WarGames

The WarGames match (also known as the Ultimate Jeopardy match in its ECW version) is a unique stipulation created by Dusty Rhodes in 1987 for NWA, later becoming a signature match for WCW. It was initially famous for being the specialty of the Four Horsemen.

This stipulation features two rings placed side by side, enclosed by a large rectangular cage made of metal mesh, topped with a roof. The cage starts from the apron, leaving no ring area outside its confines. There are two doors on the short sides of the rectangular cage, one for each team.

Team Composition and Entry

The match involves two teams, each typically composed of 4 or 5 members. It begins with one member from one team inside the structure. After 5 minutes, a member from one of the teams enters the match; after another 2 minutes, a member from the opposing team joins, and this alternation continues until all members (8 or 10) have entered. This setup gives one team a numerical advantage for 2 minutes, determined by a coin toss, prior matches, fan voting, or other methods.

The Match Beyond

Once all team members have entered, the second phase of the match, called "The Match Beyond," begins. The fight continues until one member of a team submits or is knocked out by an opponent, who is then declared the winner. There are no disqualifications or count-outs, given that the match takes place within a cage.

Modern Revival

In recent years, WWE has revived the WarGames match concept, incorporating it into their programming, particularly within the NXT brand. WWE's WarGames matches do not have a roof on the cage and also allow pinfalls as a win condition.

Starting in 2022, the WarGames match has also been featured as part of the Survivor Series event, and has become a highly anticipated event in WWE?s annual calendar.

In 2021, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) established its own version of the match called Blood and Guts, which is based on the original JCP version with a roof on the cage and no pinfalls.

WarGames: Info

WarGames: Other Variants

Here you find all the less-popular variants of the WarGames, or match types that are no longer prominent:

Lethal Lockdown Match