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Hulk Hogan vs. The Giant
(30 Points)
Hogan ain't jobbin' at Starrcade, brother.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
(30 Points)
Give Latino Heat a good rub.
The Wolfpac vs. Total Impact
(20 Points)
C'mon... give the people (me) what they want.
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
(20 Points)
Another chance for someone to get a big win here. You've built up O'Haire well and think this would be huge win for him.
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002
December 29, 2002
Bank One Ballpark
Phoenix, AZ
Ric Flair: “1983, the FIRST ever Starrcade, it was a “Flare For the Gold” when I defeated the great Harley Race for the NWA World Championship.” Road Warrior Animal: “1986, the Night of the Skywalkers, the Road Warriors took to the sky to beat the Midnight Express.” Ric Flair: “1987, Ron Garvin couldn’t STAND the Chi-Town HEAT when the ‘Nature Boy’ came into Chicago to become NWA Champion again!” Sting: “1989, I met Ric Flair in the finals of the Iron Man Tournament and beat the ‘Nature Boy’ in the middle of the ring, one-two-three!” Sting: “1991 I followed that up by winning the first Battlebowl, then in 1992 took down Vader to become the King of Cable.” Steve Austin: “1993, Steve Austin was put on the map when I won the US Title against Dustin Rhodes.” Ric Flair: “1993, The ‘Nature Boy’ returned to the top when I took down Vader to win the WCW World Championship!” Hulk Hogan: “It was in 1994 brother when Hulkamania triumphed over the Evil Butcher!” Ric Flair: “1995, Lex Luger, Sting, and Randy Savage all fall to ‘The Man’ as I walk out WCW World Champion one more time!” Eddie Guerrero: “1996, I broke through and won my first major championship in the United States when I beat Diamond Dallas Page for the United States Championship.” Diamond Dallas Page: “1997, I’d finally get my hands on the US Title when I beat Curt Hennig for the belt.” Sting: “1997, I put WCW on my back to take down “Hollywood” Hogan and the New World Order, becoming WCW World Champion once again. Kevin Nash: “1998, I put down Goldberg for the first time, becoming WCW World Champion and ending the streak.” Scott Steiner: “2000, I took out Sid and continued the most dominant World title reign in WCW history!” Triple H: “2001, I came to WCW and kicked off a new era for WCW and the NWO.” Paul Heyman: “2001, the ECW World Championship changed hands for the first time when Brock Lesnar arrived!” Ric Flair: “2001, I became the seventeen-time WCW World Champion, taking down the biggest star in the business: Stone Cold Steve Austin!” Booker T: “2002, tonight, it’s different.” Kurt Angle: “2002, tonight, it’s different.” Rhyno: “2002, tonight, it’s different.” The Giant: “2002, tonight, I smash Hulkamania in a million pieces, ending it once and for all.” Lance Storm: “2002, tonight, the Wolfpac falls.” Sean O’Haire: “2002, tonight, I take out Triple H’s top dog.” Rhyno: “2002, tonight, I take back what is mine and lead the way for the next era of Extreme!” Kurt Angle: “2002, tonight, I show the everyone that I am truly the best in the world.” Booker T: “2002, tonight, Booker T gets back to the top and becomes WCW World Champion!” Shawn Michaels: “2002, tonight, the ‘Heartbreak Kid’ returns and steals the show one more time!” Ric Flair: “Starrcade, the granddaddy of em’ all! WOOOO!”
As pyro goes off, kicking off Starrcade 2002! There’s a huge set with a huge screen, with fireworks and pyro going off all over the stage!
Tony Schiavone: “History will be made here tonight! Welcome everyone watching at home to WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002! I’m Tony Schiavone alongside “The Professor” Mike Tenay and Don West. Over 52,000 fans have jam-packed Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona for Starrcade 2002! Gentlemen, this may be the biggest show in World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling’s history.”
Mike Tenay: “No doubt, Tony. We’ll hear from Joey Styles and Tazz later on tonight for ECW side. But World Championship Wrestling’s biggest show of the year has the biggest matches! WCW World Champion Kurt Angle defends the championship against Triple H and Booker T. And of course, two legends collide in a match we never thought we’d see: Sting takes on Shawn Michaels!”
Don West: “Don’t forget, if Triple H doesn’t walk out of Starrcade he leaves Alliance forever! Its going to be a crazy night!”
Tony Schiavone: “We’re kicking things off with the seventeen-time World Champion, ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair against Eddie Guerrero!”
Eddie Guerrero vs. Ric Flair
Guerrero and Flair circle one another. Guerrero comes in for the lock-up for Flair isn’t playing those games and immediately pokes Guerrero in the eye! Flair hits Guerrero with hard chops. Flair continues chopping the hell out of Guerrero in the corner, not stopping until the crowd gets fired up! Flair then hip tosses Guerrero out of the corner and Guerrero is forced to retreat as Flair struts around the ring! Guerrero takes his time getting back into the ring. When he does, this time both men do luck up and Guerrero gets a headlock takeover. Flair rolls Guerrero to the canvas for a moment for a quick one count, but Guerrero re-establishes position. Flair fights his way back to his feet and drops Guerrero with a belly-to-back suplex! Guerrero backs up into the corner as Flair goes on a chopping spree once again! Flair then shoves Guerrero out of the corner and heads to the top rope, only Guerrero shoves referee Charles Robinson into the ropes, resulting in Flair getting crotched. Guerrero then tosses Flair off the top rope! Cover, 1…2…Flair kicks out.
Guerrero mounts Flair and punches away at him. Flair punches back and fights Guerrero off. Flair hits the ropes and Guerrero drops down. Guerrero then leapfrogs over Flair, then catches him with a perfect dropkick! Now Guerrero positions Flair into the corner and chops away at him! Guerrero hits somewhere between ten-twelve chops before Flair stumbles out of the corner and falls to the canvas face-first. Guerrero mocks Flair with a strut and draws boos from the crowd. Flair gets back to his feet, but Guerrero runs him down with a clothesline. Guerrero heads to the top rope as Flair gets back up and leaps over him for a sunset flip, pulling Flair’s tights to get him over! 1…2…Flair kicks out! Guerrero chops Flair in the corner again, but Flair has had enough and puts Guerrero in the corner and chops him! Flair chops Guerrero so hard that Guerrero ends up getting knocked over the top rope and onto the floor! Flair comes out after him with more chops, but Guerrero reverses a whip and Flair slams into the apron. Guerrero rolls Flair back into the ring, then hits a slingshot senton on Flair to get back in himself! Cover, 1…2…Flair gets a foot on the rope to break the pin.
Guerrero hits some punches but Flair fires back with a couple of chops. Guerrero fires back, but when Flair sells one of the punches, he turns around…and mule kick low blows Guerrero! Vertical suplex from Flair! Cover, 1…2…Guerrero kicks out. Flair sends Guerrero off the ropes but misses a chop, and Guerrero gets a basement dropkick to the knee. Guerrero stomps on the knee, then quickly locks in the Figure-Four! Flair screams in pain and his shoulders go down a couple of times for two counts, but he’s able to finally turn Guerrero over to put the pressure on him instead. Guerrero is able to grab the ropes and Robinson has to physically separate their legs as they were tangled together. Flair comes up limping and Guerrero hits another basement dropkick to knock Flair right back down. Guerrero goes for the Figure-Four again, only this time Flair counters with a roll-up, 1…2…Guerrero just kicks out! Guerrero catches Flair with a shinbreaker, then locks in the Lasso From El Paso! Flair again screams in pain, but he’s able to avoid submitting as he manages to reach the ropes.
Flair struggles to get to his feet as Guerrero realizes he’s in complete control. Guerrero suplexes Flair, then heads up to the top rope to finish Flair off. Flair gets back to his feet and confronts Guerrero in the corner, but Guerrero wins the exchange and hooks Flair’s head. Guerrero goes for a Tornado DDT, only Flair throws him off in midair! Flair grabs Guerrero’s leg and calls for the Figure-Four, only Chavo Guerrero Jr. runs down and jumps on the apron to distract him. Flair slugs Chavo off the apron, but that allows Eddie to hit a chop block. Guerrero lifts Flair up on his back and slams him with the Gory Special and makes the cover, 1…2…Flair kicks out to Guerrero’s surprise. Guerrero sends Flair into the corner, but Flair flips over the top rope and onto the apron. Guerrero nails Flair and knocks him off the apron. Chavo comes over to stomp away on Flair, but David Flair runs down to even the odds and take out Chavo! David Flair beats up Chavo on the outside as Ric slides back into the ring. Guerrero rolls Flair up and holds onto the ropes, 1…2…Flair counters by pulling Guerrero’s tights, and now he has the pin with the tights held, 1…2…3!
Winner: Ric Flair via pinfall in 17:14
Eddie Guerrero is shocked as Ric Flair walks up the rampway, big smile on his face and pointing as his head! Eddie throws a temper tantum in the ring as Chavo tries to calm him down!
***
Don West: “Ric Flair once again reminding people that he’s the ‘Dirtiest Player in the Game’!
Tony Schiavone: “Amazing at 53-years old that Ric Flair can still go with anyone in that ring. Coming up next, the World Cruiserweight Championship is on the line.”
Mike Tenay: “That’s right, Tony. To many people, perhaps outside of Rey Mysterio Jr., Ultimo Dragon was considered the premier masked cruiserweight of the mid-to-late 90s until a nerve injury in his arm forced him away from the ring. The Dragon returned to Japan earlier this year, then returned to World Championship Wrestling at the WrestleWar. His opponent, the World Cruiserweight Champion Yoshihiro Tajiri has laid a claim to being the best cruiserweight in the world in the post-Dragon era. He’s won championships in the WWF, WCW, and ECW, and now is the reigning champion. This should be a great one.”
Tajiri throws a couple of kicks to try to create space between himself and Ultimo Dragon. Dragon hits a high kick, although Tajiri somewhat blocks it. Tajiri grabs the arm, but Dragon quickly flips out and armdrags Tajiri. Dragon sends Tajiri off the ropes, but Tajiri springboards off with a handstand for a back elbow…that Dragon catches and turns into a belly-to-back suplex! Baseball slide knocks Tajiri to the floor. Dragon hops onto the apron and goes for the Asai Moonsault, but Tajiri pulls him down in midair and Dragon crashes onto the apron! Tajiri now hops up to the apron and goes for his own Asai Moonsault, only Dragon moves and Tajiri lands face-first on the floor! Dragon again gets on the apron. Tajiri struggles to his feet, and Dragon now hits the Asai Moonsault! Dragon tolls Tajiri into the ring and makes the cover, 1…2…Tajiri kicks out.
Tajiri reverses a whip into the corner, but Dragon puts on the brakes and does a handstand on the top turnbuckle. Tajiri blocks the descending dropkick though and hits a kick right to the face of Dragon, causing Dragon to awkwardly crash back down on the canvas. Tajiri puts Dragon in the tree-of-woe and hits a basement dropkick! Cover, 1…2…Dragon kicks out. Tajiri hits a kneedrop and goes for another cover, 1…2…another kickout from the Dragon. Tajiri hits a couple of chops, but Dragon counters with a few of his own, then hits a flurry of kicks capped off with a backwards jump kick to knock Tajiri down! Dragon sends Tajiri off the ropes, but Tajiri ducks the clothesline, then comes back with the handstand springboard back elbow! Tajiri calls for the end of the match and brings Dragon to the ropes. Tajiri tries to lock in the Tarantula…but Dragon blocks the move, pulls Tajiri back and locks in the Dragon Sleeper! Tajiri tries to kick his feet to reach the ropes, but he can’t reach and taps out!
Winner: Ultimo Dragon via submission in 7:09 (New Champion)
Ultimo Dragon celebrates with the World Cruiserweight Championship, pressing his head against the title as he tries to hold back tears. Dragon points to the crowd, giving them credit for his successful comeback.
Tony Schiavone: “What a great victory for Ultimo Dragon!”
Mike Tenay: “What a comeback for Ultimo Dragon!”
Don West: “I’m surprised we didn’t see anyone from Raven’s band of freaks to help Tajiri out here!”
Tony Schiavone: “We’re going to keep up the pace here tonight as coming up next, the WCW United States Championship is on the line!”
Christian attacks DDP as he was letting Stacy Keibler out of the ring, drawing boos right away. DDP fires back with hard rights. Christian gets in a slap in the face, which only draws the ire of DDP. Christian runs away from DDP, sliding under the bottom rope. DDP gives chase, but Christian grabs Stacy to keep DDP at bay. DDP senses the trap though and turns around to knock down an approaching Rene Dupree. Christian uses that distraction to attack DDP, then slides DDP back into the ring. Christian stomps away on DDP, but DDP gets back to his feet and counters an Irish whip. DDP catches Christian with a tilt-a-whirl slam and already calls for the Diamond Cutter. DDP goes for it, but Christian holds onto the top rope, then counters with an inverted DDT. Christian makes the cover, 1…2…DDP kicks out.
Christian misses a clothesline and DDT knocks Christian down with a discus clothesline! DDP picks Christian up, just to plant him with a sitout powerbomb! 1…2…Christian just kicks out! DDP sends Christian into the corner, but when DDP charges in Christian gets his feet up. DDP goes down and Christian goes for a cover with his feet on the ropes, 1…2…DDP still manages to kick out! Christian looks to finish DDP off and sets him up for the Unprettier…but Stacy Keibler steps up on the apron. Keibler offers a bit of a peek of her assets, and while Christian is distracted for a moment, he manages to hit DDP with a back kick. Christian yells at Stacy, then leaps off the second turnbuckle, going for a corkscrew bodypress, only he’s caught in midair by a Diamond Cutter! DDP makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page via pinfall in 6:17 (New Champion)
Christian remains in the ring, completely stunned at his loss to DDP. DDP walks up the ramp with Stacy Keibler, US Title on one arm, Stacy Keibler on the other!
Don West: “DDP’s still got it!”
Tony Schiavone: “No one has heart like Diamond Dallas Page! DDP is US Champion once again! Ladies and gentlemen watching at home, we’re going to send things over to Joey Styles and Tazz as we have some ECW action coming up. But first, Jeremy Borash is standing by with the man who was victorious over Eddie Guerrero earlier tonight: Ric Flair.”
***
Jeremy Borash: “Thank you, Tony. Jeremy Borash backstage with Seventeen-Time World Champion ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair. Ric, congratulations on your victory over Eddie Guerrero earlier tonight.”
Ric Flair: “Thank you Jeremy! WOOOOOOO! What a night! Starrcade! WOOOOOOO! Once again The Nature Boy stands tall. I’m at the top of my game. I’m profilin’! I’m stylin’! And one thing is for sure….I ain’t done yet! As we enter the year 2003, I GUARANTEE you this. I guarantee that number 18 is on the way baby! Kurt Angle. Triple H. Booker T. It doesn’t matter who it’ll be! Number 18 baby! WOOOOOO! WOOOOO!...and hello there…perhaps you’re looking to get a ride?!”
Stacy Keibler walks up to Jeremy Borash and Ric Flair, but its Diamond Dallas Page’s voice we hear.
Diamond Dallas Page: “Hey, Flair. First off, you go ahead and look all you want, just as long as it stays that way!”
DDP walks into the shot.
Diamond Dallas Page: “Talk the big game all you want Flair. But there’s one name you better put in front of all those guys. And that’s mine. I’m happy to be US Champ, but I ain’t settling. I’m coming for the big goal myself, and if I gotta take you out on the way that’s what I’m gonna do! Now Stacy and I are gonna enjoy the night. BANG!”
Flair simply nods his head as DDP and Stacy take off.
***
Joey Styles: “Hello everyone I’m Joey Styles, alongside ECW legend Tazz. Tazz, tonight is a big night for ECW. We’re kicking things off though perhaps in the wildest way possible as you can see Raven’s bank of freaks, his Warriors are on their way to the ring for a wild ten-man tag team match!”
Tazz: “I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of tagging in this one, Joey.”
Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman, Shelton Benjamin, Road Warrior Animal and Road Warrior Hawk (w/Torrie Wilson) vs. Raven’s Warriors (Mikey Whipwreck, Saturn, Malice, Crush, and Wrath) w/Terri
A huge brawl breaks out right away! The Road Warriors gain control of the ring and beat down Crush and Wrath before Malice brings a chair into the ring and smashes both Hawk and Animal in the back with it. Malice looks to chokeslam Hawk, but Mysterio springboards off the top rope with a dropkick that knocks Malice down. Mysterio whips Whipwreck into Kidman, who catches Whipwreck with a flying headscissors. Saturn grabs Mysterio from behind and hits a floatover belly-to-belly suplex. Some of the fight spills into the crowd as Crush and Wrath fight with Benjamin. Benjamin struggles to deal with the two monsters. Suddenly, Super Crazy, who isn’t in the match, appears on a higher balcony and moonsaults off, taking out Crush and Wrath!
Joey Styles: “Oh Dios Mio! Where did that lunatic come from?!”
Malice chokeslams Kidman and goes for a cover, 1…2…Mysterio breaks it up. Hawk and Animal return the favor from earlier and smash Malice across the back with steel chairs. Hawk sets Malice up for a piledriver, and Animal comes down and spikes Malice down! Animal puts Saturn on his shoulders as Benjamin heads to the top rope. A variation of the Doomsday Device, with Benjamin hitting a flying leg lariat on Saturn, connects! Hawk then puts Whipwreck on his shoulders as Mysterio heads to the top rope. Mysterio hits an avalanche hurricanrana on Whipwreck, bringing him all the way down from Hawk’s shoulders! Rey hooks the leg, 1…2…3!
Winners: Rey Mysterio Jr., Billy Kidman, Shelton Benjamin, and the Road Warriors when Mysterio pinned Whipwreck in 5:03
Mysterio, Kidman, Benjamin, and the Road Warriors celebrate up the ramp, with Super Crazy joining them, as Crush and Wrath slide back into the ring. Crush and Wrath ask what happened. Malice seems to take exception and an argument breaks out. Crush and Wrath attack Malice and hit him with a double chokeslam!Saturn backs off as Crush and Malice grab Whipwreck…and double chokeslam him too! Crush and Wrath walk up the ramp, and it looks like Raven’s Warriors have fallen apart!
Joey Styles: “It looks like whatever hold Raven had on Crush and Wrath might be wearing off.”
Tazz: “Maybe, but as long as Raven has the ECW World Title, he’s still a force that has to be dealt with.”
Joey Styles: “Well we’ll see if Raven can get by Rhyno tonight! Coming up next, the first of ECW’s title matches tonight, Rob Van Dam and Sabu defend the ECW World Tag Team Championship in an elimination match against the teams of Kid Kash and Jamie Noble, and the former champions: Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles!”
RVD makes sure to start the match by doing his taunt for the crowd, but that just gets him attacked by Noble and Lynn. A double clothesline from Noble and Lynn knocks RVD down. Noble and Lynn then immediately tear into one another. Lynn lifts Noble up but Noble escapes and lands on his feet behind Lynn and hits him with a flying leg lariat. RVD then catches Noble with a jumping kick of his own, then baseball slides Lynn under the bottom rope and to the floor. Kash gets the tag from Noble and tries to German suplex RVD, but RVD lands on his feet behind Kash. RVD goes for a sweep, but Kash leaps and ends up legdropping RVD on the back of the head! Quick cover, 1…2…Sabu comes in and breaks up the count. Sabu then comes off the ropes and dives over the top, taking out Lynn and AJ Styles! Kash sends RVD off the ropes and leapfrogs over him, then catches RVD with a hurricanrana with a pin, 1…2…RVD kicks out again and Kash tags in Noble.
Noble and Kash pound away on RVD in the corner, but Sabu comes in and throws a chair off Kash’s face! Noble quickly jumps on Sabu and locks in a guillotine choke, but RVD breaks that up. Sabu locks Noble in the Camel Clutch and puts a chair in front of Noble’s face as RVD comes off the ropes and dropkicks the chair! Kash runs over and hits RVD with a swinging DDT, but Sabu wallops Kash over the head with the chair! Lynn comes off the top rope and dropkicks the chair into Sabu! Lynn looks to spike Noble with the Cradle Piledriver, but Noble counters with a Northern Lights suplex! 1…2…Styles runs in to break up the pin. Styles sends Noble off the ropes and hits a standing hip toss, then follows up with a legdrop. Bill Alfonso sets up a couple of tables on the outside of the ring and Styles rolls under the bottom rope and onto one. Kash tries to suplex Styles back into the ring, but Styles reverses it, with Kash landing on the apron. Styles and Kash battle on the apron as Sabu sets a chair up in the ring…and leaps off it at Styles and Kash, sending all three men through the tables!
RVD takes the chair set up by Sabu and places it on the canvas. RVD sends Noble into the corner, then monkey flips him out, with Noble landing on the chair! Lynn comes up from behind RVD and hits a bridging German suplex, 1…2…RVD kicks out. Lynn brings RVD over to the corner and hits him with a Tornado DDT! Another cover, 1…2…RVD kicks out once again! Lynn suplexes RVD then heads to the top rope. Lynn goes for his own Frog Splash but RVD moves out of the way! Sabu gets back up and he heads up to the top rope with a chair as well, but he misses Lynn with an Arabian Facebuster, ultimately just legdropping steel! AJ Styles gets up on the apron and springboards off the top rope with a 450 splash on Sabu! Styles covers Sabu, 1…2…3!
Elimination #1: RVD and Sabu when AJ Styles pinned Sabu in 10:34
Joey Styles: “AJ Styles just eliminated the ECW World Tag Team Champions!”
Tazz: “That might have been the biggest fall in AJ Styles’ career!”
Joey Styles: “We’re down to Lynn and Styles against Noble and Kash! We will have new ECW World Tag Team Champions!”
Kash struggles to get back to his feet from the table wreckage, but Lynn quickly triangle dropkicks him off the apron, and Kash goes flying into the barricade. Styles goes to powerbomb Noble, but Noble rolls though and drops Styles with a DDT! Noble puts Styles in the fireman’s carry and drops him into his knees for a gutbuster! Noble goes for the cover but Lynn quickly stomps on his head before a count can be made. Lynn and Noble trade shots and Lynn hits an enzugiri. Lynn hops onto the second rope, but Kash springboards back into the ring and catches Lynn with an avalanche hurricanrana! Styles knocks Kash back out of the ring, but Noble then attacks Styles. Noble sends Styles off the ropes, but Styles leapfrogs over him, then flies over the top rope with a Fosbury Flop onto Kash! Noble boots Lynn and plants him with a Tiger Powerbomb! 1…2…Lynn just kicks out. Styles comes off the top rope, but Noble hits him with a kick on the way down! Noble powerbombs Styles while Kash comes off the top rope with a flying legdrop! Both men pin Styles, 1…2…3!
Winners: Jamie Noble and Kid Kash when Noble and Kash pinned Styles in 13:49 to win the title
Jamie Noble and Kid Kash immediately embrace as they’ve finally climbed to the top of the mountain to win the ECW World Tag Team Championship!
Tazz: “Noble and Kash did it, Joey!”
Joey Styles: “What a year for Jamie Noble and Kid Kash! This time last year we had no idea where Kid Kash was, and Jamie Noble was fighting every night for a job. Now they are both champions! Partner, we’re going to send the broadcast back to the WCW team, but we’ll be back. We still have some huge matches left tonight under the ECW brand: including Brock Lesnar against Stone Cold Steve Austin and the match for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship: Raven defends against Rhyno!”
***
Backstage, we see Triple H walking through the locker room until he finds Shawn Michaels. Michaels is getting ready for his match and is seemingly doing something to his attire, which is notably gold and black.
Triple H: “Hey, Shawn. I’ve been looking around all day for ya.”
Shawn Michaels: “Yeah, sorry, just getting ready.”
Triple H: “I mean, I know you know this, but we do have our own locker room…anyway nevermind. I wanted to make sure you’re coming out there tonight with me when I go out and win back my WCW World Championship.”
Shawn Michaels: “Hunter, I have the biggest match of my career coming up, you know I have to focus on that.”
Triple H: “I…I mean it’s a pretty big one for me too you know. If I don’t win out there I’m gone. Shawn…I…what’s the deal with the gold and black?”
Shawn Michaels: “Look, Hunter. I have a lot to thank you for this year. You got me back in the game. And it was fun and all. But tonight, I’m not a member of the New World Order. I’m not a member of D-Generation X. You don’t need me out there to beat Booker T and Kurt Angle. You’ll be fine. And I’m going to beat Sting. Yeah, a little bit because of what he cost you and all, but mainly, I’m going to beat Sting for me! Then after that, after I live up to my promise of kicking Sting’s teeth down his throat and you regain the WCW World Championship, maybe you and I will have to find out who the best really is. Now I gotta finish getting ready. Good luck out there.”
A shocked Triple H slowly walks out of the locker room, clearly struggling to comprehend what Shawn Michaels just told him. As HHH continues to walk, he accidentally walks up to Stone Cold Steve Austin! Austin stares at him intensely as HHH tries to back off…that is until Austin begins to laugh! HHH joins the laughing...until Austin abruptly stops. HHH stops as well, and Austin flips him off before walking right by him! HHH takes a deep breath and shakes his head before heading back to the NWO locker room.
***
Scott Steiner vs. Sean O’Haire
O’Haire and Steiner come face-to-face before quickly coming to blows. Steiner hits O’Haire with a couple of chops that have no effect on him. O’Haire then fires a couple of chops back, but they don’t hurt Steiner either! Steiner gets a hard shot then slams O’Haire. Steiner sends O’Haire into the corner, then poses for the crowd, showing off his arms. Steiner hits O’Haire with a clothesline in the corner, then hits a belly-to-belly suplex out of the corner. Steiner does some push-ups to taunt O’Haire, but as soon as Steiner continues to pose to the crowd, O’Haire quickly gets back to his feet. Steiner turns around and O’Haire levels him with a roundhouse kick! Steiner gets back to his feet but O’Haire hits him with a stiff European uppercut. O’Haire shows remarkable strength by pressing Steiner over his head and slamming him to the canvas! Steiner gets to his feet again, but O’Haire knocks him right back down with the Ridge Hand! Steiner struggles to get back to his feet this time, and he walks right into O’Haire, who plants him with the Prophecy! O’Haire then looks at the crowd, who roar their approval. O’Haire heads up to the top rope and lands the Sean-ton Bomb! 1…2…3!
Winner: Sean O’Haire via pinfall in 3:57
Sean O’Haire stands over Scott Steiner with his arm raised. He quickly mouths that “Triple H is next!”
Tony Schiavone: “What a decisive victory for Sean O’Haire over a former WCW World Champion in Scott Steiner!”
Don West: “Not to mention, for the first time I think since before he joined the NWO, O’Haire used the Sean-ton Bomb!”
Mike Tenay: “That’s right, Don. O’Haire hadn’t used the Sean-ton Bomb since early this year. With it in his arsenal 2003 is going to be a big year for him!”
Tony Schiavone: “Gentlemen, we move forward now. In a unique circumstance, the WCW World Tag Team Championship will be decided in a Six-Man Tag Team Match. The current champions: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville, having their Deacon, Batista as their partner tonight against the young, exciting team of Shane Helms, Elix Skipper, and Monty Brown.”
Don West: “I’m still quite confused about a lot of this! If Helms, Skipper, and Brown win the WCW Tag Titles, who defends them? Who are actually the champions? Is it a Freebird kind of deal?”
Tony Schiavone: “Well, we may find out soon enough! Here come the challengers.”
While Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown come down to the ring with their normal entrance, the Archdiocese of Dudleyville entrance involves a full religious procession, full of choir chants.
Skipper and Helms interrupt the procession by knocking Bubba and D-Von off the apron right off the bat, then diving over the top rope onto the both of them! Batista looks to make the save, but Monty Brown jumps to the outside and we get a standoff right away. Officials get the teams to their respective corners and D-Von kicks things off with Helms. Helms sends D-Von off the ropes and gets an armdrag. Helms quickly knocks Bubba off the apron once again, then hits D-Von with a flying headscissors and tags in Skipper. Helms snapmares D-Von, and Skipper comes off the top rope with a big splash! Cover, 1…2…D-Von kicks out. Skipper gets his own flying headsicssors on D-Von, but when he comes off the ropes to follow-up, Batista knees him in the back. D-Von levels Skipper with a clothesline, then makes the tag to Bubba.
Bubba pounds away on Skipper, then plants him with the Bubba Bomb. Bubba tags D-Von back in. They go for 3D, but Skipper hooks D-Von’s head, swings around while drop kicking Bubba, then plants D-Von with a DDT! Skipper makes the tag to Monty Brown, but D-Von tags in Batista! Brown and Batista trade blows. Brown gets a clothesline on Batista, but Batista just shrugs it off. Brown goes for another clothesline, but Batista knocks him down with one instead. Batista sends Brown off the ropes and both men hit clotheslines, knocking the other down. Bubba tags back in as does Helms. Bubba sends Helms into the corner, but Helms catches Bubba running in with his legs and hits an out-of-the-corner flying headscissors! Helms comes off the ropes and hits a jumping neckbreaker on Bubba! Cover, 1…2…D-Von just breaks up the count. Skipper comes in and attacks D-Von!
Skipper hits D-Von with a back kick, but Batista runs in and runs over Skipper. Batista sets Skipper up for the Batista Bomb, but Monty Brown comes off the ropes and hits Batista with the POUNNNCE! Bubba grabs Brown and hits him with a belly-to-back suplex. Helms comes off the top rope and hits Bubba with a flying dropkick! Helms goes for the Nightmare on Helms Street, only D-Von hits him to break that up. Bubba slams Skipper, then both Bubba and D-Von point to the sky. D-Von heads to the top rope as Bubba holds Skipper’s legs open. Both once again look towards the sky before D-Von comes down with the flying headbutt to Skipper’s groin. Brown hits D-Von with a hard clothesline, then powerslams Bubba. Brown sees Batista getting back to his feet and charges at him again, only Batista is able to get an arm up and both awkwardly collide and crash to the floor. Helms sets D-Von up for a Nightmare on Helms Street, only D-Von shoves him into the ropes, and the Dudleys hit the 3D: Divine Devastation Drop! Bubba makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville when Bubba pinned Helms in 9:47 (Retains)
Bubba, D-Von, and Batista celebrate up the ramp, with Bubba claiming “HE has led us once again!” Helms, Skipper, and Brown sit in the ring, disappointed that they didn’t win the title.
***
“Mean” Gene Okerlund: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with the man that needs no introduction, the immortal Hulk Hogan! We are just moments away from another epic chapter in the rivalry between the Hulkster and The Giant. Hulk, tonight you face one of your most formidable opponents. What is going through tour mind right now?”
Hulk Hogan: “Well you know something ‘Mean’ Gene, tonight, brother, it’s not just another match or another fight. It’s the biggest stage of them all and he’s the biggest and baddest of them all! You know the Giant and I have been through a lot of wars, brother. We fought in the NWO era. We fought in the Dungeon of Doom era. We fought with NBA players. We fought for World Titles. Halloween Havoc. Superbrawl. Hog Wild. Souled Out. The list goes on. This rivalry needs to end, and it will tonight at Starrcade! I’m fighting for all the Hulkamaniacs out there who believe in the power of Hulkamania. The Giant may be big. He may be bad. But he doesn’t have the heart of all the Hulkamaniacs beating inside of him, brother. The Giant may stand 7 feet, but I’m gonna slam him 6 feet under in the valley of death, dude! So Giant, I just have one question for you. Whatchu gonna do Giant? Whatchu gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you one more time! Hulkamania is forever, ‘Mean’ Gene, and I’m showing The Giant why that is, brother!”
***
Tony Schiavone: “Hulk Hogan looks ready.”
Don West: “Yeah, Tony, but you know the Giant has been waiting his whole career for this!”
The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan and The Giant stand toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring. Hogan tries to get his adrenaline pumping as he begins to shake. Giant fires a big right, but it’s blocked by Hogan! Hogan hits Giant with a couple of huge right hands then goes for the slam, only the Giant shifts his weight and lands on Hogan! 1…2…Hogan kicks out as the Giant almost won a quick one. Giant pounds away on Hogan with huge punches and forearms to the back. Hogan tries to fire back, but Giant hits a huge headbutt that staggers Hogan. Giant locks in a bearhug which completely shuts Hogan down. Hogan hits Giant with a couple of punches, but Giant squeezes hard and Hogan struggles to deal with the pain. Referee Tim White checks on Hogan by raising his hand. Hogan’s hand falls twice, but the third time he’s able to keep it up. Hogan fires away at The Giant to break the bearhug, but he runs into a big clothesline from The Giant.
The Giant picks Hogan up and slams him on the canvas. The Giant calls for the chokeslam, only Hogan breaks free of Giant’s grasp and hits a couple of big punches! Giant gets a knee to the midsection and hits a couple of more punches. Hogan begins to shake again, and when Giant punches him one more time, Hogan points at him! Hogan Hulks Up as Giant’s punches have no effect on him now! Hogan blocks a punch and fires back! Hogan hits a couple of more punches, then sends Giant off the ropes. Hogan hits the big boot!Hogan calls for a slam as the crowd begins to go wild! Hogan picks up and slams The Giant! Hogan comes off the ropes and hits the big legdrop! 1…2…Giant kicks out to Hogan’s shock! Giant gets back to his feet and Hogan doesn’t know what to do. He calls for another slam, but Giant catches him with a big boot! Hogan stays on his feet, but Giant grabs him by the throat and plants him with a Chokeslam! Giant looks at Hogan’s body dealing with the pain and shock of the chokeslam before grabbing him by the throat and picking him up again! Giant plants Hogan with a second Chokeslam! The Giant mocks Hogan by doing Hogan’s cup the ear taunt before grabbing his throat again. Giant picks up Hogan and plants him with a third Chokeslam! Instead of going for the pin, Giant has one more thing left to do. He runs the ropes, then drops a 500-pound legdrop on Hogan! Giant pins Hogan, 1…2…3!
Winner: The Giant via pinfall in 8:01
The Giant laughs as he walks up the ramp, then gestures that he’s coming for the WCW World Championship. Hulk Hogan gets to his feet and gets a good ovation from the crowd. He’s clearly disappointed at the result, shaking his head as he walks up the ramp in defeat.
Don West: “I think we might have finally seen the end of Hulkamania!”
Mike Tenay: “What a victory for The Giant. He’s been waiting seven years to finally put Hulk Hogan down!”
Tony Schiavone: “If this is truly the end of Hulkamania it is a historic night indeed. Well, we hear the NWO Wolfpac music playing now, so we’re going to send it over to Joey Styles and Tazz. We’ll see you for our double main event later on tonight!”
***
Joey Styles: “Thank you, Tony. This is a big one for ECW. The Wolfpac invaded ECW back in May, and now, Total Impact looks to finally, FINALLY, extract revenge!”
Total Impact (Chris Candido, Lance Storm, and Mike Awesome) w/Dawn Marie vs. NWO Wolfpac (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac) w/Mickie James
Mike Awesome stands in the ring challenging Kevin Nash to join him, but X-Pac uses that opportunity to attack Awesome from behind. X-Pac gets a couple of kicks in before Awesome sends him flying with a clothesline. Awesome tags in Candido who gets a good reaction. X-Pac quickly tags in Scott Hall. Hall misses a clothesline and Candido hits a bunch of kicks. Candido tags in Storm and they hit Hall with a double belly-to-back suplex. Storm hits Hall with some punches, followed by a straight karate kick. This staggers Hall, but when Storm attempts a crossbody block Hall catches him and hits a Fall Away Slam! Hall covers Storm, 1…2…Storm kicks out. Hall sends Storm into the corner and follows up with a lariat then ends up knocking Storm to the canvas.
Hall tags in Nash. Nash hits Storm with a couple of elbows in the corner, then chokes Storm in the corner with his boot. Nash picks up Storm then plants him with a huge Sidewalk Slam! Cover, 1…2…Storm just kicks out. Storm fires a couple of punches, but Nash hits a knee to the midsection and sets Storm up for the Jackknife, but Awesome had had enough as he runs in and levels Nash! Hall comes in to try to stop him, but Awesome levels him as well. Awesome military presses X-Pac over his head and slams him down. Candido slides in a chair and a table as Awesome pounds away on Nash. Hall gets a low blow on Awesome, then levels Storm with a clothesline. Candido tries to hit Hall with the chair, but X-Pac spinkicks the chair in Candido’s face. X-Pac grabs Candido and hits the X-Factor on the chair! Hall sets Storm up for the Outsider’s Edge, but Awesome makes the save and boots Hall. Awesome sets Hall up for an Awesome Bomb, but X-Pac smacks Awesome in the back with the chair. There’s no effect on Awesome as he grabs X-Pac and tosses him halfway across the ring. Awesome sets Nash up for an Awesome Bomb, but Mickie James runs into the ring to distract Awesome. Mickie James tries to slap Awesome, but Storm grabs her arm. Dawn Marie runs into the ring and tackles James!
Joey Styles: “CATFIGHTTTT!”
Nash hits Storm with a big boot, then sends Awesome into the corner, only Awesome leaps up to the top rope and comes flying back to Nash with a back elbow! Storm gets back to his feet and heads to the top rope, then nails Nash with a spinning jump kick that knocks Nash through the ropes and onto the floor. Candido sets up the table but gets attacked by X-Pac. Awesome nails X-Pac behind, then Awesome Bombs X-Pac through the table! Hall realizes he’s the only man standing as Awesome and Candido approach him. Storm hits Hall in the back with the chair, and Awesome levels him with a clothesline. Candido heads to the top rope and Awesome does as well. Candido comes off the top with a New Jersey Jam! Awesome then follows with the Awesome Splash! Awesome stays on Hall, 1…2…3!
Winners: Total Impact when Mike Awesome pinned Scott Hall in 10:08
Total Impact stand tall over the broken bodies of the NWO Wolfpac, while Kevin Nash looks back at the carnage from the rampway.
Joey Styles: “Good! I hope we never see this name NWO Wolfpac or whatever faction they are ever again in ECW!”
Tazz: “That’s a big win for Total Impact too, Joey. Kevin Nash. Scott Hall. Those are big names that Total Impact just took down, Joey.”
Joey Styles: “Hey, what the…”
Tazz: “It’s good ol’ JR!”
Jim Ross comes out to a huge ovation from the crowd, then walks over to the ECW Announcer’s Desk with Joey Styles and Tazz.
Joey Styles: “It’s great to see you, Jim! What are you doing out here?”
Jim Ross: “Thank you Joey, Tazz. I know I’m not an ECW guy but I hope you doing mind me coming out there to watch Stone Cold whip that son-of-a-bitch Brock Lesnar’s ass!”
Joey Styles: “Hey, we’re happy to have you out here. We’re glad you’re feeling good and healthy. This is gonna be one hell of a fight!”
As Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar appear on stage, Lesnar looks over at JR with a big smile on his face.
Jim Ross: “Yeah keep smiling, Stone Cold is gonna whip your ass in a few minutes!”
Brock Lesnar steps to the outside as Stone Cold enters the ring and poses for the crowd at all four corners. Austin turns his attention to Lesnar. Lesnar steps into the ring. Neither man can touch the other…until the bell rings.
Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The bell rings and Austin fires off rights at Lesnar! Lesnar tries to fight back but to no avail as Austin continues to punch away at him! Austin traps Lesnar in the corner, hitting more punches before stomping a mudhole in him and walking it dry!Austin flips off Lesnar for good measure. Lesnar explodes out of the corner but misses a clothesline. Lesnar turns around and Austin gets a kick and almost a Stunner, with Lesnar just pushing off! Lesnar comes off the ropes and misses another clothesline, and Austin comes back with the Thesz Press! Austin hits more punches, but Lesnar hits an elbow to try to break free. They roll to the outside where Austin continues to dominate with hard shots. Austin tosses Lesnar into the barricade and stomps away. Lesnar hits a knee to the midsection, then tosses Austin into the timekeeper’s table! Lesnar takes a couple of deep breaths, but when he approaches Austin, Austin surprises him with a ring bell shot to the head, busting Lesnar wide open!
Austin continues inflicting violence by tossing Lesnar head-first into the steel ringpost! Austin rolls Lesnar back into the ring. Austin climbs up to the second rope and hits Lesnar with a flying forearm. Austin picks Lesnar up and fires more rights. He whips Lesnar into the corner, but Lesnar shockingly bursts out of the corner with a clothesline that sends Austin inside-out! Lesnar, despite being bloodied, begins to laugh at Austin. Lesnar runs Austin into the corner, then hits him with a couple of shoulder thrusts. Lesnar tosses Austin out of the corner with a belly-to-belly suplex. Lesnar, now in complete control, takes Austin and sends him off the ropes. Big powerslam from Lesnar! A cover, 1…2…Austin kicks out. Lesnar stomps Austin on the back of his head several times. A clothesline sends Austin back to the floor. Lesnar rolls to the outside and runs Austin into the ring apron, then hits another belly-to-belly, this time on the floor! Lesnar grabs a television camera and looks into it.
Brock Lesnar: “This is for you, JR!”
Jim Ross: “That son-of-a-bitch!”
Lesnar waits for Austin to get to his feet and smashes the camera over Austin’s head! Now Austin is cut open badly. Lesnar drags Austin back into the ring. He hits Austin with a couple of hard shots before putting him on his shoulders and planting him with the F5! Lesnar makes the cover, 1…2…Austin gets the shoulder up. Austin slowly gets to his feet, but when he does Lesnar just runs him down with a clothesline. Lesnar puts Austin on his shoulders again for another F5, but Austin lands on his feet behind Lesnar. Lesnar turns around, just to get kicked and hit with the Stunner! Austin makes the cover, 1…2…Lesnar just kicks out! Austin seems a little surprised, but then makes a surprising move of his own as he comes behind Lesnar and locks in the Million Dollar Dream! Lesnar tries to fight out, but Austin has it locked in good!
Joey Styles: “Austin pulling out all the stops!”
Lesnar starts to fade as Austin holds onto the Million Dollar Dream. Lesnar finds some extra strength, causing both men to go tumbling out of the ring and to the floor! Austin STILL has the hold locked in somehow, but Lesnar backs him into the apron, finally breaking the hold. Both men crawl around ring until Lesnar gets to his feet. Lesnar stalks Austin, but Austin comes out of nowhere with a violent steel chair shot to Lesnar, laying Lesnar out! Austin struggles to take advantage as he still tries to recover from all the damage Lesnar has inflicted on him. Austin chokes Lesnar with the chair, then smashes it across his back. Austin continues to wear Lesnar out with the chair, smashing it over and over again on Lesnar’s back! Austin tries to roll Lesnar back into the ring, but Lesnar suddenly puts Austin on his shoulders…and F5s Austin right into the ringpost, with Austin’s knee taking most of the contact!
Jim Ross: “My Gawd, I don’t know how much more Austin can take!”
Lesnar rolls Austin back into the ring. Austin tries to get to his feet, but he’s forced to use the ropes. Lesnar favors his back a bit before going into his jogging taunt. Austin, using the ropes to stand, manages to flip off Lesnar one more time. Austin finds a way to duck a clothesline, then hits Lesnar with another Stunner! Austin hurts his knee further with that one though…while Lesnar simply sits up! Austin shoots Lesnar an uncharacteristic look of shock as Lesnar just smiles again. Austin struggles to get to his feet and tries to hit another Stunner, but Lesnar just holds Austin in place and knees him in the back. Lesnar puts Austin up on his shoulders and hits another F5! Austin shows some signs of life, but it looks as if there’s no way he can get back to his feet. Lesnar stands tall, but instead of going for the pin, he slowly climbs up to the top rope?! Lesnar flips Austin off from the top rope, then soars through the air with a Shooting Star Press that completely flattens Austin!
Joey Styles: “Oh my God!”
Jim Ross: “God, Lesnar is scary. I think he just broke Austin’s body completely in half!”
Lesnar stays on top of Austin, 1…2…3!
Winner: Brock Lesnar via pinfall in 19:16
Brock Lesnar stands in the middle of the ring with Paul Heyman raising his arm. Lesnar leaves the ring with one last smirk, while shooting JR one more look as well. Once Lesnar and Heyman disappear through the stage, JR comes down to check on Stone Cold. Austin slides out under the ring and JR helps him for a moment, before Austin begins to walk (heavily limp) under his own power. When Austin reaches the top of the stage, he acknowledges the crowd, before walking to the back with JR.
Joey Styles: “Look, I don’t like him at all. But what a performance from Brock Lesnar. Absolutely dominant.”
Tazz: “I’ve never seen Stone Cold Steve Austin dominated like that before, Joey. Brock Lesnar has done everything there is to do in ECW. This year from last year’s Starrcade when he won the ECW World Championship in his first match until now where he beat maybe the all-time best in Stone Cold Steve Austin, what a year. Just what a year.”
Joey Styles: “We have the World Women’s Championship up next as Victoria defends against Gail Kim.”
Kim spears Victoria down and punches away at her. Victoria fights out and rolls to the outside right away, but Kim chases her around the ring. Victoria rolls back into the ring and Kim follows, allowing Victoria to stomp on her. Victoria grabs Gail Kim by the hair and tosses her across the ring. Victoria then quickly hooks Kim and hits a snap suplex. Cover, 1…2…Kim kicks out. Victoria puts Kim in the fireman’s carry and hits a swinging sidewalk slam! Another cover from Victoria, 1…2…Kim kicks out again. Victoria sets Kim up for a powerbomb, but Kim counters with a facebuster! Kim then hits a crossbody that sends both her and Victoria through the ropes and to the floor. Kim and Victoria trade shots on the floor, but Victoria shoves Kim into the barricade. Victoria grabs a production cable and chokes Kim with it, before rolling Kim back into the ring. Victoria tries to get back into the ring, but someone holds her foot from under the apron and she can’t break free. Daffney emerges from under the apron, but Victoria stomps her off. When Victoria tries to fight Daffney, Daffney throws a handful of thumbtacks in her face! Victoria, with blood on her face, rolls back into the ring. Kim leaps onto her shoulders, spins around and connects with a perfect hurricanrana and hooks the leg, 1…2…3!
Winner: Gail Kim via pinfall in 4:11 (New Champion)
Gail Kim celebrates her victory, although she isn’t handed the title as Daffney takes it. Victoria gets to her feet and Daffney nails her with the title belt, sending her to the outside. Daffney drops the title belt in the ring and takes a look at Kim before heading off. Kim takes the title and continues her celebration as a bloodied Victoria shrieking in anger at ringside.
Joey Styles: “Congratulations to Gail Kim on winning the World Women’s Championship! It’s been a long journey since Victoria took her out last summer!”
Tazz: “For sure, Joey. Now, the one I’m really looking forward to, the ECW Title match, Raven and Rhyno! Hey, here comes the commish!”
Joey Styles: “Looks like Mick is going to get a ringside view of this one. The ECW World Heavyweight Championship is on the line, partner!”
Tazz: “It’s gonna be a donnybrook!”
Joey Styles: “For everyone watching at home, let’s send it over to Dope to perform Debonaire as Rhyno heads to the ring!”
“I don't need diamond rings or high priced suits that shine
Limousines and flashy things or ancient bottled wine
Designer names and lavish things and million dollar hair
Modern dames without a brain
I never really cared”
“I don't care nothin' about it
Wow yeah”
“I don't care for glitzy things or a fancy neighborhood
Glamour games or plastic fame or the king of Hollywood
Dazzling flamboyant things or a top hat on my head
Modeling for magazines and to be a debonaire”
“I don't care nothin' about it
Wow yeah”
Raven comes down to the ring with a shopping cart full of various weapons, and the ECW World Championship around his waist. Notably, Raven comes alone, with no members of his Warriors beside him.
Raven brings a kendo stick into the ring, but he misses Rhyno and Rhyno goes right at him with punches. Rhyno belly-to-belly suplexes Raven out of the corner, then grabs a kendo stick of his own. Rhyno bashes Raven over the back with the stick over and over again, then throws Raven into the corner. Rhyno hits some hard punches, then sends Raven into the opposite corner. Rhyno comes flying in with a hard clothesline that sends Raven crashing to the canvas. Rhyno goes to the outside and grabs a cookie sheet and smashes it over Raven’s head! Raven slides under the bottom rope and falls to the floor. Rhyno grabs a chain, but when he approaches his opponent, Raven uses a fire extinguisher to blind him! Raven takes the chain and chokes Rhyno with it, then uses it to tie Rhyno’s head around the ringpost! Raven grabs a garbage can and smashes it over Rhyno’s head! Fortunately for Rhyno, the chain knot loosens so he doesn’t remain tied to the post. Raven grabs Rhyno and hits a Russian Legsweep against the barricade!
Raven rolls Rhyno back into the ring and tosses in the entire shopping cart. Raven slides in a steel chair as well. Raven sets up the steel chair, then sends Rhyno off the ropes and hits him with a drop toehold into the seat of the chair! Raven makes the cover, 1…2…Rhyno kicks out. Raven takes the chair and looks to smash Rhyno with it, but Rhyno lunges at Raven with a clothesline that knocks him down. Rhyno grabs the chair and smashes Raven over the head with it, busting him wide open and denting the chair!Rhyno then picks up the shopping cart and slams it over Raven’s head, with Raven’s body trapped in the cart! With Raven down and trapped in the cart, Rhyno wallops the cart with the steel chair over and over again! Rhyno pulls Raven out of the cart and sends him off the ropes, planting him with a spinebuster on the cart! Raven screams in pain as Rhyno makes the cover, 1…2…Raven kicks out! Rhyno rolls to the outside of the ring and looks under the apron of the ring, and finds a 2x4 wrapped with barbed wire! Rhyno slides back into the ring. He fakes a shot to Raven’s head, fooling Raven, then hits him with the 2x4 right in the midsection, tearing Raven’s clothes and skin! Rhyno sets Raven up and piledrivers him on the 2x4 with barbed wire! Rhyno covers, 1…2…Raven just kicks out, surprising Rhyno.
Joey Styles: “Oh my God! How did Raven kick out of that?!”
Tazz: “Raven’s tougher than people give him credit for, Joey.”
Rhyno stands in the corner and prepares to finish Raven off, but Raven evades the GORE and, like at Backlash 2001, Rhyno runs right into the shopping cart, trapping himself! Raven, completely covered in blood, pulls out Rhyno’s legs and hits him with a low blow as Rhyno still tries to get out of the cart. Raven rolls to the outside and searches under the apron as well…finding a glass window of all things. Raven slides the window into the ring then grabs the steel chair as he climbs back into the ring. Raven then changes his mind, as he takes the chair back to the outside and suddenly smashes Commissioner Mick Foley across the face with it!
Joey Styles: “The hell he do that for?”
Raven slides back into the ring and clotheslines Rhyno in the corner, followed by a bulldog headlock. Raven positions the window on the canvas before grabbing the chair. Raven tries to nail Rhyno with the chair as Rhyno stands up, only Rhyno ducks and the chair bounces off the ropes and smacks Raven in the face! Rhyno tosses Raven across the ring with an exploder suplex. Rhyno heads to the corner of the ring to again finish off Raven. Unbeknownst to Rhyno, Mick Foley has the 2x4 with barbed wire and has slid into the ring as well! Foley looks to nail Raven with it, but Raven moves, and Foley ends up getting GORED! Raven grabs the glass windows and shatters it over Rhyno’s back! Raven hooks Rhyno’s head, and plants him with the Evenflow DDT on the broken window!
Joey Styles: “Oh my God!”
Raven puts an arm on Rhyno, 1…2…3!
Winner: Raven via pinfall in 15:22 (Retains)
There’s no celebration for Raven, who grabs the ECW World Championship and immediately leaves up the ramp. Mick Foley checks on Rhyno, now bloodied as he emerges from the broken glass he was DDTed in. When Rhyno realizes what’s happened, he shoves Foley away. Rhyno yells at Foley “what the fuck were you doing?” Foley seems to understand that he shouldn’t have gotten involved and apologizes to Rhyno…but that’s not good enough for Rhyno. Rhyno GORES Foley for a second time, before angrily leaving the ring!
Joey Styles: “I can’t believe this. I hate to say this, Tazz. I really do. But damn, Raven really is a lot tougher than he appears. I hate this because I know this about Raven too. Everytime he shows that he can be as extreme as the rest of them and doesn’t have to rely on his flunkies to get things done.”
Tazz: “That’s for sure, Joey. Props to Raven on getting by Rhyno tonight. I gotta wonder if we’ll hear from ECW Owner Stephanie McMahon, as she can’t be happy with Commissioner Mick Foley getting involved the way he did.”
Joey Styles: “But Tazz, Raven hit HIM with the chair. How can one as a man just sit back and take that?”
Tazz: “Maybe so, Joey. Maybe he shouldn’t have been out here at all.”
Joey Styles: “Well nonetheless, that’s a wrap for ECW for 2002. We’ll see you on RISE after the New Year on Thursday! We’ll send the broadcast back to Tony Schiavone, Don West, and Mike Tenay!”
***
Tony Schiavone: “Thank you, Joey. Well, we’ve got our double main event left. First off, the WCW World Championship is one the line. A three-way contest between three of the best in the world. Kurt Angle, the current WCW World Champion already has a claim to being the very best in the world considering he has the title.”
Don West: “My money is on Triple H though. Knowing his Alliance career hangs in the balance I can’t see a scenario where he doesn’t come through and regain the title!”
Mike Tenay: “We can’t count out Booker T either. Booker T is the WCW veteran of this match. He earned this opportunity at WrestleWar. He has revenge on his mind as he lost to Kurt Angle at Starrcade last year. Many of called for Booker T to be the face of this “new” WCW. He has the chance to slide into that spot tonight!”
Tony Schiavone: “Well said. Let’s send it to Michael Buffer at ringside.”
Michael Buffer: “Ladies and gentlemen, viewers across the globe. Emanating in front of over 53,000 fans here at One Bank Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona. This the first of two main events for the WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 extravaganza. It is a triangle match where in order to win, two others must be defeated. The last man remaining will be declared as the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! This match is sanctioned and overseen by the World Championship Wrestling organization. Ladies and gentlemen…ARE YOU READY?”
“Phoenix, Arizona, WCW fans all around the world…ARE…YOU…READY?”
“For the 53,000 fans in attendance…and the millions watching around the world.”
“Ladies and gentlemen…”
“LEEEEEEEEEEEEET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!”
Michael Buffer: “Introducing the first challenger. Representing the New World Order. He enters tonight’s main event weighing in at 263 pounds. He has declared that if he is not victorious tonight, he will no longer compete for the World Championship Wrestling/Extreme Championship Wrestling Alliance. Accompanied to the ring by his legal advisor Eric Bischoff. Residing in Greenwich, Connecticut, he is known to wrestling fans around the globe as “The Game” Ladies and gentlemen, Triiiiiiple H!”
Michael Buffer: “Introducing the second challenger. Hailing from Houston, Texas, with roots stemming from Harlem, New York. A decorated champion in the annals of World Championship Wrestling: he is a Five-Time WCW World Champion, a former WCW United States Champion, a Six-Time WCW Television Champion, and a Ten-Time WCW World Tag Team Champion as a member of Harlem Heat. Known for his scintillating charisma unmatched skill. He is the master of the Scissors’ Kick as well as the innovator of the Spinarooni. Ladies and gentlemen, Boooooooker T!”
Michael Buffer: “Introducing the champion. From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enters tonight’s contest weighing in at 237 pounds. An Olympic Gold Medalist and the current reigning and defending three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion. I man revered not just for his unparalleled skill in the ring, but for his undeniable courage and determination. Known for his intensity, integrity, and intelligence, this man has conquered both the worlds of amateur and professional wrestling. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Kuuuuurt ANGLE!”
Angle, HHH, and Booker all keep an eye on each of their opponents…until suddenly Angle and Booker attack HHH at the same time! HHH tries to fight them off, but to no avail. Angle sends HHH off the ropes and Booker catches HHH with a single leg dropkick! Angle goes for a German suplex, but HHH tries to elbow himself free. Booker punches HHH in the face, allowing Angle to complete the German suplex! Booker and Angle punch away at HHH in the corner and HHH tries to fire back. He’s able to punch Angle away, but Booker catches him with a Harlem sidekick! Angle hits HHH with a belly-to-belly suplex as Eric Bischoff blows a gasket at ringside! HHH stumbles into the corner but his Booker with a shot to the face. Angle ducks a clothesline from HHH, then hits him with the Angle Slam! Angle quickly locks HHH in the Ankle Lock! With HHH screaming in pain, Booker T heads to the top rope, and drops the Harlem Hangover on the back of Triple H’s neck! Angle covers HHH, 1…2…3!
Elimination #1: Triple H when he was pinned by Kurt Angle in 3:43
Don West: “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!”
Mike Tenay: “Triple H is gone!”
Tony Schiavone: “Unbelievable development here! Kurt Angle and Booker T, after weeks of telling us this wasn’t a handicap match, just came together and beat Triple H!”
Mike Tenay: “That might be it not just for Triple H, but the New World Order as well! Listen to this crowd!”
With Eric Bischoff throwing a tantrum up the ramp, Triple H, dazed, confused, and outright stunned, listens to 53,000 people send him off from Alliance!
Tony Schiavone: “Now let us find out who will be the face of WCW heading into 2003! Will it be Kurt Angle or will it be Booker T?”
Mike Tenay: “The rematch from last year’s Starrcade!”
Both Booker T and Angle get a laugh from Triple H’s exit. As the crowd’s chants begin to lessen and HHH and Bischoff disappear to the back, Angle and Booker turn their focus to one another. The intensity in the ring increases and Angle is the first to fire a shot at Booker! Booker responds and the two trade shots in the middle of the ring! Angle quickly turns it into a wrestling match as he ducks one of Booker’s shots and gets a waistlock takedown. Booker tries to escape, but Angle quickly transitions into a side headlock. Booker T gets back to his feet and sends Angle off the ropes. Booker drops down, then leapfrogs Angle, but when he tries another leapfrog Angle catches him and slams him to the canvas. Cover from Angle, 1…2…Booker kicks out. Angle hits a couple of blows to the back of the neck before sending Booker off the ropes. This time Booker ducks the clothesline and hits Angle with a flying bodypress! 1…2…Angle kicks out!
Booker wrenches on Angle’s arm before hitting him with a back kick. Snapmare takeover from Booker, followed by the side headlock. Angle fights his way to his feet and sends Booker off the ropes. Angle goes for a hip toss, but Booker counters with one of his own that sends Angle over the top rope and onto the floor! Booker doesn’t give Angle anytime to get a breather as he heads to the outside and slams Angle into the barricade. Booker slaps the hands of some fans, but that costs him as Angle picks Booker up and drops him throat-first on the barricade! Angle rams Booker into the ring apron before rolling him back into the ring. Angle stomps the right leg of Booker as it looks like he’s decided on a gameplan. Angle drops the elbow on the leg and locks in a leg grapevine, putting pressure on Booker to submit. After refusing to submit, Booker uses his other leg to kick Angle in side of the head, breaking the hold. Both men get back to their feet, but Booker slams Angle down with a spinebuster and pins him, 1…2…Angle kicks out! Angle catches Booker with a clothesline that sends him back to the floor.
Angle goes outside to get Booker and slams him into the steel steps. Angle slides Booker into the ring, but wishbones his legs around the post. Angle slams Booker’s right leg against the post multiple times. Booker tries to crawl away but when Angle gets back in the ring he elbow drops the leg again. Angle picks up Booker to get him to his feet, and Booker surprises him with a shot to the face! Booker misses a second one though and Angle plants him with a German suplex. Angle hands on and plants Booker with a second German suplex. And a third. And a fourth. TEN German suplexes later Angle releases and get a bit cocky as he mocks Booker by raising the roof. Angle drags Booker into position and heads to the top rope. Angle takes his time before going for the moonsault, only Booker moves out of the way and Angle crashes to the canvas. Both men slowly get to their feet. Booker gets a kick, then hits a roundhouse kick that knocks himself and Angle down. Booker follows up with the Spinarooni, although he notably doesn’t jump up at the end, instead ending the dance on one knee. Angle slowly gets to his feet and Booker kicks him, then comes off the ropes and hits the Scissors’ Kick! Booker with the cover, 1…2…Angle kicks out to Booker, and the fans’ disappointment.
Booker T calls for the end. He goes for the Bookend, but Angle breaks free and has Booker up for the Angle Slam, only Booker lands on his feet and kicks Angle in the face. Angle stumbles around, and Booker plants him with the Bookend! Cover, 1…2…Angle kicks out again and Booker can’t believe it! Booker heads to the top rope. Heat Seeker Missile Dropkick misses as Angle catches Booker’s leg in midair and locks in the Ankle Lock! Booker flails around to try to get to the bottom rope, but he can’t quite reach as Angle has the Ankle Lock in good! Booker bites his lip, doing everything he can to transfer the pain away from his ankle and leg overall. Angle yells at Booker to tap, but Booker uses every ounce of energy he has to drag Angle and grab onto the bottom rope! Frustration comes over Angle as he drags Booker over to the corner, again with Booker’s legs wishboned around the ring post. Angle slams Booker’s right leg against the post again, then follows up by wrapping Booker’s legs around the post in a Figure-Four! Booker screams in pain as referee Billy Silverman nearly disqualifies Angle. Angle finally releases and rolls back into the ring. Booker is unable to stand under his own power as Angle brings him to the center of the ring. Angle hits Booker with a couple of punches, but Booker blocks one, then hits Angle with a hard shot that spins Angle around. Booker rolls up Angle, 1…2…Angle just kicks out! Angle quickly kicks Booker’s damaged leg, then goes for the Angle Slam, only Booker counters with a small package, 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 24:41 (New Champion)
Tony Schiavone: “Booker T has done it!”
Mike Tenay: “This one-year journey from Booker T has ended with the WCW World Championship! I can’t think of anyone more deserving!”
Booker T uses the ropes to get back to his feet as he’s unable to do so without the ropes. Waiting for him is Kurt Angle, who has grabbed the WCW World Championship title belt. Booker and Angle lock eyes and Angle is clearly frustrated with the loss. Angle eventually nods his head and hands Booker T the title. Angle extends his hand for a handshake, which Booker T accepts! Angle leaves as Stevie Ray runs down to celebrate with his brother. The crowd cheers wildly for Booker T as he holds the WCW Championship over his head. Stevie Ray helps him out of the ring, and they make a stop at the barricade as Booker kisses his girlfriend Sharmell at ringside. Booker heads up the rampway, limping, but as WCW World Champions.
Tony Schiavone: “Unbelievable. On any other night, we’d be done!”
Don West: “I’m exhausted guys!”
Mike Tenay: “We still have the second half of our main event. A match we’ve never thought we’d see!”
Tony Schiavone: “That’s right, gentlemen. Coming…the heck?”
Jim Ross makes his second appearance of the night, this time sitting alongside the WCW broadcast team.
Tony Schiavone: “Gotta say Jim, we’ve seen you once tonight. What are you doing out here?”
Don West: “Yeah, I figured you’d be with Stone Cold.”
Jim Ross: “Hi Don, Mike. Tony, don’t worry, I’m not here to steal your job. Stone Cold’s Stone Cold, he’ll be fine without me back there. Look, I’ve known Sting and Shawn Michaels a long time. I never thought Shawn Michaels would return to the ring ever. I’m lucky enough to be in the building when he makes his return, and dammit if I’m going to miss this opportunity!”
Tony Schiavone: “Alright then, lets send it over to Michael Buffer.”
Michael Buffer: “Ladies and gentlemen, viewers on live Pay-Per-View. It is now time for the second main event of the evening. This is a contest between two legends, two icons, who men proving that they are still the premier competitors in professional wrestling today. Ladies and gentlemen, once again I ask…ARE YOU READY?”
“Those here live from Bank One Ballpark…ARE…YOU…READY?”
“For the 53,000 fans in attendance…and the millions watching around the world.”
“Ladies and gentlemen…”
“LEEEEEEEEEEEEET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!”
Michael Buffer: “Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you. From San Antonio, Texas. Weighing in tonight at 227 pounds. Tonight, he returns from a five-year exile due to injury that was once thought to have ended his in-ring professional wrestling career. A wrestling superstar whose charisma, athleticism, and sheer will have never been matched. A former multi-time World Champion, tonight this man makes his in-ring debut in the World Championship Wrestling organization. Tonight, after five years, he returns to the main event. This is ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawwwwwwwwn MICHAELS!”
Michael Buffer: “His opponent. Making his entrance to the ring. Weighing in at 262 pounds. He is considered to be the heart and soul of WCW, and tonight he battles the one top competitor in professional wrestling that he has never faced. Tonight, he returns to World Championship Wrestling to defeat that one man, and lay his claim as perhaps the greatest professional wrestling of his era. He is the enigmatic and iconic man known around the world as Sting!”
Tony Schiavone: “It’s STIIIIIIING!”
Jim Ross: “I truly cannot believe what we are about to witness!”
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
Both HBK and Sting stand in their corners, soaking in the electric atmosphere from the 53,000+ fans in attendance. Sting and HBK come face-to-face before locking up! Both men jostle for position, but this results in a clean break…and a shove from Sting. HBK jogs around the ring a bit before he and Sting lock up again. Once again they jostle for position, and once again it leads to a clean break…until HBK slaps Sting in the face! Sting fires back with a hard punch that knocks HBK down! HBK gets right back up, but Sting knocks him down again! HBK backs up a bit when he gets back to his feet, only to catch Sting with a knee to the midsection. HBK gets a waistlock but Sting runs towards the ropes and uses the momentum to send HBK flying backs towards the center of the ring. HBK runs at Sting, but Sting military presses him! Shawn uses his momentum to land on his feet behind Sting, but when he runs at Sting, Sting throws him over the top rope…or at least he thinks he does! HBK holds onto the top rope and skins the cat, pulling himself back into the ring and blasting Sting with a hard right!
HBK chops away at Sting in the corner, but Sting counters and puts HBK in the corner. Sting fires way with punches and chops, then sends HBK into the opposite corner. HBK flips up to the top turnbuckle, then comes back right into a clothesline from Sting that flips HBK around! Sting sends HBK off the ropes and hits him with an inverted Atomic Drop! Sting misses a clothesline to follow up, and HBK teases Sweet Chin Music, with Sting holding onto the ropes to ensure he doesn’t run into it. HBK and Sting tie-up one more time, and again HBK slaps Sting in the face! HBK immediately jumps out of the ring with Sting chasing after him. They both roll back in and HBK comes off the ropes, just to get hit with a back body drop! Sting goes for a cover, 1…2…HBK kicks out! Sting goes after HBK in the corner, but HBK fires a couple of punches. HBK fires a kick, but Sting catches it, only for HBK to hit an enzugiri! Cover from HBK, 1…2…Sting kicks out. HBK follows up with a belly-to-back suplex, then quickly locks in a headlock.
Sting fights his way out of the headlock and sends HBK off the ropes, but HBK comes back with a flying bodypress with a pin, 1…2…Sting kicks out. Perfect dropkick from HBK sends Sting to the floor on the outside. As Sting looks to recover his bearings, HBK climbs up to the top rope and dives off onto Sting, hitting his target perfectly! HBK slams Sting into the barricade before rolling him back into the ring. Fistdrop connects, and a cover, 1…2…Sting kicks out again. HBK stomps on Sting before bringing him back to his feet. HBK comes off the ropes, but Sting catches him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, causing HBK to scream in pain!
Mike Tenay: “Can’t forget the back, that was the whole reason Michaels was out for five years!”
Sting punches and chops at HBK in the corner, but HBK counters a whip and sends Sting into the opposite corner. HBK runs at Sting, but Sting backdrops him over the ringpost and onto the floor!
Tony Schiavone: “That had to be a twelve-foot drop!”
Now Sting heads to the top rope, and when HBK finally gets to his feet, Sting takes him out with a top rope dive of his own! Sting rolls HBK back into the ring. Instead of going for a cover, he sends HBK off the ropes and plants him with a spinebuster, further injuring the back! Now Sting pins HBK, 1…2…HBK kicks out. HBK manages to get back to his feet, but Sting takes him right back down with a facebuster. Sting picks HBK up, teases a powerslam, but then runs HBK back-first into the turnbuckles! Sting props HBK up on the top rope. HBK fires a couple of shots to try to regain the advantage, but Sting hits a couple back to keep control. Sting then hooks HBK up and superplexes him from the top turnbuckle! Sting makes the cover, 1…2…HBK kicks out again. Sting simply shakes his head, surprised by HBK’s resilience. HBK gets a couple of chops on Sting, but again Sting’s punches allow him to stay in control. Sting whips HBK off the ropes. HBK ducks a clothesline, then hits Sting with a flying forearm! Sting gets to his feet, but so does HBK as he kips up! Sting runs at HBK but HBK backdrops him over the top rope, onto the apron, then hangs Sting’s throat across the top rope to knock him off. HBK hits Sting with a baseball slide. HBK tends to his back for a moment before diving over the top rope once again to take out Sting! HBK has more serious intentions this time though. HBK takes off a piece of the steel steps then grabs Sting and sets him up on the lower half. Sting tries to fight it, but HBK spikes him with a piledriver right on the steel!
Jim Ross: “By Gawd, that’s gotta be it!”
HBK rolls Sting back into the ring, then climbs to the top rope. HBK hits a perfect flying elbow drop and stays on top of Sting for the cover, 1…2…Sting kicks out! HBK shows some frustration for the first time, and then shock, as Sting stands up, pounds on his chest and roars at HBK! HBK backs off as Sting punches and chops him over and over and over again in the corner! HBK stumbles out of the corner and Sting knocks him right back down with a dropkick! HBK tries to get back to his feet as quickly as his back would allow him to, but Sting boots him then plants him with a powerbomb! Cover, 1…2…HBK is still in this as he just gets the shoulder up! Sting continues to fire away at HBK, but HBK catches a charging Sting with a stun gun into the ropes. With Sting temporarily slowed down, HBK loads up the foot…and hits Sweet Chin Music! HBK goes down right next to Sting though, unable to make the cover right away! HBK gets an arm on Sting, 1…2…Sting kicks out and HBK slams the canvas with his arm. HBK is the first to get to his feet as Sting struggles after being kicked in the face. HBK climbs up to the top rope. HBK leaps with the moonsault, only Sting catches him and spikes him with a Tombstone Piledriver! Sting with the pin, 1…2…and to everyone’s shock and amazement HBK gets the shoulder up once again!
Don West: “There’s no way!”
Sting grabs HBK’s legs and quickly locks in the Scorpion Deathlock, only HBK quickly gets the bottom rope before Sting can position himself. Sting holds onto the move for as long as he legally can, only adding to the pain that must be unbearable in HBK’s back. HBK uses the corner to climb up and get back to his feet as Sting waits for him. Stinger Splash connects! Sting sends HBK into the opposite corner and hits him with a second Stinger Splash! Sting sends HBK into the corner once more. This time, he pounds on his chest again and lets out a “WOOO” as he goes for the third Stinger Splash…only he leaps right into Sweet Chin Music! HBK gets an arm on Sting, 1…2…NO!
Tony Schiavone: “Simply unbelievable!”
HBK is the first to get to his feet, although he’s wobbly as he tries to stand. Once he gets his footing HBK begins to stomp on the canvas and load up the band to finish Sting off once and for all. HBK gets a full head of steam, but Sting blocks Sweet Chin Music! Sting spins HBK around, grabs him by the hair and drops him with the Scorpion Deathdrop! Sting gets an arm on HBK, 1…2…3!
Winner: Sting via pinfall in 28:53
Tony Schiavone: “This will go down as one of the all-time great matches in World Championship Wrestling history! Sting said he needed to know if he could beat Shawn Michaels, and he proved tonight that he can!”
Jim Ross: “Thank you gentlemen for having me. Shawn Michaels might have lost tonight, but damn can that man still go.”
Sting, completely exhausted and out of breath, acknowledges the crowd to celebrate his victory. Shawn Michaels gets back to his feet and a stare down commences. Sting offers Shawn a handshake, and the crowd encourages him to take it…but he doesn’t. Michaels turns his back on Sting and leaves the ring, clearly disgusted with himself. Sting looks a little disappointed, but quickly goes back to celebrating one of the biggest, if not the biggest win of his career. Shawn Michaels takes one look back at Sting in the ring before disappearing to the back. The final shot of Starrcade 2002 shows Sting standing tall!
Tony Schiavone: “Thank you everybody who experienced Starrcade 2002 tonight!”
Mike Tenay: “We’ll see you all at Nitro tomorrow night!”
WCW World Champion
Booker T (Defeated Kurt Angle on 12-29-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Diamond Dallas Page (Defeated Christian on 12-29-02)
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
Jamie Noble and Kid Kash (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu on 12-29-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Ultimo Dragon (Defeated Tajiri on 12-29-02)
World Women’s Champion
Gail Kim (Defeated Victoria on 12-29-02)
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. Lynn and Styles failed to win back the titles at Starrcade, although they did eliminate RVD and Sabu
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. They retained the titles at Starrcade
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. Booker T converted that title shot into his 6th WCW World Championship
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. Lesnar continued his path of destruction by destroying Stone Cold at Starrcade for perhaps the biggest win of his career
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. Total Impact would defeat the Wolfpac at Starrcade
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. DDP got the better of him at Starrcade, leaving Christian titleless
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. Has seemed to have patched things with him since O’Haire left the NWO
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…and did it again to cost Victoria the Women’s Title against Gail Kim at Starrcade
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. DDP would defeat Christian at Starrcade to win the US Title, and made it clear he still had the WCW World Title set in his sights
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, but couldn’t come up with the victory against him at Starrcade
Eric Bischoff: – Triple H’s legal representative who masterminded the set-up of the NWO betrayal of Hulk Hogan, although HHH now banned from Alliance, it is unclear what is next for him
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. Unfortunately, The A.O.D. prevailed at Starrcade
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, which she won for her first world title
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. The Giant accomplished something he was never able to do in the past seven years when he pinned Hulk Hogan clean 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. The Giant would kick out of the legdrop and pin Hogan at Starrcade, potentially killing Hulkamania once and for all
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
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 failed to regain the titles at Starrcade as Jamie Noble and Kid Kash won the three-way dance
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. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
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…but would drop it to Booker T at Starrcade
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. Total Impact would emerge victorious at Starrcade
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. The LOD would help lead their team in a victory over Raven’s Warriors at Starrcade
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold.
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven. At Starrcade, Raven would attack Mick Foley…and Foley would get hit with an inadvertent GORE from Rhyno in the ECW World Title match at Starrcade. After Rhyno’s loss, Rhyno would GORE down Mick Foley again
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. Total Impact would beat the Wolfpac at Starrcade
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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. Raven would survive Rhyno’s challenge for the ECW World Championship at Starrcade. He now must look to rebuild his Warriors
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. Rhyno would fail in his attempt to win the title at Starrcade, accidentally GORING Mick Foley in the process. He seemingly blamed Mick too as he would hit him with another GORE afterwards.
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. Flair would defeat Guerrero at Starrcade 2002
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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to 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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to 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. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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 got his revenge at Starrcade, easily defeating Steiner. With the status of the NWO’s future uncertain, Scott Steiner’s future is just as uncertain
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. O’Haire would defeat Steiner in minutes, but with HHH now banned from Alliance, how will he get his hands on him?
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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. With the NWO’s future likely in limbo with HHH’s loss at Starrcade, Shane McMahon will look to build a new future of WCW around new champion Booker T
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. In a 30-minute classic, HBK showed he still had what it took to be one of the top guys in the industry, but he ultimately fell to Sting 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. Benjamin helped lead his team to victory over 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. Celebrated with his brother after Booker T won the WCW World Championship at Starrcade
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. Sting proved he could beat Shawn Michaels when he did at Starrcade 2002
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. Austin put up a hell of a fight, but Lesnar would beat Austin and leave Austin battered and beaten
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, but dropped it to 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…a move that would cost him his Alliance career as he failed to win the match
Ultimo Dragon: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade, and converted that opportunity into a his first title reign in over four years
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. Kim would defeat Victoria…with a little help from Daffney
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. X-Pac would be on team Wolfpac at Starrcade against Total Impact as well, but Total Impact would win that too.
ECW World Television Championship: Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) pinned Sabu in 16:45 to retain the title...Mike Awesome pinned Masato Tanaka in 13:56...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Los Guerreros when Styles pinned Chavo in 9:39...Lance Storm pinned The Great Muta in 10:39...World Cruiserweight Championship: Six Pack Challenge (One Fall): Tajiri (c) defeated Super Crazy, Psicosis, Juventud Guerrera, Jamie Noble, and Kid Kash when he pinned Crazy in 8:12...Buried Alive: Raven defeated Mortis in 21:21...Harlem Street Fight: Booker T defeated R-Killa in 17:36...ECW World Championship: Barbed Wire Steel Cage: Rob Van Dam pinned Brock Lesnar (c) in 22:28 to win the title
WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 – 9/1/02 – Key Arena, Seattle, WA
WCW World Championship: Triple H (c) pinned Booker T in 27:25 to retain the title...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Elix Skipper and Shane Helms when Styles pinned Skipper in 9:49 to retain the title...ECW World Television Championship: Sabu pinned Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) in 13:58 to win the title...Weapons Mix'N'Match Lumberjack Match: X-Pac pinned Mike Awesome in 5:36...ECW World Championship: Mexican Strap Match: Rob Van Dam (c) defeated Eddie Guerrero in 18:22 to retain the title...Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship: Kurt Angle wins, last eliminating Sean O'Haire in 13:19...WCW United States Championship: Kurt Angle pinned Christian (c) in 3:38 to win the title...WCW World Tag Team Championship: Steel Cage Match: Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant defeated The Outsiders (c) via double pin in 12:04 to win the title
WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 – 9/29/02 – Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown defeated William Regal, Fit FInlay, and Dave Taylor when Skipper pinned Regal in 10:37...World Cruiserweight Championship: Super Crazy (c) pinned Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 8:48 to retain the title...World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Molly Marvel in 6:55 to retain the title...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Bam Bam Bigelow and Gangrel when Lynn pinned Bigelow in 8:13 to retain the title...#1 Contender for the ECW Television Championship: Three Way Dance: Shelton Benjamin defeated Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr. after Guerrero walked out and Benjamin pinned Mysterio in 17:28...ECW Television Championship: Tajiri pinned Sabu (c) in 14:33 to win the title...ECW World Championship: Raven pinned Rob Van Dam (c) in 15:22 to win the title...Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship: Christian wins, last eliminating Kidman in 9:13...War GamesKurt Angle, Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan defeated Triple H, Sean O'Haire, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Brock Lesnar when HHH was rendered unconscious in Hogan and Angle's hold in 33:57
WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 – 10/27/02 – MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Any-Match-You-Want Ladder Match: Eddie Guerrero defeated Rob Van Dam in 20:03...ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Lance Storm and Chris Candido when Styles pinned Candido in 11:54 when X-Factor interfered to retain the title...ECW Television Championship: Shelton Benjamin pinned Tajiri (c) in 9:45 to win the title...Kurt Angle pinned Sean O'Haire in 9:28...The Giant pinned Diamond Dallas Page in 6:11...WCW World Tag Team Championship - Four Corners Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (c) defeated Christian and Rene Dupree, Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr., and Elix Skipper and Shane Helms when Bubba pinned Kidman in 6:03...Brock Lesnar pinned Booker T in 15:04...World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Molly Marvel in 4:24 to retain the title...WCW World Championship: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan pinned Triple H (c) in 13:23 after Sting saved Hogan from the New World Order to win the title
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – 11/24/02 – HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Rob Van Dam and Sabu defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles (c) when RVD pinned Lynn in 23:47 to win the title...If Total Impact Win, They Get a Match With the Outsiders: Total Impact (Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome) defeated X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) when Storm pinned Credible in 2:51...International Three-Way Dance for the World Cruiserweight Championship: Tajiri defeated Super Crazy (c) and Little Guido, Tajiri pinned Crazy in 11:17, Tajiri pinned Guido in 16:57 to win the title...Flaming Tables Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, Deacon Batista, and Altar Boy Spike) defeated The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Balls Mahoney, and Axl Rotten when Batista drove Sandman and Dreamer through a flaming table at 11:56...Brock Lesnar pinned Shelton Benjamin in 13:33...World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Daffney in 7:22 to win the title...ECW World Championship: Raven (c) pinned Rey Mysterio Jr. in 16:04 to retain the title...Stone Cold Steve Austin pinned Eddie Guerrero in 18:25
ECW/WCW WrestleWar 2002 – 11/30/02 – Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
WrestleWar War Rumble #1: Booker T wins, last eliminating Scott Steiner in 25:39...WrestleWar War Rumble #2: Rob Van Dam wins, last eliminating Triple H in 27:12...WrestleWar War Rumble #3: Brock Lesnar wins, last eliminating Ric Flair in 29:53...WCW World Championship: Kurt Angle made Hulk Hogan (c) submit in 7:03 to win the title...Women's War Rumble: Gail Kim wins, last eliminating Jazz in 8:11...WrestleWar Final Battle: Booker T defeated Rob Van Dam and Brock Lesnar, RVD pinned Lesnar in 13:12, Booker T pinned RVD in 25:12
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – 12/29/02 – Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix, AZ
Ric Flair pinned Eddie Guerrero in 17:14...World Cruiserweight Championship: Ultimo Dragon made Tajiri (c) submit in 7:09 to win the title...WCW United States Championship: Diamond Dallas Page pinned Christian (c) in 6:17 to win the title...Billy Kidman, Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr. and The Road Warriors defeated Raven's Warriors (Mikey Whipwreck, Saturn, Malice, Crush, and Wrath) when Mysterio pinned Whipwreck in 5:03...ECW World Tag Team Championship - Three-Way Dance: Kid Kash and Jamie Noble defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu (c), and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles, Styles pinned Sabu in 10:34, Noble and Kash pinned Styles in 13:49 to win the title...Sean O'Haire pinned Scott Steiner in 3:57...WCW World Tag Team Championship - Six-Man Tag Team Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) (c) defeated Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown when Bubba pinned Helms in 9:47 to retain the title...The Giant pinned Hulk Hogan in 8:01...Total Impact (Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome) defeated NWO Wolfpac (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac) when Awesome pinned Hall in 10:08...Brock Lesnar pinned Stone Cold Steve Austin in 19:16...World Women's Championship: Gail Kim pinned Victoria (c) after Daffney interfered in 4:11 to win the title...ECW World Championship: Raven (c) pinned Rhyno after Rhyno accidentally hit Mick Foley in 15:22 to retain the title...WCW World Championship - Triangle Elimination Match - If Triple H Does Not Win He Leaves Alliance Forever: Booker T defeated Kurt Angle (c), and Triple H, Angle and Booker pinned HHH in 3:43, Booker pinned Angle in 24:41 to win the title...Sting pinned Shawn Michaels in 28:53
Championship Linages
WCW World Championship
12-3-01 – Philadelphia, PA – Monday Night Nitro – Stone Cold Steve Austin (1) (Awarded)
12-30-01 – Washington, D.C. – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2001 PPV – Ric Flair (7) (Pinned Stone Cold Steve Austin)
12-31-01 – Norfolk, VA – Monday Night Nitro – Kurt Angle (2) (Made Ric Flair submit)
5-12-02 – Miami, FL – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2002 PPV - Triple H (1) (Pinned Kurt Angle)
10-27-02 - Las Vegas, NV - WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 PPV - "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan (7) (Pinned Triple H)
11-30-02 - San Francisco, CA - WCW/ECW WrestleWar 2002 PPV - Kurt Angle (3) (Made Hulk Hogan submit)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Booker T (6) (Defeated Kurt Angle and Triple H in a Three-Way Match)
ECW World Championship
12-6-01 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW RISE – Vacant (Rhyno vacated due to injury)
12-30-01 – Washington, D.C. – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2001 PPV – Brock Lesnar (1) (Pinned Rob Van Dam for vacant title)
8-4-02 - East Rutherford, NJ - ECW/WCW Anarchy Rulz 2002 PPV - Rob Van Dam (1) (Pinned Brock Lesnar in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match)
9-29-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 PPV - Raven (3) (Pinned Rob Van Dam)
WCW United States Championship
10-22-01 – Kansas City, MO – Monday Night RAW – Kurt Angle (1) (Defeated Rhyno by submission)(Pre-Rebirth)
12-13-01 – New York, NY – ECW RISE – Tazz (1) (Choked Kurt Angle out)
1-27-02 – Houston, TX – WCW/ECW Souled Out 2002 PPV – Christian (1) (Defeated Tazz, Rob Van Dam and Tajiri in a Four Way Match, pinning Tazz)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Kurt Angle (2) (Pinned Christian)
9-30-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - Monday Night Nitro - Christian (2) (Pinned Kurt Angle)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Diamond Dallas Page (3) (Pinned Christian)
ECW Television Championship
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Eddie Guerrero (3) (Last eliminated Super Crazy in a battle royal)
6-9-02 – Chicago, IL – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2002 PPV – Rob Van Dam (2) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
6-27-02 – Buffalo, NY – ECW RISE – The Great Muta (1) (Pinned Rob Van Dam)
7-7-02 – New York, NY – WCW/ECW The 2002 Great American Bash PPV – Eddie Guerrero (4) (Defeated The Great Muta and Rob Van Dam in a Three-Way Dance)
7-11-02 - Long Island, NY - ECW RISE - Rey Mysterio Jr. (1) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Sabu (2) (Pinned Rey Mysterio Jr.)
9-29-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 PPV - Tajiri (2) (Pinned Sabu)
10-27-02 - Las Vegas, NV - WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 PPV - Shelton Benjamin (1) (Pinned Tajiri)
WCW World Tag Team Championship
10-26-01 – Omaha, NE – Thursday Night SMACKDOWN! – Bubba Ray (1) and D-Von Dudley (1) (Defeated The Hardy Boyz)(Pre-Rebirth)
3-11-02 – St. Louis, MO – Monday Night Nitro – Diamond Dallas Page (5) and The Giant (4) (Defeated The Dudley Boyz)
7-7-02 – New York, NY - WCW/ECW The 2002 Great American Bash PPV – Kevin Nash (10)and Scott Hall (8) (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Diamond Dallas Page (6) and The Giant (5) (Defeated Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in a Steel Cage)
10-7-02 - Chicago, IL - Monday Night Nitro - Brother Bubba (2) and Reverend D-Von (2) (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant)
ECW World Tag Team Championship
12-3-00 – New York, NY – ECW Massacre on 34th Street PPV – Danny Doring (1) and Roadkill (1) (Defeated Little Guido and Tony Mamaluke)(Pre-Rebirth)
2-28-02 – Indianapolis, IN – RISE – Rob Van Dam (3)and Sabu (4) (Defeated Danny Doring and Roadkill)
3-28-02 – Buffalo, NY – RISE – R-Killa (1) and Mark Henry (1) (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Jerry Lynn (1) and AJ Styles (1) (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry, Kid Kash and Jamie Noble, and Danny Doring and Roadkill in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match)
11-24-02 - Buffalo, NY - ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 PPV - Rob Van Dam (4) and Sabu (5) (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Kid Kash (1) and Jamie Noble (1) (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu, and AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn in a Three-Way Match)
World Cruiserweight Championship
10-9-01 – Moline, IL – Thursday Night SMACKDOWN! – Billy Kidman (5) (Pinned X-Pac)(Pre-Rebirth)
1-21-02 – Kansas City, MO – Monday Night Nitro – Taka Michinoku (1) (Pinned Billy Kidman)
1-27-02 – Houston, TX – WCW/ECW Souled Out 2002 PPV – Jerry Lynn (1) (Pinned Taka Michinoku)
2-25-02 – Atlanta, GA – Monday Night Nitro – Psicosis (3) (Pinned Jerry Lynn)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Rey Mysterio Jr. (6) (Pinned Psicosis)
5-12-02 – Miami, FL – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2002 PPV – Eddie Guerrero (3) (Pinned Rey Mysterio Jr.)
5-13-02 – Daytona Beach, FL - Monday Night Nitro – Super Crazy (1) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
7-13-02 - Norfolk, VA - Worldwide - Tajiri (1) (Pinned Super Crazy)
8-24-02 - Colorado Springs, CO - RISE - Super Crazy (2) (Pinned Tajiri)
11-24-02 - Buffalo, NY - ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 PPV - Tajiri (2) (Won a Three-Way Dance by pinning Little Guido in a match also involving Super Crazy)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Ultimo Dragon (3) (Pinned Tajiri)
World Women’s Championship
2-24-02 – Atlanta, GA – WCW/ECW SuperBrawl XII PPV – Molly Marvel (1) (Won a four-way match against Ivory, Jazz, and Luna Vachon to win the title)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Jazz (1) (Pinned Molly Marvel)
7-18-02 - Macon, GA - ECW RISE - Victoria (1) (Pinned Jazz)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Gail Kim (1) (Pinned Victoria)
Calendar
December
December 30, 2002 (Monday) - Monday Night Nitro
January January 2, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 6, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 9, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 11, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Guilty As Charged 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
January 12, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Guilty As Charged 2003 (Pay-Per-View) January 13, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 16, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 18, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Clash of Champions (Special Event) January 20, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 23, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 27, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 30, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE
February February 1, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
February 2, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 (Pay-Per-View) February 3, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 6, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 10, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 13, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 17, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 20, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 22, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Market Street Mayhem (Special Event) February 24, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 27, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE
March March 1, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Superbrawl XIII Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
March 2, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Superbrawl XIII (Pay-Per-View) March 3, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 6, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 9, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Wrestlepalooza 2003 (Special Event) March 10, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 13, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 17, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 20, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 22, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Uncensored 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
March 23, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Uncensored 2003 (Pay-Per-View) March 24, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 27, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 31, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
April April 3, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 7, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 10, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 12, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Living Dangerously 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
April 13, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Living Dangerously 2003 (Pay-Per-View) April 14, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 17, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 19, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Music City Showdown (Special Event) April 21, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 24, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 28, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
May May 1, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 3, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2003 - The Throne Wars Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
May 4, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2003 - The Throne Wars (Pay-Per-View) May 6, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 9, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 13, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 16, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 20, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 23, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 27, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 30, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 31, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
June June 1, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2003 (Pay-Per-View) June 2, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 5, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 8, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Battle in Seattle (Special Event) June 9, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 12, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 16, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 19, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 23, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 26, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 28, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW The 2003 Great American Bash Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview) June 29, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW The 2003 Great American Bash (Pay-Per-View) June 30, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
WCW Monday Night Nitro
December 30, 2002
America West Arena
Phoenix, AZ
Mike Tenay: “It is the night after Starrcade 2002! We’re kicking things off tonight with the Owner of WCW: Shane McMahon!”
Don West: “What does Shane-O-Mac have to say tonight?”
Shane McMahon: “What’s up, Phoenix, Arizona! How about that Starrcade last night! I think, without question, last night’s Starrcade Pay-Per-View represented the biggest night in the history of World Championship Wrestling! When I say World Championship Wrestling, I mean just World Championship Wrestling. For the last six-and-a-half years, it was always WCW and NWO. World Championship Wrestling and the New World Order. Even I, after buying WCW, couldn’t shake the presence of the NWO. But after last night, the way I see things, there isn’t a NWO left. Last night we saw the defeat of the Wolfpac thanks to my favorite ECW faction, Total Impact! Scott Steiner got beat by one of the future pillars of WCW, Sean O’Haire! Even Shawn Michaels’ return was stifled by the WCW Icon, Sting! But the real nail in the coffin of the New World Order was when Triple H failed to regain the WCW World Championship. Because of that, Triple H, the last leader of the NWO, is gone! The era of the NWO is over! The next era for World Championship has begun. I’m talking about the era of Booker T! So right now, let’s give it up for the new WCW World Champion! Please welcome…Booker T!”
“BOOKER T!” “BOOKER T!”
“BOOKER T!” “BOOKER T!”
Booker T and Shane McMahon slap hands before Shane leaves to give Booker T the ring. Notably, Booker still has a slight limp from the match against Kurt Angle last night. Booker soaks in the adulation before composing himself.
Booker T: “You know I remember the first time I won the WCW World Championship in 2000. I was always proud of getting the mountaintop, but I gotta say with everything going on in WCW at the time I never truly got to enjoy it you know? Last night, damn I can’t say that was the case. Thanks to all my people in Houston, all my people in Harlem, New York, and all of you right here and watching at home, I finally got to enjoy the feeling of winning the biggest prize in this game, sucka! After the biggest night of my career, I can say the WCW World Championship is where it belongs, on the shoulder of Booker T! All of you have supported me and my brother throughout the decade in WCW. The tag belts, the TV belt, the US belt, and now the WCW World belt, we did all together! But the show ain’t done at all. Just like always you’re all gonna get everything I have in my heart, in my soul as I defend the WCW World Championship each and every night! There’s no more NWO. If anyone wants to get to the mountain top of WCW, they gotta go through me. The best is yet to come, now can you DIG THAT….”
Christian makes his way out to the stage with Rene Dupree.
Booker T: “The hell you want?”
Christian: “All this talk about the face and future of WCW is missing a key component. I keep hearing it’s all about Booker T, Booker T, Booker T. But did I hear you correctly, a decade in WCW? What part of the word future did you not understand? If there’s one guy who should be the future of this business is me! Last night Diamond Dallas Page accidentally did me a favor. I took the WCW United States Championship to bigger heights than anyone ever. But now I can let that part of my career go. This is the last Nitro before 2003 and there’s still time to correct the future. The future where Christian reigns as WCW World Champion! So how about it, Booker? Are you the fighting champion you say you are? Or you gonna use that little limp as an excuse to avoid me?”
Booker T: “I ain’t gonna run from no fight, especially from someone like you. You want a shot at the title tonight, you’re on dawg. Now can you dig that, sucka?”
***
Mike Tenay: “Booker T isn’t wasting any time proving he’s a fighting champion! We’ve got a title match tonight, Don!”
Don West: “It might just be the beginning of the Christian era in WCW, Mike.”
Mike Tenay: “We’ve got a huge night ahead of us, Don. When we come back new United States Champion Diamond Dallas Page puts the title on the line against William Regal. The World Cruiserweight Championship will also be on the line later tonight! Lastly, we will hear from Stone Cold Steve Austin!”
Don West: “Man what a match that was last night between Stone Cold and Brock Lesnar.”
DDP and Regal lock-up and Regal gets the early advantage with a side headlock. DDP sends Regal off the ropes, but Regal hits a shoulder tackle and makes a quick cover, 1…2…DDP kicks out. Regal hits some European uppercuts, but DDP counters a whip into the corner and backdrops a stumbling Regal out of the corner. Discus clothesline by DDP! Cover, 1…2…Regal kicks out and bails to the outside. DDP goes after Regal, but Regal quickly grabs Stacy Keibler and uses her as a shield. Dave Taylor sneaks up behind DDP, but DDP senses him coming and knocks him down with a clothesline. Regal tosses Keibler to the floor and nails DDP with a cheap shot before running him into the steel steps. Regal rolls DDP back into the ring and pounds on his back before trying to lock in the Regal Stretch…only DDP is close to the ropes so we get a quick break.
Regal stomps on the back of DDP before bashing him between the shoulder blades. Regal picks DDP back up and goes for an Arm Trap Neckbreaker, only DDP holds his vertical base and spins Regal around, followed by knocking him down with a clothesline. DDP goes for a gutwrench powerbomb, only Regal headbutts DDP low. Regal hits a butterfly suplex and goes for the cover, 1…2…DDP kicks out. Regal sends DDP into the corner, but DDP hits an incoming Regal with a clothesline. DDP comes off the ropes and hits Regal with a jumping DDT! Cover, 1…2…Taylor puts Regal’s foot on the bottom rope, breaking the count. DDP pulls Taylor up to the apron and slugs him off with a right hand. Regal rolls up DDP, but referee Billy Silverman is checking on Taylor. Stacy Keibler pushes DDP so that he has the pin in the roll-up, 1…2…Regal kicks out. Regal realizes what happened and yells at Stacy, but when he turns back to DDP he gets dropped with a Diamond Cutter! DDP with the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Diamond Dallas Page via pinfall in 7:00 (Retains)
DDP and Stacy smile and celebrate as they walk up the ramp, US Title in hand!
***
Eddie Guerrero is shown in the locker room sitting and looking despondent. He shakes his head as Chavo Guerrero Jr. walks in.
Chavo Guerrero Jr.: “Look, Eddie, you’ve gotta snap out of this.”
Eddie Guerrero: “Chavito, I’ve put everything on the line these last few months. I got all the big matches I wanted. I finally had a chance to break through.”
Chavo Guerrero Jr.: “I know, Eddie, I know. But what’s happened has happened. We need to move on.”
Eddie Guerrero: “I waited my whole career to fight someone like Stone Cold Steve Austin in a main event! I got to face Ric Flair at Starrcade. And I blew it, Chavito! I blew it!”
Chavo Guerrero Jr.: “Listen, Eddie. I can’t undo that for you. Tonight, I’m going to bring back honor to the Guerrero name and win the World Cruiserweight Championship. Help me do that, Eddie, and you’ll…we’ll be back on track before you know it.”
Eddie Guerrero nods his head as walks off with Chavo as the camera cuts back to the ring.
***
“Medal” plays as Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring. Angle gets a great ovation, recognition for his title defense last night at Starrcade.
Kurt Angle: “First things first. Booker T, you proved to be a hell of a man last night. You beat me straight up for the WCW World Championship and I have nothing but respect for your performance against me last night. But remember, you might have had my number last night, but I got you last year. We got one more left to settle things! But there’s something else I want to talk about. For me whole career Triple H has stood in my way. And while I don’t stand here as WCW World Champion and that’s a disappointment, I’m damn happy that I never have to deal with that son-of-a-bitch Triple H ever again! If anyone steps up to me representing Triple H or with a NWO t-shirt or whatever, I’m going to break their ankle and cripple them for good! Oh, it’s true, it’s damn true! So what’s next for Kurt Angle. Well as I alluded to earlier, I don’t have the WCW World Championship and Booker T and I are tied at 1-1.”
“WOOOO!” Ric Flair interrupts Kurt Angle and makes his way down to the ring.
Kurt Angle: “I thought you might come down here.”
Ric Flair: “How could I not! I couldn’t sit back there and listen to your nonsense all night! You want your WCW World Title rematch I feel ya, but you gotta in line behind “The Man!”
Kurt Angle: “Is that right?”
Ric Flair: “That’s right baby!”
Kurt Angle: “Do I need to remind you what happened on the Nitro after Starrcade last year?”
Ric Flair: “You might have messed up my leg, but my memory is completely intact! Yeah, you got me for the WCW title last year. But it looks like you’re the one who’s forgetting something! Need I remind you that I had you beat last month before Guerrero got involved! If it weren’t for him, I would have taken out Booker T and Triple H at Starrcade. And I promise I’d have the belt right now unlike you.”
Kurt Angle: “Let’s cut to the chase, Flair. It sounds like if I want to be back on top I need to take you out again.”
Ric Flair: “Why don’t we just put it in terms that everyone can agree with. Kurt Angle, to be the man, you’ve gotta beat the man. Do it one more time, and I’ll praise you as the man. See you soon, Kurt! WOOOOO!”
Ric Flair walks off, looking satisfied with getting a match with Angle, as Angle himself remains in the ring, staring down at Flair intently.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Mike Tenay: “Welcome back to Nitro! We just saw Kurt Angle and Ric Flair agreeing to face one another for a match in the future, well, Shane McMahon has already put contracts and such together. The match is set for WCW/ECW Revenge, live on Pay-Per-View, Saturday, February 2! And get this, the winner will receive a WCW World Championship Match at SuperBrawl XIII!”
Don West: “That’s a huge match! Flair and Angle have clashed a couple of times now, I can’t wait to see how that one goes down!”
Mike Tenay: “I also want to let everyone know that Alliance as a whole, we’re still going. There’s no slowdown after Starrcade! In just 13 days, ECW will host a Pay-Per-View event as well, ECW/WCW Guilty As Charged 2003! I understand that we’ll learn of the main event for Guilty as Charged this week on RISE!”
Dragon looks ready to go, but Chavo avoids the early tie-up to hide in the ropes and confer with Eddie. They finally do lock-up and Dragon quickly transitions into a full nelson. Chavo tries to fight out but Dragon hits a snapmare. Chavo counters into an armbar, but Dragon takes Chavo down when he flips and nips up out of the armbar, hitting an armdag himself. Chavo bails to the outside again, right into the arms of his uncle Eddie. Eddie yells at referee Charles Robinson that Dragon pulled the hair…even though there isn’t much on Chavo’s head to begin with. Chavo continues to hide in the corner, but when Robinson holds Dragon back, Chavo goes on the attack with knocks Dragon down with a clothesline. Chavo pounds away on Dragon, then hits him with an elbow drop before locking in another armbar.
Dragon fights back to a vertical base, only for Chavo to pull the mask and send Dragon back to the canvas. Chavo goes for a cover, 1…2…Dragon kicks out. Chavo sends Dragon off the ropes, but Dragon comes back with a flying headscissors! Dragon sends Chavo off the ropes, but Chavo leaps over him for a sunset flip to counter a backdrop. Dragon rolls through though and kicks a sitting Chavo right in the face! Cover, 1…2…Chavo kicks out. Dragon hits Chavo with several chops, but Chavo manages to counter an Irish whip. Dragon puts on the brakes and does a handstand on the top rope, but Chavo counters the falling dropkick into a face-first powerbomb! Chavo makes the cover, 1…2…Dragon just kicks out! Chavo chokes Dragon in the ropes, and when Charles Robinson pushes Chavo off, Eddie gets a cheap shot in on Dragon! Chavo makes the cover, 1…2…Dragon kicks out.
Chavo goes back to the arm with another armlock, but Dragon manages to fight his way back to his feet again. Dragon hits a flurry of kicks to escape, then hits Chavo with a spinning heel kick! Dragon sets Chavo up for a brainbuster, but Eddie pulls Dragon’s foot back and Chavo lands on Dragon! 1…2…Dragon kicks out, with Eddie showing frustration. Chavo hooks Dragon’s head and goes for a tornado DDT, only Dragon pushes him off in midair. Chavo lands on his feet and Dragon charges at him. Chavo backdrops Dragon, but Dragon lands on his feet. Chavo charges Dragon but gets backdropped over the top rope and onto the floor. Dragon leaps onto the apron and goes for the Asai Moonsault, but Eddie shoves Chavo out of the way…and Dragon ends up hitting Eddie! Dragon rolls into the ring after Chavo, but Chavo surprises him with La Magistral, 1…2…Dragon escapes! Dragon whips Chavo off the ropes, and Eddie accidentally trips him as he hits the ropes! Eddie faces the crowd, confidently laughing about his brilliance as Chavo yells at him. Chavo turns his attention back to Dragon, but Dragon kicks him and hits him with the Asai DDT! 1…2…3!
Winner: Ultimo Dragon via pinfall in 10:15 (Retains)
Ultimo Dragon grabs the title and holds it over his head before leaving the ring as Eddie Guerrero rolls in. Eddie realizes what he did and apologizes to Chavo, with Chavo looking rather frustrated at his uncle.
***
As Chavo Guerrero lambasts Eddie up the ramp, both are startled by Sean O’Haire, who marches down to the ring sans music. O’Haire rips a microphone from a tech guy at ringside and enters the ring.
Sean O’Haire: “All day I’ve been backstage, in the locker room, watching guys celebrate about the New World Order being gone for good. Apparently, I had a hand in that as I kicked Scott Steiner’s ass like I said I would. Maybe I should be happy like everyone else huh? Maybe I should celebrate too. Well from MY POINT OF VIEW there’s nothing to celebrate about! There’s nothing to be happy about it. Scott Steiner said I had to go through him to get to Triple H. Those were his words. But because Triple H couldn’t get the job done last night he’s not anymore? That doesn’t work for me!”
Shane McMahon jogs down to the ring, looking a bit concerned.
Sean O’Haire: “Yeah, you better come down here, Shane. We got a problem we need to figure out.”
Shane McMahon: “Sean, Sean, Sean, come on man, why do you need to fight Triple H for? You beat him already on Nitro a few weeks back, right down the middle.”
Sean O’Haire: “But then at WrestleWar he made a fool of me. Beating him in a match isn’t enough. That’s not the point. You know how this works. I’m not looking to pin him 1-2-3 again. I’m looking to kick his ass. I WILL kick his ass.”
Shane McMahon: “I mean, Sean, he’s not here anymore. Last night he needed to win the WCW World Title or he was gone from Alliance, and he failed and that’s it.”
Sean O’Haire: “I feel like you didn’t hear what I just said, Shane. I said I WILL, WILL, kick his ass. If I need to make a call to the WWF or Japan or if I need to pull up to Triple H’s house myself that’s what I’ll do.”
Shane McMahon: “…there’s nothing I can do, he’s not with us anymo…Sean!”
Sean O’Haire drops his microphone and turns his back on Shane McMahon, walking off. Shane looks confused about what to do as O’Haire continues up the ramp. Shane tells a production crew member at ringside to get the next match started, before he goes up the ramp to follow O’Haire.
Don West: “I don’t know, Mike. Is this going to be Triple H’s loophole to get back in Alliance?”
Mike Tenay: “I’m not sure, Don. I think Sean O’Haire needs to stop and think. Triple H has been a huge black mark on WCW for the last year and we were finally rid of him thanks to Booker T and Kurt Angle…I don’t know. Nonetheless Monty Brown is out here for the next match. Brown, Shane Helms, and Elix Skipper fells short in their quest for the WCW World Tag Team Championship last night, but tonight Brown can get some revenge as he takes on Deacon Batista!”
***
Deacon Batista (w/Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von) vs. Monty Brown (w/Elix Skipper and Shane Helms)
Batista gets the upperhand from the start knocking Monty Brown down with a shoulder block. Batista and Brown trade punches with Batista winning the exchange and trapping Brown in the corner. Batista hits a few shoulder thrusts, but Brown explodes out of the corner with a clothesline to knock Batista down! Brown hits a single arm DDT and goes for a cover, 1…2…Batista kicks out with authority. Brown pounds on Batista, but Batista gets a hard forearm then suplexes Brown down on the canvas. A cover from Batista, 1…2…Brown kicks out. Batista then grabs the trapezius muscle as he looks to wear Brown down. Brown tries to get back to his feet, but Batista pounds on the neck to keep Brown down.
Batista clubs Brown with more blows, but then Brown runs Batista in the corner and hits an exploder suplex out of the corner! Batista gets to his feet quickly and Brown shoulder tackles him into the corner. Brown charges at Batista and hits an avalanche into the corner on Batista! Brown gets a full head of steam and hits a second one! He goes for a third, but Batista comes out of the corner and plants Brown with a spinebuster! Cover, 1…2…Brown just kicks out! Batista picks Brown up for a powerslam, but Brown slides out. Brown comes off the ropes and ducks a clothesline before coming back with a jumping clothesline of his own! Brown tries to hype up the crowd as he prepares for the POUNCE…only Reverend D-Von runs into the ring and attacks him, causing the DQ.
Winner: Monty Brown by DQ in 5:47
The situation quickly turns into a six-man brawl, but the Dudleys get the upperhand quickly. Bubba and D-Von drop Elix Skipper with the Divine Dudley Drop! Batista slams Monty Brown with another spinebuster. Shane Helms comes off the top rope and leaps at Batista, but Batista catches him and powerslams him! Reverend D-Von goes for a table…but suddenly The Legion of Doom: Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal make their way down to the ring, chairs in hand! While Brother Bubba and Reverend D-Von take off, Batista stands tall in the ring, challenging LOD! The Dudleys convince Batista to leave the ring, which he does reluctantly, as the LOD check on Brown, Helms, and Skipper!
Mike Tenay: “It looks like the Archdiocese of Dudleyville are the new target for the legendary Legion of Doom!”
***
Booker T walks through the locker room, preparing to defend the WCW World Championship, when he walks into Sean O’Haire.
Booker T: “I don’t know what the hell you’re doing, but you better not mess this Triple H thing up. Or you and I, we gonna have a problem.”
Sean O’Haire: “Is that right?”
Booker T: “Yeah, that’s right. We fought all year to get rid of him. Now you made some good choices recently so I ain’t gonna get on your back right now. Like I said, don’t screw this up.”
Sean O’Haire doesn’t give an inch as he stares a hole in Booker T. Booker walks by him and heads to the ring.
Booker T unloads on Christian as the match begins! Booker hits Christian with chops and punches. Booker sends Christian off the ropes and hits a big back bodydrop! Booker continues to punch away at Christian, but Christian bails to the outside. Booker goes after him and sends Christian into the ring apron before sending him back into the ring. Booker rolls back in after him and Christian surprises him with several punches, but Booker catches him with an elbow. Christian reverses a whip into the corner, but Booker leaps over the ensuing charge. Sidewalk slam from Booker! Cover, 1…2…Christian kicks out. Booker gets some more shots in before Christian counters with a thumb to the eye. Christan then rakes Booker’s eyes across the top rope, completely shifting the momentum of the match.
Christian punches at Booker then chops him in the corner. Booker makes a comeback with chops of his own, but when he mounts and goes for more punches Christian drops him face-first on the top turnbuckle. Cover from Christian…and he puts his feet on the ropes too…1…2…Booker kicks out anyway. Christian tosses Booker to the outside then argues with referee Charles Robinson. Rene Dupree grabs Booker and slams him into the ringpost before rolling Booker back into the ring! Christian goes for a quick cover, 1…2…Booker still manages to kick out. Christian quickly locks in the headlock to further wear Booker T down. Christian transitions into choking Booker in the ropes, then hits a backbreaker. Another cover, 1…2…Booker T kicks out again. Christian locks in another headlock, but Booker fights to a vertical base. Christian pulls the hair though and hits an inverted DDT! Another cover, 1…2…Booker kicks out!
Christian stomps away on Booker, but when he hits the ropes Booker catches him with a flapjack! Booker begins to feel some momentum, but Christian surprises Booker with a dropkick, knocking him back down. Christian stomps on Booker before sending him off the ropes, but Booker ducks the clothesline then comes flying back with a flying forearm! Harlem sidekick connects! Booker kicks Christian and goes for the Scissors’ Kick, but Rene Dupree hops onto the apron to stop him. Booker slugs Dupree, but misses the Scissors’ Kick as Christian moved out of the way. Christian misses a clothesline, and Booker gets another kick…and this time hits the Scissors’ Kick! Cover, 1…2…Rene Dupree puts Christian’s foot on the bottom rope to save the match for Christian! Booker T thinks he’s won and celebrates before Robinson tells him otherwise, allowing Christian to catch Booker T with a low blow! Roll-up from Christian, 1…2…Booker kicks out!
Christian gets a bit cocky and comes off the ropes, but Booker quickly catches him with a powerslam! Cover, 1…2…Christian just kicks out! Booker looks to finish Christian and sets him up for the Bookend, but Christian elbows his way free, grabs Booker’s arm and counters into the Unprettier! Booker shoves Christian off him into the ropes and hits a dropkick of his own! Booker catches Christian with a leg lariat…then follows up with the Spinarooni…although Booker looks as if he may have re-injured the knee from last night when doing it! Booker kicks Christian…but Christian blocks it and catches the leg, then takes Booker down with a dragon screw! Christian stomps on the knee before climbing on the second rope. Christian leaps, but maybe Booker was playing a little possum as he perfectly catches Christian on the way down with a kick to the midsection!Booker slugs Dupree off the apron again…then hits Christian with the Scissors’ Kick! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 12:58 via pinfall (Retains)
Booker T celebrates the win until he sees the 500-pound Giant standing at the entrance of the stage. Giant gestures that he wants Booker T’s WCW World Championship and Booker challenges him to come into the ring. Suddenly, out of nowhere, R-Killa returns and jumps Booker T!
Mike Tenay: “R-Killa?! What the hell?”
Don West: “We haven’t seen him since Booker T left him lying back in Harlem at the Anarchy Rulz!”
Booker T tries to fight R-Killa off, but R-Killa gets him with the Truth That Sets You Free! R-Killa steals the WCW Title, then escapes through the crowd!The Giant was laughing when R-Killa attacked Booker T, but he’s seen asking a cameraman at ringside about what this means for the WCW Title.
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
We come back to Nitro and see R-Killa jumping into a getaway car in the parking lot. Shane McMahon chases after him, yelling at R-Killa to “give the belt back”. Booker T catches up to Shane, shaking his head at the entire situation.
***
Don West: “What a crazy night this has been, Mike!”
Mike Tenay: “We’re still supposed to hear from Stone Cold…”
Don West: “That’s not Stone Cold! That’s the man who beat Austin right in the middle last night, Brock Lesnar!”
Mike Tenay: “Don, I have to be honest. In all my years covering professional wrestling I’ve never seen anything like the Shooting Star Press that Brock Lesnar used to finish Steve Austin last night!”
Don West: “You ain’t kiddin’, Mike.”
Paul Heyman, huge shit-eating grin on his face, comes down to the ring with Brock Lesnar.
Paul Heyman: “I don’t like to say I told you so…but I TOLD YOU SO!”
“AUSTIN!” “AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!” “AUSTIN!”
Paul Heyman: “Cheer all you want. Go ahead! Get it out of your system!”
“AUSTIN!” “AUSTIN!”
“AUSTIN!” “AUSTIN!”
Paul Heyman: “All this talk about the era of the New World Order being over. Well I’ve got one better. The era of perhaps the biggest bad ass in professional wrestling history is over. Tonight, Brock Lesnar stands in front of you as the conqueror of one Stone Cold Steve Austin! The biggest star in professional wrestling history! The toughest son-of-a-bitch walking God’s green earth! And he got put down by the beast that is BROCK…LESNAR! Everyone saw it last night when Brock Lesnar leaped through the air, coming down from the top rope, two-hundred, ninety-five pounds, coming down and shattering what was left of the will of the Rattlesnake! I stand before here in the ring, standing before you, at the side of the most dominant athlete to ever step foot in a ring owned by Extreme Championship Wrestling or World Championship Wrestling. At one time, maybe Stone Cold could have made that claim. But after last night he no longer can!”
Mike Tenay: “Uh-oh!”
Stone Cold comes into the ring and immediately walks right up to Brock Lesnar. Both men stand toe-to-toe…until Austin backs away.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “As much as I hate to admit it, fatass over there, maybe for the first time ever, told the damn truth. Brock Lesnar, I don’t like how you did, but maybe that don’t matter. I don’t like how you went after J.R., but maybe that don’t matter either. I went into Starrcade looking to whip another man’s ass, and that didn’t happen. Brock Lesnar, you’re one tough son-of-a-bitch and you proved you were the better man. I can’t argue with that. So I’m not here to pick a fight. For the first time, Stone Cold Steve Austin understands that he’s been beaten. I’m not gonna tell you what to do son, I’m gonna ask. Because I can’t say this is my ring anymore. It's yours, Brock. So I’m asking. Tonight, let me have it. This piece of crap over here Paul, he already said his spiel. I think we got the idea.”
Paul Heyman nods his head and says to Brock that it is okay for them to leave. Austin and Lesnar stare one another down, although this time it looks like a look of respect from both sides as opposed to intimidation.
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “So last night, man was that one hell of a fight. I can honestly tell you all that I left every last bit of myself out there last night. Let’s just call it how it went down. Stone Cold Steve Austin got his ass kicked. I had my leg wrapped around the ringpost. I had a camera bashed right over my head. And then of course the big one, that 300-pound son-of-a-bitch flew through the air and pretty broke every damn bone in my body. Now it wasn’t one sided. I got a couple Stunners in. A few good chair shots. But that big bastard just kept getting up. It took a long time, thirteen years, but you gotta call it when it happens. I found someone that Stone Cold just couldn’t beat. That someone proved to be Brock Lesnar. I don’t feel good any of this. I don’t know if I ever will. I always said if I couldn’t be the best out there then it was time to call it….”
Fans begin to boo as they realize what Stone Cold is saying…
“ONE MORE MATCH!” “ONE MORE MATCH!”
“ONE MORE MATCH!” “ONE MORE MATCH!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “It has been a hell of a run guys. Especially these past six or seven years. I carried the WWF back from the brink, and all you guys were right behind me. I said hell, let’s save WCW, and hell we did that too. We even had a little more fun in ECW again, and it was great to wrestle there one more time. But last night was it for Stone Cold. I know I’ve always been a bit standoffish for my career, but I truly do love all you guys. I know J.R. is here, so let’s bring him down here. All of you here with us tonight, let’s drink a little beer, or a lot of beer, have a little fun, and let’s cap off one hell of a career! Let’s get some beers in here!”
“THANK YOU STONE COLD!”
“THANK YOU STONE COLD!”
“THANK YOU STONE COLD!”
“THANK YOU STONE COLD!”
“Glass Shatters” plays as the beers get thrown into the ring. J.R. comes down to join him. Austin and J.R. toast one another as Stone Cold calls it a career! Austin makes sure to climb the turnbuckles at each corner to salute the fans one more time!
Mike Tenay: “Unbelievable, what a night! And it looks like we’ve seen the last of Stone Cold Steve Austin in the ring!”
Don West: “I never thought I’d see this tonight, Mike.”
Mike Tenay: “Absolutely insane…HEY, WHO’S THAT?”
A man slides into the ring while Austin is saluting the fans on the turnbuckles…and smashes a guitar over Austin’s head, knocking him to the floor!
Don West: “Jeff Jarrett! Mike, that’s Jeff Jarrett!”
Mike Tenay: “What the hell is going on?”
Don West: “That’s Road Dogg and Billy Gunn with him!”
Jeff Jarrett slugs Jim Ross as the New Age Outlaws beat down Stone Cold on the outside. Jarrett orders the protective mats on the floor to be pulled back. Jarrett sets Austin up, then he and the Outlaws spike Austin on the floor with a spike piledriver! Diamond Dallas Page and Shane McMahon run down, but Jarrett, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn escape through the crowd as Nitro goes off the air!
Mike Tenay: “Oh God...we gotta go...I think Stone Cold is hurt...
WCW World Champion
Booker T (Defeated Kurt Angle on 12-29-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Diamond Dallas Page (Defeated Christian on 12-29-02)
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
Jamie Noble and Kid Kash (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu on 12-29-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Ultimo Dragon (Defeated Tajiri on 12-29-02)
World Women’s Champion
Gail Kim (Defeated Victoria on 12-29-02)
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. Lynn and Styles failed to win back the titles at Starrcade, although they did eliminate RVD and Sabu
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. They retained the titles at Starrcade. The LOD look like they are coming for them next.
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. Booker T converted that title shot into his 5th WCW World Championship. Has his first successful defense on Nitro against Christian before getting attacked by a returning R-Killa, who stole the WCW World Title belt from him
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. Lesnar continued his path of destruction by destroying Stone Cold at Starrcade for perhaps the biggest win of his career
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. Total Impact would defeat the Wolfpac at Starrcade
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. DDP got the better of him at Starrcade, leaving Christian titleless
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. Has seemed to have patched things with him since O’Haire left the NWO
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…and did it again to cost Victoria the Women’s Title against Gail Kim at Starrcade
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. 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. DDP would defeat Christian at Starrcade to win the US Title, and made it clear he still had the WCW World Title set in his sights
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, but couldn’t come up with the victory against him at Starrcade
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. Unfortunately, The A.O.D. prevailed at Starrcade
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, which she won for her first world title
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. The Giant accomplished something he was never able to do in the past seven years when he pinned Hulk Hogan clean 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. The Giant would kick out of the legdrop and pin Hogan at Starrcade, potentially killing Hulkamania once and for all
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jeff Jarrett: – Jeff Jarrett has shockingly returned to WCW on the night after Starrcade 2002 and took out a retiring Stone Cold with a guitar...his reasons are unknown
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 failed to regain the titles at Starrcade as Jamie Noble and Kid Kash won the three-way dance
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. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
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…but would drop it to Booker T at Starrcade. To get a rematch, it looks like he’ll have to defeat the man he beat for the WCW World Title the night after Starrcade 2001: Ric Flair
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. Total Impact would emerge victorious at Starrcade
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. The LOD would help lead their team in a victory over Raven’s Warriors at Starrcade. Now, they perhaps look to win one last World Tag Team Title
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold.
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven. At Starrcade, Raven would attack Mick Foley…and Foley would get hit with an inadvertent GORE from Rhyno in the ECW World Title match at Starrcade. After Rhyno’s loss, Rhyno would GORE down Mick Foley again
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. Total Impact would beat the Wolfpac at Starrcade
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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
R-Killa: – Ron Killings debuted in early 2002 in ECW as R-Killa and quickly former a team with Mark Henry. Killa and Henry would shortly become ECW World Tag Team Champions and also instigated a feud with Harlem Heat, specifically Booker T. R-Killa and Booker T feuded throughout the summer, ultimately leading to a (real) Harlem Street Fight where Booker left R-Killa lying on the street at Anarchy Rulz. R-Killa would disappear until the night after Starrcade 2002, attacking the new WCW World Champion Booker, and stealing the title belt
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. Raven would survive Rhyno’s challenge for the ECW World Championship at Starrcade. He now must look to rebuild his Warriors
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. Rhyno would fail in his attempt to win the title at Starrcade, accidentally GORING Mick Foley in the process. He seemingly blamed Mick too as he would hit him with another GORE afterwards.
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. Flair would defeat Guerrero at Starrcade 2002, then challenge Kurt Angle for a match for Revenge
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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to 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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to 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. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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 got his revenge at Starrcade, easily defeating Steiner. With the status of the NWO’s future uncertain, Scott Steiner’s future is just as uncertain
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. O’Haire would defeat Steiner in minutes, but with HHH now banned from Alliance, how will he get his hands on him? O’Haire told Shane McMahon on Nitro he needs to figure that out
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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. With the NWO’s future likely in limbo with HHH’s loss at Starrcade, Shane McMahon will look to build a new future of WCW around new champion Booker T
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. In a 30-minute classic, HBK showed he still had what it took to be one of the top guys in the industry, but he ultimately fell to Sting 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. Benjamin helped lead his team to victory over 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. Celebrated with his brother after Booker T won the WCW World Championship at Starrcade
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. Sting proved he could beat Shawn Michaels when he did at Starrcade 2002
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. Austin put up a hell of a fight, but Lesnar would beat Austin and leave Austin battered and beaten. Austin announced his retirement the next night…before Jeff Jarrett arrived and took him out with a guitar, seemingly causing a severe neck injury.
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, but dropped it to 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…a move that would cost him his Alliance career as he failed to win the match
Ultimo Dragon: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade, and converted that opportunity into a his first title reign in over four years
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. Kim would defeat Victoria…with a little help from Daffney
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
ECW/WCW Guilty as Charged 2003 – January 12, 2003
WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 – February 2, 2003
#1 Contender for the WCW World Championship – Winner Gets a Shot at SuperBrawl XIII
Kurt Angle vs. Ric Flair
I'd like to thank everyone who has been following this thread over the past three (!) years. Especially this past year I had a lot of personal issues to deal with and writing this BTB was the primary way to get through those issues. Those who've even dropped a lone like helped me get through that time immensely. So I thank you all. This BTB was designed to be a two-year in-universe project (well, 25 months) and we've reached the end of year one. Now, if I somehow miraculously make it through Starrcade 2003, I do have further plans for the project, but let's see how long it takes to reach that point. Anyway, thank you all once again. I have some fun ideas for 2003!
2002 Year In Review*
*Including December 2001
History of PPV Results w/ Dave Melzer Ratings
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2001 – 12/30/01 – MCI Center, Washington, D.C.
ECW World Television Championship: Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) pinned Sabu - ****1/4 Mike Awesome pinned Masato Tanaka - ***1/4
.ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Los Guerreros - **1/2 Lance Storm pinned The Great Muta - **1/2 World Cruiserweight Championship: Six Pack Challenge (One Fall): Tajiri (c) defeated Super Crazy, Psicosis, Juventud Guerrera, Jamie Noble, and Kid Kash - ** Buried Alive: Raven defeated Mortis - **** Harlem Street Fight: Booker T defeated R-Killa - ***3/4
.ECW World Championship: Barbed Wire Steel Cage: Rob Van Dam pinned Brock Lesnar (c) - ***3/4
WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 – 9/1/02 – Key Arena, Seattle, WA
WCW World Championship: Triple H (c) pinned Booker T in 27:25 to retain the title - ****1/4 ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Elix Skipper and Shane Helms - ***1/2 ECW World Television Championship: Sabu pinned Rey Mysterio Jr. (c) - ***1/2 Weapons Mix'N'Match Lumberjack Match: X-Pac pinned Mike Awesome - DUD ECW World Championship: Mexican Strap Match: Rob Van Dam (c) defeated Eddie Guerrero - ***1/2 Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship: Kurt Angle wins - **
.WCW United States Championship: Kurt Angle pinned Christian (c) - ** WCW World Tag Team Championship: Steel Cage Match: Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant defeated The Outsiders (c) - **1/2
WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 – 9/29/02 – Ford Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown defeated William Regal, Fit FInlay, and Dave Taylor - *** World Cruiserweight Championship: Super Crazy (c) pinned Chavo Guerrero Jr. in 8:48 to retain the title - *** World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Molly Marvel - ** ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Bam Bam Bigelow and Gangrel - **1/4 #1 Contender for the ECW Television Championship: Three Way Dance: Shelton Benjamin defeated Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio Jr. - ***1/4
.ECW Television Championship: Tajiri pinned Sabu (c) - ***1/4 ECW World Championship: Raven pinned Rob Van Dam (c) - ***1/2 Battle Royal to Determine the #1 Contender for the WCW United States Championship: Christian wins - *1/2
.War GamesKurt Angle, Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, and "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan defeated Triple H, Sean O'Haire, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Brock Lesnar - ****1/2
WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 – 10/27/02 – MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Any-Match-You-Want Ladder Match: Eddie Guerrero defeated Rob Van Dam - ****1/2 ECW World Tag Team Championship: AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn (c) defeated Lance Storm and Chris Candido - ***1/2 ECW Television Championship: Shelton Benjamin pinned Tajiri (c) - ***1/4 Kurt Angle pinned Sean O'Haire - **1/2 The Giant pinned Diamond Dallas Page - *1/2 WCW World Tag Team Championship - Four Corners Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (c) defeated Christian and Rene Dupree, Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio Jr., and Elix Skipper and Shane Helms - ** Brock Lesnar pinned Booker T - ***1/2 World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Molly Marvel - * WCW World Championship: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan pinned Triple H (c) - **1/4
ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 – 11/24/02 – HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Rob Van Dam and Sabu defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles (c) - ****1/4 If Total Impact Win, They Get a Match With the Outsiders: Total Impact (Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome) defeated X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert) - * International Three-Way Dance for the World Cruiserweight Championship: Tajiri defeated Super Crazy (c) and Little Guido - ***1/2 Flaming Tables Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, Deacon Batista, and Altar Boy Spike) defeated The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Balls Mahoney, and Axl Rotten - *1/2 Brock Lesnar pinned Shelton Benjamin - *** World Women's Championship: Victoria (c) pinned Daffney - ***1/4 ECW World Championship: Raven (c) pinned Rey Mysterio Jr. - ***1/4 Stone Cold Steve Austin pinned Eddie Guerrero - ****
ECW/WCW WrestleWar 2002 – 11/30/02 – Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
WrestleWar War Rumble #1: Booker T wins - ***1/2 WrestleWar War Rumble #2: Rob Van Dam wins - **1/2 WrestleWar War Rumble #3: Brock Lesnar wins - ***1/2 WCW World Championship: Kurt Angle made Hulk Hogan (c) submit - 1/2* Women's War Rumble: Gail Kim wins - 1/2* WrestleWar Final Battle: Booker T defeated Rob Van Dam and Brock Lesnar - ***3/4
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 – 12/29/02 – Bank One Ballpark, Phoenix, AZ
Ric Flair pinned Eddie Guerrero - ***3/4 World Cruiserweight Championship: Ultimo Dragon made Tajiri (c) - **1/2 WCW United States Championship: Diamond Dallas Page pinned Christian (c) - **1/4 Billy Kidman, Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr. and The Road Warriors defeated Raven's Warriors (Mikey Whipwreck, Saturn, Malice, Crush, and Wrath) - DUD ECW World Tag Team Championship - Three-Way Dance: Kid Kash and Jamie Noble defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu (c), and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles - ***1/4 Sean O'Haire pinned Scott Steiner - 1/2* WCW World Tag Team Championship - Six-Man Tag Team Match: The Archdiocese of Dudleyville (Brother Bubba, Reverend D-Von, and Deacon Batista) (c) defeated Elix Skipper, Shane Helms, and Monty Brown - * The Giant pinned Hulk Hogan - *1/2 Total Impact (Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome) defeated NWO Wolfpac (Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and X-Pac) ** Brock Lesnar pinned Stone Cold Steve Austin - ****1/4 World Women's Championship: Gail Kim pinned Victoria (c) - 1/2* ECW World Championship: Raven (c) pinned Rhyno - ***1/4 WCW World Championship - Triangle Elimination Match - If Triple H Does Not Win He Leaves Alliance Forever: Booker T defeated Kurt Angle (c), and Triple H - ****1/4 Sting pinned Shawn Michaels - *****
Despite completely dressed and geared up as a football player, helmet and all, Lesnar still feels weary about even coming close to the barbed wire. Sabu throws the barbed wire chair at Lesnar, who bats it down, but as a result allows Sabu to dive and grab Lesnar’s leg. Lesnar tries to wrestle Sabu off, but Sabu is relentless until Lesnar crashes to the mat just inches away from the wire. Sabu tries to get the football helmet off Lesnar, but Lesnar shoves him off and Sabu ends up in the wire already! A piece of the helmet broke off so Lesnar takes it off in frustration and bashes Sabu, who’s still stuck in the wire, over the head with it! Lesnar continually bashes Sabu with the helmet until the wire gives way and Sabu crashes to the floor on the outside. Lesnar follows Sabu to the outside, to which Sabu takes a piece of the wire and whips it in Lesnar’s face, with Lesnar reacting like he’s been shot! Sabu still has some wire on him as he launches his entire body at Lesnar and they crash into the guardrail! Lesnar’s already bleeding from the whip, and Sabu has cuts from several parts of his body.
Lesnar rolls Sabu back into the ring and carefully gets back in himself. Parts of the football jersey he wore to the ring has already ripped. Lesnar stomps away on Sabu but Sabu gets a lowblow! Sabu hits Lesnar with a frankensteiner, 1…2…Lesnar shoves Sabu off and Sabu goes face first into the barbed wire again! Lesnar doesn’t know what to make of this as he hits Sabu with some punches, then whips Sabu into the wire! Sabu crumbles to the canvas as Lesnar covers, 1…2…Sabu kicks out. Lesnar audibly calls Sabu a ”sick fuck” as he asks Heyman how he should finish this off. Lesnar turns his attention back to Sabu though and Sabu again tosses the barbed wire chair in Lesnar’s face! The wire definitely caught Lesnar this time! Blood drips from Lesnar’s head as Sabu dropkicks him into the corner. Sabu sets up a chair and goes for Air Sabu…only Lesnar moves and Sabu goes flying into the barbed wire and violently bounces off it!
Joey Styles: “Oh my God! That’s…that’s how he ripped his bicep open five years ago!”
Heyman calls for someone in the back and C.W. Anderson makes his way out and sets up a table at ringside. Lesnar picks up Sabu and plants him with a powerbomb in the middle of the ring! 1…2…Sabu kicks out. Lesnar can’t believe this match is even continuing as Sabu is already a cut-up mess. Lesnar sets up for the F5, but Sabu counters into a swinging DDT!Anderson gets up on the apron and Sabu hangmans him cross the top wire! Sabu rips off Lesnar’s football jersey, then whips him into the barbed wire! Sabu then launches himself at Lesnar and the wire gives way, causing both men again to crash onto the floor tied up in barbed wire! Sabu puts Lesnar on the table that Anderson set-up on the outside, then climbs onto the top of the ringpost (after struggling to free himself of some of the wire that tied he and Lesnar together). Alfonso hands Sabu the barbed wire chair…Arabian Facebuster with the barbed wire chair off the top of the ringpost misses as Anderson pulls Lesnar off the table!Sabu crashes through the table on the floor, landing right on his barbed wire chair!
Joey Styles: “Oh My God!” Tazz I think, we’ve seen Sabu do some insane thing but there’s no way he’s coming back from that!”
As Anderson helps Lesnar get back in the ring new TV Champion Rob Van Dam runs down and attacks Anderson! RVD evens the odds as he and Anderson go at one another up the rampway! Somehow Sabu, who by all accounts should be broken in pieces, gets back into the ring. Lesnar doesn’t give him an inch though as he hits Sabu with a stiff kick and sets up the F5…but drops Sabu in the F5 on the barbed wire ropes! Sabu violently flips into the ring after landing on the wire and Lesnar covers him, 1…2…Sabu still gets a shoulder up and Lesnar is absolutely stunned (as is Heyman)! Lesnar sees that Heyman has the football helmet and demands Heyman give it to him. Lesnar also adjusts his gloves…and he starts to rip off the remaining barbed wire ropes and stuff them in the helmet. Sabu tries to get to his feet, but Lesnar smashes the helmet over his head once again. Lesnar has the football helmet stuffed with barbed wire, and forces it on Sabu’s head, making him wear it!
Joey Styles: “That sick son-of-a-bitch!”
Lesnar has the helmet on Sabu and we can clearly see the blood pouring from the face mask. Lesnar puts Sabu in a camel clutch position, with his knee firmly in Sabu’s back as he presses on the helmet, driving the barbed wire further into Sabu’s skull!RefereeJim Molineaux can’t get a response from Sabu anymore and ends the match!
Winner: Brock Lesnar via referee stoppage in 16:42 (Retains)
Lesnar rips the helmet off of Sabu’s head and what remains is a bloodied Sabu with some of the wire stuck in his head and hair. Lesnar spikes the helmet down as he’s handed the ECW World Title belt. He takes some of Sabu’s blood and paints his own chest with it, before raising the title above his head. Paul Heyman looks happy about Lesnar’s victory, but also seems very concerned as Bill Alfonso and officials work on Sabu.
Tazz: “Joey, we can say whatever we want about Lesnar, but tonight man, tonight proved that Lesnar’s different man.”
We come back to Nitro with the lumberjacks around the ring. Representing the NWO are The Big Bossman, X-Pac, Justin Credible, Kevin Nash, Sean O’Haire and Scott Hall. On the ECW side it’s Lance Storm, Chris Candido, Tommy Dreamer, Spike Dudley, The Sandman, Perry Saturn, Bam Bam Bigelow and Gangrel.
Awesome knocks Triple H off the apron during HHH’s entrance, but the NWO gather around him before the ECW lumberjacks can get their hands on him. HHH slides into the ring and is immediately backdropped by Awesome! Awesome hits HHH with a jumping shoulder block and covers, 1…HHH kicks out right away. HHH seems like he’s had enough, but Awesome doesn’t care and clotheslines him over the top rope! Bigelow pounds away on HHH on the outside as again a war looks to break out on the outside, but HHH is eventually thrown back in. Awesome tosses HHH into the corner and avalanches him, then tosses him across the ring like a sack of potatoes! HHH tries to get away, but forgets that ECW competitors are waiting for him on the outside. HHH turns around into a big boot from Awesome! Cover again, 1…2…HHH just gets the shoulder up. Awesome boots HHH and sets him up for an Awesome Bomb, but HHH adjusts his position, then backdrops Awesome to the outside on the NWO side!
Now it’s Kevin Nash and Scott Hall laying a beating on HHH as the ECW side comes over to make the save! Nash tosses Awesome back in and it isn’t clear how much longer tensions on the outside can be held back. HHH hits Awesome with a kneedrop, then completely slows the match down with an Indian Deathlock. Awesome refuses to submit so HHH changes his strategy and pummels away at Awesome in the corner. HHH whips Awesome into the opposite corner, but Awesome leaps up to the top rope and hits HHH with a flying back elbow! A dazed HHH takes a swing at Awesome but misses, and Awesome hits a beautiful bridging German suplex! 1…2…Bossman hits Awesome in the knee with his nightstick, breaking the pin! Multiple officials have come to ringside to make sure a NWO-ECW fight doesn’t break out. HHH elbowdrops the knee, then locks in a Figure-Four! Awesome screams in pain, but still refuses to submit.
Awesome uses all the energy he has and turns the figure-four around, putting the pressure on HHH! They eventually roll to the ropes and referee Billy Silverman breaks them up. Awesome gets back to his feet with a noticeable limp. Storm tosses him a chairand Awesome smashes it over Triple H’s head!We’ve got blood all over the place after that one! Awesome boots HHH and sets him up…for an Awesome Bomb over the top rope onto the ECW lumerjacks!And with that it’s chaos on the outside! The NWO and ECW go at it as HHH gets the hell beaten out of him! It looks for a moment that the NWO have the upper hand until Awesome dives over the top rope onto the entire group! Awesome slides a table into the ring and props it in the corner. HHH is thrown back into the ring as chaos ensues on the outside! Awesome sets HHH up again, running Awesome Bomb through the table into the corner! Awesome covers, 1…2…3!
Scott Hudson: “He did it! He did it, we have a new WCW World Champion! But wait, the referee’s calling it off!”
Triple H’s foot is on the bottom rope! Awesome is furious that he’s not being awarded the title, but then he realizes HHH is nearly dead as it is. He grabs HHH and sets him up for another one…but Shawn Michaelsslides in and takes Awesome out with Sweet Chin Music! HHH says something to HBK, and HBK jumps back to the outside only to slide a sledgehammer into the ring. HHH grabs the sledgehammer, but Awesome ducks! Awesome boots HHH and sets up for one more Awesome Bomb, only when Awesome has him up HHH hits him square in the face with the sledgehammer! HHH lands on top of Awesome, 1…2…3!
The replays shows HBK putting HHH's foot on the bottom rope as the Chicago crowd starts to boo!
Winner: Triple H via pinfall in 14:09 (Retains)
The lumberjack war spills into the ring as Triple H and Shawn Michaels escape with the WCW title! It takes tons of security and officials to break up the brawl!
WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002
October 27, 2002
Any-Match-You-Want Ladder Match
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rob Van Dam
Guerrero quickly sets up a ladder and climbs it as RVD is still coming down to the ring, but RVD stops him. High kick from RVD knocks Guerrero off the ladder and into the corner. RVD hits Guerrero with two shoulder thrusts, hits a back flip, then hits another shoulder thrust. RVD hits a forearm, but Guerrero fires back with punches. Guerrero tries to smash RVD into the ladder, but RVD knocks the ladder over and hits Guerrero with an elbow. RVD sends Guerrero off the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but Guerrero flips over him. Guerrero ducks the spin kick and they trade waistlocks. Guerrero hits a couple of elbows to break out, but runs right into a spinning heel kick from RVD! RVD slams Guerrero and goes for Rolling Thunder, but Guerrero rolls to the outside. Guerrero, thinking he’s outsmarted RVD, plays to the crowd, allowing RVD to fly over the top rope with a somersault plancha, taking out Guerrero!
RVD places Guerrero on the barricade. RVD climbs up to the apron and hits a spin kick off the apron onto Guerrero’s back! RVD tries to toss Guerrero into the steps, but Guerrero blocks and RVD ends up crashing shoulder-first into the steps! Guerrero pulls another ladder from under the ring and smashes it on the same shoulder! Guerrero stands the ladder up and drops it on RVD! Guerrero rolls RVD back into the ring and puts the ladder in too. Guerrero stomps away on RVD, then puts his arm in between the ladder. Guerrero slams the ladder shut on RVD’s arm, causing RVD to recoil and tend to his arm. Guerrero starts to climb the ladder, but RVD gets to his feet and pulls Guerrero off, hurting his arm when doing so. Guerrero grabs the arm and jumps up to the top rope, but RVD kicks the top turnbuckle, causing Guerrero to get crotched. RVD then slams the ladder into Guerrero’s face, and Guerrero goes flying off the top rope and crashes onto the floor!
RVD slowly heads to the outside as he tries to get the feeling back in his arm. Guerrero surprises him by throwing a chair at him, and hitting it with a dropkick, his own version of the Van Terminator! Guerrero places a ladder on the floor and slams RVD on it. Guerrero rolls into the ring, then comes over the top rope with a senton on the ladder…but RVD moved out of the way! Guerrero lies in agony on the ladder as RVD slide into the ring. Rolling Thunder, with the finish being a flip over the top rope and onto Guerrero and the ladder, connects! RVD makes his way back into the ring and climbs the ladder with one arm. He gets somewhat close to the contract, but Guerrero has made his way back into the ring. Guerrero slams RVD’s knee into the ladder, adding another damaged limb to RVD’s body. Guerrero then climbs up the ladder, only to back suplex RVD off of it! Guerrero locks RVD in the Lasso From El Paso, doing more damage to the leg!
Guerrero finally releases after a minute, then sends RVD into the corner. Guerrero charges in, but RVD moves (falls) out of the way and Guerrero crashes into the corner. RVD, now limping too, goes for a monkey flip, but he doesn’t have the leg strength and Guerrero just pushes him down. Guerrero grabs the ladder, but RVD finds the strength to pop to his feet and hit a Van Daminator, only with a ladder instead of a chair! Both men lie in the ring with two ladders, trying to get back to their feet. RVD gets to his feet, and hits Guerrero with the Split-Legged Moonsault! RVD climbs up the ladder, this time using the half of his body that’s still working. Guerrero stumbles to his feet and climbs the other side. RVD gets close to the top but Guerrero slams RVD’s face into the top. Guerrero leaps over the top and hits RVD with a sunset flip into a powerbomb off the ladder! Guerrero throws RVD to the outside, although RVD lands on the apron. Guerrero climbs up the ladder, and even smiles towards the crowd when at the top…but RVD comes off the top rope and dropkicks the ladder, sending Guerrero flying and crashing into the canvas!
RVD slowly gets back to his feet and grabs a chair as Guerrero backs into the corner, trying to find a way to his feet. RVD skateboards the chair with a dropkick to the face of Guerrero! RVD stands a ladder up in the corner and monkey flips Guerrero into it! RVD climbs up the ladder, looking to finish off Guerrero for good. Guerrero makes it back to his feet though and climbs up the ladder to meet RVD. They trade punches and forearms, and Guerrero gets an especially vicious shot in. Guerrero then hooks RVD and superplexes RVD off the ladder! Guerrero drags himself back to the ladder and pulls himself up. Guerrero climbs up to the top, takes a good look at the crowd around him, and hits a Frog Splash off the ladder onto RVD! Guerrero, now tending to his ribs, stands the ladder up over RVD’s prone body. Guerrero climbs up, and while RVD shows some signs of life, he doesn’t have enough left to stop him. Guerrero gets to the top and grabs the contract, winning the match!
Winner: Eddie Guerrero in 20:03
Eddie Guerrero clutches the contract in his arms as he walks up the ramp, saying “see you Thursday, Foley!” RVD looks back at Guerrero and shakes his head, disappointed that Guerrero got him clean.
WCW Monday Night Nitro
July 15, 2002
Steel Cage Match
Curt Hennig (w/Alexis Laree) vs. Kurt Angle
Angle and Hennig come face-to-face in the middle of the ring. Hennig slaps Angle and Angle takes him down immediately! Angle hits Hennig with punch after punch after punch until Hennig is able to get away. Hennig gets a side headlock but Angle sends him off the ropes and hip tosses him with ease! Angle traps Hennig in the corner and punches away. Hennig reverses the Irish whip and sends Angle hard into the corner and follows up with a body slam. Hennig is the first to attempt to climb out of the cage, but Angle quickly pulls him back down. Hennig puts up some resistance, so Angle pulls hard and Hennig comes flying down onto the canvas. Hennig staggers to his feet, but Angle gets a hard clothesline and Hennig bounces off the cage. Hennig stumbles right back to Angle and Angle hits a belly-to-belly suplex.
Angle looks at the door, but decides he wants to deliver a little more punishment. He hits Hennig with some punches, but Hennig looks like he was playing a little possum. Angle gets a full head of steam off the ropes and Hennig sidesteps him, sending him face-first into the steel! Hennig sends Angle into the steel again, then kicks Angle’s leg out from under him. Hennig hits the ropes and grabs a sleeper. Hennig takes Angle down with the sleeper before Angle shows some signs of life trying to survive. Angle gets to his feet, but Hennig lets him go and blatantly kicks him low! As Angle writhes in pain Hennig does a cartwheel to show-off to the crowd. Angle gets back to a sitting position, but Hennig hits him with a perfect somersault cutter, snapping the neck. Hennig sends Angle hard into the corner. Angle stumbles out and Hennig boots him…and follows up with the Hennig-Plex! 1…2…Angle just kicks out!
Hennig quickly runs to the door, but Angle grabs the ankle. Hennig kicks Angle away and punches him into the corner. Hard knife-edge chops stun Angle. Hennig snapmares Angle out of the corner, then climbs up the corner to try to escape the cage. Angle tries to stop him, but Hennig kicks him away. Hennig continues to climb but Angle is quickly back up and belly-to-belly suplexes Hennig off the top rope! Angle grabs Hennig and goes for the Angle Slam, but Hennig lands on his feet and shoves Angle right into the steel wall of the cage! Hennig climbs the side of the cage, looking to escape, but Angle, now busted open, finds a way to grab Hennig’s tights. Angle kicks the top rope and Hennig falls and crotches himself on the top rope! Angle climbs up onto Hennig…and hits an Angle Slam off the ropes! Angle decides to climb out to win, but Sean O’Haire runs down to the ring and climbs to meet Angle. Angle and O’Haire trade shots up on top of the cage, and Angle punches O’Haire to the point that O’Haire gives up and drops back to the floor. Angle looks at the crowd…and climbs all the way to the very top of the cage…and hits Hennig with a moonsault off the top!
Don West: “Oh my god, Mike! HOLY…”
Angle, clearly in pain, drapes an arm on Hennig, 1…2…3!
Winner: Kurt Angle via pinfall in 13:02
Kurt Angle manages to get back to his feet and raises his arms in victory as Curt Hennig lies motionless in the ring as Nitro goes off the air!
Angle, HHH, and Booker all keep an eye on each of their opponents…until suddenly Angle and Booker attack HHH at the same time! HHH tries to fight them off, but to no avail. Angle sends HHH off the ropes and Booker catches HHH with a single leg dropkick! Angle goes for a German suplex, but HHH tries to elbow himself free. Booker punches HHH in the face, allowing Angle to complete the German suplex! Booker and Angle punch away at HHH in the corner and HHH tries to fire back. He’s able to punch Angle away, but Booker catches him with a Harlem sidekick! Angle hits HHH with a belly-to-belly suplex as Eric Bischoff blows a gasket at ringside! HHH stumbles into the corner but his Booker with a shot to the face. Angle ducks a clothesline from HHH, then hits him with the Angle Slam! Angle quickly locks HHH in the Ankle Lock! With HHH screaming in pain, Booker T heads to the top rope, and drops the Harlem Hangover on the back of Triple H’s neck! Angle covers HHH, 1…2…3!
Elimination #1: Triple H when he was pinned by Kurt Angle in 3:43
Don West: “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!”
Mike Tenay: “Triple H is gone!”
Tony Schiavone: “Unbelievable development here! Kurt Angle and Booker T, after weeks of telling us this wasn’t a handicap match, just came together and beat Triple H!”
Mike Tenay: “That might be it not just for Triple H, but the New World Order as well! Listen to this crowd!”
With Eric Bischoff throwing a tantrum up the ramp, Triple H, dazed, confused, and outright stunned, listens to 53,000 people send him off from Alliance!
Tony Schiavone: “Now let us find out who will be the face of WCW heading into 2003! Will it be Kurt Angle or will it be Booker T?”
Mike Tenay: “The rematch from last year’s Starrcade!”
Both Booker T and Angle get a laugh from Triple H’s exit. As the crowd’s chants begin to lessen and HHH and Bischoff disappear to the back, Angle and Booker turn their focus to one another. The intensity in the ring increases and Angle is the first to fire a shot at Booker! Booker responds and the two trade shots in the middle of the ring! Angle quickly turns it into a wrestling match as he ducks one of Booker’s shots and gets a waistlock takedown. Booker tries to escape, but Angle quickly transitions into a side headlock. Booker T gets back to his feet and sends Angle off the ropes. Booker drops down, then leapfrogs Angle, but when he tries another leapfrog Angle catches him and slams him to the canvas. Cover from Angle, 1…2…Booker kicks out. Angle hits a couple of blows to the back of the neck before sending Booker off the ropes. This time Booker ducks the clothesline and hits Angle with a flying bodypress! 1…2…Angle kicks out!
Booker wrenches on Angle’s arm before hitting him with a back kick. Snapmare takeover from Booker, followed by the side headlock. Angle fights his way to his feet and sends Booker off the ropes. Angle goes for a hip toss, but Booker counters with one of his own that sends Angle over the top rope and onto the floor! Booker doesn’t give Angle anytime to get a breather as he heads to the outside and slams Angle into the barricade. Booker slaps the hands of some fans, but that costs him as Angle picks Booker up and drops him throat-first on the barricade! Angle rams Booker into the ring apron before rolling him back into the ring. Angle stomps the right leg of Booker as it looks like he’s decided on a gameplan. Angle drops the elbow on the leg and locks in a leg grapevine, putting pressure on Booker to submit. After refusing to submit, Booker uses his other leg to kick Angle in side of the head, breaking the hold. Both men get back to their feet, but Booker slams Angle down with a spinebuster and pins him, 1…2…Angle kicks out! Angle catches Booker with a clothesline that sends him back to the floor.
Angle goes outside to get Booker and slams him into the steel steps. Angle slides Booker into the ring, but wishbones his legs around the post. Angle slams Booker’s right leg against the post multiple times. Booker tries to crawl away but when Angle gets back in the ring he elbow drops the leg again. Angle picks up Booker to get him to his feet, and Booker surprises him with a shot to the face! Booker misses a second one though and Angle plants him with a German suplex. Angle hands on and plants Booker with a second German suplex. And a third. And a fourth. TEN German suplexes later Angle releases and get a bit cocky as he mocks Booker by raising the roof. Angle drags Booker into position and heads to the top rope. Angle takes his time before going for the moonsault, only Booker moves out of the way and Angle crashes to the canvas. Both men slowly get to their feet. Booker gets a kick, then hits a roundhouse kick that knocks himself and Angle down. Booker follows up with the Spinarooni, although he notably doesn’t jump up at the end, instead ending the dance on one knee. Angle slowly gets to his feet and Booker kicks him, then comes off the ropes and hits the Scissors’ Kick! Booker with the cover, 1…2…Angle kicks out to Booker, and the fans’ disappointment.
Booker T calls for the end. He goes for the Bookend, but Angle breaks free and has Booker up for the Angle Slam, only Booker lands on his feet and kicks Angle in the face. Angle stumbles around, and Booker plants him with the Bookend! Cover, 1…2…Angle kicks out again and Booker can’t believe it! Booker heads to the top rope. Heat Seeker Missile Dropkick misses as Angle catches Booker’s leg in midair and locks in the Ankle Lock! Booker flails around to try to get to the bottom rope, but he can’t quite reach as Angle has the Ankle Lock in good! Booker bites his lip, doing everything he can to transfer the pain away from his ankle and leg overall. Angle yells at Booker to tap, but Booker uses every ounce of energy he has to drag Angle and grab onto the bottom rope! Frustration comes over Angle as he drags Booker over to the corner, again with Booker’s legs wishboned around the ring post. Angle slams Booker’s right leg against the post again, then follows up by wrapping Booker’s legs around the post in a Figure-Four! Booker screams in pain as referee Billy Silverman nearly disqualifies Angle. Angle finally releases and rolls back into the ring. Booker is unable to stand under his own power as Angle brings him to the center of the ring. Angle hits Booker with a couple of punches, but Booker blocks one, then hits Angle with a hard shot that spins Angle around. Booker rolls up Angle, 1…2…Angle just kicks out! Angle quickly kicks Booker’s damaged leg, then goes for the Angle Slam, only Booker counters with a small package, 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 24:41 (New Champion)
Tony Schiavone: “Booker T has done it!”
Mike Tenay: “This one-year journey from Booker T has ended with the WCW World Championship! I can’t think of anyone more deserving!”
Booker T uses the ropes to get back to his feet as he’s unable to do so without the ropes. Waiting for him is Kurt Angle, who has grabbed the WCW World Championship title belt. Booker and Angle lock eyes and Angle is clearly frustrated with the loss. Angle eventually nods his head and hands Booker T the title. Angle extends his hand for a handshake, which Booker T accepts! Angle leaves as Stevie Ray runs down to celebrate with his brother. The crowd cheers wildly for Booker T as he holds the WCW Championship over his head. Stevie Ray helps him out of the ring, and they make a stop at the barricade as Booker kisses his girlfriend Sharmell at ringside. Booker heads up the rampway, limping, but as WCW World Champion.
ECW/WCW Anarchy Rulz 2002
August 4, 2002
Buried Alive
Mortis (w/Sinister Minister) vs. Raven
Raven continues to just sit in the corner as Mortis stands in the middle of the ring. Mikey Whipwreck suddenly jumps into the ring and attacks Mortis, but Mortis catches him first and takes him out with a hard clothesline! Raven attacks and punches and kicks at Mortis…but to no effect. Mortis fires back with a hard shot and hits a knee lift that sends Raven to the outside. Mortis stalks Raven on the outside and then hits him right a hard right that sends Raven flying. Mortis sends Raven flying again, this time into the steel steps. Mortis starts to whip Raven into the railing, but instead changes direction, putting more power into the whip and sending Raven sideways into the railing! Mortis collects Raven but Raven gets a low blow, then hits Mortis with a Russian Legsweep into the railing! Raven retreats back into the ring…and despite just having the back of his head rammed into the steel Mortis seems completely unaffected by anything Raven has done so far.
Mortis again stalks Raven…as soon as Mortis slides into the ring Raven slides back out. Mortis starts to run after him on the outside but it was a trap as Raven hits a droptoehold and Mortis crashes into the steel steps face-first. Raven stomps away at Mortis on the floor, but Mortis just grabs Raven’s leg and shoves him off. Raven slides back into the ring as Mortis follows. Raven stomps away on Mortis but Mortis hits a wild haymaker that stuns Raven. Mortis whips Raven into the ropes but holds onto his arm, pulling Raven back in and catching him with a low knee to the midsection. Mortis sets Raven up for the Flatliner, but Raven holds onto the ropes and Mortis crashes onto the canvas. Raven slides to the outside and grabs both of Mortis’s legs…and pulls them into the ringpost like a wishbone! Raven grabs a steel chair as Mortis falls to the floor. Raven jumps off the steps and nails Mortis with the chair! Raven takes Mortis and sets him up on the steps…and hits a piledriver on them!Raven waves for someone to come down, and here comes Malice.
Raven orders Malice to bring Mortis to the grave, but when Malice picks up Mortis, Mortis slides behind him and rams him into the ring post. Mortis picks up the chair and wallops Malice over the head! Raven slides back into the ring as he doesn’t realize Mortis has taken out Malice. Mortis throws the steel steps into the ring and brings the chair with him too. Raven turns around right into a violent chair shot by Mortis that busts Raven wide open! Mortis positions the steel steps in the center of the ring when Tajiri runs down. Tajiri hits Mortis with some kicks, but Mortis blocks the last one and boots Tajiri hard. Mortis then puts his leg on the back of Tajiri’s neck and hits a version of a rocket dropper to Tajiri on the steel steps! But now Mortis is the one who turns around and gets smashed by a chair shot from Raven! Raven quickly picks Mortis back up and plants him with the Evenflow DDT! Raven tries to pin Mortis, a momentary lapse of judgment, before locking eyes with the Sinister Minister.
Raven slides to the outside and stalks the Minister…before grabbing him. The Sinister Minister tries to escape by hitting Raven with the cane he has, but Raven shrugs that off and drops him with an Evenflow DDT on the floor! Raven drags the Sinister Minister into the ring, sets up the chair in the ring and puts the Minister on it in a sitting position. Raven grabs Mortis by the hair, forcing him to look at the Minister as he tells Mortis that “he (Raven) has won the war!” Raven shoves the Minister aside, but Mortis suddenly awakens and tosses Raven into the corner. Mortis hits hard punches and kicks before propping Raven on the turnbuckles. Mortis joins him up there…and leaps back with the Flatliner onto the open steel chair and steel steps!
Joey Styles: “Oh my god!”
Tazz: “I’ve never seen anything like that, Joey!”
Mortis checks on the Sinister Minister first, before pointing to the grave. Mortis carries a lifeless Raven on his shoulder down to the grave. Mortis then sets Raven up for another Flatliner next to the grave! Mortis hits the Flatliner with Raven flying face-first into the hole! Mortis grabs a nearby shovel and begins to bury Raven. Mikey Whipwreck and Tajiri try to stop him, but Mortis takes them both out with hard haymakers that sends them off the hill of dirt to the floor. Mortis then sees there is a cement truck with dirt and heads to that…but he’s attacked again…by Adams and Clarke?
Joey Styles: “Kronik?! What the hell are they doing here. And that’s Stevie Richards with them…I thought he was doing the BWO thing?!”
Tazz: “They don’t looked dressed like they did as Kronik though Joey? Wasn’t Clarke once Wrath?”
Joey Styles: “You’re right Tazz…and I mean, even though he was never in WCW or ECW…does that means Adams is Crush? Anyway they are beating the hell out of Mortis!”
Mortis tries to fight off Kronik but he gets overpowered easily. Kronik beat him down with shovels as Malice gets a still lifeless Raven out of the grave. Kronik set Mortis up and hit High Times…the Double Chokeslam…into the grave!
Joey Styles: “That had to be a 15 foot drop!”
Raven finally shows signs of life as he climbs into the cement truck. Raven drops the tons of dirt over Mortis’ body, winning the match.
Winner: Raven in 21:21
Raven poses in a crucifix position before collapsing into Kronik’s arms. Adams and Clarke carry Raven to the back, with Raven saying “the war is over!”
Brock swings at Cactus but Cactus moves. Brock tries another wild shot but Cactus ducks again, then gets his own punches. Cactus punches away at Lesnar in the corner, over and over again! Cactus goes for the Irish whip for Lesnar reverses it right into an overhead belly-to-belly suplex! Lesnar jogs in the middle of the ring as Cactus climbs up on the apron. Lesnar tries to knock Cactus off the apron, but Cactus moves and Lesnar has his head exposed between the ropes. Knee lift from Cactus knocks Lesnar back into the ring and he stumbles backwards. Cactus runs in and hits the Cactus clothesline sending both he and Lesnar to the floor! Cactus waits for Lesnar to get back to his feet and hits him with a running swinging neckbreaker on the floor! Cactus climbs up to the apron…runs down and hits the running elbow drop on Lesnar!
“BANG BANG!”
Cactus moves the top half of the ring steps and pulls out a line of barbed wire…then starts whipping Lesnar’s back with it! Lesnar’s looks more shocked about the pain than hurt! Cactus continues to whip Lesnar and the blood is starting to drip from Lesnar’s back already! Lesnar rolls back in the ring to try to escape. Cactus takes the wire and wraps it around a steel chair. Cactus smashes the barbed wire chair over Lesnar’s back! Cactus does it a second time and the wire gets stuck in Lesnar’s back in a ridiculous visual!
Joey Styles:“I’m not quite sure the world champion really knew what he was getting into here!”
Cactus goes for the headshot, but Lesnar ducks and shoulder tackles Cactus all the way into the corner. He drives his shoulder into Cactus’ gut several times, then quickly takes the barbed wire chair and smashes Cactus over the head with it! Lesnar drops the chair almost shocked at what he just did, but he’s even more shocked that a now bloodied Cactus gets back to his feet rather quickly! Lesnar knees Cactus in the stomach and tosses him to the outside. Brock follows Cactus out there but Cactus grabbed a fire extinguisher from under the ring and sprays it all over Lesnar, blinding him! Brock falls out onto the floor and Cactus smashes the extinguisher over his head! Lesnar crawls down the aisle to the entrance and Cactus stalks him. Lesnar staggers to his feet and Cactus punches away at him. Cactus takes a nearby chair and runs at Lesnar, but Lesnar counters and tosses Cactus into the brick part of the entrance set, knocking it all down! Lesnar sets up a table on the stage and finds Cactus buried underneath the set. He looks to F5 him through the table, but Cactus counters by landing behind Lesnar and hitting a low blow. Cactus takes Lesnar and they end up on top of the table. Cactus piledrives Lesnar through the table on the stage! He makes a cover, 1…2…Lesnar just kicks out!
Joey Styles:“I didn’t even know this was Falls Count Anywhere!”
Cactus punches Lesnar a few times, then looks to knock him off the stage into the production equipment below! He winds up, but C.W. Anderson stops him with a chair shot that has no effect on Cactus! Cactus takes the chair and whallops Anderson! Brock nails Cactus from behind though and takes the chair himself. Brock violently smashes the chair over Cactus’ head, and Cactus goes flying off the stage through some tables and production equipment...knocking out some of the lights!Paul Heyman comes out and yells at Brock to go cover Cactus, which he does. 1…2…Cactus kicks out! Brock looks at the ECW crowd and for the first time looks completely rattled. Brock tosses Cactus back down the aisle, but then lifts him on his shoulders. Brock takes Cactus over to the ring post and F5s him right into it! Brock rolls Cactus back into the ring and covers him, 1…2…Cactus gets his shoulder up and Brock can’t believe it! Brock grabs the barbed wire chair, but Cactus hits him with a drop toehold and Brock’s head crashes right into the barbed wire!
Joey Styles:“Oh my god! Brock’s all cut up all over the place. And, what’s Cactus Jack got there…oh no, are those tacks?!”
Cactus has found a bad under the ring and dumps out thousands of thumbtacks on the canvas. Cactus turns around but Brock was ready for him and lifts him up for the F5…but Cactus counters with the Mandible Claw of all things! This could be it right here as Lesnar’s losing it! Cactus steps over Lesnar’s back with the Claw locked in as the referee raises Lesnar’s arm, but it drops. He raises it a second time but it drops again. A third time…but Lesnar suddenly stands up as has Cactus Jack on his back! It’s shades of Hell in a Cell 1998as Lesnar drops back and Cactus goes back first into the tacks!
Brock Lesnar:“YOU IDIOTS WANT TO SEE FUCKIN’ HARDCORE?!”
Lesnar calls C.W. Anderson down. Anderson sets up a table in the ring and hands Lesnar something…it’s a book of matches! Anderson sprays lighter fluid on the table and Lesnar sets the table ablaze! Cactus, despite being a human pincushion, knocks Anderson out of the ring, but Lesnar boots him and sets him up for a powerbomb through the flaming table! Cactus has a hand of tacks and throws them in Lesnar’s face! Clothesline attempt from Cactus though leads to Lesnar picking Cactus up on his shoulders…and Lesnar F5s Cactus through the flaming table!
Joey Styles:“OH MY GOD OH MY GOD CACTUS WENT INTO THE FLAMES FACE-FIRST! SOMEONE STOP THIS!”
Fire safety personnel extinguish the flames around and ON Cactus’s body and put out the fire, but Brock chases them all away. Brock lifts Cactus up one more time, F5! 1…2…3!
Winner: Brock Lesnar via pinfall in 21:21 (Retains)
Brock Lesnar holds the ECW World Championship down the aisle until he gets to the wreckage left from the entrance set. Paul Heyman is in complete shock and has his hand on his face as the bloodied Lesnar walks past him, title over his head.
Joey Styles:“Is Mick alive…can someone see if he’s okay. I know he’s the toughest son-of-a-bitch on the planet but he was literally dropped face-first in flames, oh my god the s.o.b. is actually getting up!”
Cactus Jack, Mick Foley manages to stand up in the carnage left in the ring. He manages to raise his arm and gets a standing ovation from the crowd as Barely Legal II comes to a close!
“FOLEY!” “FOLEY!” “FOLEY!”
WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002
September 29, 2002
War Games
Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page, The Giant, “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean O’Haire, and Brock Lesnar
Angle goes to work on O’Haire right away, hitting him with punches in the corner. O’Haire keeps trying to swing back at Angle, but Angle keeps ducking, then he goes back to firing away at O’Haire. Angle sends O’Haire into the corner, but O’Haire leaps up to the top rope and backflips over Angle. O’Haire tries a roundhouse kick, but Angle ducks it, then hits O’Haire with a German suplex. Angle tries for another one, but O’Haire elbows him in the face, then hits Angle with the ridge hand, followed by a knee lift. O’Haire stomps away on Angle, before picking him up and setting him up for a suplex. O’Haire gets Angle up, but instead of finishing the move O’Haire just drops Angle down. O’haire heads up to the top rope, but Angle gets to his feet. O’Haire somersaults off the top rope and lands on his feet, then catches Angle with a backbreaker.
O’Haire elbows Angle on the canvas before heading to the top rope again. For the second time Angle gets up and meets O’Haire up there, and this time O’Haire can’t escape. Angle throws O’Haire off the top rope with a belly-to-belly suplex! German suplex from Angle! Angle holds onto O’Haire and hits him with a second German. And a third! And a fourth! Angle releases on the fifth before he roars to the crowd! Angle goes for the Ankle Lock, but O’Haire rolls through and Angle goes between the turnbuckles and hits the ring post shoulder-first. Big yakuza kick from O’Haire knocks Angle down. O’haire sets Angle up for a powerbomb, but Angle rolls through, then grabs the ankle and locks in the Ankle Lock! O’Haire has to endure this pain about another 30-40 seconds. O’Haire tries to break free, but he can’t as Angle has it in good. The 10 count begins as we’re about to find out who won the coin toss…
Tony Schiavone: “We are just seconds away from finding out who won the coin toss. Will Sean O’Haire get someone to save him, or will someone join Kurt Angle in punishing O’Haire…”
“The Game” plays…here comes Triple H!
Mike Tenay: “The NWO has won the coin toss!”
Don West: “And what a strategic move! Nobody had Triple H coming in second for his team!”
HHH runs down to the ring, but Angle tosses O’Haire into the other ring, then attacks HHH as soon as he enters the cage! HHH and Angle go at one another on the outside, and Angle sends HHH flying into the cage! Angle knocks HHH down, then catapults him into the ring post! Angle then runs over to the other ring to pound away on O’Haire some more. Angle tosses O’Haire with a belly-to-belly suplex, then runs back to HHH. HHH is already busted open, but he was playing a little possum…as he hits Angle with a sledgehammer that he grabbed from under the ring! HHH rolls Angle, who’s now also busted wide open, into the ring. HHH stomps away on Angle, then locks him in an Indian Deathlock. HHH wipes the blood from his head as he has Angle wrapped up. O’Haire comes over and begins to punch away at Angle, and Angle has no escape. They continue to do this until the clock runs down.
Tony Schiavone: “Here comes the Bookerman!”
Booker T enters the cage. HHH releases the Indian Deathlock and gets the sledgehammer, but Booker T ducks it and nails HHH with a roundhouse kick. Harlem sidekick to O’Haire. Booker slams O’Haire into the corner, then hits him with a flapjack when he stumbles out. Booker T comes off the ropes and ducks the HHH clothesline, then hits HHH with a flying forearm. Spinarooni from Booker! Booker boots HHH and hits him with the Scissors’ Kick! O’Haire hits Booker from behind, but Booker ducks the clothesline and plants O’Haire with the Bookend! With HHH and O’Haire temporarily disabled, Booker goes to check on Angle. HHH gets back to his feet and shoves Booker into Angle, sending Angle to the floor. Booker takes HHH out with another roundhouse kick, then punches away at him. Booker slams HHH into the corner, then punches and chops away at him until the clock begins to count down. Booker slams HHH into the turnbuckles one more time before waiting to see who’s next.
Don West: “Here comes Scott Hall! He’s been in War Games before!”
Scott Hall makes his way down and enters the cage…and while Booker T waits for him HHH takes advantage and hits Booker with a low blow! Hall slides in and punches away at Booker. Hall picks up Booker and tosses him over his head with a fall away slam! O’Haire drags Booker to the outside and runs him into the cage. HHH has Angle and punches away at him in the second ring. O’Haire sends Booker into the cage again before rolling him back into the ring. Scott Hall stomps away on Booker, then takes him down with a chokeslam. Hall locks in a sleeper on Booker as O’Haire kicks Booker in the midsection. Booker fires a kick at O’Haire, then counters the sleeper with a belly-to-back suplex. Booker shoves O’Haire into the corner, then mounts and punches away at him…but this lets Hall sneak up behind Booker…and drops him with the Outsider’s Edge! HHH, Hall and O’Haire have complete control of the match as the clock counts down.
Tony Schiavone: “It’s the master of the Diamond Cutter! Here comes DDP!”
Diamond Dallas Page runs into the cage. O’Haire, Hall, and HHH wait in one ring as DDP slides in the other. DDP, against his better judgment, comes into the ring with the NWO members and the three-on-one assault commences. DDP is a house of fire and fights his way out of the beatdown. DDP hits everyone with a punch. Angle is able to help as he German suplexes HHH away. O’Haire misses a clothesline, and DDP drops him with a Diamond Cutter! Hall gets some punches on DDP. Hall hits two more punches then spins around, but he misses the third one. DDP then gets two punches himself, then knocks Hall down with a discus clothesline. Hall counters an Irish whip and goes for a back bodydrop, but Hall puts on the brakes and sets DDP up for the Outsider’s Edge, but DDP slides out behind Hall, then drops him with a Diamond Cutter! HHH gets a facebuster on Angle, but he misses a clothesline, and DDP is waiting to drop him with a Diamond Cutter as well! The clock counts down as DDP waits for either Kevin Nash or Brock Lesnar.
Don West: “It’s the seven-foot monster, “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash!”
Kevin Nash comes in and DDP is all over him with punches. DDP tries to hit a quick Diamond Cutter, but Nash shoves him off. Big knee to the midsection, and Nash sets DDP up for the Jackknife. He gets him up, but like with Hall, DDP slides out and lands behind Nash. He tries the Diamond Cutter again, but Nash shoves him into the ropes and smashes him with a big boot! Booker T gets back into the ring, but Nash nails him with a big forearm. Nash picks Booker T up and drops him with snake eyes in the corner. HHH tosses Angle into the ring with Nash, and Nash plants him with a thunderous sidewalk slam! Nash props Angle up in the corner and hits him with elbow smashes. HHH takes Booker to the outside and slams him into the cage. O’Haire and Hall pound away on DDP in the corner as well. Nash sets Angle up for a Jackknife, but decides against it when the clock begins to tick down.
Mike Tenay: “Oh my, it’s The Giant!”
Don West: “You had to know Hogan was going to save himself for last!”
Giant walks down to the ring slowly with Kevin Nash waiting for him. Giant walks in and smashes an approaching O’Haire with a headbutt. Nash and Giant come face-to-face, then comes to blows. Giant seems to get the advantage. HHH tries to help Nash, but he gets thrown across the ring for his troubles. Giant props Nash in the corner and hits him with a huge chop, nearly collapsing his chest! Giant grabs Nash by the throat, but Hall chopblocks him. Hall punches away at the Giant, but runs into a big boot. HHH tries to sneak attack Giant with the sledgehammer, but Giant sees him and blocks it. Giant takes the sledgehammer from HHH and smashes Nash in the gut with it! Giant then grabs HHH by the throat…and hits him with a monster chokeslam! O’Haire tries to attack Giant again, but DDP intercepts him and drops him with another Diamond Cutter! The tag team champions wait for the clock to tick down, as they know who’s coming next.
Don West: “Brock Lesnar, baby!”
Mike Tenay: “But can Lesnar combat DDP and the Giant, they’re the WCW World Tag Team Champions?"
Brock Lesnar comes out with Paul Heyman. Lesnar jobs in place before running into the cage. Lesnar goes right for the Giant and tries a double leg takedown. DDP pounds away on Lesnar, but Lesnar is able to shove him out of the way. This allows the Giant to headbutt Lesnar. Giant punches and chops Lesnar, then sends him into the corner. Giant misses an avalanche though and Lesnar sends DDP inside out with a clothesline. Giant misses a clothesline on Lesnar, and Lesnar German suplexes the 500-pound monster! Giant gets back to his feet, but Lesnar picks him up on his shoulders…Giant slides behind him and grabs him by the throat, and plants Lesnar with a chokeslam! Nash gets back to his feet and attacks Giant, but Giant hits him with a hard forearm…while Lesnar kips up! Giant turns his attention back to Lesnar, and Lesnar picks him up on his shoulders again…and plants him with the F5! Lesnar rolls to the outside and grabs a steel chair. Lesnar bashes Booker over the back with the chair, then does the same to Angle. Lesnar finds DDP and smashes him with the chair as well. The Giant tries to get back to his feet, but Lesnar smashes him with the chair as well! The clock ticks down…
Tony Schiavone: “Hulkamania is in the building!”
Lesnar has the chair as Hulk Hogan makes his way down to the ring! Hogan enters the cage then hulks up! Hogan blocks the chair shot from Lesnar and slams the chair down. Big rights from Hogan on Lesnar! Hogan slams Lesnar into the corner, but then hits him with the ax bomber. Hogan punches away at Lesnar…until Lesnar clearly has had enough and explodes out of the corner with a clothesline. Lesnar quickly wraps Hogan up in a bearhug. Hogan tries to fight out, but Lesnar squeezes the life out of him. Hogan fights back and even bites Lesnar’s nose to break the hold. Hogan then takes the chair and smashes Lesnar over the head with it! Hall comes over to Hogan, but Hogan gets the better of him with some punches. Hogan hits Hall with the big boot, then drops the big legdrop! Nash nails Hogan from behind, but DDP grabs Nash by the hair and plants him with yet another Diamond Cutter! O’Haire climbs to the top rope, but Booker shakes the top rope. DDP comes up to the top rope, and hits O’Haire with a super Diamond Cutter off the top! HHH has the sledgehammer again, but Hogan blocks it! Giant grabs HHH by the throat! Hogan smacks HHH with the sledgehammer, then Giant slams him down with a chokeslam! The NWO have been complete destroyed! Lesnar gets back to his feet and grabs the chair, and despite it looking like five-on-one, he looks ready to fight anyway. Booker T surprises Lesnar and hits him with a Harlem Sidekick, kicking the chair in Lesnar’s face! Lesnar backs away in the corner, and he literally has all five of his opponents staring him down and waiting for him. Paul Heyman yells at Brock…
Paul Heyman: “BROCK! BROCK! We can’t do this! We can’t win! Let’s go, we don’t care about the NWO!”
Lesnar angrily looks at his opponents…and reluctantly jumps out of the ring. The cage door is locked, but Lesnar kicks it open. Booker and Giant smirk at Lesnar retreating. Angle roars to the crowd…and locks HHH in the Ankle Lock! Hogan adds a Camel Clutch…and it’s clear that HHH is completely unconscious from earlier. Referee Charles Robinson calls for the bell!
Winners: Booker T, Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Giant, and Diamond Dallas Page when HHH was unconscious in Angle and Hogan’s hold in 33:57
Brock Lesnar angrily looks back at the two rings as Team WCW stands tall over the New World Order. Shane McMahon runs down to celebrate as well.
Psicosis lays the title right between his and Rey’s feet and gestures toward Rey to “bring it!” Both men back up into their respective corners. Rey runs at Psicosis but Psicosis moves out of the way. Rey leaps up to the top rope and backflips off allowing Psicosis to level him from behind. Psicosis stomps away and he seems clearly frustrated that Rey has emerged to challenge him. Rey counters the Irish whip, then guides Psicosis to the canvas causing Psicosis to slide under the bottom rope and crash to the floor! Rey flies over the top rope with a somersault plancha that leads to him and Psicosis crashing into the guardrail! Rey slides Psicosis back in. He goes for a floatover into the lying headscissors, but Psicosis blocks to Rey lands on his feet. No trouble there as Rey quickly comes off the ropes and hits Psicosis with a spinning heel kick! Cover, 1…2…Psicosis kicks out and tries to escape to the floor. Rey’s right on him and doesn’t let him get away. Rey goes for a hurricanrana, but Psicosis holds him up in the powerbomb position, allowing Papi Chilo to reach over and punch Rey in the face. Psicosis ends up having Rey draped on his shoulder but outward facing, and he sends up driving Rey into the turnbuckles to completely change the momentum of the match.
Rey’s left in an inverted position on the turnbuckles, so Psicosis takes advantage and dropkicks him right in the ribs. Belly-to-back suplex lays Rey out in the middle of the ring. His anger is seemingly gone, Psicosis is in complete control and has slowed the pace down. Psicosis drops Rey stomach first onto the top rope, then dropkicks him off the apron sending Rey crashing into the guardrail. Rey lays prone on the floor as Psicosis heads to the top rope! Psicosis comes flying off the top with a senton on Rey’s body on the floor! That’s almost a 10-foot drop! Psicosis places Rey back on the apron and Rey tries to climb back into the ring. Psicosis heads to the top rope again and drops the Guillotine Legdrop, literally smashes Rey’s throat against the second rope as he tries to get back in. Cover, 1…2…Rey manages to just kick out. Psicosis locks in a surfboard, then pulls all the way back, locking in the full La Tapatia! Rey screams in pain but refuses to give up. Rey is able to shift his body to help him break free, but Psicosis temporarily locks in a Dragon Sleeper! He can’t hold on as Rey manages to break free. Psicosis shoves Rey into the corner and gets a full head of steam, but Rey manages to leap away on the charge and Psicosis smashes into the ringpost between the turnbuckles shoulder-first! Rey comes off the ropes and carthwheel to get his legs up on Psicosis’ shoulders. He goes for a twisting hurricanrana, but Psicosis drops him with a sitout powerbomb! 1…2…Rey just manages to kick out again!
Psicosis calls Papi Chilo to get into the ring. Psicosis climbs up to the top and Chilo sets Rey up for a powerbomb, perhaps he’s going to toss Rey up there? Rey fights off Chilo though. Rey then runs at Chilo, who accidentally gives Rey the momentum to jump over him and catch Psicosis with a diving hurricanrana off the top rope! Chilo misses a clothesline and goes for a backdrop on Mysterio, but Mysterio puts on the brakes and hits Chilo with a Tornado DDT. The referee has other officials come down to remove Chilo from the ringside area so he won’t get involved further. Psicosis is recovering by sitting in the corner, so Rey comes flying in with a Bronco Buster! Rey runs towards the ropes and goes for a springboard moonsault, but Psicosis catches him and drops him right on his head with a Tombstone Piledrver! Psicosis goes for the Undertaker-like pin and all, 1…2…NO! Psicosis can’t believe Rey kicked out of that. Rey’s still lying prone in the middle of the ring so Psicosis heads to the top rope, but the Guillotine Legdrop misses! Both men slowly get to their feet, and Rey has to use the corner to even get back up. Psicosis suddenly charges with a burst of steam but Rey ducks and Psicosis dives straight into the top of the ring post and crashes onto the floor! Rey gets his own second wind and leaps over the ringpost onto Psicosis onto the floor! Rey gets up on the apron. He tries another dive at Psicosis, but this time Psicosis catches Rey and impales him on the guardrail! Psicosis drops Rey stomach first on the guardrail and leaves him there, heading to the top rope. Psicosis on the top rope…Psycho Guillotine on Rey who was hanging on the guardrail! Once again, both men are left lying, this time on the outside.
Psicosis drags Rey back into the ring and covers him, 1…2…Rey kicks out again and Psicosis is completely exasperated. Psicosis sets Rey up in the powerbomb position…running powerbomb gets turned into a hurricanrana that sends Psicosis back to the outside. Rey gets on the apron and hits a quebrada (Asai Moonsault turned into a somersault)! Rey sends Psicosis into the ring and jumps onto the apron. Springboard Legdrop connects from Rey! Cover, 1…2….Psicosis kicks out! Rey goes to the apron again and waits for Psicosis to get to his feet. Springboard into a hurricanrana is countered into ANOTHER sit-out powerbomb! 1…2…Rey kicks out! Psicosis slams the mat in frustration and rolls to the outside to grab a steel chair. Psicosis smashes the chair across Rey’s back, then drags Rey into the center of the ring and puts the chair on him. Psicosis heads to the top rope and plays to the crowd. Moonsault turned into a swan dive misses and Psicosis crashes head-first onto the steel chair! Psicosis is completely dazed as Rey props him on the top rope for the avalanche hurricanrana, and Rey hooks the leg! 1…2…3!
Winner: Rey Mysterio Jr. via pinfall in 23:14 (New Champion)
Despite being completely exhausted and in pain, Rey Mysterio Jr. celebrates with the Cruiserweight Championship! The crowd gives both men a standing ovation.
Storm circles Angle and even teases going for the leg early on. That being said, Storm seems hesitant to lock-up with Angle. They finally do lock-up and Angle takes Storm down face-first. Storm quickly counters into a wristlock. Obviously there’s no submission from Angle. Angle breaks free with a fireman’s carry and gets his own armbar, but Storm quickly escapes that and both men get to a standing vertical base. Angle and Storm lock-up again and Angle again takes Storm down and gets an armbar. Strom uses his agility and kicks Angle in the head! Storm gets back to a vertical base and goes for a super kick…but Angle catches it and turns it into the Ankle Lock! Luckily Storm was right next to the ropes and despite the submission only rules rope breaks are being enforced, to Angle’s frustration. Angle being frustrated with the referee for a split moment allows Storm to kick Angle and chop away at him in the corner. Angle reverses an Irish whip though and Storm hits the turnbuckles hard…then walks right into an Angle hip toss. Angle again goes for the ankle but Storm escapes to the outside.
Angle comes right after Storm and they slug it out on the outside. Storm counters an Irish whip and sends Angle into the barricade, but Angle backdrops Storm into the crowd! Angle tries to suplex Storm back into the ringside area, but Storm lands on his feet and hits Angle with a drop toehold, and Angle’s knee slams into the steel steps! Storm definitely noticed and stomps away at Angle’s leg as Angle manages to roll back into the ring. Storm remains on the offensive and keeps kicking the knee until Angle goes back down. Storm smashes the knee onto the canvas, then drops an elbow on the back of the knee joint for good measure! Storm holds the elbow there and then pulls the knee back into a pseudo half-crab. Angle refuses to submit as Storm yanks up the pressure. Angle manages to kick Storm in the back with his other leg. Angle sends Storm off the ropes and gets a belly-to-belly throw, although he collapses right away thanks to the knee.
Angle runs at Storm…but Storm was ready for him and rolls Angle into the Canadian Maple Leaf! Storm has him in the middle of the ring! Angle tries to fight his way out but has nowhere to go! Angle tries to power out with his other leg, but Storm has it perfectly locked in and Angle looks like he may tap out! Angle uses every once of energy he has to drag Storm enough from the center to grab onto the bottom ropes. Storm can’t believe it, but doesn’t let this distract him. Angle gets some right hands in on Storm as he tries to get to his feet, but he collapses right into Storm. Storm lift Angle up and hits him with a stun gun across the top rope. Storm grabs Angle’s legs…and this time locks in the Sharpshooter! Once again he has Angle in the center of the ring and there’s nowhere for Angle to go! Angle tries to break the hold with sheer power, but Storm has it locked in! Angle craftily grabs Storm’s support leg, which causes Storm to fall face-first with their legs still intertwined. Angle gets to a sitting position and suddenly he has the sharpshooter on Storm! Angle can’t hold on due to his knee, but he changes the hold as he grabs the ankle and locks in the Ankle Lock, only Storm is at the ropes!
Both men struggle to get to their feet. Storm has a slight limp and Angle is still struggling with the knee. Angle tries a wild clothesline and Storm ducks, then Storm levels him with a superkick! Storm falls and lands on Angle, but there are no pinfalls here. Storm slowly heads up to the top rope. Storm goes for a spinning heel kick off the top, but Angle just ducks out of the way but grabs Storm’s leg on the way down!Angle locks in the Ankle Lock and grapevine’s the leg! There’s literally nowhere for Storm to go. Storm pounds on the canvas as he knows he’s trapped in the hold and the pain level is rising. Storm ultimately can’t hold on and submits to the Ankle Lock!
Winner: Kurt Angle via submission in 16:52
Lance Storm gets to his feet first as Angle struggles to get to his. Storm looks upset at himself in the corner. Angle limps over to Storm and offers his hand as a sign of respect, and Storm accepts! Angle goes onto celebrate as Justin Credible, Mike Awesome and Dawn Marie come down to console Storm. Suddenly Credible and Awesome attack Angle! Storm tells them both to stop…but then starts stomping away on Angle’s knee himself! Total Impact are beating the hell out of the WCW World Champion! Mike Awesome has Angle up and plants him with an Awesome Bomb in the center of the ring! Storm grabs the WCW World Championship title belt and breathes out one big sigh before tossing the belt onto Angle’s chest.
Scott Hudson:“You know I was gaining respect for Lance Storm, and then he pulls this? Absolutely ridiculous in my mind Mike Tenay.”
WCW Monday Night Nitro
December 2, 2002
Winner Gets the WCW World Championship Match at Starrcade 2002
Booker T vs. Triple H (w/Eric Bischoff, Shawn Michaels, and Sean O’Haire)
Booker T and HHH lock-up, but it goes nowhere and we get a clean break. Booker continually looks around ringside to make sure he doesn’t get cheapshotted by the NWO. This is enough of a distraction that when Booker and HHH lock-up again HHH gets a quick knee to the midsection. HHH punches away at Booker, but when he whips Booker into the corner Booker explodes out with a clothesline, knocking HHH down. Booker traps HHH in the corner and hits him with punches and chops before sending HHH off the ropes and hitting a back bodydrop. HHH rolls to the outside to buy some time. HHH slowly gets back into the ring. He tries a punch, but Booker was ready for him and he blocks. Booker comes off the ropes and hits HHH with a flying forearm! Cover, 1…2…HHH kicks out. Booker runs at HHH, but HHH pulls the top rope down and Booker tumbles to the outside and onto the floor.
Shawn Michaels approaches Booker, but Booker sees him and HBK backs off. HHH comes off the apron but Booker catches him with a punch to the midsection. Booker slams HHH into the ring steps before dropping him throat-first onto the barricade! Booker rolls HHH back in. HHH gets to his feet but Booker takes him out with a Harlem sidekick! Cover, 1…2…HHH kicks out! Booker sends HHH off the ropes and goes for another back bodydrop, only HHH puts on the brakes and hits the facebuster. HHH comes off the ropes and hits Booker with a a flying knee to the face. Cover, 1…2…Booker kicks out. HHH quickly locks in a sleeper and this completely slows Booker T down to a crawl. HHH gets Booker down and even puts his feet on the ropes for extra leverage. Booker looks out as referee Charles Robinson checks Booker’s arm to see if he’s still conscious. It drops twice, but the third time Booker comes to life! Booker gets back to a vertical base and breaks free, only to run into a HHH spinebuster! Cover, 1…2…Booker just kicks out!
HHH drops Booker with a neckbreaker and goes for another cover. 1…2…Booker kicks out again. HHH fires some punches at Booker, but Booker fires back. Booker hits some chops, but HHH gets a punch that staggers Booker. He locks in the sleeper again, only Booker hits a belly-to-back suplex! Booker and HHH get to their feet. They slug away at one another, but HHH gets a knee to the midsection. HHH sends Booker off the ropes and goes for the back bodydrop, only Booker changes his angle and hits HHH with the Scissors’ Kick! Booker then pops up with the Spinarooni! Booker kicks HHH and goes for a second Scissors’ Kick, but HHH moves out of the way. HHH kicks Booker, then quickly jumps up to the second rope. HHH comes off but Booker catches him…and plants him with the Bookend! Cover, 1…2…X-Pac jumps over the barrier from the crowd and pullsCharles Robinson out of the ring, with Robinson slamming against the floor.
X-Pac jumps into the ring and stomps away on Booker…but here come Total Impact: Lance Storm, Chris Candido, and Mike Awesome! Total Impact walks down the ramp, but they get blindsided by Kevin Nash and Scott Hall! X-Pac joins the fight and the brawl is on! Total Impact and the Wolfpac brawl around the ring as HHH kicks Booker T. HHH sets Booker T up for the Pedigree, but Booker’s brother Stevie Ray jumps into the ring to stop him! Stevie Ray punches away at HHH. He sets Triple H up for the Slapjack (same move as the Pedigree), only Shawn Michaels catches him right in the jaw with Sweet Chin Music! HBK then turns his attention to Booker and stomps away on him. HHH goes to the outside and grabs the sledgehammer as HBK holds Booker up.
The crowd roars as thunder is heard across the arena!
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Mike Tenay: “HE’S HERE! It’s the ICON, STING!”
Sting comes down from the rafters, landing at the top of the ramp! Sting slowly walks up the ramp, bat in hand and Triple H demands that Sean O’Haire stop him. Just like at Halloween Havoc, O’Haire blocks Sting’s path at ringside…but this time O’Haire steps aside! Sting enters the ring and HHH goes right for him with the sledgehammer, only Sting ducks and nails HHH with the bat!HBK bails, but Eric Bischoff tries to sneak up on Sting. Bischoff has no luck, and Sting drops him with the Scorpion Deathdrop. Sting looks around, then slowly walks up the ramp.
Booker T crawls over to HHH and gets an arm on him. Charles Robinson is back in the ring and makes the count, 1…2…no! HHH just gets the shoulder up! Booker and HHH get to their feet. Booker sets HHH up for the Bookend, but HHH counters and sets Booker up for the Pedigree. Booker twists out, and this time plants HHH with the Bookend! 1…2…3!
Winner: Booker T via pinfall in 17:18
Mike Tenay: “I can’t believe what we just saw! We’re out of time, we’ll see you next week. Booker T is going to Starrcade!”
Nitro comes to a close with Shawn Michaels attending to Triple H in the ring. An angry Triple H looks at Sean O’Haire, who smiles as he still stands at ringside!
The crowd is clearly in RVD’s corner as both RVD and Lesnar try to figure out what to make of the cage. Lesnar starts to jog in place so RVD responds with his trademark taunt…only for Lesnar to tackle him and run him into the corner! Lesnar hits RVD with a couple of shoulder thrusts. Lesnar sends RVD into the opposite corner, but RVD leapfrogs over Lesnar and Lesnar rams his shoulder into the post and his head into he cage! Spinning heel kick knocks Lesnar down! RVD hits Lesnar with forearms. RVD tries to whip Lesnar off the ropes, but Lesnar holds onto the arm and gets RVD in the F5 position! RVD escapes by landing behind Lesnar, but Lesnar cracks RVD in the mouth with an elbow. Lesnar then takes RVD and slams him hard into the cage! Lesnar tries again, but RVD gets a high kick…then RVD slams Lesnar into the cage! RVD goes for a dropkick, but Lesnar blocks…then catapults RVD high enough to where his head would hit the barbed wire on the cage…only RVD goes Spider-Man and grabs onto the cage. RVD leaps off the side of the cage, but Lesnar catches him and hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex!
Paul Heyman quickly gets up from his seat and tosses a couple of small items into the cage. Mick Foley admonishes him for it as Lesnar reveals one of the items being a wire cutter. Lesnar takes RVD and throws him upward into the cage, with RVD’s head grazing the barbed wire! Lesnar traps RVD in the corner and again goes for the shoulder thrusts. He whips RVD into the corner, but when he charges in RVD hits a droptoehold and Lesnar crashes into the second turnbuckle! RVD feels the back of his head and notices some blood. RVD props Lesnar onto toe top rope and tries to bash Lesnar’s head against the barbed wire, but Lesnar punches RVD to stop him. RVD then jumps up and kicks Lesnar’s head against the steel and the barbed wire! Lesnar stumbles off the top rope and onto the canvas and RVD leaps up to the top rope…but misses the Five Star Frog Splash! Lesnar too now has blood coming from the back of his head.
CW Anderson runs down to the ring with a chair and climbs the cage. Anderson throws the chair over the cage wall and into the ring. Mick Foley demands Anderson leave but that’s taken care of when Shelton Benjamin runs down and attacks him! Still, Lesnar has the chair. Lesnar smashes RVD in the back with the chair multiple times. Lesnar grabs RVD and again throws him high enough into the cage where the top of RVD’s head hits the wire! RVD stumbles back into Lesnar, who puts him up on his shoulders…F5! Lesnar covers, 1…2…RVD kicks out and Lesnar seems surprised, although he laughs about it. Lesnar picks up the other items Heyman threw into the ring and it looks like a pair of gloves. Lesnar climbs to the top rope with the wire cutter and grabs some of the barbed wire off the top of the cage. Lesnar whips RVD with the wire, drawing blood on RVD’s back! Lesnar whips him over and over, before picking RVD up again and planting him with a second F5! Another cover, 1…2…Rob Van Dam kicks out again!
Joey Styles: “You gotta admire the resiliency of Van Dam, but this might get out of hand very soon.”
Lesnar picks up RVD for a third F5, but RVD slides behind Lesnar. RVD tosses Lesnar the chair, but Lesnar ducks the Van-Daminator! Lesnar takes a home run swing with the chair and misses…and now RVD hits the Van-Daminator! Lesnar doesn’t even stay down, immediately backing into the corner, but RVD has bought himself some time. Lesnar gets to his feet and RVD hits two shoulder thrusts. RVD backflips but Lesnar tries a clothesline…that RVD ducks! RVD jumps up to the second turnbuckle and catches Lesnar with a flying back kick that knocks Lesnar down. RVD runs the ropes, Rolling Thunder connects! RVD stands on the top rope as Lesnar struggles to get to his feet…and he catches the moonsault from RVD! Lesnar rams RVD into the cage, but pushed him higher vertically to make sure RVD’s head caught the barbed wire again! The blood starts to get serious coming from RVD as Lesnar lets out another laugh, then cuts down more barbed wire from the cage. Lesnar then takes the barbed wire and wraps it around the chair!
Lesnar looks to finish RVD off as he has his newly made barbed wire chair…but RVD leaps up and hits Lesnar with the Van-Daminator, with the barbed wire cutting and bouncing through Lesnar’s head! Amazingly, Lesnar tries to get to his feet, but RVD bashes him right over the head with the barbed wire chair! Lesnar still stands, so RVD wallops him again! Lesnar falls into a sitting position in the corner…so RVD skateboards the barbed wire chair into Lesnar’s face! RVD drags Lesnar from the corner and the fans feel that it may be over…but RVD doesn’t go for the pin. Now RVD grabs the wire cutter and pulls down wire…and it looks like he’s trying to escape the cage.
Mick Foley: “Rob…what are you doing?”
Paul Heyman: “Brock! Get up Brock!”
Tazz: “What’s he doing, Joey? He might have Lesnar beat?”
Joey Styles: “Does…does Rob know the rules?”
Tazz: “Oh, wait a minute, Joey!”
Joey Styles: “I think he damn sure does know the rules!”
RVD cuts enough wire…to give him room to climb up on top of the cage! Lesnar tries to move, but he’s in too much pain and isn’t quite able to. RVD does his taunt…and the crowd is with him every step of the way!
“ROB” “VAN” “DAM!”
RVD leaps…and hits the Five Star Frog Splash off the top of the cage!
Joey Styles: “Oh my god! Cover him Rob!”
RVD clearly hurt his abdomen area with he Frog Splash from that height, but he uses every last bit of energy he has to get on top of Lesnar. 1…2…3!
Winner: Rob Van Dam via pinfall in 22:28 (New Champion)
Joey Styles: “My god he did it! We have a NEW ECW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Rob Van Dam has finally climbed to the top of the mountain!”
Tazz: “Unbelievable. What a match from Van Dam!”
The cage raises as Bill Alfonso runs down and grabs the ECW World title belt and hugs Van Dam! RVD manages to get up to raises his hand, and the ECW title in victory! Several others from the ECW locker room:Sabu, Shelton Benjamin, Rey Mysterio Jr., Tommy Dreamer, Super Crazy, Balls Mahoney come down and congratulate Rob on slaying Brock Lesnar!
Lesnar slowly walks down the ramp and takes one last look at RVD celebrating in the ring. Paul Heyman, while disappointed his man has lost, can’t help but crack a small smile.
The last shot of ECW RISE is of Rob Van Dam, holding the ECW World Championship up with blood and tears in his eyes!
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002
December 29, 2002
Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
The bell rings and Austin fires off rights at Lesnar! Lesnar tries to fight back but to no avail as Austin continues to punch away at him! Austin traps Lesnar in the corner, hitting more punches before stomping a mudhole in him and walking it dry!Austin flips off Lesnar for good measure. Lesnar explodes out of the corner but misses a clothesline. Lesnar turns around and Austin gets a kick and almost a Stunner, with Lesnar just pushing off! Lesnar comes off the ropes and misses another clothesline, and Austin comes back with the Thesz Press! Austin hits more punches, but Lesnar hits an elbow to try to break free. They roll to the outside where Austin continues to dominate with hard shots. Austin tosses Lesnar into the barricade and stomps away. Lesnar hits a knee to the midsection, then tosses Austin into the timekeeper’s table! Lesnar takes a couple of deep breaths, but when he approaches Austin, Austin surprises him with a ring bell shot to the head, busting Lesnar wide open!
Austin continues inflicting violence by tossing Lesnar head-first into the steel ringpost! Austin rolls Lesnar back into the ring. Austin climbs up to the second rope and hits Lesnar with a flying forearm. Austin picks Lesnar up and fires more rights. He whips Lesnar into the corner, but Lesnar shockingly bursts out of the corner with a clothesline that sends Austin inside-out! Lesnar, despite being bloodied, begins to laugh at Austin. Lesnar runs Austin into the corner, then hits him with a couple of shoulder thrusts. Lesnar tosses Austin out of the corner with a belly-to-belly suplex. Lesnar, now in complete control, takes Austin and sends him off the ropes. Big powerslam from Lesnar! A cover, 1…2…Austin kicks out. Lesnar stomps Austin on the back of his head several times. A clothesline sends Austin back to the floor. Lesnar rolls to the outside and runs Austin into the ring apron, then hits another belly-to-belly, this time on the floor! Lesnar grabs a television camera and looks into it.
Brock Lesnar: “This is for you, JR!”
Jim Ross: “That son-of-a-bitch!”
Lesnar waits for Austin to get to his feet and smashes the camera over Austin’s head! Now Austin is cut open badly. Lesnar drags Austin back into the ring. He hits Austin with a couple of hard shots before putting him on his shoulders and planting him with the F5! Lesnar makes the cover, 1…2…Austin gets the shoulder up. Austin slowly gets to his feet, but when he does Lesnar just runs him down with a clothesline. Lesnar puts Austin on his shoulders again for another F5, but Austin lands on his feet behind Lesnar. Lesnar turns around, just to get kicked and hit with the Stunner! Austin makes the cover, 1…2…Lesnar just kicks out! Austin seems a little surprised, but then makes a surprising move of his own as he comes behind Lesnar and locks in the Million Dollar Dream! Lesnar tries to fight out, but Austin has it locked in good!
Joey Styles: “Austin pulling out all the stops!”
Lesnar starts to fade as Austin holds onto the Million Dollar Dream. Lesnar finds some extra strength, causing both men to go tumbling out of the ring and to the floor! Austin STILL has the hold locked in somehow, but Lesnar backs him into the apron, finally breaking the hold. Both men crawl around ring until Lesnar gets to his feet. Lesnar stalks Austin, but Austin comes out of nowhere with a violent steel chair shot to Lesnar, laying Lesnar out! Austin struggles to take advantage as he still tries to recover from all the damage Lesnar has inflicted on him. Austin chokes Lesnar with the chair, then smashes it across his back. Austin continues to wear Lesnar out with the chair, smashing it over and over again on Lesnar’s back! Austin tries to roll Lesnar back into the ring, but Lesnar suddenly puts Austin on his shoulders…and F5s Austin right into the ringpost, with Austin’s knee taking most of the contact!
Jim Ross: “My Gawd, I don’t know how much more Austin can take!”
Lesnar rolls Austin back into the ring. Austin tries to get to his feet, but he’s forced to use the ropes. Lesnar favors his back a bit before going into his jogging taunt. Austin, using the ropes to stand, manages to flip off Lesnar one more time. Austin finds a way to duck a clothesline, then hits Lesnar with another Stunner! Austin hurts his knee further with that one though…while Lesnar simply sits up! Austin shoots Lesnar an uncharacteristic look of shock as Lesnar just smiles again. Austin struggles to get to his feet and tries to hit another Stunner, but Lesnar just holds Austin in place and knees him in the back. Lesnar puts Austin up on his shoulders and hits another F5! Austin shows some signs of life, but it looks as if there’s no way he can get back to his feet. Lesnar stands tall, but instead of going for the pin, he slowly climbs up to the top rope?! Lesnar flips Austin off from the top rope, then soars through the air with a Shooting Star Press that completely flattens Austin!
Joey Styles: “Oh my God!”
Jim Ross: “God, Lesnar is scary. I think he just broke Austin’s body completely in half!”
Lesnar stays on top of Austin, 1…2…3!
Winner: Brock Lesnar via pinfall in 19:16
Brock Lesnar stands in the middle of the ring with Paul Heyman raising his arm. Lesnar leaves the ring with one last smirk, while shooting JR one more look as well. Once Lesnar and Heyman disappear through the stage, JR comes down to check on Stone Cold. Austin slides out under the ring and JR helps him for a moment, before Austin begins to walk (heavily limp) under his own power. When Austin reaches the top of the stage, he acknowledges the crowd, before walking to the back with JR.
Joey Styles: “Look, I don’t like him at all. But what a performance from Brock Lesnar. Absolutely dominant.”
Tazz: “I’ve never seen Stone Cold Steve Austin dominated like that before, Joey. Brock Lesnar has done everything there is to do in ECW. This year from last year’s Starrcade when he won the ECW World Championship in his first match until now where he beat maybe the all-time best in Stone Cold Steve Austin, what a year. Just what a year.”
Booker T angrily paces around before telling the cameraman “I guess that punk ass ain’t showing up”. But just as Booker starts walking away, he’s almost hit by a car!
ECW/WCW Anarchy Rulz 2002
August 4, 2002
Harlem Street Fight
Booker T vs. R-Killa
Booker T jumps out of the way of the car and throws the baseball bat at the window! Booker drags R-Killa out of the car and the fight is on. Booker and R-Killa trade punches before Booker sends R-Killa into a street lamp! R-Killa goes down to one knee, but surprises Booker by throwing rocks in his face! R-Killa grabs the ball bat and cracks Booker in the knee before bashing it over Booker’s back! R-Killa then slams Booker head-first into his car door!
R-Killa: “This is how it’s gonna go Booker. Give up now and we’ll can just end it!”
Booker throws a punch that misses and R-Killa knees him low. R-Killa tries to throw Booker into a fence, but Booker reverses and R-Killa crashes into the fence of what looks like a tire yard. The fence gives way, and R-Killa falls face-first onto the fence, with his fingers trapped! Booker stomps on his hands before finding a nearby parking sign and smashes R-Killa over the back! Booker grabs R-Killa’s deadlocks and throws him into a fire hydrant! R-Killa writhes in pain as there was absolutely no give with the hydrant, but he finds a nearby empty glass bottle and shatters it over Booker’s head, splitting Booker open! R-Killa tends to his shoulder but seems satisfied that the fight is over.
R-Killa: “I told you Book. I told you.”
To R-Killa’s surprise, Booker gets up and runs him into a stairway of an abandoned (?) apartment building! They fight on the stairs before Booker throws R-Killa back onto the sidewalk. Booker runs over to R-Killa’s car and starts backing up towards R-Killa with the car door open…and the car door ends up slamming into R-Killa! Booker gets out of the car and picks up R-Killa, dropping him face-first on a spiked gate! R-Killa indicates that something is wrong with his throat or that he can’t breathe, and Booker doesn’t seem to care.
Booker T: “This is what you get sucka. For my brother. For everyone.”
Booker drags R-Killa up the stairs, but R-Killa surprises Booker with a punch then tosses Booker into the door, which bursts open! R-Killa then slams the door literally in Booker’s face, knocking Booker back into a wall. R-Killa tackles Booker, and both men go through the wall into what looks like a kitchen! R-Killa grabs silverware and it looks like he has a metal spoon…and he bounces it off Booker’s head! R-Killa punches away at Booker, then breaks a wooden chair over his head! R-Killa throws more silverware at Booker, then opens a refrigerator. He puts Booker’s head inside and slams the fridge door on it!
R-Killa: “You can’t deal with this. I Just cooled down the heat! Now let’s heat things up! This will be a real Harlem heat!”
R-Killa turns the stove on, which surprisingly works. But when he tries to slam Booker onto the stovetop, Booker grabs R-Killa’s hand and presses it on the stove! R-Killa screams in agony as Booker finds a metal pan and smashes R-Killa over the head with it! Booker puts some water on the stove before going back to attacking R-Killa. R-Killa tries to escape through the hole in the wall, but Booker drags him back into the kitchen and slams him through the kitchen table! Booker then returns the favor from earlier and puts R-Killa’s head in the fridge…and violently kicks the fridge door, smashing R-Killa’s head! Booker T finds a glass bottle of snapple in the fridge and smashes that across R-Killa’s head as well!
Booker takes the water he put on the stove and pours it all over R-Killa! R-Killa screams in agony as Booker throws him over a couch. Booker then picks up the couch and slams it over R-Killa! Booker then picks up R-Killa and says something to him:
Booker T: “You gonna learn right now sucka. For making my life hell. For messing with my friends and family.”
Booker grabs R-Killa…and tosses him through the living room window onto the sidewalk outside! Booker makes his way out the way they came in and stands in front of a beatdown and cut up R-Killa.
R-Killa: “No…no more…you win. Please. I was wrong. Please…”
Booker T: “We ain’t done yet. No easy lessons from Harlem Heat.”
R-Killa: “No…please!”
Booker drags R-Killa to the hood of his car…and sets him up…Bookend onto the windshield!
R-Killa: “AHHHH…please! Please! No…No!”
Booker T: “Your ass stays out of my business. You remember this night. You wanted to challenge Booker T? Well now you found out sucka. Never again do I want to see your punk ass. Never again.”
Booker T walks off, and it’s clear he’s the winner.
Winner: Booker T in 17:36
Joey Styles: “Oh…oh my god, Tazz.”
Tazz: “That’s what it’s like in the tough parts of New York City, Joey.”
WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002
December 29, 2002
Shawn Michaels vs. Sting
Both HBK and Sting stand in their corners, soaking in the electric atmosphere from the 53,000+ fans in attendance. Sting and HBK come face-to-face before locking up! Both men jostle for position, but this results in a clean break…and a shove from Sting. HBK jogs around the ring a bit before he and Sting lock up again. Once again they jostle for position, and once again it leads to a clean break…until HBK slaps Sting in the face! Sting fires back with a hard punch that knocks HBK down! HBK gets right back up, but Sting knocks him down again! HBK backs up a bit when he gets back to his feet, only to catch Sting with a knee to the midsection. HBK gets a waistlock but Sting runs towards the ropes and uses the momentum to send HBK flying backs towards the center of the ring. HBK runs at Sting, but Sting military presses him! Shawn uses his momentum to land on his feet behind Sting, but when he runs at Sting, Sting throws him over the top rope…or at least he thinks he does! HBK holds onto the top rope and skins the cat, pulling himself back into the ring and blasting Sting with a hard right!
HBK chops away at Sting in the corner, but Sting counters and puts HBK in the corner. Sting fires way with punches and chops, then sends HBK into the opposite corner. HBK flips up to the top turnbuckle, then comes back right into a clothesline from Sting that flips HBK around! Sting sends HBK off the ropes and hits him with an inverted Atomic Drop! Sting misses a clothesline to follow up, and HBK teases Sweet Chin Music, with Sting holding onto the ropes to ensure he doesn’t run into it. HBK and Sting tie-up one more time, and again HBK slaps Sting in the face! HBK immediately jumps out of the ring with Sting chasing after him. They both roll back in and HBK comes off the ropes, just to get hit with a back body drop! Sting goes for a cover, 1…2…HBK kicks out! Sting goes after HBK in the corner, but HBK fires a couple of punches. HBK fires a kick, but Sting catches it, only for HBK to hit an enzugiri! Cover from HBK, 1…2…Sting kicks out. HBK follows up with a belly-to-back suplex, then quickly locks in a headlock.
Sting fights his way out of the headlock and sends HBK off the ropes, but HBK comes back with a flying bodypress with a pin, 1…2…Sting kicks out. Perfect dropkick from HBK sends Sting to the floor on the outside. As Sting looks to recover his bearings, HBK climbs up to the top rope and dives off onto Sting, hitting his target perfectly! HBK slams Sting into the barricade before rolling him back into the ring. Fistdrop connects, and a cover, 1…2…Sting kicks out again. HBK stomps on Sting before bringing him back to his feet. HBK comes off the ropes, but Sting catches him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, causing HBK to scream in pain!
Mike Tenay: “Can’t forget the back, that was the whole reason Michaels was out for five years!”
Sting punches and chops at HBK in the corner, but HBK counters a whip and sends Sting into the opposite corner. HBK runs at Sting, but Sting backdrops him over the ringpost and onto the floor!
Tony Schiavone: “That had to be a twelve-foot drop!”
Now Sting heads to the top rope, and when HBK finally gets to his feet, Sting takes him out with a top rope dive of his own! Sting rolls HBK back into the ring. Instead of going for a cover, he sends HBK off the ropes and plants him with a spinebuster, further injuring the back! Now Sting pins HBK, 1…2…HBK kicks out. HBK manages to get back to his feet, but Sting takes him right back down with a facebuster. Sting picks HBK up, teases a powerslam, but then runs HBK back-first into the turnbuckles! Sting props HBK up on the top rope. HBK fires a couple of shots to try to regain the advantage, but Sting hits a couple back to keep control. Sting then hooks HBK up and superplexes him from the top turnbuckle! Sting makes the cover, 1…2…HBK kicks out again. Sting simply shakes his head, surprised by HBK’s resilience. HBK gets a couple of chops on Sting, but again Sting’s punches allow him to stay in control. Sting whips HBK off the ropes. HBK ducks a clothesline, then hits Sting with a flying forearm! Sting gets to his feet, but so does HBK as he kips up! Sting runs at HBK but HBK backdrops him over the top rope, onto the apron, then hangs Sting’s throat across the top rope to knock him off. HBK hits Sting with a baseball slide. HBK tends to his back for a moment before diving over the top rope once again to take out Sting! HBK has more serious intentions this time though. HBK takes off a piece of the steel steps then grabs Sting and sets him up on the lower half. Sting tries to fight it, but HBK spikes him with a piledriver right on the steel!
Jim Ross: “By Gawd, that’s gotta be it!”
HBK rolls Sting back into the ring, then climbs to the top rope. HBK hits a perfect flying elbow drop and stays on top of Sting for the cover, 1…2…Sting kicks out! HBK shows some frustration for the first time, and then shock, as Sting stands up, pounds on his chest and roars at HBK! HBK backs off as Sting punches and chops him over and over and over again in the corner! HBK stumbles out of the corner and Sting knocks him right back down with a dropkick! HBK tries to get back to his feet as quickly as his back would allow him to, but Sting boots him then plants him with a powerbomb! Cover, 1…2…HBK is still in this as he just gets the shoulder up! Sting continues to fire away at HBK, but HBK catches a charging Sting with a stun gun into the ropes. With Sting temporarily slowed down, HBK loads up the foot…and hits Sweet Chin Music! HBK goes down right next to Sting though, unable to make the cover right away! HBK gets an arm on Sting, 1…2…Sting kicks out and HBK slams the canvas with his arm. HBK is the first to get to his feet as Sting struggles after being kicked in the face. HBK climbs up to the top rope. HBK leaps with the moonsault, only Sting catches him and spikes him with a Tombstone Piledriver! Sting with the pin, 1…2…and to everyone’s shock and amazement HBK gets the shoulder up once again!
Don West: “There’s no way!”
Sting grabs HBK’s legs and quickly locks in the Scorpion Deathlock, only HBK quickly gets the bottom rope before Sting can position himself. Sting holds onto the move for as long as he legally can, only adding to the pain that must be unbearable in HBK’s back. HBK uses the corner to climb up and get back to his feet as Sting waits for him. Stinger Splash connects! Sting sends HBK into the opposite corner and hits him with a second Stinger Splash! Sting sends HBK into the corner once more. This time, he pounds on his chest again and lets out a “WOOO” as he goes for the third Stinger Splash…only he leaps right into Sweet Chin Music! HBK gets an arm on Sting, 1…2…NO!
Tony Schiavone: “Simply unbelievable!”
HBK is the first to get to his feet, although he’s wobbly as he tries to stand. Once he gets his footing HBK begins to stomp on the canvas and load up the band to finish Sting off once and for all. HBK gets a full head of steam, but Sting blocks Sweet Chin Music! Sting spins HBK around, grabs him by the hair and drops him with the Scorpion Deathdrop! Sting gets an arm on HBK, 1…2…3!
Winner: Sting via pinfall in 28:53
Tony Schiavone: “This will go down as one of the all-time great matches in World Championship Wrestling history! Sting said he needed to know if he could beat Shawn Michaels, and he proved tonight that he can!”
Jim Ross: “Thank you gentlemen for having me. Shawn Michaels might have lost tonight, but damn can that man still go.”
Sting, completely exhausted and out of breath, acknowledges the crowd to celebrate his victory. Shawn Michaels gets back to his feet and a stare down commences. Sting offers Shawn a handshake, and the crowd encourages him to take it…but he doesn’t. Michaels turns his back on Sting and leaves the ring, clearly disgusted with himself. Sting looks a little disappointed, but quickly goes back to celebrating one of the biggest, if not the biggest win of his career. Shawn Michaels takes one look back at Sting in the ring before disappearing to the back. The final shot of Starrcade 2002 shows Sting standing tall!
Championship Linages
WCW World Championship
12-3-01 – Philadelphia, PA – Monday Night Nitro – Stone Cold Steve Austin (1) (Awarded)
12-30-01 – Washington, D.C. – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2001 PPV – Ric Flair (7) (Pinned Stone Cold Steve Austin)
12-31-01 – Norfolk, VA – Monday Night Nitro – Kurt Angle (2) (Made Ric Flair submit)
5-12-02 – Miami, FL – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2002 PPV - Triple H (1) (Pinned Kurt Angle)
10-27-02 - Las Vegas, NV - WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 PPV - "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan (7) (Pinned Triple H)
11-30-02 - San Francisco, CA - WCW/ECW WrestleWar 2002 PPV - Kurt Angle (3) (Made Hulk Hogan submit)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Booker T (6) (Defeated Kurt Angle and Triple H in a Three-Way Match)
ECW World Championship
12-6-01 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW RISE – Vacant (Rhyno vacated due to injury)
12-30-01 – Washington, D.C. – WCW/ECW Starrcade 2001 PPV – Brock Lesnar (1) (Pinned Rob Van Dam for vacant title)
8-4-02 - East Rutherford, NJ - ECW/WCW Anarchy Rulz 2002 PPV - Rob Van Dam (1) (Pinned Brock Lesnar in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match)
9-29-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 PPV - Raven (3) (Pinned Rob Van Dam)
WCW United States Championship
10-22-01 – Kansas City, MO – Monday Night RAW – Kurt Angle (1) (Defeated Rhyno by submission)(Pre-Rebirth)
12-13-01 – New York, NY – ECW RISE – Tazz (1) (Choked Kurt Angle out)
1-27-02 – Houston, TX – WCW/ECW Souled Out 2002 PPV – Christian (1) (Defeated Tazz, Rob Van Dam and Tajiri in a Four Way Match, pinning Tazz)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Kurt Angle (2) (Pinned Christian)
9-30-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - Monday Night Nitro - Christian (2) (Pinned Kurt Angle)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Diamond Dallas Page (3) (Pinned Christian)
ECW Television Championship
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Eddie Guerrero (3) (Last eliminated Super Crazy in a battle royal)
6-9-02 – Chicago, IL – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2002 PPV – Rob Van Dam (2) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
6-27-02 – Buffalo, NY – ECW RISE – The Great Muta (1) (Pinned Rob Van Dam)
7-7-02 – New York, NY – WCW/ECW The 2002 Great American Bash PPV – Eddie Guerrero (4) (Defeated The Great Muta and Rob Van Dam in a Three-Way Dance)
7-11-02 - Long Island, NY - ECW RISE - Rey Mysterio Jr. (1) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Sabu (2) (Pinned Rey Mysterio Jr.)
9-29-02 - Oklahoma City, OK - WCW/ECW Fall Brawl 2002 PPV - Tajiri (2) (Pinned Sabu)
10-27-02 - Las Vegas, NV - WCW/ECW Halloween Havoc 2002 PPV - Shelton Benjamin (1) (Pinned Tajiri)
WCW World Tag Team Championship
10-26-01 – Omaha, NE – Thursday Night SMACKDOWN! – Bubba Ray (1) and D-Von Dudley (1) (Defeated The Hardy Boyz)(Pre-Rebirth)
3-11-02 – St. Louis, MO – Monday Night Nitro – Diamond Dallas Page (5) and The Giant (4) (Defeated The Dudley Boyz)
7-7-02 – New York, NY - WCW/ECW The 2002 Great American Bash PPV – Kevin Nash (10)and Scott Hall (8) (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant)
9-1-02 - Seattle, WA - WCW/ECW Cyberslam 2002 PPV - Diamond Dallas Page (6) and The Giant (5) (Defeated Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in a Steel Cage)
10-7-02 - Chicago, IL - Monday Night Nitro - Brother Bubba (2) and Reverend D-Von (2) (Defeated Diamond Dallas Page and The Giant)
ECW World Tag Team Championship
12-3-00 – New York, NY – ECW Massacre on 34th Street PPV – Danny Doring (1) and Roadkill (1) (Defeated Little Guido and Tony Mamaluke)(Pre-Rebirth)
2-28-02 – Indianapolis, IN – RISE – Rob Van Dam (3)and Sabu (4) (Defeated Danny Doring and Roadkill)
3-28-02 – Buffalo, NY – RISE – R-Killa (1) and Mark Henry (1) (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Jerry Lynn (1) and AJ Styles (1) (Defeated R-Killa and Mark Henry, Kid Kash and Jamie Noble, and Danny Doring and Roadkill in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match)
11-24-02 - Buffalo, NY - ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 PPV - Rob Van Dam (4) and Sabu (5) (Defeated Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Kid Kash (1) and Jamie Noble (1) (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu, and AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn in a Three-Way Match)
World Cruiserweight Championship
10-9-01 – Moline, IL – Thursday Night SMACKDOWN! – Billy Kidman (5) (Pinned X-Pac)(Pre-Rebirth)
1-21-02 – Kansas City, MO – Monday Night Nitro – Taka Michinoku (1) (Pinned Billy Kidman)
1-27-02 – Houston, TX – WCW/ECW Souled Out 2002 PPV – Jerry Lynn (1) (Pinned Taka Michinoku)
2-25-02 – Atlanta, GA – Monday Night Nitro – Psicosis (3) (Pinned Jerry Lynn)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Rey Mysterio Jr. (6) (Pinned Psicosis)
5-12-02 – Miami, FL – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2002 PPV – Eddie Guerrero (3) (Pinned Rey Mysterio Jr.)
5-13-02 – Daytona Beach, FL - Monday Night Nitro – Super Crazy (1) (Pinned Eddie Guerrero)
7-13-02 - Norfolk, VA - Worldwide - Tajiri (1) (Pinned Super Crazy)
8-24-02 - Colorado Springs, CO - RISE - Super Crazy (2) (Pinned Tajiri)
11-24-02 - Buffalo, NY - ECW/WCW November to Remember 2002 PPV - Tajiri (2) (Won a Three-Way Dance by pinning Little Guido in a match also involving Super Crazy)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Ultimo Dragon (3) (Pinned Tajiri)
World Women’s Championship
2-24-02 – Atlanta, GA – WCW/ECW SuperBrawl XII PPV – Molly Marvel (1) (Won a four-way match against Ivory, Jazz, and Luna Vachon to win the title)
4-14-02 – Philadelphia, PA – ECW/WCW Barely Legal II PPV – Jazz (1) (Pinned Molly Marvel)
7-18-02 - Macon, GA - ECW RISE - Victoria (1) (Pinned Jazz)
12-29-02 - Phoenix, AZ - WCW/ECW Starrcade 2002 PPV - Gail Kim (1) (Pinned Victoria)
Calendar Note about upcoming shows! I will continue writing Nitro, RISE and PPVs as normal. The new orange shows are more like "glorified house shows" and won't have complete write-ups unless something significant takes place. They won't generally be mentioned on TV or anything, but it will be a way for me to plant seeds for future names that may appear in the BTB! Looking forward to continuing the project!
January January 2, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 6, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 9, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 11, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Guilty As Charged 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
January 12, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Guilty As Charged 2003 (Pay-Per-View) January 13, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 16, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 18, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Clash of Champions (Special Event) January 20, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 23, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE January 27, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro January 30, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE
February February 1, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
February 2, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 (Pay-Per-View) February 3, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 6, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 10, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 13, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 17, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 20, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE February 22, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Market Street Mayhem (Special Event) February 24, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro February 27, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE
March March 1, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Superbrawl XIII Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
March 2, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Superbrawl XIII (Pay-Per-View) March 3, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 6, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 9, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Wrestlepalooza 2003 (Special Event) March 10, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 13, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 17, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 20, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 22, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Uncensored 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
March 23, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Uncensored 2003 (Pay-Per-View) March 24, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro March 27, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE March 31, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
April April 3, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 7, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 10, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 12, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Living Dangerously 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
April 13, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Living Dangerously 2003 (Pay-Per-View) April 14, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 17, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 19, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Music City Showdown (Special Event) April 21, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro April 24, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE April 28, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro
May May 1, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 3, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2003 - The Throne Wars Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
May 4, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Slamboree 2003 - The Throne Wars (Pay-Per-View) May 6, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 9, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 13, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 16, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 20, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 23, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 27, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro May 30, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE May 31, 2003 (Saturday) – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2003 Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview)
June June 1, 2003 (Sunday) – ECW/WCW Hardcore Heaven 2003 (Pay-Per-View) June 2, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 5, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 8, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW Battle in Seattle (Special Event) June 9, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 12, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 16, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 19, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 23, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro June 26, 2003 (Thursday) – ECW RISE June 28, 2003 (Saturday) – WCW/ECW The 2003 Great American Bash Preview (Pay-Per-View-Preview) June 29, 2003 (Sunday) – WCW/ECW The 2003 Great American Bash (Pay-Per-View) June 30, 2003 (Monday) – Monday Night Nitro Champions
WCW World Champion
Booker T (Defeated Kurt Angle on 12-29-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Diamond Dallas Page (Defeated Christian on 12-29-02)
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
Jamie Noble and Kid Kash (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu on 12-29-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Ultimo Dragon (Defeated Tajiri on 12-29-02)
World Women’s Champion
Gail Kim (Defeated Victoria on 12-29-02)
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. Lynn and Styles failed to win back the titles at Starrcade, although they did eliminate RVD and Sabu
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. They retained the titles at Starrcade. The LOD look like they are coming for them next.
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. Booker T converted that title shot into his 5th WCW World Championship. Has his first successful defense on Nitro against Christian before getting attacked by a returning R-Killa, who stole the WCW World Title belt from him
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. Lesnar continued his path of destruction by destroying Stone Cold at Starrcade for perhaps the biggest win of his career
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. Total Impact would defeat the Wolfpac at Starrcade
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. DDP got the better of him at Starrcade, leaving Christian titleless
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. Has seemed to have patched things with him since O’Haire left the NWO
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…and did it again to cost Victoria the Women’s Title against Gail Kim at Starrcade
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. 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. DDP would defeat Christian at Starrcade to win the US Title, and made it clear he still had the WCW World Title set in his sights
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, but couldn’t come up with the victory against him at Starrcade
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. Unfortunately, The A.O.D. prevailed at Starrcade
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, which she won for her first world title
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. The Giant accomplished something he was never able to do in the past seven years when he pinned Hulk Hogan clean 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. The Giant would kick out of the legdrop and pin Hogan at Starrcade, potentially killing Hulkamania once and for all
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
Jazz: – Former World Women’s Champion was beaten by Victoria in the summer and has been trying to win back the title ever since
Jeff Jarrett: – Jeff Jarrett has shockingly returned to WCW on the night after Starrcade 2002 and took out a retiring Stone Cold with a guitar...his reasons are unknown
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 failed to regain the titles at Starrcade as Jamie Noble and Kid Kash won the three-way dance
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. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
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…but would drop it to Booker T at Starrcade. To get a rematch, it looks like he’ll have to defeat the man he beat for the WCW World Title the night after Starrcade 2001: Ric Flair
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. Total Impact would emerge victorious at Starrcade
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. The LOD would help lead their team in a victory over Raven’s Warriors at Starrcade. Now, they perhaps look to win one last World Tag Team Title
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold.
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven. At Starrcade, Raven would attack Mick Foley…and Foley would get hit with an inadvertent GORE from Rhyno in the ECW World Title match at Starrcade. After Rhyno’s loss, Rhyno would GORE down Mick Foley again
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. Total Impact would beat the Wolfpac at Starrcade
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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
R-Killa: – Ron Killings debuted in early 2002 in ECW as R-Killa and quickly former a team with Mark Henry. Killa and Henry would shortly become ECW World Tag Team Champions and also instigated a feud with Harlem Heat, specifically Booker T. R-Killa and Booker T feuded throughout the summer, ultimately leading to a (real) Harlem Street Fight where Booker left R-Killa lying on the street at Anarchy Rulz. R-Killa would disappear until the night after Starrcade 2002, attacking the new WCW World Champion Booker, and stealing the title belt
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. Raven would survive Rhyno’s challenge for the ECW World Championship at Starrcade. He now must look to rebuild his Warriors
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. Rhyno would fail in his attempt to win the title at Starrcade, accidentally GORING Mick Foley in the process. He seemingly blamed Mick too as he would hit him with another GORE afterwards.
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. Flair would defeat Guerrero at Starrcade 2002, then challenge Kurt Angle for a match for Revenge
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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to 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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to 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. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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 got his revenge at Starrcade, easily defeating Steiner. With the status of the NWO’s future uncertain, Scott Steiner’s future is just as uncertain
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. O’Haire would defeat Steiner in minutes, but with HHH now banned from Alliance, how will he get his hands on him? O’Haire told Shane McMahon on Nitro he needs to figure that out
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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. With the NWO’s future likely in limbo with HHH’s loss at Starrcade, Shane McMahon will look to build a new future of WCW around new champion Booker T
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. In a 30-minute classic, HBK showed he still had what it took to be one of the top guys in the industry, but he ultimately fell to Sting 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. Benjamin helped lead his team to victory over 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. Celebrated with his brother after Booker T won the WCW World Championship at Starrcade
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. Sting proved he could beat Shawn Michaels when he did at Starrcade 2002
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. Austin put up a hell of a fight, but Lesnar would beat Austin and leave Austin battered and beaten. Austin announced his retirement the next night…before Jeff Jarrett arrived and took him out with a guitar, seemingly causing a severe neck injury.
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, but dropped it to 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…a move that would cost him his Alliance career as he failed to win the match
Ultimo Dragon: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade, and converted that opportunity into a his first title reign in over four years
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. Kim would defeat Victoria…with a little help from Daffney
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
Upcoming Pay-Per-View
ECW/WCW Guilty as Charged 2003 – January 12, 2003
WCW/ECW Revenge 2003 – February 2, 2003
#1 Contender for the WCW World Championship – Winner Gets a Shot at SuperBrawl XIII
Kurt Angle vs. Ric Flair
I know I'm a little delayed here but basically just wanted to compliment you on the awesome job you did with Starrcade. A terrific PPV. Looking forward to see what's next in here. Expecting big things based off what we've seen so far.
ECW RISE
January 2, 2003
Grand Olympic Auditorium
Los Angeles, CA
We see ECW Commissioner Mick Foley standing in the parking lot. He looks to be waiting on someone. Bill Alfonso startles him from behind…
Bill Alfonso:“Mick, Mick!”
Mick Foley:“Hello Fonzie.”
Bill Alfonso:“Look, I ain’t gonna waste your time with this and I know you have Commissioner stuff to do. 10 days, Pay-Per-View, Guilty as Charged. This is what I see daddy! Raven. Rob Van Dam. Sabu. Three-way for the belt! Make it happen commish!”
Mick shoots a half smile, seemingly appreciating Bill Alfonso’s charm in trying to get his guys the main event at Guilty as Charged.
Mick Foley:“I’ll think about it, Fonzie.”
Bill Alfonso:“I’ll take that, daddy. You know Mr. PPV wants his title back, and Sabu, well, Sabu just wants to rip Raven apart because, well, he’s Sabu.”
Mick Foley:“I know, I know, I’ll really think about it.”
Joey Styles:“It is the year 2003! Welcome everyone to the first ECW RISE of the new year! Tazz, we have two championships on the line tonight!”
Tazz:“Happy New Year, Joey! Yeah, we got some big ones tonight. Kid Kash and Jamie Noble defend the belts against a team I’m really close with and really believe in, the former champs Danny Doring and Roadkill! It should be a donnybrook!”
Joey Styles:“Also the ECW World Television Championship is on the line: Shelton Benjamin takes on the extreme luchador Super Crazy! But right now Tazz, we see some of Raven’s Warriors in the ring…”
Tazz:“Yeah I see Saturn, and Whipwreck and Tajiri. Malice too but no, uh…no Crush or Wrath.”
Joey Styles:“And here comes the champ. Raven successfully defended the ECW World Championship by defeating Rhyno at Starrcade…but he was the only member of his Warriors to actually win at the event.”
Tazz:“He doesn’t look too happy…”
***
Raven: “Tonight, as predicted, I stand in front of you, my Warriors, as ECW World Heavyweight Champion. But despite accomplishing victory in perhaps the greatest match of my life, I’m left standing in the fog of failure brought upon me by the very Warriors I’ve brought to life. At Starrcade each of you had an opportunity, an opportunity to rise, to conquer, to claim glory not just for yourselves but for the collective cause of our war. Yet, you faltered, you stumbled…you failed. At the very least, the ones standing with me in the ring, at least I can respect that you are here to accept the consequences of your failure. Crush and Wrath are absent, which perhaps is the greatest insult of them all. While not acceptable, I can deal with failure. But cowardice has no place in my war. It is now time to face your consequences.”
Raven slowly walks over to Saturn, before suddenly smashing Mikey Whipwreck over the head with the ECW World Championship title! Raven then takes the belt off his jeans and chokes Whipwreck out!
Raven: “Mikey Whipwreck, you have let me down for the last time. You let your fear and insecurity hold your talent back. I can no longer carry that burden for you.”
Raven continues to choke Whipwreck out until Tajiri tries to pull Raven off! Raven releases Whipwreck and glares at Tajiri. Tajiri checks on Whipwreck and Raven turns to Saturn.
Raven: “Saturn, I never can understand how a warrior such as yourself fails to dominate the battlefield. While we are past rivals, I now feel shame for once considering you my equal. I’ve learned that time and time against your Rings of Saturn are not made of unbreakable gold, but glass always intended to shatter. I’m not picking up the pieces this time. Not by myself.”
Raven tells Saturn to turn around…and when Saturn does so Raven whips the hell out of him with his leather belt! Raven whips Saturn about eight or nine times before turning to Malice.
Raven: “Malice, your name alone should instill fear and respect. Instead, because of your incompetence neither fear nor respect have been earned. For someone who is supposed to represent my protection, I feel more vulnerable than ever. You faltered when it mattered most. That is unacceptable.”
Raven slaps Malice in the face. Raven then boots him, then whips him across the back with the leather belt eight times. Raven then looks back at Tajiri, who is still tending to Mikey Whipwreck.
Raven: “You stand with that disappointment, Tajiri?! Your compassion makes you weak! You should be a whirling, lethal force to be reckoned with. Where is the fire? Where is the unrelenting storm of the Japanese Buzzsaw that I was promised?!”
Raven raises the belt to whip Tajiri, but Tajiri kicks it out of his hand!
Tazz:“I don’t think Tajiri is going to stand for this, Joey!”
Raven: “Pitiful.”
Raven goes for a punch, but Tajiri blocks and spews the Green Mist in Raven’s face!Malice and Saturn, despite being whipped by Raven just moments early, jump on Tajiri. Saturn locks Tajiri in the Rings of Saturn as Malice stomps away on him…but help is on the way…
It looks like Crush and Wrath are gone…Adams and Clarke make their way down to the ring as Kronik! Adams and Clarke save Tajiri as they attack Malice! A double big boot sends Saturn to over the top rope and to the floor!
A blinded Raven speaks again from the top of the stage.
Raven: “The door remains open. Accept your consequences. Reflect. Repent. Revive. Return to me I will place you back on your path to salvation…or do not return at all. Tonight, the Civil War of the Raven will take place. Myself, Saturn, and Malice will destroy you Tajiri. You Crush. And you Wrath. This will be the only civil war, as it will end with your return to me or with your annihilation. The choice is yours. Quote the Raven, nevermore.”
Noble and Doring kick things off. Noble catches Doring with an armdrag into an armlock, but Doring fights out and hits a hip toss. Doring gets a couple of punches on Noble, but when he sends Noble off the ropes Kash gets a blind tag. Noble hits Doring with a dropkick, causing Doring to stumble into a single leg dropkick from Kash! Kash beats down Doring in the corner, but when he sends Doring into the ropes Roadkill gets a blind tag of his own. Kash backdrops Doring and taunts in his face afterwards, not seeing the 300+ pound Roadkill climbing the ropes, not the corner, but the ropes. Kash turns around and Roadkill comes off the top rope with a flying clothesline! Roadkill pounds away on Kash, but Kash breaks free with some punches of his own. Kash tags Noble back in and they try to run Roadkill over, but to no avail. They try again and Roadkill hits them with a double clothesline!
Roadkill tags in Doring and sends Noble off the ropes. Roadkill picks him up as Doring hits the Lancaster Lariat of Lust! Doring covers Noble, 1…2…Noble kicks out. Doring kicks away at Noble in the corner, before pulling him out and hitting a jawbreaker. Cover, 1…2…Noble kicks out again. Doring gets a headlock to wear down Noble before tagging Roadkill back in. Doring sends Noble into the corner, then sends Roadkill in for the corner splash! Roadkill with the cover, 1…2…Noble kicks out again! Roadkill puts Noble on his shoulders and hits the Barn Burner, then heads up to the top rope! Roadkill takes a little too much time though and the flying splash misses! Noble crawls over to his corner and tags in Kash! Kash rolls into the ring and catches Doring with a hurricanrana! He leaps onto the top rope and spins around before hitting Roadkill with a moonsault! Kash presses Doring over his head and slams him down. Kash tries to pick up Roadkill, but Roadkill fights him off. Noble comes back in with a kick to Roadkill, allowing both Noble and Kash to double back suplex Roadkill!
Roadkill rolls to the outside to confer with Doring, but Kash flies over the top rope with a tope suicida, taking out both men! Kash gets up and helps Doring up, just so Noble can fly over the top rope with his own suicide dive! Noble and Kash slide Roadkill back into the ring. Doring drags Kash back onto the apron, but Kash catches him with an avalanche hurricanrana off the apron! Noble hits Roadkill with an enzugiri, leaving him out on his feet. Noble heads to the top rope and hits Roadkill with a missile dropkick, which drops the big man. Kash comes off the top rope with a Frog Splash of his own! Noble makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Jamie Noble and Kid Kash when Noble pinned Roadkill in 8:58 (Retains)
There’s no time to celebrate though as AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn comes down and attack the champs! Lynn and Kash trade shots, but Styles quickly gets the upperhand on Noble and drops him with a Styles Clash! Kash gets the better of Lynn…until Styles nails him from behind. Lynn sets Kash up for the Cradle Piledriver, and Styles spikes him down! Lynn and Styles point to their waists as they clearly want the ECW World Tag Team Championship back! Lynn and Styles take off up the ramp…although they look surprised as none other than R-Killa passes them on the ramp.
Joey Styles:“AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn just took out the champs!”
Tazz:“They just sent a message, Joey! They feel they should still be the champs!”
Joey Styles:“And now look at this. Carrying the WCW World Championship, R-Killa is coming out here.”
Tazz:“Once upon a time Kash and Noble had beef with him too!”
Noble and Kash try to recover from their attack from Styles and Lynn, and they look weary of R-Killa.
R-Killa:“Hey now, I got no problems with you two!”
Noble and Kash, despite just getting beat down, look like they want to fight, but they walk off with the ECW World Tag Team Championship.
R-Killa:“You all know why I’m here! You all watched the Monday Night show! I’m back to do what I always do and that’s tell y’all the truth! And here it is. What happened at Starrcade, when Booker T won the big gold…that happened because of me!”
Joey Styles:“What is he talking about?”
R-Killa:“That’s right, because of me! All year I beat that man’s ass! I beat his ass and I beat his brother’s ass. I exposed and told the truth in regards to what Harlem Heat was all about. Yeah that’s right! Now I know what you’re all saying. Ron, yeah, that’s me if you stupid people out there are confused…Ron, didn’t Booker T leave you lyin’ in the Harlem Street Fight at Anarchy Rulz? Yeah, that man got me. I hate to say it, but he got me that night. Maybe he won that night, but I made him a man in that fight. Booker T didn’t know he had it in him until that fight. I brought it out of him. And he took a ride on that aggression all the way through Starrcade. And won the big one. Man, it must be nice.”
R-Killa:“You all know the truth. Had I won that match, there would have been no main events for the Killa. They woulda just gave Booker T another chance. And another. And another. Booker T, you don’t know what it’s like man. Booker T gets everything handed to him because he plays the corporate game. Oh yeah, out here he plays hip hop music and is all cool and all. But back there you might as well put him on a package of Oreos! I saw Shane McMahon say WCW is in the era of Booker T now like that’s some new thing. Booker T has been a star in WCW for 10 years! What took so long?! Maybe Shane McMahon, maybe you need to look deeper man. Booker T ain’t your guy. He’s old news. I’m 30 years old! I’m in the best shape of my life. We’re going to do this my way McMahon! We’re gonna do this my way Alliance! See I’d never get a title shot on Nitro or a WCW Pay-Per-View. So I did what I had to. Did I steal the WCW World Title belt from Booker T? I’m Guilty as Charged! And If Booker T wants it back, he’ll have to take it from me there. Will I kick Booker T’s ass again? Will I give WCW and Alliance a new era…an Era of Truth…once again, I’m Guilty as Charged! So Booker…”
Joey Styles:“Book…Booker T is here! Oh My God the WCW World Champion is here in Los Angeles!”
Booker T comes down to the ring to a huge ovation! He chases after R-Killa but R-Killa jumps into the crowd and takes off. Booker T yells that R-Killa “is on”.
Tazz:“You hear that, Joey?”
Joey Styles:“For the first time ever on an ECW Pay-Per-View…we’re going to have a WCW World Title match?! Booker T against R-Killa?”
Tazz:“It’s gonna be wild, Joey!”
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
As we return to RISE, Total Impact is seen talking to ECW Commissioner Mick Foley right outside the parking lot. Foley had been waiting for someone. The camera catches the conversation in the middle…
Mick Foley:“…Shane and I were talking about this. Congratulations on vanquishing the Wolfpac at Starrcade. I was talking to Shane and he wanted to reward you guys.”
Lance Storm:“Hey, reward? I think we’re all interested aren’t we guys?”
Chris Candido:“Yeah, of course!”
Mike Awesome nods his head as Dawn Marie smiles excitedly…
Mick Foley:“So before I tell you guys our idea, I also want to present this to you as a challenge too. Here’s the deal guys. I’m offering Total Impact a shot at the ECW World Heavyweight Championship!”
Lance Storm:“That sounds great, but like you warned us, what’s the catch?”
Mick Foley:“Well it’s just one title shot, for one of you. At Guilty As Charged, Total Impact will face each other in a triple-threat match, with the winner getting the ECW World Championship Match for Revenge.”
Mike Awesome takes a deep breath, while Chris Candido and Lance Storm show mixed reactions to the match. All three men ultimately nod.
Lance Storm:“We accept. Thank you Mick.”
As Total Impact look to leave, they run right into Rhyno. Rhyno stares down each member, but Mike Awesome takes an extra second to get in Rhyno’s face. After Total Impact leaves, Rhyno turns to Mick Foley.
Mick Foley:“I’ve been waiting out here for you.”
Rhyno:“Hell if I care. You fucked me over at Starrcade, Foley. You let Raven manipulate you and you got involved.”
Mick Foley:“Look I’m not supposed to take sides, but I wasn’t exactly trying to help Raven in there. Now I was going to apologize…”
Rhyno:“You got in my way. Period. I don’t care what you were trying to do. I don’t need your fuckin’ help to beat Raven. Right now what I need from you is another shot at the title.”
Mick Foley:“I don’t know yet. There are other contenders.”
Rhyno:“Oh yeah? Well get this, Mick. I gored you at Starrcade by accident. You were in the way. I don’t get that title shot. Next one won’t be an accident.”
Rhyno pushes past Mick Foley as RISE cuts back to the ring.
From a lock-up, Benjamin gets a waistlock and takes Crazy down. Crazy quickly gets to his feet and fires a couple of chops, but Benjamin gets the upperhand with some shots to the side of the head. Benjamin sends Crazy off the ropes and leapfrogs over him. Benjamin tries for a tilt-a-whirl, only Crazy counters with a flying head scissors! Crazy comes off the ropes and ducks a clothesline, but Benjamin catches him with a leg lariat. Benjamin sets Crazy up for a powerbomb, only Crazy rolls through with the hurricanrana! Spinning heel kick knocks Benjamin to the outside. Crazy comes off the ropes and hits a Space Flying Tiger Drop over the top rope! Crazy sends Benjamin into the steel railing, but when Crazy charges Benjamin catches him and drops him throat first on the guardrail!
Benjamin dumps Crazy into the crowd and the two brawl. Crazy takes a beer from a fan and smashes it against Benjamin, stunning him, Crazy quickly runs up a 10 foot balcony, then leaps off with a moonsault that hits Benjamin! Crazy indicates that he wants to be champion as he drags Benjamin back towards the ring, but Benjamin comes alive and belly-to-belly suplexes Crazy over the guardrail and onto the floor! Benjamin climbs up onto the guardrail and knocks Crazy down with a flying clothesline! Benjamin rolls Crazy into the ring and heads to the top rope. Benjamin goes for a flying elbow drop, but that misses as Crazy gets out of the way! La Magistral from Crazy, 1…2…Benjamin just escapes!
Crazy jumps onto the apron, then leaps back into the ring with a springboard moonsault that rolls Benjamin into a cradle, 1…2…Benjamin kicks out. Benjamin gets a kick and goes for a second powerbomb, but Crazy counters and drops Benjamin with a DDT! 1…2…Benjamin kicks out again. Benjamin quickly grabs the arm of Crazy and locks in an armbar. It isn’t locked in well though and Crazy gets his feet on the bottom rope, giving him leverage to escape. Both men get to their feet and Benjamin lays Crazy out with a running big boot! Cover, 1…2…Crazy kicks out. For the third time Benjamin goes for the powerbomb, and Crazy counters into a frankensteiner with the pin, 1…2…Benjamin kicks out and sends Crazy flying through the ropes and onto the apron. Crazy springboards off the top rope, but Benjamin catches him on the way down with a knee to the midsection, then slams him down with the T-Bone Suplex! Benjamin makes the cover, 1…2…3!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin via pinfall in 9:07
***
Tazz:“Big victory for Shelton Benjamin there, Joey.”
Joey Styles:“For sure. But…hey…look who’s here.”
Tazz:“One of my favorites, even if this one’s a little nuts!”
Daffney comes down to the ring, huge smile on her face.
Daffney:“Ah, Los Angeles, maybe my favorite place of them all! So many scream queens are from here and that makes me excited to be standing here! Speaking of being excited, nothing got me screaming more than when Gail Kim won the World Women’s Title against Victoria last Sunday night! Congrats Gail! I just wanted you to know that at Guilty As Charged, I’m going to take that Women’s Title away from you. I’ll visit you on Nitro dear…gotta go!”
Daffney cuts her speech short as Victoria runs down to the ring and after her! Daffney jumps through the crowd with Victoria in chase!
::COMMERCIAL BREAK::
Raven’s Civil War
Raven, Saturn, and Malice (w/Terri) vs. Tajiri and Kronik
Bryan Clarke and Brian Adams run into the ring and beat the hell out of Malice and Saturn as Tajiri chases Raven around the ring. Mikey Whipwreck jumps from the crowd and surprises the crowd as he cuts Tajiri off with a clothesline. Raven smiles as Whipwreck beats up on Tajiri, but Kronik come to the outside and beat up Whipwreck. Raven rolls Tajiri into the ring as the match transitions into an actual tag team match. Raven stomps away on Tajiri. Raven hits Tajiri with a knee to the sternum, backing Tajiri into the corner. Running bulldog from Raven. Raven tags in Saturn. Saturn stomps away on Tajiri before suplexing him on his head. Cover, 1…2…Tajiri kicks out. Saturn misses a clothesline, and Tajiri gets a kick to the side of the face. Tajiri hooks Saturn’s arms with his legs and locks in the Tarantula in the ropes…but Malice quickly breaks it up.
Kronik come into the ring and attack Malice. Whipwreck jumps into the ring but Kronik catch him by the throat…and High Times Double Chokeslam him over the top rope and through a table on the outside! Double big boot knocks Malice down. Adams hits Saturn with a heart punch before Clarke plants Saturn with a Pump Handle Slam! Cover, 1…2…3!
Winners: Tajiri and Kronik when Bryan Clarke pinned Saturn in 3:38
Raven grabs the ECW World Championship belt and smashes both Clarke and Adams with it, knocking them both down. Malice stomps away on both members of Kronik before Tajiri stops him with a kick to the head! Raven misses a belt shot on Tajiri, and for the second time tonight spits the Green Mist into Raven’s face! Raven goes down…but gets a low blow on Tajiri to even things up. Terri helps Raven clean the Mist from his eyes and Malice goes back to work on Tajiri. Malice sets Tajiri up for a chokeslam…before Rob Van Dam and Sabu run down to the ring with chairs in hand! Sabu smacks Malice with a chair…then RVD knocks Malice down with a Van Daminator!Rolling Thunder on Malice! Despite being somewhat blinded, Raven looks to attack the celebrating RVD and Sabu…only Rhyno runs down to the ring and intercepts Raven with the GORE! Raven rolls to the outside in pain with Terri helping him up the ramp…with only Commissioner Mick Foley’s music stopping them. Mick appears at the entrance.
Mick Foley:“I’ve made my decision! At the Guilty As Charged Pay-Per-View in just 10 days…Raven, you will defend the ECW World Heavyweight Championship…in an EXTREME BRAWL! Five men will compete, ECW World Champion Raven, Rhyno, Rob Van Dam, Sabu, and Tajiri, only one will walk out champion! Have a Nice Day!”
Raven, still semi-blinded, looks back at the ring exasperated as the four men he will face at Guilty as Charged all look back at him, eager to rip him apart!
ECW Television Championship
Shelton Benjamin (c) pinned Super Crazy to retain the title
Raven’s Civil War
Tajiri and Kronik defeated Raven, Malice, and Saturn when Bryan Clarke pinned Saturn
Champions
WCW World Champion
Booker T (Defeated Kurt Angle on 12-29-02)
ECW World Champion
Raven (Defeated Rob Van Dam on 9-29-02)
WCW United States Champion
Diamond Dallas Page (Defeated Christian on 12-29-02)
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
Jamie Noble and Kid Kash (Defeated Rob Van Dam and Sabu on 12-29-02)
World Cruiserweight Champion
Ultimo Dragon (Defeated Tajiri on 12-29-02)
World Women’s Champion
Gail Kim (Defeated Victoria on 12-29-02)
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. Lynn and Styles failed to win back the titles at Starrcade, although they did eliminate RVD and Sabu
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. They retained the titles at Starrcade. The LOD look like they are coming for them next.
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. Booker T converted that title shot into his 5th WCW World Championship. Has his first successful defense on Nitro against Christian before getting attacked by a returning R-Killa, who stole the WCW World Title belt from him. He accepted R-Killa’s challenge on RISE for a WCW World Title match at Guilty As Charged
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. Lesnar continued his path of destruction by destroying Stone Cold at Starrcade for perhaps the biggest win of his career
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. Total Impact would defeat the Wolfpac at Starrcade. He takes on stablemates Lance Storm and Mike Awesome at Guilty As Charged for an ECW World Championship Match
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. DDP got the better of him at Starrcade, leaving Christian titleless
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. Has seemed to have patched things with him since O’Haire left the NWO
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…and did it again to cost Victoria the Women’s Title against Gail Kim at Starrcade, then made the challenge for Kim’s title
Dave Taylor: – Brought in by William Regal and Fit Finlay to help them when they were battling Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, and Shane Helms
Deacon Batista: – The enforcer of the Archdiocese of Dudleyville, OVW’s former Leviathan
Diamond Dallas Page: – DDP began as a commentator, but got involved in the Tajiri-William Regal-Torrie Wilson situation. Torrie would become one of his Diamond Dolls (Stacy Keibler would join later, and Torrie would leave for Kidman in the summer). DDP then also saved Stacy Keibler from the Dudleyz and received a huge assist from the Giant. DDP and Giant battled the Outsiders for most of the summer over the WCW World Tag Team titles, and almost won the WCW Title from HHH at Clash of Champions. Recently, due to the Giant’s frustration with not getting WCW World title shots, the Giant turned on DDP. The Giant took DDP out in their match at Halloween Havoc. 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. DDP would defeat Christian at Starrcade to win the US Title, and made it clear he still had the WCW World Title set in his sights
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, but couldn’t come up with the victory against him at Starrcade
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. Unfortunately, The A.O.D. prevailed at Starrcade
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, which she won for her first world title
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. The Giant accomplished something he was never able to do in the past seven years when he pinned Hulk Hogan clean 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. The Giant would kick out of the legdrop and pin Hogan at Starrcade, potentially killing Hulkamania once and for all
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
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 failed to regain the titles at Starrcade as Jamie Noble and Kid Kash won the three-way dance
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. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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. Noble and Kash would defeat RVD and Sabu, and Jerry Lynn and AJ Styles to finally win their first ECW World Tag Team Title at Starrcade
Kronik: – Clarke and Adams have broken away from Raven’s stable and now look to destroy Raven
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…but would drop it to Booker T at Starrcade. To get a rematch, it looks like he’ll have to defeat the man he beat for the WCW World Title the night after Starrcade 2002: Ric Flair
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. Total Impact would emerge victorious at Starrcade. He’ll face stablemates Mike Awesome and Chris Candido for a shot at the ECW World Championship
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. The LOD would help lead their team in a victory over Raven’s Warriors at Starrcade. Now, they perhaps look to win one last World Tag Team Title
Little Guido: – The leader of the Full-Blooded Italians. His group has taken payoffs for jobs…although they haven’t always went well. Had a shot at the Cruiserweight title at November to Remember, but didn’t walk away with gold.
Mick Foley: – Mick Foley returned to ECW to support his friend, Terry Funk. That led to a confrontation with ECW World Champion Brock Lesnar. With the blessing of Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley, Cactus Jack returned to and faced Lesnar for the ECW World Championship at Barely Legal II, but came up short. Foley returned in the summer to become Stephanie McMahon’s ECW Commissioner, replacing General Manager Paul Heyman. He has seemed to be especially tough on the top bad guys on the brand, specifically Eddie Guerrero and Raven. At Starrcade, Raven would attack Mick Foley…and Foley would get hit with an inadvertent GORE from Rhyno in the ECW World Title match at Starrcade. After Rhyno’s loss, Rhyno would GORE down Mick Foley again
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. Total Impact would beat the Wolfpac at Starrcade. He’ll face stablemates Chris Candido and Lance Storm at Guilty as Charged for an ECW World Title shot
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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
R-Killa: – Ron Killings debuted in early 2002 in ECW as R-Killa and quickly former a team with Mark Henry. Killa and Henry would shortly become ECW World Tag Team Champions and also instigated a feud with Harlem Heat, specifically Booker T. R-Killa and Booker T feuded throughout the summer, ultimately leading to a (real) Harlem Street Fight where Booker left R-Killa lying on the street at Anarchy Rulz. R-Killa would disappear until the night after Starrcade 2002, attacking the new WCW World Champion Booker, and stealing the title belt. He successfully goaded Booker T into a WCW World Title match at Guilty As Charged
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. Raven would survive Rhyno’s challenge for the ECW World Championship at Starrcade. His warriors are now divided…and now Raven must survive an Extreme Brawl at Guilty As Charged
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. Rhyno would fail in his attempt to win the title at Starrcade, accidentally GORING Mick Foley in the process. He seemingly blamed Mick too as he would hit him with another GORE afterwards. He gets another chance as part of the Extreme Brawl at Guilty As Charged
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. Flair would defeat Guerrero at Starrcade 2002, then challenge Kurt Angle for a match for Revenge
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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to Kid Kash and Jamie Noble. His attention has turned back to the ECW World Championship. He has a shot at it in the Extreme Brawl.
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 ended up dropping the ECW World Tag Team Titles in a Three-Way to Kid Kash and Jamie Noble. Sabu finds himself with a chance at the ECW World Championship as part of the Extreme Brawl.
Scott Hall: – Scott Hall surprised everyone and showed up in the Barely Legal II ECW TV Title battle royal, although he failed to win the title. What was thought to be a cameo turned out to be a full blown return when he reformed the NWO and cost Kurt Angle the WCW World Championship at Slamboree. Hall and Nash added another WCW World Tag Team Championship to their resume over the summer as well, although they dropped the title back to DDP and Giant at Cyberslam. Total Impact would dominate the Wolfpac at Starrcade, leaving the state of NWO Wolfpac unknown
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 got his revenge at Starrcade, easily defeating Steiner. With the status of the NWO’s future uncertain, Scott Steiner’s future is just as uncertain
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. O’Haire would defeat Steiner in minutes, but with HHH now banned from Alliance, how will he get his hands on him? O’Haire told Shane McMahon on Nitro he needs to figure that out
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. Unfortunately, the A.O.D. would retain the title at Starrcade
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. With the NWO’s future likely in limbo with HHH’s loss at Starrcade, Shane McMahon will look to build a new future of WCW around new champion Booker T
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. In a 30-minute classic, HBK showed he still had what it took to be one of the top guys in the industry, but he ultimately fell to Sting 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. Benjamin helped lead his team to victory over 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. Celebrated with his brother after Booker T won the WCW World Championship at Starrcade
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. Sting proved he could beat Shawn Michaels when he did at Starrcade 2002
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. Austin put up a hell of a fight, but Lesnar would beat Austin and leave Austin battered and beaten. Austin announced his retirement the next night…before Jeff Jarrett arrived and took him out with a guitar, seemingly causing a severe neck injury.
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, but dropped it to Ultimo Dragon at Starrcade. Tajiri, trying to protect friend Mikey Whipwreck, turned on Raven on RISE…only for Whipwreck to turn on him. Still, Tajiri gets a chance at the ECW World Championship as he is part of the Extreme Brawl.
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…a move that would cost him his Alliance career as he failed to win the match
Ultimo Dragon: – Ultimo Dragon has won a chance at Tajiri’s World Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade, and converted that opportunity into a his first title reign in over four years
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. Kim would defeat Victoria…with a little help from Daffney
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
