Harlem Heat
{{short description|Professional wrestling tag team}}
{{Infobox wrestling team
|article_name= Harlem Heat
|type=T
|image={{Multiple images
| total_width = 300
| image1 = C2E2 2015 - Booker T (17098980067).jpg
| image2 = Stevie Ray 2015.jpg
| border = infobox
}}
|caption= Booker T (left) and Stevie Ray (right)
|members=Booker T/Kole
Stevie Ray/Kane
|names=Harlem Heat{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/harlem-heat.html|title=Harlem Heat profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=2009-08-12}}
The Huffman Brothers
The Ebony Experience
The Ghetto Blasters
The Black BombersPro Wrestling Illustrated, March 1993 issue, p.97.
Harlem Heat 2000
|former_members=Midnight
Sister Sherri
Jacquelyn
|debut=1989
|disbanded=2015
|years_active= 1989–2000; 2015
|heights={{height|ft=6|in=2}} – Booker T
{{height|ft=6|in=5}} – Stevie Ray
|weights={{convert|545|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
|billed=110th Street in Harlem, New York
|hometown=Houston, Texas
|trainer=Scott Casey
Ivan Putski
}}
Harlem Heat was a professional wrestling tag team composed of two brothers, Booker and Lash Huffman (better known as Booker T and Stevie Ray). The team achieved their greatest success in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where they won the WCW World Tag Team Championship a record ten times.{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/1998_3101893/cover-story-wrestling-101-getting-a-grip-on-the-ba.html|title=Wrestling 101: getting a grip on the basics|first=Pamela|last=Mitchel|date=1998-12-03|publisher=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2012-08-30}} Kevin Powers of WWE remarked: "When debating the greatest tag team in WCW history, Harlem Heat and The Steiner Brothers are more or less interchangeable."{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/most-heated-sibling-rivalries|title=WWE's Most Heated Sibling Rivalries|last=Powers|first=Kevin|date=August 27, 2012|publisher=WWE|access-date=August 22, 2017}}
Harlem Heat was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 6, 2019, as part of the 2019 class.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/harlem-heat-be-inducted-2019-wwe-hall-fame |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613031954/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/harlem-heat-be-inducted-2019-wwe-hall-fame |archive-date=13 June 2021|title=Harlem Heat To Be Inducted Into The 2019 WWE Hall Of Fame {{!}} Fightful Wrestling|website=www.fightful.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-11}}
History
= Western Wrestling Alliance (1989–1991) =
Booker T and Stevie Ray started to team together as The Huffman Brothers in Ivan Putski's Western Wrestling Alliance after a brief feud with each other. Soon after, the WWA ceased operating and the brothers started touring the Texas independent circuit.
=Global Wrestling Federation (1992–1993) =
The Huffman Brothers caught the eye of Skandor Akbar who was involved with the Global Wrestling Federation out of Dallas in 1992.{{cite video|people=Lash Huffman|title=Shoot Interview with Stevie Ray (2006)|medium=DVD}} The brothers were repackaged as the "Ebony Experience" and quickly rose through the ranks of the GWF tag team division under the guidance of Gary Hart, defeating Skandor Akbar's "Goodfellows" ("Gorgeous" Gary Young and Steve Dane) for the GWF Tag Team Championship on July 31, 1992.{{cite book|author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|year=2006|edition=4th|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}} Their first run with the GWF tag title lasted only a week before they were defeated by the Blackbirds (”Iceman” King Parsons and Action Jackson). Booker and Stevie Ray made a comeback and defeated the cheating birds in September.
The second run with the title lasted a bit longer than a week, but was ultimately short lived as the Rough Riders (Black Bart and Johnny Mantell) won the gold on October 23. The title loss was forced due to Booker T suffering a knee injury that needed surgery and time off to recover. In early 1993 the Ebony Experience returned to action and started to chase the Bad Breed (Axl Rotten and Ian Rotten) who had won the titles while Booker T recovered. On February 26 the Ebony Experience won their third GWF Tag Team championship, becoming the only team to hold that title three times. Their third run with the title proved to be their longest as they held them until May 7 where Guido Falcone and Vito Mussolini (known as the Sicilian Stallions) defeated them for the titles. Not long after this Booker T and Stevie Ray left the GWF, having signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW).{{cite book|author=Greg Oliver and Steve Johnson|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Tag Teams|publisher=ECW Press|year=2005|isbn=978-1-55022-683-6}}
= World Championship Wrestling =
==Early years (1993–1994)==
On June 22, 1993, the brothers debuted in WCW as the tag team Harlem Heat, with Booker renamed Kole and Lash renamed Kane. They were then billed from Harlem. Originally, they were supposed to be a pair of prisoners won in a card game by manager Col. Rob Parker, but was changed due to racial sensitivity based on their look, coming out to the ring in wrist and foot shackles.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0400259/bio|title=Boohker bio|publisher=imdb}}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=50EU6leHbLoC&q=%22harlem+heat%22+slaves&pg=PA235|title=Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling|author=R.D. Reynolds and Randy Baer|isbn=978-1-55022-584-6|year=2003|publisher=ECW Press}} Harlem Heat debuted on WCW television by defeating local wrestlers Dave Hart and Mike Thor on the August 14 episode of WorldWide.{{cite web |author1=Matt Peddycord |title=WCW Worldwide August 14, 1993 |url=http://thehistoryofwwe.com/worldwide8-14-93review.htm |website=The History of WWE |access-date=2 December 2022}} On the August 21 episode of Saturday Night, Harlem Heat became villains by teaming with Sid Vicious to defeat Ron Simmons, 2 Cold Scorpio and Marcus Alexander Bagwell in a six-man tag team match.{{cite web |author1=Bob Colling |title=WCW Saturday Night 8/21/1993 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2019/01/14/wcw-saturday-night-8-21-1993/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |date=15 January 2019 |access-date=2 December 2022}} Harlem Heat made their pay-per-view debut at Fall Brawl on September 19 by teaming with Vader and Sid Vicious against Sting, Davey Boy Smith, Dustin Rhodes, and The Shockmaster in the WarGames match.{{cite web |author1=J.D. Dunn |title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Fall Brawl '93 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/dark-pegasus-video-review-fall-brawl-93/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=February 23, 2011}}{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=139}} They lost the match but were over as villains because of the caliber of fan favorites they wrestled.
Harlem Heat suffered their first televised loss in WCW against Sting and Dustin Rhodes on the September 25 episode of Saturday Night.{{cite web |author1=Bob Colling |title=WCW Saturday Night 9/25/1993 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2019/02/28/wcw-saturday-night-9-25-1993/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |date=28 February 2019 |access-date=2 December 2022}} Shortly after, Harlem Heat ended their association with Col. Robert Parker. The following month, at Halloween Havoc, Harlem Heat teamed with The Equalizer against The Shockmaster, Ice Train and Charlie Norris in a losing effort.{{cite web |author1=J.D. Dunn |title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Halloween Havoc '93 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/dark-pegasus-video-review-halloween-havoc-93/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=February 24, 2011}} At Battlebowl, Kane was randomly partnered with Charlie Norris in a Lethal Lottery qualifying match against Big Van Vader and Cactus Jack in a losing effort. Kane was paired with Davey Boy Smith against Road Warrior Hawk and Rip Rogers in a losing effort.{{cite web |author1=J.D. Dunn |title=Dark Pegasus Video Review: Battlebowl '93 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/dark-pegasus-video-review-battlebowl-93/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=March 1, 2011}}
At SuperBrawl IV on February 20, 1994, Harlem Heat defeated Thunder and Lightning.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=The SmarK Retro Repost – SuperBrawl IV |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-repost-superbrawl-iv/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=August 6, 2002}} Shortly after, Harlem Heat engaged in a feud with Marcus Alexander Bagwell and 2 Cold Scorpio which led to the two teams exchanging wins with one another. Harlem Heat were soon joined by Ron Simmons while Ice Train joined Bagwell and Scorpio. Both teams traded wins in six-man tag team matches.{{cite web |author1=Bob Colling |title=WCW Saturday Night 4/16/1994 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2015/09/09/wcw-saturday-night-4161994/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=September 9, 2015}} In July, Kole and Kane changed their names back to Booker T and Stevie Ray.{{cite web |title=WCW Results 1994 |url=https://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw94.htm |website=The History of WWE |access-date=2 December 2022}}
==World Tag Team Champions (1994–1996)==
At Clash of the Champions XXIX, Sensuous Sherri joined Harlem Heat as their manager by helping them in defeating The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags).{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Clash of the Champions 29 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-clash-of-the-champions-29/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=October 18, 2006}} On the December 3 episode of WorldWide, Harlem Heat renamed her Sister Sherri. The alliance with Sherri led to Harlem Heat being elevated in the tag team division. Harlem Heat faced Nasty Boys in a rematch at Starrcade, which Harlem Heat lost via disqualification.{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Starrcade '94 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-starrcade-94/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=October 22, 2006}}
On December 8, Harlem Heat defeated Stars and Stripes (The Patriot and Marcus Alexander Bagwell) to win their first WCW World Tag Team Championship, which aired on the January 14, 1995 episode of Saturday Night.{{cite web |author1=Bob Colling |title=WCW Saturday Night 1/14/1995 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2011/10/15/wcw-saturday-night-1141995/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=2 December 2022}} Harlem Heat retained the titles against Stars and Stripes in a rematch at Clash of the Champions XXX.{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Clash of the Champions 30 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-clash-of-the-champions-30/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=November 15, 2006}} They continued their feud with the Nasty Boys, leading to a title defense against Nasty Boys at SuperBrawl V. Harlem Heat retained the titles via a disqualification win.{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Superbrawl V |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-superbrawl-v/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=November 9, 2006}} At Uncensored, Harlem Heat lost to Nasty Boys in a non-title falls count anywhere match.{{cite web |author1=Jack Bramma |title=Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Uncensored 1995 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ring-crew-reviews-wcw-uncensored-1995/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=February 28, 2012}} Harlem Heat finally lost the titles to Nasty Boys at Slamboree.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=The SmarK Retro Rant For WCW Slamboree 95 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-smark-retro-rant-for-wcw-slamboree-95/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=April 1, 2002}}
Harlem Heat became tweeners and entered a feud with Col. Parker's Stud Stable of "Dirty" Dick Slater and Bunkhouse Buck. Harlem Heat defeated the team of Slater and Buck at The Great American Bash.{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Great American Bash '95 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-great-american-bash-95/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=November 23, 2006}} On the June 24 episode of WorldWide, Harlem Heat defeated Nasty Boys to win their second World Tag Team Championship after interference by The Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal and Earl Robert Eaton).{{cite web |title=What the World Was Watching: WCW Worldwide – June 24, 1995 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2019/06/04/what-the-world-was-watching-wcw-worldwide-june-24-1995/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=June 4, 2019}} The title win was taped on May 3. At Bash at the Beach, Harlem Heat retained the titles against Nasty Boys and Blue Bloods in a triangle match.{{cite web |author1=Jack Bramma |title=Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Bash at the Beach 1995 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ring-crew-reviews-wcw-bash-at-the-beach-1995/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=February 18, 2014}} Harlem Heat lost the tag team titles to Slater and Buck on the July 22 episode of Saturday Night, thanks to interference from Parker. At Clash of the Champions XXXI, Harlem Heat and Sherri defeated Slater, Buck and Parker in a six-person tag team match.{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Clash of the Champions 31 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-clash-of-the-champions-31/ |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=November 29, 2006}} As a result, Harlem Heat earned a tag team title shot against Slater and Buck at Fall Brawl. Harlem Heat defeated Slater and Buck with help from Nasty Boys to win their third World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |author1=Kevin Pantoja |title=Random Network Reviews: Fall Brawl 1995 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-fall-brawl-1995/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=June 20, 2015}}{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=142}} Parker and Sherri were carrying on a love affair and Parker eventually left the Stud Stable in favor of the Heat to be with Sherri.
Just one night later, on Monday Nitro, Harlem Heat lost the tag team titles to The American Males (Marcus Alexander Bagwell and Scotty Riggs).{{cite web |author1=Bob |title=WCW Monday Night Nitro - Monday, September 18th, 1995 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1995093m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=2 December 2022}} On the October 28 episode of Saturday Night, Harlem Heat defeated American Males to win their fourth World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |author1=Tom Hopkins |title=WCW Saturday Night 10/28/1995 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2011/11/08/wcw-saturday-night-10281995/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |date=9 November 2011 |access-date=2 December 2022}} This title change was taped on October 11. Harlem Heat lost the titles to Lex Luger and Sting on the January 22, 1996 episode of Nitro.{{cite web |author1=Joel Thomas |title=The Chrononaut Chronicles: WCW Monday Nitro – 1/22/96 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-chrononaut-chronicles-wcw-monday-nitro-12296/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=June 8, 2012}} Harlem Heat unsuccessfully challenged Luger and Sting for the titles at SuperBrawl VI.{{cite web |author1=Jonathan Wilson |title=WCW Superbrawl VI Review |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/79337-wcw-superbrawl-vi-review |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=November 9, 2008}} At Uncensored, Booker T teamed with Sting to defeat The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) in a street fight to earn Harlem Heat, a title shot against Luger and Sting on the April 22 episode of Nitro,{{cite web |author1=Kevin Pantoja |title=Random Network Reviews: Uncensored 1996 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-uncensored-1996/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=January 20, 2016}} which Harlem Heat lost.{{cite web |author1=Bob |title=WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, April 22nd, 1996 |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1996043m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=2 December 2022}} On the June 24 episode of Nitro, Harlem Heat defeated Luger and Sting and Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) in a triangle match to win their fifth World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |author1=Bob |title=WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, June 24th, 1996 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1996064m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=2 December 2022}}
Harlem Heat lost the tag team titles to Steiner Brothers at a live event on July 24. However, just three days later on July 27, Harlem Heat defeated Steiner Brothers to win their sixth World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |title=WCW Results 1996 |url=https://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw96.htm |website=The History of WWE |access-date=2 December 2022}} Harlem Heat successfully defended the titles against Steiner Brothers at Hog Wild.{{cite web |author1=Kevin Pantoja |title=Random Network Reviews: WCW Hog Wild 1996 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-wcw-hog-wild-1996/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=January 19, 2015}} At Clash of the Champions XXXIII, Harlem Heat retained the titles against Steiner Brothers and the team of Sting and Lex Luger in a triangle match as the match ended in a no contest when the referee Nick Patrick abruptly ended the match due to The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) just appearing at ringside.{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Clash of the Champions 33 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-clash-of-the-champions-33/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=December 14, 2006}} At Fall Brawl, Harlem Heat successfully defended the titles against Nasty Boys.{{cite web |author1=Kevin Pantoja |title=Random Network Reviews: Fall Brawl 1996 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-fall-brawl-1996/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=February 20, 2017}}
On the September 23 episode of Nitro, Harlem Heat lost the titles to Public Enemy (Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge).{{cite web |author1=Matt Peddycord |title=WCW Nitro 9/23/1996 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2011/03/12/wcw-nitro-9231996/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |date=12 March 2011 |access-date=2 December 2022}} On the October 5 episode of Saturday Night, Harlem Heat defeated Public Enemy in a rematch to win their seventh World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |title=WCW Saturday Night: October 5, 1996 |url=https://www.rspwfaq.net/2014/10/wcw-saturday-night-october-5-1996.html |website=Rantsylvania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=October 11, 2014}} This match was taped on October 1. Harlem Heat lost the titles to The Outsiders at Halloween Havoc.{{cite web |author1=Robert Leighty Jr. |title=Leighty's Retro Review: WCW Halloween Havoc 1996 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/leightys-retro-review-wcw-halloween-havoc-1996/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=October 25, 2021}}{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing |year=2007|pages=144}}
==Managerial changes (1996–1997)==
On the November 9 episode of Saturday Night, Harlem Heat became full-fledged faces when they fired Col. Robert Parker and beat him up to rescue Sister Sherri.{{cite web |title=Harlem Heat fires Col. Parker: WCW Saturday Night, Nov. 9, 1996 |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/harlem-heat-fires-col-parker-wcw-saturday-night-nov-9-1996 |publisher=WWE |access-date=2 December 2022}} They briefly feuded against Parker's newest team The Amazing French Canadians, defeating them in a match at World War 3.{{cite web |author1=Robert Leighty Jr. |title=Leighty's Retro Review: WCW World War 3 1996 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/leightys-retro-review-wcw-world-war-3-1996/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=December 2, 2021}}{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=144}} At Clash of the Champions XXXIV on January 21, 1997, Harlem Heat defeated the team of The Renegade and Joe Gomez.{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Clash of the Champions 34 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-clash-of-the-champions-34/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=December 30, 2006}}
Soon after, Harlem Heat took on The Public Enemy and The Faces of Fear (Meng and The Barbarian) in a three-way dance at SuperBrawl VII, which Public Enemy won.{{cite web |author1=Robert Leighty Jr. |title=Leighty's Retro Review: WCW SuperBrawl VII |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/leightys-retro-review-wcw-superbrawl-vii/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=February 28, 2022}} The following month, at Uncensored, Harlem Heat defeated Public Enemy in a Texas Tornado match.{{cite web |author1=Michael Fitzgerald |title=Mike Reviews – WCW Uncensored 1997 (16/03/1997) |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2021/03/13/mike-reviews-wcw-uncensored-1997-16-03-1997/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=March 13, 2021}} At Spring Stampede, both members of Harlem Heat competed in a four corners match for a WCW World Heavyweight Championship title match. Lex Luger won the match.{{cite web |author1=Robert Leighty Jr. |title=Leighty's Retro Review: WCW Spring Stampede 1997 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/leightys-retro-review-wcw-spring-stampede-1997/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=May 10, 2022}}
Shortly after, Harlem Heat got involved in a feud with the Steiner Brothers over contention for the World Tag Team Championship, leading to a match between the two teams at The Great American Bash, which Harlem Heat won by disqualification after New World Order (nWo) member Vincent interfered by attacking them.{{cite web |author1=Jack Bramma |title=Ring Crew Reviews: WCW Great American Bash 1997 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/ring-crew-reviews-wcw-great-american-bash-1997/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=September 4, 2014}} On the July 7 episode of Nitro, they fired Sherri after her interference backfired, costing them a match against Public Enemy.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=The SmarK Rant for WCW Monday Nitro–07.07.97 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2018/11/06/the-smark-rant-for-wcw-monday-nitro-07-07-97/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=November 6, 2017}} Vincent's repeated interferences in matches resulted in Harlem Heat beginning a feud with nWo's Vicious and Delicious (Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton), leading to a match between the two teams at Road Wild. During this match, Harlem Heat added Jacqueline as their new manager, who helped them in defeating Vicious and Delicious.{{cite web |author1=Robert Leighty Jr. |title=Leighty's Retro Review: WCW Road Wild 1997 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/leightys-retro-review-wcw-road-wild-1997/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=August 21, 2022}} After that, Harlem Heat resumed their feud with the Steiner Brothers, losing to them at Fall Brawl.{{cite web |author1=Robert Leighty Jr. |title=Leighty's Retro Review: WCW Fall Brawl 1997 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/leightys-retro-review-wcw-fall-brawl-1997/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=September 26, 2022}}
==Split and reunion (1997–1999)==
By the end of 1997, Booker began transitioning into the singles competition as he won the World Television Championship, while continuing to team with Ray as well.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=Monday Nitro - December 29, 1997 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2013/05/23/monday-nitro-december-29-1997/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=May 23, 2013}} However, in 1998, Harlem Heat quietly disbanded. Harlem Heat reunited once on the June 15 episode of Nitro, where they unsuccessfully challenged Sting and Kevin Nash for the World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |title=WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, 6/15/98 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1998063m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=2 December 2022}} During this time, Stevie began attacking Chris Benoit on several occasions, against whom Booker had recently competed in a best-of-seven series to determine the #1 contendership for the World Television Championship.{{cite web |author1=TJ Hawke |title=Views from the Hawke's Nest: Chris Benoit vs. Booker T: Best of Seven Series 1 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/views-from-the-hawkes-nest-chris-benoit-vs-booker-t-best-of-seven-series-1/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=March 29, 2016}} This led to Harlem Heat reuniting once more on the June 29 episode of Nitro, where they lost to Benoit and Steve McMichael.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=Monday Nitro - June 29, 1998 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2013/11/21/monday-nitro-june-29-1998/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=November 21, 2013}}
On the July 13 episode of Nitro, Ray claimed the World Television Championship and began defending it by saying that Booker gave him the power of attorney to defend the title as Booker got injured due to being attacked by Bret Hart, the previous night at Bash at the Beach.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=Monday Nitro - July 13, 1998 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2013/12/04/monday-nitro-july-13-1998/ |website=411Mania |access-date=2 December 2022 |date=December 4, 2013}} Soon after, Ray joined the nWo. Despite being on opposite sides they managed to peacefully co-exist (despite Booker expressing dismay at Stevie for joining the nWo).
In the summer of 1999, Booker began feuding with The Jersey Triad. On the July 29 episode of Thunder, the Jersey Triad triple-teamed Booker during his match against the Triad member Bam Bam Bigelow until Stevie made the save. After the match, Booker convinced Stevie to tear up the nWo shirt and reform Harlem Heat.{{cite web |author1=Kevin Kindelberger |title=WCW Thunder 7/29/1999 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2013/07/25/wcw-thunder-7291999/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=July 25, 2013}} On the August 2 episode of Nitro, Harlem Heat competed in its first match as a team in over a year as the duo defeated Bigelow and Kanyon, with assistance from Chris Benoit.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=Monday Nitro – August 2, 1999 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2014/12/24/monday-nitro-august-2-1999/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=December 24, 2014}} This led to Harlem Heat challenging Bigelow and Kanyon for the World Tag Team Championship at Road Wild. Harlem Heat won the match to begin their record-setting eighth tag team title reign.{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=150}}{{cite web |author1=John Powell |title=Hogan - Nash, an embarrassment at Road Wild |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1999/08/15/hogan-nash-an-embarrassment-at-road-wild/ |website=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=August 15, 1999}}
Harlem Heat lost the titles to Barry and Kendall Windham on the August 23 episode of Nitro.{{cite web |author1=Kevin Kindelberger |title=WCW Nitro 8/23/1999 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2011/08/28/wcw-nitro-8231999/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=August 28, 2011}} The following month, at Fall Brawl, Harlem Heat defeated the Windhams in a rematch to win their ninth World Tag Team Championship and retained the titles against Windhams on the September 27 episode of Nitro.{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work=Wrestling’s historical cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=151}}{{cite web |author1=John Molinaro |title=Sting wins World title at Fall Brawl |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1999/09/12/sting-wins-world-title-at-ppv/ |website=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=September 12, 1999}}{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=Monday Nitro – December 27, 1999 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2015/05/20/monday-nitro-december-27-1999/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=May 20, 2015}}
On the October 18 episode of Nitro, Harlem Heat lost the tag team titles to The Filthy Animals members Konnan and Rey Mysterio Jr.{{cite web |author1=Wade |title=WCW Monday Nitro - October 18th, 1999 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1999103m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=11 September 2023}} However, six days later, at Halloween Havoc, Misterio was stripped off the title due to injury and the vacant title was put up in a three-way dance pitting Harlem Heat against Filthy Animals' Konnan and Kidman and The First Family (Hugh Morrus and Brian Knobs). Harlem Heat defeated the two teams to win their record-setting tenth and final World Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |author1=Kevin Pantoja |title=Random Network Reviews: WCW Halloween Havoc 1999 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-wcw-halloween-havoc-1999/ |website=411Mania |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=September 6, 2017}} However, Harlem Heat lost the titles to Konnan and Kidman, the following night on Nitro.{{cite web |author1=Aldo |title=WCW Monday Nitro - October 25, 1999 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1999104m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=October 25, 1999}}
==Harlem Heat 2000 (1999–2000)==
{{Infobox wrestling team
|article_name= Harlem Heat 2000
|type=S
|image=
|caption=
|members=Stevie Ray (leader)
Big T
Cassius
J. Biggs (manager)
|names=Harlem Heat 2000
Harlem Heat Inc.
|former_members=
|debut=January 16, 2000
|disbanded=June 23, 2000
|years_active=2000
}}
On the November 1 episode of Nitro, Creative Control (Gerald and Patrick) arrived in WCW and cost Stevie Ray, his match against Buff Bagwell in the tournament for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship by attacking Bagwell causing Ray to get disqualified. However, Booker T rescued Ray from Creative Control. Later that night, Creative Control interfered in Booker's tournament match against Jeff Jarrett, allowing Jarrett to win.{{cite web |author1=Wade |title=WCW Monday Nitro - November 1, 1999 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1999105m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=November 1, 1999}} The following week, on Nitro, Ray was suspended by "Powers That Be". Booker challenged Jarrett and Creative Control to a handicap Harlem Street Fight, which ended in a no contest after a female bodybuilder named Midnight made her WCW debut to rescue Booker.{{cite web |title=WCW Monday Nitro - November 8, 1999 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1999111m.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=November 8, 1999}} Midnight would rescue Booker again from Jarrett and Creative Control, after they cost him, his match against Scott Hall at Mayhem. She subsequently joined Harlem Heat.{{cite web |author1=John Powell |title=Hart executes sixth world title reign |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1999/11/22/hart-executes-sixth-world-title-reign/ |website=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=November 23, 1999}}
Stevie returned from suspension on the November 29 episode of Nitro to rescue Midnight from an assault by Curt Hennig.{{cite web |title=Monday Nitro--November 29, 1999 |url=http://pwwew.net/tv/nitro/991129.htm |website=PWWEW.net |access-date=11 September 2023}} Dissension within the team began over Midnight on the December 13 episode of Nitro, where Harlem Heat competed against The Revolution (Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Asya) in a handicap match, which they lost when Booker tended to an injured Midnight while ignoring Ray, leaving him to get pinned by Malenko.{{cite web |title=Monday Nitro--December 13, 1999 |url=https://pwwew.net/tv/nitro/991213.htm |website=PWWEW.net |access-date=11 September 2023}} Booker liked the addition of Midnight while Stevie neglected her help and started arguing with Booker. This difference within the group would cause Harlem Heat and Midnight to lose a six-person tag team match to Curt Hennig and Creative Control at Starrcade.{{cite web |author1=John Powell |title=Goldberg screwed at Starrcade |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/1999/12/20/goldberg-screwed-at-starrcade/ |website=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=December 20, 1999}}
On the December 27 episode of Nitro, Harlem Heat lost a match to Lash LeRoux and Midnight in a Lethal Lottery tournament for the vacant World Tag Team Championship, after Ray grew tired of Booker's affection towards Midnight and delivered Slapjacks to Booker, LeRoux and Midnight and walked out on the match.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=Monday Nitro – December 27, 1999 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2015/05/20/monday-nitro-december-27-1999/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=May 20, 2015}} Ray eventually challenged Midnight to a match on the January 6, 2000 episode of Thunder that would decide whether she would stay with Harlem Heat. After being defeated with a surprise small package, Stevie Ray turned on both Booker T and Midnight by attacking both of them.{{cite web |title=WCW Thunder 1/6/2000 |url=https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2011/08/05/wcw-thunder-162000/ |website=Wrestling Recaps |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=August 5, 2011}}
At Souled Out, a match took place between Booker and Stevie, which ended in a disqualification when Big T made his WCW debut and attacked Booker.{{cite web |title=Benoit crowned World champ at Souled Out |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2000/01/17/benoit-crowned-world-champ/ |website=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=January 17, 2000}} Stevie would form the new Harlem Heat with Big T and begin feuding with Booker and Midnight. Ray and Big T referred their new team as Harlem Heat 2000. On the January 31 episode of Nitro, Harlem Heat acquired J. Biggs as their manager, who prevented Booker from using the "Rap Sheet" entrance music and "T" in his name.{{cite web |author1=Scott Keith |title=Monday Nitro – January 31, 2000 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2015/06/24/monday-nitro-january-31-2000/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=June 24, 2015}} At SuperBrawl 2000, Booker lost the rights to the Harlem Heat name, the "Rap Sheet" and the "T" surname after being pinned by Big T after a distraction by Cassius (formerly known as 4x4 from The No Limit Soldiers).{{cite web |author1=John Powell |title=Super Brawl equals Super Bore |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2000/02/21/super-brawl-equals-super-bore/ |website=SLAM! Wrestling |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=February 21, 2000}} From then on, Booker T would simply be referred to as "Booker" and began using a cartoonish theme called "The Woodchuck's Game" before eventually returning to his old moniker of G.I. Bro as the leader of Misfits in Action.{{cite news|author=Power Slam Staff|title=Power Slam Magazine, issue 69|work="Heroes of Wrestling 2" (Superbrawl 2000)|publisher=SW Publishing.|date=2000-03-22|pages=23–25}}
Stevie Ray subsequently formed Harlem Heat, Inc. with Big T, J. Biggs and Kash. Harlem Heat 2000 continued to feud with Booker as they lost to Booker and Kidman at Uncensored.{{cite news|author=PWI Staff|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts|work="Wrestling's historical cards"|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=152}}{{cite web |author1=Arnold Furious |title=The Furious Flashbacks – WCW Uncensored 2000 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-uncensored-2000/ |website=411Mania |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=May 27, 2007}} Harlem Heat 2000 did not find much success as they lost most of their matches including the semifinal match in the tournament for the vacant World Tag Team Championship against the eventual tournament winners Shane Douglas and Buff Bagwell at Spring Stampede and a handicap match against Terry Funk for the Hardcore Championship on the May 10 episode of Thunder.{{cite web |author1=Kevin Pantoja |title=Random Network Reviews: Spring Stampede 2000 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-spring-stampede-2000/ |website=411Mania |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=October 22, 2015}}{{cite web |author1=Aldo |title=WCW Thunder - Wednesday, May 10, 2000 |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/2000051t.htm |website=DDT Digest |access-date=11 September 2023}} The team ultimately disbanded in June 2000 when Big T was released by WCW. This would result in Booker getting the "Rap Sheet" theme song and "T" name back.
The original Harlem Heat duo of Booker T and Stevie Ray had one final reunion in WCW on the July 19 episode of Thunder where they defeated Jeff Jarrett and Rick Steiner in a tag team match.{{cite web |author1=Thomas Hall |title=Thunder – July 19, 2000 |url=https://www.blogofdoom.com/2015/12/12/thunder-july-19-2000/ |website=Blog of Doom |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=December 12, 2015}} This marked their final time teaming in WCW before the promotion closed.
= The Final Heat =
On February 21, 2015, Booker T and Stevie Ray reunited as Harlem Heat for one last match at Booker T's promotion, Reality of Wrestling's The Final Heat event, where they defeated The New Heavenly Bodies for the ROW Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |author1=Ryan Murphy |title=Where Are They Now? Stevie Ray |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-stevie-ray |website=WWE |access-date=11 September 2023 |date=January 28, 2015}} The titles were vacated a month later without them ever defending them.
Championships and accomplishments
- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Tag Team Award (2018){{Cite web |url=http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/harlem-heat-will-be-honored-in-las-vegas/ |title=Harlem Heat Will be Honored in Las Vegas | Cauliflower Alley Club |access-date=2017-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828211233/http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/harlem-heat-will-be-honored-in-las-vegas/ |archive-date=2018-08-28 |url-status=dead }}
- Global Wrestling Federation
- GWF Tag Team Championship (3 times)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Tag Team of the Year (1995, 1996)
- Ranked No. 62 of the 100 best tag teams of the PWI Years in 2003
- Reality of Wrestling
- ROW Tag Team Championship (1 time){{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/s/row/row-t.html|title=RoW Tag Team Title (Houston)}}
- World Championship Wrestling
- WCW World Tag Team Championship (10 times)
- WCW World Television Championship (7 times) – Booker T (6), Stevie Ray (1)
- WWE
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2019){{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame/wwe-hall-of-fame-2019/article/harlem-heat-wwe-hall-of-fame-2019-inductees|title = Harlem Heat to take their place in the WWE Hall of Fame}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/harlem-heat.html Harlem Heat on Online World of Wrestling]
{{GWF Tag Team Championship}}
{{WCW World Tag Team Championship}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
Category:Independent promotions teams and stables
Category:GWF Tag Team Champions
Category:New Japan Pro-Wrestling teams and stables