targets for Total Impact
Kurt Angle: – Angle won the WCW World Championship the night after Starrcade 2001, beating and crippling Ric Flair. After managing defenses against The Giant, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Lance Storm, Angle would finally fall to Triple H at Slamboree thanks to the New World Order. Angle has essentially feuded with the New World Order since, which included beating Curt Hennig in a cage on Nitro. After a win against the NWO's Sean O’Haire at Halloween Havoc, Angle finds himself in position to win back the WCW Title at WrestleWar. He’s also had a bit of an adversarial issue with Booker T. Angle beat Booker T back at Starrcade 2001, but at Cyberslam 2002 the fans chose Booker unanimously to face Triple H for the WCW Title, something that seems to still bug Angle
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since. After the Outsiders cost Lance Storm the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. After the Outsiders cost him the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Molly Marvel: – The former Mighty Molly reinvented herself and was the inaugural World Women’s Champion. She would lose it to Jazz and has been trying to win it back ever since
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
The Phoenix: – Talented youngster who has mainly wrestled in Canada. Has had a few battles with rival La Felina in Alliance. Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies.
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Rey Mysterio Jr.: – Returned to WCW/ECW at Barely Legal II when he defeated long time rival Psicosis to win the World Cruiserweight Championship. Has mostly wrestled on ECW shows, although he’s made some WCW appearances. He’s feuded with another long-time rival in Eddie Guerrero throughout the summer and beat Guerrero for his first open weight major singles championship: the ECW TV Title. Had two dream matches with Sabu, the second of which saw Sabu take the TV title at Cyberslam. Rey is set for his second ever shot at the ECW World Championship at November to Remember against Raven. His first was a loss in a valiant effort against Brock Lesnar at the Great American Bash
Rob Van Dam: – Rob Van Dam’s dream to finally win the ECW World Championship came true after a grueling nine month journey. After coming up short against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade 2001 for the vacant title, it took RVD until Anarchy Rulz to get a one-on-one rematch, this time in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage, to beat Lesnar and win the title. He added a TV title reign over the summer too. RVD is the only person to actually beat Brock Lesnar, and he did it twice (tag match at Slamboree and at Anarchy Rulz, both by pinfall) He’s shifted his attention to winning back the ECW World Tag Team titles with longtime partner Sabu
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl. He and RVD will look to regain the ECW Tag titles at November to Remember
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam. After costing Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Hall and Kevin Nash find themselves as the targets for Total Impact
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. After losses to Kurt Angle and Booker T, as well as several mistakes trying to help Triple H, WCW owner Shane McMahon put together a match where O’Haire would face HHH with a #15 spot in a War Rumble going to the winner (and a #1 spot to the loser). In a shocking upset, O’Haire pinned HHH almost completely clean to win the match
Shane Helms: – After some losses to Elix Skipper, he and Skipper joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Stone Cold Steve Austin: – The first WCW World Champion of the Alliance Era has struggled ever since being crowned champion. After losing the title to Ric Flair at Starrcade 2001, Austin has battled the likes of Kurt Angle and Triple H in trying to regain the title, to no avail. Before he challenged Eddie Guerrero on RISE in November, Austin was last seen battling Triple H for the WCW World Title in a Triple Cage Match at the Great American Bash, a match he’d lose. Austin claimed that Guerrero has the fire he needs to get back to being Stone Cold and will face him at the November to Remember
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Test: – The Alliance Era has been a mixed bag for Test. He started off as ECW Owner Shane McMahon’s bodyguard, but quickly was taken out by the Giant. Ever since he’s been in the middle of the card, recently losing matches to Billy Kidman
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc. HHH’s hold on the New World Order is in jeopardy as he was shockingly beaten by Sean O’Haire on Nitro. As a result, HHH will enter one of WrestleWar’s War Rumbles at #1.
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
UPCOMING PAY-PER-VIEW
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
Flaming Table Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, Altar Boy Spike, and Deacon Batista) vs. Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, Balls Mahoney, and Axl Rotten
If Total Impact Wins, They Get the Outsiders in the Future
Total Impact (Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome) vs. X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert)
WCW/ECW WrestleWar 2002 – November 30, 2002
The WrestleWar (Three 15-Man Royal Rumbles) – Confirmed Entrants: Bam Bam Bigelow, Booker T, Billy Kidman, Brock Lesnar, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Fit Finlay, Kevin Nash, Sean O’Haire, Scott Hall, Test, Triple H, William Regal
Women’s WrestleWar (Competitor Amount TBD - Royal Rumble) – Confirmed Entrants: Alexis Laree, Ivory, Jacqueline, Jazz, Molly Marvel, The Phoenix
ECW Hardcore TV
November 16, 2002
Hammerstein Ballroom
New York City, NY
Joey Styles: “Welcome everyone to ECW Hardcore TV! We have two championships on the line tonight…but right now we’re kicking things off with tag team action! Kid Kash and Jamie Noble are on their way to the ring!”
Jamie Noble and Kid Kash vs. Christian York and Joey Matthews
Noble and Kash attack York and Matthews right as the bell rings, stomping them both in opposite corners! York surprises Noble though as he hits a springboard back elbow, knocking Noble out of the ring. Kash attacks York, but Matthews and York overtake the advantage and hit a double flapjack on Kash. Kash rolls to the outside, allowing York and Matthews to hit a double suicide dive on Kash and Noble! York and Matthews roll Noble and Kash back into the ring, but Noble and Kash run them over with a double shoulder tackle. Noble puts York on the top rope, but York shoves Noble away. Kash leaps up to the top rope and hits York with an avalanche hurricanrana! Matthews tries a tilt-a-whirl flying headscissors on Noble, but Noble holds onto him and Kash hits Matthews with an DDT, with Noble driving him down!
Noble sends Matthews off the ropes and hits a hard forearm before quickly tagging Kash back into the ring. Kash beats down Matthews, but when he sends Matthews off the ropes York gets a blind tag. Matthews blocks the backdrop attempt and goes for a powerbomb, and when he has Kash up York comes off the top rope with a missile dropkick! York covers Kash, 1...2…Noble breaks it up immediately. York gets some punches on Noble, but Noble catches him with a leg lariat when York hits the ropes. Noble and Kash toss Matthews to the outside. Kash then lifts up York for a vertical suplex…and then drops him just as Noble catches him with a backstabber! Kash covers, 1…2…3!
Winners: Kid Kash and Jamie Noble when Kash pinned York in 5:12
Kash and Noble don’t celebrate the win, but instead on a camera close-up Kash is heard saying “RVD, Sabu, Lynn, Styles, it doesn’t matter, we’re getting those belts!”
***
We hear screaming from a dark room. The camera looks for the source of the scream…and find Daffney rocking back and forth, sitting on the wooden floor.
Daffney: “Hi all! Your resident Scream Queen here! I’ve been enjoying my freedom from the twisted whims of Victoria. The clock is ticking…my mind races every second, every minute, every day we get closer to the carnival of carnage that will take place at November to Remember. The Living Dead Girl will be World Women’s Champion…long live the Living Dead Girl! Hehehehe….see you in eight days Victoria!”
Daffney lets out one last scream as the camera fades to black…
Saturn quickly sends Benjamin off the ropes, but Benjamin leapfrogs over Saturn and catches him with a spinning heel kick. Saturn quickly bails to the outside, but he’s not safe from Benjamin as Benjamin leaps over the top rope with a somersault plancha, taking out Saturn! Benjamin rolls Saturn back into the ring and covers, 1…2…Saturn kicks out. Saturn backs up into the corner, but Benjamin is right on him and gets a running knee to the face, and quickly follows up with a bridging German suplex! 1…2…Saturn kicks out again. Benjamin hits the ropes but Terri tries to trip him. That distraction is enough for Saturn to hit the ropes and knock Benjamin down with a hard clothesline. Saturn sets up Benjamin and hits a Saito Suplex! Benjamin slowly gets to his feet but Saturn knocks him down with a superkick.
Saturn rolls to the outside and grabs a chair. He puts it on Benjamin’s face, then hits a springboard twisting legdrop on the chair on Benjamin! Benjamin rolls to the outside and Saturn is right on him. Saturn sends Benjamin into the railing. Saturn takes Benjamin and whips him into the railing again! Saturn sends Benjamin back into the ring and hits a gutwrench slam. Cover, 1…2…Benjamin just gets the shoulder up. Saturn locks in a sleeper in the center of the ring. Benjamin tries to escape right away, but no luck as Saturn as it locked in. Benjamin eventually does fight back, but Saturn hits a back suplex to curtail any momentum. Saturn slams Benjamin then heads to the top rope. Flying elbow drop from Saturn, 1…2…Benjamin kicks out again! Saturn can’t believe it and shoots a shocked look at the referee. Saturn pulls out a Moss-Covered Three-Handled Family Credenza! Another cover, 1…2…Benjamin kicks out again and Saturn can’t believe it. Saturn goes for a superkick, but Benjamin ducks and hits Saturn with an electric chair drop! Benjamin waits for Saturn to get to his feet then gets him right in the face with a roundhouse kick! Benjamin hits a stunned Saturn with a belly-to-belly suplex! Saturn gets to his feet again, but Benjamin is quickly on him and hits the T-Bone Suplex! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin via pinfall in 7:10 (Retains)
As Shelton Benjamin heads up to the stage, he calls over for Joey Styles.
Joey Styles: “Shelton, nice win tonigh…”
Shelton Benjamin: “Nah that ain’t what this is about. Everyone’s counting me out at November to Remember against Brock Lesnar. What everyone needs to know is I know everything about Brock Lesnar. I know his moves, I know his weaknesses and I know how to beat him. Paul Heyman made his choice and went with Brock and that’s fine, I was ready to move on. But bringing me in to be a pawn against Harlem Heat? He thinks he could just use me like that? Then Brock wants to attack me? There’s gonna be a rude awakening at November to Remember because I’m beating Brock. Then I’m going to the WrestleWar and winning that too!”
The match starts quickly as Crazy sends Guido off the ropes. Leapfrog from Crazy, then he tries a reverse monkey flip although Guido rolls through. Guido catches Crazy with a back elbow then sends Crazy into the corner. Guido charges in but Crazy sends him over the top rope and onto the apron. Crazy comes off the ropes and slides under Guido’s legs to the outside, then pulls Guido down so Guido smashes into the apron face-first. Crazy leaps up to the apron and hits Guido with a springboard Asai moonsault off the top rope! Crazy rolls Guido back into the ring. Crazy goes for another springboard moonsault, but Guido moves out of the way then quickly locks in an armbar! Guido sends Crazy into the corner but this time when he charges Crazy leaps over him. Guido hits a back elbow then climbs the turnbuckles, but that allows Crazy to leap up to the turnbuckles too and slam Guido down with a sunset flip! 1…2…Guido kicks out!
Crazy hits Guido with a dropkick that sends him into the corner. Crazy mounts Guido and punches away!
Big Sal E. Graziano hits the ring and tries to knocks Crazy off of Guido…but Crazy seems him coming and Sal accidentally avalanches Guido in the corner! Crazy hits Sal with a spinning heel kick that knocks him through the ropes…but now Tajiri is out here!
Joey Styles: “Super Crazy and Tajiri went at it on RISE just a couple of days ago!”
Tajiri kicks away at Crazy, but when he goes for the mist Crazy ducks and Tajiri gets Guido right in the eyes! More members of the FBI make their way down to the ring: Tony Mamaluke, Tracy Smothers, and Johnny Stamboli. They confront Tajiri…but Tajiri gets attacked by Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera as all hell breaks loose! Stamboli does get his hands on Tajiri, but Raven’s Warriors make their way down to the ring too! Wrath and Crush grab Stamboli and hit a double chokeslam! The match has been thrown out as the brawling spills to the floor and into the crowd!
Winner: No Contest due to outside interference (Super Crazy retains)
With the FBI, Raven’s Warriors, and Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera all fighting in the crowd, Super Crazy climbs up to a balcony…
Joey Styles: “Oh Dios Mio! Super Crazy just leaped off a 20 feet high balcony onto about six or seven guys! We’re out of time, but we’ll get more information about what this all means on RISE!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Jamie Noble and Kid Kash defeated Christian York and Joey Matthews when Kash pinned York
WCW World Champion
Hulk Hogan (Defeated Triple H on 10-27-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Christian (Defeated Kurt Angle on 9-30-02)
ECW Television Champion
Shelton Benjamin (Defeated Tajiri on 10-27-02)
WCW World Tag Team Champions
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant on 10-7-02)
ECW World Tag Team Champions
AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry on 4-14-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Super Crazy (Defeated Tajiri on 8-24-02)
World Women’s Champion
Victoria (Defeated Jazz on 7-18-02)
Roster
Alex Wright: – Was part of a trio with Disco Inferno and Brian Christopher, but recently he and Disco turned on Christopher
Alexis Laree: – Has been a valet for the New World Order, specifically the Outsiders
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville: – The Dudley Boyz lost the WCW World Tag Team Championship back in April to Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant, then disappeared after a loss to Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, and Balls Mahoney at ECW Barely Legal II. They returned in early October…but under a religious gimmick. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von, joined by the monstrous Deacon Batista, regained the WCW Tag titles and even seemed to kidnap Spike Dudley on an edition of ECW Rise. It looks like Spike has joined back with his brothers based on what happened on the 10/31 RISE. They’ve also been feuding with the trio of Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown. They also have issues with Dreamer and Sandman because of the kidnapping of Spike
Bam Bam Bigelow: – Veteran Bigelow had a tough 2002 as he was phased down the card after a losing to ECW Champion Lesnar at Souled Out. It seems like Bigelow’s career is winding down, but a turn on partner Gangrel showed that Bigelow has a little more left in the tank
Booker T: – When this new WCW formed, Booker T had a chance to become the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, but lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade 2001. Booker has since been trying to fight his way back to contention. A long feud with R-Killa (Ron Killings) occupied Booker throughout the summer until Booker finally dispatched him in an actual Harlem Street Fight at ECW Anarchy Rulz. Booker T had another chance to win the WCW World Championship as he won a fan vote over Kurt Angle (100%-0%!) to face HHH at Cyberslam, but HHH prevailed in a half-hour classic. Booker T was on the WCW Team that beat the NWO at War Games, which led to a match with Brock Lesnar at Halloween Havoc (Lesnar, while not a NWO member, was on team NWO for the match). Lesnar managed to defeat Booker at Halloween Havoc, but Booker has vowed revenge, while also declaring entry in the WrestleWar. He also may have picked up an ally in Lesnar’s former partner Shelton Benjamin
Brian Christopher: – Christopher looked to get his career back on track by joining fellow dancers Alex Wright and Disco Inferno, but Wright and Inferno turned on him on a November 2002 edition of Nitro
Brock Lesnar: – After dominating ECW from his debut at Starrcade 2001 (December) through Anarchy Rulz 2002 (August), Lesnar surprised the world when he teamed with the NWO for War Games with the condition that if the NWO won, Triple H would give him a WCW World Title shot. Lesnar’s shortcut to the WCW title didn’t work and this led to a feud with Booker T. Lesnar defeated Booker at Halloween Havoc, although it seems he’s drawn the ire of ECW stablemate Shelton Benjamin. Lesnar’s manager Paul Heyman announced on Nitro that Lesnar will be a part of WrestleWar. Lesnar returned to ECW to get revenge on Benjamin’s actions at Halloween Havoc
Chris Candido: – Once Justin Credible betrayed Total Impact, a spot opened for Chris Candido. Candido has helped Lance Storm and Mike Awesome in their battles against the NWO and their allies ever since. After the Outsiders cost Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Chris Chetti: – The first graduate of the House of Hardcore has made some appearances, but hasn’t had much success
Christian: – After an early loss to Triple H, Christian recovered in January 2002 to win the US Title and has dominated the US Title scene for most of the year. Christian has had different allies throughout his reign: The Quebecers and Rene Dupree (Dupree is still with him). He’s beaten challengers such as Test, Billy Kidman, and Booker T in title defenses. He lost the title to Kurt Angle at Cyberslam, but won it back on Nitro and is the current champion. Christian is slated to compete in the WrestleWar and has guaranteed victory all the while trying to avoid defending his US Title at all costs
Chuck Palumbo: – Palumbo has struggled ever since partner Sean O’Haire turned against him and joined the NWO. Has had some matches with O’Haire since, but hasn’t been able to beat his former partner and friend
Daffney: – Daffney debuted alongside Victoria and has been at ringside through Victoria’s rise to World Women’s Champion. Daffney has disagreed with Victoria’s post-match attacks though, and Victoria responded in an abusive manner towards her. Daffney had enough and finally attacked Victoria at Halloween Havoc, saving Molly Marvel. Daffney and Victoria are on a path towards November to Remember
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Disco Inferno: – Was part of a trio with Brian Christopher and Alex Wright, but recently he and Wright turned on Christopher
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. It’s unknown when or if DDP will return
Eddie Guerrero: – Now clean and sober, Eddie Guerrero returned to major league pro wrestling by winning the vacant ECW TV Title at Barely Legal II. He feuded with Rob Van Dam over the summer, trading the ECW TV title with him and losing to RVD in RVD’s 1st PPV ECW World Title defense. Guerrero eventually got the better of RVD in a special ladder match where the winner got to have any match he wanted, although it seems like Commissioner Mick Foley isn’t able to deliver. Guerrero showed up on Nitro as a result and lost a highly competitive match with Kurt Angle in the main event. Mick Foley found a suitable substitute that Guerrero accepted for the November to Remember match: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan
Elix Skipper: – After winning a couple of matches against The Hurricane, he and Shane Helms joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Faces of Fear: – Meng and the Barbarian have been an intimidating team in the WCW ranks, but they’ve been unable to get to the top of the tag team division
Fit Finlay: – Brought in by William Regal to battle Diamond Dallas Page, Finlay and Regal then feuded in the spring. Regal would knock Finlay out in a match in May…but they’d get back together later in the year and now are a trio with David Taylor
The Giant: – The Giant signed on with Shane McMahon in an announcement made at Starrcade 2001. Giant said one thing mattered to him: the WCW World Championship. He failed to win it at Souled Out against Kurt Angle and then ended up on a different path: helping Diamond Dallas Page win the WCW World Championship in his feud with the Dudley Boyz. Giant and DDP had two reigns over the summer as they feuded with the Outsiders, trading the titles. The Giant grew tired of waiting for another WCW World title shot after their victory over the NWO at War Games and eventually turned on DDP. Giant destroyed DDP at Halloween Havoc, but upon not receiving a title match seemingly walked out on Shane McMahon on Nitro
Hugh Morrus: – Has mostly been in the lower-mid card in the Alliance era
Hulk Hogan: – He originally returned at Slamboree to cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in his title defense against Triple H. After HHH turned the NWO against him, Hogan was out until the night after Cyberslam in early September. Hogan returned and led WCW in a victory over the NWO in War Games. This got him a title shot at Halloween Havoc, where Hogan defeated HHH to win the title. Hogan had previously promised Kurt Angle a title shot due to screwing him over at Slamboree, and that match will take place at WrestleWar
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Juventud Guerrera: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Guerrera would lose that match but still be a top contender to the title thoughout the summer. He’d eventually form a trio with Psicosis and Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, but Chilo is out of the picture now
Kevin Nash: – Kevin Nash showed up at Slamboree as a member of the NWO, costing Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship. Nash and Scott Hall have been two of the faces of the NWO since, helping Triple H retain the WCW titles at all costs. He and Scott Hall managed to win the WCW World Tag Team Title before dropping it back to DDP and the Giant at Cyberslam. After costing Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Nash and Scott Hall find themselves as the targets for Total Impact
Kurt Angle: – Angle won the WCW World Championship the night after Starrcade 2001, beating and crippling Ric Flair. After managing defenses against The Giant, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Lance Storm, Angle would finally fall to Triple H at Slamboree thanks to the New World Order. Angle has essentially feuded with the New World Order since, which included beating Curt Hennig in a cage on Nitro. After a win against the NWO's Sean O’Haire at Halloween Havoc, Angle finds himself in position to win back the WCW Title at WrestleWar. He’s also had a bit of an adversarial issue with Booker T. Angle beat Booker T back at Starrcade 2001, but at Cyberslam 2002 the fans chose Booker unanimously to face Triple H for the WCW Title, something that seems to still bug Angle
Lance Storm: – Storm formed a trio with Mike Awesome and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before Kurt Angle gave him the match of a lifetime: a WCW World Title Match on Pay-Per-View at Uncensored. Storm wouldn’t win the title, and that led to an extended feud with Angle. Things changed when the NWO invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned his back on the team. Chris Candido would join the team and they’ve been feuding with the NWO and NWO allies ever since. After the Outsiders cost Lance Storm the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven
Mike Awesome: – Awesome formed a trio with Lance Storm and Justin Credible called Total Impact and ran over the likes of Tommy Dreamer and Sandman for a few months before battling Kurt Angle and the Eliminators. When the New World Order invaded ECW and Justin Credible turned on the group, Total Impact became fan favorites. Chris Candido would replace Credible and they would battle against NWO allies the FBI and the newly formed X-Factor. After the Outsiders cost him the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Total Impact laid out a challenge aimed to eradicate the core of the NWO: the Outsiders, once and for all
Molly Marvel: – The former Mighty Molly reinvented herself and was the inaugural World Women’s Champion. She would lose it to Jazz and has been trying to win it back ever since
Monty Brown: – Monty Brown is part of a trio with Elix Skipper and Shane Helms and recently just debuted to help them against William Regal, Dave Taylor, and Fit Finlay. Fun babyface trio.
New World Order: – Current members: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, Eric Bischoff, and Shawn Michaels. Michaels and Bischoff are often at ringside for HHH’s matches and are inactive. At times the faction X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) have aided the NWO
Nova: – Tonight was a bit of a serious turn for Nova, who had been part of the comical Blue World Order for most of the summer
Paul Heyman: – He started out as the General Manager for ECW until ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley fired him bias concerns. These concerns were due to Heyman managing Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, and C.W. Anderson at the same time. Heyman left ECW for WCW with Lesnar and remains his manager/agent
The Phoenix: – Talented youngster who has mainly wrestled in Canada. Has had a few battles with rival La Felina in Alliance. Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament
Psicosis: – The cruiserweight division got a big boost at SuperBrawl XII when Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera returned to WCW in a #1 Contender’s Match. Psicosis would win the match and win the title the next night, but would then lose it to Rey Mysterio Jr. at Barely Legal II. He and Guerrera formed a trio with Essa Rios/Papi Chilo, although now he’s out of the picture
Raven: – Raven put together a group of “warriors” to help him fight a “war” against him that was coming. The first iteration of the group wasn’t much, but as of Anarchy Rulz (After a Buried Alive victory over Mortis) the new version of the warriors: Perry Saturn, Terri Runnels, Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath, have dominated ECW. Raven would win the ECW World Championship at Fall Brawl. Commissioner Mick Foley has tried to even the odds as Raven uses his warriors to interfere in matches and take out his enemies.
Rene Dupree: – The 18 year old French phenom has been a heavy for Christian…and is completely smitten with Torrie Wilson
Rey Mysterio Jr.: – Returned to WCW/ECW at Barely Legal II when he defeated long time rival Psicosis to win the World Cruiserweight Championship. Has mostly wrestled on ECW shows, although he’s made some WCW appearances. He’s feuded with another long-time rival in Eddie Guerrero throughout the summer and beat Guerrero for his first open weight major singles championship: the ECW TV Title. Had two dream matches with Sabu, the second of which saw Sabu take the TV title at Cyberslam. Rey is set for his second ever shot at the ECW World Championship at November to Remember against Raven. His first was a loss in a valiant effort against Brock Lesnar at the Great American Bash
Rob Van Dam: – Rob Van Dam’s dream to finally win the ECW World Championship came true after a grueling nine month journey. After coming up short against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade 2001 for the vacant title, it took RVD until Anarchy Rulz to get a one-on-one rematch, this time in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage, to beat Lesnar and win the title. He added a TV title reign over the summer too. RVD is the only person to actually beat Brock Lesnar, and he did it twice (tag match at Slamboree and at Anarchy Rulz, both by pinfall) He’s shifted his attention to winning back the ECW World Tag Team titles with longtime partner Sabu
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI
Sabu: – Sabu returned to ECW to help RVD in his battles with Brock Lesnar. He ended up clashing with RVD and even beat him at Barely Legal II. Bill Alfonso was able to reunite the two though and they’ve been allies ever since. Brock Lesnar defeated Sabu in a Barbed Wire ECW World Title match, and since then Sabu has primarily wrestled for the TV Title. Sabu had a couple of dream matches with Rey Mysterio Jr. which ultimately got Sabu the TV title, but he lost it to Tajiri at Fall Brawl. He and RVD will look to regain the ECW Tag titles at November to Remember
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam. After costing Mike Awesome the ECW World Championship during Raven’s Nightmare, Hall and Kevin Nash find themselves as the targets for Total Impact
Sean O’Haire: – Originally O’Haire teamed with partner Chuck Palumbo before turning to the New World Order. O’Haire has been positioned as the future of the NWO, but it’s not clear what that actually means with Triple H in charge. Previous interim WCW President Roddy Piper was a big fan of his, but O’Haire ultimately would powerbomb Piper through a table, taking him out. After losses to Kurt Angle and Booker T, as well as several mistakes trying to help Triple H, WCW owner Shane McMahon put together a match where O’Haire would face HHH with a #15 spot in a War Rumble going to the winner (and a #1 spot to the loser). In a shocking upset, O’Haire pinned HHH almost completely clean to win the match
Shane Helms: – After some losses to Elix Skipper, he and Skipper joined forces to make an exciting tag team. Recently, Monty Brown joined them and they have their sights on the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
Shelton Benjamin: – Benjamin debuted as Brock Lesnar’s Mystery Partner back at SuperBrawl XII in Lesnar’s battle against Rob Van Dam and Sabu. Benjamin got some solid wins in his early ECW career, but it was clear he wasn’t a priority for Paul Heyman. Now in the post-Heyman ECW, Benjamin has made a point to take care of business for himself. This led to winning his first major championship, the ECW TV Title, at Halloween Havoc 2002
Stephanie McMahon: – The owner of ECW realizes she’d never be accepted by ECW fans, so installed Mick Foley as ECW Commissioner and took a behind the scenes approach to running the company. Differences with Triple H led to their divorce over the summer
Sting: – While Sting didn’t appear, Sting made his debut/return to WCW at Halloween Havoc, running off the New World Order to help Hulk Hogan defeat Triple H to win the WCW World Championship. His intentions are unclear at the moment
Stone Cold Steve Austin: – The first WCW World Champion of the Alliance Era has struggled ever since being crowned champion. After losing the title to Ric Flair at Starrcade 2001, Austin has battled the likes of Kurt Angle and Triple H in trying to regain the title, to no avail. Before he challenged Eddie Guerrero on RISE in November, Austin was last seen battling Triple H for the WCW World Title in a Triple Cage Match at the Great American Bash, a match he’d lose. Austin claimed that Guerrero has the fire he needs to get back to being Stone Cold and will face him at the November to Remember
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title. That feud with Tajiri seems to be re-ignited once more heading to November to Remember
Tajiri: – Tajiri started off as a pawn for William Regal as Regal looked to break up Tajiri and his girlfriend Torrie Wilson. Tajiri would turn on Wilson though, leading to a sinister heel turn. He briefly would join the Sinister Minister is his feud against Raven, but would end up joining Raven too at Anarchy Rulz. In the meantime he’s feuded with Super Crazy over the World Cruiserweight Title, which is leading to something at November to Remember
Tazz: – Tazz started the Alliance era strong when he captured the US Title from Kurt Angle back in December 2001, but neck injuries slowed him down. An ECW World Title loss to Brock Lesnar at Uncensored 2002 began the fall, and Shelton Benjamin finished off his career at Barely Legal II. Tazz now works commentary with Joey Styles
Test: – The Alliance Era has been a mixed bag for Test. He started off as ECW Owner Shane McMahon’s bodyguard, but quickly was taken out by the Giant. Ever since he’s been in the middle of the card, recently losing matches to Billy Kidman
Tommy Dreamer: – ECW loyalist shows up from time to time to defend ECW and fend off rivals such as Raven and the Dudleys
Triple H: – Recovering from a quadriceps tear, HHH was a special acquisition to the Alliance from Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and debuted at Starrcade 2001 with a win over Christian. After feuding with Steve Austin, HHH would win the WCW World Championship from Kurt Angle at Slamboree thanks to assistance from the original three of the New World Order. This was a trap though, as HHH, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels would blindside Hulk Hogan the night after Starrcade and create a Green and Black version (which also led to a divorce with Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley). HHH had fended off all challengers for his WCW Title (a list that included Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin in a Triple Cage Match, and Booker T). His NWO lost War Games though, and by extension HHH lost the title to Hogan at Halloween Havoc. HHH’s hold on the New World Order is in jeopardy as he was shockingly beaten by Sean O’Haire on Nitro. As a result, HHH will enter one of WrestleWar’s War Rumbles at #1.
Victoria: – Victoria debuted alongside Daffney and ran through the Women’s division, quickly becoming World Women’s Champion. She’s been abusive of Daffney though when Daffney attempted to stop Victoria during post-match attacks, but Daffney stood up to her at Halloween Havoc, which will lead to a match at November to Remember
William Regal: – Former WCW commissioner had an on-and-off feud with Fit Finlay throughout the summer. He now teams with him and David Taylor to form a heel trio. Lost former protégé Tajiri to the Sinister Minister, and then to Raven
X-Factor: – Also known as the “NWO's X-Factor”. X-Pac showed up during the NWO invasion of ECW and friend Justin Credible turned on his stablemates to join too. They’ve mostly represented the NWO in ECW since, adding Albert to the team. They’ve mostly been feuding with Total Impact as of late as a proxy of the NWO vs. Alliance war
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – November 24, 2002
Flaming Table Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, Altar Boy Spike, and Deacon Batista) vs. Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, Balls Mahoney, and Axl Rotten
If Total Impact Wins, They Get the Outsiders in the Future
Total Impact (Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome) vs. X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert)
WCW/ECW WrestleWar 2002 – November 30, 2002
The WrestleWar (Three 15-Man Royal Rumbles) – Confirmed Entrants: Bam Bam Bigelow, Booker T, Billy Kidman, Brock Lesnar, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Fit Finlay, Kevin Nash, Sean O’Haire, Scott Hall, Shelton Benjamin, Test, Triple H, William Regal
Women’s WrestleWar (Competitor Amount TBD - Royal Rumble) – Confirmed Entrants: Alexis Laree, Ivory, Jacqueline, Jazz, Molly Marvel, The Phoenix
I like the idea of Kash and Noble remaining strong with a win here, despite not being in the immediately title picture. I like York and Matthews as well, and just playing catch up on a few shows, in general your tag division is pretty strong, imo. So, uh, good job.
Nice crazy, psychotic Daffney promo to counteract the equally fun crazy, psychotic promo from Victoria last week.
I’m a little torn on the Shelton/Saturn match tbh. Makes sense for Shelton to get the win, but the write up existed of Saturn dominating for the most part. Or at least that’s what it felt like on initial read. Probably would have preferred Shelton to be a little bit more dominant here to show how good he is ahead of the match with Brock. At least he got the win though which I guess is the main thing, and the promo afterwards was solid enough. Definitely looking forward to this match at November To Remember.
Been enjoying the trend of Super Crazy defending the Cruiserweight tag title shots in bangers on recent shows. Match with Guido here was fine, and broken up with all interference creates the carnage ECW is known for… And Crazy with the balcony spot is a great way to end on a high note.
Quick and run read here – looking forward to the big shows upcoming.
