That Sting/HBK promo is probably the best one I've ever read in any BTB.
Just electric!
Just electric!
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ECW RISE - December 5, 2002:
I’ve not been in touch for a little while, so I’ll go off of the past week of television. It really is a fascinating dimension we’re in, where there is no World Wrestling Federation. It would be extraordinarily curious to see the state of the industry outside of what we have with The Alliance of WCW and ECW serving as respective brands. The economics of the industry would also unquestionably be so fascinating to understand, when you consider that everything has been manifested into this entity, from the old WWF regime.
Alas, fine promo with Steve Austin to set up a tag team main event. I don’t doubt that there is a movement here that seems to lead towards a Stone Cold and Brock Lesnar rivalry, but I do also believe there is money (no matter what WWF in 2002 had you believe) in an Austin and Ric Flair feud. Pretty basic promo, but that’s all we really needed here.
I’m curious to see how how you execute the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship going forward, and it’s definitely a good sign that you have this running across both brands. I would have loved to see Psicosis get somewhere in this, but it’s a stacked field. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rey Mysterio Jr. came out on top, perhaps against Juventud Guerrera or Ultimo Dragon in the finals. Little Guido defeating Super Crazy worked fine in some old fashioned ECW nostalgia from years prior. Let’s wait and see if Crazy can maintain his weight and remain in this division, or alternatively move up the ranks. There is a bit of a glass ceiling for both of these guys, though.
Mick Foley’s promo was solid for what it was. I’m glad to see Rhyno is getting the right sort of attention here, as he was at his best in 2001 prior to his neck injury. It’s such a shame that that was what led to his downfall in prominence, considering just how much he was a valued commodity in ECW’s last days.
Shelton Benjamin going over Malice to retain the ECW World Television Championship was what it was. It was kept short and I suspect a means to protect Malice, who was very green at this phase of his tenure. Still, he had an impressively promising upside from what little we saw in NWA:TNA 2002.
I’m sad to see Crush still here, as I’m watching through WCW 1998 right now and he is truly awful. Wrath was awesome, but that was of course, before the KroniK days.
Token gothic stuff with Victoria to set something up with Daffney moving forward. I’ll wait and see how this turns out.
The tournament for the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship is really dominating the show - I don’t mind seeing the brackets, but we’ve seen it four times on this show now. Perhaps it would be best to save it for after matches have culminated. I am very split on Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman going to a no contest, but at least it has storyline development involved. Saturn oddly fits this faction of guys. I could have maybe done without Mikey Whipwreck’s involvement for fears of overbooking what sounded like a solid enough match, though it tied in fine with the Legion of Doom’s interruption. I guess it does all work in Tajiri’s favor, but I maybe would have refined the outside interference here.
Strong tag team main event with Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero surprisingly getting the win over Steve Austin and Ric Flair. Big win for Eddie to go over Flair, and clearly he’s on the ascent as we arrive in 2003. I love the post-match brawl between Austin and Lesnar, and the closing moments made for an effective hook leading into the next show.
WCW Monday Nitro - December 9, 2002:
A few notes from Worldwide, I am overjoyed to see TAKA Michinoku still around and kicking in what was surely a strong match with Ultimo Dragon. It was kept pretty short for what they are capable of, but it worked just fine in handing Ultimo a win off of advancing into the tournament. I’m more baffled than anything as to why Greg Valentine is still here but I’ll take anybody getting a W over Disco Inferno. Alex Wright deserves better, that’s for certain. Chavo Guerrero Jr. getting the win over Kid Romeo worked fine, and I was very surprised to see Ric Flair pop up to set something up for Monday Nitro. Overall, this was a Cruiserweight-dominated C-show, and surprising to see such a key star appear at the end. It did make me believe there is room for a show mid-week though, as Flair’s presence here came squeezed in between ECW on Saturday, and WCW on Monday. How many people may have tuned in to see this show?
Onto Nitro, Triple H and Sting felt like standard fare heading towards an inevitable match at Starrcade 2002. It’s one of the bigger matches you have in your pocket, but have to wonder how frequently you plan to use Sting as he reaches 2003 as an active wrestler. It was really strong dialogue, but I could have done without the cliche “this is Steve Borden talking to you” line. Sting and Shawn Michaels being the target was a surprise to learn, but it made the promo highly effective with HHH as an outside party.
I used to love me some La Parka, but it’s clear he’s a guy intended for a spot on the card, and Juventud Guerrera’s potential greatly exceeds his. With Rey Mysterio Jr. now out of the running, I consider Juvi the favorite here. Let’s just hope his behavior is under wraps after the Australia thing a few years ago.
Very NWA:TNA vibes from this show, with Jeremy Borash, Mike Tenay and Don West present on production. I’m sure that’s no coincidence given the period.
Booker T and Kurt Angle had some damn good matches during the early days of the InVasion, so I’m on board with this WCW World Heavyweight Championship program lined up for Starrcade. A lot of Triple H on this show, but it does add an additional thread to the mix. The elimination gimmick is an interesting way to put this in, and with added stakes thrown in there too. It set up a surefire six-man tag team match at some point with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash also thrown in there for added measure.
Gail Kim defeating Molly Marvel is a little sad to see, but Kim has tremendous upside as a future star for the women’s division. It was awful short, but so was a lot of the women’s division matches during this time.
Fun segment with Eddie Guerrero attacking David Flair, getting even for Ric Flair beating up Chavo Guerrero Jr. It reminded me of The Undertaker beatdown in the lead-up to WrestleMania X8. It’s another reason why I can’t help but feel Ric beating up Chavo should have been on a more prominent show than Worldwide. Over the course of a three-day period we’ve had a great amount of storyline development in this feud, perhaps crammed a little too tightly.
Diamond Dallas Page defeating Rene Dupree was what it was. Again, it was kept short, which is probably for the best when it comes to a young Dupree. I didn’t really care too much for The Giant’s interference, but it added to the segment at least.
Sean O’Haire is an interesting guy to push in this period, which I think I’ve touched on in the past. Interesting touch to have him not only defect from the New World Order, but also come to blows with Scott Steiner. Strong main event with Booker T, Kurt Angle and O’Haire winning under nefarious circumstances.
A promo heavy show with just four matches, but it leads us towards Starrcade, typically the biggest show of the year for WCW. Not a bad week of television to move us towards that.
I’ve not been in touch for a little while, so I’ll go off of the past week of television. It really is a fascinating dimension we’re in, where there is no World Wrestling Federation. It would be extraordinarily curious to see the state of the industry outside of what we have with The Alliance of WCW and ECW serving as respective brands. The economics of the industry would also unquestionably be so fascinating to understand, when you consider that everything has been manifested into this entity, from the old WWF regime.
Alas, fine promo with Steve Austin to set up a tag team main event. I don’t doubt that there is a movement here that seems to lead towards a Stone Cold and Brock Lesnar rivalry, but I do also believe there is money (no matter what WWF in 2002 had you believe) in an Austin and Ric Flair feud. Pretty basic promo, but that’s all we really needed here.
I’m curious to see how how you execute the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship going forward, and it’s definitely a good sign that you have this running across both brands. I would have loved to see Psicosis get somewhere in this, but it’s a stacked field. I wouldn’t be surprised if Rey Mysterio Jr. came out on top, perhaps against Juventud Guerrera or Ultimo Dragon in the finals. Little Guido defeating Super Crazy worked fine in some old fashioned ECW nostalgia from years prior. Let’s wait and see if Crazy can maintain his weight and remain in this division, or alternatively move up the ranks. There is a bit of a glass ceiling for both of these guys, though.
Mick Foley’s promo was solid for what it was. I’m glad to see Rhyno is getting the right sort of attention here, as he was at his best in 2001 prior to his neck injury. It’s such a shame that that was what led to his downfall in prominence, considering just how much he was a valued commodity in ECW’s last days.
Shelton Benjamin going over Malice to retain the ECW World Television Championship was what it was. It was kept short and I suspect a means to protect Malice, who was very green at this phase of his tenure. Still, he had an impressively promising upside from what little we saw in NWA:TNA 2002.
I’m sad to see Crush still here, as I’m watching through WCW 1998 right now and he is truly awful. Wrath was awesome, but that was of course, before the KroniK days.
Token gothic stuff with Victoria to set something up with Daffney moving forward. I’ll wait and see how this turns out.
The tournament for the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship is really dominating the show - I don’t mind seeing the brackets, but we’ve seen it four times on this show now. Perhaps it would be best to save it for after matches have culminated. I am very split on Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman going to a no contest, but at least it has storyline development involved. Saturn oddly fits this faction of guys. I could have maybe done without Mikey Whipwreck’s involvement for fears of overbooking what sounded like a solid enough match, though it tied in fine with the Legion of Doom’s interruption. I guess it does all work in Tajiri’s favor, but I maybe would have refined the outside interference here.
Strong tag team main event with Brock Lesnar and Eddie Guerrero surprisingly getting the win over Steve Austin and Ric Flair. Big win for Eddie to go over Flair, and clearly he’s on the ascent as we arrive in 2003. I love the post-match brawl between Austin and Lesnar, and the closing moments made for an effective hook leading into the next show.
WCW Monday Nitro - December 9, 2002:
A few notes from Worldwide, I am overjoyed to see TAKA Michinoku still around and kicking in what was surely a strong match with Ultimo Dragon. It was kept pretty short for what they are capable of, but it worked just fine in handing Ultimo a win off of advancing into the tournament. I’m more baffled than anything as to why Greg Valentine is still here but I’ll take anybody getting a W over Disco Inferno. Alex Wright deserves better, that’s for certain. Chavo Guerrero Jr. getting the win over Kid Romeo worked fine, and I was very surprised to see Ric Flair pop up to set something up for Monday Nitro. Overall, this was a Cruiserweight-dominated C-show, and surprising to see such a key star appear at the end. It did make me believe there is room for a show mid-week though, as Flair’s presence here came squeezed in between ECW on Saturday, and WCW on Monday. How many people may have tuned in to see this show?
Onto Nitro, Triple H and Sting felt like standard fare heading towards an inevitable match at Starrcade 2002. It’s one of the bigger matches you have in your pocket, but have to wonder how frequently you plan to use Sting as he reaches 2003 as an active wrestler. It was really strong dialogue, but I could have done without the cliche “this is Steve Borden talking to you” line. Sting and Shawn Michaels being the target was a surprise to learn, but it made the promo highly effective with HHH as an outside party.
I used to love me some La Parka, but it’s clear he’s a guy intended for a spot on the card, and Juventud Guerrera’s potential greatly exceeds his. With Rey Mysterio Jr. now out of the running, I consider Juvi the favorite here. Let’s just hope his behavior is under wraps after the Australia thing a few years ago.
Very NWA:TNA vibes from this show, with Jeremy Borash, Mike Tenay and Don West present on production. I’m sure that’s no coincidence given the period.
Booker T and Kurt Angle had some damn good matches during the early days of the InVasion, so I’m on board with this WCW World Heavyweight Championship program lined up for Starrcade. A lot of Triple H on this show, but it does add an additional thread to the mix. The elimination gimmick is an interesting way to put this in, and with added stakes thrown in there too. It set up a surefire six-man tag team match at some point with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash also thrown in there for added measure.
Gail Kim defeating Molly Marvel is a little sad to see, but Kim has tremendous upside as a future star for the women’s division. It was awful short, but so was a lot of the women’s division matches during this time.
Fun segment with Eddie Guerrero attacking David Flair, getting even for Ric Flair beating up Chavo Guerrero Jr. It reminded me of The Undertaker beatdown in the lead-up to WrestleMania X8. It’s another reason why I can’t help but feel Ric beating up Chavo should have been on a more prominent show than Worldwide. Over the course of a three-day period we’ve had a great amount of storyline development in this feud, perhaps crammed a little too tightly.
Diamond Dallas Page defeating Rene Dupree was what it was. Again, it was kept short, which is probably for the best when it comes to a young Dupree. I didn’t really care too much for The Giant’s interference, but it added to the segment at least.
Sean O’Haire is an interesting guy to push in this period, which I think I’ve touched on in the past. Interesting touch to have him not only defect from the New World Order, but also come to blows with Scott Steiner. Strong main event with Booker T, Kurt Angle and O’Haire winning under nefarious circumstances.
A promo heavy show with just four matches, but it leads us towards Starrcade, typically the biggest show of the year for WCW. Not a bad week of television to move us towards that.
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@DGenerationMC glad you felt that way, this is the promo/angle that spawned this BTB 3 years ago (I plan ahead!)
@DTP thanks for the feedback, a few things I wanted to address. First part is the WWF does exist in this universe (HHH even references it in his promo as that's where he'd go if he doesn't win the title at Starrcade). An easter egg is that it is still called the WWF and never switched to WWE.
Austin and Flair feuded a year ago and was the Starrcade 2001 main event.
Victoria and Daffney are in the midst of a rivalry (they also had a violent match at N2R), although it is Gail Kim who won the title shot for Starrcade.
I'm ending Worldwide (the next episode is the last ever), so I wanted to have some token legend appearances, one being Valentine.
I usually don't like breaking the 4th wall, but there was a real life purpose for the "Steve Borden is talking to you line" which was to reference this:
Although irl, I think this interview happened years later.
@DTP thanks for the feedback, a few things I wanted to address. First part is the WWF does exist in this universe (HHH even references it in his promo as that's where he'd go if he doesn't win the title at Starrcade). An easter egg is that it is still called the WWF and never switched to WWE.
Austin and Flair feuded a year ago and was the Starrcade 2001 main event.
Victoria and Daffney are in the midst of a rivalry (they also had a violent match at N2R), although it is Gail Kim who won the title shot for Starrcade.
I'm ending Worldwide (the next episode is the last ever), so I wanted to have some token legend appearances, one being Valentine.
I usually don't like breaking the 4th wall, but there was a real life purpose for the "Steve Borden is talking to you line" which was to reference this:
Although irl, I think this interview happened years later.
That's amazing to know! I believe that interview was in 2006. I guess I'll be that guy and post this video around that same time then
I think we have Vince Russo to thank for this moment, btw, life is weird
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ECW RISE
December 12, 2002
Frank Erwin Center
Austin, TX
The Texan crowd roars as Stone Cold arrives in his 4x4 truck…broken side window and all.
Tazz: “Joey, Austin looks pissed off!”
Joey Styles: “Over the last week due to the brawl between Austin and Brock Lesnar, it has been put in writing by ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon and ECW Commissioner Mick Foley that neither man can lay a hand on the other until Starrcade, with penalty of suspension! Tonight, just 100 miles north of Stone Cold’s hometown of Victoria, Texas, Austin will take on Paul Heyman’s enforcer, CW Anderson!”
Rob Van Dam and Sabu make their way down to the ring for the opening match of ECW RISE: The Extreme Brawl to determine the challenger for Raven’s ECW World Championship at Starrcade.
Joey Styles: “Welcome to ECW RISE! I’m Joey Styles alongside Tazz, and partner, we’re about to find out who will face Raven at Starrcade!”
Tazz: “We have RVD, Sabu, AJ, Lynn, and Bam Bam…”
RISE cuts to ECW Commissioner Mick Foley’s office. Inside Mick slides a document across the table where Rhyno is standing.
Mick Foley: “…you understand, if anything goes wrong out there, Rhyno, and you get hurt, the WCW/ECW Alliance bears no responsibility whatsoever if you sign this.”
Rhyno stares Mick Foley in the eye and signs the document, holding eye contact. He then throws the pen and the document at Mick before stomping off, presumably to the ring.
Joey Styles: “Wait, did Rhyno just do what I think he did? Is he in this?”
Tazz: “Here he comes, Joey!”
The Extreme Brawl to Determine the #1 Contender for the ECW World Championship (One Fall)
AJ Styles vs. Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Rhyno vs. Sabu
Bigelow leaves the ring to meet Rhyno on the ramp and they go at it! Rhyno pounds away on Bigelow before Lynn and Styles attack him as well. With Rhyno trying to fight all three men, RVD comes flying over the top rope with a somersault plancha, taking everyone out! The brawl on the outside continues, allowing Sabu to leap onto all five men with his own springboard plancha! Sabu and RVD drag Lynn into the ring. Sabu leaps over the top rope with a legdrop as RVD hits Rolling Thunder! RVD goes for the cover, but Sabu pulls him off…and tries to cover Lynn himself. RVD pulls Sabu off and they begin to argue, allowing Styles to hit both with a springboard double clothesline! Rhyno comes back into the ring and easily backdrops a charging Styles. Belly-to-belly suplex from Rhyno to Lynn! Rhyno sets Lynn up for a piledriver, but Bigelow clotheslines Rhyno down.
Bigelow pounds away on Rhyno in the corner, but when he tries to toss Rhyno from the corner Rhyno counters and ends up hitting Bigelow with a side belly-to-belly suplex! RVD leaps at Rhyno and goes for a monkey flip, but Rhyno shoves RVD off. Sabu throws a chair at Rhyno’s face, which hits the mark! Sabu sets up the chair and hits Rhyno with Air Sabu. Sabu turns around into a dropkick from Styles. Styles and Lynn set up Sabu and double powerbomb him onto the open chair! Lynn and Styles set up Bigelow for a double-suplex, but Bigelow fights them both off. Bigelow hits Lynn with a headbutt, then presses Styles over his head! Bigelow sends Styles flying over the top rope and into the guardrail on the floor! Bigelow takes the chair and smashes it over Sabu’s back, but he turns right into the Van Daminator from RVD! RVD covers Bigelow, 1…2…Rhyno breaks it up! RVD hits Rhyno with a couple of forearms, but Rhyno dodges a kick and presses RVD over his head before dropping him face-first on the canvas!
Sabu sets up a table on the outside, but when he gets onto the apron, Rhyno tosses a charging AJ Styles at him, sending both through the table! Lynn and RVD, unlikely allies suddenly, stomp at Rhyno’s knees. Lynn goes for a DDT, but Rhyno stops him and tries for a Northern Lights suplex, only for RVD to kick Rhyno in the midsection, resulting in Lynn hitting the DDT afterall! RVD then turns on Lynn as he tosses him the chair and hits him with the Van Daminator! RVD heads to the top rope to finish off Lynn with the Five Star Frog Splash, but Bigelow shakes the top rope, crotching RVD. Bigelow then grabs RVD off the top rope and plants him with Greetings From Asbury Park! Rhyno is back on his feet and attacks Bigelow. The two monsters go at one another, but Bigelow hits a body tackle. Bigelow picks Rhyno up for Greetings, but Rhyno slides behind Bigelow and shoves him off. Bigelow turns around and Rhyno nearly breaks him in half with a GORE! Rhyno covers Bigelow, 1…2…3!
Winner: Rhyno when he pinned Bigelow in 11:21
Joey Styles: “Rhyno did it! Rhyno did it! It will be Rhyno challenging Raven for the ECW World Championship at Starrcade!”
Tazz: “Joey, look! On the stage!”
Joey Styles: “That’s Raven!”
Raven stares down Rhyno from the stage, but as soon as Rhyno sees him he gives chase! Raven disappears to the back with Rhyno going after him!
In the ring, Jerry Lynn stomps away on RVD and a hurting AJ Styles joins in. Sabu tries to make the save but gets caught by a chairshot from Lynn. Styles plants RVD with a Styles Clash as Lynn heads to the top rope…but before Lynn can leap Kid Kash and Jamie Noble run down. Kash and Noble chase Lynn and Styles off. Kash and Noble grab the ECW World Tag Team Titles and help RVD and Sabu to their feet, before leveling them with the title belts! Styles and Lynn look on as Noble and Kash pose with the titles before tossing them on RVD and Sabu’s prone bodies.
Tazz: “Kash and Noble just made a huge statement, Joey. They want those tag belts.”
The Extreme Brawl to Determine the #1 Contender for the ECW World Championship (One Fall)
AJ Styles vs. Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Rhyno vs. Sabu
Bigelow leaves the ring to meet Rhyno on the ramp and they go at it! Rhyno pounds away on Bigelow before Lynn and Styles attack him as well. With Rhyno trying to fight all three men, RVD comes flying over the top rope with a somersault plancha, taking everyone out! The brawl on the outside continues, allowing Sabu to leap onto all five men with his own springboard plancha! Sabu and RVD drag Lynn into the ring. Sabu leaps over the top rope with a legdrop as RVD hits Rolling Thunder! RVD goes for the cover, but Sabu pulls him off…and tries to cover Lynn himself. RVD pulls Sabu off and they begin to argue, allowing Styles to hit both with a springboard double clothesline! Rhyno comes back into the ring and easily backdrops a charging Styles. Belly-to-belly suplex from Rhyno to Lynn! Rhyno sets Lynn up for a piledriver, but Bigelow clotheslines Rhyno down.
Bigelow pounds away on Rhyno in the corner, but when he tries to toss Rhyno from the corner Rhyno counters and ends up hitting Bigelow with a side belly-to-belly suplex! RVD leaps at Rhyno and goes for a monkey flip, but Rhyno shoves RVD off. Sabu throws a chair at Rhyno’s face, which hits the mark! Sabu sets up the chair and hits Rhyno with Air Sabu. Sabu turns around into a dropkick from Styles. Styles and Lynn set up Sabu and double powerbomb him onto the open chair! Lynn and Styles set up Bigelow for a double-suplex, but Bigelow fights them both off. Bigelow hits Lynn with a headbutt, then presses Styles over his head! Bigelow sends Styles flying over the top rope and into the guardrail on the floor! Bigelow takes the chair and smashes it over Sabu’s back, but he turns right into the Van Daminator from RVD! RVD covers Bigelow, 1…2…Rhyno breaks it up! RVD hits Rhyno with a couple of forearms, but Rhyno dodges a kick and presses RVD over his head before dropping him face-first on the canvas!
Sabu sets up a table on the outside, but when he gets onto the apron, Rhyno tosses a charging AJ Styles at him, sending both through the table! Lynn and RVD, unlikely allies suddenly, stomp at Rhyno’s knees. Lynn goes for a DDT, but Rhyno stops him and tries for a Northern Lights suplex, only for RVD to kick Rhyno in the midsection, resulting in Lynn hitting the DDT afterall! RVD then turns on Lynn as he tosses him the chair and hits him with the Van Daminator! RVD heads to the top rope to finish off Lynn with the Five Star Frog Splash, but Bigelow shakes the top rope, crotching RVD. Bigelow then grabs RVD off the top rope and plants him with Greetings From Asbury Park! Rhyno is back on his feet and attacks Bigelow. The two monsters go at one another, but Bigelow hits a body tackle. Bigelow picks Rhyno up for Greetings, but Rhyno slides behind Bigelow and shoves him off. Bigelow turns around and Rhyno nearly breaks him in half with a GORE! Rhyno covers Bigelow, 1…2…3!
Winner: Rhyno when he pinned Bigelow in 11:21
Joey Styles: “Rhyno did it! Rhyno did it! It will be Rhyno challenging Raven for the ECW World Championship at Starrcade!”
Tazz: “Joey, look! On the stage!”
Joey Styles: “That’s Raven!”
Raven stares down Rhyno from the stage, but as soon as Rhyno sees him he gives chase! Raven disappears to the back with Rhyno going after him!
In the ring, Jerry Lynn stomps away on RVD and a hurting AJ Styles joins in. Sabu tries to make the save but gets caught by a chairshot from Lynn. Styles plants RVD with a Styles Clash as Lynn heads to the top rope…but before Lynn can leap Kid Kash and Jamie Noble run down. Kash and Noble chase Lynn and Styles off. Kash and Noble grab the ECW World Tag Team Titles and help RVD and Sabu to their feet, before leveling them with the title belts! Styles and Lynn look on as Noble and Kash pose with the titles before tossing them on RVD and Sabu’s prone bodies.
Tazz: “Kash and Noble just made a huge statement, Joey. They want those tag belts.”
Joey Styles: “I’m sure we’ll get an update on who the #1 Contender will be for the ECW World Tag Team Championship from Commissioner Mick Foley. RVD and Sabu look pretty pissed off in the ring right now. Well, we’ll be back shortly!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As RISE returns from commercial, we see Stone Cold Steve Austin backstage staring at a mirror as the hometown crowd pops for him. Austin looks as focused as ever as he prepares to take on CW Anderson later tonight.
Tazz: “CW Anderson is in trouble, Joey.”
***
The Phoenix vs. Victoria
Phoenix poses to the crowd, allowing Victoria to attack her from behind. Victoria pounds away on Phoenix’s back then chokes her in the ropes. Victoria slams Phoenix into her knee, then pulls her hair back, slamming her against the canvas. Victoria shows off her scars from her battles with Daffney before going into a screaming rage, allowing Phoenix to hit a clothesline. Phoenix goes for the cover, 1…2…Victoria kicks out. Phoenix hits another clothesline, but misses an elbow drop. Victoria chokes Phoenix against the ropes before snapping her neck across the top rope. Victoria pulls a La Felina mask out from a pocket on her tights and chokes Phoenix with it. Phoenix fights her way free and hits Victoria with a suplex. Cover, 1…2…Victoria kicks out and rolls to the outside.
Phoenix chases Victoria to the outside, but Victoria hits her as she comes off the apron. Victora grabs the World Women’s Championship and whips Phoenix with it. Victoria continually whips Phoenix with the gold before blasting Phoenix over the head with the title. Victoria rolls Phoenix into the ring, then hits a somersault leg drop over the top rope. Victoria picks Phoenix up and hits the Widow’s Peak. Cover, 1…2…3.
Winner: Victoria by pinfall in 4:11
Victoria puts the La Felina mask on Phoenix, then goes into another rage and pounds away on her! Victoria tosses Phoenix to the outside, then wraps a television cord around Phoenix’s throat, choking the life out of her! Suddenly, “International Woman” plays and Gail Kim runs down to help Phoenix! Victoria releases Phoenix and grabs the World Women’s Title, laughing at Kim as she backs away from her. Victoria taunts Kim with another La Felina mask as Kim checks on Phoenix.
***
Mick Foley is in his office when Bill Alfonso walks in.
Mick Foley: “Fonzie! I had no idea you were here, how are you doing.”
Bill Alfonso: “I’m doing fine, Mick. You saw what happened earlier tonight. I was talkin’ to Mr. PPV and Sabu. They want to know, just like everybody wants to know how the ECW Tag Title deal is going to play out. I know what RVD and Sabu want.”
Mick Foley: “And what might that be?”
Bill Alfonso: “AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, Kid Kash, Jamie Noble, they all want a chance to take out the two greatest who have ever done it in ECW! RVD and Sabu will give all four of them the chance! Three-way dance, daddy!”
Mick Foley: “Well that makes my job easier. Consider it done.”
***
Backstage Rhyno continues to search for Raven. As he turns a corner…he finds Mikey Whipwreck. Whipwreck tries to run away but Rhyno grabs him and yells “where the fuck is Raven!” before getting blindedsided by Malice, Crush, and Wrath! Raven’s Warriors beat down Rhyno, but the save comes quickly as The Legion Of Doom attack! Rey Mysterio Jr., Shelton Benjamin, and Billy Kidman all join the fight as a huge brawl breaks out! The brawl moves out of the arena and into the parking lot, leaving Rhyno lying. Rhyno tries to get to his feet, only he’s attacked again, this time by Raven! Raven low blows Rhyno and spikes him on the concrete floor with the Evenflow DDT. Rhyno immediately tends to his neck as Raven sits next to him. Raven takes the ECW World Championship and tells Rhyno that “this will never be his” before the LOD reappear, forcing Raven to flee.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
We return to RISE with Commissioner Mick Foley and several medical personnel checking on Rhyno. Rhyno gains his bearings then shoves the doctors away, although he still tends to his neck as he walks off. Foley yells at Rhyno to slow down, just to get a “fuck you, Foley” as a response.
***
CW Anderson (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Austin gets a massive reaction as he immediately goes to work on Anderson, hitting him with punch after punch in the corner. Austin follows up by stomping a mudhole in him and walking it dry! Anderson gets back to his feet and stumbles to the middle of the ring as Austin takes him down with a Thesz Press! Austin punches away at Anderson again before suddenly jumping out of the ring and chasing Paul Heyman around for a few seconds! Austin gets a laugh from that before rolling back in the ring. Austin hits Anderson with a couple of punches, but Anderson surprises him by countering an Irish whip and planting Stone Cold with a spinebuster! Austin quickly gets to the ropes as Anderson hits a couple of lariats to the back of Austin’s head. Anderson goes for a suplex, but Austin counters with one of his own! Forearm drop connects! Cover, 1…2…Anderson kicks out.
Austin stomps away on Anderson as Anderson tries to get back to his feet. Austin sends Anderson off the ropes and returns the favor with a spinebuster of his own! Paul Heyman slides a chair into the ring then gets on the apron, only Austin sees him right away and Heyman backs off again. Anderson tries for a superkick, but Austin blocks it, spins Anderson around, and drops him with the Stone Cold Stunner! Austin covers Anderson, 1…2…NO! Austin pulls Anderson’s arm up, then feigns surprise at Anderson’s “kickout”. Austin sees the chair tat Heyman left in the ring and grabs it. Anderson slowly gets to his feet and Austin levels him with the chair, busting him wide open! Austin covers Anderson, 1…2…3!
Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin in 6:13
As Stone Cold celebrates with a beer, Paul Heyman checks on CW Anderson. Austin walks up behind Heyman…and Heyman realizes he’s caught! Heyman begs off as Austin corners him…just as Brock Lesnar’s music plays! Lesnar runs down to the ring…but as stated earlier he can’t put a hand on Austin! Austin smiles, flips off Lesnar, who’s standing just five feet away from him…then drops Heyman with a Stunner! Austin rolls out of the ring to celebrate with the crowd as Lesnar throws a tantrum in the ring. Austin flips off Lesnar one more time as RISE comes to a close!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
#1 Contender for the ECW World Championship – Extreme Brawl
Rhyno defeated Rob Van Dam, Sabu, AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, and Bam Bam Bigelow when he pinned Bigelow
Victoria pinned The Phoenix
Stone Cold Steve Austin pinned CW Anderson
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As RISE returns from commercial, we see Stone Cold Steve Austin backstage staring at a mirror as the hometown crowd pops for him. Austin looks as focused as ever as he prepares to take on CW Anderson later tonight.
Tazz: “CW Anderson is in trouble, Joey.”
***
The Phoenix vs. Victoria
Phoenix poses to the crowd, allowing Victoria to attack her from behind. Victoria pounds away on Phoenix’s back then chokes her in the ropes. Victoria slams Phoenix into her knee, then pulls her hair back, slamming her against the canvas. Victoria shows off her scars from her battles with Daffney before going into a screaming rage, allowing Phoenix to hit a clothesline. Phoenix goes for the cover, 1…2…Victoria kicks out. Phoenix hits another clothesline, but misses an elbow drop. Victoria chokes Phoenix against the ropes before snapping her neck across the top rope. Victoria pulls a La Felina mask out from a pocket on her tights and chokes Phoenix with it. Phoenix fights her way free and hits Victoria with a suplex. Cover, 1…2…Victoria kicks out and rolls to the outside.
Phoenix chases Victoria to the outside, but Victoria hits her as she comes off the apron. Victora grabs the World Women’s Championship and whips Phoenix with it. Victoria continually whips Phoenix with the gold before blasting Phoenix over the head with the title. Victoria rolls Phoenix into the ring, then hits a somersault leg drop over the top rope. Victoria picks Phoenix up and hits the Widow’s Peak. Cover, 1…2…3.
Winner: Victoria by pinfall in 4:11
Victoria puts the La Felina mask on Phoenix, then goes into another rage and pounds away on her! Victoria tosses Phoenix to the outside, then wraps a television cord around Phoenix’s throat, choking the life out of her! Suddenly, “International Woman” plays and Gail Kim runs down to help Phoenix! Victoria releases Phoenix and grabs the World Women’s Title, laughing at Kim as she backs away from her. Victoria taunts Kim with another La Felina mask as Kim checks on Phoenix.
***
Mick Foley is in his office when Bill Alfonso walks in.
Mick Foley: “Fonzie! I had no idea you were here, how are you doing.”
Bill Alfonso: “I’m doing fine, Mick. You saw what happened earlier tonight. I was talkin’ to Mr. PPV and Sabu. They want to know, just like everybody wants to know how the ECW Tag Title deal is going to play out. I know what RVD and Sabu want.”
Mick Foley: “And what might that be?”
Bill Alfonso: “AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, Kid Kash, Jamie Noble, they all want a chance to take out the two greatest who have ever done it in ECW! RVD and Sabu will give all four of them the chance! Three-way dance, daddy!”
Mick Foley: “Well that makes my job easier. Consider it done.”
***
Backstage Rhyno continues to search for Raven. As he turns a corner…he finds Mikey Whipwreck. Whipwreck tries to run away but Rhyno grabs him and yells “where the fuck is Raven!” before getting blindedsided by Malice, Crush, and Wrath! Raven’s Warriors beat down Rhyno, but the save comes quickly as The Legion Of Doom attack! Rey Mysterio Jr., Shelton Benjamin, and Billy Kidman all join the fight as a huge brawl breaks out! The brawl moves out of the arena and into the parking lot, leaving Rhyno lying. Rhyno tries to get to his feet, only he’s attacked again, this time by Raven! Raven low blows Rhyno and spikes him on the concrete floor with the Evenflow DDT. Rhyno immediately tends to his neck as Raven sits next to him. Raven takes the ECW World Championship and tells Rhyno that “this will never be his” before the LOD reappear, forcing Raven to flee.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
We return to RISE with Commissioner Mick Foley and several medical personnel checking on Rhyno. Rhyno gains his bearings then shoves the doctors away, although he still tends to his neck as he walks off. Foley yells at Rhyno to slow down, just to get a “fuck you, Foley” as a response.
***
CW Anderson (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Austin gets a massive reaction as he immediately goes to work on Anderson, hitting him with punch after punch in the corner. Austin follows up by stomping a mudhole in him and walking it dry! Anderson gets back to his feet and stumbles to the middle of the ring as Austin takes him down with a Thesz Press! Austin punches away at Anderson again before suddenly jumping out of the ring and chasing Paul Heyman around for a few seconds! Austin gets a laugh from that before rolling back in the ring. Austin hits Anderson with a couple of punches, but Anderson surprises him by countering an Irish whip and planting Stone Cold with a spinebuster! Austin quickly gets to the ropes as Anderson hits a couple of lariats to the back of Austin’s head. Anderson goes for a suplex, but Austin counters with one of his own! Forearm drop connects! Cover, 1…2…Anderson kicks out.
Austin stomps away on Anderson as Anderson tries to get back to his feet. Austin sends Anderson off the ropes and returns the favor with a spinebuster of his own! Paul Heyman slides a chair into the ring then gets on the apron, only Austin sees him right away and Heyman backs off again. Anderson tries for a superkick, but Austin blocks it, spins Anderson around, and drops him with the Stone Cold Stunner! Austin covers Anderson, 1…2…NO! Austin pulls Anderson’s arm up, then feigns surprise at Anderson’s “kickout”. Austin sees the chair tat Heyman left in the ring and grabs it. Anderson slowly gets to his feet and Austin levels him with the chair, busting him wide open! Austin covers Anderson, 1…2…3!
Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin in 6:13
As Stone Cold celebrates with a beer, Paul Heyman checks on CW Anderson. Austin walks up behind Heyman…and Heyman realizes he’s caught! Heyman begs off as Austin corners him…just as Brock Lesnar’s music plays! Lesnar runs down to the ring…but as stated earlier he can’t put a hand on Austin! Austin smiles, flips off Lesnar, who’s standing just five feet away from him…then drops Heyman with a Stunner! Austin rolls out of the ring to celebrate with the crowd as Lesnar throws a tantrum in the ring. Austin flips off Lesnar one more time as RISE comes to a close!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
#1 Contender for the ECW World Championship – Extreme Brawl
Rhyno defeated Rob Van Dam, Sabu, AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, and Bam Bam Bigelow when he pinned Bigelow
Victoria pinned The Phoenix
Stone Cold Steve Austin pinned CW Anderson
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
AJ Styles: – Jerry Lynn took AJ Styles under his wing in early 2002, resulting in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. 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. 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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
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
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. 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. 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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – December 29, 2002
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Tournament Winner
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Tournament Winner
For some reason the visual of Austin showing up, still with the window broken from when Brock rammed his head through it is all kinds of awesome.
Opening with the Extreme Brawl is an exciting way to kick off the show. I like that you gave that little moment with Foley here, just to further put over the fact that Rhyno had signed away his rights if he got injured. Result of the match was fairly expected with this whole angle, but that’s not a bad thing this time of year. Been some effective long term build here, so Rhyno winning and moving onto Raven is definitely the right move.
Aftermath with all the tag teams seems like a logical way to build towards a three way. RVD/Sabu vs. Lynn/Styles vs. Kash/Noble definitely sounds like a match suitable for Starrcade.
The slow build of sorts of Victoria/Kim with Victoria’s vignettes have been a pretty fun read over the past few weeks. As was the mask falling at Gail’s feet last week. A nice advancement on that here, this gets another tick from me.
Well there goes the three way announcement for the tag titles. Thank you, Bill Alfonso.
Big brawl in the back with Raven’s Warriors (The Flock is such a better name if I’m honest(sorry)), was fine, wouldn’t surprise me if we get an eight man tag or something with all of Raven’s cronies against all the faces who had Rhyno’s back here. Key moment is the damage to Rhyno’s neck after the Evenflow on the concrete. Perfect way to continue this, on the same night as Rhyno signed the waiver.
Austin going over CW here is obviously the right call. I didn’t really understand why Heyman would slide the chair in, when Austin was relatively in control. Kind of caught me off guard. Don’t know if I read it wrong but it came across as really strange to me. Seemed like maybe a short cut way to have Heyman just be there, for the fun ending with Lesnar having to watch Heyman get Stunned… Which again, was a fun ending.
Starrcade card is just building up to be tremendous, and all angles (on Nitro as well as Rise) seem to be building to their crescendos perfectly. Terrific stuff all around mate.
Opening with the Extreme Brawl is an exciting way to kick off the show. I like that you gave that little moment with Foley here, just to further put over the fact that Rhyno had signed away his rights if he got injured. Result of the match was fairly expected with this whole angle, but that’s not a bad thing this time of year. Been some effective long term build here, so Rhyno winning and moving onto Raven is definitely the right move.
Aftermath with all the tag teams seems like a logical way to build towards a three way. RVD/Sabu vs. Lynn/Styles vs. Kash/Noble definitely sounds like a match suitable for Starrcade.
The slow build of sorts of Victoria/Kim with Victoria’s vignettes have been a pretty fun read over the past few weeks. As was the mask falling at Gail’s feet last week. A nice advancement on that here, this gets another tick from me.
Well there goes the three way announcement for the tag titles. Thank you, Bill Alfonso.
Big brawl in the back with Raven’s Warriors (The Flock is such a better name if I’m honest(sorry)), was fine, wouldn’t surprise me if we get an eight man tag or something with all of Raven’s cronies against all the faces who had Rhyno’s back here. Key moment is the damage to Rhyno’s neck after the Evenflow on the concrete. Perfect way to continue this, on the same night as Rhyno signed the waiver.
Austin going over CW here is obviously the right call. I didn’t really understand why Heyman would slide the chair in, when Austin was relatively in control. Kind of caught me off guard. Don’t know if I read it wrong but it came across as really strange to me. Seemed like maybe a short cut way to have Heyman just be there, for the fun ending with Lesnar having to watch Heyman get Stunned… Which again, was a fun ending.
Starrcade card is just building up to be tremendous, and all angles (on Nitro as well as Rise) seem to be building to their crescendos perfectly. Terrific stuff all around mate.
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Thanks for the feedback. Just to explain this, I was going for a Heyman distraction on the apron so that Anderson could perhaps recover with the chair, only Austin immediately saw Heyman and Heyman chickened out and hopped off the apron immediately.
Also I know Flock is a better name...maybe that's being saved for something! (Not really, it's just something I went for back in January in this BTB that didn't pan out much, only since I had already called them the Warriors I didn't want to change it. It does get referenced in some of the promos as a war Raven has been fighting at times).
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WCW Worldwide
December 14, 2002
Nashville Municipal Auditorium
Nashville, TN
A video package highlighting the history of WCW/NWA Worldwide is shown.
***
Scott Hudson: “Welcome to the historical Nashville Municipal Auditorium! Today the last episode of WCW Worldwide takes place. We have two huge matches scheduled for the show today as the Windhams take on the Road Warriors, and Ric Flair teams with his son David to take on Los Guerreros. Here come Hawk and Animal now!”
Barry and Kendall Windham vs. The Road Warriors (Legion of Doom)
Barry gets some chops in on Animal, but Animal comes off the ropes and knocks him down with a flying shoulder block. Barry quickly tags in brother Kendall. Animal pounds away on Kendall before tagging Hawk. Hawk drops Kendall with a neckbreaker and goes for a cover. 1…2…Kendall kicks out. Hawk beats down on Kendall then presses him over his head and slams him to the canvas. Kendall gets back to his feet but gets knocked down with a clothesline. Hawk comes off the ropes but Barry kicks Hawk in the back. Kendall gets a shot in on Hawk then makes the tag to Barry. Barry slams Hawk and makes the cover, 1…2…Hawk kicks out.
Barry tags Kendall back in. Kendall goes for a sunset flip on Hawk, but Hawk counters by punching him in the face. Hawk tries to walk over to Animal for a tag but Kendall trips him up and tags Barry back in. Barry suplexes Hawk, but Hawk gets right back to his feet. Hawk hits Barry in the mouth with a clothesline, then makes the tag to Animal. Animal powerslams Barry as Hawk beats the hell out of Kendall. Hawk slams Kendall and hits a fist drop as Animal pounds away on Barry. Hawk sends Kendall to the outside as Animal puts Barry on his shoulders. Hawk heads to the top rope and the Road Warriors hit the Doomsday Device! Hawk covers Barry, 1…2…3!
Winner: The Road Warriors when Hawk pinned Barry Windham in 5:05
Scott Hudson: “Big win for Hawk and Animal here on the last Worldwide! Hawk and Animal have been appearing in the Land of the Extreme, battling against Raven’s Warriors. A huge 10 Man Tag Team Match has been set by ECW for Starrcade. Hawk and Animal will team up with Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., and Billy Kidman to take on Crush, Malice, Wrath, Saturn, and Mikey Whipwreck!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Scott Hudson: “Ladies and gentlemen welcome back to the last Worldwide. We were about to show some more classic Worldwide footage, but the Disco Inferno is out here with Alex Wright. Last week Disco took on Greg “The Hammer” Valentine in a losing effort. Disco has a microphone.”
Disco Inferno: “Alright, alright, cut the music! Now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time to face the music! WCW Worldwide is dancing its last number, but the party isn’t over as long as the Disco Inferno and Alex Wright are here! The Disco Inferno is an experience, a phenomenon that you just can’t cancel! I’ve shimmied and danced by way through the ranks in WCW for seven years now. This Saturday TV show may be over, but the Disco Inferno is still going to heat things up on Monday nights on Nitro! As the lights go down and the music fades, we’re going to you all one more show. So anyone in the back, come on down and face the heat! Come on down, and face the Disco Inferno!”
Scott Hudson: “We last saw ‘The American Dream’ at the WrestleWar! Dusty Rhodes is here for one more rodeo here on Worldwide!”
Disco Inferno (w/Alex Wright) vs. Dusty Rhodes
Disco Inferno punches away at Dusty, but near runs into the Bionic Elbow, leaping away in fear. Disco gets a kick and some hard chops, then hits Dusty with his own elbow! There’s no effect on Dusty, but Disco doesn’t realize it and starts dancing while facing the crowd. Disco turns around and Dusty knocks him down with the Bionic Elbow! Alex Wright runs into the ring, but Dusty takes him out with an Elbow as well! Disco gets back to his feet, and Dusty hits him with some big jabs and another Bionic Elbow! Dusty slams Disco then drops the big elbow drop! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Dusty Rhodes via pinfall in 2:10
Dusty Rhodes celebrates in the ring, dancing and strutting for the crowd. Dusty gets a standing ovation as he walks to the back.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As we return to Worldwide, a camera continues to follow Dusty Rhodes to the back, where he ends up running into Ric Flair, who’s preparing for his tag team match in the main event. Both men stare one another down before settling for a handshake.
Ric and David Flair vs. Los Guerreros
It looks like Ric and Eddie are to start the match, but as soon as they look to lock up Eddie runs to his corner and tags in Chavo. Chavo gets a headlock but Ric quickly counters into a hammerlock. Chavo continues to chain wrestle with Ric until Ric gets a drop toehold. Huge chop from Ric knocks Chavo down. Chavo looks to tag in Eddie but Eddie backs off. Ric hits Chavo with another chop then knocks him down with a shoulder block. Flair comes off the ropes and hits Chavo with a knee drop. Ric tags in David. David punches away at Chavo in the corner. David hits Chavo with a couple of elbows, but when he comes off the ropes Eddie pulls his hair down, resulting in David slamming off the canvas.
Chavo tags in Eddie and Eddie stomps away on David. Eddie tosses David into the corner and hits him with stiff chops before landing a crisp snap suplex. Eddie locks David in a rear chinlock and also traps the foot as well. Eddie ends up releasing the foot…just to put his feet on the bottom rope. Referee Charles Robinson notices something is off, but Eddie takes his feet off the ropes and Robinson doesn’t see anything. Eddie puts his feet on the ropes again, but this time Ric comes around the ring and shoves Eddie’s feet off! David makes a comeback and gets to his feet. He breaks the headlock…but Eddie knocks him back down with a back elbow. Eddie heads to the top rope and plays to the crowd, but when he leaps off he ends up rolling through as David moves out of the way. David dives and tags in Ric!
Ric Flair comes into the ring and immediately chops away at Eddie! Ric traps Eddie in the corner and hits him with chop after chop! Ric sends Eddie into the opposite corner, but Eddie hits an elbow as Ric approaches. Eddie then runs to his corner and tags in Chavo, then jumps out of the ring. Chavo asks Eddie what he’s doing, but Ric brings Chavo in the hard way! Ric chops Chavo in the corner then hits him with a big suplex. Ric wastes no time and locks Chavo in the Figure-Four, and gets the submission!
Winners: Ric and David Flair when Ric made Chavo submit in 7:58
Eddie Guerrero teases jumping into the ring to attack Ric, but Ric sees him before he gets back into the ring and challenges him to get in. Eddie backs away. Ric tosses Chavo over the top rope as he celebrates the victory with David.
Scott Hudson: “And that’s it for Worldwide! We’ll leave you with some of these memories from the last 27 years! So long everybody!”
Clips of WCW/NWA Worldwide closes the show, ending with Ric Flair standing tall with the NWA World Championship in 1982.
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
The Road Warriors defeated Barry and Kendall Windham when Hawk pinned Barry
Dusty Rhodes pinned Disco Inferno
Ric and David Flair defeated Los Guerreros when Ric made Chavo submit
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
AJ Styles: – Jerry Lynn took AJ Styles under his wing in early 2002, resulting in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. 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. 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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
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
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. 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. 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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – December 29, 2002
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Tournament Winner
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman, and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven's Warriors (Crush, Wrath, Malice, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Tournament Winner
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman, and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven's Warriors (Crush, Wrath, Malice, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
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WCW Monday Night Nitro
December 16, 2002
Reunion Arena
Dallas, TX
Nitro opens with a shot of Shawn Michaels entering the Reunion Arena.
Mike Tenay: “There’s Shawn Michaels, Don. Tonight, Shawn will answer the challenge made by Sting from last week’s Nitro!”
To the surprise of the crowd, Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Dawn Marie make their way down to the ring to kick off Nitro!
Mike Tenay: “After the vehicular attack from the Outsiders, I’m glad to see that Lance Storm, Dawn, and Mike Awesome are okay. Chris Candido is still recovering in a hospital bed, but word is he’ll be ready for Starrcade.”
Lance Storm: “I’m not going to stand here with a microphone spouting out catchphrases about being serious or having impact or anything like that. Let’s cut to the chase. Last week the New World Order, specifically Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac, they all crossed a line. They tried to take us out for good and end our careers, causing a car accident. And yeah, you guys succeeded to an extent and hurt Chris. But you finish the job. I’m standing here. Mike is standing here. Dawn is standing here. The three of you are not getting out of Starrcade that easy. We’re….”
Lance Storm gets cut off by the Wolfpac theme. The Outsiders and X-Pac walk onto the stage, and Scott Hall has a mic.
Scott Hall: “Hey yo! Look, I’m not going to come out here and embarrass you guys with a survey because we all know the fans are here to see the NWO. But you guys coming out here calling us out? That ain’t the way things go man.”
Kevin Nash: “Lance Storm, you might come out here and talk a big game, but come on this is where the big boys play. Your little Total Impact crap might be a big deal on the touring bingo hall show, but this is the NWO. Maybe you guys should start to wonder why you’re always on the back lines and never in the main event spot!”
Lance Storm: “Well at Starrcade, we won’t be on the back line…”
Mike Awesome: “HEY NASH! Maybe you forgot something! Maybe you forgot that when I came to WCW for the first time I dropped your ass on Nitro! Go ahead and try to big league us all you want, you know, just like I know, and Lance knows, and everyone here knows that when we get you at Starrcade, we’re gonna bust the Wolfpac up for good!”
Lance Storm: “Of course, that’s if the Wolfpac even makes it to Starrcade.”
Kevin Nash: “Oh look at this, the little Canadian is tossing threats out here now!”
Lance Storm: “After what happened last week, we had discussions with both Shane and Stephanie McMahon. The big question was if we were going to press charges against you because of what you did. But we decided against it….on two conditions. The first of which, the match at Starrcade, it is ECW branded. That means no rules, no disqualifications.”
Kevin Nash: “That’s your big threat? You think you guys against us being no DQ scares us?” HAHAHAHAHA!”
Nash, Hall, and X-Pac laugh hysterically, with Hall doing an especially big belly laugh…but Lance Storm isn’t done.
Lance Storm: “I wasn’t finished. The second condition. Next week on Nitro, Total Impact gets to make one match. And we decided on one-on-one Steel Cage match. A steel cage match between you Kevin Nash…and this man right here, Mike Awesome!”
The Wolfpac stop laughing as Kevin Nash realizes that’ll be a tall task.
Lance Storm: “And I promise you, next week, that match will be nothing short of….”
Mike Awesome: “AWESOME!”
Mike Tenay: “That’s a big match just six days ahead of Starrcade! Kevin Nash and Mike Awesome in a cage?”
Don West: “I gotta tell you, Mike, with everything the Wolfpac has done to Total Impact, I’m very worried about Kevin Nash next week!”
Mike Tenay: “We have a huge show for you tonight ladies and gentlemen. Two matches tonight will revisit rivalries: Booker T takes on the newest member of the New World Order, Scott Steiner! Also, Diamond Dallas Page will get his chance after last week’s attack as he takes on the Giant! But coming up next, the lone semi-final match to determine the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship: Juventud Guerrera takes on Ultimo Dragon!”
***
Shawn Michaels is seen in the locker room. He looks to be in deep thought, likely thinking about how he will respond to Sting’s challenge from last week.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – Semi-Final
Juventud Guerrera vs. Ultimo Dragon
Dragon grabs a side headlock from a lock-up. Guerrera sends him off the ropes, but Dragon knocks him down with a shoulder tackle. Dragon hits the ropes himself and Juvi leapfrogs him, then hits Dragon with a back elbow. Guerrera springboards off the ropes with a bodypress that hits the mark, 1…2…Dragon kicks out. Flying headscissors from Juvi sends Dragon to the outside. Guerrera then comes off the top rope with a dive that connects! Guerrera rolls Dragon back in and hits a springboard splash, 1…2…Dragon kicks out again. Dragon stops Juvi in his tracks with a hard kick to the ribs, then knocks down Juvi with a flurry of kicks culminating in a back jump kick. Dragon sends Guerrera off the ropes and catches him in the tilt-a-whirl, but finishing it with a spinning kneeling inverted backbreaker! Cover, 1…2…Juvi kicks out!
Dragon locks in the chinlock to slow things down. Juvi fights his way back to a vertical base. He breaks free of the headlock and comes off the ropes. Dragon ducks the clothesline, but Juvi comes back with a spinning heel kick. Dragon quickly gets to his feet and catches Juvi with a kick. Dragon comes off the ropes and goes for a floatover DDT, only Juvi counters with a Northern Lights suplex! 1…2…Dragon just kicks out! Juvi goes for a hurricanrana, but Dragon drops him with a sitout powerbomb! 1…2…now Juvi is the one who just kicks out! Dragon tries to show Juvi how its down with a hurricanrana of his own, only Juvi rolls through and gets the pinning combination himself, 1…2…Dragon escapes! Juvi runs at the Dragon but Dragon backdrops Juvi onto the apron. A kick knocks Juvi to the floor. Dragon teases a suicide dive, but instead backflips back into the ring. Dragon then catches Juvi with a baseball slide then hops onto the apron himself…and hits Juvi with the springboard Asai Moonsault!
Dragon rolls Juvi back into the ring and heads to the top rope, but surprisingly Juvi gets back to his feet to meet Dragon u p there. Juvi gets a couple of punches and goes for a superplex, but Dragon counters into a diving top rope gourdbuster! Dragon covers, 1…2…and to his surprise Juvi kicks out again! Dragon wastes no time putting Juvi back on the top rope and drops him with the Dragon-canrana! Dragon quickly locks in the Dragon Sleeper. Guerrera tries to fight it off, but he’s forced to tap out.
Winner: Ultimo Dragon by submission in 9:07
Ultimo Dragon celebrates his victory as he advances to the Finals of the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. He’ll face Little Guido next week on Nitro.
Mike Tenay: “And with that the Ultimo Dragon will face Little Guido next week with the winner to face Tajiri at Starrcade for the World Cruiserweight Championship!”
Don West: “That should be a hell of a match, but the Dragon needs to worry about the FBI too, not just Guido!”
***
Nitro cuts to the New World Order locker room, where Triple H, Scott Steiner, and Eric Bischoff are going over Steiner’s match later tonight.
Triple H: “Tonight, Scotty Steiner, I need you to take care of business man.”
Scott Steiner: “You don’t gotta worry about anything. I’ve always been bigger than Booker T and I’ve always been better than Booker T. Whether it was when me and my brother would kick him and his brother’s ass, or when I kicked his ass for the TV Title, or the US Title, or the World Title, Booker T got nothin’ on me! Tonight it’s Booker T, at Starrcade it’ll be Sean O’Haire!”
Triple H: “That’s what I like to hear.”
***
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville make their way to the ring. Their entrance resembles more of a precession.
Brother Bubba: “Last week, Monty Brown, Shane Helms, and Elix Skipper, those three blasphemers committed a cardinal sin by trying to take a personal situation and turn that into a title opportunity. This six-man tag team match is going to happen regardless of if the WCW World Tag Team Championship is on the line. But we as a clergy, an archdiocese, a VESSEL to praise and serve HIM, we prayed on this dilemma. A decision was made to give these enemies of HIM an opportunity to prove their worth. They want the title on the line? They’ll have to earn it. Right here, right now if any one of you three can defeat the Deacon Batista in this ring, we’ll make the six-man tag a WCW World Tag Team Title match!”
Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown appear on stage. Helms and Skipper slap Brown on the chest, and Brown comes down, ready to take on Batista!
Mike Tenay: “We’ll be right back with Monty Brown against Deacon Batista!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
If Monty Brown Wins: The A.O.D. vs. Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms Match at Starrcade is for the WCW World Tag Team Championship
Deacon Batista (w/Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Altar Boy Spike) vs. Monty Brown (w/Elix Skipper and Shane Helms)
Monty Brown tries to tackle Batista down but is only able to drive him into the corner. Brown fires away with punches until Batista hits a knee to the midsection. Batista then runs over Brown with a shoulder block, then roars at Brown. Brown leaps at Batista and punches away at him, but again Batista gets the upperhand and ultimately takes down Brown with a powerslam. Cover, 1…2…Brown kicks out. Batista pounds away on Brown before picking him up and dropping him sternum-first on the ropes. Suplex from Batista. Another cover, 1…2…Brown kicks out. Batista hits Brown with a couple of elbows then sends Brown into the corner, but when Batista charges in Brown gets his feet up. Brown comes off the ropes and tries for a clothesline, but Batista stays on his feet. Brown tries it again, and again Batista stays on his feet. Brown gets a full head of steam…and runs right into a vicious spinebuster from Batista! Cover, 1…2…Brown just kicks out, to Batista’s surprise.
Brown slowly gets to his feet and Batista charges at him, only Brown drops and pulls down the top rope, sending Batista to the outside. Brown goes after him and slams Batista into the barricade. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von look to attack, but Shane Helms and Elix Skipper attack them to prevent that from happening! Brown rolls Batista back into the ring. Brown again tries to knock Batista down with clotheslines, but he eventually succeeds with a dropkick! Referee Billy Silverman is distracted by the brawl on the outside, allowing Spike to come off the top rope at Brown! Brown catches Spike and tosses him at Batista. Batista catches Spike, but this allows Brown to come off the ropes and hit the POUNCE! Brown covers Batista and Silverman is back in position to make the count, 1…2…kickout…but it’s late as Silverman hits the mat for three and declares that Brown got him!
Winner: Monty Brown via pinfall in 6:58
Helms, Skipper, and Brown run up the ramp with Helms and Skipper making the title gesture at their waists. Batista looks stunned…but him being stunned quickly turns to anger. Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von try to calm him down…and that seems to work for a moment…before Batista grabs Spike! Batista takes Spike and plants him with a Batista Bomb, with both Bubba and D-Von cowering in fear to stop him. Bubba, D-Von, and Batista leave Spike lying.
***
Jeremy Borash: “Hello everyone this is Jeremy Borash I am backstage with Stacy Keibler, and of course, the Master of the Diamond Cutter, Diamond Dallas Page. DDP, are you ready to face The Giant tonight?”
Diamond Dallas Page: “What kind of stupid question is that? The Giant made a fool out of me when he betrayed me and cost us the Tag straps. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, well that ain’t gonna happen. Yeah, Giant beat my ass at Halloween Havoc and WrestleWar. None of that’s gonna matter. The Giant scum man. I helped him on his way up. And even when he helped me back in April and really in our whole run, he was just using me to get back to the top. Like I said, fool me once, Borash. But The Giant should know better than anyone that not only do I climb mountains, but I cut them down with the Diamond Cutter. The bigger they are, the harder they fall, and this one, this time, the fall is gonna make a BANG! I’m taking out Giant got good tonight, then Christian, I’m taking that US Title at Starrcade. Bada bing, bada boom! Let’s go Stacy.”
***
Booker T vs. Scott Steiner (w/Eric Bischoff)
Booker shows no fear of Steiner and goes right at him, hitting him with punches and chops. Steiner sneaks in an elbow and lands a couple of blows himself, but Booker blocks one and fires back. Steiner reverses an Irish whip but misses a clothesline, and Booker T hits a roundhouse kick. Quick cover from Booker but it only gets a one count as Steiner powers out. Big forearm from Steiner staggers Booker T. Steiner hits some chops in the corner, but when Steiner charges at Booker, Booker catches him with an elbow. Clothesline knocks Steiner down, and Steiner rolls to the outside. Booker goes after him, but Steiner hits him with a knee to the midsection, then slams him into the steel ring steps. Steiner presses Booker over his head, then drops him throat-first on the barricade! Steiner hits Booker with some blows then rolls him back into the ring. Steiner locks in a rear chinlock…just as Triple H makes his way down to the ring.
In the headlock Booker sees HHH and he tries to use that anger to fight his way back up. Booker elbows his way free and hits the ropes, only HHH pulls the top rope down and Booker T goes flying over the top rope onto the floor. Referee Charles Robinson admonishes HHH…but that just allows Steiner to bash Booker T over the back with a chair! Steiner rolls Booker T back in and covers him, 1…2…Booker kicks out! Steiner locks Booker in a bearhug as he looks to completely take out the back. HHH and Eric Bischoff cheer him on, but that positivity quickly changes to negativity as WCW World Champion Kurt Angle makes his way down to the ring. Booker T hits some right hands to break out of the bearhug, but Steiner slows him down with a knee to the midsection. Double underhook suplex from Steiner and a cover, 1…2…Booker kicks out! Steiner hits Booker with a couple of shots, but Booker fires back and sends Steiner off the ropes. Steiner counters the backdrop attempt with a blow to the back then tries to hit a belly-to-back suplex on Booker, only Booker lands on his feet, then connects with a Harlem Sidekick! Booker covers Steiner, 1…2…Bischoff puts Steiner’s foot on the bottom rope, breaking the count.
Booker knows it was Bischoff who saved Steiner and comes to the outside. He grabs Bischoff, but Triple H comes over to stop him. Booker releases Bischoff and he and HHH have a staredown on the outside…but Kurt Angle attacks Triple H from behind! Angle and HHH go at it and Booker slides back into the ring. Eric Bischoff though has slid Scott Steiner a lead pipe! Steiner smashes the pipe against Booker’s ribs and tosses it back to Bischoff without Robinson detecting it! Steiner locks in the Steiner Recliner…but Sean O’Haire comes from the crowd and hops the barricade! O’Haire slides into the ring and attacks Steiner, causing the DQ!
Winner: Scott Steiner by DQ in 10:06
Steiner, O’Haire, Angle, and HHH all brawl in the ring briefly before both HHH and Steiner escape. Kurt Angle raises the WCW World Championship in the ring as Sean O’Haire locks his eyes on Steiner. Angle helps Booker T up, but then, surprisingly, hits Booker T with an Angle Slam! O’Haire seems surprised as Angle takes the title and leaves the ring as well.
Mike Tenay: “Why the heck did Kurt Angle do that for?”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Jeremy Borash: “Hello everyone this is Jeremy Borash once again, I am backstage with the WCW World Champion Kurt Angle. Kurt, why did you just attack Booker T?”
Kurt Angle: “Why’d I attack Booker T? You know, Borash, I think everyone is forgetting something. A very important detail about the match at Starrcade. It’s not a handicap match. It’s not Kurt Angle and Booker T against Triple H. Now don’t get me wrong, if I had a choice, I’d prefer Booker T over Triple H as WCW World Champion any day. But in this case, the choice I’m going to make is Kurt Angle. It’s a three-way dance at Starrcade. I felt like I needed to remind Booker T and everyone else of that.”
Booker T walks up to Angle and Borash, visibly angered.
Booker T: “Oh, it’s gonna be like that huh?”
Kurt Angle: “Hey, this isn’t personal Booker. Just a little reminder.”
Booker T: “You want a reminder?”
Booker T lunges at Kurt Angle and the two brawl backstage until they’re broken up by backstage personnel.
Booker T: “I got your message now you got mine sucka!”
***
Gail Kim vs. Jacqueline
Jackie shoves Kim to get the match started. Kim gets back to her feet and hits Jackie with several punches, then connects with a flying headscissors. Kim runs at Jackie but Jackie catches her with a flapjack. Cover from Jackie, 1…2…Kim kicks out. Jackie punches away at Kim in the corner. Jackie sends Kim into the corner, but Jackie’s charge misses and Kim gets a roll-up, 1…2…Jackie just kicks out! Kim dropkicks Jackie in the knee, then locks in a leglock, forcing Jackie to submit!
Winner: Gail Kim by submission in 1:35
As soon as Gail Kim wins, the lights go out…and Kim’s old theme, her La Felina theme, plays. When the lights go on Victoria is behind her! Victoria smashes Kim in the back with the World Women’s Championship, then drops Kim with a Widow’s Peak! Victoria cackles in the ring as she raises the Women’s Title over her head, leaving Kim lying!
***
Shawn Michaels slowly prepares to head to the ring. As he makes the walk through the backstage area, Triple H intercepts him.
Triple H: “Hey, you know what you’re gonna say out there?”
Shawn Michaels: “Yeah.”
Triple H: “Okay. Just remember, we’ve got your back. We can take of this Sting problem like we planned before all this.”
Shawn Michaels: “I know. Thank you.”
Shawn Michaels continues to make his way to the entrance as Triple H looks on with what appears to be a look of concern.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Kurt Angle: “Why’d I attack Booker T? You know, Borash, I think everyone is forgetting something. A very important detail about the match at Starrcade. It’s not a handicap match. It’s not Kurt Angle and Booker T against Triple H. Now don’t get me wrong, if I had a choice, I’d prefer Booker T over Triple H as WCW World Champion any day. But in this case, the choice I’m going to make is Kurt Angle. It’s a three-way dance at Starrcade. I felt like I needed to remind Booker T and everyone else of that.”
Booker T walks up to Angle and Borash, visibly angered.
Booker T: “Oh, it’s gonna be like that huh?”
Kurt Angle: “Hey, this isn’t personal Booker. Just a little reminder.”
Booker T: “You want a reminder?”
Booker T lunges at Kurt Angle and the two brawl backstage until they’re broken up by backstage personnel.
Booker T: “I got your message now you got mine sucka!”
***
Gail Kim vs. Jacqueline
Jackie shoves Kim to get the match started. Kim gets back to her feet and hits Jackie with several punches, then connects with a flying headscissors. Kim runs at Jackie but Jackie catches her with a flapjack. Cover from Jackie, 1…2…Kim kicks out. Jackie punches away at Kim in the corner. Jackie sends Kim into the corner, but Jackie’s charge misses and Kim gets a roll-up, 1…2…Jackie just kicks out! Kim dropkicks Jackie in the knee, then locks in a leglock, forcing Jackie to submit!
Winner: Gail Kim by submission in 1:35
As soon as Gail Kim wins, the lights go out…and Kim’s old theme, her La Felina theme, plays. When the lights go on Victoria is behind her! Victoria smashes Kim in the back with the World Women’s Championship, then drops Kim with a Widow’s Peak! Victoria cackles in the ring as she raises the Women’s Title over her head, leaving Kim lying!
***
Shawn Michaels slowly prepares to head to the ring. As he makes the walk through the backstage area, Triple H intercepts him.
Triple H: “Hey, you know what you’re gonna say out there?”
Shawn Michaels: “Yeah.”
Triple H: “Okay. Just remember, we’ve got your back. We can take of this Sting problem like we planned before all this.”
Shawn Michaels: “I know. Thank you.”
Shawn Michaels continues to make his way to the entrance as Triple H looks on with what appears to be a look of concern.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Shawn Michaels makes his way out to the ring to the NWO music and grabs a microphone at ringside.
Shawn Michaels: “It has certainly been a heck of a week hasn’t it? I gotta say this is a bit weird to me. I never thought I’d find myself in the middle of a WCW ring with a microphone responding to who I do feel is one of the true greats in Sting.”
“WE WANT STING!”
“WE WANT STING!”
“WE WANT STING!”
Shawn Michaels: “Maybe you do, but WCW fans you’re going to have to put up with me for tonight. It’s storytime with Shawn Michaels. You know it has been quite crazy to see just how much wrestling has changed in the last four to five years. Back when I was on top of the WWF it was all about the ratings and the war between RAW and Nitro. Every week I went out there, sometimes as the WWF Champion, sometimes not, but always on top! I gave everything I had to the WWF to win that ratings war. So much so that I literally broke my back and that was it. It’s weird because suddenly as soon as I was out, the WWF turned the tide and before you know it, WCW as we knew it was done. I fought week after week, night after night to help take down WCW and then it just happened when I couldn’t be farther from it.”
Shawn Michaels: “But there’s a catch in the story. A little twist that I don’t think any of you really know about. As much as I fought for the WWF, truth is I wanted to come to WCW. And it almost happened. I was just done thumping the Canadian in the locker room when Kevin and Scott called. They had a problem. See we were all on the same side, they too were trying to take down WCW from within with the New World Order. So they called me and I remember what Kevin said. ‘Hey Shawn, we need you out here because we need someone to take down Sting.’ Trust me, I was intrigued. Just like Sting explained last week, I read the magazines. I heard the fans, the people. For years they wanted to know who was better, Sting or “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels.”
Shawn Michaels: “So now the opportunity is here. Now it isn’t quite so simple. Let’s skip the fact that I have a broken back for a second. We’ll get back to that. Sting pointed out something last week that perhaps I may be a different man than I was years ago and I will tell you right here that he’s right. Since I retired at Wrestlemania XIV I met and married the woman of my dreams…and for a little side note I’d like to make the point that even the hottest Nitro girl couldn’t resist the “Heartbreak Kid!” But she changed my life. My son was born a couple of years ago, that too changed my life. (Shawn breaks the 4th wall for a moment) Rebecca, Cameron, I love you! My wife, my son, they changed everything for me…outside of the ring. “I thought about this. We thought about this. The only conclusion I could come to is that Sting is right. All the physical pain I had when my back gave up on me, it’s gone. Mentally I’m better than I’ve ever been. And that’s not good news for Sting.”
Shawn Michaels: “You see Sting, you may have wondered all those years if you were better than “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. But Kevin and Scott called me in 1997 to take you out because they know what I always knew. I am better than you. I’m better than anyone who has ever stepped foot in a wrestling ring. You’re coming into Starrcade with a question on your mind. I’m going to come to Starrcade to prove what I already know. I can’t wait for SHOWTIME…because yes, I am the Showstopper! I am the icon that once again will go. I am the main event. WCW fans get ready. At Starrcade you will witness the in-ring return of the absolute best who’s ever done it! But be prepared to be disappointed. Not with the show, not with the highlight reel, but by the fact that I’m going to kick your hero’s teeth down his throat!”
Shawn Michaels does a mic drop before walking off.
Mike Tenay: “Oh my God, Don, it’s going to happen! Shawn Michaels against Sting at Starrcade!”
Don West: “I am at a loss for words, Mike!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Shawn Michaels: “It has certainly been a heck of a week hasn’t it? I gotta say this is a bit weird to me. I never thought I’d find myself in the middle of a WCW ring with a microphone responding to who I do feel is one of the true greats in Sting.”
“WE WANT STING!”
“WE WANT STING!”
“WE WANT STING!”
Shawn Michaels: “Maybe you do, but WCW fans you’re going to have to put up with me for tonight. It’s storytime with Shawn Michaels. You know it has been quite crazy to see just how much wrestling has changed in the last four to five years. Back when I was on top of the WWF it was all about the ratings and the war between RAW and Nitro. Every week I went out there, sometimes as the WWF Champion, sometimes not, but always on top! I gave everything I had to the WWF to win that ratings war. So much so that I literally broke my back and that was it. It’s weird because suddenly as soon as I was out, the WWF turned the tide and before you know it, WCW as we knew it was done. I fought week after week, night after night to help take down WCW and then it just happened when I couldn’t be farther from it.”
Shawn Michaels: “But there’s a catch in the story. A little twist that I don’t think any of you really know about. As much as I fought for the WWF, truth is I wanted to come to WCW. And it almost happened. I was just done thumping the Canadian in the locker room when Kevin and Scott called. They had a problem. See we were all on the same side, they too were trying to take down WCW from within with the New World Order. So they called me and I remember what Kevin said. ‘Hey Shawn, we need you out here because we need someone to take down Sting.’ Trust me, I was intrigued. Just like Sting explained last week, I read the magazines. I heard the fans, the people. For years they wanted to know who was better, Sting or “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels.”
Shawn Michaels: “So now the opportunity is here. Now it isn’t quite so simple. Let’s skip the fact that I have a broken back for a second. We’ll get back to that. Sting pointed out something last week that perhaps I may be a different man than I was years ago and I will tell you right here that he’s right. Since I retired at Wrestlemania XIV I met and married the woman of my dreams…and for a little side note I’d like to make the point that even the hottest Nitro girl couldn’t resist the “Heartbreak Kid!” But she changed my life. My son was born a couple of years ago, that too changed my life. (Shawn breaks the 4th wall for a moment) Rebecca, Cameron, I love you! My wife, my son, they changed everything for me…outside of the ring. “I thought about this. We thought about this. The only conclusion I could come to is that Sting is right. All the physical pain I had when my back gave up on me, it’s gone. Mentally I’m better than I’ve ever been. And that’s not good news for Sting.”
Shawn Michaels: “You see Sting, you may have wondered all those years if you were better than “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. But Kevin and Scott called me in 1997 to take you out because they know what I always knew. I am better than you. I’m better than anyone who has ever stepped foot in a wrestling ring. You’re coming into Starrcade with a question on your mind. I’m going to come to Starrcade to prove what I already know. I can’t wait for SHOWTIME…because yes, I am the Showstopper! I am the icon that once again will go. I am the main event. WCW fans get ready. At Starrcade you will witness the in-ring return of the absolute best who’s ever done it! But be prepared to be disappointed. Not with the show, not with the highlight reel, but by the fact that I’m going to kick your hero’s teeth down his throat!”
Shawn Michaels does a mic drop before walking off.
Mike Tenay: “Oh my God, Don, it’s going to happen! Shawn Michaels against Sting at Starrcade!”
Don West: “I am at a loss for words, Mike!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Triple H: “I’m proud of you Shawn.”
Shawn Michaels: “I can’t wait. I would have never come back if you didn’t invite me to join you this year and I appreciate it so much, Starrcade’s going to be a huge night for the NWO.”
Triple H and Shawn Michaels embrace backstage just as we return back to the ring.
***
WCW United States Champion Christian and Rene Dupree come out to the announcer’s desk. Christian joins Mike Tenay and Don West as Dupree stands behind them.
Don West: “How are you champ?”
Christian: “I’m good, Don. I know you’ve been stuck with Tenay all night, so I’ll try to make sitting out here bearable. I’m out here to scout DDP because that’s what champions do.”
Diamond Dallas Page (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. The Giant
DDP is all over Giant as the match starts! DDP fires rights and lefts at Giant before Giant piefaces him and shoves him across the ring. Giant tries to squash DDP in the corner, but DDP moves, then spits in Giant’s face! Giant angrily swings at DDP but DDP ducks and again fires away at Giant. DDP comes off the ropes with a big clothesline, but that doesn’t move the Giant. DDP pokes Giant in the eye, then goes for a slam, but that goes nowhere. Giant stops DDP in his tracks with a huge headbutt.
Christian: “Now that was clearly stupid from Page. Does he really think he’s going to slam The Giant?”
DDP tries to get to his feet but the Giant traps him in the corner. Giant hits DDP with several chops before quieting the crowd and hitting DDP with a massive chop! Giant grabs DDP’s head and tosses him across the ring. Big kneedrop from the Giant. DDP tries to hang on the bottom rope to avoid being pinned as the Giant simply laughs. DDP pulls himself up in the corner but the Giant just avalanches him with a clothesline. DDP still tries to fight his way back to his feet, but another headbutt leaves DDP lying. The Giant comes off the ropes and hits DDP with a massive elbow drop! Giant makes a cocky cover with his back on Page, 1…2…DDP kicks out! Giant sends DDP off the ropes and catches him with a huge powerslam. Giant puts on foot on DDP, 1…2…DDP kicks out again!
Christian: “One thing I will give Page credit for as he’s a fighter. Giant needs to take these covers seriously if he wants to finish Page off.”
Giant props Page up in the corner and hits a few huge blows. Giant grabs Page by the throat with both hands and drops him into a backbreaker! The Giant picks DDP back up by his hair, then drops him with the Final Cut (aka Nightmare on Helms Street). Giant pins DDP seriously and hooks the leg, 1…2…DDP kicks out again and now the Giant is frustrated. Giant grabs DDP by the throat…but Stacy Keibler gets on the apron! Stacy teases showing off her…assets, allowing DDP to low blow Giant! DDP comes off the ropes and hits Giant with a jumping DDT!
Christian: “That was absolutely ridiculous! Rene, go down there and deal with Stacy!”
DDP covers Giant, 1…2…Giant powers out. Rene Dupree runs down to ringside and confronts Stacy. Stacy smartly backs away around the ring, allowing DDP to roll to the outside and drop Dupree with a Diamond Cutter on the floor! DDP rolls back in and ducks a clothesline from Giant, then low blows him again! DDP makes his way up to the top rope and hits Giant with a flying clothesline! DDP calls for the Diamond Cutter!
Christian: “I'm putting a stop to this!"
DDP grabs Giant by his hair and brings him to the corner. DDP hooks Giant’s head and looks to go for a top rope Diamond Cutter, only Christian comes down and whacks DDP in the back of the head with the US Title belt, causing the disqualification!
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page via DQ in 12:09
Christian punches away at DDP in the middle of the ring. Christian picks DDP up and sets him up for the Unprettier, only DDP shoves Christian into the ropes. DDP goes for the Diamond Cutter, only to get hit with a big boot from The Giant. The Giant grabs DDP by the throat…
Mike Tenay: “HULK HOGAN IS HERE!”
Don West: “Unbelievable, Mike!”
Hulk Hogan makes his way down to the ring and the Giant is waiting for him. Giant attacks Hogan as soon as he enters the ring, but Hogan wins the exchange with big punches! Christian interrupts Hogan with an attack from behind, but Hogan levels him! Giant steps over the top rope and leaves as a staggered Rene Dupree tries to take Hogan down. Christian rolls out of the ring as well. Hogan hits Dupree with a couple of big punches, then hits the big boot! Hogan drops the big leg on Dupree, then stares down the Giant, who is on the ramp. WCW Owner Shane McMahon appears with a microphone.
Shane McMahon: “This is what you wanted Giant. At Starrcade, you’ve got Hogan!”
Hulk Hogan celebrates with the crowd as Diamond Dallas Page gives him a look of respect. Hogan convinces Stacy Keibler to do the hand at the ear taunt and the Hogan pose as Nitro comes to a close!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
#1 Contender to the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Semi-Final
Ultimo Dragon made Juventud Guerrera submit
If Monty Brown Wins, A.O.D. vs. Skipper/Helms/Brown will be for the WCW World Tag Team Championship
Monty Brown pinned Deacon Batista
Scott Steiner defeated Booker T by disqualification when Sean O’Haire interfered
Gail Kim made Jacqueline submit
Diamond Dallas Page defeated The Giant by disqualification when Christian 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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
Shawn Michaels: “I can’t wait. I would have never come back if you didn’t invite me to join you this year and I appreciate it so much, Starrcade’s going to be a huge night for the NWO.”
Triple H and Shawn Michaels embrace backstage just as we return back to the ring.
***
WCW United States Champion Christian and Rene Dupree come out to the announcer’s desk. Christian joins Mike Tenay and Don West as Dupree stands behind them.
Don West: “How are you champ?”
Christian: “I’m good, Don. I know you’ve been stuck with Tenay all night, so I’ll try to make sitting out here bearable. I’m out here to scout DDP because that’s what champions do.”
Diamond Dallas Page (w/Stacy Keibler) vs. The Giant
DDP is all over Giant as the match starts! DDP fires rights and lefts at Giant before Giant piefaces him and shoves him across the ring. Giant tries to squash DDP in the corner, but DDP moves, then spits in Giant’s face! Giant angrily swings at DDP but DDP ducks and again fires away at Giant. DDP comes off the ropes with a big clothesline, but that doesn’t move the Giant. DDP pokes Giant in the eye, then goes for a slam, but that goes nowhere. Giant stops DDP in his tracks with a huge headbutt.
Christian: “Now that was clearly stupid from Page. Does he really think he’s going to slam The Giant?”
DDP tries to get to his feet but the Giant traps him in the corner. Giant hits DDP with several chops before quieting the crowd and hitting DDP with a massive chop! Giant grabs DDP’s head and tosses him across the ring. Big kneedrop from the Giant. DDP tries to hang on the bottom rope to avoid being pinned as the Giant simply laughs. DDP pulls himself up in the corner but the Giant just avalanches him with a clothesline. DDP still tries to fight his way back to his feet, but another headbutt leaves DDP lying. The Giant comes off the ropes and hits DDP with a massive elbow drop! Giant makes a cocky cover with his back on Page, 1…2…DDP kicks out! Giant sends DDP off the ropes and catches him with a huge powerslam. Giant puts on foot on DDP, 1…2…DDP kicks out again!
Christian: “One thing I will give Page credit for as he’s a fighter. Giant needs to take these covers seriously if he wants to finish Page off.”
Giant props Page up in the corner and hits a few huge blows. Giant grabs Page by the throat with both hands and drops him into a backbreaker! The Giant picks DDP back up by his hair, then drops him with the Final Cut (aka Nightmare on Helms Street). Giant pins DDP seriously and hooks the leg, 1…2…DDP kicks out again and now the Giant is frustrated. Giant grabs DDP by the throat…but Stacy Keibler gets on the apron! Stacy teases showing off her…assets, allowing DDP to low blow Giant! DDP comes off the ropes and hits Giant with a jumping DDT!
Christian: “That was absolutely ridiculous! Rene, go down there and deal with Stacy!”
DDP covers Giant, 1…2…Giant powers out. Rene Dupree runs down to ringside and confronts Stacy. Stacy smartly backs away around the ring, allowing DDP to roll to the outside and drop Dupree with a Diamond Cutter on the floor! DDP rolls back in and ducks a clothesline from Giant, then low blows him again! DDP makes his way up to the top rope and hits Giant with a flying clothesline! DDP calls for the Diamond Cutter!
Christian: “I'm putting a stop to this!"
DDP grabs Giant by his hair and brings him to the corner. DDP hooks Giant’s head and looks to go for a top rope Diamond Cutter, only Christian comes down and whacks DDP in the back of the head with the US Title belt, causing the disqualification!
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page via DQ in 12:09
Christian punches away at DDP in the middle of the ring. Christian picks DDP up and sets him up for the Unprettier, only DDP shoves Christian into the ropes. DDP goes for the Diamond Cutter, only to get hit with a big boot from The Giant. The Giant grabs DDP by the throat…
Mike Tenay: “HULK HOGAN IS HERE!”
Don West: “Unbelievable, Mike!”
Hulk Hogan makes his way down to the ring and the Giant is waiting for him. Giant attacks Hogan as soon as he enters the ring, but Hogan wins the exchange with big punches! Christian interrupts Hogan with an attack from behind, but Hogan levels him! Giant steps over the top rope and leaves as a staggered Rene Dupree tries to take Hogan down. Christian rolls out of the ring as well. Hogan hits Dupree with a couple of big punches, then hits the big boot! Hogan drops the big leg on Dupree, then stares down the Giant, who is on the ramp. WCW Owner Shane McMahon appears with a microphone.
Shane McMahon: “This is what you wanted Giant. At Starrcade, you’ve got Hogan!”
Hulk Hogan celebrates with the crowd as Diamond Dallas Page gives him a look of respect. Hogan convinces Stacy Keibler to do the hand at the ear taunt and the Hogan pose as Nitro comes to a close!
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
#1 Contender to the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Semi-Final
Ultimo Dragon made Juventud Guerrera submit
If Monty Brown Wins, A.O.D. vs. Skipper/Helms/Brown will be for the WCW World Tag Team Championship
Monty Brown pinned Deacon Batista
Scott Steiner defeated Booker T by disqualification when Sean O’Haire interfered
Gail Kim made Jacqueline submit
Diamond Dallas Page defeated The Giant by disqualification when Christian 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
AJ Styles: – Jerry Lynn took AJ Styles under his wing in early 2002, resulting in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to a Dream Match
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: – Dragon will face Little Guido with a Starrcade Cruiserweight Title shot against Tajiri on the line
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to a Dream Match
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: – Dragon will face Little Guido with a Starrcade Cruiserweight Title shot against Tajiri on the line
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – December 29, 2002
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Little Guido or Ultimo Dragon
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Little Guido or Ultimo Dragon
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ECW RISE
December 19, 2002
Tulsa Fairgrounds Pavilion
Tulsa, OK
RISE opens with a camera shooting from inside a car. A sign passes that says I-44. The cameraman turns to the driver, who is Brock Lesnar?!
Brock Lesnar: “Hey, just shut up and film!”
Joey Styles: “Welcome to ECW RISE! I’m Joey Styles alongside Tazz, and partner, we have a big night ahead of us. But Tazz, what the hell is Brock Lesnar doing?”
Tazz: “I don’t know, Joey. After what Stone Cold did to Paul Heyman last week, anything is possible from Brock. That poor cameraman looks scared to death, Joey!”
Joey Styles: “We will keep everyone at home updated throughout the night. We’re kicking things off with a three-way match for the ECW World Television Championship! Shelton Benjamin takes one two of his teammates at Starrcade: Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr.! Also, our main event tonight, Rhyno will team with Super Crazy to take on ECW World Champion Raven and World Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri!”
Tazz: “Here comes Kidman now, Joey! And Torrie is with him too, what a tomato!”
ECW Television Championship: Triple Threat (One Fall)
Shelton Benjamin vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson)
All three men start with handshakes before both Rey and Kidman attack Benjamin. Benjamin fights them both off. Kidman comes off the ropes but Benjamin catches him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Rey dropkicks Benjamin from behind and Benjamin falls into the ropes. Rey goes for the 6-1-9 but Benjamin moves out of the way and Rey ends up just swinging between the ropes. Kidman dropkicks Benjamin and Benjamin crashes into Rey, who goes flying off the apron and crashes into the steel railing. Kidman hits Benjamin with a flying headscissors, sending him to the outside. Kidman then leaps up to the top rope and hits both Benjamin and Rey with a springboard Shooting Star Press to the floor!
Kidman rolls Benjamin back into the ring. Kidman springboards over the top rope with a legdrop, but Benjamin moves out of the way. Benjamin hits an enzugiri then a jumping splash, 1…2…Kidman kicks out. Benjamin hits Kidman with a fireman’s carry bus misses a legdrop. Benjamin counters an Irish whip and goes for a backdrop, but Kidman tries to counter with a DDT. Benjamin recounters with a Northern Lights Suplex, 1…2…Kidman kicks out! Benjamin sets Kidman up and goes for a powerbomb, but Kidman counters with a facebuster. Kidman leaps up to the second rope and catches Benjamin with a bulldog! Cover from Kidman, 1…2…Rey springboards off the top rope and breaks the pin with a legdrop! Rey fails to follow up though as Raven’s Warriors: Mikey Whipwreck, Perry Saturn, Crush, Wrath, and Malice all appear on stage.
Joey Styles: “Raven’s flunkies just couldn’t stay away could they?”
Tazz: “Wait, Joey, look! That’s Johnny Stamboli. The FBI is out here!”
Joey Styles: “The FBI and Raven’s Warriors went at it back at November to Remember!”
The FBI attack Raven’s Warriors, ensuring that they are a non-factor in this match. Rey turns around and walks right into the BK Bomb from Kidman! 1…2…Rey just kicks out. Big dropkick from Kidman to Rey. Rey gets back to his feet and he and Kidman trade blows, allowing Benjamin to hit them both with a springboard double clothesline! Benjamin tosses Kidman to the floor, then backdrops a charging Rey over the top rope and onto Kidman on the floor! Benjamin hits the ropes and hits a somersault plancha, taking out both Rey and Kidman! Benjamin sends Rey into the railing, then rolls Kidman back into the ring. Benjamin goes for a flying elbow drop off the top rope, but Kidman moves out of the way. Hurricanrana from Kidman, 1…2…Benjamin kicks out. Rey comes back into the ring and hits Kidman with a spinning heel kick. Rey sets Kidman up for a suplex, but Kidman fights his way out. Benjamin comes off the top rope, but both Kidman and Rey see him coming and hit a double dropkick on him! Benjamin tries to get back to his feet and uses the ropes to do so, but Rey hits him with the 6-1-9! Kidman hooks his legs behind Rey and gets a pinning combination, 1…2…Rey just kicks out! Benjamin nails Rey with an elbow then hits Kidman with a kick. Benjamin puts Kidman on the top rope, but then Rey runs at Benjamin. Benjamin tosses Rey up and Rey ends up catching Kidman with an avalanche hurricanrana off the top rope! Benjamin quickly grabs Rey and hits the T-Bone Suplex! Benjamin covers Rey, 1…2…3!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin when he pinned Rey Mysterio in 13:32 (Retains)
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As RISE returns from commercial, we see the FBI and Raven’s Warriors still brawling in the locker room. Officials eventually come to try to break them up, and are mostly successful as we cut back to the ring.
***
Danny Doring and Roadkill vs. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
Doring and Roadkill go for a double clothesline but Noble ducks and hits a double clothesline, knocking down Doring but not Roadkill. Kash springboards off the top rope and hits a spinning heel kick on Roadkill to knock him down! Kash and Noble punch away at Roadkill in the corner before Doring makes the save. Doring sends Kash over the top rope as Roadkill counters an Irish whip and Doring and Roadkill get the Lancaster Lariat of Lust, a sprinbuster/clothesline combo. Doring covers Noble, 1…2…Noble kicks out. The match turns into a traditional tag match as Doring stomps away at Noble in the corner. Doring turns his back to hot dog to the crowd though, and Noble uses this opportunity to fire away at Doring and make the tag to Kash.
Kash kicks Doring in the corner, but Doring gets a thumb to the eye. Doring tags in Roadkill who gets some shots in on Kash. Kash hits punches of his own then comes off the ropes, but Roadkill hits a Bossman Slam! Cover, 1…2…Kash kicks out. Roadkill sends Kash off the ropes but this time Kash gets the upperhand with a flying headscissors. Doring runs around the ring and pulls Noble off the apron and they brawl on the outside. Kash sees this, leaps to the top turnbuckle, and dives onto Doring on the floor! Roadkill gets back to his feet and he climbs up to the top rope, looking to dive at Kash, only Noble slides into the ring and hits him, stopping him in his tracks. Kash and Doring then slam Roadkill off the top rope onto the canvas! Doring runs back into the ring but Noble and Kash duck the double clothesline then hit Doring with a double flapjack. Kash then hits a double underhook piledriver on Doring and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Jamie Noble and Kid Kash when Kash pinned Doring in 5:49
Noble and Kash indicate to the camera that they’ll be ECW World Tag Team Champions at Starrcade as they celebrate the victory.
***
RISE cuts to the parking lot where the brawl between Raven’s Warriors and the Full-Blooded Italians continues. No one seems to want to get involved in breaking it up. Notably, Raven and Tajiri aren’t a part of the brawl.
Joey Styles: “It looks like Raven’s Warriors won’t be involved in the main event, and good thing at that!”
Tazz: “Looks that way, Joey.”
Joey Styles: “Now, Tazz, this is a bit of an emotional announcement. Last weekend we saw the last episode of WCW Worldwide, well I’m here to announce right now that this weekend’s episode of ECW Hardcore TV will be the last. ECW Hardcore TV was a staple of ECW programming since 1994. The main event for the show this Saturday: Rob Van Dam will face Jerry Lynn!”
Tazz: “Definitely an emotional deal, Joey. I myself have had some of the biggest moments of my career on Hardcore TV.”
***
The camera cuts to Raven, who stands alone a dimly lit setting with the ECW World Championship hanging on the wall behind him.
Raven: “The battlefield has been littered with the fallen. Gladiators, daredevils, bar fighters, martyrs, even a masked superhero, they all succumbed to the age of the Raven. Yet, as the dust settles on this war-torn landscape, a new threat has revealed itself. A wild beast unbounded by reason or fear. A relentless Rhyno charging headfirst to dismantle the world I have created with my Warriors. But understand this, at Starrcade, this Rhyno will be hunted down. Rhyno, powerful and fierce, believes he can stampede through the foundations that have allowed the age of Raven to rise. But like those before him he will meet his fate: to be a carcass left on the battlefield being picked through by the Raven. It will be me, Raven, that will stand over this unstoppable force. So it is written, so it will come to pass. Quote the Raven, Nevermore.”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
RISE returns from commercial with Brock Lesnar. Lesnar slows down near a nice house. Lesnar yells at the cameraman that he’s seemingly kidnapped.
Brock Lesnar: “We’re about here, make sure you keep fucking filming!”
Joey Styles: “What is Brock Lesnar doing? Who’s house is that?”
Tazz: “I have no idea, Joey. But I have a bad feeling about this.”
***
Raven and Tajiri vs. Super Crazy and Rhyno
Rhyno is notably tending to his neck as he makes his way to the ring. Rhyno wants a piece of Raven right away, but referee Jim Mollineaux tries to enforce the rules for a standard tag, having Tajiri and Crazy kick things off.
Joey Styles: “Really? Of all the times to follow the rules and of all the rules to follow?”
Tajiri goes for a quick roundhouse kick that Super Crazy evades. Super Crazy takes Tajiri down with a drop toehold and floats over into a front chancery. Tajiri counters into a hammerlock, but Crazy turns that into a wristlock. Tajiri flips through the wristlock, adds a cartwheel and monkey flips Crazy, but Crazy just lands on his feet. Tajiri quickly comes off the ropes and gets a hurricanrana into a pin, 1…2…Crazy turns it into a pin for himself, 1…2…, Tajiri rolls through and gets a basement dropkick to the face! Cover from Tajiri, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Tajiri brings Crazy back to his feet only to receive a kick to the midsection from Crazy. Crazy sends Tajiri off the ropes, but Tajiri springboards off and catches Crazy with a back elbow! Tajiri follows up with a flying headscissors, but Crazy actually lands on his feet from the momentum and catches Tajiri with a stiff slap to the chest!
Crazy sends Tajiri into the corner and goes for a monkey flip, but Tajiri shoves him off and runs to his corner to tag in Raven. Raven stomps away at Crazy In the corner then takes him down with a bulldog. Raven shoots a look at Rhyno, who is seething in the corner. Tajiri tosses Raven a chair, to which Raven sets up in the ring. Raven sends Super Crazy off the ropes and hits him with a drop toe hold onto the seat of the chair! Cover, 1…2…Super Crazy kicks out. Raven goes back to stomping Crazy before tagging Tajiri back in. Tajiri props Crazy up and hits him with some kicks before putting Crazy in the tree-of-woe. Tajiri goes for a basement dropkick to the face, but Crazy sits up in the corner and Tajiri wishbones himself with the ringpost!
Crazy crawls over and makes the tag to Rhyno! Instead of going for Tajiri, Rhyno runs over to the corner and grabs Raven and tosses him into the ring the hard way! Rhyno pounds away on Raven before Tajiri hits him in the back of the neck with a hard kick! Raven jumps out of the ring as Rhyno clotheslines Tajiri so hard that it sends him inside-out. Rhyno sends Tajiri into the corner and hits a vicious running shoulder into Tajiri’s midsection. Belly-to-belly suplex out of the corner from Rhyno. Super Crazy sets a table up at ringside as Raven has retreated with the ECW Title to the stage. Tajiri throws a kick to slow down Rhyno again, but when Tajiri goes for a hurricanrana Rhyno slams him down with a powerbomb! Rhyno waits in the corner for Tajiri to get to his feet…and then runs Tajiri down with the GORE! Rhyno picks a deadweight Tajiri up and brings him to the apron…then spikes him through the table on the floor with a piledriver! Rhyno rolls Tajiri back into the ring and pins him, 1…2…3!
Winners: Rhyno and Super Crazy when Rhyno pinned Tajiri in 12:44
As Raven watches from the stage, Rhyno challenges him to come to the ring. Raven surprisingly beings to walk to the ring. Suddenly at ringside is Brian Lee…dressed similarly to the time he was the fake Undertaker in the WWF? Lee drags Super Crazy to the outside undetected by Rhyno and chokeslams Crazy on the floor!
Joey Styles: “Of all the things Raven has manipulated his followers to do…having Brian Lee out here dressed up in probably his most embarrassing gimmick ever may just top it all. I mean even the old ECW didn’t even reference the Underfaker when Lee returned in ’95!”
Tazz: “Whatever he’s dressed up, that’s another monster, Joey. And he has a chair!”
Lee takes a chair and sneaks up behind Rhyno. Rhyno senses something is wrong and turns around, right into a vicious chairshot from Lee! Raven comes back down to the ring and barks orders at Lee. Lee picks up Rhyno and plants him with a Tombstone on the chair! Raven stands tall with the ECW World Championship with Brian Lee, dressed like the 1994 WWF Undertaker, standing at his side.
***
Brock Lesnar drags the cameraman to the front door of the house he had parked near earlier.
Brock Lesnar: “You miss one shot of this and you’re a dead man!”
Brock Lesnar violently knocks on the front door…and there’s a gasp in the live audience watching as WWF lead announcer Jim Ross’ voice answers with a “who’s there?” Lesnar then kicks down the door, and JR immediately screams for his life and yells at his wife Jan to get “the hell out of here”. Lesnar easily grabs JR and begins to pound away on him. Lesnar throws JR into a sofa, and while the landing isn’t too bad he slams again part of a coffee table too. Lesnar then takes JR and throws him through a glass sliding door that leads to a backyard! A cut up and bloodied JR is left motionless as police sirens are heard in the background. Lesnar grabs the cameraman and looks into the camera.
Brock Lesnar: “Stone Cold. Austin. Now we’re fuckin’ even!”
Joey Styles: “Oh my God, oh My God…we have to go…”
Tazz: “Holy sh…”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
ECW Television Championship: Triple Threat Match – One Fall
Shelton Benjamin © defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman when he pinned Rey
Kid Kash and Jamie Noble defeated Danny Doring and Roadkill when Kash pinned Doring
Rhyno and Super Crazy defeated Raven and Tajiri when Rhyno pinned Tajiri
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
Joey Styles: “We will keep everyone at home updated throughout the night. We’re kicking things off with a three-way match for the ECW World Television Championship! Shelton Benjamin takes one two of his teammates at Starrcade: Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr.! Also, our main event tonight, Rhyno will team with Super Crazy to take on ECW World Champion Raven and World Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri!”
Tazz: “Here comes Kidman now, Joey! And Torrie is with him too, what a tomato!”
ECW Television Championship: Triple Threat (One Fall)
Shelton Benjamin vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Billy Kidman (w/Torrie Wilson)
All three men start with handshakes before both Rey and Kidman attack Benjamin. Benjamin fights them both off. Kidman comes off the ropes but Benjamin catches him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Rey dropkicks Benjamin from behind and Benjamin falls into the ropes. Rey goes for the 6-1-9 but Benjamin moves out of the way and Rey ends up just swinging between the ropes. Kidman dropkicks Benjamin and Benjamin crashes into Rey, who goes flying off the apron and crashes into the steel railing. Kidman hits Benjamin with a flying headscissors, sending him to the outside. Kidman then leaps up to the top rope and hits both Benjamin and Rey with a springboard Shooting Star Press to the floor!
Kidman rolls Benjamin back into the ring. Kidman springboards over the top rope with a legdrop, but Benjamin moves out of the way. Benjamin hits an enzugiri then a jumping splash, 1…2…Kidman kicks out. Benjamin hits Kidman with a fireman’s carry bus misses a legdrop. Benjamin counters an Irish whip and goes for a backdrop, but Kidman tries to counter with a DDT. Benjamin recounters with a Northern Lights Suplex, 1…2…Kidman kicks out! Benjamin sets Kidman up and goes for a powerbomb, but Kidman counters with a facebuster. Kidman leaps up to the second rope and catches Benjamin with a bulldog! Cover from Kidman, 1…2…Rey springboards off the top rope and breaks the pin with a legdrop! Rey fails to follow up though as Raven’s Warriors: Mikey Whipwreck, Perry Saturn, Crush, Wrath, and Malice all appear on stage.
Joey Styles: “Raven’s flunkies just couldn’t stay away could they?”
Tazz: “Wait, Joey, look! That’s Johnny Stamboli. The FBI is out here!”
Joey Styles: “The FBI and Raven’s Warriors went at it back at November to Remember!”
The FBI attack Raven’s Warriors, ensuring that they are a non-factor in this match. Rey turns around and walks right into the BK Bomb from Kidman! 1…2…Rey just kicks out. Big dropkick from Kidman to Rey. Rey gets back to his feet and he and Kidman trade blows, allowing Benjamin to hit them both with a springboard double clothesline! Benjamin tosses Kidman to the floor, then backdrops a charging Rey over the top rope and onto Kidman on the floor! Benjamin hits the ropes and hits a somersault plancha, taking out both Rey and Kidman! Benjamin sends Rey into the railing, then rolls Kidman back into the ring. Benjamin goes for a flying elbow drop off the top rope, but Kidman moves out of the way. Hurricanrana from Kidman, 1…2…Benjamin kicks out. Rey comes back into the ring and hits Kidman with a spinning heel kick. Rey sets Kidman up for a suplex, but Kidman fights his way out. Benjamin comes off the top rope, but both Kidman and Rey see him coming and hit a double dropkick on him! Benjamin tries to get back to his feet and uses the ropes to do so, but Rey hits him with the 6-1-9! Kidman hooks his legs behind Rey and gets a pinning combination, 1…2…Rey just kicks out! Benjamin nails Rey with an elbow then hits Kidman with a kick. Benjamin puts Kidman on the top rope, but then Rey runs at Benjamin. Benjamin tosses Rey up and Rey ends up catching Kidman with an avalanche hurricanrana off the top rope! Benjamin quickly grabs Rey and hits the T-Bone Suplex! Benjamin covers Rey, 1…2…3!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin when he pinned Rey Mysterio in 13:32 (Retains)
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As RISE returns from commercial, we see the FBI and Raven’s Warriors still brawling in the locker room. Officials eventually come to try to break them up, and are mostly successful as we cut back to the ring.
***
Danny Doring and Roadkill vs. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
Doring and Roadkill go for a double clothesline but Noble ducks and hits a double clothesline, knocking down Doring but not Roadkill. Kash springboards off the top rope and hits a spinning heel kick on Roadkill to knock him down! Kash and Noble punch away at Roadkill in the corner before Doring makes the save. Doring sends Kash over the top rope as Roadkill counters an Irish whip and Doring and Roadkill get the Lancaster Lariat of Lust, a sprinbuster/clothesline combo. Doring covers Noble, 1…2…Noble kicks out. The match turns into a traditional tag match as Doring stomps away at Noble in the corner. Doring turns his back to hot dog to the crowd though, and Noble uses this opportunity to fire away at Doring and make the tag to Kash.
Kash kicks Doring in the corner, but Doring gets a thumb to the eye. Doring tags in Roadkill who gets some shots in on Kash. Kash hits punches of his own then comes off the ropes, but Roadkill hits a Bossman Slam! Cover, 1…2…Kash kicks out. Roadkill sends Kash off the ropes but this time Kash gets the upperhand with a flying headscissors. Doring runs around the ring and pulls Noble off the apron and they brawl on the outside. Kash sees this, leaps to the top turnbuckle, and dives onto Doring on the floor! Roadkill gets back to his feet and he climbs up to the top rope, looking to dive at Kash, only Noble slides into the ring and hits him, stopping him in his tracks. Kash and Doring then slam Roadkill off the top rope onto the canvas! Doring runs back into the ring but Noble and Kash duck the double clothesline then hit Doring with a double flapjack. Kash then hits a double underhook piledriver on Doring and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Jamie Noble and Kid Kash when Kash pinned Doring in 5:49
Noble and Kash indicate to the camera that they’ll be ECW World Tag Team Champions at Starrcade as they celebrate the victory.
***
RISE cuts to the parking lot where the brawl between Raven’s Warriors and the Full-Blooded Italians continues. No one seems to want to get involved in breaking it up. Notably, Raven and Tajiri aren’t a part of the brawl.
Joey Styles: “It looks like Raven’s Warriors won’t be involved in the main event, and good thing at that!”
Tazz: “Looks that way, Joey.”
Joey Styles: “Now, Tazz, this is a bit of an emotional announcement. Last weekend we saw the last episode of WCW Worldwide, well I’m here to announce right now that this weekend’s episode of ECW Hardcore TV will be the last. ECW Hardcore TV was a staple of ECW programming since 1994. The main event for the show this Saturday: Rob Van Dam will face Jerry Lynn!”
Tazz: “Definitely an emotional deal, Joey. I myself have had some of the biggest moments of my career on Hardcore TV.”
***
The camera cuts to Raven, who stands alone a dimly lit setting with the ECW World Championship hanging on the wall behind him.
Raven: “The battlefield has been littered with the fallen. Gladiators, daredevils, bar fighters, martyrs, even a masked superhero, they all succumbed to the age of the Raven. Yet, as the dust settles on this war-torn landscape, a new threat has revealed itself. A wild beast unbounded by reason or fear. A relentless Rhyno charging headfirst to dismantle the world I have created with my Warriors. But understand this, at Starrcade, this Rhyno will be hunted down. Rhyno, powerful and fierce, believes he can stampede through the foundations that have allowed the age of Raven to rise. But like those before him he will meet his fate: to be a carcass left on the battlefield being picked through by the Raven. It will be me, Raven, that will stand over this unstoppable force. So it is written, so it will come to pass. Quote the Raven, Nevermore.”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
RISE returns from commercial with Brock Lesnar. Lesnar slows down near a nice house. Lesnar yells at the cameraman that he’s seemingly kidnapped.
Brock Lesnar: “We’re about here, make sure you keep fucking filming!”
Joey Styles: “What is Brock Lesnar doing? Who’s house is that?”
Tazz: “I have no idea, Joey. But I have a bad feeling about this.”
***
Raven and Tajiri vs. Super Crazy and Rhyno
Rhyno is notably tending to his neck as he makes his way to the ring. Rhyno wants a piece of Raven right away, but referee Jim Mollineaux tries to enforce the rules for a standard tag, having Tajiri and Crazy kick things off.
Joey Styles: “Really? Of all the times to follow the rules and of all the rules to follow?”
Tajiri goes for a quick roundhouse kick that Super Crazy evades. Super Crazy takes Tajiri down with a drop toehold and floats over into a front chancery. Tajiri counters into a hammerlock, but Crazy turns that into a wristlock. Tajiri flips through the wristlock, adds a cartwheel and monkey flips Crazy, but Crazy just lands on his feet. Tajiri quickly comes off the ropes and gets a hurricanrana into a pin, 1…2…Crazy turns it into a pin for himself, 1…2…, Tajiri rolls through and gets a basement dropkick to the face! Cover from Tajiri, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. Tajiri brings Crazy back to his feet only to receive a kick to the midsection from Crazy. Crazy sends Tajiri off the ropes, but Tajiri springboards off and catches Crazy with a back elbow! Tajiri follows up with a flying headscissors, but Crazy actually lands on his feet from the momentum and catches Tajiri with a stiff slap to the chest!
Crazy sends Tajiri into the corner and goes for a monkey flip, but Tajiri shoves him off and runs to his corner to tag in Raven. Raven stomps away at Crazy In the corner then takes him down with a bulldog. Raven shoots a look at Rhyno, who is seething in the corner. Tajiri tosses Raven a chair, to which Raven sets up in the ring. Raven sends Super Crazy off the ropes and hits him with a drop toe hold onto the seat of the chair! Cover, 1…2…Super Crazy kicks out. Raven goes back to stomping Crazy before tagging Tajiri back in. Tajiri props Crazy up and hits him with some kicks before putting Crazy in the tree-of-woe. Tajiri goes for a basement dropkick to the face, but Crazy sits up in the corner and Tajiri wishbones himself with the ringpost!
Crazy crawls over and makes the tag to Rhyno! Instead of going for Tajiri, Rhyno runs over to the corner and grabs Raven and tosses him into the ring the hard way! Rhyno pounds away on Raven before Tajiri hits him in the back of the neck with a hard kick! Raven jumps out of the ring as Rhyno clotheslines Tajiri so hard that it sends him inside-out. Rhyno sends Tajiri into the corner and hits a vicious running shoulder into Tajiri’s midsection. Belly-to-belly suplex out of the corner from Rhyno. Super Crazy sets a table up at ringside as Raven has retreated with the ECW Title to the stage. Tajiri throws a kick to slow down Rhyno again, but when Tajiri goes for a hurricanrana Rhyno slams him down with a powerbomb! Rhyno waits in the corner for Tajiri to get to his feet…and then runs Tajiri down with the GORE! Rhyno picks a deadweight Tajiri up and brings him to the apron…then spikes him through the table on the floor with a piledriver! Rhyno rolls Tajiri back into the ring and pins him, 1…2…3!
Winners: Rhyno and Super Crazy when Rhyno pinned Tajiri in 12:44
As Raven watches from the stage, Rhyno challenges him to come to the ring. Raven surprisingly beings to walk to the ring. Suddenly at ringside is Brian Lee…dressed similarly to the time he was the fake Undertaker in the WWF? Lee drags Super Crazy to the outside undetected by Rhyno and chokeslams Crazy on the floor!
Joey Styles: “Of all the things Raven has manipulated his followers to do…having Brian Lee out here dressed up in probably his most embarrassing gimmick ever may just top it all. I mean even the old ECW didn’t even reference the Underfaker when Lee returned in ’95!”
Tazz: “Whatever he’s dressed up, that’s another monster, Joey. And he has a chair!”
Lee takes a chair and sneaks up behind Rhyno. Rhyno senses something is wrong and turns around, right into a vicious chairshot from Lee! Raven comes back down to the ring and barks orders at Lee. Lee picks up Rhyno and plants him with a Tombstone on the chair! Raven stands tall with the ECW World Championship with Brian Lee, dressed like the 1994 WWF Undertaker, standing at his side.
***
Brock Lesnar drags the cameraman to the front door of the house he had parked near earlier.
Brock Lesnar: “You miss one shot of this and you’re a dead man!”
Brock Lesnar violently knocks on the front door…and there’s a gasp in the live audience watching as WWF lead announcer Jim Ross’ voice answers with a “who’s there?” Lesnar then kicks down the door, and JR immediately screams for his life and yells at his wife Jan to get “the hell out of here”. Lesnar easily grabs JR and begins to pound away on him. Lesnar throws JR into a sofa, and while the landing isn’t too bad he slams again part of a coffee table too. Lesnar then takes JR and throws him through a glass sliding door that leads to a backyard! A cut up and bloodied JR is left motionless as police sirens are heard in the background. Lesnar grabs the cameraman and looks into the camera.
Brock Lesnar: “Stone Cold. Austin. Now we’re fuckin’ even!”
Joey Styles: “Oh my God, oh My God…we have to go…”
Tazz: “Holy sh…”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
ECW Television Championship: Triple Threat Match – One Fall
Shelton Benjamin © defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman when he pinned Rey
Kid Kash and Jamie Noble defeated Danny Doring and Roadkill when Kash pinned Doring
Rhyno and Super Crazy defeated Raven and Tajiri when Rhyno pinned Tajiri
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
AJ Styles: – Jerry Lynn took AJ Styles under his wing in early 2002, resulting in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to a Dream Match
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: – Dragon will face Little Guido with a Starrcade Cruiserweight Title shot against Tajiri on the line
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to a Dream Match
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: – Dragon will face Little Guido with a Starrcade Cruiserweight Title shot against Tajiri on the line
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – December 29, 2002
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Little Guido or Ultimo Dragon
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Little Guido or Ultimo Dragon
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ECW Hardcore TV
December 21, 2002
Tulsa Fairgrounds Pavillion
Tulsa, OK
Raven: “The war had been won. I stood tall, an army of Warriors standing around me, victorious over those in ECW who had opposed me. Yet a rampaging unstoppable emerged to tear down my world. This development required me to dig deeper. For all the minds and all the souls to bend their will to the Age of Raven, this one has always had untapped power and potential. This celestial being, wrought from the shadows of despair, will deliver the fatal touch to this powerful beast. Brian Lee no longer exists. I have christened him as my Angel of Death. My Angel of Death will descend upon you Rhyno, and you shall fall! The ground will be salted with the ashes of your carcass, and I will remain. So it is written, so it will come to pass. Quote the Raven, Nevermore!”
Joey Styles: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the last episode of ECW Hardcore TV! I’m Joey Styles. Tonight, Rob Van Dam and Jerry Lynn get it on one more time!”
Tazz: “I’ve personally heard from both AJ Styles and Fonzie that neither AJ or Sabu will get involved either, it will be one on one and should be a donnybrook! Also other big news, Joey. After RISE on Thursday Brock Lesnar was taken to jail after what he did to Jim Ross. We should get an update tonight.”
Joey Styles: “We can only hope for a quick recovery for Good Ol’ J.R., and I hear no one has heard from Stone Cold. Tazz, what’s this? Rhyno’s coming out here, I didn’t even know he was here after what happened on RISE.”
Tazz: “He’s got a neck brace on, Joey.”
Joey Styles: “Oh, this can’t be good.”
Rhyno slowly walks down to the ring and grabs a microphone.
Rhyno: “Foley, I want you out here. I have something I need to say to your face.”
ECW Commissioner Mick Foley comes down to the ring sans music. He looks concerned.
Rhyno: “Foley, I hate to say it. It pisses me off to say it. But you warned me. I wish I never signed that fuckin’ piece of paper.”
Mick Foley: “I think I know where you’re going with this and all I can say is I’m sorry, Rhyno. There’s nothing we can do though. As you said, you signed the waiver.”
Rhyno: “I’m not trying to get out of this. That fuckin’ piece of shit Brian Lee, well, he fucked up my neck and I was told yesterday that it’s over. I just want Raven to come out here so I can, man-to-man, forfeit my upcoming title shot at Starrcade. I asked you to be out here to make it official, and I guess that’s it.”
Mick Foley: “I’m sorry to hear that, Rhyno. I really am. I was certainly rooting for you to finish the big comeback.”
Rhyno: “Yeah, I’m not standing here for the sentimental garbage. Raven, come out here and let’s just do this.”
Rhyno stands in the ring, injured but still defiantly. Raven’s theme does play and he comes out alone, ECW World Championship in hand.
Rhyno: “You have no idea how lucky you are you son of a bitch!”
Raven: “Now that the beast has been slain, Mick Foley, what is the next chapter?”
Raven turns his back to Rhyno when he speaks towards Mick Foley. Rhyno grabs Raven and forces Raven to face him.
Rhyno: “Hey, don’t you dare turn your back on me!”
Raven smirks at Rhyno, but then turns his back on him again to talk to Mick Foley. Rhyno looks angry at first…but then smiles. The crowd catches on quickly and begins to cheer as Rhyno rips off his neck brace! Raven turns back towards Rhyno and Rhyno rips him in half with a GORE! Rhyno then beats the living hell out of Raven before his Warriors run down to make the save: Saturn, Mikey Whipwreck, Malice, Wrath, and Crush. Rhyno gets a few blows in before retreating through the crowd.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Raven retreats to the back as his Warriors remain in the ring, waiting for their opponents, the FBI.
The Full-Blooded Italians (Little Guido, Tracy Smothers, Tony Mamaluke, Johnny Stamboli, and Big Sal E. Graziano) vs. Raven’s Warriors (Perry Saturn, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath) w/Terri
A pier-six brawl breaks out right away. Guido and Mamaluke double team Whipwreck on the outside while Wrath, Malice, and Crush try to take down the 600-pound Sal in the ring. Guido and Mamaluke put Whipwreck on a table on the outside, allowing Johnny Stamboli to come flying off the top rope with a legdrop through Whipwreck! Saturn punches away at Smothers in the ring and drops him on his head with a Sambo-style suplex. Saturn tries to suplex Big Sal, but Sal elbows Saturn to break it. Malice and Wrath each have chairs and begin to bash Big Sal, and Sal ends up falling on Smothers! Mamaluke attacks Saturn, but Crush hits him with a big boot. Malice takes a steel chair and wallops Mamaluke over the head with it. Stamboli gets back into the ring but Crush hits him with a heart punch, then Malice grabs him by the throat and plants him with a chokeslam.
Guido jumps on Malice’s back, but Malice easily fights him off. Guido decides there’s no reason to stick around and bails. Guido runs up the ramp, abandoning his FBI teammates. Sal knocks Crush and Wrath down with a double clothesline and hits Malice with a Samoan Drop! Saturn hits Sal with a chopblock with knocks down the monster. Saturn hooks Sal’s large arms into the Rings of Saturn, and Sal submits.
Winners: Raven’s Warriors in 4:15 when Saturn made Sal submit
***
We see Rhyno backstage…and he finds Raven! Rhyno goes to attack Raven for the second time tonight, only Brian Lee, or the Angel of Death cuts him off! Lee and Rhyno pummel one another all over the backstage area before they get broken up by officials!
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
ECW Hardcore TV comes back from commercial break with Paul Heyman walking out of a large facility with Brock Lesnar following him. Heyman is on the phone.
Paul Heyman: “I know, I know. Look, he’s out, he’ll be fine for Starrcade. I understand that, Stephanie. I’ll call Vince and apologize. Fine…I…”
Brock takes the phone out of Heyman’s hand and smashes it on the ground.
Paul Heyman: “Brock please, come on. Look, I’m okay. Yes Steve Austin hit me with the Stunner. But I’m okay. You broke into the man’s house! You put him and his wife in the hospital! You have the biggest match of your career in a week, this could have ruined your career! Just calm down, you’ll get Austin at Starrcade!”
Brock gets into a car with Heyman shaking his head as he gets in too.
Joey Styles: “Man, Stone Cold against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade. This has gotten personal.”
Tazz: “Without a doubt, Joey.”
Joey Styles: “I understand that we’ll get an update on Jim Ross’ condition sometime this week. I do understand he’s alert and stable.”
Tazz: “I never thought I’d say this, but I might be scared for Brock Lesnar. I can’t imagine what Stone Cold is going to do to him at Starrcade.”
Joey Styles: “Oh, this can’t be good.”
Rhyno slowly walks down to the ring and grabs a microphone.
Rhyno: “Foley, I want you out here. I have something I need to say to your face.”
ECW Commissioner Mick Foley comes down to the ring sans music. He looks concerned.
Rhyno: “Foley, I hate to say it. It pisses me off to say it. But you warned me. I wish I never signed that fuckin’ piece of paper.”
Mick Foley: “I think I know where you’re going with this and all I can say is I’m sorry, Rhyno. There’s nothing we can do though. As you said, you signed the waiver.”
Rhyno: “I’m not trying to get out of this. That fuckin’ piece of shit Brian Lee, well, he fucked up my neck and I was told yesterday that it’s over. I just want Raven to come out here so I can, man-to-man, forfeit my upcoming title shot at Starrcade. I asked you to be out here to make it official, and I guess that’s it.”
Mick Foley: “I’m sorry to hear that, Rhyno. I really am. I was certainly rooting for you to finish the big comeback.”
Rhyno: “Yeah, I’m not standing here for the sentimental garbage. Raven, come out here and let’s just do this.”
Rhyno stands in the ring, injured but still defiantly. Raven’s theme does play and he comes out alone, ECW World Championship in hand.
Rhyno: “You have no idea how lucky you are you son of a bitch!”
Raven: “Now that the beast has been slain, Mick Foley, what is the next chapter?”
Raven turns his back to Rhyno when he speaks towards Mick Foley. Rhyno grabs Raven and forces Raven to face him.
Rhyno: “Hey, don’t you dare turn your back on me!”
Raven smirks at Rhyno, but then turns his back on him again to talk to Mick Foley. Rhyno looks angry at first…but then smiles. The crowd catches on quickly and begins to cheer as Rhyno rips off his neck brace! Raven turns back towards Rhyno and Rhyno rips him in half with a GORE! Rhyno then beats the living hell out of Raven before his Warriors run down to make the save: Saturn, Mikey Whipwreck, Malice, Wrath, and Crush. Rhyno gets a few blows in before retreating through the crowd.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Raven retreats to the back as his Warriors remain in the ring, waiting for their opponents, the FBI.
The Full-Blooded Italians (Little Guido, Tracy Smothers, Tony Mamaluke, Johnny Stamboli, and Big Sal E. Graziano) vs. Raven’s Warriors (Perry Saturn, Mikey Whipwreck, Crush, Malice, and Wrath) w/Terri
A pier-six brawl breaks out right away. Guido and Mamaluke double team Whipwreck on the outside while Wrath, Malice, and Crush try to take down the 600-pound Sal in the ring. Guido and Mamaluke put Whipwreck on a table on the outside, allowing Johnny Stamboli to come flying off the top rope with a legdrop through Whipwreck! Saturn punches away at Smothers in the ring and drops him on his head with a Sambo-style suplex. Saturn tries to suplex Big Sal, but Sal elbows Saturn to break it. Malice and Wrath each have chairs and begin to bash Big Sal, and Sal ends up falling on Smothers! Mamaluke attacks Saturn, but Crush hits him with a big boot. Malice takes a steel chair and wallops Mamaluke over the head with it. Stamboli gets back into the ring but Crush hits him with a heart punch, then Malice grabs him by the throat and plants him with a chokeslam.
Guido jumps on Malice’s back, but Malice easily fights him off. Guido decides there’s no reason to stick around and bails. Guido runs up the ramp, abandoning his FBI teammates. Sal knocks Crush and Wrath down with a double clothesline and hits Malice with a Samoan Drop! Saturn hits Sal with a chopblock with knocks down the monster. Saturn hooks Sal’s large arms into the Rings of Saturn, and Sal submits.
Winners: Raven’s Warriors in 4:15 when Saturn made Sal submit
***
We see Rhyno backstage…and he finds Raven! Rhyno goes to attack Raven for the second time tonight, only Brian Lee, or the Angel of Death cuts him off! Lee and Rhyno pummel one another all over the backstage area before they get broken up by officials!
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
ECW Hardcore TV comes back from commercial break with Paul Heyman walking out of a large facility with Brock Lesnar following him. Heyman is on the phone.
Paul Heyman: “I know, I know. Look, he’s out, he’ll be fine for Starrcade. I understand that, Stephanie. I’ll call Vince and apologize. Fine…I…”
Brock takes the phone out of Heyman’s hand and smashes it on the ground.
Paul Heyman: “Brock please, come on. Look, I’m okay. Yes Steve Austin hit me with the Stunner. But I’m okay. You broke into the man’s house! You put him and his wife in the hospital! You have the biggest match of your career in a week, this could have ruined your career! Just calm down, you’ll get Austin at Starrcade!”
Brock gets into a car with Heyman shaking his head as he gets in too.
Joey Styles: “Man, Stone Cold against Brock Lesnar at Starrcade. This has gotten personal.”
Tazz: “Without a doubt, Joey.”
Joey Styles: “I understand that we’ll get an update on Jim Ross’ condition sometime this week. I do understand he’s alert and stable.”
Tazz: “I never thought I’d say this, but I might be scared for Brock Lesnar. I can’t imagine what Stone Cold is going to do to him at Starrcade.”
Joey Styles: “Well partner, we’re about to witness the very last match in the history of ECW Hardcore TV. I do have one more update, this Thursday on the go-home RISE before Starrcade, Rhyno will take on Raven’s Angel of Death, Brian Lee!”
***
Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam
RVD and Lynn stand face-to-face. RVD does his taunt in Lynn’s face and Lynn shoves him. They lock-up and RVD grabs a side headlock. Lynn sends RVD off the ropes then does a drop-down. Lynn comes back off the ropes and gets an armdrag. Both men get to their feet and RVD gets an armdrag. RVD misses a somersault legdrop and Lynn catches RVD with a dropkick. Lynn fires away at RVD in the corner, but RVD counters a whip that sends Lynn into the opposite corner. Lynn bursts out of the corner and RVD leapfrogs him, only for Lynn to toss RVD to the outside. RVD lands on the apron, but Lynn trangle dropkicks him off and RVD crashes into the steel railing. Lynn heads to the top rope and dives onto RVD on the floor! Lynn rolls back into the ring and showboats a bit to the crowd himself. RVD struggles to get back into the ring, allowing Lynn to hit a guillotine legdrop from the second turnbuckle as RVD came through the ropes. Cover, 1…2…RVD kicks out.
Lynn chops RVD in the corner before propping him on the top rope. Flying bulldog from the top rope! Lynn covers RVD again, 1…2…RVD just kicks out and Lynn is in complete control. Lynn goes for a suplex, but RVD counters and crotches Lynn on the top rope. RVD springboards off the ropes and hits Lynn with a flying kick that sends him tumbling to the floor! RVD hits the ropes and leaps over the top rope with a somersault plancha onto Lynn! RVD high fives a few fans before sending Lynn into the railing. RVD hits a roundhouse kick that sends Lynn into the crowd. RVD then gets a full head of steam and leaps over the railing onto Lynn! RVD heads back to the ring and leaps onto the apron as Lynn tries to crawl his way back over the railing…allowing RVD to hit a corkscrew legdrop! RVD slides Lynn into the ring and brings a chair with him too. RVD puts the chair on Lynn and hits Rolling Thunder! 1…2…Lynn kicks out!
Lynn backs up into the corner. RVD runs at Lynn and puts the chair on the canvas, going for a monkey flip, only Lynn shoves him off and RVD smashes back onto the chair! Lynn heads to the top rope but RVD tosses the chair at him, slowing him down. RVD tries to superplex Lynn, but Lynn counters and hooks RVD’s head, followed by a Tornado DDT! Cover, 1…2…RVD kicks out! Lynn drags RVD to the corner and leaps up to the top rope again. RVD gets some shots in but Lynn overpowers him, then hits a sunset flip that ends with violent impact! Lynn covers, 1…2…RVD kicks out! Lynn shows some frustration. Lynn then takes the chair and throws it at RVD, hitting his own version of the Van Daminator! Lynn quickly grabs RVD and plants him with the Cradle Piledriver! Cover, 1…2…RVD just kicks out and Lynn can’t believe it!
Lynn punches at RVD in the corner and props him on the top rope. Lynn goes for an avalanche hurricanrana, but RVD holds onto the ropes and Lynn crashes onto the canvas. RVD quickly spins in the air and lands the Split-Legged Moonsault! 1…2…Lynn gets a shoulder up! Spinning legdrop from RVD, followed by RVD quickly leaping to the top rope! Five Star Frog Splash connects! RVD tends to his ribs for a moment and goes for the cover, but Lynn surprisingly rolls RVD instead! 1…2…RVD kicks out! Both men struggle to get to their feet, but Lynn makes his fatal mistake as he picks up the chair as RVD hits the Van Daminator! RVD goes back up to the top rope and hits a second Five Star Frog Splash! 1…2…3!
Winner: Rob Van Dam via pinfall in 13:53
RVD celebrates his victory as Jerry Lynn dejectedly walks up the ramp. AJ Styles meets Lynn on the ramp and the two have words, with Lynn shaking his head and walking by Styles.
Joey Styles: “Well everyone, that’s it for ECW Hardcore TV. We’ll see you on RISE. For those who have watched Hardcore TV since 1993, thank you. Have a good night!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Raven’s Warriors (Saturn, Mikey Whipwreck, Wrath, Malice, and Crush) defeated the Full-Blooded Italians (Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke, Big Sal E. Graziano, Tracy Smothers, and Johnny Stamboli) when Saturn made Sal submit
Rob Van Dam pinned Jerry Lynn
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
***
Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam
RVD and Lynn stand face-to-face. RVD does his taunt in Lynn’s face and Lynn shoves him. They lock-up and RVD grabs a side headlock. Lynn sends RVD off the ropes then does a drop-down. Lynn comes back off the ropes and gets an armdrag. Both men get to their feet and RVD gets an armdrag. RVD misses a somersault legdrop and Lynn catches RVD with a dropkick. Lynn fires away at RVD in the corner, but RVD counters a whip that sends Lynn into the opposite corner. Lynn bursts out of the corner and RVD leapfrogs him, only for Lynn to toss RVD to the outside. RVD lands on the apron, but Lynn trangle dropkicks him off and RVD crashes into the steel railing. Lynn heads to the top rope and dives onto RVD on the floor! Lynn rolls back into the ring and showboats a bit to the crowd himself. RVD struggles to get back into the ring, allowing Lynn to hit a guillotine legdrop from the second turnbuckle as RVD came through the ropes. Cover, 1…2…RVD kicks out.
Lynn chops RVD in the corner before propping him on the top rope. Flying bulldog from the top rope! Lynn covers RVD again, 1…2…RVD just kicks out and Lynn is in complete control. Lynn goes for a suplex, but RVD counters and crotches Lynn on the top rope. RVD springboards off the ropes and hits Lynn with a flying kick that sends him tumbling to the floor! RVD hits the ropes and leaps over the top rope with a somersault plancha onto Lynn! RVD high fives a few fans before sending Lynn into the railing. RVD hits a roundhouse kick that sends Lynn into the crowd. RVD then gets a full head of steam and leaps over the railing onto Lynn! RVD heads back to the ring and leaps onto the apron as Lynn tries to crawl his way back over the railing…allowing RVD to hit a corkscrew legdrop! RVD slides Lynn into the ring and brings a chair with him too. RVD puts the chair on Lynn and hits Rolling Thunder! 1…2…Lynn kicks out!
Lynn backs up into the corner. RVD runs at Lynn and puts the chair on the canvas, going for a monkey flip, only Lynn shoves him off and RVD smashes back onto the chair! Lynn heads to the top rope but RVD tosses the chair at him, slowing him down. RVD tries to superplex Lynn, but Lynn counters and hooks RVD’s head, followed by a Tornado DDT! Cover, 1…2…RVD kicks out! Lynn drags RVD to the corner and leaps up to the top rope again. RVD gets some shots in but Lynn overpowers him, then hits a sunset flip that ends with violent impact! Lynn covers, 1…2…RVD kicks out! Lynn shows some frustration. Lynn then takes the chair and throws it at RVD, hitting his own version of the Van Daminator! Lynn quickly grabs RVD and plants him with the Cradle Piledriver! Cover, 1…2…RVD just kicks out and Lynn can’t believe it!
Lynn punches at RVD in the corner and props him on the top rope. Lynn goes for an avalanche hurricanrana, but RVD holds onto the ropes and Lynn crashes onto the canvas. RVD quickly spins in the air and lands the Split-Legged Moonsault! 1…2…Lynn gets a shoulder up! Spinning legdrop from RVD, followed by RVD quickly leaping to the top rope! Five Star Frog Splash connects! RVD tends to his ribs for a moment and goes for the cover, but Lynn surprisingly rolls RVD instead! 1…2…RVD kicks out! Both men struggle to get to their feet, but Lynn makes his fatal mistake as he picks up the chair as RVD hits the Van Daminator! RVD goes back up to the top rope and hits a second Five Star Frog Splash! 1…2…3!
Winner: Rob Van Dam via pinfall in 13:53
RVD celebrates his victory as Jerry Lynn dejectedly walks up the ramp. AJ Styles meets Lynn on the ramp and the two have words, with Lynn shaking his head and walking by Styles.
Joey Styles: “Well everyone, that’s it for ECW Hardcore TV. We’ll see you on RISE. For those who have watched Hardcore TV since 1993, thank you. Have a good night!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Raven’s Warriors (Saturn, Mikey Whipwreck, Wrath, Malice, and Crush) defeated the Full-Blooded Italians (Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke, Big Sal E. Graziano, Tracy Smothers, and Johnny Stamboli) when Saturn made Sal submit
Rob Van Dam pinned Jerry Lynn
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
AJ Styles: – Jerry Lynn took AJ Styles under his wing in early 2002, resulting in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to a Dream Match
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: – Dragon will face Little Guido with a Starrcade Cruiserweight Title shot against Tajiri on the line
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to a Dream Match
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: – Dragon will face Little Guido with a Starrcade Cruiserweight Title shot against Tajiri on the line
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – December 29, 2002
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Little Guido or Ultimo Dragon
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Little Guido or Ultimo Dragon
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WCW Monday Night Nitro
December 23, 2002
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Phoenix, AZ
Nitro opens with Sting slowing walking through the backstage area of the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Sting saunters past several backstage and production officials until he sees someone that makes him stop.
Ric Flair: “Stinger!”
Sting: “Ric.”
Ric Flair: “So you’re going to take on Shawn, huh?”
Sting: “Looks that way.”
Ric Flair: “I can’t wait for that one. Two of the GREATEST of all-time! But let me tell you something, Sting. Whether you win or lose, don’t think you’re just walking into WCW just one more time. There’s unfinished business between us!”
Sting: “What might that be, Ric.”
Ric Flair: “You told Shawn that you thought you capped off your career by beating me on the last Nitro of the old era! I’m no one’s moment. If you think that’s the last time me and you get in that ring, you’ve got another thing coming! I’ve got two things to do next year. Win back the WCW World Championship, becoming an 18-time World Champion…and reminding you that when it comes to “The Nature Boy” and the Stinger, that Ric Flair is the one that comes out on top.”
Sting: “Is that right? Well, Ric, how about you get by Guerrero first this weekend. Then after I beat Shawn, maybe I’ll take the time to remind you that no body knows “The Nature Boy” better than me.”
Sting walks by Ric Flair, who just has a smile on his face as he nods his head at the camera.
Mike Tenay: “Welcome to Nitro! It’s the go-home Nitro before Starrcade 2002! Don, tonight we have two huge matches to look forward to: a six-man tag team match between the teams of The Giant, Christian, and Eddie Guerrero against Diamond Dallas Page, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan! Also, a triangle tag team match: Harlem Heat, the team of Sean O’Haire and Kurt Angle, and the NWO team of Triple H and Scott Steiner!”
Don West: “I can’t wait! But, Mike. Both Sting and Shawn Michaels are going to face-off again tonight!”
Mike Tenay: “That’s right, Don. Shawn Michaels and Sting will meet in the ring tonight to sign the contract for their match at Starrcade!”
Don West: “I can’t believe we’re getting Sting against Shawn Michaels! A dream match is I ever heard one!”
Mike Tenay: “Last week, Total Impact, specifically Mike Awesome was able to secure a Cage Match with Kevin Nash tonight as part of their agreement stemming from the vehicular crash that was caused by the Wolfpac. The cage is up, let’s get to it!”
Steel Cage (Win By Pin, Submission or Escape)
Kevin Nash (w/Alexis Laree) vs. Mike Awesome
Interestingly, no other members of the NWO other than Alexis Laree are at ringside. Nash tries to knee Awesome in the midsection when Awesome comes in but that doesn’t stop Awesome at all. Awesome punches away at Nash in the corner, then slams him into the cage! Awesome continues to punch away at Nash before Nash reverses an Irish whip into the corner. Awesome leaps up to the top rope, then jumps back and hits Nash with a flying back elbow! Awesome locks in a side headlock and punches the head of Nash, but Nash hits a side suplex to slow Awesome down. Nash picks up Awesome and tries to ram him head-first into the cage, only Awesome slides behind Nash, then shoves Nash into the cage, which cuts Nash open! Awesome picks up Nash and slams him with ease before walking to the cage door to get out…only Alexis Laree closes the cage door
Referee Billy Silverman (the outside referee) argues with Laree, although Awesome doesn’t seem to mind too much as he goes back to pounding away on Nash. Dawn Marie comes down to confront Laree, and they get into a catfight on the floor! In the ring Nash low blows Awesome to take control, then hits Awesome with Snake Eyes! Awesome gets back to his feet, but Nash knocks him right back down with a big boot. Big elbow drop from Nash. Cover, 1…2..Awesome powers out. Nash grabs Awesome and slams him into the cage. Nash knees Awesome then sets him up for the Jackknife Powerbomb, but Awesome counters with a backdrop! Nash gets to his feet but Awesome clobbers him with a clothesline in the corner. Lance Storm comes down to ringside and Dawn Marie has “won” the catfight. Storm grabs a chair and slides it into the cage from the door. Awesome takes the chair and smashes it over Nash’s head! Awesome climbs to the top rope with the chair. Nash slowly gets to his feet, and Awesome comes off the top rope and smashes the chair over Nash’s head again! Awesome walks out of the cage with ease, with a clear message sent to the Wolfpac just days before Starrcade!
Winner: Mike Awesome via escape in 7:13
A bloodied and frustrated Nash comes to and slams the canvas. He yells at Laree: “Where the fuck was everyone?”
Don West: “That’s a great question…where were Scott and Pac?”
***
Nitro cuts to the parking lot where WCW World Champion Kurt Angle is seen entering the arena…until he’s blindsided by Triple H, Scott Steiner, Scott Hall, and X-Pac! Angle tries to fight through the numbers game, but there’s nothing he can do as Steiner gets in a vicious shot to the ribs with a pipe. Hall then hits Angle with the Outsider’s Edge on a car windshield. Officials come to stop the NWO, but they don’t run off until Sean O’Haire appears wielding a pipe of his own! O’Haire chases off the NWO but doesn’t check on Angle.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Nitro returns from commercial with medical personnel checking on Kurt Angle. WCW Owner Shane McMahon comes over to talk to Kurt and tells him that “you need to be ready for Sunday, I’m not letting you go out there tonight in the triangle tag.” That angers Angle, but when he tries to stand up he struggles to do so, showing that Shane is right.
Don West: “Well that explains where everyone was.”
Mike Tenay: “We will pass updates on Kurt Angle’s condition as the night goes on. Triple H must be afraid if he’s trying to take Angle out just six days before Starrcade.”
Don West: “Wouldn’t you be? The man’s career is on the line! I think Booker T needs to watch his back tonight.”
Mike Tenay: “Coming up next, the finals of the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship. Little Guido defeated Super Crazy then received a bye to get to this point while the Ultimo Dragon has defeated Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera to make it to the finals.”
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Final
Little Guido vs. Ultimo Dragon
Guido tells Dragon to f’off in an Italian way and Dragon responds with hitting Guido with a couple of kicks that backs Guido into the corner. They then lock-up but Dragon takes Guido over with a fireman’s carry, only Dragon lands on his feet. Dragon hits a flurry of kicks that forces Guido to bail to the outside. Guido yells at the crowd, not realizing that the Dragon has hopped onto the apron. Dragon leaps off with the move he invented, the springboard Asai Moonsault, taking out Guido! Dragon rolls Guido back into the ring and quickly goes for the cover, 1…2…Guido kicks out. Dragon hits the ropes and counters a Guido clothesline with a crucifix pinning combination, 1…2…Guido kicks out again. Guido stops Dragon’s momentum with a kick to the midsection. Guido sends Dragon off the ropes but Dragon hits a flying headscissors! Another cover, 1…2…Guido kicks out.
Snapmare from the Dragon followed by a stiff kick to the spine! Dragon pulls Guido to his feet and sends him into the corner, but when the Dragon charges in Guido is able to get his feet up. Guido quickly gets an armtrap before hitting the Arrivederci, a springboard armtrap DDT! Fujiwara armbar locked in from Guido as he looks to pick up a submission victory. Dragon is able to roll over to his stomach and get his feet on the ropes to break the hold. Dragon breaks free and hits Guido with some chops, but Guido blocks one and gets a Russian (Italian?) Legsweep! Cover, 1…2…Dragon kicks out. Guido stomps on Dragon before going for a Sicilian Crab, only Dragon fights it off and flips Guido on his back with his legs. Dragon springboards out of the corner and hits Guido with a corkscrew bodypress! Guido quickly gets to his feet and reverses a whip attempt into the corner, but Dragon does a handstand on the top rope and then dropkicks Guido when he charges in!
Dragon comes off the ropes and hits Guido with a spinning heel kick! La Magistral from Dragon, 1…2…Guido just kicks out! Dragon goes for a hurricanrana but Guido rolls into a sunset flip, 1…2…Dragon kicks out! Dragon hits a back kick and goes for the Asai DDT, only Guido holds onto the top rope so Dragon can’t pull him down. Guido hits his own back kick that looked a little low, then props Dragon on the top rope. Guido tries to put Dragon on his shoulders while he sits on the top rope, but Dragon elbows Guido in the side of the head to break free. Dragon hits the avalanche Dragoncanrana from the top! He covers Guido, 1…2…Dragon is shocked as Guido manages to just kick out. Dragon quickly hooks Guido by the head and flips over him with the Asai DDT! Dragon makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Ultimo Dragon via pinfall in 10:03
Ultimo Dragon raises his arms in victory but is surprised to see that World Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri is here! Tajiri runs into the ring and faces off with Dragon…before hitting a recovering Little Guido with the Green Mist! Tajiri hits Guido with a Buzzsaw Kick which sends Guido stumbling to the outside. Tajiri again stares down Dragon, but does a respectful bow before taking off with the title.
***
The New World Order sans Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels are all talking backstage, with Triple H looking particularly happy. Nash, still with some blood on his face, interrupts them.
Kevin Nash: “Hey, where the hell was everybody?”
Triple H: “Kevin, come on we had to take care of Angle as soon as he got here.”
Kevin Nash: “Oh, we’re back to just doing your bidding now, Hunter? How surprising!”
Triple H: “Hey, I’m sorry but your little feud with Lance Storm and Skip just isn’t as important as the WCW World Title.”
Kevin Nash: “Hey, we’ve been protecting your ass for months now. We agreed this was an even deal between all of us…”
Scott Hall: “Yo, yo, come on. Hunter, you know this is a bigger deal than that. And Big Kev, come on, timeline just got messed up man. Just bad timing with the cage match happening at the same time Kurt came in.”
Eric Bischoff: “Come on, we’re just six days away from Starrcade. Sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to. Kevin, I’m sorry that we left you hanging. Let’s get the belt back on Sunday, let’s take out Total Impact, let’s beat Sting. Let’s put personal issues aside and take care of things NWO style.”
Triple H: “I have to go find Shawn anyway.”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
#1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Final
Little Guido vs. Ultimo Dragon
Guido tells Dragon to f’off in an Italian way and Dragon responds with hitting Guido with a couple of kicks that backs Guido into the corner. They then lock-up but Dragon takes Guido over with a fireman’s carry, only Dragon lands on his feet. Dragon hits a flurry of kicks that forces Guido to bail to the outside. Guido yells at the crowd, not realizing that the Dragon has hopped onto the apron. Dragon leaps off with the move he invented, the springboard Asai Moonsault, taking out Guido! Dragon rolls Guido back into the ring and quickly goes for the cover, 1…2…Guido kicks out. Dragon hits the ropes and counters a Guido clothesline with a crucifix pinning combination, 1…2…Guido kicks out again. Guido stops Dragon’s momentum with a kick to the midsection. Guido sends Dragon off the ropes but Dragon hits a flying headscissors! Another cover, 1…2…Guido kicks out.
Snapmare from the Dragon followed by a stiff kick to the spine! Dragon pulls Guido to his feet and sends him into the corner, but when the Dragon charges in Guido is able to get his feet up. Guido quickly gets an armtrap before hitting the Arrivederci, a springboard armtrap DDT! Fujiwara armbar locked in from Guido as he looks to pick up a submission victory. Dragon is able to roll over to his stomach and get his feet on the ropes to break the hold. Dragon breaks free and hits Guido with some chops, but Guido blocks one and gets a Russian (Italian?) Legsweep! Cover, 1…2…Dragon kicks out. Guido stomps on Dragon before going for a Sicilian Crab, only Dragon fights it off and flips Guido on his back with his legs. Dragon springboards out of the corner and hits Guido with a corkscrew bodypress! Guido quickly gets to his feet and reverses a whip attempt into the corner, but Dragon does a handstand on the top rope and then dropkicks Guido when he charges in!
Dragon comes off the ropes and hits Guido with a spinning heel kick! La Magistral from Dragon, 1…2…Guido just kicks out! Dragon goes for a hurricanrana but Guido rolls into a sunset flip, 1…2…Dragon kicks out! Dragon hits a back kick and goes for the Asai DDT, only Guido holds onto the top rope so Dragon can’t pull him down. Guido hits his own back kick that looked a little low, then props Dragon on the top rope. Guido tries to put Dragon on his shoulders while he sits on the top rope, but Dragon elbows Guido in the side of the head to break free. Dragon hits the avalanche Dragoncanrana from the top! He covers Guido, 1…2…Dragon is shocked as Guido manages to just kick out. Dragon quickly hooks Guido by the head and flips over him with the Asai DDT! Dragon makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Ultimo Dragon via pinfall in 10:03
Ultimo Dragon raises his arms in victory but is surprised to see that World Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri is here! Tajiri runs into the ring and faces off with Dragon…before hitting a recovering Little Guido with the Green Mist! Tajiri hits Guido with a Buzzsaw Kick which sends Guido stumbling to the outside. Tajiri again stares down Dragon, but does a respectful bow before taking off with the title.
***
The New World Order sans Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels are all talking backstage, with Triple H looking particularly happy. Nash, still with some blood on his face, interrupts them.
Kevin Nash: “Hey, where the hell was everybody?”
Triple H: “Kevin, come on we had to take care of Angle as soon as he got here.”
Kevin Nash: “Oh, we’re back to just doing your bidding now, Hunter? How surprising!”
Triple H: “Hey, I’m sorry but your little feud with Lance Storm and Skip just isn’t as important as the WCW World Title.”
Kevin Nash: “Hey, we’ve been protecting your ass for months now. We agreed this was an even deal between all of us…”
Scott Hall: “Yo, yo, come on. Hunter, you know this is a bigger deal than that. And Big Kev, come on, timeline just got messed up man. Just bad timing with the cage match happening at the same time Kurt came in.”
Eric Bischoff: “Come on, we’re just six days away from Starrcade. Sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to. Kevin, I’m sorry that we left you hanging. Let’s get the belt back on Sunday, let’s take out Total Impact, let’s beat Sting. Let’s put personal issues aside and take care of things NWO style.”
Triple H: “I have to go find Shawn anyway.”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Christian, Eddie Guerrero, and The Giant (w/Rene Dupree) vs. Diamond Dallas Page, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair (w/Stacy Keibler)
DDP attacks the Giant to start things off! DDP punches away at Giant, but Giant shoves him away. Giant tosses DDP into the corner and goes for a big chop, but DDP dodges him. DDP hits him with punches, but Giant hits a big headbutt then tags in Guerrero. Guerrero stomps away at DDP, but DDP fires back and hits a discus clothesline and makes the tag to Flair! Flair traps Guerrero in the corner and hits him with chop after chop as the crowd goes crazy! One chop hits Guerrero so hard that it sends Guerrero over the top rope and onto the floor! Guerrero takes his time getting back into the ring, but Flair makes a surprising mistake as when Guerrero re-enters, Christian jumps into the ring and knocks Flair down! Guerrero then goes to work, stomping on Flair, then propping him in the corner and hitting him with forearms.
Guerrero gets a few chops in, but Flair fires back. Guerrero takes a page out of Flair’s book with a mule kick low blow though, then tags in the Giant. Giant sends Flair into the corner then smashes him with a big elbow. Giant grabs Flair’s throat for the Chokeslam, but Flair gets a thumb to the eye, then tags in Hulk Hogan! Hogan comes in and hits the Giant with huge rights. He sends Giant off the ropes, but Giant holds on and tags in Christian. Christian seems surprised, but Hogan brings him in the hard way before challenging Giant to get back into the ring. Giant waves Hogan off and begins to walk up the ramp, but that’s not good enough for Hogan who goes out after him! Hogan meets Giant on the ramp and fires away at him again! Giant and Hogan trade shots on the ramp as Flair comes around the ring and gets into it with Guerrero! Chavo Guerrero Jr. pops out from the audience to help Eddie fight Flair.
In the ring DDP punches away at Christian in the corner and eventually knocks him down. DDP goes for a back suplex, but Christian flips behind him and tries to set up the Unprettier. DDP shoves Christian off then comes off the ropes himself and hits the Diamond Cutter! DDP goes for the cover, but Rene Dupree pulls DDP to the outside. Dupree misses a clothesline, and DDP drops him with a Diamond Cutter on the floor! DDP rolls back into the ring and Christian surprises him with a roll-up, 1…2...DDP kicks out! Christian sends DDP off the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but DDP counters with a spinning sit-out powerbomb! 1…2…Christian just kicks out. DDP calls for another Diamond Cutter, but when he comes off the ropes Eddie Guerrero cracks him in the back with the US Title, undetected by the referee! Christian quickly drops DDP with the Unprettier and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Christian, Eddie Guerrero, and The Giant when Christian pinned DDP in 10:15
Hogan and The Giant disappear to the back as Lod Guerreros beat down Ric Flair on the outside. Christian grabs his US Title and leaves with Rene Dupree, arm raised in victory.
***
Backstage, Shane McMahon walks up to Sean O’Haire.
Shane McMahon: “Hey, Sean. Look, I’m sure you saw what happened with Kurt earlier. I can find someone to replace him out there tonight, but…”
Sean O’Haire: “Don’t worry about it. I’ll go out there myself.”
O’Haire walks off before Shane can say anything else. Shane seems impressed and nods his head.
***
Triple H finds Shawn Michaels backstage. Shawn looked to be in deep thought as it takes HHH a couple of times to get his attention.
Triple H: “Shawn, Shawn!”
Shawn Michaels: “Hunter!”
Triple H: “Hey we were looking for you earlier. We had the attack on Kurt and the match with Mike Awesome.”
Shawn Michaels: “Well how’d they both go?”
Triple H: “Well we took out Angle, but Kevin was left out there with Awesome and it didn’t go well.”
Shawn Michaels: “Kev will be fine. Sounds like everything was taken care of without me.”
Triple H: “That’s not the point, Shawn…”
Shawn Michaels: “Look, Hunter, I’m facing off with Sting tonight. I need to get my mind clear and I need some time. We’ll connect later.”
Shawn Michaels walks off, catching Triple H off guard.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
DDP attacks the Giant to start things off! DDP punches away at Giant, but Giant shoves him away. Giant tosses DDP into the corner and goes for a big chop, but DDP dodges him. DDP hits him with punches, but Giant hits a big headbutt then tags in Guerrero. Guerrero stomps away at DDP, but DDP fires back and hits a discus clothesline and makes the tag to Flair! Flair traps Guerrero in the corner and hits him with chop after chop as the crowd goes crazy! One chop hits Guerrero so hard that it sends Guerrero over the top rope and onto the floor! Guerrero takes his time getting back into the ring, but Flair makes a surprising mistake as when Guerrero re-enters, Christian jumps into the ring and knocks Flair down! Guerrero then goes to work, stomping on Flair, then propping him in the corner and hitting him with forearms.
Guerrero gets a few chops in, but Flair fires back. Guerrero takes a page out of Flair’s book with a mule kick low blow though, then tags in the Giant. Giant sends Flair into the corner then smashes him with a big elbow. Giant grabs Flair’s throat for the Chokeslam, but Flair gets a thumb to the eye, then tags in Hulk Hogan! Hogan comes in and hits the Giant with huge rights. He sends Giant off the ropes, but Giant holds on and tags in Christian. Christian seems surprised, but Hogan brings him in the hard way before challenging Giant to get back into the ring. Giant waves Hogan off and begins to walk up the ramp, but that’s not good enough for Hogan who goes out after him! Hogan meets Giant on the ramp and fires away at him again! Giant and Hogan trade shots on the ramp as Flair comes around the ring and gets into it with Guerrero! Chavo Guerrero Jr. pops out from the audience to help Eddie fight Flair.
In the ring DDP punches away at Christian in the corner and eventually knocks him down. DDP goes for a back suplex, but Christian flips behind him and tries to set up the Unprettier. DDP shoves Christian off then comes off the ropes himself and hits the Diamond Cutter! DDP goes for the cover, but Rene Dupree pulls DDP to the outside. Dupree misses a clothesline, and DDP drops him with a Diamond Cutter on the floor! DDP rolls back into the ring and Christian surprises him with a roll-up, 1…2...DDP kicks out! Christian sends DDP off the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but DDP counters with a spinning sit-out powerbomb! 1…2…Christian just kicks out. DDP calls for another Diamond Cutter, but when he comes off the ropes Eddie Guerrero cracks him in the back with the US Title, undetected by the referee! Christian quickly drops DDP with the Unprettier and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Christian, Eddie Guerrero, and The Giant when Christian pinned DDP in 10:15
Hogan and The Giant disappear to the back as Lod Guerreros beat down Ric Flair on the outside. Christian grabs his US Title and leaves with Rene Dupree, arm raised in victory.
***
Backstage, Shane McMahon walks up to Sean O’Haire.
Shane McMahon: “Hey, Sean. Look, I’m sure you saw what happened with Kurt earlier. I can find someone to replace him out there tonight, but…”
Sean O’Haire: “Don’t worry about it. I’ll go out there myself.”
O’Haire walks off before Shane can say anything else. Shane seems impressed and nods his head.
***
Triple H finds Shawn Michaels backstage. Shawn looked to be in deep thought as it takes HHH a couple of times to get his attention.
Triple H: “Shawn, Shawn!”
Shawn Michaels: “Hunter!”
Triple H: “Hey we were looking for you earlier. We had the attack on Kurt and the match with Mike Awesome.”
Shawn Michaels: “Well how’d they both go?”
Triple H: “Well we took out Angle, but Kevin was left out there with Awesome and it didn’t go well.”
Shawn Michaels: “Kev will be fine. Sounds like everything was taken care of without me.”
Triple H: “That’s not the point, Shawn…”
Shawn Michaels: “Look, Hunter, I’m facing off with Sting tonight. I need to get my mind clear and I need some time. We’ll connect later.”
Shawn Michaels walks off, catching Triple H off guard.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Elix Skipper and Shane Helms (w/Monty Brown) vs. Taka Michinoku and Kaz Hayashi
Skipper and Helms start the match quickly and hit Hayashi with a double jumping back elbow. Skipper hits Taka with a hip toss then follows up with a Crescent Kick. Quick cover, 1…2…Taka kicks out. Skipper tags Helms in and they hit Taka with a double vertical suplex. Helms hits a swinging neckbreaker and gets another cover, 1…2…Taka kicks out. Helms misses an elbow smash in the corner and Taka tags in Hayashi. Hayashi gets an arm ringer on Helms, but Helms rolls his way out of it. Hayashi gets some kicks to the leg then catches Helms with a flying leg lariat. Cover, 1…2…Helms kicks out. Hayashi tags Taka back in. Taka sends Helms into the corner and hits a flying leg lariat in the corner. Helms stumbles out and Taka comes off the top rope with a flying missile dropkick to the back of the head! Cover, 1…2…Helms kicks out!
Taka calls for the Michinoku Driver, but Helms slides behind him and drops Taka with Nightmare on Helms Street! Helms dives and makes the tag to Skipper! Skipper comes in and hits an incoming Hayashi with an enzugiri! Skipper hits a hurricanrana on Taka, then hits Hayashi with a European uppercut. Skipper straddles Taka on the middle of the top rope, then ropewalks and hits Taka with a perfect hurricanrana back into the ring! Helms hits Hayashi with a jumping neckbreaker, then Skipper and Helms hit the All-Star Takedown on Taka! Skipper makes the pin, 1…2…3!
Winners: Elix Skipper and Shane Helms when Skipper pinned Taka in 5:33
Before Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown can celebrate the victory, the Archdiocese of Dudleyville appear on the big screen.
Brother Bubba: “Anyone who speaks a word against HIM will not be forgiven, neither in this age of in the age to come. Every kind of sin and slander against HIM will result in each blasphemer’s trip to the fires of hell! HE will not leave unpunished anyone who stands against HIM! HE has appointed us to protect the prize of our Archdiocese: the WCW World Tag Team Championship. HE has given us the authority to act. We have made the decision to make an example."
The camera cuts over to Deacon Batista, who holds an unconscious Spike Dudley in his hands. Brother Bubba lights a table on fire, and Batista powerbombs Spike off a ledge and through that table!
Brother Bubba: “And fire came down from HIM and devoured them! Behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and the houses who oppose HIM will be burned to the ground!”
Reverend D-Von: “Oh my brother....TESTIFYYYYY!”
Skipper, Helms, and Brown all worryingly look at one another in the ring before the camera cuts to the back.
***
Sean O’Haire intensely stares at a mirror in the locker room as he prepares to go out to the ring alone…that is until someone from his past walks into frame.
Chuck Palumbo: “Hey, I’m not thinking about all the times you kicked my ass as a NWO guy over the last nine months. I’m not here to think about the past. This NWO thing needs to end and tonight I’m gonna jump in and do my part to help with that. Like it or not, you’ve got a partner tonight. I’ll see you out there.”
Chuck Palumbo walks off, and Sean O’Haire lets out a bit of a smirk.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Triangle Tag Team Match – One Fall
Scott Steiner and Triple H (w/Eric Bischoff) vs. Harlem Heat vs. Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire
Steiner challenges O’Haire to start the match and they go at it! Steiner and O’Haire trade bunches before Booker T gets his own shots in on Steiner. HHH comes into the ring and attacks Booker, but Stevie Ray attacks him. Harlem Heat send Triple H off the ropes, but Steiner tosses O’Haire into Stevie Ray and HHH ends up countering a Booker T backdrop attempt with a facebuster. Steiner clotheslines O’Haire over the top rope, then blocks a Jungle Kick from Palumbo before taking him out with a clothesline too. Steiner hooks Booker’s arms with a full nelson, allowing HHH to get several blows in before Steiner suplexes Booker on his head. Steiner does some push-ups, but O’Haire is back in the ring. O’Haire sends HHH to the outside then kicks Steiner in the ribs mid-push-up! O’Haire hits a couple of kneelifts on Steiner, then knocks him down with the Ridge Hand.
Stevie Ray gets O’Haire’s attention and tries to get an explanation for their collision earlier. O’Haire tries to explain himself, but then just shrugs and takes a shot at Stevie Ray. He and Stevie trade shots before Booker T jumps in with punches of his own. Double roundhouse kick from Harlem Heat takes O’Haire down, but Palumbo takes Harlem Heat down with a flying double clothesline off the second turnbuckle! HHH attacks Palumbo and sends him off the ropes, then hits him with the jumping high knee. HHH covers Palumbo, 1…2…O’Haire pulls HHH off. HHH sees that it was O’Haire that pulled him off and backs away…before running at him and getting backdropped for his efforts. O’Haire sends HHH into the corner, but he whips him with such force that HHH goes flying over the top rope and onto the floor! O’Haire comes off the apron and leaps at HHH, only HHH ducks and O’Haire takes out Eric Bischoff instead!
Scott Steiner shoves O’Haire into the ringpost. In the ring Palumbo slams Stevie Ray. Booker and Palumbo trade shots, but HHH nails Palumbo from behind, which knocks Booker T to the floor. HHH boots Palumbo and drops him with the Pedigree. HHH covers Palumbo, 1…2…Booker T pulls him to the outside and goes wild on him with punches and chops! Booker trips HHH on the floor, the catapults him into the ringpost! Scott Steiner rolls Sean O’Haire into the ring and stomps away on him. Steiner goes for a double underhook suplex, but O’Haire counters by freeing his arms then hitting a karate kick! Steiner gets a hard punch in and whips O’Haire into the corner, but O’Haire leaps to the top rope and backflips over Steiner. Steiner runs at O’Haire but O’Haire easily picks him up and hits the Prophecy! O’Haire covers Steiner, 1…2…Stevie Ray breaks up the pin!
Harlem Heat beat down O’Haire in the corner, but Palumbo makes the save. Palumbo and O’Haire hit a double superkick to Stevie Ray, but Booker hits both with Harlem sidekicks! Booker boots Palumbo and hits him with the Scissors’ Kick! Booker pops up with a Spinarooni, then measures O’Haire for a Bookend. A bloodied HHH sneaks up behind Booker with a sledgehammer in hand…Booker T doesn’t see him…but Kurt Angle emerges and runs down to the ring! Angle takes HHH down, saving Booker! Booker sees what’s going on, allowing O’Haire to attack him, but Booker sends O’Haire to the outside. HHH manages to fight off Angle, but then he walks into the Bookend! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Harlem Heat when Booker T pinned Triple H in 13:25
Booker T celebrates by posing on the second turnbuckle facing the crowd while Kurt Angle verbally assaults HHH on the canvas, putting the WCW World Title in his face. But, remembering what happened last week, Booker T grabs Angle and plants him with a Bookend! Booker T picks up the WCW World Championship and holds it over his head as the crowd goes wild!
Don West: “Hey, Kurt Angle reminded Booker T that it’s a three-way at Starrcade, not a handicap match…fair is fair!”
Skipper and Helms start the match quickly and hit Hayashi with a double jumping back elbow. Skipper hits Taka with a hip toss then follows up with a Crescent Kick. Quick cover, 1…2…Taka kicks out. Skipper tags Helms in and they hit Taka with a double vertical suplex. Helms hits a swinging neckbreaker and gets another cover, 1…2…Taka kicks out. Helms misses an elbow smash in the corner and Taka tags in Hayashi. Hayashi gets an arm ringer on Helms, but Helms rolls his way out of it. Hayashi gets some kicks to the leg then catches Helms with a flying leg lariat. Cover, 1…2…Helms kicks out. Hayashi tags Taka back in. Taka sends Helms into the corner and hits a flying leg lariat in the corner. Helms stumbles out and Taka comes off the top rope with a flying missile dropkick to the back of the head! Cover, 1…2…Helms kicks out!
Taka calls for the Michinoku Driver, but Helms slides behind him and drops Taka with Nightmare on Helms Street! Helms dives and makes the tag to Skipper! Skipper comes in and hits an incoming Hayashi with an enzugiri! Skipper hits a hurricanrana on Taka, then hits Hayashi with a European uppercut. Skipper straddles Taka on the middle of the top rope, then ropewalks and hits Taka with a perfect hurricanrana back into the ring! Helms hits Hayashi with a jumping neckbreaker, then Skipper and Helms hit the All-Star Takedown on Taka! Skipper makes the pin, 1…2…3!
Winners: Elix Skipper and Shane Helms when Skipper pinned Taka in 5:33
Before Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown can celebrate the victory, the Archdiocese of Dudleyville appear on the big screen.
Brother Bubba: “Anyone who speaks a word against HIM will not be forgiven, neither in this age of in the age to come. Every kind of sin and slander against HIM will result in each blasphemer’s trip to the fires of hell! HE will not leave unpunished anyone who stands against HIM! HE has appointed us to protect the prize of our Archdiocese: the WCW World Tag Team Championship. HE has given us the authority to act. We have made the decision to make an example."
The camera cuts over to Deacon Batista, who holds an unconscious Spike Dudley in his hands. Brother Bubba lights a table on fire, and Batista powerbombs Spike off a ledge and through that table!
Brother Bubba: “And fire came down from HIM and devoured them! Behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and the houses who oppose HIM will be burned to the ground!”
Reverend D-Von: “Oh my brother....TESTIFYYYYY!”
Skipper, Helms, and Brown all worryingly look at one another in the ring before the camera cuts to the back.
***
Sean O’Haire intensely stares at a mirror in the locker room as he prepares to go out to the ring alone…that is until someone from his past walks into frame.
Chuck Palumbo: “Hey, I’m not thinking about all the times you kicked my ass as a NWO guy over the last nine months. I’m not here to think about the past. This NWO thing needs to end and tonight I’m gonna jump in and do my part to help with that. Like it or not, you’ve got a partner tonight. I’ll see you out there.”
Chuck Palumbo walks off, and Sean O’Haire lets out a bit of a smirk.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Triangle Tag Team Match – One Fall
Scott Steiner and Triple H (w/Eric Bischoff) vs. Harlem Heat vs. Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire
Steiner challenges O’Haire to start the match and they go at it! Steiner and O’Haire trade bunches before Booker T gets his own shots in on Steiner. HHH comes into the ring and attacks Booker, but Stevie Ray attacks him. Harlem Heat send Triple H off the ropes, but Steiner tosses O’Haire into Stevie Ray and HHH ends up countering a Booker T backdrop attempt with a facebuster. Steiner clotheslines O’Haire over the top rope, then blocks a Jungle Kick from Palumbo before taking him out with a clothesline too. Steiner hooks Booker’s arms with a full nelson, allowing HHH to get several blows in before Steiner suplexes Booker on his head. Steiner does some push-ups, but O’Haire is back in the ring. O’Haire sends HHH to the outside then kicks Steiner in the ribs mid-push-up! O’Haire hits a couple of kneelifts on Steiner, then knocks him down with the Ridge Hand.
Stevie Ray gets O’Haire’s attention and tries to get an explanation for their collision earlier. O’Haire tries to explain himself, but then just shrugs and takes a shot at Stevie Ray. He and Stevie trade shots before Booker T jumps in with punches of his own. Double roundhouse kick from Harlem Heat takes O’Haire down, but Palumbo takes Harlem Heat down with a flying double clothesline off the second turnbuckle! HHH attacks Palumbo and sends him off the ropes, then hits him with the jumping high knee. HHH covers Palumbo, 1…2…O’Haire pulls HHH off. HHH sees that it was O’Haire that pulled him off and backs away…before running at him and getting backdropped for his efforts. O’Haire sends HHH into the corner, but he whips him with such force that HHH goes flying over the top rope and onto the floor! O’Haire comes off the apron and leaps at HHH, only HHH ducks and O’Haire takes out Eric Bischoff instead!
Scott Steiner shoves O’Haire into the ringpost. In the ring Palumbo slams Stevie Ray. Booker and Palumbo trade shots, but HHH nails Palumbo from behind, which knocks Booker T to the floor. HHH boots Palumbo and drops him with the Pedigree. HHH covers Palumbo, 1…2…Booker T pulls him to the outside and goes wild on him with punches and chops! Booker trips HHH on the floor, the catapults him into the ringpost! Scott Steiner rolls Sean O’Haire into the ring and stomps away on him. Steiner goes for a double underhook suplex, but O’Haire counters by freeing his arms then hitting a karate kick! Steiner gets a hard punch in and whips O’Haire into the corner, but O’Haire leaps to the top rope and backflips over Steiner. Steiner runs at O’Haire but O’Haire easily picks him up and hits the Prophecy! O’Haire covers Steiner, 1…2…Stevie Ray breaks up the pin!
Harlem Heat beat down O’Haire in the corner, but Palumbo makes the save. Palumbo and O’Haire hit a double superkick to Stevie Ray, but Booker hits both with Harlem sidekicks! Booker boots Palumbo and hits him with the Scissors’ Kick! Booker pops up with a Spinarooni, then measures O’Haire for a Bookend. A bloodied HHH sneaks up behind Booker with a sledgehammer in hand…Booker T doesn’t see him…but Kurt Angle emerges and runs down to the ring! Angle takes HHH down, saving Booker! Booker sees what’s going on, allowing O’Haire to attack him, but Booker sends O’Haire to the outside. HHH manages to fight off Angle, but then he walks into the Bookend! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Harlem Heat when Booker T pinned Triple H in 13:25
Booker T celebrates by posing on the second turnbuckle facing the crowd while Kurt Angle verbally assaults HHH on the canvas, putting the WCW World Title in his face. But, remembering what happened last week, Booker T grabs Angle and plants him with a Bookend! Booker T picks up the WCW World Championship and holds it over his head as the crowd goes wild!
Don West: “Hey, Kurt Angle reminded Booker T that it’s a three-way at Starrcade, not a handicap match…fair is fair!”
Mike Tenay: “If Booker T stands tall this Sunday as he has tonight, that’ll be it for Triple H’s WCW career!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
The ring is set up for a contract signing as WCW Owner Shane McMahon has the microphone.
Shane McMahon: “Ladies and gentlemen, in just six days we will have the second Starrcade of the Alliance era. The main event, a dream match if I ever saw one will feature one of the greatest WWF superstars of all-time making his in-ring return after four-and-a-half years. He will be making his WCW in-ring debut as well, ladies and gentlemen, the “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels!”
Shawn Michaels makes his way down to the ring to the NWO theme, looking more confident than ever.
Shane McMahon: “His opponent. One of, if not the greatest WCW superstar of all-time. A six-time WCW World Champion, ladies and gentlemen this is Sting!”
Sting comes down the ramp to a thunderous reaction. He enters the ring and lays his eyes directly on Shawn.
Shane McMahon: “Gentlemen, on this table is the contract, the binding document that will make Shawn Michaels verses Sting official. I guess, Sting, we’ll start with you.”
Sting: “How about we wait just a second, Shane. Last week Shawn made some comments and I think it would be a great idea if I had the chance to respond.”
Sting walks up to Shawn.
Sting: “Two weeks ago I came up to you and I made the biggest challenge of my career. I did it with as much respect as I thought you deserved. Again, everything I’ve heard, everything I’ve read, everything I’ve seen says that you’re the best. But I wanted to prove that I’m just a little bit better. You went off to think about it and since we’re standing here right now, obviously you accepted. But you said something too that didn’t quite sit right with me. You said that you were going to kick my teeth down my throat.”
Shawn Michaels: “I’m going to stop you right there. I’m going to make this as clear as possible to you. I’m not wondering about this match because I think I’m going to lose, because I’m not. You wonder if you’re better than me. I know I’m better than you. I’m just going to show the world and make it official! Any confusion, any lack of confidence you think you’re detecting on my part, well, comes from that I know I’m coming back from a broken back. I have to think about playing with my kid down the line. I don’t want Rebecca having to wheel me around. But me and my family, we’ve weighed the risks. We’re at peace with the risks. I wouldn’t be who I am without risk. I’m not worried about losing to you, Sting. Here’s how I know. If you’re worried about me kicking your teeth down your throat. If that little comment bothers you, well, you have no idea who you’re truly dealing with! It ain’t gonna get any nicer I’m telling you that! Maybe you’re the one who isn’t ready for this, Sting. Like you said, you had your perfect ending when you beat Ric Flair on Nitro. That’s what you’re risking. That’s what I’m chasing! And I’m ready!”
Shawn Michaels defiantly signs the contract. Sting simply smiles.
Sting: “That’s your mistake, Shawn. You misunderstand my concern about your comments in being offensive. I just wanted to make sure you’re all-in. If you’re gonna beat me, you need to do a hell of a lot more than kick my teeth down my throat! When I say it’s Showtime, I want to make sure I’ve got a dancing partner ready to step up to the challenge! This is Starrcade, baby! WOOO! The granddaddy of em’ all. I didn’t come back just to face you, I came back to beat you! The best you. The Showstopper. You can act however you want. You can wear the NWO logo. You can tell me to ‘suck it’. You can do your little dance on your way to the ring, or you can tell everyone you’re born again. I don’t care. I just want the best version of Shawn Michaels at Starrcade!”
Sting signs the contract, then turns his back to walk out of the ring. Shawn Michaels spins him around, clearly disrespected by Sting turning his back. Sting intensely stares in Michaels’ eyes.
Shawn Michaels: “You turn your back on me again and you’ll get a little taste of Starrcade right now!”
Sting smiles and nods his head.
Sting: “Showtime’s almost here. I’m glad you’re ready. Good luck, Shawn.”
Sting and Shawn Michaels stand face-to-face as the go-home Nitro for Starrcade comes to a close!
Mike Tenay: “We gotta go! We’ll see you in six nights at Chase Field!”
Don West: “I can’t wait, Mike!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Cage Match
Mike Awesome defeated Kevin Nash
Tournament Final to Determine the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship
Ultimo Dragon pinned Little Guido
Christian, Eddie Guerrero, and The Giant defeated Diamond Dallas Page, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair when Christian pinned DDP
Elix Skipper and Shane Helms defeated Taka Michinoku and Kaz Hayashi when Skipper pinned Taka
Triangle Tag Team Match – One Fall
Harlem Heat defeated Triple H and Scott Steiner, and Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire when 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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
Shane McMahon: “Ladies and gentlemen, in just six days we will have the second Starrcade of the Alliance era. The main event, a dream match if I ever saw one will feature one of the greatest WWF superstars of all-time making his in-ring return after four-and-a-half years. He will be making his WCW in-ring debut as well, ladies and gentlemen, the “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels!”
Shawn Michaels makes his way down to the ring to the NWO theme, looking more confident than ever.
Shane McMahon: “His opponent. One of, if not the greatest WCW superstar of all-time. A six-time WCW World Champion, ladies and gentlemen this is Sting!”
Sting comes down the ramp to a thunderous reaction. He enters the ring and lays his eyes directly on Shawn.
Shane McMahon: “Gentlemen, on this table is the contract, the binding document that will make Shawn Michaels verses Sting official. I guess, Sting, we’ll start with you.”
Sting: “How about we wait just a second, Shane. Last week Shawn made some comments and I think it would be a great idea if I had the chance to respond.”
Sting walks up to Shawn.
Sting: “Two weeks ago I came up to you and I made the biggest challenge of my career. I did it with as much respect as I thought you deserved. Again, everything I’ve heard, everything I’ve read, everything I’ve seen says that you’re the best. But I wanted to prove that I’m just a little bit better. You went off to think about it and since we’re standing here right now, obviously you accepted. But you said something too that didn’t quite sit right with me. You said that you were going to kick my teeth down my throat.”
Shawn Michaels: “I’m going to stop you right there. I’m going to make this as clear as possible to you. I’m not wondering about this match because I think I’m going to lose, because I’m not. You wonder if you’re better than me. I know I’m better than you. I’m just going to show the world and make it official! Any confusion, any lack of confidence you think you’re detecting on my part, well, comes from that I know I’m coming back from a broken back. I have to think about playing with my kid down the line. I don’t want Rebecca having to wheel me around. But me and my family, we’ve weighed the risks. We’re at peace with the risks. I wouldn’t be who I am without risk. I’m not worried about losing to you, Sting. Here’s how I know. If you’re worried about me kicking your teeth down your throat. If that little comment bothers you, well, you have no idea who you’re truly dealing with! It ain’t gonna get any nicer I’m telling you that! Maybe you’re the one who isn’t ready for this, Sting. Like you said, you had your perfect ending when you beat Ric Flair on Nitro. That’s what you’re risking. That’s what I’m chasing! And I’m ready!”
Shawn Michaels defiantly signs the contract. Sting simply smiles.
Sting: “That’s your mistake, Shawn. You misunderstand my concern about your comments in being offensive. I just wanted to make sure you’re all-in. If you’re gonna beat me, you need to do a hell of a lot more than kick my teeth down my throat! When I say it’s Showtime, I want to make sure I’ve got a dancing partner ready to step up to the challenge! This is Starrcade, baby! WOOO! The granddaddy of em’ all. I didn’t come back just to face you, I came back to beat you! The best you. The Showstopper. You can act however you want. You can wear the NWO logo. You can tell me to ‘suck it’. You can do your little dance on your way to the ring, or you can tell everyone you’re born again. I don’t care. I just want the best version of Shawn Michaels at Starrcade!”
Sting signs the contract, then turns his back to walk out of the ring. Shawn Michaels spins him around, clearly disrespected by Sting turning his back. Sting intensely stares in Michaels’ eyes.
Shawn Michaels: “You turn your back on me again and you’ll get a little taste of Starrcade right now!”
Sting smiles and nods his head.
Sting: “Showtime’s almost here. I’m glad you’re ready. Good luck, Shawn.”
Sting and Shawn Michaels stand face-to-face as the go-home Nitro for Starrcade comes to a close!
Mike Tenay: “We gotta go! We’ll see you in six nights at Chase Field!”
Don West: “I can’t wait, Mike!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Cage Match
Mike Awesome defeated Kevin Nash
Tournament Final to Determine the #1 Contender for the World Cruiserweight Championship
Ultimo Dragon pinned Little Guido
Christian, Eddie Guerrero, and The Giant defeated Diamond Dallas Page, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair when Christian pinned DDP
Elix Skipper and Shane Helms defeated Taka Michinoku and Kaz Hayashi when Skipper pinned Taka
Triangle Tag Team Match – One Fall
Harlem Heat defeated Triple H and Scott Steiner, and Chuck Palumbo and Sean O’Haire when 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
AJ Styles: – Jerry Lynn took AJ Styles under his wing in early 2002, resulting in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to the Dream Match
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. He’ll defend the title against the Ultimo Dragon at Starrcade
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: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to the Dream Match
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. He’ll defend the title against the Ultimo Dragon at Starrcade
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: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – December 29, 2002
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon
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ECW RISE
December 26, 2002
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Phoenix, AZ
EARLIER IN THE DAY…
RISE begins in a hospital room and we see Jim Ross walking to someone.
Jim Ross: “…anyway all signs say I should be out of here in a couple days. Steve, please, do me a favor. I know you’re and I appreciate the support, but I’m not someone to throw away months of your career over. I’m not someone worth losing this big match at Starrcade over. You’re gonna get Brock in a few days anyway, don’t do anything stupid tonight, please.”
The camera turns to Stone Cold, who just stares intensely at J.R. as RISE cuts to the opening video.
Joey Styles: “Welcome to ho-home edition of ECW RISE! Starrcade is just three days away! I’m Joey Styles alongside Tazz. Tonight, the #1 Contender for the ECW World Championship Rhyno takes on Raven’s Angel of Death: Brian Lee.”
Tazz: “Also, Joey, we’re going to hear from Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar just 72 hours ahead of the biggest match of Brock Lesnar’s career!”
Joey Styles: “We’re kicking things off with six-man tag team action. On Nitro Ultimo Dragon defeated Little Guido to earn a shot at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship. The Dragon will team with two legendary WCW Cruiserweights: Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman to take on Tajiri and two of his partners in Raven’s Warriors: Mikey Whipwreck and Perry Saturn! And it’s happening right now!”
Billy Kidman, Rey Mysterio Jr., and Ultimo Dragon (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn (w/Terri)
Kidman and Whipwreck start things off by trading blows. Whipwreck runs over Kidman, but Kidman pops back up and leapfrogs over Whipwreck. Flying headscissors from Kidman sends Whipwreck careening into his corner, to which he tags in Tajiri. Tajiri fires a couple of kicks at Kidman, but Kidman dodges them. Tajiri sends Kidman off the ropes but Kidman catches him with a hurricanrana. Kidman sends Tajiri into the corner but misses the elbow smash, and Tajiri follows up with an enzugiri that knocks Kidman to his corner. Mysterio makes the tag. Mysterio springboards into the ring, leaping over Tajiri. Flying headscissors connects from Mysterio! Mysterio ducks a clothesline and gets in the wheelbarrow position, dropping Tajiri with a bulldog! Cover, 1…2…Tajiri kicks out.
Tajiri tries to slow Mysterio with punches. Tajiri sends Mysterio off the ropes, but Mysterio comes back with a Floatover DDT! Mysterio tags in the Ultimo Dragon, but as soon as Tajiri sees Dragon coming at him he retreats and tags in Saturn. Saturn goes for a kick but Dragon trips him right away. Dragon hits Saturn with hard chops then whips Saturn into the corner. Dragon charges at Saturn, but Saturn backdrops him over the top rope…only Dragon holds onto the top rope and does a handstand. Dragon comes down by dropkicking Saturn in the back of the head! Quick cover, 1…2…Saturn kicks out. Dragon hits Saturn with rapid fire kicks, but Saturn blocks one and takes Dragon down with a drop toehold. Saturn drags Dragon to his corner and tags in Whipwreck, who comes off the top rope with a legdrop! Whipwreck covers Dragon, 1…2…Dragon kicks out.
Saturn tosses Whipwreck a chair, but Whipwreck misses the chair shot and Dragon dropkicks the chair in Whipwreck’s face! Dragon tags Mysterio in who tags Kidman in. Mysterio and Kidman climb to the top rope on opposite corners and hit Whipwreck with a double splash! Double cover, 1…2…Tajiri comes in and breaks up the pin by stomping on both Kidman and Mysterio. Kidman and Tajiri trade blows, but Kidman catches him with the BK Bomb! Before Kidman can follow-up, Terri jumps onto the apron to distract him, but Torrie pulls her off! Torrie shoves Terri to the floor then hops onto the apron herself, only Tajiri catches Kidman with a Buzzsaw Kick to the back of the head! Tajiri then eyes his old flame, Torrie, and Torrie backs off the apron in fear. Tajiri turns his attention though as Ulitmo Dragon stands behind him in his fighting stance. Tajiri looks hesitant, but he fires off a kick that Dragon evades. Dragon hits Tajiri with a flurry of kicks, one of which sends Tajiri through the ropes. Saturn comes from behind Dragon and hits him with a Dragon suplex! Mysterio springboards off the top rope and catches Saturn with an avalanche headscissors then sets him into the ropes. Mysterio comes off the ropes with the 6-1-9 to Saturn! Mysterio heads to the top rope, but Mikey Whipwreck meets him up there and spikes Rey with the Whippersnapper! Kidman springboards off the second rope and hits Whipwreck with a bulldog, then heads to the top rope. Shooting Star Press connects! Kidman gets back to his feet but is blasted with the Green Mist from Tajiri! Tajiri hits Kidman with another Buzzsaw Kick and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn when Tajiri pinned Kidman in 13:44
Torrie Wilson checks on Kidman, but that allows Tajiri to intimidate her as he slowly approaches her. For the second time though, Tajiri is stopped by the presence of the Ultimo Dragon, who points to the Cruiserweight Title and indicates that it’ll be his this Sunday. Raven’s Warriors slowly back up the ramp as Rey Mysterio Jr. and Dragon check on Kidman.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As RISE returns from commercial, a limo arrives in the parking lot. Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar come out of the limo, with Heyman talking to Lesnar about something the audio can’t pick up.
***
Joey Styles: “Ladies and gentlemen, a reminder of what took place a few weeks ago. The Wolfpac faction of the New World Order caused a car crash that targeted Total Impact: Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, Chris Candido, and Dawn Marie. While Storm, Awesome, and Dawn all escaped major injuries, Chris Candido spent the last couple of the weeks in the hospital. But not only has he been cleared for Starrcade for the six-man tag team match between the Wolfpac and Total Impact, but he’s been cleared for tonight. He’ll take on NWO flunky Justin Credible.”
Chris Candido vs. Justin Credible
Credible attacks Candido before the bell, specifically targeting the neck with forearms. Candido fires back then hits Credible with a belly-to-belly suplex. Candido props Credible in the corner and chops away at him, then suplexes him out of the corner. Candido sends Credible off the ropes and plants him with a standing spinebuster. Candido props Credible up on the top turnbuckle and hits an avalanche frankensteiner! Candido props Credible up on the top rope once more, but this time slams him off with the Blonde Bombshell! 1…2…3!
Winner: Chris Candido via pinfall in 1:31
Candido speaks in the camera, saying he’s been waiting a long time for this and that he’s finally ready to take “The Kliq” out for good! It seems like he accidentally said Kliq instead of Wolfpac.
***
RISE cuts to a dark room full of spiderwebs and wooden furniture, the same room we’ve seen Victoria in a few times now. Victoria appears, face still scarred, and she opens up a map of the world with little La Felina mask logos placed all over the map. Victoria pulls out a match…and lights the map on fire (which, with the table being made of wood, engulfs the entire room in flames). Victoria walks out, looking insane, before she looks at the World Women’s Championship. The fire continues to spread behind her as RISE cuts to commercial.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Rhyno vs. Raven’s Angel of Death (Brian Lee)
Rhyno shoves a table into the ring before he slides into the ring. Lee attacks Rhyno right away and knocks him down with a clothesline. Lee props the table in the corner and tries to toss Rhyno through it, but Rhyno blocks and hits Lee with a belly-to-belly suplex. Rhyno pounds away on Lee then comes off the ropes, but Lee hits a big boot. Lee grabs Rhyno by the throat and hits a chokeslam, then calls for the Tombstone. Lee picks Rhyno up, but Rhyno slides behind him and backs up…then GORES Lee through the table in the corner! Instead of going for the cover, Rhyno rolls to the outside and sets up another table. He drags Lee to the apron, then piledrives him off the apron and through the table! Rhyno rolls Lee back in and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Rhyno via pinfall in 3:01
Raven runs down to the ring and nails Rhyno in the back of the head with the ECW World Championship title belt! Raven stomps away on Rhyno before picking him up. He tries to send him off the ropes, but Rhyno reverses the whip…and Raven immediately grabs the ropes and slides under the bottom. Rhyno demands Raven get back in the ring with a “Come on!”, but Raven simply backs up with the title, spreading his arms out in the classic Raven pose!
Tazz: “Joey, I think Raven is in trouble…”
Joey Styles: “We’re kicking things off with six-man tag team action. On Nitro Ultimo Dragon defeated Little Guido to earn a shot at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship. The Dragon will team with two legendary WCW Cruiserweights: Rey Mysterio Jr. and Billy Kidman to take on Tajiri and two of his partners in Raven’s Warriors: Mikey Whipwreck and Perry Saturn! And it’s happening right now!”
Billy Kidman, Rey Mysterio Jr., and Ultimo Dragon (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn (w/Terri)
Kidman and Whipwreck start things off by trading blows. Whipwreck runs over Kidman, but Kidman pops back up and leapfrogs over Whipwreck. Flying headscissors from Kidman sends Whipwreck careening into his corner, to which he tags in Tajiri. Tajiri fires a couple of kicks at Kidman, but Kidman dodges them. Tajiri sends Kidman off the ropes but Kidman catches him with a hurricanrana. Kidman sends Tajiri into the corner but misses the elbow smash, and Tajiri follows up with an enzugiri that knocks Kidman to his corner. Mysterio makes the tag. Mysterio springboards into the ring, leaping over Tajiri. Flying headscissors connects from Mysterio! Mysterio ducks a clothesline and gets in the wheelbarrow position, dropping Tajiri with a bulldog! Cover, 1…2…Tajiri kicks out.
Tajiri tries to slow Mysterio with punches. Tajiri sends Mysterio off the ropes, but Mysterio comes back with a Floatover DDT! Mysterio tags in the Ultimo Dragon, but as soon as Tajiri sees Dragon coming at him he retreats and tags in Saturn. Saturn goes for a kick but Dragon trips him right away. Dragon hits Saturn with hard chops then whips Saturn into the corner. Dragon charges at Saturn, but Saturn backdrops him over the top rope…only Dragon holds onto the top rope and does a handstand. Dragon comes down by dropkicking Saturn in the back of the head! Quick cover, 1…2…Saturn kicks out. Dragon hits Saturn with rapid fire kicks, but Saturn blocks one and takes Dragon down with a drop toehold. Saturn drags Dragon to his corner and tags in Whipwreck, who comes off the top rope with a legdrop! Whipwreck covers Dragon, 1…2…Dragon kicks out.
Saturn tosses Whipwreck a chair, but Whipwreck misses the chair shot and Dragon dropkicks the chair in Whipwreck’s face! Dragon tags Mysterio in who tags Kidman in. Mysterio and Kidman climb to the top rope on opposite corners and hit Whipwreck with a double splash! Double cover, 1…2…Tajiri comes in and breaks up the pin by stomping on both Kidman and Mysterio. Kidman and Tajiri trade blows, but Kidman catches him with the BK Bomb! Before Kidman can follow-up, Terri jumps onto the apron to distract him, but Torrie pulls her off! Torrie shoves Terri to the floor then hops onto the apron herself, only Tajiri catches Kidman with a Buzzsaw Kick to the back of the head! Tajiri then eyes his old flame, Torrie, and Torrie backs off the apron in fear. Tajiri turns his attention though as Ulitmo Dragon stands behind him in his fighting stance. Tajiri looks hesitant, but he fires off a kick that Dragon evades. Dragon hits Tajiri with a flurry of kicks, one of which sends Tajiri through the ropes. Saturn comes from behind Dragon and hits him with a Dragon suplex! Mysterio springboards off the top rope and catches Saturn with an avalanche headscissors then sets him into the ropes. Mysterio comes off the ropes with the 6-1-9 to Saturn! Mysterio heads to the top rope, but Mikey Whipwreck meets him up there and spikes Rey with the Whippersnapper! Kidman springboards off the second rope and hits Whipwreck with a bulldog, then heads to the top rope. Shooting Star Press connects! Kidman gets back to his feet but is blasted with the Green Mist from Tajiri! Tajiri hits Kidman with another Buzzsaw Kick and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn when Tajiri pinned Kidman in 13:44
Torrie Wilson checks on Kidman, but that allows Tajiri to intimidate her as he slowly approaches her. For the second time though, Tajiri is stopped by the presence of the Ultimo Dragon, who points to the Cruiserweight Title and indicates that it’ll be his this Sunday. Raven’s Warriors slowly back up the ramp as Rey Mysterio Jr. and Dragon check on Kidman.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As RISE returns from commercial, a limo arrives in the parking lot. Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar come out of the limo, with Heyman talking to Lesnar about something the audio can’t pick up.
***
Joey Styles: “Ladies and gentlemen, a reminder of what took place a few weeks ago. The Wolfpac faction of the New World Order caused a car crash that targeted Total Impact: Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, Chris Candido, and Dawn Marie. While Storm, Awesome, and Dawn all escaped major injuries, Chris Candido spent the last couple of the weeks in the hospital. But not only has he been cleared for Starrcade for the six-man tag team match between the Wolfpac and Total Impact, but he’s been cleared for tonight. He’ll take on NWO flunky Justin Credible.”
Chris Candido vs. Justin Credible
Credible attacks Candido before the bell, specifically targeting the neck with forearms. Candido fires back then hits Credible with a belly-to-belly suplex. Candido props Credible in the corner and chops away at him, then suplexes him out of the corner. Candido sends Credible off the ropes and plants him with a standing spinebuster. Candido props Credible up on the top turnbuckle and hits an avalanche frankensteiner! Candido props Credible up on the top rope once more, but this time slams him off with the Blonde Bombshell! 1…2…3!
Winner: Chris Candido via pinfall in 1:31
Candido speaks in the camera, saying he’s been waiting a long time for this and that he’s finally ready to take “The Kliq” out for good! It seems like he accidentally said Kliq instead of Wolfpac.
***
RISE cuts to a dark room full of spiderwebs and wooden furniture, the same room we’ve seen Victoria in a few times now. Victoria appears, face still scarred, and she opens up a map of the world with little La Felina mask logos placed all over the map. Victoria pulls out a match…and lights the map on fire (which, with the table being made of wood, engulfs the entire room in flames). Victoria walks out, looking insane, before she looks at the World Women’s Championship. The fire continues to spread behind her as RISE cuts to commercial.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Rhyno vs. Raven’s Angel of Death (Brian Lee)
Rhyno shoves a table into the ring before he slides into the ring. Lee attacks Rhyno right away and knocks him down with a clothesline. Lee props the table in the corner and tries to toss Rhyno through it, but Rhyno blocks and hits Lee with a belly-to-belly suplex. Rhyno pounds away on Lee then comes off the ropes, but Lee hits a big boot. Lee grabs Rhyno by the throat and hits a chokeslam, then calls for the Tombstone. Lee picks Rhyno up, but Rhyno slides behind him and backs up…then GORES Lee through the table in the corner! Instead of going for the cover, Rhyno rolls to the outside and sets up another table. He drags Lee to the apron, then piledrives him off the apron and through the table! Rhyno rolls Lee back in and makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Rhyno via pinfall in 3:01
Raven runs down to the ring and nails Rhyno in the back of the head with the ECW World Championship title belt! Raven stomps away on Rhyno before picking him up. He tries to send him off the ropes, but Rhyno reverses the whip…and Raven immediately grabs the ropes and slides under the bottom. Rhyno demands Raven get back in the ring with a “Come on!”, but Raven simply backs up with the title, spreading his arms out in the classic Raven pose!
Tazz: “Joey, I think Raven is in trouble…”
Joey Styles: “Rhyno’s been waiting for this for almost a year. He’s hungry.”
Tazz: “But, Joey, he’s also hurting. If Raven is going to have a shot in hell of winning on Sunday, he needs to take advantage of the condition of Rhyno’s neck.”
Joey Styles: “We’re going to change gears now partner. Earlier tonight, we heard from the three teams that will compete for the ECW World Tag Team Championship at Starrcade. Here’s what they said.”
Tazz: “But, Joey, he’s also hurting. If Raven is going to have a shot in hell of winning on Sunday, he needs to take advantage of the condition of Rhyno’s neck.”
Joey Styles: “We’re going to change gears now partner. Earlier tonight, we heard from the three teams that will compete for the ECW World Tag Team Championship at Starrcade. Here’s what they said.”
Bill Alfonso: “Hey baby! This Sunday the greatest tag team in ECW history, Sabu and Mr. Pay-Per-View Rob Van Dam will once again come out on top. Jerry Lynn, AJ Styles, Kid Kash, Jamie Noble, some of you will find out first-hand while some of you will get a reminder no one’s better than RVD and Sabu, daddy!”
Rob Van Dam: “That’s right, Fonzie. Look, first off, Jerry Lynn. I know I respect the hell out of you. But come on, how many times do I need to kick your ass for you to get it. I know deep down you recruited AJ Styles because you were never going to beat me one-on-one. And as good as AJ is, well, come on, he’s no RVD. No one’s RVD. I’m the Whole Fuckin’ Show for a reason. Now Jamie Noble. Kid Kash. You guys are comin’ up, I get it. I’ve been there. But right you guys are still three to four-star. Pretty good, but no Rob Van Dam. Only one guy here is at the five-star level, and that’s me, Mr. PPV. Now, just in case you guys get a little lucky out there. Maybe it’s your best day and I’m on my worst day, well, I’ve got some more bad news for you.”
Rob Van Dam points over to his partner, Sabu, who points to the sky and intensely glares at the camera.
***
Jerry Lynn: “What a surprise, Rob Van Dam talking a big game before a big match, huh. Look, I hate to say it, but yeah, throughout our careers Rob has mostly gotten the best of me. In a way he’s right. I had to find someone with the potential to be better. And I did.”
AJ Styles: “Boy did he ever. Talk all you want, Rob Van Dam. You got us at November to Remember, but that’s the last time you or Sabu will ever beat the Phenomenal One. I’m 25 years old. I’m in the best shape of my life. And quite frankly whatever RVD or Sabu can do I can do better. I have the best mentor and teammate in the world in Jerry Lynn. We won’t get beat again. This Sunday, biggest show of our career, Starrcade, we’re getting our belts back. There’s nothing you, RVD, or you, Sabu, can do about it. And Kid Kash? Jamie Noble? You gave us a hell of a run earlier this year, but that’s how I know you can’t beat us either!”
***
Jamie Noble: “Listen, everyone has counted me and Kid Kash out ever since we got together. Now we’ve been close to the ECW Tag Team Titles. We took those two boys Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to the limit back at Hardcore Heaven and they know it! It’s been a crazy year for me. Kid Kash, he’s had my back all year and now it’s time to repay the favor by putting my all out there to win the ECW Tag Team Titles. I don’t care how great Rob Van Dam thinks he is, or how suicidal Sabu is. And I don’t care how good Jerry Lynn is or how much potential AJ Styles has. Starrcade is our night!”
Kid Kash: “Couldn’t have said it better myself, Jamie. We’ve fought for this opportunity all year and we finally got it. We ain’t gonna let it go to waste. We’re gonna rock the rock all night at Starrcade, and when we finally cash in with those belts, it’s gonna be party time. We’re gonna shock the world this Sunday, we promise you that!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman make their way out to the ring.
Paul Heyman: “Ladies and gentlemen as I stand here in front of you with the Beast Incarnate himself, Brock Lesnar, I ask all of you to reflect on the last twelve months. Over the past twelve months, Brock Lesnar had the most dominant, most destructive rookie year that anyone has ever had in the history of professional wrestling. Let us wind the clock back to last year’s Starrcade. The ECW World Championship was in a state of turmoil and this man, this monster, this BEAST, competed in his first ever major league professional wrestling match ever against one of the all-time greats of ECW: Rob Van Dam and defeated him to win the ECW World Championship. Brock Lesnar followed that up with victories over names such as Sabu. Bam Bam Bigelow. Rey Mysterio Jr. Cactus JACK! Brock Lesnar did everything there was to do in ECW in a short amount of time. He came to the WCW side and expected to continue that dominance. And he did. At Halloween Havoc he beat one of the current #1 Contenders for the WCW World Championship in Booker T. He won his War Rumble, eliminating men such as Ric Flair and one…Stone Cold Steve Austin.”
“AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!”
Paul Heyman: “Hey, I’m a big a fan of Stone Cold Steve Austin as anyone else. At one time he was the crown jewel of my Dangerous Alliance. I was the first man to see the true potential of Stone Cold Steve Austin and I gave him the platform to show that potential in 1995. But, like all the rest, Stone Cold thought he was better off without Paul Heyman. Now I understand, that’s the business. And knowing the results, who can blame him? Stone Cold Steve Austin is the biggest star in the history of professional wrestling. At least, until this Sunday. No matter how big the star, no matter how big the legend, eventually everyone’s time comes in this business. That day is December 29, 2002 at Starrcade when Stone Cold Steve Austin passes that title as biggest star in professional wrestling to Brock Lesnar. Now whether Stone Cold wants to pass that title, pass that torch isn’t up to Stone Cold. We don’t expect Stone Cold to show up and just lay down for Brock Lesnar. So I promise you this: Brock Lesnar will take everything from Stone Cold Steve Austin at Starrcade! You think you’re the toughest S.O.B. in wrestling? Well Brock Lesnar is going to show you otherwise! You think hitting me with a Stone Cold Stunner makes you the biggest bad ass? Why don’t you ask J.R. what he thinks of Brock Lesnar?! You better give your soul to whatever deity you believe in Austin, because at Starrcade your ASS belongs to BROCK LESNAR!”
Paul Heyman nearly falls down upon hearing the glass shatter, but Brock Lesnar looks ready, even though he still can’t touch Austin. But Austin doesn’t come out and instead RISE cuts to the parking lot. Austin has a tire iron and bashes in the windows of Brock’s limo! Austin beats on the limo some more before Brock runs down the ramp.
Joey Styles: “What’s going to happen? Remember these two can’t physically contact one another…”
Brock Lesnar runs to the limo (Stone Cold is nowhere to be seen) and lets out an expletive when he sees the damage to the limo. Paul Heyman eventually catches up to Brock as they examine the limo. Suddenly, a huge vehicle’s lights turn on behind Brock and Heyman! The vehicle is driven by Stone Cold, and it looks like a forklift or a crane! Austin drives the forklift right at Brock, who grabs Heyman and jumps out of the way! Austin smashes into the limo and lifts it up with forklift, flips it over, and smashes it from about 15 feet up to the concrete! Brock doesn’t seem to know what to do as Stone Cold stares at him from the forklift as RISE comes to a close!
Joey Styles: “Oh My God, we’ll see you at Starrcade!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn defeated Ultimo Dragon, Kidman, and Rey Mysterio Jr. when Tajiri pinned Kidman
Chris Candido pinned Justin Credible
Rhyno pinned Raven’s Angel of Death (Brian Lee)
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
Rob Van Dam: “That’s right, Fonzie. Look, first off, Jerry Lynn. I know I respect the hell out of you. But come on, how many times do I need to kick your ass for you to get it. I know deep down you recruited AJ Styles because you were never going to beat me one-on-one. And as good as AJ is, well, come on, he’s no RVD. No one’s RVD. I’m the Whole Fuckin’ Show for a reason. Now Jamie Noble. Kid Kash. You guys are comin’ up, I get it. I’ve been there. But right you guys are still three to four-star. Pretty good, but no Rob Van Dam. Only one guy here is at the five-star level, and that’s me, Mr. PPV. Now, just in case you guys get a little lucky out there. Maybe it’s your best day and I’m on my worst day, well, I’ve got some more bad news for you.”
Rob Van Dam points over to his partner, Sabu, who points to the sky and intensely glares at the camera.
***
Jerry Lynn: “What a surprise, Rob Van Dam talking a big game before a big match, huh. Look, I hate to say it, but yeah, throughout our careers Rob has mostly gotten the best of me. In a way he’s right. I had to find someone with the potential to be better. And I did.”
AJ Styles: “Boy did he ever. Talk all you want, Rob Van Dam. You got us at November to Remember, but that’s the last time you or Sabu will ever beat the Phenomenal One. I’m 25 years old. I’m in the best shape of my life. And quite frankly whatever RVD or Sabu can do I can do better. I have the best mentor and teammate in the world in Jerry Lynn. We won’t get beat again. This Sunday, biggest show of our career, Starrcade, we’re getting our belts back. There’s nothing you, RVD, or you, Sabu, can do about it. And Kid Kash? Jamie Noble? You gave us a hell of a run earlier this year, but that’s how I know you can’t beat us either!”
***
Jamie Noble: “Listen, everyone has counted me and Kid Kash out ever since we got together. Now we’ve been close to the ECW Tag Team Titles. We took those two boys Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to the limit back at Hardcore Heaven and they know it! It’s been a crazy year for me. Kid Kash, he’s had my back all year and now it’s time to repay the favor by putting my all out there to win the ECW Tag Team Titles. I don’t care how great Rob Van Dam thinks he is, or how suicidal Sabu is. And I don’t care how good Jerry Lynn is or how much potential AJ Styles has. Starrcade is our night!”
Kid Kash: “Couldn’t have said it better myself, Jamie. We’ve fought for this opportunity all year and we finally got it. We ain’t gonna let it go to waste. We’re gonna rock the rock all night at Starrcade, and when we finally cash in with those belts, it’s gonna be party time. We’re gonna shock the world this Sunday, we promise you that!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman make their way out to the ring.
Paul Heyman: “Ladies and gentlemen as I stand here in front of you with the Beast Incarnate himself, Brock Lesnar, I ask all of you to reflect on the last twelve months. Over the past twelve months, Brock Lesnar had the most dominant, most destructive rookie year that anyone has ever had in the history of professional wrestling. Let us wind the clock back to last year’s Starrcade. The ECW World Championship was in a state of turmoil and this man, this monster, this BEAST, competed in his first ever major league professional wrestling match ever against one of the all-time greats of ECW: Rob Van Dam and defeated him to win the ECW World Championship. Brock Lesnar followed that up with victories over names such as Sabu. Bam Bam Bigelow. Rey Mysterio Jr. Cactus JACK! Brock Lesnar did everything there was to do in ECW in a short amount of time. He came to the WCW side and expected to continue that dominance. And he did. At Halloween Havoc he beat one of the current #1 Contenders for the WCW World Championship in Booker T. He won his War Rumble, eliminating men such as Ric Flair and one…Stone Cold Steve Austin.”
“AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!”
Paul Heyman: “Hey, I’m a big a fan of Stone Cold Steve Austin as anyone else. At one time he was the crown jewel of my Dangerous Alliance. I was the first man to see the true potential of Stone Cold Steve Austin and I gave him the platform to show that potential in 1995. But, like all the rest, Stone Cold thought he was better off without Paul Heyman. Now I understand, that’s the business. And knowing the results, who can blame him? Stone Cold Steve Austin is the biggest star in the history of professional wrestling. At least, until this Sunday. No matter how big the star, no matter how big the legend, eventually everyone’s time comes in this business. That day is December 29, 2002 at Starrcade when Stone Cold Steve Austin passes that title as biggest star in professional wrestling to Brock Lesnar. Now whether Stone Cold wants to pass that title, pass that torch isn’t up to Stone Cold. We don’t expect Stone Cold to show up and just lay down for Brock Lesnar. So I promise you this: Brock Lesnar will take everything from Stone Cold Steve Austin at Starrcade! You think you’re the toughest S.O.B. in wrestling? Well Brock Lesnar is going to show you otherwise! You think hitting me with a Stone Cold Stunner makes you the biggest bad ass? Why don’t you ask J.R. what he thinks of Brock Lesnar?! You better give your soul to whatever deity you believe in Austin, because at Starrcade your ASS belongs to BROCK LESNAR!”
Paul Heyman nearly falls down upon hearing the glass shatter, but Brock Lesnar looks ready, even though he still can’t touch Austin. But Austin doesn’t come out and instead RISE cuts to the parking lot. Austin has a tire iron and bashes in the windows of Brock’s limo! Austin beats on the limo some more before Brock runs down the ramp.
Joey Styles: “What’s going to happen? Remember these two can’t physically contact one another…”
Brock Lesnar runs to the limo (Stone Cold is nowhere to be seen) and lets out an expletive when he sees the damage to the limo. Paul Heyman eventually catches up to Brock as they examine the limo. Suddenly, a huge vehicle’s lights turn on behind Brock and Heyman! The vehicle is driven by Stone Cold, and it looks like a forklift or a crane! Austin drives the forklift right at Brock, who grabs Heyman and jumps out of the way! Austin smashes into the limo and lifts it up with forklift, flips it over, and smashes it from about 15 feet up to the concrete! Brock doesn’t seem to know what to do as Stone Cold stares at him from the forklift as RISE comes to a close!
Joey Styles: “Oh My God, we’ll see you at Starrcade!”
::END SHOW::
Quick Results
Tajiri, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn defeated Ultimo Dragon, Kidman, and Rey Mysterio Jr. when Tajiri pinned Kidman
Chris Candido pinned Justin Credible
Rhyno pinned Raven’s Angel of Death (Brian Lee)
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
AJ Styles: – Jerry Lynn took AJ Styles under his wing in early 2002, resulting in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to the Dream Match
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. He’ll defend the title against the Ultimo Dragon at Starrcade
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: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
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. After Deacon Batista’s loss to Monty Brown on Nitro, The Dudleys and Batista will face Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Brown at Starrcade in a Six-Man Tag Team Match with the WCW World Tag Team Titles on the line. Batista powerbombed Spike post-match, blaming him for the loss
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
Brian Lee: – After a forgettable stint reforming the Disciples of Apocalypse, Brian Lee oddly turned up on RISE dressed in his old fake Undertaker gear…but aligned with Raven once more
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. Lesnar may have crossed a line though as he went to Austin’s best friend WWF Announcer Jim Ross’ home and assaulted him as a message
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 seemingly had Giant beat on Nitro if it weren’t for Christian
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
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. Hulk Hogan would return the next week to save DDP from Giant, and WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that Hogan and Giant would clash at Starrcade
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. Hogan returned to Nitro to extract revenge on Giant, cementing their match at Starrcade
Ivory: – Competed in the original World Women’s Championship tournament, but we haven’t seen a lot of her overall
Jamie Noble: – Jamie Noble originally got a break to join the Alliance when he upset Curt Hennig. Ever since he has joined up with Kid Kash in a quest to win the ECW World Tag Team Title. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jerry Lynn: – Jerry Lynn took a liking to AJ Styles after watching him on Worldwide, taking him under his wing. This resulted in them winning the ECW World Tag Team Titles at Barely Legal II. They dominated the ECW Tag Team division for most of the year until losing the titles to Rob Van Dam and Sabu at November to Remember. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade to win them back
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
Kid Kash: – Kid Kash and Jamie Noble originally got together to deal with R-Killa and Mark Henry and ever since have tried to win the ECW World Tag Team Title.. They’ve been close (including a 30 minute classic against champions AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn at Hardcore Heaven), but haven’t won the titles. They’ll get a chance at Starrcade in a Three-Way Dance
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. Guido faces Ultimo Dragon to see who gets to challenge Tajiri for the World Cruiserweight Title at Starrcade
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. Due to Brown’s victory over Deacon Batista, Brown, Skipper, and Helms have a chance to win the WCW World Tag Team Title in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against the Archdiocese of Dudleyville
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. He now will defend the title against Rhyno at Starrcade
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 waved his right to sue ECW if he were to get injured again, opening the door to his victory in the Extreme Brawl on RISE to earn a shot at Raven’s title at Starrcade
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. RVD and Sabu will look to defend the ECW World Tag Team Title against the teams of AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn and Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
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. Steiner will face O’Haire at Starrcade
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. Sean O’Haire now has to deal with the man who replaced him in the NWO, Scott Steiner. They’ll face off at Starrcade
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. Thanks to Brown’s victory over Batista, the Six-Man Tag Team Match between these teams will take place at Starrcade and will be for the WCW World Tag Team Title
Shane McMahon: – WCW Owner who has clashed with Triple H, even losing a Last Man Standing Match to him back at Uncensored in April. Shane has been supporting WCW’s top contenders in defeating HHH for the WCW title, which happened at Halloween Havoc
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. Shawn Michaels accepted the challenge and will face Sting in a Dream Match at Starrcade
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: – After tormenting Triple H (and costing HHH the WCW World Title), it turns out Sting’s target was not HHH, but Shawn Michaels. Sting laid out the challenge to HBK for Starrcade, and on the 12/16 Nitro Shawn Michaels accepted, leading to the Dream Match
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. He’ll defend the title against the Ultimo Dragon at Starrcade
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: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade
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. Months ago she destroyed La Felina and stole her mask…but Felina has returned as Gail Kim and the two women will face one another at Starrcade for the World Women’s Title
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – December 29, 2002
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon
Dream Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If Triple H Does Not Win The Championship, He Leaves the WCW/ECW Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Booker T vs. Triple H
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac vs. Total Impact (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, and Chris Candido)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) © vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Three-Way Dance (Elimination)
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Jamie Noble and Kid Kash
Ten Man Tag Team Match
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman and the Legion of Doom vs. Raven’s Warriors (Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn)
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon
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WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002
Preview AND Predictions
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, wrestling fans from all across the globe! ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund here in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona at the magnificent Bank One Ballpark! We are just 24 hours away from one of the most anticipated events in the history of World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling. Tonight, over 55,000 fans will fill Bank One Ballpark to witness pulse-pounding action that only World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling can provide. The anticipation is so thick, you can cut it with a knife. Let’s run down the card.”
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) vs. Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “It was on Nitro in October when The Dudley Boyz returned to World Championship Wrestling, apparently now as men of faith. They would recapture the WCW World Tag Team Championship from Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant when the Giant turned his back on Page. The Dudleys, now representing the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, have held onto the titles and fended off many of the top tag teams in the division. Shane Helms and Elix Skipper have fought their way to the #1 Contender’s position. The Dudleys looked to rid themselves of Skipper, Helms, and their friend Monty Brown by challenging them to a Six-Man Tag Team Match. Helms and Skipper accepted, but wanted the match to be for the WCW World Tag Team Championship. When Brown defeated Deacon Batista in a match, they got their title shot.”
World Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “Tajiri and Super Crazy had traded the title multiple times in the summer, with Tajiri winning the title in a three-way at ECW November to Remember. Ultimo Dragon, after four years away from the ring recovering from nerve damage in his arm, returned to the North American professional wrestling scene in the WrestleWar. Dragon would show that despite the layoff, he’s still as good as ever. Dragon had to defeat three competitors: Psicosis, Juventud Guerrera, and Little Guido in a tournament to become the #1 Contender to the World Cruiserweight Championship. Can the Dragon cap off a successful return by winning his third Cruiserweight Championship? Or will Tajiri continue to prove he is the breakout Cruiserweight of the 2000s?”
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “For the better part of a year, Christian has held the WCW United States Championship. But perhaps faces his toughest test yet as Diamond Dallas Page won a four-way match on Nitro to become the #1 Contender. Christian has aligned himself with DDP’s former friend and current arch-enemy in the Giant to get the upper hand, and even managed to pin DDP in a Six-Man Tag Team Match on the go-home Nitro. Still, DDP is a wily veteran and has been WCW US Champion before. Christian will have his hands full if he looks to escape Phoenix with the US Title.”
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “It was at the WrestleWar where Ric Flair made his return and nearly won a War Rumble. On his way, Flair eliminated Eddie Guerrero from the contest. Eddie took exception and cost Flair the WCW World Championship during Flair’s return match against WCW World Champion Kurt Angle the next night on Nitro. Things have gotten personal since then, with family members on both sides being involved (Chavo Guerrero Jr. for Eddie, David Flair for Ric). Eddie Guerrero has a lot to prove as over the past few months he has claimed to be in the same league as men such as Steve Austin, Angle, and Flair without the victories to show for it. Flair of course, despite being 53 years old, still looks to be at the top of his game and has his sights set on World Championship #18. A win here would be huge for both.”
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “This rivalry was re-ignited when Hulk Hogan returned to WCW to help WCW in their battle with the New World Order. Despite returning to the side of WCW, his War Games teammates didn’t trust him. This was perhaps most true for The Giant due to Giant’s wars with Hogan in the original WCW. What set the Giant off was when Hogan received a WCW World Championship match with Triple H at Halloween Havoc, then seemingly was unable to get a title shot at Hogan after Hogan won the belt. Giant would leave WCW briefly, but then return at WrestleWar and cost Hogan the WCW World Championship against Kurt Angle. Hogan was put of commission for a couple of weeks, but returned on Nitro to set-up another match between the irresistible force against the unmovable object. Will the fifth Hogan vs. Giant one-on-one PPV encounter be the one that settles the score for good?”
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “I’m going to send things over to ECW’s Joey Styles to cover the ECW portion of Starrcade 2002!”
Joey Styles: “Thank you “Mean” Gene!”
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Triangle Elimination Match
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
Joey Styles: “AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn dominated the ECW World Tag Team Championship scene throughout 2002, winning the championship at Barely Legal II in April and holding them until they were defeated by Lynn’s greatest rival Rob Van Dam and his partner Sabu. Lynn and Styles looked for a rematch, but the team of Kid Kash and Jamie Noble made their claim for the belts as well. Kash and Noble had a heck of a year too, including just falling short against Styles and Lynn in a 30-minute classic back at Hardcore Heaven. One of these three teams will emerge with the gold when Starrcade is over!”
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
Joey Styles: “Victoria debuted in the summer of 2002 and during her initial path of destruction took out La Felina. Months later, La Felina re-emerged in the Women’s WrestleWar, rechristened as Gail Kim. Kim won the WrestleWar to earn this shot at Victoria. Victoria, wounded after a couple of wars against Daffney, now needs to find a way to prevent Gail Kim of getting revenge…and winning the World Women’s Championship.”
Ten-Man Tag Team Match
The Legion of Doom (Animal and Hawk), Billy Kidman, Rey Mysterio Jr., and Shelton Benjamin vs. Raven’s Warriors (Crush, Malice, Mikey Whipwreck, Saturn, and Wrath)
Joey Styles: “This war between Raven’s Warriors and the many different competitors in ECW came to a head at November to Remember when Raven defended the ECW World Championship against Rey Mysterio Jr. Raven ended up victorious, but the war wasn’t over. The Legion of Doom, Shelton Benjamin, Rey and Kidman have all had to deal with Raven and his Warriors all year and now have the chance to wipe out Raven’s forces for all.”
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Joey Styles: “This match is the result of two destinies colliding. On the very first RISE back in December of 2001, Rhyno was forced to relinquish the ECW World Championship due to a career-threatening neck injury. When Rhyno made his return eleven months later at November to Remember it was Raven who was the “lucky” man who held the title. Rhyno attacked Raven right away, but Raven got his revenge too, targeting the neck of Rhyno. In order for Rhyno to return to active competition, he was forced to sign a waiver with the Alliance that absolved them of any responsibility if he were to get injured. Raven has thrown everything at Rhyno, including bringing back former allies like Brian Lee to take him out. Raven will now look to find a way to survive the man who he has called a wild, relentless beast at Starrcade.”
Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Joey Styles: “We were all shocked when ECW Commissioner Mick Foley brought back Stone Cold Steve Austin to an ECW ring to face Eddie Guerrero at November to Remember. Austin would become victorious, then set his sights on winning one more world title via the WrestleWar. Brock Lesnar interrupted those plans, eliminating Austin. Austin would get revenge later in the night, costing Lesnar in the Final Battle. Things would escalate quickly from there. After a no-contact order between Austin and Lesnar was put in place, Austin struck by attacking Lesnar’s manager, Paul Heyman. Lesnar took things to the next level, going to the home of WWF Announcer and Austin’s best friend Jim Ross and putting him in the hospital. All that remains is this encounter at Starrcade. Austin returned to Alliance looking to prove he’s still the best in the business after a tough year. Lesnar looks to continue his path of destruction in route to becoming the biggest star in the industry. Both need to win, but only one will.”
Joey Styles: “There are several match-ups that involve the New World Order at Starrcade.. ECW of course was invaded by the NWO earlier this year, but finally ECW has a chance at getting some revenge.
Total Impact (Chris Candido, Lance Storm, and Mike Awesome) vs. NWO Wolfpac (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac)
Joey Styles: “We need to go back to the May 30, 2002 edition of ECW RISE. The night was supposed to feature a Tag Team Turmoil match to determine the #1 Contender for the ECW World Tag Team Championship. But Tag Team Turmoil did not reach a conclusion as the New World Order, led by Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac showed up and caused havoc, beating up everyone in the locker room before coming to the ring and challenging anyone to stop them. The original version of Total Impact: Lance Storm, Justin Credible, and Mike Awesome were just a few members of the ECW locker room to confront the NWO…but Credible would turn on Total Impact and join the NWO with his friends. This would lead to the re-formation of X-Factor, a subset of the NWO that Total Impact had to deal with for the better part of the summer and fall until the new Total Impact (replacing Credible with Chris Candido) finally beat them decisively at November to Remember. That victory gave Total Impact a match with the Wolfpac. Nash, Hall, and X-Pac have done all they could to avoid this match, event causing a car crash that put Candido in the hospital for a few weeks. But Total Impact is healthy now, and finally they will face off with the Wolfpac at Starrcade.”
Joey Styles: “We’re going to send this back to “Mean” Gene. We’ll see you tomorrow night!”
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “Thank you Joey!”
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “The New World Order had found their star of the future in Sean O’Haire. But issues between O’Haire and Triple H came to a head when O’Haire failed to stop Sting from interfering in HHH’s WCW World Championship defense against Hulk Hogan at Halloween Havoc. HHH and O’Haire continued to have issues and miscommunications heading into the WrestleWar. O’Haire would actually pin Triple H a week before WrestleWar, seemingly swaying the balance of power in the New World Order. HHH would sneakily eliminate O’Haire in their War Rumble though, but another (maybe intentional?) miscommunication would cost HHH the match. HHH would get one more chance to get to the Starrcade main event after goading Booker T to a match on the Nitro the night after, but when Sting showed up this time, O’Haire stepped aside voluntarily. The next week O’Haire would be Booker T and Kurt Angle’s surprise partner in a match against HHH, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall, solidifying that he has broken free from the NWO. HHH had a trick up his sleeve though as Scott Steiner would attack O’Haire at the end of the match, essentially replacing O’Haire in the NWO and sliding into a role as HHH and the NWO's enforcer. Steiner himself had returned to WCW in a War Rumble just weeks prior. Sean O’Haire clearly wants another shot at HHH, but Steiner made it clear that O’Haire has to go through him to get to HHH. We’ll see if O’Haire can do that at Starrcade.”
WCW World Championship: Three-Way Elimination – If HHH Does Not Win, He Must Leave Alliance Forever
Kurt Angle © vs. Triple H vs. Booker T
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “Triple H made his Alliance debut at last year’s Starrcade and quickly moved his way up the WCW ranks to earn a WCW World Championship match against Kurt Angle at Slamboree earlier this year. HHH would win the title with assistance from the returning New World Order. The HHH-led NWO ran roughshod over WCW all throughout 2002 until Fall Brawl, where they would lose the War Games to a WCW team that had both Booker T and Kurt Angle on it. HHH would lose the title the next month at Halloween Havoc, and Angle would regain it when he beat Hulk Hogan at WrestleWar. Angle’s path to the WCW World Championship began at Starrcade last year as well, winning a #1 Contender’s Match against Booker T, followed by winning the title from Ric Flair the next night. When Angle was screwed by the NWO at Slamboree, he spent the entire year fighting through the NWO to win back the title, finally doing so at WrestleWar. Booker T’s path also began at Starrcade last year in the aforementioned loss to Angle. This loss set Booker on a path to rebuilding his career, as shortly thereafter he ended up in a feud with R-Killa that spanned the spring and summer months. Booker T finally disposed of R-Killa at ECW Anarchy Rulz and recalibrated his focus back to the WCW Title. Booker T would win a fan vote against Angle to earn the right to face Triple H at Cyberslam, but the NWO would help HHH retain the title there. Booker T secured another chance at the title by winning the first ever WrestleWar, locking in a spot at the main event for Starrcade. It looked like we’d get a Starrcade rematch between Angle and Booker T, but now we return to HHH’s part of the story. HHH was able to goad Booker T into a match where Booker T put his title shot against Angle on the line, but Sting’s interference would lead to a Booker T victory. HHH then pulled out one final act of desperation: he offered his Alliance career in exchange to being a part of the WCW World Championship match at Starrcade. Both Angle and Booker accepted, resulting in this Three-Way Elimination match. While Angle and Booker have mostly been aligned against HHH and the NWO, each have taken a shot at the other too, reminding everyone that this isn’t a handicap match. Each man must win the WCW World Championship: Angle to prove he’s the best, HHH for his Alliance career, and Booker T to complete his year of redemption. Question is, who leaves Starrcade as WCW World Champion?”
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “A Dream Match if there ever was one. Shawn Michaels made his WCW debut the night after Slamboree as a member of Triple H’s NWO. Michaels has made it clear that the intent of his return was to simply have fun with his friends and support their success. Triple H had tried to lure him our of retirement, specifically for the War Games in September, but Michaels insisted his back would never allow him to compete in the ring again. Everything changed for HHH, Michaels, and the New World Order when Sting returned to WCW at Halloween Havoc, costing HHH the WCW World Championship against Hulk Hogan. Michaels took a short hiatus while Triple H called Sting out weekly to get revenge. Michaels would return the night after the WrestleWar to aid Triple H in his match with Booker T for the Starrcade World Title shot. Sting would appear again, and his interference led to a Booker T victory. Sting’s intentions were made clear the next week as he confronted both Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the ring and told them that he hadn't returned to WCW for HHH or the NWO. He returned because of Michaels. Sting called Michaels out, explaining that his recent choices in his personal life will make him a strong competitor than ever, and that he (Sting) needed to know if he could beat who many called the greatest in-ring competitor of all-time (Michaels). Michaels would accept the next week, although with a big of an edge: he promised to kick Sting’s teeth down his throat. This will be Michaels’ first match since Wrestlemania XIV for the WWF in 1998, nearly five years ago. This is also Sting’s first match since the last Nitro of the original WCW when he defeated Ric Flair. It is a match no one ever thought would happen. But it will at Starrcade 2002.”
STANDINGS
@The ScapeDubb : 907
@DGenerationMC : 860
@Roy Mustang : 781
@MTK36 : 280
@BattleTank : 145
Wolfbeast: 140
@White Rhyno : 125
@DakotaNorth : 85
Daken: 60
@Tyronesaurus24 : 60
@Order : 40
@Stojy : 30
There will be spots to use points in the future for voting purposes (including Cyberslam 2003!)
Some new prediction rules!
For the Starrcade 2002-2003 year big PPVs will be worth 300 points while smaller PPVs will be worth 200 points total.
The winner of the show now gets a 25% bonus (rounded up) as opposed to a 25-point bonus, UNLESS it is a perfect show for them, to which a 50% bonus will apply.
I plan to post Starrcade 2002 on 7/26, but there is a chance that it may be way longer than that due to some personal circumstances. Predictions are accepted until the show is posted.
Starrcade 2002 Prediction Contest
Dream Match
Sting vs. Shawn Michaels
(40 Points)
WCW World Championship: If HHH Does Not Win He Must Leave Alliace
Kurt Angle © vs. Triple H vs. Booker T
(40 Points)
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar
(40 Points)
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
(30 Points)
Hulk Hogan vs. The Giant
(30 Points)
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
(30 Points)
The Wolfpac vs. Total Impact
(20 Points)
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
(20 Points)
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
(15 Points)
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
Archdiocese of Dudleyville © (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) vs. Shane Helms, Elix Skipper, and Monty Brown
(10 Points)
ECW World Tag Team Championship
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
(10 Points)
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
(5 Points)
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman, and the Legion of Doom vs. Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn
(5 Points)
WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon
(5 Points)
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Dream Match
Sting vs. Shawn Michaels
WCW World Championship: If HHH Does Not Win He Must Leave Alliace
Kurt Angle © vs. Triple H vs. Booker T
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Hulk Hogan vs. The Giant
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
The Wolfpac vs. Total Impact
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
Archdiocese of Dudleyville © (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) vs. Shane Helms, Elix Skipper, and Monty Brown
ECW World Tag Team Championship
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman, and the Legion of Doom vs. Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn
WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon
Sting vs. Shawn Michaels
WCW World Championship: If HHH Does Not Win He Must Leave Alliace
Kurt Angle © vs. Triple H vs. Booker T
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Brock Lesnar
ECW World Championship
Raven © vs. Rhyno
Hulk Hogan vs. The Giant
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
The Wolfpac vs. Total Impact
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
WCW United States Championship
Christian © vs. Diamond Dallas Page
WCW World Tag Team Championship: Six-Man Tag Team Match
Archdiocese of Dudleyville © (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) vs. Shane Helms, Elix Skipper, and Monty Brown
ECW World Tag Team Championship
Rob Van Dam and Sabu © vs. AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn vs. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble
World Women’s Championship
Victoria © vs. Gail Kim
Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman, and the Legion of Doom vs. Malice, Crush, Wrath, Mikey Whipwreck, and Saturn
WCW Cruiserweight Championship
Tajiri © vs. Ultimo Dragon