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Brawl for All


WWF Brawl for All was a shootfighting tournament held in the World Wrestling Federation that lasted from June 29, 1998 to August 24, 1998. The creation of then-WWF writer Vince Russo, Brawl for All resulted in a number of legit injuries for WWF performers and was received negatively by fans and industry figures.

Throughout 1998, the WWF experienced a growth in roster size but due to limited amount of TV time a number of their more genuine "tough guys" were left without much to do. As a result, the idea for a legit tough guy tournament was bandied about as a way to both utilize some of these men and capitalize on the recent interest in Toughman Contests around the country.

According to John "Bradshaw" Layfield, Vince Russo came up with the idea when Layfield wanted to create a hardcore wrestling division in the WWF. Russo said he devised the tournament as a consequence of Bradshaw claiming he could beat anyone on the roster in a bar fight.Jim Cornette also reported that it was Russo's idea. Participation in the tournament was strictly voluntary.

Each match consisted of three one-minute rounds. Whichever wrestler connected with the most punches per round scored 5 points. In addition, a clean takedown scored 5 points and a knockdown was worth 10. If a wrestler was knocked out (decided by an eight-count rather than a ten-count), the match ended. The matches were scored by ringside judges including Gorilla Monsoon.

According to Jim Cornette, "Dr. Death" Steve Williams was the WWF's favourite to win the tournament, with the company looking towards a lucrative pay per view match between Williams and Stone Cold Steve Austin;Bob Holly claimed that Williams had already been paid the $100,000 prize money before his second round fight against Bart Gunn. During the fight, Williams sustained a hamstring injury and was knocked out by Gunn. Bart Gunn went on to defeat Bradshaw by KO on the August 24, 1998 episode of Raw is War to win the tournament and $75,000. Bradshaw received $25,000.


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