As we enter the fifth month of the new millennium, the WWF has officially expanded its roster to include world-class strikers from the boxing circuit. These new signings, combined with the high-stakes USA Championship semi-finals, make May the most anticipated month in combat history to date.
The USA Belt Semi-Final: Round 2
Eric Bischoff vs. Ted DiBiase
After his shocking January upset over The Ultimate Warrior, Eric Bischoff returns to the cage. He faces the “90s Peak” technician Ted DiBiase. This is a clash of two of the highest fight-IQs in the game. DiBiase remains the favorite due to his superior grappling, but Bischoff has already proven that betting against him is a dangerous game.
The Boxing Invasion: Heavyweight & Featherweight Extremes
The Fighting Commission has approved two “Cross-Discipline” bouts for May, pitting legendary boxers against the Federation’s largest athletes.
-
Butterbean vs. Hongman Choi: The “King of the 4-Rounders,” Butterbean, brings his legendary knockout power to the WWF. He faces a terrifying physical challenge in the Korean Giant, Hongman Choi. Will Butterbean’s overhand right be enough to reach the chin of the 7’2″ giant?
-
Prince Naseem Hamed vs. Giant Gonzalez: Carrying a perfect professional boxing record into the WWF, Prince Naseem has agreed to a “Regular Pro-Wrestling Rules” bout. His opponent is the monolithic Giant Gonzalez. This match tests whether Naseem’s world-class agility and speed can survive a match where his opponent can legally grapple and throw him.
High-Stakes Featured Bouts
-
The Undertaker vs. Mick Foley (Tune-Up): Following his dominant victory over Shawn Michaels in April, The Undertaker has requested a tune-up fight to stay sharp for the tournament finals. He faces the notoriously durable Mick Foley. Doctors have expressed concern for Foley’s safety, as The Undertaker’s “Tombstone” strike has been categorized as a Grade-A career-ending maneuver.
-
Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero (Cruiserweight Division): The search for the first Cruiserweight Champion begins here. Two of the fastest technical strikers in the world meet in a bout expected to set the standard for the 205-lb division.
The Indie Grudge Matches
While not yet in the title picture, two of the hottest names from the independent circuit face massive personal hurdles this month:
-
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon: The friction between the Federation’s administrative office and the “Texas Rattlesnake” has boiled over. In a rare move, the Commission has sanctioned a fight between a top prospect and a member of the governing body.
-
The Rock vs. The Hurricane: The charismatic “People’s Champion” looks to build his 0-0 record against the unorthodox and unpredictable Hurricane. For The Rock, this is a mandatory win if he hopes to enter the USA Title rankings by the end of the year.
May 2000 Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Matchup | Type |
| May 7 | The Rock vs. The Hurricane | Regional Showcase |
| May 14 | Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero | Cruiserweight Ranking and Intercontinental Contender Rights |
| May 21 | Butterbean vs. Hongman Choi | Open-Weight Boxing vs. Giant |
| May 21 | Prince Naseem vs. Giant Gonzalez | Cross-Discipline (Wrestling Rules) |
| May 28 | Bischoff vs. DiBiase | USA #1 Contender Semi-Final |
| May 28 | Undertaker vs. Mick Foley | Heavyweight Tune-up Fight |
| May 31 | Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon | Sanctioned Grudge Match |
Expert Predictions and Ringside Commentary
As the May 2000 card approaches, the “World of Fighting” isn’t just talking about the brackets—the world’s greatest combatants are weighing in. Here is what the elite had to say about this month’s most controversial matchups.
On the “Boxing vs. Giants” Experiment
Mike “Iron” Tyson (Heavyweight Boxing Icon):
“I like Butterbean, he’s got bricks in his hands. But Hongman Choi isn’t a man, he’s a mountain. If Bean can’t reach that chin in the first two minutes, he’s going to get stepped on. And as for Naseem? He’s my friend, but he’s crazy. Giant Gonzalez is seven-and-a-half feet of muscle. You can’t ‘out-box’ a man who can pick you up and throw you out of the arena. Naseem better have a backup plan.”
Oscar De La Hoya (The “Golden Boy”):
“It’s a dangerous move for the sport of boxing. If Prince Naseem loses his undefeated record to a wrestler under ‘Pro-Wrestling Rules,’ it hurts our credibility. Naseem is fast, but in the WWF, these finishers are real. If Gonzalez lands one slam, the boxing world loses its biggest star. I’m rooting for the Prince, but I’m worried about the size gap.”
On the USA #1 Contender Semi-Final: Bischoff vs. DiBiase
Bill “The Superfoot” Wallace (Martial Arts Legend/Analyst):
“Everyone is looking at Ted DiBiase because he’s at his 90s peak right now—he’s a master of the mat. But don’t sleep on Eric Bischoff. He’s a black belt who understands distance. He frustrated the Ultimate Warrior until the Warrior gassed out. DiBiase won’t gas out, though. This is a chess match, not a brawl. I’m taking DiBiase by submission in the 4th.”
On the “Indie” Rise: Austin and The Rock
Jim Lampley (Veteran Combat Sports Broadcaster):
“The intrigue surrounding these ‘Indie’ prospects is reaching a fever pitch. We’ve seen the tapes of Steve Austin in the regional circuits; the man is a brawler with no regard for authority. Pitting him against the Chairman, Vince McMahon, is a sanctioned train wreck. Meanwhile, The Rock has the charisma of a movie star, but can he handle the unorthodox style of The Hurricane? May is the month where these ‘Rising Stars’ either become legends or become footnotes.”
The Official “Fight Historian” Betting Odds
| Matchup | Favorite | Underdog | Analyst Consensus |
| Bischoff vs. DiBiase | DiBiase (-200) | Bischoff (+150) | DiBiase via Technicality |
| Butterbean vs. Choi | Choi (-110) | Butterbean (-110) | Dead Even / KO finish |
| Naseem vs. Gonzalez | Gonzalez (-300) | Naseem (+250) | High Risk for Naseem |
| Undertaker vs. Foley | Undertaker (-500) | Foley (+400) | Total Dominance |
| The Rock vs. Hurricane | The Rock (-180) | Hurricane (+140) | The Rock’s Breakout |
Archive Note:
The tension between the boxing community and the WWF is at an all-time high. If Naseem and Butterbean fail, we may see a mass exodus of boxing fans. If they win, the WWF becomes the undisputed home of all combat.
