A Feud to End Them All

 

When the phrase "great feuds" is mentioned, you think of SA/HBK, Hogan/Austin, Bret/HBK, Hogan/Andre... and Nathan James vs Forxx. Their path to WrestleMania reads like a Shakespearean tragedy, the best friends turned bitter enemies thanks to one mans greed, that man finding redemption and returning to the light only to find his friend now consumed with the same hatred.

Forxx and Nathan James first made a splash together in 2003 as the Ministry of Destruction, soon after WrestleMania XIX. Both men were initially members of Vince McMahons original Corporation, doing battle with D-Generation X. mainly the fondly remembered New Age Outlaws - Billy Gunn and Road Dogg. McMahon, love him or hate him, has an eye for talent, and in these two bemoths he not only saw their obvious physical prowess, but he saw their ability to one day become headline acts, their star potential.

What McMahon didn't see however was that they were both headstrong individuals who would take their own path, not be led by the Chairman. The duo soon broke away from the Corporation and after memorable feuds with the likes of LOD, Los Conquistadors and The Outsiders, began to broaden their horizons, Forxx making a splash in the singles division with the United States Championship. However, like so many partnerships, this desire for singles success would soon bring about the MoDs demise.

Perhaps inspired by Forxxs United States Championship wins, it was Nathan who struck out in search of a way to the top, but instead of working his way up like other stars, Nathan attempted the easy route - seeking the dark powers of the Undertaker. The Deadman was only too willing to pass on his knowledge to a new student as he had so many before, but the powers were not what Nathan had anticipated. Instead of becoming the master of men that he sought, he became the slave of the Undertaker, ending his partnership with Forxx and seemingly succumbing to the darkside.

Nathans will however was strong and just as he had against the Corporation, he rebelled, managing to break free of the Phenom, going as far as to defeat him with the aid of Stone Cold Steve Austin in a casket match at Taboo Tuesday 2005. Nathan, free of the Deadman and riding on his massive victory was the hottest property in WWE, winning the Intercontinental Championship and surely lining up the WWE Championship in his sights. But meanwhile, the envious eyes of his former partner turned back toward him, still angry about being snubbed for the Deadman. Forxx wanted a piece of the action and in one of Raws most shocking moments, allied himself with Paul Heyman and attacked Nathan, driving him through a table and winning his Intercontinental Championship.

The wrath that followed was unmatched in WWE history - these two tore each other apart, finally settling on a match at the coming WrestleMania 21. The match was off the charts, stealing the show and becoming a serious contender for greatest match in WrestleMania history. For over half an hour the former best friends seemed to tear each other to pieces - barbed wire, thumb tacks, tables and chairs - neither man would allow himself to give up. It was a supreme showing of intestinal fortitude and one of those rare occasions where both the winner and loser were elevated up a notch in the fans eyes. A winner there had to be however and on that night it was Nathan James, gaining his vengeance and winning back his Intercontinental Championship.

And there the story might have ended if in early 2007 Forxx hadn't become WWE Champion and turned on Paul Heyman. Heyman was left reeling as Forxx finally realised he was being used and didnt need the ECW Owner, but Paul E's wrath was beyond measure, taking every opportunity to beat down his "ungreatful" protege. Finally, Heyman resorted to one last method - the Foundation. Paul Heyman enlisted the services of Nathan James and his group.

The Foundation were formed in late 2006 by Nathan James, James Steele, Nick Fury and Showtime, wrestlers who felt they'd been unfairly treated for various reasons - Nathan outraged he'd been denied his shot at the then WWE Champion Randy Orton after taking some time off with an injury. Nathan had ironically turned his back on the fans as Forxx had embraced them.

Forxx and Nathan squared off again at the Royal Rumble in a match for Forxxs other title - the Intercontinental Championship. Nathan was joined by James Steele and Showtime in a gauntlet match, the man getting the pin winning the gold. Nathan didn't win but he cost his old enemy the belt, allowing Steele to take the gold. The old fury was back instantly and the second war between Nathan and Forxx was on - a WrestleMania date set as Nathan won the Royal Rumble.

Or was it?

Nathan James had become very aware of what needed to be done to win belts in the years since they were allies, Nathan was now a veteran and realised that he stood a much better chance against the smaller and less powerful Randy Orton at WrestleMania, so in an act that may now haunt him for years - he helped the Legendkiller defeat Forxx at No Way Out for the gold. Randy Orton was the two time WWE Champion.

But as is so often the case, the best laid plans go wrong and the next week on Raw, Commissioner Shawn Michaels, disgusted at Nathans actions, remade the match - Nathan James versus Forxx - Hell in a Cell, Nathan was out of the Main Event due to his conniving against his former best friend. But James had no time to mourn because Forxx was relentless in his pursuit, just as he will this Sunday.

We've already looked at the brutal past of Hell in a Cell in a previous feature and at the sadistic match between these two at WrestleMania 21. There can be little doubt that when you mix Nathan James, Forxx and a 20 foot high steel cage, a Hell in a Cell.... somebody is going to get hurt. Nathan James has never lost at WrestleMania, his streak stands at 4 and 0, at WrestleMania he puts it on the line next to pride, passion and the desire for revenge. This feud will end this Sunday, blood will be spilt and if either man walks out, or even survives, he can consider himself a winner.