What is WWE WarGames?
WWE WarGames is a multi-man elimination match concept that originated in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1980s. It was later adopted by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and currently used in WWE. In this article, we’ll delve into the history, rules, and significance of WWE WarGames.
History of WarGames
WarGames was created by Dusty Rhodes, a legendary professional wrestler and booker, during his tenure in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1980s. The first WarGames match took place on June 17, 1987, at the Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Show, where the Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Jimmy Garvin, and Buddy Roberts) defeated the Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, and Tully Blanchard).
WarGames was a revolutionary concept that introduced a new dimension to professional wrestling. The match involved two teams, each consisting of multiple wrestlers, who would compete in a series of matches until only one team remained. The objective was to eliminate all members of the opposing team by pinfall or submission.
Rules of WarGames
Here are the basic rules of WarGames:
- Team Composition: Each team consists of multiple wrestlers, typically 3-5 members.
- Match Structure: The match is divided into a series of individual matches, with each match featuring one wrestler from each team.
- Elimination: A wrestler is eliminated when they are pinned or submit to their opponent.
- Entry: Each team member enters the match at a predetermined time, with the first two members starting the match.
- Captains’ Advantage: The team captain can choose to start the match, and the opposing team’s captain must enter next.
Types of WarGames Matches
Over the years, WWE has modified the WarGames concept to create different variations. Here are some examples:
- Traditional WarGames: The original format, where two teams compete in a series of individual matches.
- Three-Way WarGames: Introduced in 2018, this variation features three teams competing against each other.
- Tournament WarGames: A variation where multiple teams compete in a single-elimination tournament, with the winners advancing to the next round.
Significance of WarGames
WWE WarGames has significant importance in the world of professional wrestling:
- Enhances Storytelling: WarGames allows for complex storytelling, with alliances, rivalries, and surprises creating a compelling narrative.
- Promotes Fan Engagement: The concept encourages fans to cheer for their favorite teams and participate in the action.
- Celebrates Wrestling Tradition: WarGames pays homage to the rich history of professional wrestling, honoring the pioneers who developed the concept.
WarGames in WWE
WWE has adopted WarGames as one of its flagship match concepts:
- First WWE WarGames: The first WWE WarGames match took place in 2017, featuring The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns) against The New Era’s top talent (Braun Strowman, Cesaro, and Sheamus).
- Annual WarGames Matches: WWE now features WarGames matches annually, often during major pay-per-view events like Survivor Series and TLC.
WarGames Roster
Here’s a list of notable WWE superstars who have participated in WarGames matches:
| Team | Members |
|---|---|
| The Shield | Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns |
| The New Era’s Top Talent | Braun Strowman, Cesaro, Sheamus |
| The Authors of Pain | Akam, Rezar, Riddle |
| The Viking Raiders | Ivar, Erik, Buddy Murphy |
Conclusion
WWE WarGames is a revolutionary concept that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. With its rich history, complex storytelling, and emphasis on fan engagement, WarGames has become an integral part of professional wrestling. As WWE continues to innovate and evolve the concept, WarGames remains an essential element of the WWE landscape.
Table: WarGames Match Structure
| Team 1 | Team 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Captain 1 | Captain 2 |
| 1st Entry | Member 1 | Member 1 |
| 2nd Entry | Member 2 | Member 2 |
| … | … | … |
| Last Entry | Member N | Member N |
| Objective | Eliminate all members of Team 2 | Eliminate all members of Team 1 |
Bullets: Key Points
• WarGames originated in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1980s.
• The concept involves two teams competing in a series of individual matches until only one team remains.
• The match structure is flexible, with variations including three-way and tournament WarGames.
• WarGames has significant importance in professional wrestling, enhancing storytelling, promoting fan engagement, and celebrating wrestling tradition.
• WWE has adopted WarGames as one of its flagship match concepts, featuring annual WarGames matches during major pay-per-view events.
