2001 was a pivotal year for pro wrestling. Outside of the ring, we saw the WWE acquire WCW, while inside the ring this led to one of the most eagerly anticipated angles of all timethe Invasion. It all began with WCW stars making unexpected appearances in WWE matches. First, Lance Storm showed up on Raw to nail Perry Saturn with a Superkick, before Hugh Morrus, of all people, interfered the following week, hitting Edge with the Moonsault. Then at the King of the Ring PPV, WCW Champion Booker T jumped none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin, hitting him with the Scissor Kick before dumping him through the announce table. Though it wasnt the first time of a WCW guy had invaded the WWE, it was by far and away the most high-profile instance yet. Booker Ts arrival marked the first major shot in the Invasion storyline. As Jim Ross would observe the following evening on Raw; the battle lines had been drawn. Regardless of what you think about the angle as a whole, this was certainly an explosive way to kick things off.
