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“Mean” Gene Okerlund:"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, wrestling fans from all around the world! 'Mean' Gene Okerlund here. I hope you and your families enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday. Now that we are passed the holiday, it is time for War. The WrestleWar will air live on Pay-Per-View from the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California on a special Saturday, not Sunday, but Saturday. First, let’s run down the one match that isn’t connected to the WrestleWar, but is a big deal on its own merit as it is for the WCW World Championship!”
“Mean” Gene Okerlund:“The origins of this conflict can be traced back to the Slamboree Pay-Per-View back in May of this year. Hulk Hogan arrived with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship in a match against Triple H. Now, that situation with the New World Order turned on Hogan as Nash, Hall, and Triple H were in cahoots and blindsided Hogan. Hogan would return and lead Team WCW to victory over the NWO in War Games at Fall Brawl, although Angle himself was involved in the fall that led to victory. Hogan received a title shot at Triple H at Halloween Havoc and promised Angle a title shot as an apology for what he did at Slamboree. Hogan would win the title and is living up to his promise. Things have been chippy between Angle and Hogan since, but they will collide at the WrestleWar.”
The WrestleWar
“Mean” Gene Okerlund:“The WrestleWar series of matches is a concept devised by Shane McMahon that is an amalgam of the WWF’s Royal Rumble match and WCW’s World War 3 match. There will be three separate 15-Man “Royal Rumble” Matches called the War Rumbles (they are not held at the same time). Two men begin each match and every 90 seconds another participant will enter. Elimination occurs when a competitor is tossed over the top rope and both feet hit the floor. The winner of each of the three matches will face off in a Triangle Elimination No-Disqualification Match called the Final Battle. The winner of Final Battle will have his choice of facing the WCW or ECW World Champion at Starrcade 2003. There are 45 competitors total for the WrestleWar, but I understand that ten of them will not be announced before showtime.”
“Mean” Gene Okerlund:“There is also a Women’s War Rumble featuring seven women. The match is similar in structure, only there are only 60 second intervals and no follow up match. The winner of the Women’s War Rumble will face the World Women’s Champion at Starrcade 2003.”
“Mean” Gene Okerlund:“We’ll see everyone at the WrestleWar tomorrow night, 8:00 PM Eastern, 5:00 PM Pacific, live on Pay-Per-View. Call your local cable provider for more details!”
There will be spots to use points in the future (including Cyberslam 2003!) That being said, we’re back to the standard prediction contest. Reminder for scoring there is a +25 bonus for winning the show.
I plan to post the show on 4/25.
WrestleWar 2002 Prediction Contest
The WrestleWar Pick Three (3) Wrestlers. You’ll Get Points For ONLY the Best Performing Participant that you picked. (You may pick “mystery” as one of your three. You’ll get credit if any of the mystery entrants is your top performer). If your best performer does the following, you’ll get the following points:
Wins the WrestleWar: 50 Points Finishes 2nd in the WrestleWar: 35 Points Finishes 3rd in the WrestleWar: 20 Points Finishes 2nd in a War Rumble: 10 Points
Entrants
AJ Styles, Bam Bam Bigelow, Billy Kidman, Booker T, Brock Lesnar, Deacon Batista, Chris Candido, Christian, Chuck Palumbo, Diamond Dallas Page, Eddie Guerrero, Elix Skipper, Fit Finlay, Hugh Morrus, Jerry Lynn, Jim Duggan, Kevin Nash, Lance Storm, Little Guido, Meng, Mike Awesome, Monty Brown, Rene Dupree, Rey Mysterio Jr., Rob Van Dam, Scott Hall, Shane Helms, Test, Triple H (Guaranteed to Enter #1), William Regal, Sabu, Sean O’Haire (Guaranteed to Enter #15), Shelton Benjamin, Stone Cold Steve Austin, X-Pac and 10 Mystery Entrants
Pick up to 10 Potential Surprise Entrants for the WrestleWar
The WrestleWar:
Stone Cold Steve Austin, O'Haire, HHH
Pick up to 10 Potential Surprise Entrants for the WrestleWar
Sting, Jericho, The Hardyz, Rhyno, Jeff Jarrett, Mr Perfect, Low Ki, Chris Daniels, Ron Killings
The Women’s War Rumble (8 Points)
mystery (LITA!??)
Guess (one guess) the mystery entrant for the Women’s War Rumble
Lita (if Jeff and Matt are in the wrestlewar, she may as well get involved)
WCW/ECW WrestleWar 2002
November 30, 2002
Cow Palace
San Francisco, CA
A limousine arrives in the parking lot of the Cow Palace. WCW Owner Shane McMahon runs up to the side door. He opens it…and The Giant steps out!
Shane McMahon: “Welcome back big man. Let’s go to my office and talk.”
As pyro goes off, kicking off the 2002 WrestleWar!
Mike Tenay: “Welcome to the WrestleWar. Tonight, we’re taking a different approach to commentary. Don West and I are here, alongside ECW’s Joey Styles.”
Joey Styles: “Thank you, Mike. I’m happy to represent ECW alongside WCW for tonight’s WrestleWar!”
Don West: “We’re excited to have you, Joey! Gentlemen, did you see who was with Shane McMahon? The Giant might be in one of these things!”
Mike Tenay: “If The Giant is indeed an entry, he’s gotta be one of, if not the favorites! Hey, we’re heading back out to the parking lot?”
***
The camera cuts back to the parking lot where The New World Order: Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean O’Haire are waiting. Another limo pulls in, and Eric Bischoff steps out.
Triple H: “Eric, what’s the deal, you’re just showing up now?”
Eric Bischoff: “Hey, you know I have a good reason. Just take a look who I brought with me to help us out tonight.”
Triple H takes a look inside the limo.
Triple H: “Well I’ll be damned, he’s with us tonight?”
Eric Bischoff: “Sure is. I got another guy coming down later, he’s just running a bit late.”
The New World Order all seem quite happy with who was in the car, but the fans don’t get to see who it is as the camera cuts back to the arena.
Joey Styles: “You know what, I’m all for more NWO members for ECW to beat the hell out of!”
Mike Tenay: “We’re kicking things off tonight with the first of three War Rumbles that are apart of the WrestleWar! Here are the rules. Each War Rumble will feature 15 participants. Two begin, with another competitors entering every 90 seconds. Elimination occurs only when a participant is thrown or in some way goes over the top rope and both feet hit the floor. The winner of each War Rumble advances to Final Battle last tonight!”
Don West: “Let’s get this thing going! Who’s #1?”
Joey Styles: “Oh god, it’s this psychopath! Anyone who joins a religious cult with the Dudleys needs serious help!”
Deacon Batista is #1!
#2 is the WCW return of one of the most famous Mexican wrestlers in the world!
Before the match begins, La Parka stands on his chair in the middle of the ring, microphone in hand.
La Parka: “SKULL CAPTAIN IS BACK IN THE HIIIZOUSE! Yo yo yo let me speak on this. La Parka is back and any fool who wants to take on the chairman is only gonna get one result with this chair. That’s the 1414, one for me, and one for my homies!”
Joey Styles: “Look, I know I may not be up to snuff with my WCW gimmicks…but is this guy actually saying the words here?”
Mike Tenay: “It’s a long story, Joey.”
La Parka moves the microphone from his mouth…but the words keep coming…
La Parka: “The first thing the chairman is gonna do is take out this ugly lookin’ dude right here. You’ve got one chance to step out before I take this chair and beat your ass!”
La Parka retreats in fear, indicating he didn’t actually say what came from the microphone as Batista approaches him. Batista challenges La Parka to smashes him with the chair as the bell rings.
Don West: “What a way to start this thing.”
War Rumble #1
Batista demands La Parka to hit him with the chair. La Parka winds up and smashes Batista right in the face with the chair, then turns and does his dance, thinking he’s taken out the monster. Unfortunately for La Parka the chairshot had no effect on Batista. La Parka turns around and Batista plants him with a spinebuster! Batista grabs La Parka by the back of his hood and tosses him over the top rope and onto the floor (Elimination #1: La Parka by Batista). Batista stands stoically in the ring as he waits for #3.
Chuck Palumbo runs right into the ring and he and Batista trade blows. Palumbo reverses a whip into the corner and catches Batista with a discus punch. Batista comes back with a hard clothesline that levels Palumbo. Batista shoves Palumbo into the corner before knocking him down with a clothesline. Batista tries to eliminate Palumbo, but Palumbo hits a couple of elbows to stay alive. Jungle Kick from Palumbo staggers Batista, but Palumbo runs right into a shoulder tackle and he tries to follow up. Batista pounds away on Palumbo in the corner as #4 is coming.
Don West: “The US champ!”
Christian stops short of entering the ring though, seeing Batista waiting for him. Batista goes back to stomping away on Chuck Palumbo. Batista sends Palumbo off the ropes, but Palumbo comes back with a running back elbow. Palumbo comes off the ropes and cracks Batista in the mouth with another running back elbow! Neither knock Batista down, so Palumbo hits a kick to the midsection. Big suplex from Palumbo! Palumbo tries to send Batista out, but Batista uses his strength to hold into the top rope. Batista catches Palumbo with two hard blows then runs Palumbo into the corner. Batista smashes his shoulder into Palumbo’s midsection. He sends Palumbo off the ropes then picks him up, planting him with a powerslam! A staggered Palumbo gets back to his feet only for Batista to send him out over the top rope and to the floor with a clothesline (Elimination #2: Palumbo by Batista). Batista then turns to Christian, who still hasn’t gotten into the ring, as #5 is on his way.
Mike Tenay: “They’re on their feet for Booker T!”
Booker T confidently comes down to the ring. He takes a look at Christian, who’s still cowering on the outside, before sliding into the ring and coming to blows with Batista! Booker wins the exchange and backs Batista into the corner, hitting him with punches and chops. Roundhouse kick from Booker stuns Batista! Batista attempts to get back to his feet, but Booker catches him with a kick. Booker prepares to hit Batista with the Scissors Kick and comes off the ropes…but Christian trips him from the outside! Christian slides in and stomps away on Booker. Booker fires back, but Christian gets a knee to the midsection to slow him down. Christian comes off the ropes, but Booker catches him with a Harlem sidekick! Batista attacks Booker from behind as the next entrant is on his way to the ring.
Chris Candido runs in and attacks Christian before he can help Batista double-team Booker T. Candido stomps away on Christian as Batista beats down Booker T in the corner. Batista comes over to Candido, who uses his quickness to evade Batista. Candido tries a kick, but Batista catches it…only for Candido to hit him with an enzugiri. Candido elbows Christian, then hits him with a belly-to-belly suplex. Candido jumps up to the second rope and hits Christian with the New Jersey Jam. Booker T and Candido team-up to try to dump Batista, but Batista again proves to be too strong and fights them off. Batista catches Candido with a hard clothesline, but Booker hits a flying forearm to knock Batista back down.
Finlay runs down and immediately gets into it with Booker T. Booker goes for a back bodydrop, but Finlay puts on the brakes and kicks Booker in the face, then levels him with a clothesline. Finlay takes Candido down, but then he walks into a Booker T spinebuster. Christian attacks Booker from behind and hits him with an inverted falling DDT. Christian tries to get rid of Booker, but Booker elbows his way free. Finlay knees Booker in the midsection, then catches Batista with a European uppercut. Finlay goes back to Booker and tries to wear him down. Candido hits Batista with a dropkick, but then Christian tosses Candido over the top rope. Candido lands on the apron and quickly heads up to the top rope, and hits Christian with an axhandle smash!
The monster Meng comes down to the ring and he and Finlay immediately go at it. Meng gets a knee to Finlay’s midsection and knocks him down with a thrust punch to the throat. Batista tries to headbutt Meng, but it hurts Batista more and Meng runs him down. Vicious headbutt from Meng to Booker. Candido comes off the top rope, but he ends up leaping right into the Tongan Death Grip! Finlay attacks Meng and the two wrestle towards the ropes, before Finlay lifts Meng off his feet…and both men go tumbling over the top rope and onto the floor (Eliminations #3 and #4: Meng and Finlay eliminate one another). Finlay and Meng continue to fight on the outside as those two have no love lost for one another! In the ring Christian tries to eliminate Booker, but Booker holds on.
Don West: “Things are getting serious now! It’s Big Sexy!”
Joey Styles: “You know Chris Candido is going to want a shot at him!”
Kevin Nash comes into the ring and immediately levels Candido with a big boot. Nash grabs Christian and hits him with snake eyes in the corner. Nash bashes Booker with a huge forearm, then chokes him in the corner with his boot. Candido jumps on Nash’s back, but Nash elbows him off. Nash plants a boot in Candido’s midsection then sets him up and drops him with a thunderous Jackknife Powerbomb! Nash tosses Candido out with ease (Elimination #5: Candido by Nash). Nash catches Batista with an elbow, then picks up Booker and plants him with a sidewalk slam. Nash tosses Christian over the top, but Christian lands on the apron. Booker gets a couple of shots in on Nash, but Nash hits him with a knee to the midsection, then drops Booker with a forearm. Nash has complete control of the ring and poses to the crowd as the clock counts down from 10.
Mike Tenay: “They’re on their feet at the Cow Palace!”
DDP slides into the ring and ducks a Nash clothesline, nailing Nash with one on the way back! DDP hits a swinging neckbreaker on Nash. Batista attacks DDP. He sends DDP off the ropes, but DDP counters the spinebuster by landing on his feet, then drops Batista with a Diamond Cutter! Christian attacks DDP. Christian brings DDP to the corner and punches away. Christian jumps up to the second rope, looking for a Tornado DDT, but DDP punches his way free, then hits Christian with a Diamond Cutter off the second rope! Nash misses a big boot, and when he turns around DDP plants him with a Diamond Cutter too! DDP looks at Booker, and the both run at Batista and clothesline him over the top rope to eliminate him (Elimination #6: Batista by Booker and DDP)! DDP and Booker try to dump Nash, but Nash is able to hold on.
Test comes down and attacks Booker, basically saving Nash. Test hits Booker with hard punches, then catches DDP with a forearm. Test sets DDP up and hits the Pumphandle Slam. Booker attacks Test, but Christian attacks Booker from behind. Test catches Booker with a hard shot to the face, and Christian drops Booker with an inverted DDT to the knee. Christian and Test try to dump out Booker, but Booker holds on. Booker punches his way out of the situation, but Nash stops him in his tracks with a shot to the face. Booker fires back, then knocks Nash down with a Harlem sidekick. DDP tries to toss Christian, but Christian again holds on. DDP and Booker pound away on Test in the corner, then hit him with a double flapjack. Christian runs at Booker, but Booker catches him and hits a Bookend! Booker and DDP are the only ones standing and look as if they are going to go at it, but the clock begins its countdown.
Mike Tenay: “I know that guy! Why is Jim Cornette out here?”
Joey Styles: “Oh my god!”
Don West: “IT’S VADER TIME!”
Booker T and DDP stare down the 450-pound former multi-time WCW World Champion as Vader makes his way down to the ring! Vader slides in and immediately levels DDP with a vicious clothesline. Body tackle knocks DDP down, and Vader splashes him! Vader whips Christian into the corner and avalanches him in the corner, then clotheslines him down as he staggers out! Test goes for the Big Boot, only Vader moves and Test ends up kicking the top turnbuckle. Vader clotheslines Test over the top rope and onto the floor (Elimination #7: Test by Vader). Booker attacks Vader. He tries to get him over the top rope, but Vader catches him with a punch. Vader corners Booker and proceeds to beat the hell out of him with hard lefts and rights! Vader then body tackles Nash. Vader lets out a roar as he’s dominated the ring!
Elix Skipper runs up to the top rope and leaps at Vader, but Vader catches him, then tosses Skipper over the top rope with a Fall Away Slam (Elimination #8: Skipper by Vader). Nash finally stops Vader with a big boot that levels the monster. Nash and Vader trade blows in the corner. DDP and Booker sneak up on Nash to try to get rid of him, but Nash elbows Booker off and throws DDP backwards. Vader and Nash go back to trading stiff shots, and a double clothesline knocks both men down. Christian tries to take advantage of the situation and quickly looks to dump DDP, but DDP hangs on. Christian runs at DDP and DDP backdrops Christian over the top rope, but Christian survives once again by landing on the apron. DDP doesn’t notice though as he and Booker face-off again. Christian nails DDP from behind, and DDP crashes into Booker. Christian encourages Booker and DDP to fight, but they realize what happened and corner Christian.
Don West: “Christian’s gonna have some help!”
Despite Booker T and DDP beating down Christian, Rene Dupree takes his time heading to the ring. As soon as Dupree enters the ring, Booker and DDP throw Christian at him, sending both him and Christian over the top rope and onto the floor (Eliminations #9 and #10: Dupree and Christian by Booker and DDP)! Vader attacks both Booker and DDP. He sends Booker over the top rope, but Booker hangs on and lands on the apron. Vader pounds away on DDP before Nash blasts him with a big boot. Vader stumbles by the ropes, and Nash finishes the job by dumping the monster over the top rope and onto the floor (Elimination #11: Vader by Nash). Booker gets back in the ring and helps DDP up as Nash realizes he’s outnumbered. Nash feigns concern for a few moments, before using both hands to point at the entrance way as the clock counts down.
Mike Tenay: “It looks like Nash knows who’s coming!”
Don West: “BIG POPPA PUMP!”
Wearing a green-and-black NWO t-shirt, Scott Steiner makes his way down to the ring to join Kevin Nash against Booker T and Diamond Dallas Page! Nash and Booker square off as does DDP and Steiner. While Booker and Nash fight to seemingly a draw, Steiner is all over DDP. Steiner hits DDP with a belly-to-belly suplex before helping Nash and taking out Booker T. Butterfly suplex from Steiner to Booker. Steiner pounds away on Booker as Nash sets DDP up. Nash goes for the Jackknife on DDP, but DDP slides behind him and lands on his feet. Steiner immediately wallops DDP with a Steinerline before he can take advantage. Steiner goes over to Booker and tries to dump him out, but Booker powers out. Booker ducks a clothesline and knocks Steiner down with a roundhouse kick! Nash tries a big boot, but Booker moves out of the way and Nash ends up straddling the top rope! Harlem sidekick knocks Nash fully over the top rope and he crashes to the floor (Elimination #12: Nash by Booker)!
DDP attacks Steiner, but Steiner backdrops him over the top rope, with DDP’s foot hitting Booker in the back of the head. Both men go over the top rope, and Steiner knocks DDP off the apron (Elimination #13: DDP by Steiner), but can’t do the same to Booker. Booker hits a couple of shots to Steiner’s face and steps back into the ring. Steiner shoves Booker into the corner and hits him with a knee to the midsection, then hits a belly-to-belly suplex out of the corner! As Booker struggles to get back to his feet, Steiner does some push-ups to taunt Booker. Steiner clubs Booker in the back, then climbs on the back of Booker and locks in the Steiner Recliner! Steiner puts on the pressure as Booker screams in pain. Steiner releases, but not before jumping on Booker’s back to leave him lying. Steiner poses towards the crowd before picking up Booker. He tries to dump Booker out, but Booker counters and goes for the Bookend! Steiner counters that though and hits a Northern Lights Suplex. Steiner whips Booker off the ropes and goes for a back bodydrop, but Booker kicks him in the face! Booker hits another kick, then hits the Scissors Kick!Booker pops up with the Spinarooni, although he favors his back when he gets back to his feet. Still, when Steiner gets back to his feet, Booker clotheslines him out, winning the first War Rumble!
Winner: Booker T when he last eliminated Scott Steiner in 25:39
Booker T celebrates winning the War Rumble as Scott Steiner smashes TV equipment on the outside of the ring. Booker tends to his back for a moment though, we’ll see how that’ll affect him later tonight in the Final Battle.
***
Shane McMahon and The Giant are discussing something in Shane’s office.
Shane McMahon: “…well unfortunately, I can’t get you in one of these WrestleWar matches. It’s too late.”
The Giant: “I’m not worried about that, Shane. You know what I want. It’s the only thing I want.”
Shane McMahon: “I don’t know if I can guarantee that for you. You know how he is. If he doesn’t want the match it won’t happen.”
The Giant: “I’m sorry who’s the owner here? Why you letting him run this place, huh? Your dad would never…”
Shane McMahon: “Hey. That’s just how it is. His contract lets him pick and choose.”
The Giant: “Well Shane I thought we were making a deal tonight, but I guess not. Call me when you’re serious.”
Shane McMahon: “Paul, wait…”
The Giant gets up and walks out, leaving Shane in his office.
***
Mike Tenay: “Well, what was that all about?”
Don West: “It looks like The Giant and Shane McMahon couldn’t work out things.”
Mike Tenay: “It looked that way. Well, we’re going to continue here with our second War Rumble. Booker T of course won the first one just moments ago.”
Don West: “We were expecting this one, Triple H is #1!”
Mike Tenay: “That means Sean O’Haire will be #15 in this one.”
Triple H’s look of confidence suddenly turns to fear as Mike Awesome is #2!
Joey Styles: “Oh I’m going to enjoy this!”
War Rumble #2
Awesome stands tall as he challenges Triple H to stand across from him in the middle of the ring. Triple H prefers to keep his distance. After a few moments Awesome decides he’s down waiting and goes after HHH. HHH fires some punches, but there’s no effect on Awesome. Awesome fires his own punches, but one misses and HHH clotheslines Awesome over the top rope! Awesome lands on the apron and HHH thinks he eliminated him. HHH turns back towards Awesome and Awesome leaps over the top rope and hits HHH with a flying shoulder block! Awesome presses HHH over his head. He threatens to toss HHH out, but HHH fights it enough so that Awesome has to settle slamming HHH in the middle of the ring. Awesome comes off the ropes and hits an Awesome splash as #3 is on his way.
William Regal comes down and immediately attacks Awesome. Regal hits Awesome with European uppercuts. He tries to suplex Awesome, but Awesome blocks it and plants Regal with a release German suplex. HHH hits Awesome with a flying knee, then punches away at him. HHH encourages Regal to help him fight Awesome, but that leads to Awesome knocking both men down with a double clothesline. Awesome tries to get rid of Regal, but HHH makes the save with a low blow that completely stops Awesome in his tracks. HHH stomps away on Awesome, then allows Regal to lock in the Regal Stretch. HHH continues to stomp on Awesome as Regal really has the Stretch locked in as #4 is on his way.
Joey Styles: “Mike Awesome is going to have some help!”
Storm slides into the ring and ducks a clothesline from HHH. Superkick from Storm on HHH! Regal releases Awesome but he too gets hit with a superkick from Storm. Storm sends Regal off the ropes and rolls into the Canadian Maple Leaf (Rolling Half Crab). Meanwhile HHH sends Awesome into the corner, but Awesome leaps up to the top rope and hits HHH with a flying back elbow! Awesome clotheslines HHH over the top rope, and HHH just barely hangs onto the top rope to survive! Storm hits Regal with another superkick, and Regal stumbles into another release German suplex from Awesome! Awesome sets Triple H up…he goes for an Awesome Bomb but walks HHH over to the edge of the ring to send him to the floor, but HHH slides back onto his feet. HHH levels Storm with a clothesline, but Awesome takes HHH out with a flying clothesline of his own as #5 is on the way!
Joey Styles: “Looks like we’re going to see Scott Hall get what’s coming to him from Total Impact!”
Scott Hall takes his time coming down to the ring as Mike Awesome stands in the middle of the ring waiting for him. Regal chop blocks Awesome. Awesome responds with a hard right then sends Regal flying to the outside (Elimination #1: Regal by Awesome) as Scott Hall runs in and attacks him from behind. Hall gets some shots in and knocks Awesome down with a discus clothesline. Storm punches Hall, but Hall wins that exchange. Hall boots Storm and sets him up…Outsider’s Edge connects! Hall sends Storm flying to the outside then gives him the “Suck It” gesture as he hits the floor (Elimination #2: Storm by Hall). Hall boots Awesome. With HHH’s help, Hall gets Awesome up for the Outsider’s Edge, and slams him down with it! Hall and HHH try to get rid of Awesome, but Awesome still has some life left in him and manages to hold onto the top rope.
Joey Styles: “Oh look, it’s one of the NWO's top guys!”
Mike Tenay: “Wait, what?”
Dennis Rodman, dressed in a green-and-black “Rodzilla” basketball jersey, slides into the ring. He does the “too sweet” gesture with Hall and HHH and insists he be the one to eliminate Awesome. HHH says he and Hall will take care of it. Hall turns his attention back to Awesome but gets backdropped to the floor (Elimination #3: Hall by Awesome). Awesome does the same to HHH, but HHH lands on the apron. Rodman poses at the crowd, not realizing that Awesome is standing right behind him! Rodman turns around…and Awesome destroys him with a vicious clothesline! Awesome presses Rodman over his head and tosses him over the top rope onto Hall, with Rodman hitting the floor (Elimination #4: Rodman by Awesome). Awesome turns around back towards HHH, but HHH was waiting and levels Awesome with a clothesline himself.
Mysterio springboards off the top rope and catches HHH with a diving hurricanrana! HHH ends up in the ropes and Rey hits him with the 6-1-9! Rey springboards off the second rope and knocks HHH down with a dropkick. HHH ends up in the ropes, so Rey hits him with another 6-1-9! Springboard legdrop connects on HHH! Rey turns around and ducks a clothesline from Awesome. Mysterio comes off the ropes and hits Awesome with a flying headscissors! Rey springboards off the ropes again with a crossbody onto Awesome, but Awesome catches him and slams him down to slow down Rey’s momentum. Rey gets back to his feet and hits Awesome in the legs with some kicks, but Awesome grabs Rey by the head and slams him down again.
Hugh Morrus comes down to the ring and immediately goes after Awesome. He sends Awesome into the corner and avalanches him. Morrus slams Awesome down, then heads to the top rope. No Laughing Matter moonsault connects! Rey attacks Morrus, but Morrus sends Rey into the corner. Morrus charges after him, but Rey leaps up and hits a headscissors on Morrus. Triple H attacks Rey, but Rey catches him with a dropkick. Spinning heel kick from Rey actually knocks HHH over the top rope, but HHH lands on the apron and hangs on. Rey runs at HHH, but HHH hits Rey with a knee to stop him. HHH gets back into the ring and hits a neckbreaker on Rey as all four men are down in the ring. HHH is the first to get back to his feet.
Don West: “The NWO really is busting out all the stops aren’t they?”
Mike Tenay: “The Pearl of the Orient, the leader of NWO Japan!”
Joey Styles: “And a former ECW World Television Champion!”
The Great Muta comes down to the ring and Triple H is ready to welcome him. Morrus gets back to his feet and is about to attack Triple H, but Muta stops him with the Green Mist to the eyes! HHH tosses Morrus out (Elimination #5: Morrus by Muta). Muta stomps away on Awesome and hits him with an elbow drop as HHH pounds on Rey in the corner. HHH sends Rey off the ropes, but Rey slides under HHH, then hits him with a dropkick. Muta misses a kick and Rey hits him with a hurricanrana! Rey hits the ropes again and HHH tries a sidewalk slam, only Rey’s momentum is too great and he catches HHH with a flying headscissors! Rey tries his luck with Awesome, but Awesome sends Rey flying in the air and Rey crashes onto the canvas face-first.
Mike Tenay: “Here comes Monty Brown!”
Monty Brown slides into the ring and boots Awesome, then hits him with a neckbreaker. He presses Rey over his head and slams him to the canvas. He traps Muta’s arms and hits a triple backbreaker, then takes out HHH with the POUNCE! Brown picks up Muta and hits a powerslam. Brown tries to powerslam Awesome, but Awesome breaks free and ends up powerslamming Brown. HHH attacks Awesome to no avail, and Awesome punches HHH down hard. Muta kicks Awesome in the back, then continues to hit kicks…before Brown comes up from behind him and dumps him out (Elimination #6: Muta by Brown). Awesome boots Brown, then hits him with a suplex.
Mike Tenay: “Whoa, that’s the current IWGP World Champion!"
Mike Tenay: “He’s not wearing the green-and-black, is Scott Norton with the NWO?”
Brown immediately goes for the POUNCE when Norton enters the ring, but Norton’s shoulder block wins out! Norton boots Awesome and powerbombs him in the middle of the ring! HHH goes up to Norton, thinking he’s an ally…but Norton bashes him with hard forearms. Norton tosses HHH into the corner then hits him with a powerslam coming out of the corner. Rey leaps at Norton but Norton swats him away like a fly! Awesome gets back to his feet and attacks Norton. Both men trade stiff blows, and Awesome wins this exchange and shoves Norton to the canvas. Norton gets back to his feet and blasts Awesome with some hard shots. Awesome and Norton fight near the ropes…and HHH comes from under them and dumps them both out (Eliminations #7 and #8: Awesome and Norton by Triple H). Rey nearly gets HHH out as he dropkicks HHH in the back and HHH goes over the top rope and onto the apron, but HHH hangs on.
Joey Styles: “Man is X-Pac lucky that Awesome just got dumped out.”
With Awesome and Norton arguing on the outside, X-Pac takes a cheap shot at Awesome before sliding into the ring. Awesome wants a piece of X-Pac…but officials hold him back while making sure he and Norton don’t go at it either. In the ring. X-Pac hits Rey with a spin kick. He traps Rey in the corner and hits him with a jumping back kick, dropping Rey into a sitting position. X-Pac goes for the Bronco Buster, only Rey puts his foot in the way and X-Pac’s…lower extremities end up on Rey’s foot. Rey sends X-Pac into the corner and hits a couple of kicks himself, dropping X-Pac into a sitting position. Now Rey gets a full head of steam and hits the Bronco Buster on X-Pac! X-Pac gets back to his feet and Brown quickly clotheslines him out (Elimination #9: X-Pac by Brown). HHH attacks Brown, then knocks down Rey.
Joey Styles: “One-half of the ECW World Tag Team Champions. One of the icons of ECW, the Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal…Sabu!”
Sabu runs into the ring with a chair and throws it in HHH’s face! Sabu punches away at Brown then smashes him in the back with the chair. Sabu turns around and Rey is ready for him.
Joey Styles: “These two had a few hell of a matches over the past six months!”
Sabu tosses the chair down out of respect. He dives at Rey’s leg and brings him down, then hits an elbow drop. Sabu springboards off the ropes and hits Rey with a leg lariat. Sabu then picks up the chair and now he tosses it off Rey’s skull! Sabu points to the sky as Triple H gets back to his feet in the corner. Sabu sets the chair up in the middle of the ring, then hits HHH with Air Sabu! Sabu launches himself at Brown as well, only Brown catches him with a back elbow. Brown takes the chair and smashes it over Sabu’s back.
Joey Styles: “The other half of the ECW World Tag Team Champions. The former ECW World Champion: Rob Van Dam!”
RVD slides into the ring and knocks Brown down with a spin kick. HHH gets back up to his feet, just for RVD to jump at him and hit a monkey flip out of the corner! RVD slams HHH then checks on Sabu. Sabu leaps onto the apron as RVD hits the ropes, and they hit HHH with Rolling Thunder! RVD and Sabu try to get HHH out, when Sean O’Haire runs down to the ring early attack both of them to make the save.
Mike Tenay: “Hey, we know he’s #15 but he’s out here early!”
Don West: “Who’s going to stop him?”
O’Haire takes the chair and smashes it over Sabu’s back before tossing it out of the ring. Brown runs at him, but O’Haire backdrops him onto the apron. A ridgehand from O’Haire knocks Brown off the apron and onto the floor (Elimination #10: Brown by O’Haire). The countdown clock goes off…but of course O’Haire is already in the ring.
HHH, Mysterio, Sabu, RVD, and O’Haire. O’Haire tries to eliminate Sabu, but Rey hits a dropkick to the back. Rey tries for a hurricanrana on O’Haire, but O’Haire just tosses him off like he’s nothing. O’Haire puts Sabu on the top turnbuckle and tries to punch him out, but Sabu fires back. Sabu hits O’Haire with enough punches to knock him down, then comes off the top rope with a legdrop. Sabu quickly slides out of the ring to get the chair. He sets it up and goes for the Triple Jump Moonsault, but Triple H shoves Sabu off the top rope and he goes flying into the barricade (Elimination #11: Sabu by HHH). RVD takes the chair and tosses it at HHH. HHH catches it, but ducks out of the way of the Van Daminator, with RVD kicking the chair out of HHH’s hands to the outside. HHH boots RVD and goes for a Pedigree, but Rey hits him with a spinning heel kick.
HHH tries a spinebuster on Rey, but Rey holds onto HHH and has a kind of front headlock on HHH. HHH props Rey on the top rope, but Rey punches away at HHH. Rey knocks HHH away, but RVD was going for the save. With HHH out of the way, RVD accidentally nails Rey…and Rey loses his balance on the top rope and falls to the floor (Elimination #12: Mysterio by RVD). RVD counters a sneak attack on HHH with a roundhouse kick, then hits HHH with the split legged moonsault! O’Haire grabs RVD though and hits a knee to the head, followed by a spinebuster. O’Haire tries to get RVD out as HHH lies in the opposite corner. RVD tries to fight back, but O’Haire pounds away at him in the corner. HHH gets to his feet to help O’Haire…but then goes back down and feigns being more injured than he’s letting on. O’Haire slams RVD, then goes to check on HHH. O’Haire helps HHH up…and HHH surprises O’Haire and tosses him over the top rope and onto the floor (Elimination #13: O’Haire by HHH).
HHH points to his head, indicating to O’Haire that he just outsmarted him. O’Haire is irate, and HHH demands that O’Haire toss the chair from earlier into the ring. O’Haire curses at HHH but HHH again demands that he toss the chair in. O’Haire takes his time and grabs the chair, but doesn’t toss it in. RVD gets back to his feet, and O’Haire then tosses the chair to HHH. HHH turns around and gets hit with the Van Daminator! RVD heads to the top rope…Five Star Frog Splash! HHH manages to still get to his feet, but RVD finishes the job by clotheslining HHH over the top rope and onto the floor!
Winner: Rob Van Dam when he last eliminated Triple H in 27:12
Rob Van Dam briefly celebrates, but ducks out of the ring when Sean O’Haire slides in. Triple H rolls back into the ring, now bloodied from the Van Daminator. HHH slowly gets back to his feet, but when he does he immediately gets in O’Haire’s face. O’Haire doesn’t say anything, but just points to his head (although it isn’t clear what smart move O’Haire made here). Eric Bischoff, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash come down quickly to make sure HHH and O’Haire don’t come to blows.
Don West: “I can’t believe what he just saw! It’s as if the NWO was imploding right in front of us!”
Mike Tenay: “Unbelievable. I think Triple H deserved that result after screwing his teammate over.”
Joey Styles: “Good riddance to the NWO. Rob Van Dam is not only a deserving winner, he just might be the favorite in tonight’s main event no matter who wins the third War Rumble. A three-way no-disqualification match is right up RVD’s alley!”
Mike Tenay: “That might be so, Joey. I understand we’re going backstage now as an incident has transpired outside of WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan’s locker room. Jeremy Borash is back there now. Jeremy, what can you tell us?”
Jeremy Borash: “Thank you, Mike. Jeremy Borash here. A few moments ago some loud sounds were heard, leading to officials to find WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan’s locker room door broken down, and Hulk Hogan lying unconscious. Now, Hogan has regained consciousness, but officials are still weary, plus, there’s damage to his left knee and he’s struggling to walk. We don’t know what this means for the WCW World Championship Match against Kurt Angle later tonight, but I’ll send over more information as it comes.”
Mike Tenay: “Ok, thank you, Jeremy. We have the third War Rumble coming up, afterwards we’ll check in on that situation.”
Don West: “Did Angle take out Hogan before the match?”
***
Joey Styles: “Well look who drew #1.”
Mike Tenay: “Tough luck for Eddie Guerrero.”
Joey Styles: “It’s not just tough luck. If he’s going to win this thing he’s going to have to come across Stone Cold at some point!”
Mike Tenay: “Wow! The Ultimo Dragon?! He just recently returned to wrestling in Japan after a four-year absence due to nerve damage to his arm and he’s looked amazing! He and Guerrero battled many times in the WCW Cruiserweight division in the mid-90s! And now he’s here! Former World Cruiserweight Champion and WCW Television Champion. One-time holder of the J-Crown, which was eight different titles across three countries!”
War Rumble #3
Eddie tries to attack the Dragon right away, but Dragon evades and catches him with a kick to the leg. Dragon continues with the kicks then catches Eddie with a jumping back kick. Dragon armdrags Eddie out of the corner. Eddie quickly gets to his feet and he runs at Dragon, but Dragon leapfrogs over him. Eddie tries his own kick but Dragon quickly evades and trips Eddie instead! Dragon sends Eddie off the ropes and his a monkey flip, sending Eddie into the ropes. Eddie slides under the bottom rope to get a breather, but Dragon goes through the ropes, then surprises Eddie with the move he invented, the Springboard Asai Moonsault! Dragon rolls Eddie back into the ring and heads to the top rope. Eddie gets back to his feet, only for Dragon to hit him with another moonsault! Dragon then quickly locks in the Dragon Sleeper as #3 is on his way!
Joey Styles: “Little Guido won, and I use that term loosely, won a battle royal on RISE to earn a spot in the WrestleWar!”
Guido enters the ring but the Dragon releases Eddie, does a handspring backflip and hits Guido with a flying elbow as soon as he enters the ring. Dragon comes off the ropes and hits Guido with a spinning heel kick. He hits Guido with a flurry of kicks then plants Guido with a Fisherman’s Brainbuster! Eddie attacks Dragon from behind, then finally takes him down with a belly-to-belly suplex. Eddie tries to toss the Dragon, but the Dragon holds onto the top rope. Eddie then sends Dragon into the corner, but Dragon catches him with an axe kick to the head as Eddie runs in. A dropkick sends Eddie over the top rope, but Eddie lands on the apron. Guido hits Dragon from behind and brings him to the corner. Guido prepares to hit a Tornado Sicilian Slice, but Dragon blocks it. Dragon climbs up to the turnbuckles with Guido and takes him down with a Dragon-rana!
Kidman is #4 and he runs down to the ring. He catches Eddie with a dropkick. Eddie fires back with a kick and goes for a powerbomb, but Kidman counters with a facebuster! Kidman and Dragon face off. Kidman surprises Dragon with a dropkick then kicks away at him in the corner. Kidman sends Dragon into the corner, but Dragon blocks by doing a handstand on the top rope! Kidman sends Guido into the same corner and Dragon ends up dropkicking Guido. Kidman grabs Dragon and hits him with a springboard bulldog. Kidman slams Dragon then hits a legdrop. Eddie tries to surprise Kidman by tossing him out, but Kidman counters and nearly sends Eddie out, only Eddie holds onto the ropes. Kidman turns his attention back to Dragon, but Dragon takes him out with a furry of kicks. Eddie knees Dragon in the back and plants him with a brainbuster.
Shane Helms slides into the ring and immediately punches away at Eddie Guerrero. Big clothesline knocks Eddie down. Helms sees Guido getting back to his feet and hits him with a swinging neckbreaker. Helms and Kidman trade shots, but Kidman misses a punch and Helms counters with a superkick. Helms then hits Dragon with a Shining Wizard! Helms tries to eliminate the Dragon, but Dragon holds on to the ropes. Kidman slows Helms down with a flying headscissors. Eddie attacks Kidman, then hooks him up and slams him down with a Gory Special! Eddie dropkicks Helms over the top rope, but Helms barely manages to avoid elimination by hanging onto the ropes and finally landing on the apron. Dragon sneaks up behind Eddie and plants him with a Tiger Suplex, but then Guido grabs Dragon’s arm and lands a springboard Sicilian Slice DDT!
Don West: “So much for the cruiserweight theme.”
“Hacksaw” Duggan comes in and hits big punches on Guido. Duggan hits Kidman with a couple of punches, then hits Eddie with a couple as well. Duggan runs over Dragon with a clothesline before posing to the crowd and letting out a big HOOOO! Kidman and Helms team up and slow down Duggan with punches in the corner. Dragon grabs Guido and sends him into the opposite corner. Dragon mounts Guido and hits him with punches, only for Eddie to sneak up on Dragon and knock him over the top rope and onto the apron. A dropkick from Eddie sends Dragon off the apron and onto the floor, to some notable boos from the crowd (Elimination #1: Dragon by Guerrero). Duggan knocks Helms and Kidman away with big punches, then gets into the Three Point Stance and whacks Eddie in the mouth with a lariat!
Don West: “Oh god!”
Joey Styles: “Get out of there, Eddie!”
Duggan stands in the ring as Stone Cold makes his way down! Duggan tries a clothesline, but Austin ducks it…kick, Stunner! Austin tosses Duggan (Elimination #2: Duggan by Austin). Guido begs off, trying to make peace with Austin, but Stone Cold boots him and Guido gets a Stunner! Guido’s gets sent packing (Elimination #3: Guido by Austin). Helms comes flying off the top rope but lands right into a kick from Stone Cold, then he gets dropped with a Stunner! Austin tosses Helms (Elimination #4: Helms by Austin). Kidman tries his luck against Austin as he hits a couple of punches, but Austin lands a Thesz Press and punches away at him. Kidman gets to his feet, just to get hit with a Stunner! Austin sends Kidman flying out (Elimination #5: Kidman by Austin). Eddie Guerrero backs off in the corner as Austin has his sights set on him. Austin stomps a mudhole on Eddie in the corner as #8 is on the way!
Joey Styles: “Guys like this really make you think how WCW lasted as long as it did.”
Buzzkill has a mic in hand…
Buzzkill: “Steve-O, Steve-O, make pea…”
Austin immediately kicks Buzzkill and he ends up as the latest victim of a Stone Cold Stunner! Austin dumps out Buzzkill (Elimination #6: Buzzkill by Austin). Austin goes back to stomping away on Eddie. Austin sends Eddie off the ropes and hits him with a back elbow. Austin climbs up to the second rope and drops a flying forearm on Eddie. Austin picks Eddie up to his feet. Austin flips Eddie the bird, but Eddie blocks the kick and spins Austin around, drops to his knees and low blows him! That finally stops Austin in his tracks as Eddie tries to recover a bit. Eddie sees an opportunity and stops away on Austin’s knee. Eddie drops an elbow on Austin’s knee to try to keep him down. Eddie hits a back suplex on Austin. Eddie heads to the top rope. He goes for a Frog Splash, but Austin moves and Eddie crashes to the canvas.
Lynn runs down to the ring and chopblocks Austin just as he was regaining control against Eddie. Lynn stomps away on Austin, then indicates to Eddie that he wants to team up with him. Lynn and Eddie stomp on Austin in the corner, but Austin fights back and knocks both Eddie and Lynn down with clotheslines. Austin slugs away at Eddie, but Lynn again attacks him. Eddie and Lynn hit a double back suplex. Eddie goes through the ropes and onto the apron, then leaps back over the top rope with a springboard senton. Lynn heads to the top rope and Eddie holds Austin down, and Lynn lands the Minneapolis Jam. Lynn and Eddie try to eliminate Austin, but Austin still has life left and throws wild punches to fend off elimination.
Austin knocks both Lynn and Eddie down with punches but gets caught in the face by a springboard flying forearm from Styles! Styles kicks away at Austin while he’s down. Austin gets back to the corner as Styles and Lynn continue to beat up on him. They send Austin into the opposite corner, but Austin explodes out of the corner and hits Lynn and Styles with a double clothesline! Austin then boots Eddie and hits him with the Stunner! Austin throws Eddie over the top rope, but amazingly Eddie still had the wherewithal to hold onto the top rope so he can land safely on the apron, although Austin doesn’t notice. Austin boots Styles and hits him with a Stunner so hard that Styles does a full backflip after getting hit with it! Styles accidentally kicks Lynn in the head during that backflip, and Austin uses that to clothesline Lynn out (Elimination #7: Lynn by Austin). Austin grabs Styles and tosses him out too (Elimination #8: Styles by Austin). Austin hops up to the second rope to check his invisible watch as he thinks he’s alone…not knowing Eddie Guerrero is still in this but just lying on the apron.
Joey Styles: “Oh my god!”
Brock Lesnar slowly walks down to the ring as Stone Cold awaits. Austin gestures to Lesnar to come on, but Lesnar still takes his time. Paul Heyman tells Lesnar to “crush that Rattlesnake” and Lesnar enters the ring! Austin goes right for him, but Eddie attacks Austin from behind! This gives Lesnar the easy upperhand as he knees Austin in the midsection, then brings him to the corner. Lesnar buries his shoulder in Austin’s midsection, then nails Eddie with a huge clothesline for good measure. Lesnar turns his attention to Austin but Austin fires hard rights! Austin has Lesnar stunned for a moment, but one punch misses and Lesnar goes for the F5! Austin slides behind Lesnar to counter, hits a kick and goes for the Stunner, but Lesnar pushes him off into the ropes and knocks Austin to the canvas with a shoulderblock.
Joey Styles: “It’s Shelton Benjamin! You know he’s coming for Brock!”
Shelton Benjamin slides into the ring and immediately jumps at Brock Lesnar! Benjamin and Lesnar start with fisticuffs before they grapple for position. Benjamin takes Lesnar down, although Lesnar fights his way back to his feet. They continue to wrestle into the corner as Eddie stomps away at Austin in another corner. Eddie tries to eliminate Stone Cold to no avail. Benjamin tries to lift Lesnar over the top rope, but Lesnar is just a bit too strong. Lesnar finally gets the better of Benjamin by hitting a belly-to-belly suplex. Lesnar comes over to Eddie and hits him with a release German suplex, sending Eddie flying across the ring. Lesnar hits Austin with some hard shots, but Austin fires back. Benjamin comes off the ropes and hits a spinning heel kick to Lesnar. Benjamin ducks an Austin clothesline and hits him with a flying clothesline of his own.
The monstrous Bam Bam Bigelow is #13. Benjamin jumps at Bigelow right away, but Bigelow knocks him out of the air. Bigelow takes Benjamin then hits him with a big headbutt. Bigelow then presses Eddie over his head, but Lesnar makes an inadvertent save with a shot to the midsection. Bigelow reverses a whip into the corner and avalanche splashes Lesnar! Bigelow then takes Eddie and tosses him across the ring. Bodytackle knocks Austin down. Bigelow catches Lesnar again in the corner with another avalanche splash, then gives one to Benjamin as well! He tries one on Eddie, but Eddie moves and Bigelow hits the turnbuckles hard. Eddie drops to his knees behind Bigelow, and Bigelow trips over him.
Mike Tenay: “Are you kidding me right now?”
“The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes is in the WrestleWar! Eddie comes right at him but gets hit with a big elbow! Dusty hits Bigelow with an elbow! There’s one for Benjamin! Lesnar takes the staggered Bigelow and dumps him out (Elimination #9: Bigelow by Lesnar). Lesnar confronts Dusty, but Dusty has a big elbow for him too! Dusty even nails Stone Cold with one! Dusty slams Eddie, then hits a huge elbow drop! Dusty tries to throw Eddie out, but Eddie again lands on the apron. Lesnar misses an attack, and Dusty gets him with another elbow. Benjamin leaps at Dusty, but Dusty moves and Benjamin ends up splashing Lesnar in the corner. Benjamin turns around and he gets slammed by Dusty, followed by another bionic elbow drop! Dusty dances a bit in the middle of the ring as the last person to enter the WrestleWar is on his way!
Don West: “You gotta be kidding me! He’s here!”
Mike Tenay: “The seventeen-time World Champion! We haven’t seen him since he lost the WCW World Championship to Kurt Angle the night after Starrcade last year!”
Ric Flair (with a notable brace on the leg Angle injured last year) makes his way down to the ring to a huge ovation, with his long-time rival Dusty Rhodes waiting for him! Flair steps into the ring and stands face-to-face with Dusty. Dusty tries for an elbow but Flair quickly hits a chop instead. Flair chops Dusty into the corner. Dusty fires back with elbows. Dusty misses one though, and when he runs at Flair, Flair backdrops him over the top rope, and Dusty tumbles to the floor (Elimination #10: Dusty by Flair). That leaves Eddie, Austin, Lesnar, Benjamin and Flair. Flair lets out a big “WOOO” after dumping Dusty, but turns around and sees the man he beat at Starrcade 2001 for the WCW Title standing across the ring from him: Stone Cold Steve Austin. Austin and Flair come face-to-face. Flair teases a lock-up, but then decides to taunt Austin by fixing his hair and strutting instead. Austin goes up to Flair again, and this time they come to blows. Austin fires rights as Flair hits chops! Austin wins the exchange for a moment, but he misses a punch and Flair goes on the offensive. Flair hits Austin with huge chops, but Austin fires back with chops oh his own. Austin and Flair then turn around and get leveled by Lesnar!
Benjamins comes from behind Lesnar and tries for the T-Bone Suplex, but Lesnar powers out of Benjamin’s grasp. Benjamin hits a couple of punches, but when he leaps at Lesnar he gets caught. Lesnar catches Benjamin on his shoulders, then hits Benjamin with a F5 where Benjamin flies over the top rope and onto the floor (Elimination #11: Benjamin by Lesnar). Austin attacks Lesnar from behind, then stomps away at him. Austin stomps a mudhole in Lesnar in the corner before Paul Heyman gets up on the apron. Austin chases him off, then counters an Eddie Guerrero attempt to eliminate him with an attempt of his own. Austin looks to have Eddie out when Heyman gets on the apron again. Austin slugs Heyman off…but that allows Lesnar to dump Austin to the floor (Elimination #12: Austin by Lesnar). Austin can’t believe it and is angry at ringside. Heyman runs to the back as Austin stares down Lesnar. Lesnar flips Austin the double bird from the ring as Austin wants to get back in there, but officials and security, as well as WCW Owner Shane McMahon stand between Austin and the ring. Austin eventually turns and walks to the locker room, still clearly pissed off.
We’re down to three: Eddie Guerrero, Brock Lesnar, and Ric Flair. With Lesnar still focused on watching Austin go Flair takes advantage and low blows him! Flair then struts a big before chopping Eddie in the corner. Flair hits a chop so hard it almost sends Eddie over the ropes by itself! Eddie reverses a whip and catches Flair with a back bopdydrop. Now Eddie gets Flair in the corner and chops away at him. Flair tries to fires some punches, but Eddie hits a couple of more chops. Eddie suplexes Flair, but holds on and swivels the hips. A second suplex from Eddie, then another swivel as he holds onto Flair. Eddie hits a third suplex. Eddie, clearly exhausted, heads to the top rope. Eddie comes down and lands a perfect Frog Splash! Eddie picks Flair up and looks to toss him, but Flair shockingly turns the tables and sends Eddie flying over the top rope (Elimination #13: Guerrero by Flair). Eddie is shocked on the outside as he can’t believe Flair caught him that way.
Flair turns his attention to the remaining monster in the ring: Brock Lesnar. Flair fires chops at Lesnar, but Lesnar immediately runs him over with a shoulder block. Flair backs up into the corner but dodges Lesnar’s approach. Flair hits a couple of chops, but Lesnar reverses an Irish whip and powerslams Flair. Big elbow drop from Lesnar misses as Flair moves out of the way. Flair and Lesnar get to their feet and Flair gets a thumb to the eye. Snapmare from Flair, and Flair lands a kneedrop. Flair then tries to get Lesnar over the top rope, but Lesnar shoves Flair away with authority. Lesnar picks Flair up and smashes him into the knee for a backbreaker. Lesnar wraps his arms around Flair for a bearhug, but Flair gets a thumb to the eye to avoid taking much damage. Flair hits a couple chops then comes off the ropes, but Lesnar catches him with a spinebuster. Flair slowly gets to one knee, but surprises Lesnar with another low blow! Flair hits a belly-to-back suplex on Lesnar, then locks in the Figure-Four!
Lesnar desperately tries to escape but Flair has it in good! Lesnar eventually reaches the ropes…but that doesn’t do anything since there aren’t any DQs here! Lesnar uses the ropes to climb, essentially breaking the hold. Flair hits Lesnar with more chops, but Lesnar just explodes at Flair with a clothesline. Lesnar tries to toss Flair, but Flair puts on the brakes. Lesnar switches strategy and picks Flair up for a F5, but Flair rakes the eyes again. Flair tries to whip Lesnar into the corner, but Lesnar counters…and Flair flips over the turnbuckles, over the top rope and lands on the apron. Lesnar launches himself at Flair, knocking Flair off the apron to the floor and winning the War Rumble!
Winner: Brock Lesnar when he last eliminated Ric Flair in 29:53
Brock Lesnar raises his hands in victory as Ric Flair shakes his head in disappointment on the floor.
Mike Tenay: “What a War Rumble! Brock Lesnar has proven again that he really the Next Big Thing as he overcomes a returning Ric Flair to win the third War Rumble!”
Don West: “So that’s Brock, Booker T, and Rob Van Dam later tonight? What a match that’ll be!”
Mike Tenay: “We’ll go over the Final Battle later tonight. We still have the Women’s War Rumble a little later on as well. But next, I think, is the match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, the richest prize in this industry. We haven’t heard an update on WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan’s condition, but I understand that Kurt Angle is on his way out here.”
Don West: “Who knows what’s going to happen.”
“Real American” plays…but instead of Hulk Hogan coming out, Kurt Angle makes his way out to the ring. Angle confidently comes out to the ring, and he mouths the words “I’ll show you a real American” as he stands in the ring and waits for Hogan. “Voodoo Child” plays next…but no one comes out.
Mike Tenay: “We still don’t know…is Hogan going to make it out here?”
Don West: “Do we even know who’s responsible? Did Kurt did this?”
Mike Tenay: “Oh wait a minute!”
“American Made” plays…and here comes Hogan! While he’s limping badly to the ring, Hogan shows no fear as he slides into the ring and Angle attacks!
Angle pounds away on Hogan but Hogan gets to his feet and fires punches at Angle! Hogan gets a side headlock and tries to squeeze Angle’s head. Angle kicks at that injured knee though and then hits Hogan with a belly-to-back suplex. Angle quickly goes for Hogan’s injured knee, but Hogan grabs onto the ropes. Angle chokes Hogan on the ropes, but Hogan hits an elbow. Hogan gets a suplex, but he crumples downward mid-move as his knee is struggling to support his weight. Angle quickly grabs the leg and goes for the Ankle Lock, but Hogan quickly grabs the bottom rope. Angle stomps away on the injured knee, but Hogan kicks Angle away with his other leg. Angle comes off the ropes but Hogan catches him with the ax bomber clothesline! Hogan covers Angle, 1…2…Angle kicks out.
Hogan uses the ropes to get to his feet, and that allows Angle to chop block Hogan’s bad leg. Hogan tries to hold onto the ropes, but Angle pulls him away and hits the Angle Slam! Angle covers Hogan, 1…2…Hogan powers out and begins to Hulk Up! Angle hits Hogan with hard shots, but they have no effect on Hogan! Angle takes a cheap shot at the knee, and that hurts Hogan…momentarily! Hogan stands up straight and Angle can’t believe it. Angle’s next punch is blocked, and Hogan nails him with a wild right. Hogan hits another right. And another! Hogan sends Angle off the ropes and hits the Big Boot, and while Hogan gets him good this hurts Hogan, who used his injured leg to kick Angle. Hogan tries to shake off the pain as he comes off the ropes with the Legdrop…but Angle catches the leg, the bad leg, in midair and counters into the Ankle Lock! Hogan tries to get to the ropes, but Angle has Hogan in the middle of the ring. Angle drops down and locks in the leg grapevine while twisting Hogan’s ankle. Hogan screams in pain, but still refuses to submit. Hogan reaches for the ropes, but he’s not nearly close enough. Hogan tries to get the Hulkamaniacs to give the energy to escape, but to no avail! Hogan lets out one last gasp and tries to pull himself and Angle to the ropes, but there’s nowhere to go. Hogan slaps the canvas, tapping out to the Ankle Lock.
Winner: Kurt Angle via submission in 7:03 (New Champion)
Kurt Angle grabs the WCW World Championship belt and celebrates on the top turnbuckle. He looks down at Hogan before walking up the ramp as the new WCW World Champion. Hogan tries to get to his feet, but it’s clear he can’t walk under his own power. Several officials, Shane McMahon, and Brother Bruti come down to help Hogan down the ramp.
As they walk up the ramp, Hogan turns to the crowd, raising his hand and mouthing “I’m sorry” to the crowd. As they get close to entrance though…The Giant comes running out and runs over Hogan! The Giant grabs Brother Bruti and tosses him into the barricade. Giant shoves away the officials, then shoves Shane McMahon away. Giant grabs Hogan by the neck…and chokeslams him on the ramp! The Giant continues to choke Hogan on the ramp…when Diamond Dallas Page comes out with a chair and bashes the Giant on the back with it! Giant punches the chair out of DDP’s hands…but then more officials come down and hold back Giant. The Giant looks pleased as he leaves. DDP runs after The Giant as McMahon, Bruti, and the officials check on Hogan. A stretcher is called for Hogan, who is heard saying he can’t move his legs.
Mike Tenay: “We have a new WCW World Champion but that may not be the story here!”
Don West: “The Giant had to be the one who attacked Hogan earlier!”
Mike Tenay: “I think the question has to be asked, was that the last match of Hulk Hogan’s career?The Giant has done considerable damage here. Just unbelievable. Ladies and gentlemen, the night isn’t over. We still have the Women’s War Rumble and of course, Final Battle, remaining tonight.”
Molly Marvel makes her way out to the ring as she is #1 for the Women’s War Rumble.
Ivory is #2.
Women’s War Rumble
Molly Marvel and Ivory lock-up. Molly grabs a side headlock, but Ivory takes her down with a headlock takeover. Molly sends Ivory into the corner, but Ivory catches Molly with a back elbow. Running legdrop from Ivory. Ivory tries to throw Molly over the top rope, but Molly elbows Ivory away. Molly and Ivory bump heads and both go down. Both women try to get to their feet, but they’re both stunned as the next woman makes her way to the ring.
Joey Styles: “Here’s a favorite right here, here comes Jazz!”
Jazz runs down to the ring. She hooks Molly in a double-underhook chicken wing and drops her face first to the canvas. Jazz slams Molly, then hits Ivory with a back elbow. Jazz tries to get Ivory out, but then runs over Molly with a clothesline. Jazz drops Molly with a DDT, then tries to eliminate her. Molly hangs onto the top rope and Ivory makes a surprising save, attacking Jazz from behind. Ivory and Jazz trade shots, not seeing Molly heading to the top rope. Molly hits both Ivory and Jazz with a Molly-Go-Round!
Mike Tenay: “It’s the NWO's Alexis Laree!”
Alexis Laree slides into the ring and immediately gets kicked by Molly. Molly slams Laree, but Jazz attacks Molly from behind. Laree pulls Molly by the hair and slams her head against the canvas. Jazz clotheslines Ivory down. Laree catches Jazz with a high kick, then catches Molly with one as well. Laree hits Molly with a bulldog headlock. Laree tries to eliminate Molly, but to no avail. Jazz kicks Laree and plants her with the Jazz Stinger! Ivory sneaks up on Jazz and tries to eliminate her, but Jazz uses her strength to block.
The Phoenix comes down and gets everyone’s attention. Phoenix shoulderblocks Jazz down. She presses Ivory over her head and slams her. A dazed Alexis Laree runs into Phoenix, and Phoenix tosses her over the top rope and knocks her off the apron (Elimination #1: Laree by Phoenix). Phoenix clotheslines Ivory down before facing off with Molly. Molly goes for some sort of hurricanrana, but Phoenix drops her straight down with an electric chair drop. Jazz and Ivory get double clotheslined by Phoenix. Phoenix tries to get Jazz out as the next woman is on her way.
Jacqueline slides into the ring and stands up to Phoenix. Jackie and Phoenix shove one another, allowing Jazz, Ivory, and Molly to sneak up behind Phoenix. Jacquleine helps too, and all four women eliminate Phoenix (Elimination #2: Phoenix by Molly, Jazz, Ivory, and Jacqueline). Jazz and Jacqueline then tear into one another, punching and kicking at one another as they roll all over the ring. Ivory tries a couple of chops on Molly, but Molly hits her with a back elbow. Molly hip tosses Ivory, then helps Jacqueline with Jazz as the last competitor makes her way out.
Mike Tenay: “La Felina?”
Joey Styles: “Not quite!”
La Felina appears on the stage…although the mask is somewhat ripped apart. Felina tears her mask off, revealing her face…and apparently her new name.
The newly named Gail Kim runs down to the ring as the last competitor! Molly, Ivory, Jazz, Jacqueline, and Kim. Kim immediately hits Ivory with a flying headscissors, then dumps her over the top rope and onto the floor (Elimination #3: Ivory by Kim). Jazz and Jacqueline are still going at it, with Jazz planting her with a DDT. Kim jumps onto Jazz and hits a hurricanrana, then punches away at her! Molly dumps Jacqueline out (Elimination #4: Jacqueline by Molly). Molly hits a basement dropkick on Kim while she was punching Jazz. Molly and Kim trade shots, and Molly gets the best of it with a hard forearm. Molly quickly heads to the top rope for the Molly-Go-Round, but Kim catches her up there and takes her down with a hurricanrana! Kim tries to get rid of Molly, but Molly counters and tries to dump Kim. Jazz comes from behind them both and they both go over the top rope. Molly hits the floor, but Kim doesn’t (Elimination #5: Molly by Jazz). Jazz thinks she’s won, but then she sees Kim rolling back into the ring under the bottom rope. Jazz kicks Kim then goes for a powerbomb, but Kim wraps her legs tightly around Jazz…then hurricanranas her over the top rope and to the floor for the win!
Winner: Gail Kim when she last eliminated Jazz in 8:11
Gail Kim celebrates in the ring as she’s got herself a chance at revenge against Victoria! As Kim walks up the ramp, she picks up the tattered La Felina mask and throws it into the crowd.
Joey Styles: “It was on RISE where Victoria destroyed La Felina. What a comeback for her and I hope, I hope she gives Victoria what she has coming to her!”
Mike Tenay: “Ok, coming up next, our main event. It is time for Final Battle. We have three War Rumble winners from earlier tonight. Each had a unique journey in their War Rumble. Booker T was an early entrant and had some NWO resistance. First, it was Kevin Nash. But then Scott Steiner returned to WCW. Still, Booker came out on top to earn a spot in this Final Battle.”
Joey Styles: “But let’s talk about who I think is the favorite for this match: Rob Van Dam. He too had to overcome the New World Order in Triple H and Sean O’Haire, among others. A no-DQ elimination match is right up RVD’s alley!”
Don West: “Let’s be real guys. There’s one guy winning this thing, and that man’s name is Brock Lesnar. He took out Stone Cold. He took out Guerrero. Dusty Rhodes. Hell even Ric Flair! No one is beating Brock Lesnar tonight and I fully expect for him to win and challenge Kurt Angle for the WCW World Championship.”
Joey Styles: “Let me tell you something, West. There’s only one guy in the world, the entire world, who’s pinned Brock Lesnar’s shoulders to the mat. And this guy has done it twice. That’s right, it’s Rob Van Dam!”
Mike Tenay: “A lot of intertwining storylines in this one. It also can’t be forgotten that Brock Lesnar beat Booker T at Halloween Havoc last month too. One quick reminder of the rules before we send it over to Michael Buffer. We are under elimination rules here with no disqualifications. The winner gets a shot at either the WCW or ECW World Championship at Starrcade 2002. Alright, let’s send it over to Buffer.”
Michael Buffer: “Ladies and gentlemen, fans watching around the world…tonight you’ve witnessed a war waging inside this very ring. Three men have emerged as victorious survivors, ready to do battle once more to earn a chance at the ultimate glory in the sport of professional wrestling. In mere moments those three men will face each other in one more fight, one where the result will determine the true victor of the WrestleWar 2002. Prepare ladies and gentlemen. Prepare…for FINAL BATTLE! ARE…YOU…READY? Ladies and gentlemen, for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world… lllllllllet’s get ready to RUUUUMBLLLEEEEEEEE!”
Booker T’s theme plays as he’s the first to make his way down to the ring.
Michael Buffer: “Introducing the winner of the first War Rumble, fighting out of Houston, Texas, although also known for his time in Harlem, New York. He weighs in at 253 pounds. He is the master of the Spin-a-rooni and a five-time WCW World Champion…this is Booooooooker T!”
“One of a Kind” plays next…here comes Rob Van Dam!
Michael Buffer: “The winner of the second War Rumble. From Battle Creek, Michigan, weighing in tonight as 235 pounds. He is the premier high-flying martial artist in professional wrestling today. He has been named after several media platforms in his career, such as Mr. Monday Night and Mr. PPV. Tonight, he may be Mr. WrestleWar. This is Roooooob Van Dam!”
Brock Lesnar is out last, with Paul Heyman.
Michael Buffer: “The winner of the third War Rumble. Accompanied to the ring by his agent Paul Heyman. He hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota and weighs in at 295 points. While known as the Next Big Thing, tonight he may shed the word ‘next’. This is Brock Lesnar!”
WrestleWar Final Battle – Two Falls (Elimination)
Booker T vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman)
All three men look at one another…before Booker and RVD attack Lesnar! Lesnar shoves both of them off, but Booker and RVD are right back on him. Lesnar nails RVD with a clothesline that sends him flying, then punches away at Booker. Booker fires back with punches and chops, then knocks Lesnar down with a Harlem sidekick! Lesnar retreats to the outside, but RVD is right on him as he dives over the top rope with a somersault plancha right onto Lesnar! RVD slides back into the ring and he and Booker square off. Booker and RVD trade punches before Booker sends RVD off the ropes and hits him with a stun gun. Booker covers RVD, 1…2…RVD kicks out. Booker hits a couple of more punches, but RVD catches Booker with a kick to the face. RVD goes for Rolling Thunder, but Brock quickly slides into the ring and catches RVD with a big clothesline! Lesnar stomps away on RVD, then clotheslines Booker over the top rope.
Lesnar jumps out of the ring after Booker. He picks up Booker and slams him into the steel ring post. Lesnar sets up the timekeeper’s table at ringside. He picks up Booker to F5 him through it, but RVD makes the save and smacks Lesnar in the ribs with a chair! RVD slams Lesnar into the table, leaving him there. RVD then moonsaults off the barricade onto Lesnar, although the table doesn’t budge. RVD takes Booker and tries to roll him back into the ring, but Booker nails RVD into the face, then slams him into the apron. Booker then climbs onto the table and sets Brock up for a Bookend…only Brock blocks it…and Bookends Booker through the table! Brock gets to his feet, and catches RVD as RVD went for a moonsault off the apron! Lesnar powerslams RVD on the floor! Lesnar then picks RVD up on his shoulders…and F5s him into the ringpost!
Lesnar rolls RVD back into the ring, chair in hand. Lesnar smashes the chair across RVD’s back. Lesnar winds up the chair for a big shot, but somehow RVD pulls off a Van-Daminator…although he couldn’t get all of it as he couldn’t quite jump high enough. Still, Lesnar goes down. RVD goes for the cover, 1…2…Lesnar powers out. Lesnar takes the chair and smashes it over RVD’s back again. Lesnar seems to have complete control, but a buzz starts in the crowd…
Mike Tenay: “Something’s going on!”
Don West: “There! In the crowd! That’s Austin!”
Stone Cold comes from the crowd with his own chair! He grabs Paul Heyman, and when Lesnar sticks his head between the ropes, Austin cracks him right over the head with the chair!Austin slides into the ring and beats the living hell out of Lesnar with the chair, busting Lesnar wide open and leaving welts on his back. Austin helps Lesnar up…just to hit one more crazy chair shot to the face. Lesnar actually bounces off the ropes from that one…out on his feet…so Austin adds a kick and a Stone Cold Stunner for good measure! Lesnar falls backwards into a sitting position in the corner as security, officials, referees, Shane McMahon and even what looks to be police officers come down to the ring…and Austin jumps back into the crowd and takes off! With Lesnar out sitting in the corner, RVD sees an opportunity. Struggling with pain in his back, RVD takes the chair and climbs up to the top rope. The crowd gets excited as they know what’s coming…RVD leaps off with the chair and smashes Lesnar with the Van Terminator! RVD pins Lesnar, 1…2…3!
Joey Styles: “He did it again, that’s three times!”
Elimination: Rob Van Dam pinned Brock Lesnar in 13:12
RVD slowly gets back to his feet as Booker T slowly slides back into the ring. Lesnar rolls out of the ring and he looks completely out of it as Paul Heyman helps him to the back. RVD tosses the chair at Booker for a Van Daminator, but Booker ducks and nails RVD in the back with it. Booker tosses the chair and goes punching and chopping RVD. Booker sends RVD off the ropes and hits him with the 110th Street Slam. Booker makes the cover, 1…2…RVD kicks out. Booker sends RVD into the corner, but when Booker charges RVD gets a foot up. RVD jumps up to the top rope, but Booker shoves him off and RVD goes flying into the barricade! Booker goes to the outside and beats down RVD on the outside. Booker sends RVD into the ring steps, then suplexes him on the floor! Booker sends RVD back into the ring. He goes for a hook kick, but RVD ducks and RVD hits a roundhouse kick that knocks Booker down. RVD goes down as well, and both men lay on the canvas.
Booker rolls to the outside and grabs the steel chair before rolling back into the ring. Booker places the chair in the middle of the ring. RVD gets to his feet, but Booker kicks him in the midsection. Booker goes for a Scissors Kick on the chair, but RVD quickly picks up the chair and smashes it against Booker’s face! Booker ends up sitting in the corner, so RVD skateboards the chair into his face! Booker is laid out and RVD puts the chair on him. Rolling Thunder on the chair! RVD covers Booker, 1…2…Booker just kicks out! RVD hits a corkscrew legdrop, then drags Booker to the corner. Split Legged Moonsault connects! 1…2…Booker T again just kicks out! RVD wedges the chair between the top and middle turnbuckles. RVD looks to dropkick Booker into that corner, but Booker catches RVD’s legs, then catapults him into the chair! A staggered RVD turns around and Booker plants him with the Bookend! Booker covers RVD, 1…2…no! RVD still manages to kick out!
Booker takes RVD, who can barely stand under his own power, and plants him with another Bookend! Booker doesn’t go for the pin though and climbs up the top rope. Booker surveys the crowd before spinning in the air with a Harlem Hangover…only RVD moved out of the way! Both RVD and Booker slowly get to their feet, and Booker grabs the chair that was wedged in the corner. Booker faces RVD, only to get hit with the Van Daminator! RVD doesn’t follow up with a cover though as he climbs up to the top rope. Five Star Frog Splash…is counters as Booker throws the chair up at the flying RVD! Booker sets RVD up one more time and hits a third Bookend! Booker T gets an arm on RVD, 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 25:12
Mike Tenay: “Booker T wins! Booker T is headed to Starrcade!”
Booker T gets to his feet, and while he tries to celebrate, his body is wracked in pain. Booker helps RVD up, and the two give one another respect. RVD and Booker share a quick hand shake and RVD limps to the back as Booker T acknowledges the crowd…and tells Kurt Angle that he’s coming for him!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
War Rumble #1
Booker T wins, last eliminating Scott Steiner
War Rumble #2
Rob Van Dam wins, last eliminating Triple H
War Rumble #3
Brock Lesnar wins, last eliminating Ric Flair
Women’s War Rumble
Gail Kim wins, last eliminating Jazz
WrestleWar Final Battle – No DQ Three-Way Elimination
Booker T defeated Rob Van Dam and Brock Lesnar
Champions
WCW World Champion
Kurt Angle (Defeated Hulk Hogan on 11-30-02)
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
Rob Van Dam and Sabu (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles on 11-24-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Tajiri (Defeated Super Crazy on 11-24-02)
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. Booker T would win the WrestleWar to earn a WCW World Title shot at Starrcade 2002
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 and defeated Benjamin at November to Remember. After eliminating Stone Cold Steve Austin in a War Rumble, Lesnar decided to anger Stone Cold…which bit him in the ass during the Final Battle.
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 would lose to Victoria at November to Remember…although she scarred Victoria by throwing tacks in her face
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. Guerrero would fail in his attempt to defeat 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
Gail Kim: – The former La Felina was destroyed by Victoria in the summer, but her triumphant return as Gail Kim led to a Women’s War Rumble victory and a title shot at Starrcade 2002
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. The Giant returned at the WrestleWar, injuring then-WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan before and after his failed title defense against Kurt Angle
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. The Giant would attack Hogan before and after that match, and he cost Hogan the title against Kurt Angle
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. Perhaps that doesn’t matter anymore as Angle would defeat Hulk Hogan to get his WCW World Title back at WrestleWar…and has a title match set with Booker T
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
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold
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. He was pinned by Rey Mysterio Jr. on the RISE before November to Remember. Survived Rey’s challenge at November to Remember
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. Unfortunately, he lost to Raven at N2R
Rhyno: – Injured at the end of the InVasion storyline, Rhyno was the last ECW World Champion when ECW closed it doors in the beginning of 2001. Due to his neck injury, he was forced to relinquish the championship. On the inaugural episode of RISE in December of 2001, Rhyno showed up to give up the title…but said that he’d be back to “fucking kill” whomever the ECW World Champion is. Looks like Raven is the lucky man.
Ric Flair: – Flair won his 17th World Championship from Stone Cold at Starrcade 2001…but lost it the next night to Kurt Angle. Angle injured Flair’s ankle and it was thought we’d never see Flair again, until Flair appeared in a War Rumble. Flair just fell short of winning it too as he lost to Brock Lesnar.
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 has since dropped the ECW Title to Raven, but is a champion once again as he and Sabu knocked off Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles for the ECW tag straps at November to Remember. Just fell short at the WrestleWar’s Final Battle against Booker T.
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember
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 regained 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
Scott Steiner: – Scott Steiner showed up in a War Rumble as a member of the New World Order, but he fell short of winning as he was eliminated by Booker T
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. HHH played him in the War Rumble though.
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. He faced off with his former friend and teammate Brock Lesnar at November to Remember, but failed to walk away with a victory
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 Austin would defeat him at N2R. Austin would be eliminated by Brock Lesnar in a War Rumble, but Austin took exception to Lesnar’s post-elimination antics…and in turn cost him the Final Battle
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title, but lost it in a three-way at November to Remember against Tajiri and Little Guido
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. Won the Cruiserweight title back 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. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember.
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. HHH fell short in the War Rumble, making it to the end but losing to Rob Van Dam
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. Victoria survived a surprisingly violent encounter with Daffney at November to Remember 2002 and again on RISE three days later
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. It is likely they are finished after Total Impact destroyed them at November to Remember 2002
- The layout of the war rumble match is excellent, read through it in no time. Really well paced too. DDP and Booker T better watch out, Batista surely wont be letting that elimination slide.
- RVD! YES! So happy he got the victory there. After Sabu got dumped I wasn't sure what was going to happen, but O'Haire had to become a man on his own mission after recent events (this just brought it to a head), so to have it set up what is a pretty fun spot with the chair toss into a Van Daminator is excellent.
- SOMEONE ATTACKED HOGAN!? Hmmm, smells like a 500 pound monster might be on the loose.
- Awesome to see Ultimo Dragon, absolutely loved that guy. Also, if Big Sal just keeps catching Gudio, then the man is basically unbeatable in Battle Royal's...EDDIE MY MAN, YOU CANT POWERBOMB KIDMAN! Jim Duggan ruining the cruiserweight vibe is VINTAGE Duggan. I fucking love how you just have Austin unashamedly booked to destroy absolutely everyone. That worked perfectly. Every time someone comes in, they get a little bit of something, and then nope, stunner, bye bye. Austin looks like a monster. OH DAMN, speaking of monsters. Lesnar is a perfect guy to pose a legitimate threat to Austin. Especially after he dumps Bam Bam! Yep, Lesnar is killing everyone here and wins it. Solidly done. I truly expected it to all be a foil for Eddie to maybe win, but I am a-okay with how you booked this. Probably my favourite of the three (maybe #2 has the best finish but it's close).
- Kurt wins the belt! Damn, everything's gone wrong for Hogan the last week or so. AHHHH, the Giant vs Hogan, probably the last time you could get a decent match out of them so could be a really good way to build up Giant to be a legitimate threat to everyone (unless it doesn't work for Hogan, brother). Angle as champ is much better than Hogan in terms of workable matches, so that makes complete sense. Especially if Brock wins the whole thing and we get their feud a little bit earlier in the timeline.
- Noooo not Laree right away! Death to the NWO! Also booo to Jazz eliminating Molly, even if she is a badass, Molly could just fly and never be eliminated? No? Kim is a decent choice, especially for the time period it's not like the options are particularly strong for a women's division beyond what you've already got.
- OH AUSTIN. You son of a bitch, that's beautiful. Gets Lesnar out of the way so he doesn't go on and decimate the roster just yet, he can work a program with Austin first. Really well done. RVD getting the pin over Lesnar tells me Booker will ultimately win this now...and he does! Three Book-End's really makes for one you could easily book again given the nature of the finish. Especially since Booker couldn't land the Scissors Kick. Massive result for Booker, and you managed to legitimise three top guys in one night, whilst also keeping everyone else really strong.
Overall: Perhaps the womens war rumble, whilst it makes sense, it might have been one battle royal too many. I find with themed events, more than three and you run the risk of diminishing the good work done. That's not to say this veered into that territory, but it certainly felt like too many of them given the focus around the build to a three way for the #1 contendership. The three male rumbles were really well paced, brilliantly booked, and you saved the best for last. Lots of bigger names fell to 'lesser' names, but in this situation that can always work to your favour. Nobody has been pinned or tapped out (except Hogan, ofc). RVD, Booker T, Lesnar, Mike Awesome, Rey, Eddie all came out the better for it, and you've still got Angle, Hogan, Giant, Austin, HHH, Nash, Hall, etc who are already fully established. A credit to you for booking so many top guys so well, it can be daunting sometimes, but you handle it deftly here. Really enjoyed the show, didn't enjoy my prediction results (pretty sure I got 0!?), but c'est la vie.
Nice teaser segment here with the arrival of Bischoff. Obviously looking forward to the reveal on who he has brought in as reinforcements for the NWO.
First War Rumble was relatively well fleshed out I think. Had the fun start with the La Parka promo, had the awesome Meng/Finlay confrontation, the even more epic return of Vader, as well as the NWO feud taking centre stage for the culmination. Thought everything was fleshed out really well here, and now being without his brother, ready to strike out big on his own, completely happy for Booker to be the victor here. Good stuff.
I’ve been a bit in and out of BTB lately so I’m not entirely sure who The Giant is referring to. My instinct says Hogan but I’m not sure. Either way, The Giant willing to just walk out until he gets the match he wants is an interesting angle.
War Rumble number two was enjoyable as well. Maybe not as enjoyable as number one for me but still pretty solid stuff. This one was much more dominated by the NWO which is fine, and then Triple H being dodgy to O’Haire at the end continues those issues between them which has been one of the highlights for me recently. Big win for Van Dam to which is always fun to see.
I actually might have found the third Battle Royal to be my favourite. Kudos to you for starting each one differently, so I enjoyed the Cruiserweights getting some time to shine, before being interrupted by the most non Cruiserweight wrestler of all time in Duggan lol. Obviously business picked up here once Austin came in and went on a rampage. After the last edition of Rise, we were all here for the Austin/Lesnar confrontation, but it was cleverly teased throughout without giving to much away. Clearly a future marquee match there. Some nice shock moments here to with Dusty and Flair appearing, but I’m comfortable with Brock getting the W here. Also really liked the strong showing of Eddie Guerrero in this one. Great stuff.
Not much to say about the Hogan/Angle match here. Really just contributing to the attacker angle for Hogan, so Angle works on the injury and picks up the win relatively easy. Angle’s the new champ and Hogan doesn’t lose anything in loss.
The aftermath is what we’re really here for though. Looks like my instincts earlier were right with The Giant attacking Hogan on the stage. Not sure I’m interesting in yet another Giant/Hogan match after what 1995 gave us, but booking wise this has been good.
Womens battle royal a lot shorter as expected with the number of participants. Phoenix being eliminated by everybody was a fun spot, as was Jackie and Jazz trying to tear each other apart. Outside of this, we’re all here for the ending. Kim getting the win and getting a shot at revenge makes the most sense here. Nice.
Main event went down a treat as well. Love the putting over the threat of Lesnar, with Booker and Van Dam knowing they had to team up to get the advantage. Brock obviously had to dominate for a little while, but him losing due to Austin makes the most sense here. Clearly we’ve got a match there at Starrcade that doesn’t need the title. Booker and Van Dam facing off for the finish was solid, and the counter of the Five Star at the end with the throwing of the chair from Booker was awesome. Happy with Booker getting the win here, and he and Angle should be fun.
Love your writing style. Four Battle Royals but it still felt like a breeze to read. Obviously it helps that the booking is on point too. Good stuff here, looking forward to seeing how the rest of that Starrcade card takes shape.
Congrats to MTK36 as he wins a THIRD straight show. With the 25 point bonus he gets 70. Obviously this was a tough one with how WrestleWar was scored, perhaps I'll work on that for next year.
ECW World Television Championship: Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) pinned Sabu in 16:45 to retain the title...Mike Awesome pinned Masato Tanaka in 13:56...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Los Guerreros when Styles pinned Chavo in 9:39...Lance Storm pinned The Great Muta in 10:39...World Cruiserweight Championship: Six Pack Challenge (One Fall): Tajiri (c) defeated Super Crazy, Psicosis, Juventud Guerrera, Jamie Noble, and Kid Kash when he pinned Crazy in 8:12...Buried Alive: Raven defeated Mortis in 21:21...Harlem Street Fight: Booker T defeated R-Killa in 17:36...ECW World Championship: Barbed Wire Steel Cage: Rob Van Dam pinned Brock Lesnar (c) in 22:28 to win the title
WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 – 9/1/02 – Key Arena, Seattle, WA
WCW World Championship: Triple H (c) pinned Booker T in 27:25 to retain the title...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Elix Skipper and Shane Helms when Styles pinned Skipper in 9:49 to retain the title...ECW World Television Championship: Sabu pinned Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) in 13:58 to win the title...Weapons Mix'N'Match Lumberjack Match: X-Pac pinned Mike Awesome in 5:36...ECW World Championship: Mexican Strap Match: Rob Van Dam (c) defeated Eddie Guerrero in 18:22 to retain the title...Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship: Kurt Angle wins, last eliminating Sean O'Haire in 13:19...WCW United States Championship: Kurt Angle pinned Christian (c) in 3:38 to win the title...WCW World Tag Team Championship: Steel Cage Match: Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant defeated The Outsiders (c) via double pin in 12:04 to win the title
WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 – 9/29/02 – Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown defeated William Regal, Fit FInlay, and Dave Taylor when Skipper pinned Regal in 10:37...World Cruiserweight Championship: Super Crazy (c) pinned Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 8:48 to retain the title...World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Molly Marvel in 6:55 to retain the title...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Bam Bam Bigelow and Gangrel when Lynn pinned Bigelow in 8:13 to retain the title...#1 Contender for the ECW Television Championship: Three Way Dance: Shelton Benjamin defeated Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr. after Guerrero walked out and Benjamin pinned Mysterio in 17:28...ECW Television Championship: Tajiri pinned Sabu (c) in 14:33 to win the title...ECW World Championship: Raven pinned Rob Van Dam (c) in 15:22 to win the title...Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship: Christian wins, last eliminating Kidman in 9:13...War GamesKurt Angle, Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan defeated Triple H, Sean O'Haire, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Brock Lesnar when HHH was rendered unconscious in Hogan and Angle's hold in 33:57
WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 – 10/27/02 – MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Any-Match-You-Want Ladder Match: Eddie Guerrero defeated Rob Van Dam in 20:03...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Lance Storm and Chris Candido when Styles pinned Candido in 11:54 when X-Factor interfered to retain the title...ECW Television Championship: Shelton Benjamin pinned Tajiri (c) in 9:45 to win the title...Kurt Angle pinned Sean O'Haire in 9:28...The Giant pinned Diamond Dallas Page in 6:11...WCW World Tag Team Championship - Four Corners Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (c) defeated Christian and Rene Dupree, Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr., and Elix Skipper and Shane Helms when Bubba pinned Kidman in 6:03...Brock Lesnar pinned Booker T in 15:04...World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Molly Marvel in 4:24 to retain the title...WCW World Championship: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan pinned Triple H (c) in 13:23 after Sting saved Hogan from the New World Order to win the title
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – 11/24/02 – HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Rob Van Dam and Sabu defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles (c) when RVD pinned Lynn in 23:47 to win the title...If Total Impact Win, They Get a Match With the Outsiders: Total Impact (Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome) defeated X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) when Storm pinned Credible in 2:51...International Three-Way Dance for the World Cruiserweight Championship: Tajiri defeated Super Crazy (c) and Little Guido, Tajiri pinned Crazy in 11:17, Tajiri pinned Guido in 16:57 to win the title...Flaming Tables Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, Deacon Batista, and Altar Boy Spike) defeated The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Balls Mahoney, and Axl Rotten when Batista drove Sandman and Dreamer through a flaming table at 11:56...Brock Lesnar pinned Shelton Benjamin in 13:33...World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Daffney in 7:22 to win the title...ECW World Championship: Raven (c) pinned Rey Mysterio Jr. in 16:04 to retain the title...Stone Cold Steve Austin pinned Eddie Guerrero in 18:25
ECW/WCW WrestleWar 2002 – 11/30/02 – Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
WrestleWar War Rumble #1: Booker T wins, last eliminating Scott Steiner in 25:39...WrestleWar War Rumble #2: Rob Van Dam wins, last eliminating Triple H in 27:12...WrestleWar War Rumble #3: Brock Lesnar wins, last eliminating Ric Flair in 29:53...WCW World Championship: Kurt Angle made Hulk Hogan (c) submit in 7:03 to win the title...Women's War Rumble: Gail Kim wins, last eliminating Jazz in 8:11...WrestleWar Final Battle: Booker T defeated Rob Van Dam and Brock Lesnar, RVD pinned Lesnar in 13:12, Booker T pinned RVD in 25:12
Championship Linages
WCW World Championship
12-3-01 – Philadelphia, PA – Monday Night Nitro – Stone Cold Steve Austin (1) (Awarded)
12-30-01 – Washington, D.C. – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2001 PPV – Ric Flair (7) (Pinned Stone Cold Steve Austin)
12-31-01 – Norfolk, VA – Monday Night Nitro – Kurt Angle (2) (Made Ric Flair submit)
5-12-02 – Miami, FL – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2002 PPV - Triple H (1) (Pinned Kurt Angle)
10-27-02 - Las Vegas, NV - WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 PPV - "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan (7) (Pinned Triple H)
11-30-02 - San Francisco, CA - WCW/ECW WrestleWar 2002 PPV - Kurt Angle (3) (Made Hulk Hogan submit)
ECW World Championship
12-6-01 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW RISE – Vacant (Rhyno vacated due to injury)
12-30-01 – Washington, D.C. – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2001 PPV – Brock Lesnar (1) (Pinned Rob Van Dam for vacant title)
8-4-02 - East Rutherford, NJ - ECW/WCW Anarchy Rulz 2002 PPV - Rob Van Dam (1) (Pinned Brock Lesnar in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match)
9-29-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 PPV - Raven (3) (Pinned Rob Van Dam)
WCW United States Championship
10-22-01 – Kansas City, MO – Monday Night RAW – Kurt Angle (1) (Defeated Rhyno by submission)(Pre-Rebirth)
12-13-01 – New York, NY – ECW RISE – Tazz (1) (Choked Kurt Angle out)
1-27-02 – Houston, TX – WCW/ECW Souled Out 2002 PPV – Christian (1) (Defeated Tazz, Rob Van Dam and Tajiri in a Four Way Match, pinning Tazz)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Kurt Angle (2) (Pinned Christian)
9-30-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - Monday Night Nitro - Christian (2) (Pinned Kurt Angle)
ECW Television Championship
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Eddie Guerrero (3) (Last eliminated Super Crazy in a battle royal)
6-9-02 – Chicago, IL – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2002 PPV – Rob Van Dam (2) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
6-27-02 – Buffalo, NY – ECW RISE – The Great Muta (1) (Pinned Rob Van Dam)
7-7-02 – New York, NY – WCW/ECW The 2002 Great American Bash PPV – Eddie Guerrero (4) (Defeated The Great Muta and Rob Van Dam in a Three-Way Dance)
7-11-02 - Long Island, NY - ECW RISE - Rey Mysterio Jr. (1) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Sabu (2) (Pinned Rey Mysterio Jr.)
9-29-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 PPV - Tajiri (2) (Pinned Sabu)
10-27-02 - Las Vegas, NV - WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 PPV - Shelton Benjamin (1) (Pinned Tajiri)
WCW World Tag Team Championship
10-26-01 – Omaha, NE – Thursday Night SMACKDOWN! – Bubba Ray (1) and D-Von Dudley (1) (Defeated The Hardy Boyz)(Pre-Rebirth)
3-11-02 – St. Louis, MO – Monday Night Nitro – Diamond Dallas Page (5) and The Giant (4) (Defeated The Dudley Boyz)
7-7-02 – New York, NY - WCW/ECW The 2002 Great American Bash PPV – Kevin Nash (10)and Scott Hall (8) (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Diamond Dallas Page (6) and The Giant (5) (Defeated Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in a Steel Cage)
10-7-02 - Chicago, IL - Monday Night Nitro - Brother Bubba (2) and Reverend D-Von (2) (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant)
ECW World Tag Team Championship
12-3-00 – New York, NY – ECW Massacre on 34th Street PPV – Danny Doring (1) and Roadkill (1) (Defeated Little Guido and Tony Mamaluke)(Pre-Rebirth)
2-28-02 – Indianapolis, IN – RISE – Rob Van Dam (3)and Sabu (4) (Defeated Danny Doring and Roadkill)
3-28-02 – Buffalo, NY – RISE – R-Killa (1) and Mark Henry (1) (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Jerry Lynn (1) and AJ Styles (1) (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry, Kid Kash and Jamie Noble, and Danny Doring and Roadkill in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match)
11-24-02 - Buffalo, NY - ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 PPV - Rob Van Dam (4) and Sabu (5) (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles)
World Cruiserweight Championship
10-9-01 – Moline, IL – Thursday Night SMACKDOWN! – Billy Kidman (5) (Pinned X-Pac)(Pre-Rebirth)
1-21-02 – Kansas City, MO – Monday Night Nitro – Taka Michinoku (1) (Pinned Billy Kidman)
1-27-02 – Houston, TX – WCW/ECW Souled Out 2002 PPV – Jerry Lynn (1) (Pinned Taka Michinoku)
2-25-02 – Atlanta, GA – Monday Night Nitro – Psicosis (3) (Pinned Jerry Lynn)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Rey Mysterio Jr. (6) (Pinned Psicosis)
5-12-02 – Miami, FL – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2002 PPV – Eddie Guerrero (3) (Pinned Rey Mysterio Jr.)
5-13-02 – Daytona Beach, FL - Monday Night Nitro – Super Crazy (1) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
7-13-02 - Norfolk, VA - Worldwide - Tajiri (1) (Pinned Super Crazy)
8-24-02 - Colorado Springs, CO - RISE - Super Crazy (2) (Pinned Tajiri)
11-24-02 - Buffalo, NY - ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 PPV - Tajiri (2) (Won a Three-Way Dance by pinning Little Guido in a match also involving Super Crazy)
World Women’s Championship
2-24-02 – Atlanta, GA – WCW/ECW SuperBrawl XII PPV – Molly Marvel (1) (Won a four-way match against Ivory, Jazz, and Luna Vachon to win the title)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Jazz (1) (Pinned Molly Marvel)
7-18-02 - Macon, GA - ECW RISE - Victoria (1) (Pinned Jazz)
Calendar
December December 2, 2002 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro December 5, 2002 (Thursday) – ECW RISE December 7, 2002 (Saturday) – Worldwide December 9, 2002 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro December 12, 2002 (Thursday) – ECW RISE December 14, 2002 (Saturday) – Worldwide December 16, 2002 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro December 19, 2002 (Thursday) – ECW RISE December 21, 2002 (Saturday) – ECW Hardcore TV December 23, 2002 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro December 26, 2002 (Wednesday) – ECW RISE December 28, 2002 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
December 29, 2002 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 (Pay-Per-View) December 30, 2002 (Monday) - Monday Night Nitro
January January 2, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 6, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 9, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 11, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Guilty As Charged 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
January 12, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Guilty As Charged 2003 (Pay-Per-View) January 13, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 16, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 18, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Clash of Champions (Special Event) January 20, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 23, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 27, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 30, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE
February February 1, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
February 2, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 (Pay-Per-View) February 3, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 6, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 10, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 13, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 17, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 20, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 22, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Market Street Mayhem (Special Event) February 24, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 27, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE
March March 1, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Superbrawl XIII Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
March 2, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Superbrawl XIII (Pay-Per-View) March 3, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 6, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 9, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Wrestlepalooza 2003 (Special Event) March 10, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 13, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 17, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 20, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 22, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Uncensored 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
March 23, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Uncensored 2003 (Pay-Per-View) March 24, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 27, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 31, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
April April 3, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 7, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 10, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 12, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Living Dangerously 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
April 13, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Living Dangerously 2003 (Pay-Per-View) April 14, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 17, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 19, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Music City Showdown (Special Event) April 21, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 24, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 28, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
May May 1, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 3, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2003 - The Throne Wars Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
May 4, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2003 - The Throne Wars (Pay-Per-View) May 6, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 9, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 13, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 16, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 20, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 23, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 27, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 30, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 31, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
June June 1, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2003 (Pay-Per-View) June 2, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 5, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 8, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Battle in Seattle (Special Event) June 9, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 12, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 16, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 19, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 23, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 26, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 28, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW The 2003 Great American Bash Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview) June 29, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW The 2003 Great American Bash (Pay-Per-View) June 30, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
WCW Monday Night Nitro
December 2, 2002
Coussoulis Arena
San Bernardino, CA
Ric Flair: “Tonight is a special night! Tonight is a night eleven months in the making! The last eleven months there was no stylin’. There was no profilin’. I sat for six months rehabbing a broken ankle because of you Kurt Angle! I sat in bed wondering if the “Nature Boy” had one more run in him. Every night I pushed myself harder and harder knowing that if I wanted to get back in the ring again, if I wanted to be The Man, I had to come back stronger than ever! Last night, that was a proof of concept. Tonight, seventeen times becomes eighteen times! Kurt Angle, you may be the Man right now, but the “Nature Boy”…WOOOO, “the Nature Boy” is invoking the rematch clause! I will once again become THE MAN…and we’re gonna celebrate all night, WOOOO!”
Mike Tenay: “The road to Starrcade has begun! I’m Mike Tenay alongside Don West. We have a huge match tonight…Kurt Angle defends his newly won WCW World Championship against man he knocked out of action for nearly a year, “The Nature Boy”Ric Flair!”
Don West: “Mike, we gotta talk about the WrestleWar!”
Mike Tenay: “Of course, Don. We’re going to hear from the winner, Booker T tonight! Also tonight, a tournament to determine the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship begins!”
Don West: “Hey I also understand that we’re going to find out who’s going to challenge Christian for the US Championship at Starrcade! Hey, here comes Booker!”
***
“BOOKER T!” “BOOKER T!” “BOOKER T!”
Booker T: “Two nights ago they through everything at me. NWO. Kevin Nash. That monster Batista. Scott Steiner. Vader. Brock Lesnar. And a man that I got a lot of respect for, Rob Van Dam. But in the end I’m the one standing here, winner of the first WrestleWar. Booker T beat them all! When I’m in the zone, no one beats me, and I proved that. So now this goes down one of two ways, but it’s gonna end the same way. Whether Kurt Angle or Ric Flair stands across from me in that ring, I’m walking out of Starrcade the WCW World Champion. NOW CAN YOU DIG THAT….SUCKKKKA!”
Instead of Booker T’s music playing, “The Game” by Motorhead plays as Triple H makes his way down to the ring with Eric Bischoff.
Booker T: “What you want?”
Triple H: “Booker T congratulations on winning the WrestleWar. That’s something no one can ever take away from you. But you know I’ve been thinking about the entire year and I wonder how you’re going to be able to live with yourself if you win the title at Starrcade.”
Booker T: “The hell you talking about?”
Triple H: “Booker you may very well beat Ric Flair or Kurt Angle or whomever the WCW World Champion is at Starrcade. But even if you do, you know in the back of your head you’re always going to wonder if you could have beaten “The Game”. Remind me, what happened at Cyberslam? That’s right. You did your best but you couldn’t beat me.”
Booker T: “Look, I know what you’re trying to do. It ain’t gonna happen. I won the WrestleWar. I didn’t see your punk ass in the Final Battle. What happened there?”
Triple H: “Sometimes the ones who you think have your back let you down. It’s a mistake I won’t make again. And honestly, Booker, I get it. If I were you, I wouldn’t want to fight me either. Hell, if the guy who left my brother bloodied thanks to a sledgehammer wanted to fight me, well, I’d run away with my tail tucked behind my legs too!”
Booker T: “Tell me you didn’t just say that. Tell me…you didn’t…just…say that! Alright, you wanna dance Triple H. Let’s do it sucka.”
Triple H: “I win, I get the title shot at Starrcade!”
Booker T: “I win, you leave me the hell alone and stay out of the WCW World title picture for good.”
Triple H: “I guess we have a deal.”
Eric Bischoff gets in Triple H’s face, asking him if he really wants to do this…but it’s a ruse as HHH catches Booker T offguard with a cheapshot that knocks Booker down! HHH and Bischoff walk off as Booker T angrily gets back to his feet.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Mike Tenay: “Welcome back. We just saw that Booker T is going to put his WrestleWar title shot on the line against Triple H!”
Don West: “Booker T has gotta be beat up from last night, he was in a literal war for almost an hour! I think this is the biggest mistake of Booker T’s career.”
Mike Tenay: “We’re going to change gears here. We’re kicking things off with a tournament to determine the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship. Here are the brackets.”
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Ultimo Dragon vs. Psicosis
Ultimo Dragon gets a great reaction in his return to 1-on-1 competition in North America. Dragon and Psicosis lock-up and Dragon quickly takes Psicosis down with an armdrag. They lock-up again and Psicosis locks in an arm wringer, only for Dragon to flip his way out and armdrag Psicosis a second time. Psicosis hits the ropes and Dragon leapfrogs over him. Dragon tries a second leapfrog but Psicosis surprises him with a hard chop, knocking the Dragon out of the air. Psicosis sends Dragon off the ropes, but when he drops down Dragon puts on the brakes and hits an elbow drop. Dragon props Psicosis into the corner and chops away at him. Psicosis reverses a whip into the corner, but Dragon avoids crashing into the turnbuckles by doing a handstand on the top rope! Psicosis runs at him, only for Dragon to come down with a dropkick!
Psicosis gets back to his feet, but Dragon hits him with a flurry of kicks to the legs and midsection, then knocks Psicosis down with a flying jump back kick! Dragon sends Psicosis off the ropes and picks him up in an inverted fireman’s carry position, then drops him down with the Atlantida Backbreaker! Cover, 1…2…Psicosis kicks out. Dragon sends Psicosis off the ropes again, but Psicosis dodges a kick and comes back with a spinning heel kick of his own! Psicosis sends Dragon off the ropes and hits him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Cover, 1…2…Dragon kicks out. Psicosis steps on the back of Dragon’s knees then pushes him up into a Mexican Surfboard! Dragon refuses to surrender, and after wearing the Dragon down Psicosis releases. Psicosis sets Dragon up and plants him in the middle of the ring with a brainbuster! Cover, 1…2…Dragon kicks out!
Psicosis runs at the Dragon, but Dragon backdrops Psicosis to the apron. Dragon hangs Psicosis across the top rope. Dragon then hits the ropes but fakes the over the top rope dive! Psicosis bites at the fake, giving Dragon time to hop onto the apron and hit Psicosis with the SpringboardAsai Moonsault! Dragon rolls Psicosis back into the ring and locks Psicosis in the La Magistral Cradle, 1…2…Psicosis kicks out! Dragon sets Psicosis up for the reverse Asai DDT, but Psicosis counters by slamming Dragon down. Dragon comes off the ropes but Psicosis gets a drop toehold and Dragon lands throat-first onto the second rope. Psicosis heads to the top rope and hits Dragon with the Psycho Guillotine across the second rope, with Psicosis landing on the apron! Dragon tends to his throat as he runs around the ring and Psicosis heads over the top rope…and hits Dragon with a flying spinning heel kick off the top rope! Dragon ends of getting knocked through the ropes. Psicosis dives over the top rope, taking out the Dragon!
Psicosis rolls Dragon back into the ring. He heads to the top rope again, but this time the Psycho Guillotine misses! Both men lay on the canvas before slowly getting to their feet. Psicosis hits a quick body tackle then hits the ropes, but Dragon is ready for him as he rolls towards Psicosis and hits a hurricanrana! 1…2…no, Psicosis counters into a victory roll, 1…2…Dragon kicks out! Psicosis hits Dragon with a couple of chops before running up the turnbuckles. Psicosis goes for a moonsault, but Dragon catches him in midair with a dropkick! Dragon props Psicosis on the top rope…and takes him down with the Dragon-rana! Dragon looks to finish off Psicosis with the Dragon Suplex…but Psicosis elbows his way free then counters to stand behind Dragon, but Dragon floats over Psicosis and hits the reverse Asai DDT! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Ultimo Dragon via pinfall in 13:51
Ultimo Dragon stands on the top rope to celebrate his first round victory!
***
The camera cuts to WCW Owner Shane McMahon’s office where he’s on the phone. Diamond Dallas Page and Stacy Keibler walk in.
Diamond Dallas Page: “Damn right I want The Giant. I still owe his goofy ass an ass kicking!”
Shane McMahon: “I’m with you, Dallas. But right now Giant’s only coming back to face Hogan and that’s the match I’m working. I can promise you that you’ll get the Giant, but not right away.”
Diamond Dallas Page: “I’ll take your word for it, Shane. Giant’s got a receipt coming to him from Bang City!”
Shane McMahon: “You should focus on tonight anyway, Dallas. You’ve got a chance to become the #1 Contender to the United States Championship. I don’t want you holding yourself down distracted by the Giant during this whole time.”
Diamond Dallas Page: “Right. Let’s just make sure Giant knows it ain’t over between me and him. Let’s go, Stacy.”
DDP and Stacy leave as Shane gets back on the phone.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
We come back to Nitro where WCW World Champion Kurt Angle is warming up backstage, preparing for his title defense against Ric Flair.
***
WCW United States Champion Christian and Rene Dupree come out and sit at the top of the stage to watch the upcoming Four-Way #1 Contender’s Match for the United States Championship.
#1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship – One Fall
Chuck Palumbo vs. Diamond Dallas Page (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. Test vs. William Regal
DDP and Test square off as do Palumbo and Regal. DDP hits Test in the corner with punches and elbows as Regal hits Palumbo with a flurry of European uppercuts. Palumbo gets the upperhand on Regal and backdrops him to the outside. Test knocks DDP down with a clothesline, then hits Palumbo with a forearm to the back. Palumbo backs Test into the corner and catches Test with an elbow. Test fires back with some punches, leading to both men firing away at one another. Palumbo hits Test with another elbow, but Test gets an elbow of his own and slams Palumbo to the canvas. Test covers Palumbo, 1…2…DDP breaks up the pin. DDP clotheslines Test over the top rope and onto the floor. Regal comes up from behind DDP and hits him with an Arm Trap Neckbreaker Cover, 1…2…DDP kicks out!
Regal bashes DDP on the back of the neck, but when he gets up Palumbo catches him with a Jungle Kick! Palumbo hits Regal with a Samoan Drop and goes for the cover, 1…2…Test drags him to the outside and punches away at him. DDP surprises Regal with a gutwrench powerbomb! 1…2…Regal kicks out. Test slams Palumbo into the post on the outside before sliding back into the ring. Big clothesline from Test knocks down Page. Test then loads up the Big Boot, but Regal ducks out of the way and Test ends up kicking the top turnbuckle. Test gets caught up there and DDP shoves him over the top rope and to the floor. Regal traps DDP’s arms behind him and hits a Dragon suplex! Palumbo slides back in and nails Regal with a discus elbow smash! Palumbo covers Regal, 1…2…Regal kicks out!
Palumbo gets a belly-to-belly throw on Regal. He sets Regal up for a powerbomb, but Regal holds onto the leg and takes Palumbo down, then locks him in the Regal Stretch! DDP breaks it up quickly. Regal goes for another Arm Trap Neckbreaker, only DDP reverses it and drops Regal with a Diamond Cutter! DDP covers Regal, 1…2…Test just breaks up the count at the last moment! Test kicks DDP and goes for the Pumphandle Slam, but DDP slides behind him…and drops Test with a Diamond Cutter as well! DDP covers Test, 1…2…3! Palumbo was just late in making the save!
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page in 7:14
As Diamond Dallas Page and Stacy Keibler walk up the ramp, DDP comes up to Christian, who doesn’t look happy that he has to defend the title against Page! DDP just does his Diamond pose, with the crowd letting Christian hear a loud BANG! as he does it!
***
The camera cuts to WCW Owner Shane McMahon’s office where Eric Bischoff walks in.
Eric Bischoff: “Well it’s always exciting to be called to the owner’s office. I hope this isn’t about Hunter and Booker tonight.”
Shane McMahon: “No, Eric. I’m not happy about it but Booker T made his own choice.”
Eric Bischoff: “Then why am I here, Shane. It’s going to be a big night for the New World Order, and you’re wasting my time in preparing for that big night.”
Shane McMahon: “Well I’ve got a message for some of your guys.”
Eric Bischoff: “Oh is that right?”
Shane McMahon: “Yeah. I just got off the phone with Mick. When you go back to the locker room. Make sure to let Kevin and Scott know that at Starrcade they, along with X-Pac, will take on Total Impact.”
Eric Bischoff: “That’s a done deal?”
Shane McMahon: “It is. No more hiding from it. I confirmed with ECW Commissioner Mick Foley the challenge that X-Pac laid out for November to Remember, and we’re gonna deliver that match at Starrcade, no matter what. Got it?”
Eric Bischoff doesn’t look happy before he leaves.
***
Ric Flair is shown in his robe walking through the locker room. When Nitro comes back from commercial, the WCW World Championship is on the line!
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Monday Night Nitro – December 31, 2001 – Norfolk, VA
Flair props Angle back up into the corner and chops away, but Angle seemingly gets stronger for every chop! Angle fires back with punches, then ducks a chop and hits a German suplex! Angle keeps the waistelock and gets another German! Then a third! Angle grabs the chair and slams it against Flair’s ankle! Angle does it again and again…he’s tying to cripple the man! Angle then puts Flair’s ankle in the chair and heads to the second rope…and comes down with all his weight with a stomp on the chair! This might be the end of Flair’s career! Angle drags Flair into the center of the ring and lets out one loud yell! Ankle Lock applied! We still have no referee…but Flair is tapping out like crazy. “Help me. It’s broken! I give up! I give up! Ahh! For the love of god somebody help me!”A referee runs down and calls for the bell, declaring Kurt Angle the winner and new WCW World Champion!
Angle and Flair stand face to face. Angle points to the new brace on Flair’s leg and indicates that he’s going to break it again. Flair laughs, then hits Angle in the jaw with a couple of punches! Flair punches away at Angle, then switches to chops. Angle fires back with punches of his own, but Flair gets the better of the exchange with his chops. Angle misses a punch and Flair hits a belly-to-back suplex. Angle gets back to one knee as Flair struts across the ring. Flair and Angle do a proper lock-up and Flair actually takes Angle down…although Angle repositions himself and gets a waistlock on Flair. Flair hits Angle with a couple of elbows. They get to their feet and Flair hits some more hard chops, but Angle stops him with a headbutt. Angle hits Flair with a belly-to-belly suplex and quickly covers, 1…2…Flair kicks out.
Angle locks Flair in a rear chinlock, but Flair fights his way to a vertical base. He elbows Angle to break free, then slaps Angle in the face! Angle fires a wild punch in response but Flair ducks and then gets an eye poke! Flair rakes Angle’s eyes across the top rope, then kicks him in the knee, knocking Angle down. Flair stomps away on Angle’s knee, then slams his knee on the canvas. Angle rolls over and tries to create some distance from Flair, but Flair is right on him and hits Angle in the face with a kneedrop! Flair covers, 1…2…Angle kicks out. Flair picks Angle up from the canvas and Angle surprises him with a German suplex! Angle holds onto Flair and hits him with another German suplex. Then a third! And a fourth! Angle releases on the fifth before letting out a WOO himself and taking down the straps.
Angle goes for the Ankle Lock and locks it in…only Flair has the ropes. Angle pulls Flair from the ropes, but Flair hits a shinbreaker! Flair has Angle’s leg and dances around…before going for the Figure-Four…only Angle counters with a small package! 1…2…Flair kicks out! Both men get to their feet and Angle goes for the Angle Slam, but Flair lands on his feet and cleverly hits Angle with a low blow that referee Billy Silverman doesn’t see! Now Flair rolls Angle up, 1…2…Angle kicks out! Flair hits a couple of chops, but Angle counters a whip into the corner and Flair flips over the top rope. Angle quickly hooks Flair up on the apron and suplexes him back into the ring. Angle then heads to the top rope, but misses the moonsault! Flair quickly grabs Angle’s legs and locks in the Figure-Four! Flair has Angle just far away enough from the ropes! Angle tries to move Flair, but Flair has it locked in good and Angle can’t escape!
Don West: “Hey, look, look!”
Mike Tenay: “Why is Eddie Guerrero out here!?”
Flair has Angle locked in the Figure-Four, but Eddie Guerrero leaps up to the top rope and hits Flair with the Frog Splash, causing the DQ! Guerrero punches away at Flair as the bell continues to ring. After Guerrero deals some damage he jumps out of the ring and runs up the ramp.
Winner: Ric Flair by DQ in 11:35 (Angle retains)
Kurt Angle collects the WCW World Championship and quietly heads up the ramp. Flair is clearly pissed off and heads up the ramp, looking for Guerrero.
Mike Tenay: “Eddie Guerrero just cost Ric Flair the WCW World Championship! I understand he’s backstage with Jeremy Borash.”
Jeremy Borash: “Jeremy Borash here with Eddie Guerrero. Eddie, why did you just cost Ric Flair the WCW World Championship?”
Eddie Guerrero: “Listen, Jeremy. Ric Flair is part of the part of WCW. Two nights ago I had the WrestleWar won, but then suddenly Flair has to come down and get lucky on me! I’m not letting that stand! Ric Flair’s time has passed and I think he got the message tonight!”
Yelling is heard down the hallway as Ric Flair is looking for Eddie. Eddie sees Flair coming and runs off.
Ric Flair: “GUERRERO! Come here you son-of-a-bitch!”
Flair chases Eddie through the backstage area. Eddie jumps into a car in the parking lot and drives off, escaping Flair for now.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
When we return to Nitro we cut to what looks like a church. The Archdiocese of Dudleyville look to be performing some type of ritual.
Brother Bubba: “We are here tonight to acknowledge the end of Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman after their destruction at November to Remember. We have completed our mission that was bestowed upon us by HIM! But while we have completed one mission, another has presented itself. So while we say goodbye to Dreamer and Sandman, the Archdiocese now has a new adversary to address. Elix Skipper. Shane Helms. Monty Brown. You decided to commit blasphemy when you came down to interrupt us as we destroyed the sinners of ECW. So now you are the targets of our next crusade! We challenge you to a Six-Man Tag Team Match at Starrcade. Myself, my brother D-Von, and the Deacon Batista will exterminate you and you will be our next sacrifice to HIM!”
Reverend D-Von: “Oh my brother, TESTIFY!”
The camera pans around the church, then last lands on Deacon Batista, who menacingly looks directly at it.
***
Don West: “Man, if I were Helms, Skipper, and Brown I would be quite concerned to have the Archdiocese hunting me down!”
Mike Tenay: “I don’t see any fear in those three young men though! I noticed the Dudleys didn’t say anything about the WCW World Tag Team Championship. I find that interesting.” Anyway, we’re going back to Jeremy Borash as he’s caught up with Ric Flair!”
Jeremy Borash: “Jeremy Borash here with Ric…”
Ric Flair: “Shut it Jeremy! Give me that!”
Flair grabs the microphone from Jeremy Borash.
Ric Flair: “You want to hit-and-run Guerrero?! I didn’t spend eleven months on the shelf just to have a piss-ant like Guerrero cost me the WCW Title! He wrestles on that ECW show right? Well I guess this week the “Nature Boy” is gonna get extreme baby! I’m coming for you Guerrero!”
Flair tosses the mic to the ground as he walks off.
***
Gail Kim vs. Jazz
Kim and Jazz lock-up. Kim gets an armdrag then quickly rolls Jazz up, 1…2…Jazz kicks out. Jazz knees Kim in the midsection and hits an overhead double-underhook suplex. Cover, 1…2…Kim kicks out. Jazz locks in a side headlock. Kim tries to fight back to her feet, but Jazz pulls her down by the hair. Jazz props Kim in the corner and hits her with shoulder thrusts. Jazz charges in, but Kim moves out of the way. Kim hits Jazz with several forearms. Jazz hits another kick and goes for a powerbomb, but Kim counters with a hurricanrana with a pinning combination, 1…2…Jazz kicks out! Jazz hits an elbow to slow Kim down, then follows with an elbow drop. Jazz poses to the crowd for a moment before dropping a second elbow. Jazz covers, 1…2…Kim kicks out. Kim tries to get to her feet and hits Jazz with a couple of blows to the midsection. Jazz and Kim fires shots at one another. Jazz seemingly wins the exchange, but when she sends Kim off the ropes Kim runs her over with a clothesline. Northern Lights suplex from Kim! 1…2…Jazz kicks out. Kim heads to the top rope and nails Jazz with a missile dropkick! Kim waits for Jazz to get to her feet before dropping her with Eat Defeat! Kim covers, 1…2…3!
Winner: Gail Kim via pinfall in 3:33
Gail Kim celebrates her first one-on-one victory under the Kim persona as the camera cuts away to the backstage area.
***
Triple H is shown taping up his wrist for his match with Booker T as Eric Bischoff tries to pump him up. Sean O’Haire walks in and HHH immediately stands face-to-face with him. Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac also come in and get between HHH and O’Haire.
Eric Bischoff: “Hey, Kevin, Scott, Pac. The match with Total Impact. Can’t delay it anymore. It’s on for Starrcade.”
Kevin Nash: “Yeah well we knew that was coming. It ain’t gonna be a problem, the Wolfpac will take them out NWO style.”
Triple H: “They might be around tonight so we need you three to take them out in case. And you, Sean. I get you’re pissed off. Frankly I am too. I’m not sure what your intentions were two nights ago. You say you didn’t see Rob Van Dam behind me, I’ll take your word for it. As for what I did to you, I hope you learned something. It was a teaching moment for you. But be pissed off all you want. You’re the last line of defense tonight. We all have our roles in the plan tonight. Let’s get it done.”
The NWO leave except for Bischoff and HHH.
Triple H: “I don’t know, Eric.”
Eric Bischoff: “Hunter, you have nothing to worry about. I’ve got a little surprise for you that will ensure victory tonight.
Triple H looks at Eric Bischoff quizzingly, but that changes when Shawn Michaels walks into the locker room.
Triple H: “Shawn!”
Triple H and Shawn Michaels embrace.
Shawn Michaels: “I’m sorry I was out for the past few weeks. But we’re gonna get this back on track and get you in the world title match for Starrcade!”
Triple H has a big smile on his face now as he heads to the ring for the main event.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Winner Gets the WCW World Championship Match at Starrcade 2002
Booker T vs. Triple H (w/Eric Bischoff, Shawn Michaels, and Sean O’Haire)
Booker T and HHH lock-up, but it goes nowhere and we get a clean break. Booker continually looks around ringside to make sure he doesn’t get cheapshotted by the NWO. This is enough of a distraction that when Booker and HHH lock-up again HHH gets a quick knee to the midsection. HHH punches away at Booker, but when he whips Booker into the corner Booker explodes out with a clothesline, knocking HHH down. Booker traps HHH in the corner and hits him with punches and chops before sending HHH off the ropes and hitting a back bodydrop. HHH rolls to the outside to buy some time. HHH slowly gets back into the ring. He tries a punch, but Booker was ready for him and he blocks. Booker comes off the ropes and hits HHH with a flying forearm! Cover, 1…2…HHH kicks out. Booker runs at HHH, but HHH pulls the top rope down and Booker tumbles to the outside and onto the floor.
Shawn Michaels approaches Booker, but Booker sees him and HBK backs off. HHH comes off the apron but Booker catches him with a punch to the midsection. Booker slams HHH into the ring steps before dropping him throat-first onto the barricade! Booker rolls HHH back in. HHH gets to his feet but Booker takes him out with a Harlem sidekick! Cover, 1…2…HHH kicks out! Booker sends HHH off the ropes and goes for another back bodydrop, only HHH puts on the brakes and hits the facebuster. HHH comes off the ropes and hits Booker with a a flying knee to the face. Cover, 1…2…Booker kicks out. HHH quickly locks in a sleeper and this completely slows Booker T down to a crawl. HHH gets Booker down and even puts his feet on the ropes for extra leverage. Booker looks out as referee Charles Robinson checks Booker’s arm to see if he’s still conscious. It drops twice, but the third time Booker comes to life! Booker gets back to a vertical base and breaks free, only to run into a HHH spinebuster! Cover, 1…2…Booker just kicks out!
HHH drops Booker with a neckbreaker and goes for another cover. 1…2…Booker kicks out again. HHH fires some punches at Booker, but Booker fires back. Booker hits some chops, but HHH gets a punch that staggers Booker. He locks in the sleeper again, only Booker hits a belly-to-back suplex! Booker and HHH get to their feet. They slug away at one another, but HHH gets a knee to the midsection. HHH sends Booker off the ropes and goes for the back bodydrop, only Booker changes his angle and hits HHH with the Scissors’ Kick! Booker then pops up with the Spinarooni! Booker kicks HHH and goes for a second Scissors’ Kick, but HHH moves out of the way. HHH kicks Booker, then quickly jumps up to the second rope. HHH comes off but Booker catches him…and plants him with the Bookend! Cover, 1…2…X-Pac jumps over the barrier from the crowd and pullsCharles Robinson out of the ring, with Robinson slamming against the floor.
X-Pac jumps into the ring and stomps away on Booker…but here come Total Impact: Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome! Total Impact walks down the ramp, but they get blindsided by Kevin Nash and Scott Hall! X-Pac joins the fight and the brawl is on! Total Impact and the Wolfpac brawl around the ring as HHH kicks Booker T. HHH sets Booker T up for the Pedigree, but Booker’s brother Stevie Ray jumps into the ring to stop him! Stevie Ray punches away at HHH. He sets Triple H up for the Slapjack (same move as the Pedigree), only Shawn Michaels catches him right in the jaw with Sweet Chin Music! HBK then turns his attention to Booker and stomps away on him. HHH goes to the outside and grabs the sledgehammer as HBK holds Booker up.
The crowd roars as thunder is heard across the arena!
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Mike Tenay: “HE’S HERE! It’s the ICON, STING!”
Sting comes down from the rafters, landing at the top of the ramp! Sting slowly walks up the ramp, bat in hand and Triple H demands that Sean O’Haire stop him. Just like at Halloween Havoc, O’Haire blocks Sting’s path at ringside…but this time O’Haire steps aside! Sting enters the ring and HHH goes right for him with the sledgehammer, only Sting ducks and nails HHH with the bat!HBK bails, but Eric Bischoff tries to sneak up on Sting. Bischoff has no luck, and Sting drops him with the Scorpion Deathdrop. Sting looks around, then slowly walks up the ramp.
Booker T crawls over to HHH and gets an arm on him. Charles Robinson is back in the ring and makes the count, 1…2…no! HHH just gets the shoulder up! Booker and HHH get to their feet. Booker sets HHH up for the Bookend, but HHH counters and sets Booker up for the Pedigree. Booker twists out, and this time plants HHH with the Bookend! 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 17:18
Mike Tenay: “I can’t believe what we just saw! We’re out of time, we’ll see you next week. Booker T is going to Starrcade!”
Nitro comes to a close with Shawn Michaels attending to Triple H in the ring. An angry Triple H looks at Sean O’Haire, who smiles as he still stands at ringside!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Ultimo Dragon pinned Psicosis
#1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship – One Fall
Diamond Dallas Page defeated Chuck Palumbo, William Regal, and Test when he pinned Test
Winner gets the WCW World Championship Match at Starrcade
Booker T pinned Triple H
Champions
WCW World Champion
Kurt Angle (Defeated Hulk Hogan on 11-30-02)
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
Rob Van Dam and Sabu (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles on 11-24-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Tajiri (Defeated Super Crazy on 11-24-02)
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. Booker T would win the WrestleWar to earn a WCW World Title shot at Starrcade 2002…and held off Triple H two nights later to hold onto that title shot
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 and defeated Benjamin at November to Remember. After eliminating Stone Cold Steve Austin in a War Rumble, Lesnar decided to anger Stone Cold…which bit him in the ass during the Final Battle.
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. He’ll be defending the title against DDP at Starrcade
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 would lose to Victoria at November to Remember…although she scarred Victoria by throwing tacks in her face
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. With the Giant reappearing, DDP wants a rematch with him, but had to settle for becoming the #1 Contender to Christian’s US Title
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. Guerrero would fail in his attempt to defeat Austin. Guerrero put on a good performance in his War Rumble as he entered #1 and made it nearly to the end. He got revenge on the man who eliminated him, Ric Flair, two nights later by costing Flair the WCW World Title
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
Gail Kim: – The former La Felina was destroyed by Victoria in the summer, but her triumphant return as Gail Kim led to a Women’s War Rumble victory and a title shot at Starrcade 2002
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. The Giant returned at the WrestleWar, injuring then-WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan before and after his failed title defense against Kurt Angle
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. The Giant would attack Hogan before and after that match, and he cost Hogan the title against Kurt Angle
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. Perhaps that doesn’t matter anymore as Angle would defeat Hulk Hogan to get his WCW World Title back at WrestleWar…and has a title match set with Booker T
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
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold
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. It looks like O’Haire may be on the outs though.
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. He was pinned by Rey Mysterio Jr. on the RISE before November to Remember. Survived Rey’s challenge at November to Remember
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. Unfortunately, he lost to Raven at N2R
Rhyno: – Injured at the end of the InVasion storyline, Rhyno was the last ECW World Champion when ECW closed it doors in the beginning of 2001. Due to his neck injury, he was forced to relinquish the championship. On the inaugural episode of RISE in December of 2001, Rhyno showed up to give up the title…but said that he’d be back to “fucking kill” whomever the ECW World Champion is. Looks like Raven is the lucky man.
Ric Flair: – Flair won his 17th World Championship from Stone Cold at Starrcade 2001…but lost it the next night to Kurt Angle. Angle injured Flair’s ankle and it was thought we’d never see Flair again, until Flair appeared in a War Rumble. Flair just fell short of winning it too as he lost to Brock Lesnar. His return title match against Kurt Angle two nights later ended in DQ thanks to Eddie Guerrero
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 has since dropped the ECW Title to Raven, but is a champion once again as he and Sabu knocked off Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles for the ECW tag straps at November to Remember. Just fell short at the WrestleWar’s Final Battle against Booker T.
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember
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 regained 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
Scott Steiner: – Scott Steiner showed up in a War Rumble as a member of the New World Order, but he fell short of winning as he was eliminated by Booker T
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. HHH played him in the War Rumble though…but O’Haire got his revenge by not stopping Sting when Sting appeared two nights later and cost HHH a match against Booker T
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. He faced off with his former friend and teammate Brock Lesnar at November to Remember, but failed to walk away with a victory
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…although he showed up to help his brother hold onto his title shot in a match with HHH.
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, then appeared six weeks later and cost Triple H a chance to become the #1 contender. His intentions are still unclear.
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 Austin would defeat him at N2R. Austin would be eliminated by Brock Lesnar in a War Rumble, but Austin took exception to Lesnar’s post-elimination antics…and in turn cost him the Final Battle
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title, but lost it in a three-way at November to Remember against Tajiri and Little Guido
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. Won the Cruiserweight title back 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. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember.
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. HHH fell short in the War Rumble, making it to the end but losing to Rob Van Dam. Two nights later HHH challenged Booker T for his WrestleWar title shot…but would lose after Sting reappeared
Ultimo Dragon: – Won his first round match against Psicosis in a tournament to determine who faces Tajiri at Starrcade for the World Cruiserweight Championship
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. Victoria survived a surprisingly violent encounter with Daffney at November to Remember 2002 and again on RISE three days later
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. It is likely they are finished after Total Impact destroyed them at November to Remember 2002
ECW RISE
December 5, 2002
Grand Olympic Auditorium
Los Angeles, CA
A limousine pulls into the parking lot…and out comes “Nature Boy” Ric Flair!
Tazz:“Joey, he’s really here!”
Joey Styles:“Oh my God…Ric Flair is at an ECW show?!”
Joey Styles:“Welcome to ECW RISE! You at home just moments ago saw that Ric Flair is here in Los Angeles…he said on Nitro he would be here to get revenge on Eddie Guerrero.”
Tazz:“Eddie has a busy night ahead of him, Joey.”
Joey Styles:“That’s right partner, tonight it’s a rematch from November to Remember, Eddie Guerrero takes on Stone Cold Steve Austin!”
Tazz:“Hey look, Joey, Paul Heyman is coming out here!”
Paul Heyman makes his way down to the ring with a microphone in hand.
Paul Heyman:“As much as you all in the crowd want to boo me, deep down inside you all know that there would be no ECW or ECW RISE without me. But I did something that none of you have been able to do. I let go. I moved on. ECW has passed its peak. I discovered the former NCAA Heavyweight Champion in Brock Lesnar. An invincible, invulnerable, indestructible beast who dominated ECW for the better part of 2002. But ECW wasn’t the only thing I moved on from in my career. Some of you may remember, but there was a time, back when I was known as Paul E. Dangerously, where I represented another superstar in the making. Someone who made a…stunning impression in the business. At one time I represented the interests of one Steve Austin. And I think I did a pretty damn good job considering who Steve Austin turned out to be. But Steve Austin knows that the clock is ticking on his career. Oh yeah, he said it himself, he needed Eddie Guerrero to fire himself up again! But what I did not expect was for Steve Austin to take out the pin and throw a grenade on his own career. Because that’s what he did when he attack Brock Lesnar with a steel chair and cost Brock Lesnar the WrestleWar. Now Brock Lesnar is not here tonight as he is recovering from those wounds, but he has request that I make a challenge on his behalf. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Brock Lesnar wants to tear you apart at Starrcade!”
“Glass Shatters” plays and here comes Stone Cold! Heyman cowers in fear as Austin grabs a mic and walks up to him.
Paul Heyman:“Please, Steve, remember, I’m just a…”
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“Shut up! You come out here, talking about how you made Steve Austin because at one time you were my manager. And you know, I’ll give you credit, you were one hell of a manager and you still are. But I’m insulted at the thought that you, Paul Heyman made Stone Cold. Only one man made Stone Cold and that’s me! As for Brock Lesnar, I accept his little challenge. I’m going to whip Brock Lesnar’s ass like it has never been whipped before! And since I don’t have any other options right now, I guess I’ll have to send a message back to Brock with the man standing right in front of me!”
Paul Heyman:“No! No! Steve! No! HELP!”
Stone Cold corners Paul Heyman…when shockingly Brock Lesnar’s music plays! Austin mouths to Heyman “You son of a bitch” as it looks like this may have been a trap. Brock Lesnar is in fact here! Lesnar runs down to the ring and he and Austin go at it! Lesnar and Austin trade blows, not giving one inch…before Eddie Guerrero jumps into the ring and attacks Austin! Guerrero and Lesnar get the upper hand on Austin…but here comes Ric Flair! Flair slides into the ring and chops away at Guerrero! Lesnar tries to attack Flair, but Flair gets a mule kick low blow! Another chop to Guerrero sends him over the top rope, and Austin gets a couple more punches on Brock, who also gets sent through the ropes. Austin and Flair have cleared the ring, but then the two former rivals lock eyes!
Joey Styles:“There’s no love lost between these two, that’s for sure!”
With Guerrero and Lesnar retreating, Austin picks up the microphone.
Stone Cold Steve Austin:“No no, you two ain’t getting away that easy! This is the way I see things. Eddie Guerrero I already whipped your ass at November to Remember and yeah, I was ready to do it again tonight. But something tells me that the man standing next to me, the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, wants a piece of your ass tonight! And hell I’d like to not have to wait to Starrcade to kick Brock Lesnar’s ass! How bout it tough guys? Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero against the “Nature Boy” and Stone Cold?”
Ric Flair starts to strut and bounce off the ropes in the ring. Paul Heyman responds to Stone Cold.
Paul Heyman:“You’re on!”
Tazz:“Whoa! That’s a huge match, Joey!”
Joey Styles:“This might be the biggest tag team match in ECW history!”
Stone Cold and Ric Flair stare one another down once again. Flair lets out a WOOO! before RISE cuts to commercial.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Joey Styles:“Welcome back everyone to ECW RISE. What a crazy night it has been so far. We’re changing gears as tonight we have two matches that are part of a tournament to determine the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship held by Tajiri. On Nitro the Ultimo Dragon defeated Psicosis in a Round 1 victory. In just moments we will see two ECW mainstays, Super Crazy and Little Guido will face off in another one-on-one first round matchup.”
Tazz:“And later, Joey, we’re getting Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr.! You think that tomato Torrie will be out here?”
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Little Guido (w/ Sal E) vs. Super Crazy
Guido tries to mouth off to Crazy, but Crazy smacks him right in the face. Crazy quickly tries a springboard moonsault, only Guido steps out of the way. Crazy lands on his feet but Guido gets a boot to the midsection and hits a swinging neckbreaker. Cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Guido hits Crazy with some chops, but Crazy reverses a whip into the corner. Guido stumbles out of the corner and Crazy hits him with a spinning heel kick. Crazy covers, 1…2…Guido kicks out. Crazy stomps away on Guido before trying to send him into the corner, but Guido reverses the whip and then hits a running European uppercut. Guido then takes Crazy down with the Sicilian Slice and gets the cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Guido stomps away on Crazy in the corner, then mouths off to the crowd.
Guido goes for an Italian Rocker Dropper, but Crazy moves out of the way and Guido ends up legdropping the canvas. Springboard moonsault from Crazy connects. 1…2…Guido kicks out. Crazy slams Guido, then drags him to the corner. Crazy hits a moonsault off the bottom and second turnbuckles, but Big Sal shakes the top rope when Crazy leaps to the top, crotching Crazy. Guido then hooks his head under Crazy’s arm and hits a top rope belly-to-back suplex! Guido with the cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out! Guido’s temper begins to flare as he yells at referee Jim Molineaux about the count. Guido dumps Crazy to the outside before yelling at Mollineaux again. Big Sal whips Crazy into the steel railing, but Crazy moves when Big Sal tries to avalanche him, and Sal spills into the crowd! Crazy leaps onto the apron and tries for a springboard spinning heel kick, but Guido moves and Crazy accidentally grazes Mollineaux! Guido goes for a powerbomb, but Crazy turns it into a victory roll…but there’s no referee. Crazy powerbombs Guido in the middle of the ring, then hits the moonsault from the top rope. Crazy has Guido covered, but Johnny Stamboli runs down the ramp and to the top rope…and hits a flying legdrop! Stamboli puts Guido on Crazy as Mollineaux regains his bearings, 1…2…3!
Winner: Little Guido by pinfall in 7:03
Guido raises his hand in victory as Johnny Stamboli and Big Sal accompany him up the ramp. Super Crazy slams the canvas in frustration as he clearly got screwed here.
***
The crowd pops as ECW Commissioner Mick Foley makes his way out to the ring!
Mick Foley:“It’s always a pleasure for me to be right here in Los Angeles! Now I know this is an ECW and going for the cheap pop is a surefire to get this great crowd to boo me. So we’ll quickly move onto official ECW business. Last week, due to the actions of a medically uncleared competitor, in this case, Rhyno, I had to make a very tough decision. This was a decision I did not feel particularly good about as I understand Rhyno spent his Thanksgiving holiday in a jail cell. I apologize to Rhyno’s family for that result, but he had left me no choice. Over the holiday weekend I did two things. One, I watched the WrestleWar. And two, I spoke in length with Stephanie McMahon about what we can do for Rhyno as I understand there’s a chance he will never be cleared to compete again. I’ve been told that Rhyno has been spotted in the building tonight. I’m inviting him into the ring so I can tell him his options.”
After a few moments, Rhyno appears in the crowd and makes his way towards the ring.
Mick Foley:“Welcome, Rhyno. This is the first time since you’ve appeared that I can officially welcome you back.”
Rhyno:“Let’s make this fucking clear Mick Foley. I spent my Thanksgiving away from my family in a cell because of you. So if you don’t say something soon that I like, I’m gonna fucking tear you apart!”
Mick Foley:“I understand your anger and frustration, but you know if you do that you’ll never get a chance at the ECW World Championship!”
Rhyno:“So why am I out here, Foley? You read through the records. You know my neck is fucked. What are these options?”
Mick Foley:“Next week on RISE, there is currently scheduled a five-man Extreme Brawl to determine who will face ECW World Champion Raven at Starrcade. The five competitors: Jerry Lynn. AJ Styles. Bam Bam Bigelow. Sabu. And Rob Van Dam! But, if certain conditions are met, this can become a six-man match as opposed to just five!”
Rhyno:“Keep talkin’ Foley.”
Mick Foley:“When the bell rings for that match, if you can either provide medical clearance to compete, or sign a waiver that absolves ECW and Stephanie McMahon any liability or responsibility if you were to compete without clearance and get injured, you will be added to the match.”
Rhyno:“So let me make sure I got this straight. If I sign that piece of paper and I break my neck out there. I can’t provide for my family anymore? I don’t get nothing from ECW or anything?”
Mick Foley:“That’s right. That’s the decision you’ll have to make. Or, find a doctor to clear you. You have a week to decide.”
Mick Foley walks off, and for the first time since he returned, Rhyno looks unsure of himself as RISE cuts to commercial.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
When RISE returns, Rhyno is shown walking in the parking lot. He throws a duffle bag at his rental car, then bashes the car several time in frustration.
Joey Styles:“What a decision Rhyno must make if he wants to regain the title he never lost, the ECW World Championship.”
Tazz:“That’s a tough one for sure. I resonate with Rhyno, I do. As you all may remember I had to call it a career due to neck injuries earlier this year and there was some discussion with Stephanie McMahon about continuing on but I had to sign a waiver to do so. I couldn’t do it, Joey.”
Joey Styles:“And what a match set for next week’s RISE. We’ll find out who will face ECW World Champion Raven at Starrcade as WrestleWar winner Booker T has chosen to go after the WCW World Championship.”
Benjamin evades Malice as Malice tries to land punches. Malice misses a wild one and Benjamin lands blows. Malice backdrops Benjamin over the top rope, but Benjamin lands on the apron. Benjamin hits Malice with a forearm, then leaps into the ring with a sunset flip. 1…that’s all as Malice powers out immediately. Benjamin runs at Malice but Malice catches him with a clothesline that slows him down. Malice jumps to the outside to grab a chair, then heads to the top rope with it…but when he comes down Benjamin dropkicks the chair back in his face! Benjamin with the cover, 1…2…Malice kicks out! Benjamin hits a couple of kicks then comes off the ropes. Malice tries to catch him with a slam, but Benjamin lands on his feet then hits an enzugiri. Benjamin sets Malice up for the T-Bone Suplex, but Malice is too strong and elbows out. Benjamin runs at Malice but Malice catches him with a boot to the face, then waves towards the stage. Crush and Wrath make their way down to the ring…but Benjamin rolls Malice up, 1…2…3!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin via pinfall in 3:15 (Retains)
Crush and Wrath slide into the ring and Wrath immediately clotheslines Benjamin down. Crush and Wrath beat the hell out of him before Malice gets back to his feet. Malice grabs Benjamin and plants him with a powerbomb! Crush and Wrath then grab Benjamin by the throat and slam him down with a double chokeslam!
***
RISE cuts to a dark room full of spiderwebs and candles. The camera pans to Victoria, who is facing away from the camera and wearing La Felina’s mask. Victoria turns around, and as we see the hole in the mask that Victoria made with a knife two weeks ago. Victoria takes off the mask and the camera stays with the mask as opposed to Victoria’s face. Victoria lights the mask on fire and tosses it to the floor. The camera then pans to Victoria’s face, which still has scarring from Daffney’s actions at November to Remember.
***
Joey Styles:“What a night is has been, Tazz. Coming up next, in an ECW ring, we have two of the all-time great WCW Cruiserweights competing in the #1 Contender’s Tournament. Earlier, we saw Little Guido get a tainted victory over Super Crazy. The winner of this match between Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman will take on Guido in the Semi-Finals.”
Tazz:“And oh wow, Joey. Look at Torrie!”
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
Kidman and Rey shake hands before they lock-up. Kidman sends Rey off the ropes and leapfrogs him, then gets a monkey flip, only Rey lands on his feet. Kidman runs at Rey but Rey ducks and Kidman goes flying over the top rope and onto the floor. Rey leaps off the apron and hits Kidman with a diving hurricanrana! Rey slides Kidman back into the ring and leaps onto the apron. Rey springboards off the top rope, but Kidman catches him with a dropkick in midair! Kidman covers Rey, 1…2…Rey kicks out. Kidman sends Rey into the corner but Rey catches the charging Kidman with a headscissors into the ropes. Rey comes off the ropes and hits the 6-1-9! Rey again tries to springboard off the top rope from the apron, but Kidman catches the diving hurricanrana attempt and counters with a sitout powerbomb! 1…2…Rey kicks out as World Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri slowly makes his way out to ringside.
Kidman punches away at Rey before sending him off the ropes, but Rey counters from the wheelbarrow position and hits a bulldog headlock. Tajiri begins to stalk his ex-girlfriend Torrie around the ring. Rey sees this and stops Tajiri with a baseball slide! Rey yells at Tajiri to “get the hell out of here” as Mikey Whipwreck jumps into the ring and attacks Kidman. Whipwreck makes the mistake of trying to powerbomb Kidman, and Kidman counters with a facebuster. Saturn, Wrath, Crush, and Malice all come down to the ring. Rey and Kidman try to fight them off with dropkicks, but the numbers game is too much. Saturn drops Rey on his head and Crush and Wrath double chokeslam Kidman. Malice knocks referee John Finnegan out and despite this being in an ECW ring, the match never reaches a conclusion.
Winner: No Contest due to interference in 5:58
Raven’s Warriors continue to beat down Kidman and Rey as Torrie looks on in horror. Malice and Wrath have them set up for powerbombs…but Shelton Benjamin runs down and hits them both with a springboard double clothesline! Still, the numbers game isn’t in Benjamin, Mysterio, or Kidman’s favor, but that changes in one quick moment!
“OOOOOO WHAT A RUSH!”
Hawk and Animal make their way down to the ring, chairs in hand! Animal gets a couple shots in on Saturn and Crush, but the Warriors escape….except for Mikey Whipwreck. Animal puts Mikey on his shoulders…and they hit him with the Doomsday Device!Kidman and Rey get back to their feet and they look disappointed as there wasn’t a winner in their match, so it looks like Tajiri may have gotten what he was hoping for despite having to retreat.
***
Little Guido is backstage with members of the FBI. He was watching the monitor and gets excited, proclaiming that he should be in the Finals of the tournament now.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Joey Styles:“We’re back with RISE. I’m sick of that damn cult of Raven’s sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong.”
Tazz:“Joey, what’s going to happen? Is there going to be another match for Kidman and Rey?”
Joey Styles:“I have no idea. I assume we’ll find out on Nitro. Anyway, we still have one more match tonight, and partner, it may be the biggest match in ECW history.”
Tazz:“I never thought I’d see the day where “Nature Boy” Ric Flair would wrestle in an ECW ring, that’s for sure. Flair is going to team with Stone Cold Steve Austin against Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero? Just wild, Joey.”
Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Ric Flair and Stone Cold Steve Austin
Austin and Lesnar meet on the ramp and punch away at one another while Eddie tries to run away from Flair through the crowd! Austin and Lesnar’s brawl spills out to the announcer’s desk position. Austin has the upperhand until Paul Heyman desperately tries to pry Austin off Lesnar. This gets Austin’s attention as Heyman runs for his life, but as soon as Austin turns back to Lesnar he gets smashed over the head with a steel chair, busting him wide open! Lesnar throws Austin into the brick wall themed stage, knocking the stage over with scaffolding falling all over the place. Flair has chased Eddie into the ring and is chopping away at him. Eddie tries to get the upperhand, but Flair hits him with a backdrop. With Austin incapacitated, Lesnar makes his way down to the ring. Flair stomps away on Eddie but sees Lesnar heading down. Flair stands in the ring waiting for him, but gets hit with a low blow by Eddie.
Lesnar comes into the ring and buries his shoulder into the midsection of Flair, then hits him with a belly-to-belly suplex that sends Flair flying into the center of the ring. Flair backs off but Lesnar hits him with a couple of hard forearms. Lesnar roars to the crowd…allowing Flair to kick him below the belt! Flair pokes Lesnar in the eye, then rolls to the outside to grab a steel chair. Flair comes back into the ring ready to smash Lesnar with the chair, but Eddie stops him and knocks him down from behind. Eddie hooks up Flair and hits him with a suplex. He then swivels his hips and hits Flair with a second suplex. One more time completes the trifecta. Eddie covers Flair, 1…2…Flair kicks out! Flair hits Eddie with a couple of punches to the midsection. Flair rolls Eddie up, 1…2…Lesnar breaks up the pin by pulling Flair off the small package. Lesnar takes the chair and levels Flair, leading to blood splattering all over the ring and through Flair’s hair. Lesnar prepares to hit Flair again, but Paul Heyman screams to get Lesnar’s attention…a bloodied Stone Cold is back on his feet and his stomping to the ring, chair in hand!
Lesnar sticks his head through the ropes...and Austin wallops him over the head with the chair! Austin slides into the ring and beats the living hell out of Lesnar with the chair! Eddie pulls the chair away from Austin, only for Austin to kick him and drop him with a Stunner! Lesnar rolls out of the ring and Austin goes after him. They brawl against the railing until both men spill into the crowd. Their fight continues through the crowd. In the ring, both Flair and Eddie are laid out, until Flair crawls over and gets an arm on Eddie. 1…2…Chavo Guerrero Jr. jumps into the ring to break the pin up. Chavo stomps away on Flair, but Flair suddenly gets a second wind and chops away at Chavo! Flair trips Chavo up, then locks him in the Figure Four! Chavo screams in pain, but unbeknownst to Flair, Eddie has climbed to the top rope. Eddie nails Flair with the Frog Splash as he still had Chavo locked in the Figure Four and couldn’t move out of the way. Eddie covers Flair, 1…2…3!
Winners: Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero when Eddie pinned Ric Flair in 12:41
RISE quickly cuts from Eddie Guerrero’s celebration to the parking lot, where uniformed officers and Commissioner Mick Foley try to stop Stone Cold and Brock Lesnar from fighting. The two can’t be separated, but the brawl stops when Lesnar is able to slam Austin’s head through the side window of his pick-up truck! Paul Heyman gets in front of Lesnar to stop him, and Lesnar gets his wrists ziptied…as does Austin. The show goes off the air with Austin telling Lesnar that he’s a dead man!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Little Guido pinned Super Crazy
ECW Television Championship
Shelton Benjamin pinned Malice (Benjamin retains)
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr. wrestled to a no-contest
Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero defeated Ric Flair and Stone Cold Steve Austin when Guerrero pinned Flair
Champions
WCW World Champion
Kurt Angle (Defeated Hulk Hogan on 11-30-02)
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
Rob Van Dam and Sabu (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles on 11-24-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Tajiri (Defeated Super Crazy on 11-24-02)
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
Billy Kidman: – It has been an up and down year for Kidman. After some early battles with Raven and his Warriors, Kidman challenged Christian thoughout the year for the US Title but didn’t win the title. He’s now again become a target of Raven’s Warriors mostly due to his past with Raven and his friendship with Rey Mysterio Jr.
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. Booker T would win the WrestleWar to earn a WCW World Title shot at Starrcade 2002…and held off Triple H two nights later to hold onto that title shot
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 and defeated Benjamin at November to Remember. After eliminating Stone Cold Steve Austin in a War Rumble, Lesnar decided to anger Stone Cold…which bit him in the ass during the Final Battle. Lesnar will have the biggest match of career at Starrcade when he faces Stone Cold
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. He’ll be defending the title against DDP at Starrcade
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 would lose to Victoria at November to Remember…although she scarred Victoria by throwing tacks in her face
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. With the Giant reappearing, DDP wants a rematch with him, but had to settle for becoming the #1 Contender to Christian’s US Title
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. Guerrero would fail in his attempt to defeat Austin. Guerrero put on a good performance in his War Rumble as he entered #1 and made it nearly to the end. He got revenge on the man who eliminated him, Ric Flair, two nights later by costing Flair the WCW World Title. Scored a pinfall on Flair on RISE as well
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
Gail Kim: – The former La Felina was destroyed by Victoria in the summer, but her triumphant return as Gail Kim led to a Women’s War Rumble victory and a title shot at Starrcade 2002
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. The Giant returned at the WrestleWar, injuring then-WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan before and after his failed title defense against Kurt Angle
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. The Giant would attack Hogan before and after that match, and he cost Hogan the title against Kurt Angle
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. Perhaps that doesn’t matter anymore as Angle would defeat Hulk Hogan to get his WCW World Title back at WrestleWar…and has a title match set with Booker T
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
Legion of Doom: – Veteran legendary tag team has reappeared recently, going after former rivals Kronik (now Crush and Wrath)…which in turn has dragged them into the entire Raven’s Warriors situation
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold. He won his 1st Round match in the #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship tournament
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. It looks like O’Haire may be on the outs though.
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. He was pinned by Rey Mysterio Jr. on the RISE before November to Remember. Survived Rey’s challenge at November to Remember
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. Unfortunately, he lost to Raven at N2R. Raven’s Warriors also cost him a chance at Tajiri’s Cruiserweight Championship as well
Rhyno: – Injured at the end of the InVasion storyline, Rhyno was the last ECW World Champion when ECW closed it doors in the beginning of 2001. Due to his neck injury, he was forced to relinquish the championship. On the inaugural episode of RISE in December of 2001, Rhyno showed up to give up the title…but said that he’d be back to “fucking kill” whomever the ECW World Champion is. Looks like Raven is the lucky man. Rhyno has the opportunity to compete in a #1 Contender’s Match for the ECW World Title…but has to relieve ECW of any legal liability if he gets injured in order to do so
Ric Flair: – Flair won his 17th World Championship from Stone Cold at Starrcade 2001…but lost it the next night to Kurt Angle. Angle injured Flair’s ankle and it was thought we’d never see Flair again, until Flair appeared in a War Rumble. Flair just fell short of winning it too as he lost to Brock Lesnar. His return title match against Kurt Angle two nights later ended in DQ thanks to Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero got a pin on him in a tag match on RISE
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 has since dropped the ECW Title to Raven, but is a champion once again as he and Sabu knocked off Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles for the ECW tag straps at November to Remember. Just fell short at the WrestleWar’s Final Battle against Booker T.
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember
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 regained 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
Scott Steiner: – Scott Steiner showed up in a War Rumble as a member of the New World Order, but he fell short of winning as he was eliminated by Booker T
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. HHH played him in the War Rumble though…but O’Haire got his revenge by not stopping Sting when Sting appeared two nights later and cost HHH a match against Booker T
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. He faced off with his former friend and teammate Brock Lesnar at November to Remember, but failed to walk away with a victory. He’s now become a target of Raven’s Warriors
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…although he showed up to help his brother hold onto his title shot in a match with HHH.
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, then appeared six weeks later and cost Triple H a chance to become the #1 contender. His intentions are still unclear.
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 Austin would defeat him at N2R. Austin would be eliminated by Brock Lesnar in a War Rumble, but Austin took exception to Lesnar’s post-elimination antics…and in turn cost him the Final Battle. Austin accepted a challenge from Lesnar for a match at Starrcade
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title, but lost it in a three-way at November to Remember against Tajiri and Little Guido
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. Won the Cruiserweight title back 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. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember.
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. HHH fell short in the War Rumble, making it to the end but losing to Rob Van Dam. Two nights later HHH challenged Booker T for his WrestleWar title shot…but would lose after Sting reappeared
Ultimo Dragon: – Won his first round match against Psicosis in a tournament to determine who faces Tajiri at Starrcade for the World Cruiserweight Championship
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. Victoria survived a surprisingly violent encounter with Daffney at November to Remember 2002 and again on RISE three days later
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. It is likely they are finished after Total Impact destroyed them at November to Remember 2002
WCW Worldwide
December 7, 2002
Aladdin Casino Center Paradise, NV
Scott Hudson: “Scott Hudson here, welcome to Worldwide. We’re kicking things off today here in Las Vegas, Nevada with the Ultimo Dragon!”
***
Taka Michinoku vs. Ultimo Dragon
Taka and Dragon circle around one another. Dragon keeps his distance with kicks. Taka breaks through Dragon’s defenses and sends him off the ropes, but Dragon counters with a jumping back kick. Dragon hits Taka with a European uppercut, then armdrags Taka. Dragon sends Taka off the ropes and drops down, then backdrops him! Taka bails to the outside, but the Dragon comes off the ropes and fakes a suicide dive, confusing Taka. Taka turns back around towards the ring and Dragon then hits him with the suicide dive through the ropes! Dragon grabs Taka on the apron and tries to suplex him into the ring, but Taka lands on his feet then hits Dragon with a German suplex! Taka dropkicks Dragon in the back of the head, sending Dragon to the outside. Taka then springboards off the top rope, but Dragon moves and Taka crashes and burns on the ramp! Dragon hops onto the apron and hits the move he invented, the springboard Asai Moonsault!
Dragon rolls Taka back into the ring and covers him, 1…2…Taka just kicks out. Dragon traps Taka in the corner and hits him with rapid fire kicks. Taka counters an Irish whip though and sends Dragon into the corner. Taka hits a flying leg lariat and lands on the apron. As Dragon stumbles out of the corner, Taka quickly climbs up to the top rope and hits a missile dropkick to the back of Dragon’s head! Taka covers, 1…2…Dragon kicks out. Taka looks surprised, but calls for the Michinoku Driver. Taka picks Dragon up, but Dragon slides behind Taka, hooking his head and locking in the Dragon Sleeper! There’s nowhere to go for Taka and he taps out!
Winner: Ultimo Dragon via submission in 6:16
Scott Hudson: “Solid victory for Ultimo Dragon. Dragon will face the winner of La Parka vs. Juventud Guerrera in the Semi-Finals of the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship. La Parka vs. Guerrera will take place on Nitro! When we return, a rare special appearance from the legend Greg “The Hammer” Valentine!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Disco Inferno (w/Alex Wright) vs. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine
Valentine tries to grapple with Disco, but Disco evades him…before dancing. Valentine and Disco eventually lock-up and Valentine gets an easy hip toss. Disco takes exception and hits Valentine with a couple of chops. Disco tries a hip toss, but Valentine just levels him with a clothesline. Valentine drops a hard hammer elbow to the back of Disco’s head, then locks him in a rear chinlock. Valentine picks up Disco and hits a backbreaker. Cover, 1…2…Disco kicks out. Alex Wright gets on the apron, but Disco quickly elbows him off. This allows Disco to hit Valentine with a swinging neckbreaker. Cover from Disco, 1…2…Valentine kicks out. Disco hits Valentine with a Russian legsweep, then locks in a rear chinlock of his own.
Valentine powers out and drops Disco with a belly-to-back suplex! Disco gets back to his feet, but gets knocked right back down by a hard knife-edged chop! Alex Wright runs into the ring but Valentine takes him out with a hard chop as well! Disco gets a kick to the midsection and spikes Valentine with a piledriver. Disco wastes time by dancing towards the crowd…and Valentine just gets right back up. Disco turns around into a Valentine kick, and Valentine then spikes him with his own piledriver! Valentine then drops the Hammer Elbow Drop! 1…2…3!
Winner: Greg Valentine via pinfall in 4:28
Greg Valentine waves to the crowd after the victory, as Alex Wright checks on Disco Inferno.
***
Scott Hudson: “We are just 22 days away from Starrcade 2002, coming to you live from Ball One Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday, December 29! Tickets were sold out, but extra seats are becoming made available due to demand. There have already been some major matches signed for the show. Booker T will get his Starrcaderematch against Kurt Angle, only this time it will be for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Stone Cold Steve Austin accepted the challenge from Brock Lesnar in a match that should be one for the ages. There are still a lot of matches yet to be determined. This past week on Nitro we saw Sting make yet another appearance…how will he make his mark at Starrcade? How about Triple H, who desperately is looking for a way to become WCW World Champion again. Also, I’ve been informed that after the events of this past Thursday’s ECW RISE, Ric Flair will take on Eddie Guerrero at Starrcade! Eddie stole a pin from Flair in a tag team match last Thursday thanks to the interference of Eddie’s nephew, Chavo Guerrero Jr. We have one more match left today, and it will feature Chavo. Lastly, there is some major news. WCW Worldwide in some capacity has been airing weekly since 1975. But next week will be the last episode of WCW Worldwide. We’re expecting it to be a major show. 27 years will come to a conclusion next week, don’t miss it!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. Kid Romeo
Chavo and Romeo lock-up and Chavo takes him down with a snapmare takeover. Chavo gets a couple of knees to the side of the head, and then to the midsection. Romeo surprises him with a leg lariat and a quick cover, 1…2…, Chavo kicks out. Romeo hits another leg lariat and then armdrags Chavo. Chavo wrestles his way out of of the resulting armbar, then chops Romeo in the corner. Chavo then hits Romeo with a perfect standing dropkick. Cover, 1…2…Romeo kicks out. Belly-to-back suplex from Chavo. Chavo runs Romeo into the corner, then props him on the top rope. Romeo elbows Chavo off the top rope, but Chavo sidesteps the flying crossbody from Romeo. Chavo slams Romeo and hits a legdrop. Romeo gets back to his feet with punches to Chavo’s midsection, but Chavo stops him with a knee. Chavo hooks Romeo’s head and brings him to the corner, then spikes him with the Tornado DDT! Chavo covers, 1…2…3!
Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr. via pinfall in 3:04
Scott Hudson: “That’s our show for today! We’ll see you next week for our last episode of Worldwide…wait…that’s Ric Flair!”
Ric Flair jumps into the ring from the crowd and attacks Chavo Guerrero Jr. from behind! Flair punches away at Chavo’s head, cutting him open with some kind of foreign object in his hand. Flair tosses Chavo to the floor and sends him into the steel steps, then chops the hell out of him against the ring post. Flair sends Chavo into the timekeeper’s table before grabbing a microphone!
Ric Flair: “Hey! Hey! In case you didn’t notice that was a message for Guerrero! You want to bring your family into this? Well I’ll take out your family then! I’ve been back for six days and already you’ve cost me everything! Well I’ll cost you everything! I’m the “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, WOOOO! We’re in Las Vegas, baby. I’m gonna style and profile all over town. You want a piece Guerrero? Come here to Nitro! I’ll leave you like I just left your nephew! WOOOO!”
Scott Hudson: “Ric Flair has sent a challenge for Eddie Guerrero for Nitro! We’re out of time today, we will see you next week!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Ultimo Dragon defeated Taka Michinoku by submission
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine pinned Disco Inferno
Chavo Guerrero Jr. pinned Kid Romeo
Champions
WCW World Champion
Kurt Angle (Defeated Hulk Hogan on 11-30-02)
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
Rob Van Dam and Sabu (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles on 11-24-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Tajiri (Defeated Super Crazy on 11-24-02)
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. They took out Dreamer and Sandman for seemingly for good at N2R
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
Billy Kidman: – It has been an up and down year for Kidman. After some early battles with Raven and his Warriors, Kidman challenged Christian thoughout the year for the US Title but didn’t win the title. He’s now again become a target of Raven’s Warriors mostly due to his past with Raven and his friendship with Rey Mysterio Jr.
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. Booker T would win the WrestleWar to earn a WCW World Title shot at Starrcade 2002…and held off Triple H two nights later to hold onto that title shot
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 and defeated Benjamin at November to Remember. After eliminating Stone Cold Steve Austin in a War Rumble, Lesnar decided to anger Stone Cold…which bit him in the ass during the Final Battle. Lesnar will have the biggest match of career at Starrcade when he faces Stone Cold
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. He’ll be defending the title against DDP at Starrcade
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 would lose to Victoria at November to Remember…although she scarred Victoria by throwing tacks in her face
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. With the Giant reappearing, DDP wants a rematch with him, but had to settle for becoming the #1 Contender to Christian’s US Title
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. Guerrero would fail in his attempt to defeat Austin. Guerrero put on a good performance in his War Rumble as he entered #1 and made it nearly to the end. He got revenge on the man who eliminated him, Ric Flair, two nights later by costing Flair the WCW World Title. Scored a pinfall on Flair on RISE as well
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
Gail Kim: – The former La Felina was destroyed by Victoria in the summer, but her triumphant return as Gail Kim led to a Women’s War Rumble victory and a title shot at Starrcade 2002
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. The Giant returned at the WrestleWar, injuring then-WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan before and after his failed title defense against Kurt Angle
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. The Giant would attack Hogan before and after that match, and he cost Hogan the title against Kurt Angle
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. Perhaps that doesn’t matter anymore as Angle would defeat Hulk Hogan to get his WCW World Title back at WrestleWar…and has a title match set with Booker T
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
Legion of Doom: – Veteran legendary tag team has reappeared recently, going after former rivals Kronik (now Crush and Wrath)…which in turn has dragged them into the entire Raven’s Warriors situation
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold. He won his 1st Round match in the #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship tournament
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. It looks like O’Haire may be on the outs though.
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. He was pinned by Rey Mysterio Jr. on the RISE before November to Remember. Survived Rey’s challenge at November to Remember
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. Unfortunately, he lost to Raven at N2R. Raven’s Warriors also cost him a chance at Tajiri’s Cruiserweight Championship as well
Rhyno: – Injured at the end of the InVasion storyline, Rhyno was the last ECW World Champion when ECW closed it doors in the beginning of 2001. Due to his neck injury, he was forced to relinquish the championship. On the inaugural episode of RISE in December of 2001, Rhyno showed up to give up the title…but said that he’d be back to “fucking kill” whomever the ECW World Champion is. Looks like Raven is the lucky man. Rhyno has the opportunity to compete in a #1 Contender’s Match for the ECW World Title…but has to relieve ECW of any legal liability if he gets injured in order to do so
Ric Flair: – Flair won his 17th World Championship from Stone Cold at Starrcade 2001…but lost it the next night to Kurt Angle. Angle injured Flair’s ankle and it was thought we’d never see Flair again, until Flair appeared in a War Rumble. Flair just fell short of winning it too as he lost to Brock Lesnar. His return title match against Kurt Angle two nights later ended in DQ thanks to Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero got a pin on him in a tag match on RISE
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 has since dropped the ECW Title to Raven, but is a champion once again as he and Sabu knocked off Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles for the ECW tag straps at November to Remember. Just fell short at the WrestleWar’s Final Battle against Booker T.
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember
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 regained 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
Scott Steiner: – Scott Steiner showed up in a War Rumble as a member of the New World Order, but he fell short of winning as he was eliminated by Booker T
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. HHH played him in the War Rumble though…but O’Haire got his revenge by not stopping Sting when Sting appeared two nights later and cost HHH a match against Booker T
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. He faced off with his former friend and teammate Brock Lesnar at November to Remember, but failed to walk away with a victory. He’s now become a target of Raven’s Warriors
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…although he showed up to help his brother hold onto his title shot in a match with HHH.
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, then appeared six weeks later and cost Triple H a chance to become the #1 contender. His intentions are still unclear.
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 Austin would defeat him at N2R. Austin would be eliminated by Brock Lesnar in a War Rumble, but Austin took exception to Lesnar’s post-elimination antics…and in turn cost him the Final Battle. Austin accepted a challenge from Lesnar for a match at Starrcade
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title, but lost it in a three-way at November to Remember against Tajiri and Little Guido
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. Won the Cruiserweight title back 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. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember.
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. HHH fell short in the War Rumble, making it to the end but losing to Rob Van Dam. Two nights later HHH challenged Booker T for his WrestleWar title shot…but would lose after Sting reappeared
Ultimo Dragon: – Won his first round match against Psicosis in a tournament to determine who faces Tajiri at Starrcade for the World Cruiserweight Championship
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. Victoria survived a surprisingly violent encounter with Daffney at November to Remember 2002 and again on RISE three days later
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. It is likely they are finished after Total Impact destroyed them at November to Remember 2002
WCW Monday Night Nitro
December 9, 2002
Thomas and Mack Center
Paradise, NV
Metro Police camera footage is shown of the aftermath of an automobile accident that took place early Monday on the morning of December 9. Mike Awesome, Lance Storm, and Dawn Marie are shown checking on Chris Candido, who had to be taken to the hospital. Their car was run off South Las Vegas Boulevard by Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, X-Pac, and Mickie James, all who were taken into custody by Metro.
Mike Tenay: “Ladies and gentlemen we’ve been informed that members of the New World Order attempted what seems to be vehicular manslaughter on Total Impact. Chris Candido was taken to Summerlin Medical Center on the westside of Las Vegas and is in stable condition. Mike Awesome and Lance Storm I understand are also being treated for injuries, Dawn Marie is there as well. We’re waiting for updates about Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, X-Pac, and Mickie James as they were taken into custody by Metro police. We’ll update as we get more information.”
Mike Tenay: “What a wild day this has already been. Welcome to Nitro everyone, I’m Mike Tenay, with Don West.”
Don West: “Wild isn’t the word. But I have it on good sources that Nash, Hall, Mickie, and Pac, they all are already out!”
Mike Tenay: “How could you know that, Don? They went too far!”
Don West: “Just going by what my sources tell me! Oh, wow, and here comes “The Game”! What a night this is going to be!”
Mike Tenay: “You have to imagine Triple H is not happy after Sting showed up again last week and cost him an opportunity at the WCW World Championship!”
***
Triple H and Shawn Michaels make their way down to the ring. HHH looks especially angry. HBK hands HHH a mic.
Triple H: “You know I really don’t understand why this relic of a past time, of a past version of WCW has decided to come into my world, my company and stick his nose into my business. Why this face-painted freak made the decision that cost me my title. What Sting has to understand that this isn’t the old days of WCW. This is Triple H’s WCW. This is Triple H’s NWO. He had no story in this place…that is, until Halloween Havoc. Sting made what is now the second biggest mistake of his life when he cost me the WCW World Championship in my match with Hulk Hogan. Now I say the second biggest mistake, because this one, believe it or not, he was going to get away with. He came and went, disappeared for a month. I thought he got the message loud and clear. Hey, sometimes the old timers come back for a big pop, I get it. I was willing to give him a pass as long as he never showed his face in my company again.”
Triple H: “But then, last week on Nitro, Sting appeared once more and made the biggest mistake of not only his career, but his life. When he hit me with that baseball bat, he made the decision to not be able to walk years from now with his kids and grandkids. He made the decision that he wanted his body broken in every way possible. He made the decision to become a victim of the Cerebral Assassin. Those consequences I just listed, they happen tonight! I don’t care who has to find him, who has to make the call. Eric, I know you’re busy getting Kevin and Scott out of jail, find the time, call him. Shane McMahon, I’m sure you know where this freak is. Call him. Tell him to get here. Shawn and I, we’re not leaving until Sting steps into this ring and I end him! I don’t care if it takes all night!”
Triple H and Shawn Michaels stand in the ring as a couple of ringside security officer try to convince them to leave the ring. But then…thunder is heard and lightning strikes the entrance way!
Mike Tenay: “Triple H doesn’t have to wait long!”
Don West: “No way! Sting is here!”
Sting appears at the entrance and walks down to the ring! Triple H looks ready to tear right into him, but Shawn Michaels tries to calm him down. HHH backs off slightly though as when Sting walks up the steel steps, he smirks at HHH and pulls out his baseball bat. Sting steps into the ring and the crowd comes unglued!
“STING!” “STING!” “STING!”
Sting: “Boy have I missed this this feeling! There’s nothing like being right here in the ring on MONDAY NIGHT NITRO! WOOOOO!”
HHH yells at Sting without the mic.
Sting: “Gosh, really. It’s been what, year-and-a-half? Twenty months? It’s been a long time since I was in Panama City when I last stood in the ring on Nitro. Some things look the same. Some things look a hell of a lot different. Right now we’ll focus on both. I’ve once again raised the ire of the leader of the New World Order, but in a surprising twist, that leader is…Triple H? Well Triple H I heard what you were saying a few moments ago. I think every other word was ‘me, me, me, me’ and so on and so forth. But you said something that I can’t deny was true. I did cost you the WCW World Championship. Twice even! I can only say one thing about that, and that I apologize.”
Mike Tenay: “What?”
Triple H: “We’re way past that!”
Sting smirks again…
Sting: “Triple H, I apologize because me being here in WCW once again has nothing to do with you.”
Triple H: “What the hell does that mean?”
Sting: “I know this rocks your self-centered, egotistical world, but I really don’t care about you or your title reigns or your NWO or anything. I’m not here for you. You were just in the way. Now don’t get me wrong, if you want to wear this baseball bat upside your head again we can make it happen! But I’m not here for you…”
Sting points his bat at Triple H…before slowly moving it until it points to the man standing next to him…
Sting: “…I’m here for him. I’m here for The Heartbreak Kid. I’m here for Shawn Michaels!”
Triple H: “What are you kidding me? You come out here twice, cost me the WCW Title, and you want to fight Shawn? You’re out of your mind. I’m go….”
Triple H begins to step towards Sting, but Shawn Michaels stops him, eliciting a huge gasp from the crowd.
Triple H: “Are you serious, Shawn? After what he did to me?”
Shawn Michaels, wearing an expression of seriousness that we haven’t seen since he debuted as a member of the NWO back in May, just stares straight at Triple H. HHH, angered, but also bewildered, relents. He has some last words for Sting…
Triple H: “This isn’t over, Sting! Not by a longshot!”
Triple H walks off, still angered and now frustrated. Sting sarcastically waves him off before getting serious and facing Shawn.
Shawn Michaels: “Ok. Here I am.”
Sting: “That you are, Shawn. That you are. You know I never thought this would happen. This meeting right here, in the center of the ring, Sting and Shawn Michaels? Always dreamed of it, but I never thought it gonna be. And I had come to peace with that. On March 26 of last year, on what was then the last Nitro, I wrestled in the main event against perhaps my greatest rival, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. That’s right Las Vegas get those woooooos out now!”
“WOOOOO!”
Sting: “It was the main event. One more time. The Stinger and “The Nature Boy”. When it was said and done I was victorious…and I thought right there and then…this was it. When it comes to our generation, Shawn, I wrestled them all and I beat them all. Flair. Savage. Hogan. Giant. Page. Sid. Nash. Hall. Luger. Vader. Steiner…Bret…”
HBK cracks a smile when he hears Bret’s name.
Sting: “…hell even some of the newer guys I beat when they were coming up. Guys like Austin. Hell, I even beat the dead guy back when he was just mean! I’ve won WCW World Titles. US Titles. Tag Titles. You get the point. So when I beat Ric Flair on the last Nitro, there was nothing else left to do. I wasn’t interested in the WWF. I wasn’t interested in going to Japan. I wasn’t interested in anything anymore when it came to furthering my active wrestling career. Beating Flair on Nitro? What a great way to end it, I thought. A perfect ending…that is…until you showed up!”
Don West: “Mike, I can’t believe what I’m seeing and hearing now!”
Sting: “So I lied a bit earlier. I said I beat everyone from our generation, Shawn. But we both know that’s not true because I never beat you! I never even got the chance to face you. All those years in the 90s the wrestling magazines would always put together those WCW vs. WWF dream matches and it was always Sting vs. Shawn Michaels. Sting vs. Shawn Michaels. Who would win? Who was better? I wanted to know too. When Ric and I weren’t bashing our heads in we’d talk sometimes about the business. You know what Ric would always say? He’d say Shawn Michaels was the best wrestler in the world, even better than him. He’d say there was no one in the world that could do the things Shawn could do in the ring. Now, I’ve watched you of course, so I knew Ric wasn’t lying. But I just had to find out for myself. But it never happened. You hurt your back and that was that. I had to come to peace with the fact that it was just never going to happen.”
Shawn Michaels: “Look, I know what you’re trying to do here. I’m flattered really. I’ll level with you, I came back to be with my friends. You just said it, I hurt my back. Well that never went away. There’s a metal rod in my back to this day. This isn’t who I am anymore.”
Sting: “Heh, metal rod. Right. Let’s be real with one another, Shawn. Now I’m not going to embarrass you with tales of the past, but there’s another essential piece to all this. I’m going to apologize to the fans just for a moment because I’m going to pull back the curtain just for a few minutes here. For a few minutes, Shawn, this isn’t Sting talking to you, this is Steve Borden talking to you. I know who you were, Shawn. And I know who are now. You’ve went through it all and you’ve done the work. During your time away you’ve built a family, had a son, you’re a completely changed man. Hell you got married what, a few miles from where we stand right now? You’ve become the best version of yourself. I know you know this. I know it. And I’m proud of you for it. But that’s all Steve Borden can say. Let me tell you something Sting knows. All the pains and aches. The injuries. The hurting. A lot of that, that’s up here, Shawn (Sting points to his head). It’s up here. You’re not used to it yet. You’re used to the dark clouds, magnifying the pain in your body after every night. What you don’t realize is that you are stronger than ever right now! And that’s why I’m back. I want to fight the best version ofShawn Michaels that ever existed! I know the Heartbreak Kid is still in there! Shawn, look deep inside of yourself. Think about who you were and combine that with who you are now. Find that competitive edge! Ask yourself are you holding back because of a metal rod holding your back together, or because you’re afraid that you’ll come back and find out that as great as you are, you couldn’t beat me? You’re the Showstopper, right? Well it’s SHOWTIME, Shawn Michaels! Let me know…I won’t be hard to find!”
Sting’s music plays as he leaves the ring and walks up the ramp. Shawn Michaels stands in the ring, looking at the crowd, clearly unsure of what he should do.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As Nitro returns from commercial, Shawn Michaels is seen leaving the Thomas and Mack Center, but Triple H is right behind him.
Triple H: “Shawn, don’t worry about him. I’ll take care of Sting…”
Shawn Michaels: “No. Listen, Hunter. This whole thing is my fault. You let me on this ride, this NWO deal. I was supposed to support you. And I messed up. You heard what Sting said. He’s here because of me. I cost you the WCW World Championship. Everyone else has done their part, but I haven’t. I let you and all the guys down. It’s time for me to step up. Whatever happens with Sting, I decide. You work on getting back the WCW Title. I’m going to go out and think. But I’m saying it again. Sting is my responsibility, I will take care of him.”
Shawn Michaels leaves as Triple H shrugs, then turns to Eric Bischoff.
Triple H: “We’re not gonna be able to stop him. Eric, the guys back from jail yet?”
Eric Bischoff: “Yeah, Kevin and Scott should be here soon.”
Triple H: “Okay. I’ve got a little something, an idea to get us back in the title picture.”
***
Mike Tenay: “What a start to Nitro!”
Don West: “Wow. Just wow. You ain’t kidding, Mike. I can’t believe I just watched Sting challenge Shawn Michaels of all people.”
Mike Tenay: “It doesn’t sound like Triple H is finished tonight either! Anyway, let’s change gears. The #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament continues with our last 1st Round match-up: Juventud Guerrera vs. La Parka. We have some notes from last week’s ECW RISE. The 1st round match between Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman was thrown out thanks to Raven’s Warriors, which means Little Guido receives a bye to the Finals. The winner of this upcoming match-up between La Parka and Juvi will take on Ultimo Dragon in the Semis next week on Nitro, and the winner of that will face Guido. Ultimately, the winner receives a World Cruiserweight Championship match at Starrcade against Tajiri.”
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Juventud Guerrera vs. La Parka
Juvi quickly catches La Parka with a flying headscissors. La Parka gets back to his feet quickly but Juvi knocks him down with a spinning heel kick. Quick cover, 1…2…La Parka kicks out. La Parka backs into the corner and backdrops a charging Juvi over the top rope and onto the apron. La Parka struts out of the corner, allowing Juvi to jump off the top rope with a flying bodypress…only La Parka catches him! La Parka struts while carrying Juvi and slams him down with a flying one arm slam. Cover, 1…2…Juvi kicks out. Juvi catches La Parka with a couple of shots to the midsection, then goes for a hurricanrana, only for La Parka to plant him with a sitout powerbomb! 1…2…Juvi kicks out! Juvi gets back to his feet but La Parka hits a clothesline that sends Juvi flying. La Parka heads to the second rope, leaps and does a 180 twist to the top rope but misses the resulting moonsault!
La Parka rolls to the outside, allowing Juvi to springboard off the top rope and take him out with a flying bodypress! Juvi rolls La Parka back into the ring and hits a springboard dropkick! Cover, 1…2…La Parka kicks out Juvi hits La Parka with a couple of chops and sends him off the ropes, but La Parka evades Juvi’s jump kick and hits him with a spinning heel kick! La Parka sends Juvi to the apron then tries to suplex him back into the ring, but Juvi counters with a couple of forearms. La Parka staggers backwards and Juvi hits him with a leaping somersault attack! Juvi props La Parka on the top rope and goes for an avalanche hurricanrana, but La Parka pushes him off, leading to Juvi doing a backflip off the turnbucklkes but landing on his feet. La Parka leaps off the top rope with a spinning body attack, but Juvi moves out of the way! Juvi picks La Parka up and plants him with the Juvi Driver! Juvi heads up top, 450 Splash connects! 1…2…3!
Winner: Juventud Guerrera via pinfall in 7:04
Juventud Guerrera celebrates his victory as he advances in the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. He’ll face Ultimo Dragon next week on Nitro.
***
Jeremy Borash: “Jeremy Borash here, I am with the trio of Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown. Gentlemen, last week a challenge was issued by the Archdiocese of Dudleyville for a Six-Man tag team match at Starrcade. Have you arrived at an answer?”
Shane Helms: “Jeremy, we sure have. Our business with the Dudleys, it was about one thing, and that’s the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Now we didn’t like what they did to the ECW guys, Dreamer, Sandman, and we were in the house so we did something about it. So they want revenge? Fine by us, but only if the money is on the line, you hear me?”
Jeremy Borash: “So let me make sure I understand this correctly, you guys will accept the challenge for a Six Man, only if the Archdiocese put the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line?”
Shane Helms: “You got it, Jeremy.”
Monty Brown: “Let’s be real. If it was a regular tag for the belts, that crazy Deacon Batista, you know he’d get involved. And then I’d have to get involved. Let’s just put all our cards on the table. The Alpha Male wants in from the start. I’ll take out the Deacon, then we’ll win the belts! There ain’t no better team than Sugar, Primetime, and the Alpha Male!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As we return to Nitro, the #1 Contender for the WCW World Championship, Booker T, makes his way down to the ring!
Booker T: “Now that business was settled last week, it is time to focus on what will be the biggest match of my career. In 20 days I get my rematch against Kurt Angle for the WCW World Championship. This is a match I’ve been thinking about for a full year. Man, it wasn’t an easy year. I had to rebuild myself after I lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade last year. That match had a shot at the title on the line, and Angle turned that into a win. All I could think about then was that it could have been me. Then I had all the stuff with R-Killa. It took some time, but I got my edge back. I got back in my zone and I was ready to take on the world. But there was another obstacle in my way. I let you all down when you all voted me in for the title match against Triple H at Cyberslam. I promised myself I’d make it up to not only myself, but to all of you. I started it by winning the WrestleWar. I’ll finished it when I avenge my loss last year and beat Kurt Angle at Starrcade!”
Kurt Angle’s music plays as the WCW World Champion makes his way to the ring!
Kurt Angle: “Booker T, I want to get this out of the way first. I don’t like you. I don’t like you at all. But I have nothing but the utmost respect for you.”
Booker T: “I feel the same way about you. Exactly the same way.”
Kurt Angle: “And I appreciate that. But Booker T lets be real. You don’t have a chance in hell of beating me at Starrcade.”
Booker T: “And why’s that sucka?”
Kurt Angle: “Booker, you’re a great wrestler. We’ve teamed on a few occasions, always impressed. You’re good. You’re damn good. But I’m better. How do I know that? Because I’m the absolute best wrestler in the world today. Better than anyone here. Better than anyone in the WWF. Better than anyone in Japan or Mexico or Canada or Antarctica or wherever! I know deep down inside, you know this too. No matter how confident you are, your loss at last year’s Starrcade will always haunt you. You beating me on the biggest stage in professional wrestling is merely a dream. Me beating you on the biggest stage in professional wrestling is what is. You are a great wrestler, Booker T. No surprise that you’ve won five WCW World Titles in your career. But this is the Kurt Angle era now. I’m the WCW World Champion, and I plan to be for a long time. It’s true, it’s damn true. I wish you the best of luck.”
Kurt Angle sticks his hand out for a handshake, and Booker T accepts it, but they don’t let go and a tense staredown results…until “The Game” plays and Triple H makes his way out to the stage with Eric Bischoff. Kurt Angle rolls his eyes and Booker T shakes his head.
Booker T: “The hell you doing out here, Triple H? Last week you said, you lose and you stay out of my business involving the WCW Title. The hell man! I beat you and that should be that!”
Triple H: “I just want to ask you both something. Or better yet, I want you both to think about something. You both talk about what a big year you both had and it’s the Kurt Angle era or whatever, but you both know the truth. I beat both of your asses all year long! Kurt Angle you didn’t beat me for that WCW World Championship, because you couldn’t! Booker T, you said it yourself, you let everyone down when I beat you at Cyberslam. Last week was a joke and you know it! Some face-painted moron had to get involved.”
Booker T: “Please, sucka. Every match you win is because the NWO saves your ass! We don’t make excuses and I sure as hell ain’t about to listen to yours now!”
Triple H: “Both of you, hear me out. You can claim you’re on top all you want. But you know I’ll always be there. Here’s your chance to prove yourselves! Let’s make the title match at Starrcade a Three-Way. Beat me there and then they’ll be no excuses to make. There will be no questions. The man who walks out as champion will have beaten everyone there is to beat!”
Kurt Angle: “You gotta do better than that. I can’t think of one reason to give you another shot at this, especially one that Booker T rightfully earned at WrestleWar.”
Booker T: “I’m with Kurt on this one.”
Triple H: “Fine. Just know you’ll never be rid of me. Every day, every night, I’ll be the one hunting you both down until I get my title back! I will stop at nothing to get it back. Unless…”
Kurt Angle: “Unless what?”
Triple H lets out a big sigh before continuing…
Triple H: “You guys add me to the WCW World Championship match at Starrcade, Three-Way, Elimination Rules so there are no excuses…and if I don’t walk out of Starrcade as the WCW World Champion…I will never step foot in a WCW/ECW Alliance ring ever again!”
Eric Bischoff let’s out a huge “WHAT?” as he hears Triple H say that!
Booker T: “So if you don’t win, you’re out. Gone. No tricks. No matches. No appearances. It goes in the contract that Triple H is out?”
Triple H: “It goes in the contract.”
Kurt Angle: “Let me get this straight. We make it a Three-Way Elimination Match, and if you don’t win you’re gone not only from WCW, but from ECW too, right?”
Triple H: “That’s right. You get the chance to get rid of me for good. If I don’t win the WCW World Championship at Starrcade, the next day I’ll be on a flight to Connecticut asking Vince McMahon for my WWF spot back!”
Kurt Angle: “Alright. I’m in.”
Booker T: “I’m cool with that, dawg.”
Triple H: “Then it’s a done deal. Count your days, Angle, because that WCW World Championship is coming back to me. Now, I welcome you both the opportunity to Play the Game!”
Kevin Nash and Scott Hall jump the barricade and enter the ring...and blindside Booker T and Kurt Angle!
Don West: “They’re out of jail!”
Nash, Hall, and Triple H beat down Angle and Booker T. Hall drops Angle with an Outsider’s Edge, followed by Booker getting sent on a ride via a Nash Jackknife Powerbomb! Triple H plants both Booker and Angle with Pedigrees as they stand tall.
Mike Tenay: “I can’t believe what just happened. At Starrcade it’s now Kurt Angle defending against both Booker T and Triple H, but if Triple H doesn’t win…”
Don West: “…he’s gone!”
Mike Tenay: “We have a match coming up as you can see both Kurt Angle and Booker T walking back up the ramp. They may be rivals, but in a lot of ways these two have been forced to bond together in trying to deal with Triple H and the NWO for the better part of a year.”
***
Gail Kim vs. Molly Marvel
Molly gets a quick takedown but Kim counters into a hammerlock. Molly breaks free and sends Kim off the ropes, then hits a drop toehold into the ropes. Molly sends Kim off the ropes again, but Kim counters the backdrop attempt with a sunset flip. 1…2…Molly kicks out. Kim gets a wrist lock, then jumps up to the top rope and comes down with an armdrag! Kim goes for a hurricanrana, but Molly blocks it and then hotshots Kim into the second rope. Molly gets a bow and arrow lock for a potential submission, but Kim breaks free. Molly hits Kim with a couple of chops then sends her off the ropes, but Kim comes back with a flying headscissors. Molly reverses a whip and sends Kim into the corner, but when Molly goes for a handspring back elbow Kim kicks her in the back. Kim gets a hurricanrana and hooks the leg, 1…2…3!
Winner: Gail Kim via pinfall in 2:07
Gail Kim celebrates the win…but the lights go out! When the lights turn back on, a burned La Felina mask is left in the ring. Kim picks it up and looks around, making sure she isn’t blindsided by Victoria. It looks like Victoria isn’t here though, and Kim takes the mask and heads up the ramp.
***
Backstage Shane McMahon is with both Kurt Angle and Booker T.
Shane McMahon: “Are you both sure you want this. It’s going to be two-on-three.”
Booker T: “I don’t care, sucka. I’ve had enough of Triple H and all the sneak attacks. We’ll see if his ass even makes it past tonight to get to Starrcade!”
Kurt Angle: “Yeah, Shane. I’m not going to stand here and let the NWO do whatever they want on the way to Starrcade. NWO wants to fight? I’m down to fight.”
Shane McMahon: “Alright, it’s you two against Hunter, Hall, and Nash. I hope you guys know what you’re doing.”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Mike Tenay: “Welcome back to Nitro. While we’re excitedly on the road to Starrcade, we’d like to take this moment to check out the new WCW/ECW Power Plant. As you can see some of the footage here, there are some guys there that we may see in WCW over the next couple of months. Guys like Matt Morgan, Aaron Stevens, Vinnie Valentino, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Paul London, and Brian Kendrick. And, look at that, Don. There’s David Flair training as well.”
Don West: “The future is bright for sure…hey, is that..?”
Mike Tenay: “Why is Eddie Guerrero at the Power Plant?! Hey, he just sucker punched David Flair!”
Guerrero beats the living hell out of David Flair before throwing him into a wall. Guerrero continues to pound away on him before some of the other trainees try to pull him off. Guerrero punches a couple of them as his fiery anger can’t be contained. Guerrero gets one more good shot in on Flair before yelling to the camera.
Eddie Guerrero: “You want to bring family into this, Flair? Huh! Two can play that game!”
Guerrero yells at the security trying to get him out of the building, before leaving himself (and stomping on David one more time).
***
Diamond Dallas Page (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. Rene Dupree (w/Christian)
DDP and Dupree lock-up. We get a clean break, and DDP does the DDP taunt in Dupree’s face. Dupree pushes DDP into the corner, but misses a huge shot. DDP punches and chops away at Dupree then hits Dupree with a belly-to-back suplex. DDP stomps away on Dupree then flips Christian off. DDP punches away at Dupree, but Dupree catches his leg on a kick. Dupree spins DDP around, but DDP hits a discus clothesline! Cover from DDP, 1…2…Dupree kicks out. DDP calls for the Diamond Cutter, but when he goes for it Dupree counters and hits DDP with a European uppercut. Dupree slams DDP, then dances towards the crowd. Dupree sends DDP off the ropes, but when he goes for the back bodydrop, DDP puts on the brakes and plants Dupree with a gutwrench powerbomb! DDP calls for the Diamond Cutter again. He sends Dupree off the ropes, then comes off the ropes himself, but Christian nails DDP with the US Title belt when he hits the ropes! Dupree grabs DDP and goes for another slam, but DDP lands behind Dupree and drops him with the Diamond Cutter! 1…2…3!
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page via pinfall in 3:10
Christian runs into the ring and tries to hit DDP for a second time with the US Title, but DDP ducks and drops Christian with a Diamond Cutter! DDP celebrates up the ramp and indicates that it’s only a matter of time before he wins the title from Christian. But as DDP gets to the entry way…he’s attacked by The Giant! The Giant levels DDP with a clothesline, then picks him back up….followed by a chokeslam on the steel ramp!
Mike Tenay: “What the heck is The Giant doing here? I thought he only wanted Hogan?”
Don West: “I mean DDP did go after him and called him out on Nitro last week!”
The Giant roars and raises his hand as he stands over DDP on the ramp.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
The Giant is backstage as Christian and Rene Dupree suck up to him, telling him how great it was that he just took out DDP. Shane McMahon walks up to them.
Shane McMahon: “What the hell are you doing?”
The Giant: “I do what I want, Shane. Always have, always will. I had to put Diamond Dallas Page in his place like I always do.”
Shane McMahon: “Well I’m fed up with this. If DDP is good to go, you’re gonna face him on Nitro next week. If you want any chance of facing Hogan, you’ll face DDP next week. If not, then get out of here. I’ve had enough.”
The Giant: “You know. I’ll fight DDP next week, that is, if he can even move after what I just did to him. But I’m not doing it because you told me to, Shane. I’m doing it because I have to squash DDP once and for all. And you better get me Hogan.”
Christian: “That’s right!”
The Giant glares at Christian, who backs off in fear. The Giant then stomps off as Christian and Rene Dupree give one another a high five.
Mike Tenay: “We’re back on here on Nitro. During the break Diamond Dallas Page was helped to the back by officials. It remains to be seen if he can even face Giant next week, much less Christian at Starrcade. Coming up next, we have a three-on-two handicap match as the New World Order: Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall, take on WCW World Champion Kurt Angle and Booker T.”
As the match is about to begin, “Come On” by Waterproof Blonde plays…and Sean O’Haire heads to the ring. It’s unclear who’s side he’s on at first. Triple H looks on, wondering what O’Haire is doing here…and O’Haire goes right for him!
Mike Tenay: “I guess it’s official! Sean O’Haire is no longer part of the New World Order!”
Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall (w/Eric Bischoff) vs. Booker T, Kurt Angle, and Sean O’Haire
O’Haire pounds away on HHH as Angle works on Nash and Booker chops Hall in the corner! Angle, Booker, and O’Haire clear house as both Booker and Angle approvingly nod at the idea of O’Haire being their partner tonight. O’Haire comes off the ropes and leaps over the top rope, taking out HHH, Hall, and Nash with a plancha! O’Haire rolls HHH back into the ring. HHH walks into a Harlem sidekick, then a German suplex from Angle! O’Haire takes over as the legal man as he pounds away at HHH in the corner. O’Haire sends HHH off the ropes and hits him with a huge backbody drop! HHH backs away into the corner, but O’Haire tosses him across the ring out of the corner! O’Haire looks at Angle and Booker. O’Haire tags in Angle and Angle goes to work on HHH in the corner with punches, then hits him with a belly-to-belly suplex out of the corner! Angle stomps away on HHH some more before tagging out to Booker T. Angle and Booker’s tag comes with a bit of a glare though. Booker punches and chops HHH in the corner, but when HHH falls he manages to kick Booker T low. HHH crawls over to Nash to tag out.
Nash hits Booker T with forearms in the corner, then chokes him with his boot. Nash sends Booker off the ropes and hits him with a Sidewalk Slam. Cover, 1…2…Booker kicks out. Nash tags in Hall. Hall punches Booker in the corner, then sends Booker into the opposite corner. Booker surprises Hall when Hall charges in with an elbow, and Booker tags out to Angle. Angle takes Hall down with a Fireman’s Carry. Angle makes a cover, 1…2…Hall kicks out. Angle comes off the ropes and ducks a Hall clothesline, then uncharacteristically goes for a cross bodyblock. Hall catches him and hits a Fall Away Slam! Hall tags HHH. HHH comes in and hits Angle with a kneedrop to the face. Cover from HHH, 1…2…Angle kicks out. HHH locks in a rear chinlock, and uses the ropes for leverage. Angle manages to fight his way out and sends HHH off the ropes, but HHH catches him with a flying knee. HHH covers Angle, but O’Haire just comes in and attacks HHH. O’Haire pounds away on HHH before referee Charles Robinson forces him back to his corner. Hall drags Angle back into the NWO corner and gets triple teamed.
Nash gets tagged in and hits Angle with a flipper punch. He calls for the Jackknife, but Angle rolls though and makes a diving tag to O’Haire! O’Haire clotheslines Nash and HHH makes a blind tag to come back in. O’Haire pounds away on Nash, but HHH nails him from behind. HHH sends O’Haire into the corner, but O’Haire leaps to the top rope and backflips over HHH! HHH turns around and gets knocked down by a Ridge Hand from O’Haire! A full out brawl breaks out as Booker and Hall go at it, and Nash and Angle do as well! Angle, Booker, Nash, and Hall all fight on the outside, which spills out on the ramp. HHH fires punches at O’Haire, but there’s no effect! HHH backs up before running at O’Haire, but O’Haire just picks him up…and hits the Prophecy! O’Haire covers HHH, but Eric Bischoff has Charles Robinson distracted! O’Haire knocks Bischoff off the apron, but that allows HHH to get the upperhand. He kicks O’Haire and sets him up for the Pedigree, but O’Haire backdrops him! HHH backs away in the corner and O’Haire slowly closes in on him…but Triple H has one more trump card prepared…
Don West: “Mike, Mike, look, that’s Steiner! Scott Steiner!”
Mike Tenay: “My god, he’s got a pipe! I don’t think O’Haire sees him!”
Scott Steiner slides into the ring and smashes the pipe across O’Haire’s back, leading to the disqualification.
Winners: Booker T, Kurt Angle, Sean O’Haire by disqualification in 13:43
Booker T slides back into the ring but Scott Steiner wipes him out with the pipe as well. Kurt Angle slides back in as well and gets some shots in at Triple H, but he too ends up getting hit by Scott Steiner’s pipe. Steiner locks O’Haire in the Steiner Recliner as the New World Order stands tall for the second time tonight!
Don West: “With Scott Steiner, the New World Order might be stronger than ever!”
Mike Tenay: “We gotta go! What a night it has been! We’ll see you next week!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Round 1
Juventud Guerrera pinned La Parka
Gail Kim pinned Molly Marvel
Diamond Dallas Page pinned Rene Dupree
Booker T, Kurt Angle, and Sean O’Haire defeated Triple H, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall by disqualification when Scott Steiner interfered
Champions
WCW World Champion
Kurt Angle (Defeated Hulk Hogan on 11-30-02)
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
Rob Van Dam and Sabu (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles on 11-24-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Tajiri (Defeated Super Crazy on 11-24-02)
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. They took out Dreamer and Sandman for seemingly for good at N2R
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
Billy Kidman: – It has been an up and down year for Kidman. After some early battles with Raven and his Warriors, Kidman challenged Christian thoughout the year for the US Title but didn’t win the title. He’s now again become a target of Raven’s Warriors mostly due to his past with Raven and his friendship with Rey Mysterio Jr.
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. Booker T would win the WrestleWar to earn a WCW World Title shot at Starrcade 2002…and held off Triple H two nights later to hold onto that title shot
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 and defeated Benjamin at November to Remember. After eliminating Stone Cold Steve Austin in a War Rumble, Lesnar decided to anger Stone Cold…which bit him in the ass during the Final Battle. Lesnar will have the biggest match of career at Starrcade when he faces Stone Cold
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. He was injured in a car accident facilitated by the Outsiders
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. He’ll be defending the title against DDP at Starrcade
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 would lose to Victoria at November to Remember…although she scarred Victoria by throwing tacks in her face
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. With the Giant reappearing, DDP wants a rematch with him, but had to settle for becoming the #1 Contender to Christian’s US Title. He said he wasn’t done with the Giant…and the Giant responded by chokeslamming him on the ramp, putting his future US Title match in jeopardy
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. Guerrero would fail in his attempt to defeat Austin. Guerrero put on a good performance in his War Rumble as he entered #1 and made it nearly to the end. He got revenge on the man who eliminated him, Ric Flair, two nights later by costing Flair the WCW World Title. Scored a pinfall on Flair on RISE as well
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
Gail Kim: – The former La Felina was destroyed by Victoria in the summer, but her triumphant return as Gail Kim led to a Women’s War Rumble victory and a title shot at Starrcade 2002
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. The Giant returned at the WrestleWar, injuring then-WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan before and after his failed title defense against Kurt Angle. The Giant showed he wasn’t done with DDP either as he attacked DDP after DDP’s match with Rene Dupree 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. The Giant would attack Hogan before and after that match, and he cost Hogan the title against Kurt Angle
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. Perhaps that doesn’t matter anymore as Angle would defeat Hulk Hogan to get his WCW World Title back at WrestleWar…and has a title match set with Booker T, and now Triple H too
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
Legion of Doom: – Veteran legendary tag team has reappeared recently, going after former rivals Kronik (now Crush and Wrath)…which in turn has dragged them into the entire Raven’s Warriors situation
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold. He won his 1st Round match in the #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship tournament
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. It looks like O’Haire may be on the outs though.
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. He was pinned by Rey Mysterio Jr. on the RISE before November to Remember. Survived Rey’s challenge at November to Remember
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. Unfortunately, he lost to Raven at N2R. Raven’s Warriors also cost him a chance at Tajiri’s Cruiserweight Championship as well
Rhyno: – Injured at the end of the InVasion storyline, Rhyno was the last ECW World Champion when ECW closed it doors in the beginning of 2001. Due to his neck injury, he was forced to relinquish the championship. On the inaugural episode of RISE in December of 2001, Rhyno showed up to give up the title…but said that he’d be back to “fucking kill” whomever the ECW World Champion is. Looks like Raven is the lucky man. Rhyno has the opportunity to compete in a #1 Contender’s Match for the ECW World Title…but has to relieve ECW of any legal liability if he gets injured in order to do so
Ric Flair: – Flair won his 17th World Championship from Stone Cold at Starrcade 2001…but lost it the next night to Kurt Angle. Angle injured Flair’s ankle and it was thought we’d never see Flair again, until Flair appeared in a War Rumble. Flair just fell short of winning it too as he lost to Brock Lesnar. His return title match against Kurt Angle two nights later ended in DQ thanks to Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero got a pin on him in a tag match on RISE
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 has since dropped the ECW Title to Raven, but is a champion once again as he and Sabu knocked off Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles for the ECW tag straps at November to Remember. Just fell short at the WrestleWar’s Final Battle against Booker T.
The Sandman: – ECW icon still showed up from time to time to thwart the bad guys in ECW like the Dudleys and the FBI. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember
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 regained 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
Scott Steiner: – Scott Steiner showed up in a War Rumble as a member of the New World Order, but he fell short of winning as he was eliminated by Booker T. It became more than a cameo eight nights later when he attacked Sean O’Haire to defend HHH and the NWO
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. HHH played him in the War Rumble though…but O’Haire got his revenge by not stopping Sting when Sting appeared two nights later and cost HHH a match against Booker T. O’Haire aligned himself with Booker T and Kurt Angle the next week, separating himself from the NWO for good. Now it looks like he has to deal with the NWO's new enforcer: Scott Steiner
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
Shawn Michaels: – Shawn Michaels joined his friends in the New World Order the night after Slamboree, helping Triple H wrest the faction from Hulk Hogan. HBK has been at ringside for many of HHH’s matches, causing trouble wherever he could. But things changed when Sting arrived at Halloween Havoc. Sting’s interference cost HHH not only the WCW World Title at Halloween Havoc, but again a month later in a #1 Contender’s Match against Booker T. Sting revealed that his target was Michaels. Michaels now has to decide if he should return to the ring for the first time in nearly five years, March 1998, to face Sting.
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. He faced off with his former friend and teammate Brock Lesnar at November to Remember, but failed to walk away with a victory. He’s now become a target of Raven’s Warriors
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…although he showed up to help his brother hold onto his title shot in a match with HHH.
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, then appeared six weeks later and cost Triple H a chance to become the #1 contender. Sting finally revealed his intentions as it was Shawn Michaels, not Triple H, he was targeting. He has challenged Michaels to a match for Starrcade.
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 Austin would defeat him at N2R. Austin would be eliminated by Brock Lesnar in a War Rumble, but Austin took exception to Lesnar’s post-elimination antics…and in turn cost him the Final Battle. Austin accepted a challenge from Lesnar for a match at Starrcade
Super Crazy: – Cruiserweight Champion who has traded the title with Tajiri in the summer and has regularly defended the title, but lost it in a three-way at November to Remember against Tajiri and Little Guido
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. Won the Cruiserweight title back 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. Was driven through a flaming table by Deacon Batista of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville at November to Remember.
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. HHH fell short in the War Rumble, making it to the end but losing to Rob Van Dam. Two nights later HHH challenged Booker T for his WrestleWar title shot…but would lose after Sting reappeared. After learning Sting was after Shawn Michaels, HHH fired the last bullet in his gun, offering his WCW career in exchange for getting added to the WCW World Championship Match at Starrcade
Ultimo Dragon: – Won his first round match against Psicosis in a tournament to determine who faces Tajiri at Starrcade for the World Cruiserweight Championship
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. Victoria survived a surprisingly violent encounter with Daffney at November to Remember 2002 and again on RISE three days later
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. It is likely they are finished after Total Impact destroyed them at November to Remember 2002
