WWF InVasion took place in 2001, however many of it’s top stars were missing. Here, we book it again with no limits.
One of the biggest shows in WWE history took place in 2001. After WWF sensationally bought out WCW in March 2001, the company ran an ‘invasion’ angle in which the stars of the WCW would ‘invade’ the WWF. It was led by Shane McMahon, who revealed he had bought WCW. This was all very exciting apart from one small detail – most of the major stars of WCW were under a contract that saw them get paid to sit at home. So, the likes of Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Sting, Ric Flair, Scott Hall, Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner and Eric Bischoff were all unavailable, as it would have cost WWF millions to get them in. This meant that the PPV didn’t live up to it’s potential.
So with this, the invasion angle happened and it led towards a PPV in July 2001 named Invasion. It was the WWF roster vs WCW and ECW, led by Shane O’Mac and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley.
The match card:
| Mike Awesome & Lance Storm vs Edge & Christian | Tag Team Match |
| Nick Patrick vs Earl Hebner | Referee vs Referee Match |
| APA vs Shaun O’Haire & Chuck Palumbo | WWF & WCW Tag Team Championships |
| Billy Kidman vs X Pac | WCW Cruiserweight Championship & WWF Light-Heavyweight Championship |
| William Regal vs Raven | Singles Match |
| Big Show & Billy Gunn & Albert vs Kanyon & Hugh Morrus & Shawn Stasiak | 6 Man Tag Team Match |
| Tajiri vs Tazz | Singles Match |
| Jeff Hardy vs Rob Van Dam | WWF Hardcore Championship |
| Trish Stratus & Lita vs Stacey Kiebler & Torrie Wilson | Tag Team Bra & Panties Match |
| Stonecold & Kurt Angle & Chris Jericho & Undertaker & Kane vs Booker T & DDP & Rhyno & The Dudley Boyz | The Inaugural Brawl |
In the end, it was Team Alliance winning after Stonecold betrayed his WWF partners, kicked Kurt Angle in the head and followed it up with a Stunner. He then made the referee count to 3. If you would like to check the full results from the show just follow this link.
All in all, this whole angle was very disappointing and when you see the names WCW had at the time, it always left me wondering…what if? Well, wonder no more!!
Let’s book WWF vs WCW/ECW InVasion 2001 live from the Gund Arena in Cleveland Ohio!
The card: (in no particular order)
| Stonecold vs Goldberg |
| The Rock vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan |
| Triple H vs Ric Flair |
| The Hardy Boyz vs The Outsiders (Hall & Nash) |
| RVD vs Jeff Jarrett (Ladder Match) |
| Chris Jericho vs DDP (Cage Match) |
| Raven vs Hardcore Holly (Hardcore Match) |
| Lita & Trish vs Torrie Wilson & Stacey Kiebler |
| Booker T vs Kurt Angle |
| Undertaker vs Sting |
Building the Feuds: To make the Invasion PPV truly epic, we need to establish compelling feuds between the top stars of both promotions. Let’s delve into some of the key matchups and the backstory behind each feud:
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Goldberg
The clash between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Goldberg is a dream match that fans could only dream about, hence why it’s here! Both men were dominant forces in their respective promotions, known for their intensity and powerhouse wrestling styles and both were booked to the highest part of the main event.
The feud begins when Goldberg storms down to the ring and issues a challenge to Austin, claiming that he’s the true “toughest SOB” in wrestling. “Austin 3:16 ain’t gunna be a challenge for me.” Austin, never one to back down from a challenge, accepts, setting the stage for an explosive showdown at Invasion. Can you imagine the excitement if these two had got in the ring and went nose-to-nose? Without laying a finger on each other, they could easily have sold the entire PPV.
Goldberg was booked incredibly strong in WCW, going on an incredible winning streak. Stonecold was possibly the biggest name in wrestling at the time.
Match at Invasion PPV: The match between Austin and Goldberg is a brutal, hard-hitting affair from the opening bell. Both men trade devastating blows, with neither willing to give an inch. In the end, Austin manages to catch Goldberg with a thunderous Stone Cold Stunner as he avoids a spear and catches Goldberg when he turns around. He secures the victory and cements his status as the top dog in wrestling. Top turnbuckle and several beers to celebrate.
The Rock vs. Hollywood Hogan
In a battle of generations, The Rock squares off against Hollywood Hogan in a clash of egos and legacies. The feud ignites when Hogan, feeling disrespected by the younger generation, challenges The Rock to prove himself against the true icon of wrestling. The Rock, never one to shy away from a challenge, accepts, leading to a showdown of epic proportions. This match did eventually happen at WrestleMania, but this would have been a great showdown back in 2001. The Rock was on the verge of leaving for Hollywood and Hogan was, well – Hollywood!
Match at Invasion PPV: The match between The Rock and Hollywood Hogan is a masterclass in storytelling, with both men playing to the crowd and exchanging taunts. To finish the match, Rock kicks out of a leg drop at then proceeds to plant Hogan with a Rock Bottom, followed by a People’s Elbow. This solidifies his status as the future of the industry. A handshake full of respect takes place at the end and the crowd erupt! The fans are embracing Hogan and face turn is complete! The fans are going absolutely insane and The Rock is proudly holding Hogan’s arm in the air. Then, Rock smashes Hogan with a thunderous Rock Bottom!! The crowd are stunned into a silence, before booing loudly. Rock grabs a chair and delivers a People’s Elbow on the chair which is laying on Hogan’s face. Rock leaves to a chorus of boos. Hollywood Rock is born as Hollywood Hogan ends.
Triple H vs. Ric Flair
In a battle of legends, Triple H clashes with Ric Flair in a match that pits the past against the future. The feud begins when Flair, feeling slighted by Triple H’s arrogance, challenges him to a match to prove who the true “Nature Boy” is. Triple H, never one to back down from a challenge, The Game naturally accepts. These two would eventually work together, forming the stable, Evolution, along with Randy Orton and Batista. The Game was just in his flow at the start of 2001 and this would have been another dream match.
Match at Invasion PPV: The match between Triple H and Ric Flair is a technical masterpiece, with both men showcasing their in-ring prowess. In the end, Triple H manages to outsmart Flair, catching him with a low blow then a Pedigree for the victory. The dirtiest player in the game just got played! Despite the loss, Flair extends his hand in respect to Triple H, cementing their mutual admiration for each other. Flair recognises that HHH will do anything to get the job done, just like himself, and this is the beginning of their stable.
The Hardy Boyz vs. The Outsiders (Kevin Nash & Scott Hall)
The Hardy Boyz, known for their high-flying style, issue an open challenge to any tag team from WCW. “We are the future of the tag team division and it’s time for some old boys to retire” screams a rampant Jeff Hardy down the microphone. The challenge is answered by the returning Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, aka The Outsiders, who claim to be the true kings of tag team wrestling.
Match at Invasion PPV: The match is a thrilling encounter with fast-paced action and high spots. Jeff Hardy naturally pulls out a ladder and many death defying spots ensue. Jeff from the top of the ladder, hits a swanton bomb onto Nash through the commentary table. Insane stuff here! But, the old boys show they still have it, and pull one back for team Alliance. Nash catches Matt Hardy and hits a huge chokeslam for the win.
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Rob Van Dam vs. Jeff Jarrett
Rob Van Dam has been signed by WWF and captures the Intercontinental Championship and issues an open challenge to any competitor from WCW. Jeff Jarrett, a master of the guitar and former WCW Champion, accepts the challenge, claiming he’ll reclaim the title for WCW.
Match at Invasion PPV: The ladder match is a brutal affair, with both men using the ladder as a weapon. At one point, Jarrett gets his guitar and smashes it over RVD’s skull. But just before he can climb the ladder, Chyna rushes down and pushes Jarrett off the ladder! This allows RVD to climb the ladder and retrieve the title belt, retaining his championship in a hard-fought battle.
Cage Match: Chris Jericho vs. Diamond Dallas Page (DDP)
Chris Jericho and DDP’s feud escalates after Jericho insults DDP’s wife, Kimberly, on live television. Enraged, DDP challenges Jericho to a match inside a steel cage, vowing to make him pay for his disrespect.
Match at Invasion PPV: The cage match is a grueling contest and both men have no trouble shoving their opponents face across the steel. It looks like Y2J is making his way out of the cage door and BAM! Kimberly slams the door off Jericho’s face! This allows DDP to hit Jericho with a devastating Diamond Cutter, securing the win and exacting revenge for his wife’s honor.
Hardcore Match: Raven vs. Hardcore Holly
Raven, the master of hardcore wrestling, defends his Hardcore Championship against Hardcore Holly, who claims to be the toughest competitor in wrestling. The feud intensifies with backstage brawls and hardcore stipulations added to the match. It’s anything goes in this one!
Match at Invasion PPV: The hardcore match is chaotic and unpredictable, with weapons strewn all over the arena (just what Holly loves!) With much interference from everyone and anyone backstage, the match finally ends when Hardcore Holly smashes Raven headfirst through a glass window and pins him backstage.
Lita and Trish Stratus vs. Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler
This is one match I would actually keep, although I would remove the bra and panties stipulation from the original (we are a classy website after all). Lita and Trish Stratus, two of the top women wrestlers in WWF, form an alliance to defend the honor of their promotion against the invading women from WCW, Torrie Wilson and Stacy Keibler. The rivalry intensifies as Torrie and Stacy mock Lita and Trish’s wrestling abilities, claiming that they’re nothing compared to the women of WCW. This would rile up the WWF women as Lita and Trish are two of the very best to ever perform.
Match at Invasion PPV: The women’s tag team match is a fast-paced and intense encounter, with both teams showcasing their athleticism and in-ring skills. Lita and Trish utilize their experience as a team to control the match early on, but Torrie and Stacy’s underhanded tactics give them the advantage. However, in the climax of the match, Lita manages to hit Torrie with a devastating Twist of Fate, followed by Trish delivering a picture-perfect Chick Kick to Stacy, securing the victory for Team WWF. After the match, Lita and Trish celebrate in the ring, sending a message to the women of WCW that they won’t back down without a fight. In a moment purely made for myself, Stacey Kiebler then signs for WWF and everybody (especially me) is happy!
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
Eddie Guerrero, the reigning Cruiserweight Champion, is challenged by his former tag team partner Rey Mysterio, representing the cruiserweights of WCW. The feud is fueled by their history together and their desire to prove who the superior cruiserweight is. These two did do battle in later years in WWE, but I think this could have been an epic encounter to fully get both over with a WWF crowd.
Match at Invasion PPV: The Cruiserweight Championship match is a fast-paced and high-flying encounter with both men pulling out all the stops. In the end, Rey Mysterio manages to hit a breathtaking springboard hurricanrana, pinning Eddie Guerrero to become the new Cruiserweight Champion. We get a glimpse at Guerrero and the entire crowd fall in love with him, with everyone in the arena on their feet for the two.
Booker T vs Kurt Angle
Booker T jumps into the ring as Angle is challenging for the WWF Title and he takes him out, resulting in a DQ. Angle, on the following Smackdown, threatens to kill Booker T when he gets his hands on him. Booker T responds by issuing a challenge to Angle, for the upcoming Invasion PPV. If Angle loses, he quits WWF and Booker T will take his contract.
Match at Invasion PPV: Angle goes in hot, unleashing lefts, rights and whatever else he can. Booker T eventually gets a hold on the match and slows things down a little until Angle counters with some submission moves. Booker T tries to distract the referee so he can use a chair but Angle grabs the chair and….throws it out of the ring and then hits a massive Angle Slam, followed by the Ankle Lock. This one is over! Angle celebrates by downing a gallon of milk, but then goes down with brainfreeze!
The Undertaker vs Sting
The one we all wanted to see! 2001 saw these two at the peak of their powers. Sting was tearing it up in WCW and Taker was finished with throwing Mick Foley around and hovering around the world title picture.
Undertaker is in the ring telling the crowd that he is the locker room leader and he will make sure WWF gets through this invasion. Suddenly, the lights go out. Pure darkness for a good 30 seconds and then Sting’s music hits. A slow walk down to the ring and he walks right up to Undertaker. The two stare at each other and then Sting raises his bat and points over Taker’s shoulder at the Invasion sign. Taker nods his head.
Match at Invasion PPV: The ominous tolling of bells echoes through the arena, signaling the arrival of The Undertaker, the Phenom of WWE. Across the ring stands another icon, shrouded in mystery and mystique – Sting, the enigmatic figure from WCW. The crowd are stunned, they simply cannot believe this dream match is happening!
The Undertaker unleashes his devastating strikes and bone-chilling submission holds, while Sting counters with his lightning-fast strikes and high-flying maneuvers.
The intensity builds as both legends refuse to stay down, each determined to emerge victorious and prove their supremacy. The audience is on the edge of their seats, witnessing a spectacle that transcends eras and promotions.
In the climax of the match, amidst a flurry of near falls and dramatic moments, The Undertaker summons the darkness, delivering his iconic Tombstone Piledriver to Sting. 1….2….. kick out! This is incredible! Sting somehow finds the energy to pull himself up from the mat and he delivers a Scorpion Death Drop! 1….2….kick out! What is it going to take to end this match!?
Here comes Kane! What is he doing here? Kane enters the ring and throws the ref out. He looks at Sting and signals for the end. Suddenly, he turns to Undertaker and delivers a huge chokeslam, followed by a tombstone piledriver. He brings the ref back in, Sting delivers a final Scorpion Death Drop, and this one is over. Kane has turned his back on his brother and the WWF and aligned himself with Sting!
I’m sure I have missed some top names, however, I only have room for so many. This is the card that I think would have done well at the time and would have been incredibly exciting. Oh, and the matches are not in any particular order! I just sat down and wrote, and wrote some more!
Let me know in the comments if I have missed anyone and how you would book it differently.
If you would like to book an event and have it featured on the site, get in touch: allyourwrestling@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading!
You must be logged in to post a comment.