War Games: The Match Beyond (The Final IV)

#2 The Perfect Betrayal (Fall Brawl 1997: Team nWo vs The Four Horseman)

Fall Brawl 1997 featured the perfect betrayal by Curt Henning to Ric Flair & The Four Horsemen

This match was very personal right from the start. In the weeks leading into Fall Brawl 1997, Arn Anderson announced his retirement from the wrestling world in a very emotional segment on Monday Nitro that left Ric Flair and many fans in tears. During the segment, Arn Anderson announced that Curt Henning would be his replacement and the newest member of The Four Horsemen. Henning graciously accepted the position.

A week later, the nWo did a complete parody of the entire segment. While it came off as funny to some people, others it was very distasteful and a slap to the face of Arn Anderson. Syxx (X-Pac) parodied Ric Flair, Konnan portrayed Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Buff Bagwell portrayed Curt Henning and Kevin Nash portrayed Arn Anderson. In response to this, Flair challenged the now to War Games and vowed to punish Nash, Syxx, Bagwell and Konnan for making a mockery of Anderson and the Four Horsemen.

The match was accepted by the New World Order. Now, it was time for War Games. The Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Curt Henning, Steve “Mongo” McMichael and Chris Benoit) versus Team now (Kevin Nash, Konnan, Buff Bagwell and Syxx). Heading into the match, Curt Henning was injured and attacked by the now, suffering an injured shoulder. While his condition wasn’t looking too good, Henning said he would still compete in the match with one arm if he had to.

The match seemed to going at even pace between both teams, going back and forth. When it came time for Curt Henning to enter the ring as the final participant. Henning did the unthinkable and turned his back on WCW and The Four Horseman, showing his true colors and portraying his allegiance to the now.

Henning removed the sling, threw handcuffs to each member of the now, and immediately started to assault Ric Flair. Each member of the Four Horsemen were handcuffed to the cage, as they singled out Ric Flair, positioning Flair’s head against the steel cage door and the steel ring post.

Kevin Nash got on the microphone and threatened to bash Flair’s head in if the horsemen did not surrender. Steve McMichael pleaded with them to stop this, officially giving the victory to the now. Then, going against their word, Curt Henning slammed the cage door in on Flair’s head! The force of the cage slamming on his head would cause Flair (in Kayfabe) to out of action for the next couple of months.

Curt Henning would go on to be one of Hogan’s lackeys in the New World Order, and engage in a feud with Ric Flair throughout the remainder of 1997.