Unforgettable Battles and Shocking Turns: The Story of 2001’s Second Half
The second half of 2001 was one of the most dramatic and action-packed times in WWF history. In these six months, the wrestling world was shaken by the explosive Invasion storyline, as superstars from WCW and ECW joined forces to create The Alliance and declared war on WWF. This battle wasn’t just about championships—it was about pride, loyalty, and survival.
Back then, the company was still officially known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). However, a major change loomed on the horizon. In May 2002, due to a legal battle with the World Wildlife Fund, WWF would officially become World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). But in 2001, the focus was clear: WWF vs. The Alliance, and the war would shake the company to its core.
Let’s take a detailed look at the incredible matches, jaw-dropping betrayals, and unforgettable rivalries that defined July to December 2001.
🗓️ July – Invasion Begins: WWF vs. The Alliance ⚔️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Team WWF vs. Team Alliance (Inaugural Brawl)
- Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle (WWF Championship)
- Jeff Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam (Hardcore Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
In July, the lines were drawn. The Alliance—made up of WCW and ECW talent—officially declared war on WWF. But the biggest shock came when Stone Cold Steve Austin turned his back on WWF and joined The Alliance. His betrayal rocked fans everywhere.
Rob Van Dam quickly rose to popularity, especially after his incredible match with Jeff Hardy for the Hardcore Championship. The match was a highlight of the summer and proved that the Invasion storyline was going to bring exciting new energy to WWF.
🗓️ August – SummerSlam: Power Shifts and Shocking Moments 🎉
🔥 Key Matches:
- Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle (WWF Championship)
- The Rock vs. Booker T (WCW Championship)
- Edge vs. Lance Storm (Intercontinental Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
SummerSlam brought chaos and excitement. Stone Cold, now a proud member of The Alliance, did everything possible to hold onto his title—including a disqualification. Kurt Angle fought with pride for WWF, nearly regaining the championship.
The Rock returned to WWF and took on Booker T for the WCW Championship. The two delivered a blockbuster match, and The Rock reminded everyone that he was still one of the biggest names in the business. Meanwhile, Edge secured a major victory over Lance Storm, signaling the beginning of his successful singles career.
🗓️ September – Unforgiven: WWF Fights Back 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Kurt Angle vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWF Championship)
- The Rock vs. Shane McMahon & Booker T (WCW Championship – Handicap Match)
- Chris Jericho vs. Rob Van Dam (Hardcore Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Unforgiven marked a turning point. Kurt Angle triumphed over Stone Cold, reclaiming the WWF Championship in an emotional moment. With the country still mourning the events of 9/11, Angle’s win was a symbol of hope, and he proudly dedicated his victory to the United States.
The Rock refused to back down, fighting through a 2-on-1 situation. And Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam clashed in a chaotic Hardcore match that proved just how unpredictable the Invasion had become.
🗓️ October – No Mercy: Desperate Times, Desperate Measures 🔥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle vs. Rob Van Dam (WWF Championship – Triple Threat)
- Chris Jericho vs. The Rock (WCW Championship)
- Dudley Boyz vs. Big Show & Tajiri (Tag Team Match)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
At No Mercy, desperation and ambition drove every match. In a high-stakes Triple Threat, Austin, Angle, and Van Dam battled for the WWF title. Austin walked out champion again—but not without controversy.
In a huge moment, Chris Jericho defeated The Rock to capture the WCW Championship. It was the biggest win of Jericho’s career so far and positioned him as a true main-event player.
🗓️ November – Survivor Series: The Invasion Ends ⚔️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Team WWF vs. Team Alliance (Winner Takes All Elimination Match)
- Edge vs. Test (IC/US Title Unification Match)
- Women’s Championship Battle Royal
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Everything came down to Survivor Series. In a dramatic winner-take-all match, Team WWF faced Team Alliance in the final battle. Just when it seemed like WWF might lose, Kurt Angle betrayed The Alliance and helped The Rock win, ending the war.
Edge became the undisputed Intercontinental and U.S. Champion by beating Test, and Trish Stratus won her first Women’s Championship in a competitive multi-woman battle, beginning her legendary run.
🗓️ December – Vengeance: Crowning the Undisputed Champion 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- Chris Jericho vs. The Rock (WCW Championship)
- Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Kurt Angle (WWF Championship)
- Chris Jericho vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (Undisputed Championship Final)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
December’s Vengeance event made history. Chris Jericho defeated both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the same night to become the first Undisputed WWF Champion.
While his wins were filled with interference and controversy, Jericho’s double victory marked the beginning of a new era in WWF. His time had come, and the landscape of wrestling was forever changed.
🔥 2001 Review: Closing a Wild Year
The final half of 2001 delivered unforgettable action, surprises, and moments that shaped the future of WWE:
- The Invasion storyline ended in epic fashion at Survivor Series ⚔️
- Chris Jericho’s rise to become the first-ever Undisputed Champion 🏆
- New stars like Rob Van Dam, Edge, and Trish Stratus emerged in the spotlight 🌟
- WWF’s battle with The Alliance defined a generation 💥
As 2002 approached, the world of wrestling looked very different. The war was over, but the question remained: who would lead WWE into the next era? With Jericho, Austin, The Rock, and new names rising fast—one thing was certain: the future had arrived.
