What If? Events in Pro Wrestling History with Alternative Outcomes

Moving deeper into the PG Era, there comes a time when every fan must relive the past.

From videos, pictures, or vague memories, pro wrestling will always leave a lasting effect on every one of us. At times, I long for the past and pray that I can hear the voice of one man.

Do you smell what I’m cooking?

That being said, when we relive our memories there comes a time when you ask yourself the question of “What if this took a different turn?”, “What if he would’ve won that match?”, “What if he was still here?”.

I being no exception, the frequency of these questions interrupting my flow of thought am off the charts.

My creativity wouldn’t allow me to pass up sharing my thoughts with my Creatures. 

The contents of this slideshow feature matches, angles, and wrestlers. I’ve limited the amount of slides so that I may continue this series.

This is just the beginning

Vol. 1 begins...

WWE Draft 2004. What If Triple H Remained On Smackdown?

Boy how things would’ve turned out for the better.  March 22, 2004 was a significant moment in WWE History. The date marked the second WWE Draft and the anticipation of the things to come was clear. Throughout the night, Paul Heyman teased Eric Bischoff with the classic “I broke up one of RAW’s Greatest teams/stables”.

Then reason Bischoff was uneasy because the possibility of Triple H being drafted.

At the time, Evolution was in its earlier stages and Triple H lost the World Championship eight days before. Yeah, Bischoff worried about the Game more than losing World Champion Chris Benoit.

Unfortunately for him, his worst nightmare would become a reality. The Dr. of Thuganomics entered the arena to a huge pop. Everyone loved Cena back then.

After dissing Heyman, Cena chose his Smackdown’s next pick.

Heyman attempted to persuade Bischoff to let him re pick but Bischoff remained persistent. Heyman revealed his pick to Bischoff and Triple H was on his way to Smackdown!

As the RAW locker room rejoiced, Triple H and Evolution were in shock.

Heyman granted Triple H a WWE Title match against Eddie Guerrero. The Game was unsuccessful and a brawl between locker rooms ensued.

On Smackdown, newly appointed GM Kurt Angle announced Triple H had been traded back to RAW. Angle traded the Game for the Dudley’s and Booker T.

What was the point of having Triple H drafted? Did they realize it was a bad idea or did Mr. Stephanie McMahon persuade Vince otherwise?

So what if Triple H would’ve stayed on Smackdown?

He would’ve immediately entered the WWE Title picture. John Bradshaw Layfield would’ve remained in the mid card with Farooq instead of challenging Eddie Guerrero. Guerrero would’ve likely defeated Triple H in their first bout together.

But knowing Triple H, he would’ve won the WWE Title eventually.

Shawn Michaels would’ve faced Chris Benoit one on one at Backlash. I’m positive Chris would’ve retained his World Title. Randy Orton may’ve never won the World Title at Summerslam 2004. Chris Benoit’s reign as World Champion would’ve lasted until the end of 2004.

Dave Batista may’ve never become World Champion? Just kidding, of course he would’ve.

Summerslam 2002. What If Brock Lost?

WWE Summerslam 2002 was highlighted two events. Brock Lesnar vs. The Rock and Shawn Michaels return to the squared circle. After HBK bested Triple H, it was time for the main event.  Lesnar won the 2002 King of The Ring tournament which guaranteed him a WWE Title match at Summerslam.

The Rock defeated Kurt Angle and The Undertaker for the Undisputed Championship at Vengeance.

One of the most hyped matches in WWE history, Brock Lesnar defeated the Rock cleanly.

Rock took a hiatus from the WWE while Lesnar went on to feud with Kurt Angle, Undertaker, and the Big Show.

What if Brock lost the match?

That question has simmered in my mind since the ref counted three on that fateful day.  All bias aside, I can’t get behind the idea of Lesnar defeating The Rock months after his debut. The WWE pushed Lesnar way to face and hurt the credibility of Rock.

I’m guessing that’s why Austin refused to face Lesnar.

If The Rock defeated Lesnar, Brock would’ve immediately called for a rematch. Only this time, The Undertaker would’ve been involved. I believe a triple threat involving all three with Brock Lesnar getting the title after a dirty win would’ve been a more “believable” idea.

The Rock would’ve taken his hiatus and saved face while Undertaker would’ve pursued Lesnar and his WWE Title. Lesnar may’ve never turned face and his match with Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania would bring a different outcome.

Angle would play the face role and upon Rock’s return, his feud with Lesnar could’ve been reignited.

Unfortunately for me, the WWE had other plans.

What If Eddie Guerrero Lived?

On November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero sub came to heart disease. Guerrero unknowingly suffered from cardiovascular disease which caused heart failure. Days before his death, Guerrero qualified for Team Smackdown. Smackdown was set to take on RAW and Guerrero was still involved in a feud with World Champion Batista.

The RAW and Smackdown following Guerrero’s death were dedicated to his memory. Each match were set as tributes to Eddie while a number of his friends spoke highly of Guerrero.

Eddie would be inducted in the WWE HOF by Chris Benoit, Chavo Guerrero, and Rey Mysterio.

What if Eddie Guerrero lived?

Like I mentioned above, Guerrero was still in a feud with World Champion Batista. Randy Orton also set his sights on Batista’s World Championship. Months before, Batista suffered a back injury that required surgery. Batista would also spend months on the injured list.

Creative scheduled a triple threat between Orton, Guerrero, and Batista for the upcoming Smackdown.

Three days after Guerrero passed.

Guerrero was scheduled to win the title because of Batista’s injury. Had Guerrero won the title, Batista may’ve missed the Survivor Series match. Kurt Angle would’ve remained on RAW

I’m almost positive we would witness a Guerrero vs. Undertaker match before or at Wrestlemania. Rey Mysterio may have never become World Champion at Wrestlemania 22.

The possibilities are endless.

Survivor Series 2001. What If Team WWF Lost?

While there’s no way Vince would’ve let Team WWF lose, what if the Alliance won the winner take all match? Let’s do a little history lesson shall we?

World Championship Wrestling went out of business and the WWE purchased the company and acquired most if it’s wrestlers. The WWE had already purchased ECW in Bankruptcy court.  Storyline called for Shane McMahon to purchase WCW under his father’s nose.

Because of WrestleMania approaching, The Invasion storyline was held off and Shane McMahon defeated his father at WrestleMania.

It wouldn’t be months until the WCW stars started attacking face wrestlers on RAW. Former ECW members also joined the war and teased a feud with WCW and WWE. Later in the evening, ECW jumped WWF along with the help WCW.

Heyman and McMahon officially announced the formation of the Alliance.

Stone Cold Steve Austin would defect to the Alliance and cost WWF a match against them. The Rock returned from Hollywood and despite speculation, he rejoined the WWF. The Rock won the WCW title from Booker T as Summerslam while Austin retained in a match with Kurt Angle.

Austin would later lose the WWF title to Angle only for Austin to regain it shortly afterwards. The Rock feuded with fellow WWF member Chris Jericho. They would trade the WCW Title twice only for Rock to end up with the title.

Kurt Angle would also join the Alliance.

Vince and Shane decided to settle it in a winner take all match at Survivor Series. The Rock and Austin were the last two men.  Attacks on Rock and Austin by Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle led to The Rock pinning Austin for Team WWF’s win.

What if The Alliance would’ve won?

I believe the World and WWF Titles would’ve still been unified but with a different scenario. Shane McMahon would keep The Rock around because he held the WCW Title but booked a unification bout with Austin.

This is how the original undisputed title match should’ve gone.

Besides that, former WWF wrestlers would’ve lead attacks on WCW and their leader. Shane McMahon would become frustrated over time only to be thrilled by the possible return of Triple H. Vince and The Game would eventually overthrow the WCW in another match.

Let’s say Triple H wins the Rumble and if he defeats Austin at WrestleMania, the WWF and Vince McMahon are reinstated.

Honestly, I would’ve been more interested in this idea.

Wishful thinking

What If Nexus Never Formed?

At this point, I wish the Nexus would’ve never formed.  Nexus made their debut on the Viewer’s Choice edition of Monday Night RAW. The fans chose CM Punk to take on WWE Champion John Cena in the main event. Closing in on the win, Cena recognized odd faces heading towards the ring.

Earlier that night, Wade Barrett alluded to something BIG to occur later in the evening.

The mysterious men were all wrestlers from NXT Season One. They surrounded the ring and administered a horrific beat down to Cena. At the same time, Nexus destroyed everything and everyone at ringside.

CM Punk, the Straight Edge Society, Jerry Lawler, and Justin Roberts were all victims of Nexus.

John Cena was stretchered out of the arena while Nexus fled the scene.

As the weeks passed, Nexus continued their beat downs on RAW Superstars, Legends, and even RAW GM Bret Hart was subject to an attack by Nexus. Explaining that WWE Management treated them poorly and this was their plan for revenge.

Vince McMahon later received a Nexus beat down and named an Anonymous GM.

I’m sure you know the rest so let’s get down to business.

What if Nexus never formed?

First of all, Wade Barrett would be singles competitor. I doubt if Wade would be “over” as he is now but still a main event talent nonetheless.  Wade may’ve even participated in the RAW Mitb a few months back. If he had, I’m positive Barrett would have won the match.

Sorry MizFits, just a theory.

Daniel Bryan would’ve never been fired in the first place. I believe he would’ve feuded with The Miz eventually and his reign would have begun before Night of Champions. Creative had plans to keep David Otunga and Justin Gabriel on TV so I assume both would be chasing mid card titles.

Gabriel would more than likely be on Smackdown.

Michael Tarver and Skip Sheffield would probably be your tag team champions. There’s a lot of potential in this time. Sheffield may have never got injured.

That leaves Darren Young and Heath Slater?

Back in FCW for more training, don’t get me wrong, their okay but both need to work on their ability.