WWA Inception
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Professional wrestling |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
The Inception marked the first-ever professional wrestling pay-per-view event organized by World Wrestling All-Stars (WWA). It took place at the Sydney Super Dome in Sydney, Australia, on October 26, 2001. The show was broadcast live on pay-per-view in Australia and later aired in the United States on January 6, 2002.
The primary focus of the event was the Seven Deadly Sins tournament designed to determine a new WWA World Heavyweight Championship holder, following the stripping of the title from former champion Road Dogg. The vacant championship was ultimately claimed by Jeff Jarrett, who defeated Road Dogg in the tournament’s Steel Cage match final. Additionally, the tournament featured a ladder match for the vacant WWA International Cruiserweight Championship, where Juventud Guerrera emerged victorious over Psicosis.
Other featured bouts included a Hardcore match between Norman Smiley and Crowbar, as well as a Black Wedding match pitting Gangrel against Luna Vachon.
Background
Established in 2001, WWA embarked on its inaugural Australian tour spanning from October 19 to 27, 2001. This tour culminated with its debut pay-per-view event, Inception, held on October 26.
Storylines
The matches at Inception were scripted professional wrestling contests driven by ongoing storylines involving protagonists and antagonists. These narratives heightened tension leading up to the tournament and included championship defenses.
On October 23, Road Dogg secured the first-ever WWA World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Jeff Jarrett. However, Commissioner Bret Hart vacated this title on October 26, setting it up to be contested within the Seven Deadly Sins tournament at Inception.
Similarly, Juventud Guerrera initially captured the WWA International Cruiserweight Championship on October 19 but relinquished it on October 23. The vacant cruiserweight title was then contested in a ladder match during the tournament quarter-finals at Inception.
Event
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Commentators | Jerry Lawler |
| Jeremy Borash | |
| Commissioner | Bret Hart |
| Referee | Mark "Slick" Johnson |
| Interviewer | Stevie Ray |
Quarterfinals
The opening contest was a ladder match between Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis for the vacant WWA International Cruiserweight Championship, part of the Seven Deadly Sins tournament for the vacant WWA World Heavyweight Championship. Guerrera executed a powerbomb off the ladder followed by a 450° splash, then climbed to secure the championship belt and advance.
Following this, Road Dogg competed against Konnan in a Dog Collar match. Despite Konnan’s use of a crowbar during the bout, Road Dogg reversed the situation by touching all four ring corners to claim victory and progress.
In a non-tournament Hardcore match, Norman Smiley battled Crowbar with action spilling outside the ring. Crowbar launched himself off a video screen through tables onto Smiley, but Smiley countered with a roll-up pinfall to win.
An open invitational battle royal served as another quarter-final round. Commissioner Bret Hart permitted all WWA staff—both wrestlers and non-wrestlers—to enter. Participants included wrestlers such as Buff Bagwell, Disco Inferno, Smiley, Crowbar; interviewer Stevie Ray; commentators Jerry Lawler and Jeremy Borash; referees Mark "Slick" Johnson and Graham Young; announcer Sidney Ann; and even a cameraman. Unexpected interference came from two individuals dressed as the Bananas in Pyjamas. Ultimately, Bagwell eliminated Inferno last after Inferno’s security guards turned against him, securing Bagwell’s spot in the semi-finals.
The final quarter-final featured a Guitar on a Pole match between Nathan Jones, managed by television host Rove McManus, and Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett struck Jones with a low blow before retrieving the guitar. He then used it against McManus who attempted interference and finished with his signature Stroke move to earn the win.
Semifinals
Initially, the first semi-final was scheduled to feature Juventud Guerrera against Road Dogg; however, Guerrera's injury sustained during the ladder match necessitated a substitution. Bret Hart stepped in by replacing Guerrera with Lenny Lane and Lodi, converting the bout into a three-way contest. Ultimately, Dogg triumphed by delivering a Shaky Knee Drop to both challengers.
Following that, Buff Bagwell took on Jeff Jarrett in a match Bagwell designated as a Tits, Whips, and Buff match, which included female lumberjills stationed ringside. Although Bagwell executed a Buff Blockbuster and a lumberjill counted the pinfall, the referee overturned the decision after momentarily leaving the ring. Jarrett seized the opportunity to connect with a Stroke maneuver, securing his victory.
Subsequently, Luna Vachon met Vampire Warrior in a Black Wedding match. After initially evading engagement, Warrior ultimately captured the win by delivering an Impaler.
A non-televised Skin to Win match was held afterward, with Adara James emerging victorious. Additionally, Danny Dominion appeared in drag under the persona Sharon A. Wad.
Final
The concluding contest for the World Heavyweight Championship was contested inside a steel cage between Road Dogg and Jeff Jarrett. During the encounter, two referees were rendered unable to officiate. Near the match’s climax, Dogg grabbed the championship belt from Bret Hart and attempted to strike Jarrett; however, Jarrett avoided the blow and delivered a Stroke. Hart then counted the pinfall, crowning Jarrett as champion. Afterward, Jarrett attempted to assault Hart with the belt but was countered into a submission hold with the Sharpshooter.
Reception
Scott Keith of 411Mania lauded the event as an impressive inaugural show for WWA, emphasizing its unique presentation and the blend of promising independent talent alongside seasoned veterans. He described Inception as "a breath of fresh air in a stale PPV market," highlighting three exceptional matches that justified purchasing the event and provided solid entertainment value.
On the other hand, Crazy Max criticized the event for its "insane booking and whacky finishes," though he praised both the International Cruiserweight Championship ladder match and the open invitational battle royal for their quality performances.
Aftermath
WWA embarked on a tour across the United Kingdom from November 27 through December 11, carrying forward storylines from Inception into their live UK shows. Jeff Jarrett consistently defended his WWA World Heavyweight Championship against Road Dogg during these house events. On December 3 and 5, Brian Christopher teamed with Road Dogg to defeat Jarrett and Scott Steiner in tag team matches, with Christopher securing pinfalls over Jarrett. Originally, Randy Savage was scheduled to challenge Jarrett at the forthcoming pay-per-view The Revolution but withdrew; Christopher replaced him due to his prior pinning victories over Jarrett.
The rivalry between Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis for the International Cruiserweight Championship persisted. Guerrera successfully defended in subsequent rematches until Psicosis captured the title on December 8. At The Revolution event, Psicosis defended against both Guerrera and Eddie Guerrero in a triple threat match ultimately won by Guerrero.
Gangrel continued to best Luna Vachon in multiple Black Wedding rematches throughout the UK tour. Simultaneously, Norman Smiley and Crowbar traded victories in Tables matches during this period.
Seven Deadly Sins tournament bracket
- Following his Ladder match, Juventud Guerrera was unable to participate and was subsequently substituted by Lenny Lane and Lodi, collectively known as The West Hollywood Blondes.
See also
- Professional wrestling in Australia
- List of professional wrestling organisations in Australia
- List of WWA pay-per-view events