Making an Impact! A Pro Wrestling Timeline

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Prologue: Gone Fishin’


On March 23rd, 2001 the world of television and entertainment were to change forever as one of the grandest wars ever waged on the small screen came to a close after a few strokes of ink. It was not until three days later that world would learn the news of such large events. On an unheard of simulcast between both shows, the announcement was made. World Championship Wrestling (WCW) had been bought by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). All assets and contracts that were signed to WCW were handed over to its new owner. One Vincent Kennedy McMahon Jr. A short week later, the smaller fish in the ocean was later swallowed up as well by the whale known as McMahon’s sports entertainment machine. With another few strokes of a pen, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) was no more as well. The world of professional wrestling had once again been truly shaken up yet again, and a rightful victor was crowned. McMahon’s WWF had beaten out the money backed WCW and ECW’s hardcore fanbase.

However, not everyone was happy in the world of wrestling. While most had kept their jobs wrestling and were earning their money under the WWF’s paybooks. Some of those who had burnt bridges or had done acts to have them blacklisted had not been hired. One such wrestler was the infamous Jeff Jarrett. The famous son of Nashville wrestling booker Jerry W. Jarrett Sr. Jeff Jarrett had seemingly burnt every single bridge he could have with the WWF back in 1999, when the day before No Mercy (1999) he had demanded McMahon pay him $300,000 extra to drop the title to Chyna at the pay-per-view. Had him blackballing McMahon not been egregious enough, a mere two days later Jarrett appeared on WCW television alongside his fellow friend, and former WWF head writer. One Vince Russo. While Jarrett had been crowned a multiple time world champion, it could not save the sinking ship that WCW was by early 2000. When the company was finally bought, he was one of the few contracts who was specifically not picked up.

Jarrett however, was a smart man. Not only in the sense of business, but also in the way of knowing when to strike and seize opportunities when they arose. The son of the famous booker for sure saw signs of opportunity in a post WCW and ECW landscape. With both those companies gone, all that was left was the small local to regional independent promotions. But, nowhere was there a second option to go to besides leaving the country and heading to Japan or Mexico. But for many, that could never work for them. The idea and inspiration for Jarrett came funnily enough from a fishing trip between himself, his father Jerry, and close friend Bob Ryder. Their fishing trip started out normal as can be, but their focus quickly shifted to talks about the future of the professional wrestling industry. Only one wrestling product having national and international broadcast in the world, the WWF. During the trio's talks, Bob Ryder suggested not relying on television, but instead on weekly pay-per-view shows. Ryder believing that television stations regarded wrestling as bad for business with the closing of both ECW and WCW. With an idea in place the three man began their ventures.

The Jarretts and Ryder’s first goals were to get in contact with many close friends and wrestling colleagues inside the industry. One of the biggest scores for the Jarretts and Ryder was being able to strike a deal with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Whilst way past its hay days, the deal still allowed the Jarretts and Ryder access to a large talent pool of wrestlers they could now hire and work with whilst not competing with the NWA. The deal also allowed for them to use the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship as the promotions flagship title. Amongst many of the calls with friends and colleagues of the business, one name came up time and time again to help the Jarretts and Ryder write their storylines. One of the most controversial wrestling figures of all time. Vince Russo. With hiring Russo, Jeff Jarrett knew the risks and was willing to take them. Whilst Jarrett knew that he was friends with Russo, he could not let his friendship with Russo get ahead of business. He saw what Russo did to WCW. He needed to be that filter to keep him on the straight and narrow [1]. With the hiring of Russo, also came the hiring of his right hand man, Ed Ferrara. Famed cruiserweight commentator and all around excellent play-by-play caller Mike Tenay, alongside Don West.Throughout the remainder of 2001 and 2002, Jeff Jarrett and Mike Tenay began striking deals with many wrestlers in the industry. With former WWF Attitude Era stars such as Ken Shamrock, Brian Christopher (formerly Grandmaster Sexay), K-Krush (formerly K-Kwik), and The Vampire Warrior (formerly Gangrel). Tenay on his end was able to make contact end up striking deals with many former WCW Cruiserweights. On May 9, 2002, Jeff and his father was able to form a limited-liability company called J. Sports and Entertainment.

Jeff Jarrett and Mike Tenay at the last minutes were able to make two valuable pickups for their fledgling company. In early 2002 they were able to court and sign Eddie Guerrero[2], after releasing and voiding contracts with other ‘unnecessary’ contracts with other wrestlers. The other large pick up for the company was another former WCW wrestler and Monday Night Wars staple, one Scott Hall. Recently released from the now name World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). With both Guerrero and Hall signed, Jarrett and his other colleagues were forced to drop Hermie Sadler and famous driver Sterling Marlin from their first show. But, were adamant in keeping Toby Keith as an act to help draw eyes. The name alone and WWE’s presentation and style of wrestling was something Jarrett could use to create his company. Whilst WWE had shifted its full focus to ‘sports entertainment’ he would make his new company focus more on wrestling, whilst still maintaining the shimmers of sports entertainment. The Jarretts and Ryder were eventually able to grab a pay-per-view deal with iNDEMAND starting on June 19th, 2002. The first show to go live under the name of National Wrestling Alliance’s Total Nonstop Action. NWA:TNA. Jarret and his company were surely set to make an impact.


NWA:TNA Roster as of June 19, 2002…
[Backstage Personnel]
  • Bob Ryder (Executive Producer)
  • Don West (Color Commentator)
  • Ed Ferrara (Co-Writer)
  • Jeff Jarrett (Co-Owner)
  • Jerry Jarrett (Co-Owner)
  • Mike Tenay (Talent Relations/Head Play by Play Commentator)
  • Ricky Steamboat (Road Agent)
  • Vince Russo (Head Writer)
[Wrestling Personnel]
  • AJ Styles
  • Bo Dupp
  • Brian Christopher
  • Buff Bagwell
  • Chris Harris
  • Christian York
  • Devon Storm
  • Eddie Guerrero
  • Gran Apolo
  • James Mitchell
  • James Storm
  • Jeff Jarrett
  • Jerry Lynn
  • Jimmy Yang
  • Joey Matthews
  • Jorge Estrada
  • Justice
  • K-Krush
  • Ken Shamrock
  • Konnan
  • Low Ki
  • Malice
  • Norman Smiley
  • Psicosis
  • Rick Steiner
  • Ricky Steamboat
  • Scott Hall
  • Sonny Siaki
  • Stan Dupp
  • Steve Corino
  • The Vampire Warrior

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[1] The biggest change in this TL is the fact that Jarrett learns (somewhat) from WCW's mistakes of Vince Russo being allowed to book however he wants. Whilst Russo has a brilliant mind for television, and drawing eyes. He throws out a hundred crap ideas, and only is able to have a handful of brilliant ones. Which is why WWF was so successful. McMahon was able to be that filter to Russo and pick and grab the good ideas. Bischoff in WCW and Jarrett and Dixie in OTL TNA could not be a filter for Jarrett.

[2] Another big change is Jarrett being able to acquire Eddie Guerrero during his short hiatus after being fired by the WWF/E. Jarrett in the OTL wanted Guerrero as they were locker room comrades in their short time together in WCW. However, in OTL Jarrett could not match price Guerrero's pay per appearance contracts without making sacrifices and could unfortunately not secure a deal.

Here to make up for both the acquisitions of Hall and Guerrero, Jarrett made cuts to the first two taped shows. So he was forced to cut people such as Bruce, Del Rios, Teo, Hollywood, and women from the battle royal.
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Next up... The first two shows in Alabama...
 
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Good start. Waiting for more, of course...

Avoid Dixie Carter. At all costs.
Listen, Jeff learned some mistakes, but mistakes will be made. Not everything can be perfect for TNA, because in wrestling, nothing ever is.

But I would also like to thank you for posting in the thread. Much appreciated.

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I am only getting half of this but that just makes me more interested cos I have NO IDEA where this is going
Well understanding only half of this is just like TNA so thanks :D.

But, I basically changed things from the very beginning. Things may look similar in the first few chapters, after that, it's all fair game.
 

Chapter One: The Von Braun Shows

For three months Jarrett and the NWA:TNA had been promoting two large shows back to back to happen on June 19th, 2002. The very first show of the brand new promotion, and the crowning of a new NWA World Heavyweight Champion in the first show. As well as a live performance by famous country music star, Toby Keith. Whom Jarrett was able to strike a deal with, many months beforehand. While NWA:TNA was expecting a decent show attendance record for an expected 6,000 seater at most for a wrestling show, they noticed a large spike in sales due to the signings of both Eddie Guerrero and Scott Hall. Instead of a predicted less than 3,000 in attendance, the sales dramatically boosted with sales reaching nearly nearly 5,000 in seats. The sales were so great, that the Von Braun Center was forced to open an extra 500 seats in the upper section which was filled. A packed house of 5,500 in attendance for the first NWA:TNA show.

[Results NWA: Total Nonstop Action #1 (June 19, 2002)]

  • The opening fifteen minutes of the pay-per-view start with Mike Tenay in the ring welcoming those in attendance to the first ever show, which gets a good reaction. Tenay would later introduce such famous NWA legends such as “Handsome” Harley Race, Dory Funk Jr., Jackie Fargo, “Bullet” Bob Armstrong, Corsicca Joe, NWA head Bill Beherens, and finally Ricky Steamboat whom is holding the NWA World Heavyweight title. The next minutes are spent talking about the importance of the NWA world title, referencing his historic matches with Flair. He announces that there will be a Gauntlet for the Gold Battle Royal tonight, to crown the next NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
    • He is then later interrupted by Jeff Jarrett, who gets boisterous boos, who complains how none of the other wrestlers in the ring were forced to compete in a battle royal for their title, and deems it an unfair contest. Moments later, appearing in different parts of the arena appear Scott Hall, Ken Shamrock, and Eddie Guerrero whom all get loud cheers and talk about how they will be the one to claim the title tonight. (Total time segment time 14:07)
  • AJ Styles, Low-Ki, and Jerry Lynn defeated the Flying Elvises (Sonny Siaki, Jorge Estrada, and Jimmy Yang) after Jerry Lynn hits a Tornado DDT and then tagging in AJ Styles to hit a Spiral Tap for the pin (10:11)
  • America’s Most Wanted (James Storm and Chris Harris) defeated The Johnsons (Richard and Rod) after America’s Most Wanted hit the Death Sentence (Bearhug and diving leg drop combo) on Rod for the pin. (4:48)
  • K-Krush confronts Ricky Steamboat during a backstage interview and confronts him about almost being excluded from the Gauntlet for the Gold Battle Royal. K-Krush saying he was looked past for reasons, but Ricky swears that it was merely that there were so many talented wrestlers that’s why K-Krush didn’t make it. K-Krush seemingly apologizes to Steamboat, but not before decking him upside the head and knocking Steamboat to the ground, and then running. (6:24)
  • Christian York and Joey Matthews defeated the Dupps (Bo and Stan) with the Double Rebel Yelp for the pin. (6:30)
  • Toby Keith Toby Klein was introduced and performed "Courtesy Of The Red, White and Blue," but was interrupted by Jeff Jarrett, who was making his way to the ring as the #1 entrant in The Gauntlet For The Gold. (3:15)
  • Eddie Guerrero and Scott Hall defeat AJ Styles, Brian Christopher, Buff Bagwell, Devon Storm, Gran Apolo, Jeff Jarrett, Justice, K-Krush, Ken Shamrock, Konnan, Psicosis, Rick Steiner, Steve Corino, and The Vampire Warrior in the Gauntlet for the Gold Battle Royal match, with Hall, Guerrero, Jarrett, and Shamrock as the final four. (36:35)
  • Scott Hall defeated Eddie Guerrero (with Rick Steamboat as the Special Guest Referee) to win the vacant NWA World Heavyweight Championship after hitting the Outsider’s Edge for the pin. (19:47)
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The famous image of Hall after his victory
Many reviewers of NWA:TNA’s first show came out with a positive feeling, saying it was the safest and best first shows they’ve seen in a long time. Though it was filled with its fair criticism. Many feeling that the Christian York and Joey Matthews and Dupps match went on a bit too long, as it exposed many of the wrestlers newness to the ring. Another criticism was on how short the America’s Most Wanted match was, many saying they could’ve gone on longer to show both James Storm and Chris Harris’ talent. The show’s positives did outweigh its negatives in many eyes. Such as the Styles, Low-Ki, Lynn, and Flying Elvises match which was the perfect length for the fast paced six man tag team match which helped warm up the crowd. As well as the structure and outcome for the Gauntlet for the Gold Battle Royal, which played to many strengths for the wrestlers. Such as making sure Guerrero and Jarrett were the first two big stars in, and Shamrock and Hall as the last two big stars in. Also saying, the structure helped Hall and Guerrero in their next match. The main event was well received, and the victory by Hall was well built and told in the ring. One of the biggest criticism came from the concern over Hall’s age and personal demons outside the ring. But, many others at the time of booking the decision saying it would force Hall to straighten up his act now that he was the world champion and had to take responsibility to represent the company as well. Plus the fact that Hall was by far the biggest star the company had.
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[Results NWA: Total Nonstop Action #2 (June 26, 2002)]
  • Ken Shamrock (with Toby Keith) defeated Jeff Jarrett after Toby Keith struck Jeff Jarrett with a guitar and Ken Shamrock used the Belly to Belly Suplex for the pin. (10:38)
    • This match was set up after the first episode when before the Gauntlet for the Gold Battle Royal Jarrett interrupted Toby Keith and verbally insulted Toby Keith, claiming and touting he was a bigger star. Only for Keith to assist Jarrett in eliminating Jarrett in the match later on. Thus setting up the match made by Jackie Fargo.
  • Justice (with James Mitchell) defeated David Young after hitting a Death Penalty on a dazed David Young. (4:21)
  • Brian Christopher is seen backstage trying to promote his new album to Toby Keith who is celebrating and shaking hands with Jackie Fargo and the other NWA legends backstage. Before Keith can give his approval, K-Krush appears in the scene, and immediately begins degrading Keith for his country career, and Brian Christopher’s new album. Krush proclaiming he has “more natural music talent in my middle finger, than you[Toby Keith] can in that ridiculous hat you wear.” Christopher and Krush trade words, before Steamboat states that to if they’re willing to get into a battle of music, they better shift gears to battle in the ring. (10:37)
  • K-Krush defeated Brian Christopher after Krush distracted the referee by undoing the turnbuckle only to strike Christopher with a hidden chain necklace in his pockets. (15: 20)
  • Lucy Furr defeated Alexis Laree after using the Frankenscreamer to secure the pin. (7:56)
  • America’s Most Wanted (James Storm and Chris Harris) defeated The Rainbow Express (Lenny and Bruce, with Joel Gertner) with the Death Sentence, after a failed interference spot by Joel Gertner. (5:24)
  • Ricky Steamboat comes out on stage and introduces the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Scott Hall, who gets a loud reaction. Hall cuts a promo on how he title around his waist is the first world title he’s ever held and like a cool bad guy, says that he did it because he was better than everyone else. Before he can continue he is interrupted by Eddie Guerrero who challenges Hall to a match for the NWA World title. Hall in return raises the belt in Guerrero’s face and calls him out. Before the two can go to blows, Steamboat declares neither one can fight one another. He does however set up a number one contender ship match next week. A match between Eddie Guerrero… And Ken Shamrock! (19:26)
  • AJ Styles defeated Jerry Lynn, Low-Ki, and Psicosis in a Four Way Elimination Match (with Ricky Steamboat as Special Guest Referee) for the NWA TNA X Division Championship after last eliminating Jerry Lynn with the Styles Clash. (29:22)
Styles X-Divison Win.png

Styles after winning the X-Division Title
The second episodes was unanimously decided as the better show between the Von Braun shows, many critics saying that the first episode was the test and the prologue to NWA:TNA, but episode 2 was where chapter one of the promotion’s story began. With many saying the last 48 minutes of the show being simply great. From Hall’s promo and how important it was for him to win his first world title in his career, after so many years of being the second or third man in the act. To Eddie Guerrero’s intense babyface promo saying how Guerrero had been wrestling years longer than Hall ever had, and claimed it was time for his time to shine. Most viewers of the Von Braun shows could see a clear change in Hall, as if he’d been revitalized, and his promo and match with Guerrero only proved that. There was also high praise for the NWA: TNA X Division Championship Match. With many saying it was undoubtedly the best match on the card, with many praising AJ Styles for being able to commit to three matches in one night. Many agreeing and saying the decision to crown Styles as the first X Division Champion was a good decision to help promote the youth of the company and show off the talent of the X Division. One of the biggest points of praise was the Ken Shamrock and Jeff Jarrett match, with Toby Keith coming in for the assistance with a guitar shot over Jarrett’s head. Many wrestling historians and journalist saying that the iconic shot of Keith cracking the guitar over Jarrett’s head was one of the most iconic images from the Von Braun shows. Toby Keith’s involvement helping draw more eyes onto the young product.
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Excerpt from: "Scott Hall: The Story of the Outsider"
“...I remember when I first got the call from Jeff, I was sitting on my lawn chair after coming back from working out… not really doing anything, just kind of contemplating where I wanted to go with my life after being released by the ‘E’. I hear the phone ring, get up and put my drink down and go to see who it was. Turns out it was Jeff. And we talked for a bit, catching up with one another, and I told him I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life, and he eventually ended up asking me if I wanted to wrestle for him and his dad…” - Scott Hall

“I don’t think Scott knew what we had planned for him when we hired him, but let’s just say when we made the decision to make him our flagship star he was a bit surprised by the whole situation. Because, while Scott was always popular, he was never the guy…” - Jeff Jarrett

“So eventually I make my way down to Alabama and I come into the meeting with Jeff, his father, Shamrock, and Guerrero, and to my shock they laid out the plans for us… and in the plan was to make me the first champion of NWA:TNA. I don’t think it really took a hold in my head and just went past me. I was thinking Guerrero or Jeff were gonna win the title. Never in my life did I expect myself to become a world champion, especially not of a new company.” - Scott Hall

“When I had proposed the plan to Scott he was initially very reluctant to the idea, and he said something along the lines of saying he wasn’t willing to take that responsibility. Then all of a sudden I hear Eddie begin like… motivating him or yelling at him, about how he should. I was just a bit surprised to hear Eddie yell, seeing as how he was one of the quietest guys I knew in the locker room.” - Jeff Jarrett

“For I think a solid half hour I was trying to get either Ken or Jeff or Guerrero to win the belt, and they just wouldn’t do it, saying how ‘you were the biggest stars’ and… for some reason that just put this weight on me that I never felt before for some reason. Maybe it was the fear of taking responsibility for something important for once in my life. But… with taking that responsibility it also meant sacrificing things and getting my life together. Which thankfully it did…” - Scott Hall
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Chapter Two: Welcome to the Asylum...
 
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Like that's it's Eddie who tells Scott to get his life together; Eddie was addicted to drugs (painkillers, IIRC) and was fired from the WWF due to it (this motivated him to get clean, along with Vickie leaving him (1))...

(1) Eddie and Vickie reconciled and stayed married until his death. He did have a child with another woman (the inspiration for the Dominic storyline in the WWE) during his separation...
 
Like that's it's Eddie who tells Scott to get his life together; Eddie was addicted to drugs (painkillers, IIRC) and was fired from the WWF due to it (this motivated him to get clean, along with Vickie leaving him (1))...

(1) Eddie and Vickie reconciled and stayed married until his death. He did have a child with another woman (the inspiration for the Dominic storyline in the WWE) during his separation...
Well let's just say that Eddie and Scott work close together during this time, and lean on one another for support. :D

Other than that, how are you enjoying the timeline so far?
 
This looks like a solid start, much like TNA had in the beginning. I think keeping Russo out and having two bigger names like Eddie and Scott as anchors rather than utilizing Jeff Jarrett as the man with the belt. I'll be interested to see where things develope.
 
This looks like a solid start, much like TNA had in the beginning. I think keeping Russo out and having two bigger names like Eddie and Scott as anchors rather than utilizing Jeff Jarrett as the man with the belt. I'll be interested to see where things develope.
Thank you. The idea to have Russo not as involved was basically Jarrett learning a bit from his time in WCW when Russo was allowed to just throw out his ideas. So he has to be cautious, and yes Eddie and Scott being the two main stars of TNA is a good combo. You basically have the famed older veteran, and the popular younger athlete. Plus they both come from the same eras of wrestling, but are completely different.

Oh, and I think I'll throw in a special little side chapter about the WWE so far, when enough time has passed.
 
Since I will be away for a week on vacation. I will try and get a small interlude about the past six months for the WWE/F and what the matches and big storylines have been.
 
Interlude One: The First Half of the Year of the WWE/F

The aftermath of the Invasion angle for many wrestling fans it was a great mixed bag. From many top WWF superstars switching from the WWF to the Alliance for seemingly no reason. To the angle being heavily dominated by the McMahons themselves. In the wake of the Survivor Series the WWF was left was a massive amount of talent left over from the Invasion angle that needed to be integrated into storylines. As well they now had two world titles. The WWF and WCW World Championships. Austin holding the WWF Championship and The Rock holding the WCW Championship. Number one contender’s tournaments were set up for both world titles for the Vengeance pay-per-view three weeks later. When Vengeance finally came on December 9th, 2001 the matches were set. Steve Austin versus Kurt Angle for the WWF Championship, and The Rock versus Chris Jericho for the WCW Championship. The winner of those two matches heading into a final match later on to unify the two belts. To the shock of many in attendance, and many watching from home, Chris Jericho was the one to win both titles and claim a win over both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, the two biggest stars of the Attitude Era.

WWF Vengeance (2001) Card

The weeks following the Vengeance pay-per-view saw the return of big WCW wrestlers in the following weeks. Such as Booker T, interfering in a Chris Jericho and Steve Austin match on RAW. Booker’s interference costing Austin the match, a continuation of Booker constantly stopping Austin from winning the belt at each and every corner. Another return was the return of Diamond Dallas Page, who was much closer to his WCW character than he was during the Invasion angle. One of the biggest returns was none other than the cornerstone of WCW. The Nature Boy Ric Flair. Who returned in an opening segment with Vince, declaring himself and Vince were now partners and co-owners of the WWF. One of the biggest storylines going on was the return of Triple H from a torn quad injury, staking his claim for the Undisputed title at WrestleMania X8.

WWF Royal Rumble (2002) Card
With Triple H’s win at the Royal Rumble, the stage was set and cemented. Chris Jericho versus Triple H in the main event of WrestleMania X8. However there was still an entire month left to hold over until the weeks leading up to WrestleMania X8. So, hold over feuds were necessary were necessary for the time being. With Triple H and Kurt Angle getting into a program with Angle complaining about Triple H cheating to win the Royal Rumble. Steve Austin going after Chris Jericho in a rematch, deeming that the only reason Jericho won, was due to Booker T’s interference. Though, something interesting was popping up on WWF programming. Strange black and white videos began popping up during random moments, and seemed to be designating its reveal at No Way Out.

WWF No Way Out (2002) Card
In the main event of No Way Out, one of the biggest returns of all time. After referee Earl Hebner took a bump and was laid out on the canvas, a mysterious video began playing on the titantron. A black and white version of the No Way Out logo. But, in the matter of seconds the logo was condensed into three letters. N.W.O. From the entrance ramp came Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and one Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The NWO beat down Steve Austin and placed Jericho on top of Austin, earning Y2J the victory over Austin in a hard fought match. In the aftermath of the match, the NWO would beat down Austin yet again, attacking referees and other wrestlers who came to save Austin. The end of the episode left on a downed Austin, with the black spray NWO on his back.

WrestleMania X8 was abuzz with possibilities galore, the return of the NWO, and the main event headlined by Triple H and Chris Jericho. It was set to possibly outdo WrestleMania X-7. For the weeks leading up to WrestleMania the shows were spent with the NWO attacking the wrestlers of the WWF, with only two men to stand up to the combined forces of Hall, Nash, and Hogan. Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. Hogan and Austin would be set to square off with the undertones of who is the best of all time. The Rock would be set to fend off both Hall and Nash as well. The Undertaker would be challenged by Ric Flair as Flair had grown tired of The Undertaker meddling in Flair’s decisions.

WWF WrestleMania X8 Card
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