The WWF hierarchy is currently undergoing a massive shift that has nothing to do with “Stone Cold” or the World Warriors. While the spotlight has been focused on Hogan’s collision course with Andre, a trio of “Dark Horse” fighters has quietly been amassing a win-loss record that rivals the top of the card.
As of May 2000, three names have surged to the top of the standings, and each represents a different, terrifying philosophy of combat.
1. Kimbo Slice: The Street-Brawler Supreme
Record: 2-0 (Tied for Lead)
Kimbo Slice is the physical embodiment of the “No Rules” era. He arrived in January with a reputation from the underground backyard circuits and immediately proved his hands are made of stone.
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Jan 14 vs. Hongman Choi: In a clash of size versus raw aggression, Kimbo took on the “Korean Monster.” Under BMF (Baddest Mother-Fighter) Rules, Kimbo utilized his head-movement to negate Choi’s massive reach, eventually landing a overhand right that resulted in a clinical Knockout.
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April 22 vs. Rey Zulu Jr.: Switching to Pro-Wrestling Rules, Kimbo showed he isn’t just a striker. He managed to pin the powerhouse Zulu Jr. in a display of explosive grappling that stunned the “Indie” scouts.
2. Kurt Angle: The Olympic Machine
Record: 2-0 (Tied for Lead)
If Kimbo is the street, Kurt Angle is the lab. The 1996 Gold Medalist has adapted to the WWF’s unified landscape faster than any athlete in history. He doesn’t just win; he dismantles.
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March 25 vs. R-Truth: Angle demonstrated his technical superiority by forcing the agile R-Truth into a Submission win, proving that “Indie” speed is no match for Olympic-grade wrestling.
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April 8 vs. Steven Seagal: In perhaps the most controversial match of the spring, Angle faced the Aikido master under UFC Rules. While Seagal attempted to use redirection, Angle utilized a “Shoot” style to bypass the defense, delivering a high-velocity strike that resulted in a Knockout. This win silenced those who believed the “Action Stars” were untouchable.
3. Bob Sapp: The “Beast” of the Super-Heavyweights
Record: 2-0 (Tied for Lead)
Bob Sapp is the “X-Factor” of the Super-Heavyweight division. Standing at 350 lbs of pure muscle, he fights with a level of “Primal Rage” that has terrified the veteran locker room.
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Jan 14 vs. Giant Gonzalez: While Hogan was being “protected,” Sapp was in the ring with the 7’6″ Gonzalez under BMF Rules. In a display of sheer force, Sapp became the first man to Knockout the Giant, proving that height means nothing if you can’t survive the Beast’s initial charge.
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April 1 vs. Teila Tuli: Sapp continued his rampage by knocking out the legendary Sumotori Teila Tuli. The match lasted less than three minutes, establishing Sapp as the most dangerous “Sanctioned Monster” in the WWF.
The Current Rankings: The Race for SummerSlam
| Fighter | Win Count | Key Victim | Combat Style |
| Hulk Hogan | 2 | Yokozuna | Power Wrestling |
| Andre the Giant | 2 | Unknown (Territory Bouts) | Super Heavyweight |
| Kimbo Slice | 2 | Hongman Choi | Backyard/Street |
| Kurt Angle | 2 | Steven Seagal | Olympic/UFC Style |
| Bob Sapp | 2 | Giant Gonzalez | Primal BMF |
The Historian’s Take: The Convergence
The Commission is in a tight spot. They want the Hogan vs. Andre finals to be the “Main Event,” but they cannot ignore the statistics. Kimbo, Angle, and Sapp are 2-0 and have faced legitimate world-class threats while Hogan has been fighting “Legacy” matches.
If the WWF is truly an “Undisputed” federation, one of these three should be standing across from the winner of SummerSlam.
Once again, Vince is looking for ways to avoid the Curruption Scandal