What is WarGames?
Developed by Dusty Rhodes in the late 1980s for WCW, WarGames is one of the unique matches in wrestling history.
The match takes place with two rings surrounded by a steel cage.
The match starts out with two competitors from different teams and then alternating entrance between the two (or in this case three) teams until everyone is in. Then “The Match Beyond” begins. The only way to win is by submission or surrender. It was one of the more violent match formats in wrestling history. Triple H is a big fan of old-school WCW and has been trying to bring back War Games for years. It is rumored that the Battleground PPV was created in the hopes of featuring the WarGames. However, WWE announced some slight rule changes for the NXT-version.
- The three-member teams of SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain), Undisputed ERA (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly), and The Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) & Roderick Strong will wage war inside a massive steel cage that surrounds TWO rings.
- All three teams will be contained inside separate shark cages by the entranceway, with a member from each team (as chosen by his respective squad) starting the match.
- After five minutes, the remaining members from one team will be released from their shark cage and allowed to enter the match.
- When another three-minute period elapses, the remaining members from a second team are released from their shark cage and enter the match.
- Following another three-minute period, the final team’s members are released from their shark cage and enter the match.
- Once all three teams have entered the WarGames Match, a victory can be attained via pinfall or submission.
The Three Teams Explain Their Plans For THE MATCH BEYOND
The Undisputed Era is ready.
The #UndisputedERA has made it clear that Houston's @ToyotaCenter will witness a SHOCK to the SYSTEM at #NXTTakeOver: WarGames on Nov. 18! pic.twitter.com/TYEsDEBZJN
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 2, 2017
The insanity of Wargames seems to fit sAnitY perfectly.
Are you ready for the CHAOS that #SAnitY will bring to #NXTTakeOver: WarGames on Nov. 18 at Houston's @ToyotaCenter? pic.twitter.com/TxIsIruWQD
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 2, 2017
Paul Ellerman, the manager of The Authors of Pain, has competed in WarGames in the past.
.@PaulElleringWWE knows a little something about WarGames… and he's ready to lead #AOP & @roderickstrong to #NXTTakeOver on Nov. 18! pic.twitter.com/1IMW65DD6h
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 2, 2017
Here’s a taste of the iconic match format.
Stone Cold, as “Stunning” Steve Austin” worked an infamous WarGames.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LyOlowP6PQ
A few years ago, WWE released a DVD of the history of the matches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7pN3UnXn3g
There have been 31 WarGames matches. The most recent was a Triple Cage match in 2000, but I barely count that because it was gimmicked to all get-out by Vince Russo. The match was in its heyday during the late 80s and early 90s. There is a collection of the broadcasted WarGames matches on the WWE Network. Matches I would say are must watch is the 1992 WrestleWar match between Sting’s Squadron and The Dangerous Alliance and the match from The Great American Bash 1989 featuring the Road Warriors, Midnight Express, the Fabulous Freebirds, and the Samoan Swat Team.
For the NXT Takeover special taking place the Saturday before Survivor Series, it will be a three-team format featuring the Undisputed Era vs. SaNiTy vs. Authors of Pain and Roderick Strong. Should be an exciting match!
On a personal note. I love the WarGames. The matches are tremendous and the crowds hot. Expect it to be one of the more violent matches in recent memory.
Are you excited about WarGames returning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.