Raven – one of the most mysterious, daunting and down-right freaky individuals in IMPACT Wrestling history. A former World Champion, one of Raven’s most valuable skills was his unpredictability. His opponents never knew what he was thinking – the possibilities were endless and that gave Raven the mental edge over anyone he stepped into the ring with. However, Raven was not one to work alone. Most of the time, Raven was seen leading a cult-like group of followers, who often did his dirty work for him. The group had multiple incarnations but during IMPACT Wrestling’s Asylum Years, that group was known as The Gathering.
Initially comprised of Raven, Julio Dinero and Alexis Laree (better known as Mickie James), The Gathering declared war against other members of the IMPACT Wrestling roster in 2003. While their motive may have been appropriately shadowed, it become clearer as time went on what The Gathering’s intentions were. With multiple groups battling for power and control of IMPACT Wrestling, most notably Sports Entertainment Xtreme and Jeff Jarrett, The Gathering was waiting for their opportunity to strike. In fact, The Gathering was once a part of Sports Entertainment Xtreme, only to turn their back on them when Raven felt the time was right. Just like everyone else, The Gathering wanted total supremacy.
After the original incarnation of the group, a young CM Punk was recruited by Raven as The Gathering’s newest member. Having made his professional wrestling debut in the late 90’s, it made sense that Punk was looking for guidance – and Raven was happy to give it to him. Punk and Raven were no strangers, however. They had faced each other in a series of hardcore-style bouts on the independent scene prior to both of them joining IMPACT Wrestling. It wouldn’t be the first time in pro wrestling history that fierce enemies made great partners. CM Punk and Julio Dinero worshiped Raven as their leader and even went as far as dressing like him and emulating his move-set – but most importantly, they were learning from their master. During a six-man tag team steel cage match against “The Monster” Abyss and Redshirt Security, Punk and Dinero committed an irreversible act.
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After a brutal, violent encounter, Punk and Dinero did to Raven what Raven did to Sports Entertainment Xtreme – they turned on him. Punk and Dinero hit Raven with a devastating Con-Chair-To to the head, not only awarding the match to Abyss and the Redshirts but also costing Raven the World Championship.
After the breakup, CM Punk and Julio Dinero formed a tag-team and looked to someone new for guidance – the future brains behind “The Monster” Abyss, James Mitchell. However, Punk and Dinero may have regretted their change in leadership as they failed to find their footing as a team after betraying Raven.
To witness more unforgettable moments like this, tune into the IMPACT Wrestling channel on Pluto TV.
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