10 Topics "Crossface" Movie Needs To Address
4. The Radicalz Jump Ship
Chris Benoit won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on January 16, 2000. Fifteen days later, he, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn were on Raw.
Though The Radicalz, as they came to be called, weren't main-eventers overnight, it was clear from day one that WWE was aware of what an impressive collection of talent they had scored. All four men - but especially Benoit and Guerrero - were given solid midcard pushes. Benoit, in particular, was made to look dangerous, portraying a sadistic heel and capturing the Intercontinental Title before feuding with The Rock over the WWE Title.
Even though WWE was already slaughtering WCW, the jump of The Radicalz was considered a major turning point in the wrestling war. After the four men joined WWE, there was no longer an argument to be made that WCW had the richer talent roster. In return, Benoit was treated like a star - he had finally hit the big time.