Fall Brawl '96: War Games: Sting Gets Betrayed Before He Ever Turns

Diamond Dallas Page and Chavo Guerrero Jr. open with a lively match that helps both men. Chavo is still early in his WCW run but wrestles with enough speed and confidence to make several near falls believable, while Page increasingly looks like a performer ready to move beyond midcard heel duty. The second ring gives them a few unusual movement options without becoming a distraction. CAGEMATCH currently rates the match 6.29, and TJR gave it 3.25 stars. Leighty was lower but praised the opening and closing stretches. It is a good, energetic start.

Ice Train against Scott Norton is a short heavyweight fight built around power rather than finesse. Both men throw clubbing offense and lean into the physicality, but the submission stipulation does them few favors because neither has a particularly deep hold-based identity. The crowd reacts to the strength spots more than the mat work, and the finish arrives before the match completely wears out its welcome. CAGEMATCH currently rates it 4.38, while TJR called it the weakest match on the show. There is some satisfying hoss wrestling here, but the stipulation creates more awkwardness than drama.

Konnan and Juventud Guerrera provide a fast, physical contrast to the previous match. Konnan uses powerbombs and heavier offense to cut off Juventud's speed, while Guerrera repeatedly turns open space into diving opportunities. The match can feel like a collection of big moves rather than a carefully escalating story, but the offense is impressive enough to keep the crowd interested. CAGEMATCH currently rates it 6.39 and the Observer awarded three-and-three-quarter stars. Contemporary retrospectives are mixed on the structure but consistently recognize the athleticism. It is messy in places and still one of the stronger undercard attractions.

Chris Benoit versus Chris Jericho is the strongest conventional match on the card. Benoit works with the aggression and snap that define his WCW run, while Jericho answers with aerial counters and enough technical skill to keep the match from becoming one-sided. A few transitions are rough because their chemistry is still developing, but the physicality makes the imperfections feel dangerous rather than sloppy. CAGEMATCH currently rates the match 7.37 and the Observer awarded four stars. Leighty and TJR both identify it among the night's best work. This is an easy recommendation and an early look at a rivalry that will keep improving.

Rey Misterio Jr. versus Super Calo is another example of Rey making WCW's cruiserweight depth look almost unfair. Calo controls more of the match than expected and uses enough high-risk offense to establish himself quickly, while Rey sells from underneath before exploding into the sequences the crowd came to see. The match occasionally meanders between the major spots, but the peaks are excellent and the finish keeps Rey strong without making Calo look disposable. CAGEMATCH currently rates it 7.20 and the Observer awarded four stars. Several retrospectives call it an underrated match, and that description fits.

Harlem Heat against the Nasty Boys is a familiar WCW tag formula executed competently enough. Booker T provides most of the athletic movement, Stevie Ray and the Nasties handle the brawling, and the managers orbit the action until the finish becomes predictably crowded. The match is too long for what it offers and never threatens the better bouts around it, but it is not the disaster the pairing might suggest. CAGEMATCH currently rates it 5.31, and several retrospectives treat it as acceptable filler. The champions retain, the story advances, and the viewer can move on without resentment.

The Giant versus Randy Savage is more valuable as nWo storytelling than as a wrestling match. Giant uses simple power offense and Savage sells effectively, allowing the crowd to rally behind every comeback. Savage finally hits the elbow and seems ready to win when Hogan appears, dragging him into a chase that ends with Hall and Nash attacking him out of the referee's view. Giant then pins the unconscious Savage. CAGEMATCH currently rates the match 5.31, while Leighty gave it one-and-a-half stars. The crowd heat keeps it watchable, but the finish is another reminder that nWo interference is becoming the default language.

The WarGames main event is excellent sports-entertainment storytelling even if the wrestling itself is simpler than the reputation suggests. Hall, Nash, Hogan, Flair, Anderson and Luger create the expected cage violence, but the entire match is really a delivery system for the Sting angle. nWo Sting enters first, the real Sting later storms the cage and destroys everyone, then refuses Luger's apology and leaves Team WCW behind. The nWo wins after his departure and destroys Savage and Elizabeth afterward. CAGEMATCH currently rates the match 7.57. TJR rated it 2.25 stars but praised the story and crowd. Its historical value lifts it well above the mechanics.