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WCW Monday Night Nitro
November 18, 2002
Continental Airlines Arena
East Rutherford, NJ
Triple H walks into the NWO locker room, where Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Eric Bischoff are talking to Sean O’Haire. Triple and O’Haire stand face-to-face.
Triple H: “Listen, I’m going to call this as it is. Trust me, this hurts to say. But you beat me. Straight up, you beat me. I have no excuse. But I’m not about to suddenly cede leadership of the New World Order to you, Sean O’Haire. With all due respect, you still have a lot to learn. From me. From Kevin. From Scott. From Eric. So here’s what we’re going to do. There’s no leader. No go-to-guy. We’re a unit. The four of us, an equivalent part of the NWO. So what does everyone say?”
Scott Hall and Kevin Nash nod their heads, while Sean O’Haire doesn’t react. HHH and O’Haire stare one another down again, and to try to convince O’Haire, HHH sticks his hand out. O’Haire slowly accepts this set-up and shakes HHH’s hand.
Triple H: “Now let’s take care of business tonight and remind everyone that the New World Order run things around here!”
The Outsiders step out first. Sean O’Haire and HHH stare one another down once again before O’Haire finally steps out of the locker room as well.
Eric Bischoff: “You did the right thing, Hunter.
Triple H looks at Eric, shooting him a look that makes it apparent that he’s skeptical of the entire situation.
Mike Tenay: “Welcome to Monday Night Nitro! We have a huge show for you all tonight! The contract signing for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship Match at WrestleWar will take place tonight between WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan and Kurt Angle!”
Don West: “Mike, I’m waiting to see the fall out from last week’s match between Sean O’Haire and Triple H. I don’t believe everything is just going to be okay after O’Haire beat him!”
Mike Tenay: “That’s what it looks like so far. We’re kicking things off with a tag team match!"
Christian and Rene Dupree vs. Harlem Heat
Booker T and Christian look to get started, but Christian immediately tags in Dupree. Dupree poses, but Booker punches him in the face and shoves him into the corner. Booker hits a couple of blows, but Dupree counters. Dupree tries to hip toss Booker, but Booker counters and hip tosses Dupree. Booker T slams Dupree, then locks in an armbar and tags in Stevie Ray. Stevie Ray pounds away on Dupree, and he hits Dupree with a slam of his own. Stevie Ray sends Dupree into the corner, but when he charges in Christian pushes Dupree out of the way and Stevie Ray slams the turnbuckles. Christian comes on and stomps away on Stevie Ray, then locks in a rear chinlock. Christian allows Stevie Ray back to his feet, only to dropkick him back down. Christian rakes Stevie Ray’s eyes across the ropes before he tags Dupree back in.
Dupree hits Stevie Ray with some blows, but Stevie Ray fires back…before getting knocked down with a dropkick. Dupree. Dupree poses to the crowd before performing the French Tickler. Dupree tries to slam Stevie Ray, but Stevie Ray powers out of Dupree’s grasp, then hits Dupree with a pump kick. Stevie Ray makes his way to Booker T and makes the tag…and Dupree tags in Christian. Christian doesn’t seem to want any part of Booker, but Booker is all over him with punches and back chops! Harlem sidekick from Booker! Booker comes off the ropes and ducks a clothesline from Christian and hits him with a flying forearm! The crowd pops as Booker T pops up himself with the Spinarooni…but boos follow as Kevin Nash and Scott Hall appear in the crowd and taunt Booker. Triple H and Sean O’Haire run down to the ring and while Stevie Ray tries to tackle O’Haire, he doesn’t get much of him. HHH nails Booker from behind as this match is thrown out…Christian and Dupree bailed anyway.
Winners: Harlem Heat by DQ when the NWO interfered
Triple H and Sean O’Haire continue their attack as Kevin Nash and Scott Hall watch on from the crowd. Triple H gets his sledgehammer from under the ring, but Booker kicks it out of his hands and grabs it himself! That’s enough for the NWO as HHH and O’Haire roll out of the ring as soon as Booker gained control!
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Harlem Heat find Shane McMahon backstage.
Shane McMahon: “Hey, guys, I saw what happened. I’m figuring out how to fix it righ…”
Booker T: “Figuring out how to fix it? I’ll tell you how it gonna get fixed! Harlem Heat versus Triple H and Sean O’Haire, tonight! That’s gonna fix it!”
Shane McMahon nods his head.
Shane McMahon: “Alright, you guys got it. And I’ll add a bit to it. No one is allowed at ringside!”
Booker T: “Now we dig that. Me and my brother are taking out the NWO for good tonight!”
***
Mike Tenay: “Wow, I understand that’s our main event tonight, Don!”
Don West: “The New World Order has struck! Let’s hope after this one is all said and done that everyone involved still makes it to the WrestleWar!”
Mike Tenay: “WrestleWar is just twelve days away, Don. We’re about to see a match-up between two men who will be a part of the WrestleWar, two guys looking for a huge victory to break through in WCW.”
Chuck Palumbo vs. Hugh Morrus
Palumbo and Morrus lockup and Morrus locks in a side headlock. Palumbo sends him off the ropes but Morrus shoulder tackles him down. They lockup again and Morrus gets a wristlock then hammers Palumbo in the back of the neck. Palumbo fires back with a forearm to the face which stuns Morrus. A furious Morrus fires big blows to Palumbo and knocks him down with a vicious right. Morrus hits some chops then hits a vertical suplex. Palumbo shows his toughness as he tries to get to his feet, but Morrus kicks Palumbo right in the ribs. Palumbo tries to fire back at Morrus, but Morrus neutralizes Palumbo with a big headbutt. Cover, 1…2…Palumbo kicks out. Morrus quickly locks in a rear chinlock, then leans in with all his weight as he tries to wear down Palumbo.
Palumbo fights back to his feet and breaks free with a couple of elbows to Morrus, but when he hits the ropes he runs right a knee from Morrus. Morrus hits a couple of more stiff shots then sends Palumbo into the corner, but Palumbo moves when Morrus charges in! Palumbo hits a big elbow that knocks Morrus down. Palumbo sends Morrus into the corner and hits him with a clothesline before backdropping Morrus out of the corner! Morrus gets back to his feet and Palumbo hits him with some strong jabs. Palumbo misses the fourth one though and Morrus drops him with a back suplex. Morrus calls for the end of the match and heads to the top rope. No Laughing Matter Moonsault misses as Palumbo moved out of the way! Palumbo hits some more forearms on a stunned Morrus. Morrus misses a wild clothesline, and Palumbo hits Morrus with a Jungle Kick! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Chuck Palumbo via pinfall in 6:15
Chuck Palumbo’s time to celebrate is short as Hugh Morrus gets back to his feet and levels Palumbo with a hard clothesline! As Morrus comes angrily walks up the ramp, Morrus yells at Mike Tenay and Don West, saying that he’s had “enough of his Hugh Morrus shit!”
***
Don West: “What did he mean by that?”
Mike Tenay: “I’m not sure, Don…hey, I’m hearing that the WCW World Champion has entered the building!”
The camera cuts to the parking lot where WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan is shown entering the building. Hogan signs a couple of autographs before continuing his way to the locker room.
***
Ivory vs. The Phoenix
Ivory attacks Phoenix as soon as she enters the ring. Ivory hits Phoenix over and over, but when she comes off the ropes a shoulder block attempt doesn’t work as Phoenix just absorbs the contact and Ivory goes down. Phoenix tosses Ivory into the corner, but Ivory ducks away from Phoenix going for a big forearm. Ivory hits Phoenix with a dropkick that backs Phoenix into the corner…something Ivory celebrates like she just won the title. Phoenix misses a wild clothesline and Ivory jumps on her back with a sleeper, trying to take Phoenix down. Phoenix fights her off, but Ivory manages to get a chopblock that knocks Phoenix down to one knee. Ivory tries a kick, but Phoenix catches the leg and tosses Ivory across the ring. Big clothesline from Phoenix. Phoenix picks Ivory up and drops her with a Phoenix Driver (Michinoku Driver). 1…2…3!
Winner: The Phoenix via pinfall in 2:08
Mike Tenay: “Strong victory for The Phoenix. She might be the favorite for the Women’s WrestleWar Match.”
Don West: “Without a doubt, Mike!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Meng vs. Test
Test tries a forearm but Meng will have none of it and hits Test with a knee to the midsection and a headbutt. Meng pounds on Test and hits him with a back elbow. Meng misses a clothesline and Test knocks Meng down with one himself. Test slams Meng into the corner and punches and kicks away at him. Sidewalk slam from Test! Cover, 1…2…Meng kicks out. Test tries a headbutt…but Meng’s head is so hard that it hurts him and not Meng! Meng hits Test with a brutal chop that knocks him down. Test gets back to his feet, but Meng knocks him right back down with another headbutt! Cover, 1…2…Test kicks out. Meng hits Test with open hand slaps, and Meng fires back with some of his own. Meng staggers Test with one particularly hard shot then hits a back suplex. Elbow drop from Meng! Cover, 1…2…Test kicks out.
Meng locks in a nerve hold before transitioning to the trapezius muscle. Test elbows himself free, but Meng stops Test in his tracks with a hard chop and chokes him in the ropes. Test again fires away to try to regain the advantage, but Meng stops him with an atomic drop. Meng slams Test and heads to the second rope, but Test moves out of the way as Meng comes off with a splash attempt! Test punches away at Meng. Meng tries to fire back, but Test catches an arm and slams Meng down with a Full Nelson Slam! Cover, 1…2…Meng kicks out. Test sends Meng off the ropes and goes for a back body drop, but Meng smashes the back of Test’s head with a hard shot. Meng hits a couple of chops, then roars to the crowd. Meng grabs Test by the throat and locks in the Tongan Death Grip! Test struggles for a few moments before breaking the hold with his strength…then hitting Meng with the Big Boot! Test covers, 1…2…3!
Winner: Test via pinfall in 6:27
Don West: “What a win for Test!”
Mike Tenay: “Test and Meng are both going to be tough competitors to eliminate in the Wrestle War, that’s for sure. Right now the ring is being setup for our contract signing. At Wrestle War, Kurt Angle looks to regain the WCW World Championship as he takes on Hulk Hogan. Here comes WCW Owner Shane McMahon.”
***
Shane McMahon enters the ring, microphone in hand. He introduces both WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan and Kurt Angle. Hogan sits on one side of the table and Angle sits on the other as Shane explains that this contract is binding.
Kurt Angle: “Well I’ve got something to say since I have Hogan here in front of me. This has been a long-time coming Hogan. Look, I respect you Hogan. You’re a legend, an icon in this business. But all the respect in the world doesn’t mean I forgot what happened or even how we got to this situation. If it weren’t for you and the New World Order I’d still be champion today. Oh it’s true, it’s damn true and you know it. Now you changed sides and in a way this title shot, which I do appreciate, but this title shot is you trying to make things right. I guess I’m grateful you even went that far. But it doesn’t mean I forgive you Hogan. I’m going to take out all the anger and frustration for what you did to me at Slamboree. Yes, what I said before about you wearing the red and yellow and calling yourself the ‘Real American’ still disgusts me. I’m going to let out all my disgust and all my frustrations on you Hogan, and take back my WCW World Title while I’m at it! So Hogan, what are you gonna do when the Real American, the Olympic Gold Medalist, wrestles circles around you?”
Shane McMahon: “Okay, well, let’s…”
Hulk Hogan: “Wait a minute, wait a minute Shane, you think I’m just going to take that and not respond? You want to talk about respect and disgust? You act like your record is all clean, Kurt Angle, but come on we both know the deal. Yeah, I do respect you, I respect anyone who represents the red, white, and blue. But don’t think I’m lesser than because I come out here and do my own thing. I represent America for what I do for the people day in and day out. I give people hope. I visit the kids in the hospital. Yeah, I slipped up and joined back with the NWO, and I learned the error of my ways. But I’m working my way back. But you Angle, you have your moments. You wrestle as dirty as any of them. You unnecessarily crippled Ric Flair just to win that title. And hell when you started you were just an annoying jerk! Yeah, it was business that led me to cost you the WCW Title at Slamboree. But that’s the past. I have the title now. How about you a man and try to take it back from me instead of bitching about how you lost it over and over, brother!”
Kurt Angle: “You want me to do something about it, Hogan? I can guarantee you I can ensure that you don’t make it to WrestleWar…”
Shane McMahon jumps between Angle and Hogan before they come to blows.
Shane McMahon: “Hey, hey, look, let’s get this contract signed and settle this at the Pay-Per-View guys.”
With Shane McMahon standing between them, both Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan sign the contract while staring into one another’s eyes. Things nearly come to blows as Angle is able to catch Hogan in the face with a slap! This angers Hogan, but Shane again stands between them and Angle decides to leave the ring before Hogan can get a shot in himself. Hogan rips his shirt off and challenge Angle to fight him right now, but Angle now seems satisfied with the interaction, as he’s clearly gotten in Hogan’s head. Angle smirks as he walks up the ramp with Hogan fuming in the ring.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Shane Helms and Elix Skipper (w/Monty Brown) vs. William Regal and Fit Finlay (w/Dave Taylor)
Skipper and Helms surprise Regal and Finlay by attacking right away. They send Regal and Finlay off the ropes and hit a double dropkick! Regal slides to the outside as Helms and Skipper get a double drop toe hold, then a double elbow drop on Finlay. Double suplex from Skipper and Helms. Skipper and Helms wait for Finlay to get back to his feet…but Regal pulls Skipper to the outside. Helms runs at Finlay and goes for a crossbody, but Finlay catches him and gets a kidney breaker. Finlay tags in Regal and they beat the hell out of Helms in the corner with European uppercuts. Regal locks in a stump puller on Helms, further wearing him down. Regal releases, only to beat down Helms with hard forearms. Regal tags Finlay back in, and Finlay quickly locks in a rear naked choke.
Helms fights his way back to a vertical base, but Finlay hits a couple uppercuts and some hard chops, stifling Helms. Helms ducks a clothesline though, and follows up with a leaping enzugiri! Helms dives and tags in Skipper as Finlay tags Regal back in! Skipper gets an armdrag on Regal. Then another one. Then a third! Flying head scissors sends Regal flying! Skipper sprongboards off the turnbuckles with a twisting crossbody! 1…2…Regal kicks out. Spinning heel kick sends Regal to the outside. As he and Finlay regroup, Helms and Skipper come off the ropes and hit stereo flying dives over the top rope! Skipper rolls Regal back into the ring and heads to the top rope. Regal gets back to his feet, and Skipper hits the moonsault! 1…2…Regal just kicks out!
Skipper tags Helms back in. They go for the All-Star Takedown, but Regal escapes by elbowing Helms in the face. Finlay comes up from behind Skipper and hits a German suplex. Regal sets up Helms and hits a double underhook suplex! Cover, 1…2…Helms kicks out! Regal misses a clothesline that hits Finlay, and that allows Skipper to pull the top rope down and send Finlay over the top rope. Helms comes up behind Regal and tries for the Vertebreaker, but Regal shifts his weight and both men fall to their side, knocking down the referee. Dave Taylor jumps into the ring, but Monty Brown takes him out with the POUNCE! Regal backs away from Brown, allowing Helms and Skipper to hit Regal with the All-Star Takedown! Helms covers Regal, 1…2…3!
Winners: Shane Helms and Elix Skipper when Helms pinned Regal in 9:25
Helms, Skipper, and Brown celebrate, with Skipper saying to the camera “Dudleys, we coming for those belts!”
***
Triple H and Sean O’Haire stand next to one another in the locker room.
Triple H: “Let’s do this.”
Sean O’Haire: “After you.”
Triple H looks a bit taken aback by O’Haire telling him to walk out first, but he does so.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Harlem Heat vs. Sean O’Haire and Triple H
Booker T and Stevie Ray surprise HHH and O’Haire by coming from the crowd and attacking! Stevie Ray pounds away on O’Haire as Booker T hits HHH with punches and chops. Booker and Stevie Ray send HHH and O’Haire into one another, leading to HHH and O’Haire rolling to the outside to regain their bearings. Booker comes off the ropes and Stevie Ray launches him over the top rope, allowing Booker to take out both HHH and O’Haire! Booker and Stevie Ray slam O’Haire into the barricade before rolling HHH back into the ring. Booker takes over and continues to pound away on HHH. He sends HHH off the ropes and hits him with a flapjack, the 110th Street Slam! Booker covers HHH, 1…2…HHH kicks out. HHH backs into the corner and catches Booker with a kick, but Booker responds with a roundhouse kick that knocks HHH down. Booker tags in his brother. Stevie Ray hits HHH with a pump kick that sends him back into the corner, then goes for the Slapjack (the same move as the Pedigree), but HHH counters by twisting Stevie Ray’s arm and getting a rake to the eyes. HHH dives at his corner to tag in Sean O’Haire.
Stevie Ray catches O’Haire with a high kick as O’Haire runs at him. Stevie Ray grabs O’Haire and locks in a bearhug, but O’Haire breaks free with a thumb to the eye, then slams Stevie Ray into the corner. O’Haire hits Stevie Ray with a knee lift then knocks him down with a dropkick. O’Haire locks in a rear chinlock to solidify the advantage and slow things down. Stevie Ray powers out and sends O’Haire off the ropes…allowing HHH a blind tag. Stevie Ray knocks O’Haire down with a shoulder tackle, but turns around into a flying knee from HHH. HHH hits a kneedrop on Stevie Ray then locks in a rear chinlock of his own. He puts his feet on the ropes to inflict even more damage. Stevie Ray again tries to break free and gets to his feet. He sends HHH off the ropes, but a back bodydrop attempt is countered as HHH hits him with a facebuster. HHH then clotheslines Stevie Ray down and tags O’Haire back in.
O’Haire stomps on Stevie Ray, then sends him off the ropes and hits him with a powerslam. O’Haire props Stevie Ray up and hits him with a couple of blows before sending him into the corner. Stevie Ray staggers out of the corner and O’Haire knocks him back down with the Ridge Hand! O’Haire heads to the top rope, likely to finish Stevie Ray off with the Sean-ton Bomb, but HHH yells at him, asking what he’s doing. O’Haire yells back saying he does what he wants…and he leaps off the top rope, but Stevie Ray moves and the Sean-Ton Bomb misses! Stevie Ray crawls to his corner as Sean O’Haire crawls to his. O’Haire gets the tag first, but he isn’t in time to stop Stevie Ray and here comes Booker T! Booker hits HHH with right and left hands, then sends him flying with a back bodydrop! Harlem Sidekick knocks HHH down again! Cover, 1…2…Sean O’Haire makes the save. Stevie Ray comes back in and locks Sean O’Haire in a bearhug again. Booker heads to the top rope and nails O’Haire with the heatseeker missile dropkick! Booker and Stevie Ray stomp away on O’Haire as HHH sits in the opposing corner. HHH looks on, and doesn’t immediately make the save for O’Haire, instead rolling to the outside to catch his breath. Stevie Ray locks O’Haire in a bearhug again, and Booker hits him with a Harlem Sidekick, aka the Big Apple Blast! But now HHH slides into the ring, sledgehammer in hand, and blasts Stevie Ray over the head with it, causing the DQ!
Winners: Harlem Heat by DQ in 14:35
HHH tries to hit Booker but Booker tackles him down and punches away at him. The Outsiders and Eric Bischoff come down. Nash and Hall attack Booker and suddenly it’s a gang attack. But the NWO advantage doesn’t last long as Total Impact is in the house and run down! Nash and Hall escape into the crowd and Total Impact is after them, although they run into a set-up as X-Factor waits for them in the crowd too! HHH regains his bearings and grabs the sledgehammer and prepares to hit Booker T…but…
BANG!
Fireworks from the stage blow up as Diamond Dallas Page is back! DDP runs down to the ring with a steel chair and smashes Sean O’Haire in the back! HHH tries to hit DDP with the sledgehammer, but DDP ducks and then smashes the chair right over HHH’s head! DDP heads into the crowd to help out Total Impact as Booker T tends to his brother in the ring…just as Nitro goes off the air!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Harlem Heat defeated Christian and Rene Dupree by DQ when the New World Order interfered
Chuck Palumbo pinned Hugh Morrus
The Phoenix pinned Ivory
Test pinned Meng
Elix Skipper and Shane Helms defeated William Regal and Fit Finlay when Helms pinned Regal
Harlem Heat defeated Sean O’Haire and Triple H by DQ
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. The feud with the New World Order has picked back up, with HHH blasting brother Stevie Ray with a sledgehammer
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. DDP made his return on Nitro just twelve days before Wrestle War, saving Booker T from an attack from Triple H
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. After a loss to Chuck Palumbo, Morrus said that he was “done with this Hugh Morrus shit”
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
Stevie Ray: – Booker T’s brother and one-half of Harlem Heat. He’s aided his brother in battles against the likes of R-Killa, Brock Lesnar, and the New World Order. Most recently he was blasted over the head with a sledgehammer by Triple H
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. He did pick up a win against Meng
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
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. The feud with the New World Order has picked back up, with HHH blasting brother Stevie Ray with a sledgehammer
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. DDP made his return on Nitro just twelve days before Wrestle War, saving Booker T from an attack from Triple H
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. After a loss to Chuck Palumbo, Morrus said that he was “done with this Hugh Morrus shit”
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
Stevie Ray: – Booker T’s brother and one-half of Harlem Heat. He’s aided his brother in battles against the likes of R-Killa, Brock Lesnar, and the New World Order. Most recently he was blasted over the head with a sledgehammer by Triple H
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. He did pick up a win against Meng
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
Eddie Guerrero vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
Brock Lesnar vs. Shelton Benjamin
ECW World Tag Team Championship
Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles © vs. Rob Van Dam and Sabu
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Daffney
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, Chuck Palumbo, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Fit Finlay, Hugh Morrus, 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
WCW World Championship
Hulk Hogan © vs. Kurt Angle
Eddie Guerrero vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
Brock Lesnar vs. Shelton Benjamin
ECW World Tag Team Championship
Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles © vs. Rob Van Dam and Sabu
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Daffney
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, Chuck Palumbo, Christian, Deacon Batista, Eddie Guerrero, Fit Finlay, Hugh Morrus, 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
WCW World Championship
Hulk Hogan © vs. Kurt Angle
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