ECW Coming Back Full Time in Sept

[Guest El Satanico]

If there's a TV show and Heyman's allowed to book with minimal McMahon influence, I'll be supportive of this move.

 

Even if it's a watered down WWeized replica of ECW, I'd rather watch an hour of Heyman booking, than two hours of Smackdown or Raw.

[Enigma 0]

Dave Meltzer is reporting that Sabu officially signed his 3-year "ECW contract" after TNA Lockdown concluded last night.

[Scroby 0]

Dave Meltzer is reporting that Sabu officially signed his 3-year "ECW contract" after TNA Lockdown concluded last night.

 

Can't blame Sabu at all for this move, now he can actually afford his medical bills.

[Guest]

Seriously, ECW owned and funded by Vince McMahon? ECW is supposed to be against the norm.

ECW had been funded by Vince McMahon since 1997. No one seemed to care then, and it was known.

IMO, that's when the magic died. That's just how I feel, don't want to argue.

 

I'd probably tune in the first time or two.

[justcoz 0]

A partnership with ROH or talent exchange wouldn't be a bad idea either. TNA are pretty much using ROH as a development territory of sorts (although not officially but they tend to get a bulk of their young talent from ROH). A WWE-run ECW would need first dibs on talent from ROH before TNA.

 

Roster wise, here's who I see working with ECW. Obviously all of these names wouldn't be necessary but I see these being the most likely names working with an ECW brand.

 

Old ECW Names:

Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Lance Storm, Justin Credible, Balls and Axl, New Jack, Francine, Jerry Lynn (reportedly not signed to TNA)

 

Current WWE Names:

Stevie Richards, Nova, Super Crazy, Psychosis, Jamie Noble, Charlie Haas, Brent Albright, Kid Kash, Nunzio, Maria, Spirit Squad (unlikely due to their role on Raw but I like how Heyman uses them in OVW), Paul London and Brian Kendrick

 

OVW:

CM Punk

 

Unsigned:

Teddy Hart, Frankie Kazarian

 

ROH:

Brian Danielson, Briscoe Brothers, Jimmy Yang, Colt Cabana

[Scroby 0]

Last I heard Jerry Lynn was extremely happy working as a TNA agent and when he left WWE he was really unhappy on how he was treated so I tend to think its very unlikely that he would do the ECW promotion.

[Guest croweater]

This seems to be a great way to try and nip TNA in the bud. It will take away alot of their talent.

[mfn 0]

The talent probably wouldn't leave TNA if they were used properly. It seems like every week I watch that show that it's just getting more and more sloppy.

 

I'm not going to lie, I'm marking out about ECW coming back. However, I'm not going to get my hopes up too high because I'm sure it won't be nearly as good as the original.

 

I just hope Vince doesn't bury it like he did WCW. I don't see that happening since he and Heyman were on good relations for a while, but still... Vince does have a huge ego.

[Guest burth179]

I want the feeling of bait and switch and people not getting paid.

 

Seriously, ECW owned and funded by Vince McMahon? ECW is supposed to be against the norm.

 

It's just not the same and it's time to stop trying to revive it.

 

 

ECW was funded (at least partially) by McMahon since the mid 1990's, the only difference is that now everyone knows about it and it would be under the WWE umbrella...

 

The fact is, the ECW as you once knew it probably is dead. But a new ECW will arise, mainly of the talent pool listed in the justcoz post (good post by the way!). And possible some TNA defectors like an Aries, Strong, Dutt, etc. that currently wrestle the ROH/CZW scene. But to get it started, the established ECW guys have to be a part of things...

 

If they are bringing it back to be an on-line thing only, I think that is stupid. They should have ECW "take over" Smackdown or something and call the show their own.. Perhaps this will happen and RVD will challenge Rey (or the current world champion) rather than go after the WWE champ with his MITB?

[Enigma 0]

I just hope Vince doesn't bury it like he did WCW. I don't see that happening since he and Heyman were on good relations for a while, but still... Vince does have a huge ego.

I get the feeling Vince is a lot more protective of ECW than he was of WCW.

[Dobbs 3K 0]

Vince sees a lot more value in ECW than he does WCW (DVDs aside), so I doubt you're going to see a revived ECW buried right out of the gate...maybe if things don't go well, you would see it get trashed in a WWE "takeover" in like 6-12 months, but not initially.

[Dangerous A 0]

Guys like Sabu were not protected by TNA because they are flaky. Remember, Sabu has no showed ECW before and been publicly fired by Heyman in the past. Guys like Joe and AJ are under actual contract and even a guy like Strong has to wait, since he sent out feelers and was shut down once it was discovered he was under contract and not pay per appearance like Sabu.

 

 

That said, for ECW, even under the WWE umbrella to survive, it's not going to be about who can they bring back from the past but who can they make into a star for the future. Problem there is once someone starts to show they are on the verge of a breakout, WWE will snatch them. It'll be up to Dreamer and Heyman to not only create stars, but to have a second tier group ready to take their place once WWE comes a knockin. That will be the biggest challenge IMO.

[Dangerous A 0]

A partnership with ROH or talent exchange wouldn't be a bad idea either. TNA are pretty much using ROH as a development territory of sorts (although not officially but they tend to get a bulk of their young talent from ROH). A WWE-run ECW would need first dibs on talent from ROH before TNA.

 

Actually ROH guys, if offered a TNA and WWE contract at the same time, can choose whoever they felt like signing with. ROH guys aren't under any kind of contract. They can leave to whoever. Now, a lot of ROH guys choose TNA before WWE because TNA isn't as restrictive in terms of style. Smaller guys also feel they have a better shot at getting over in the X Division, which is pushed as a bigger deal than WWE's cruiserweights.

 

There really is not "dibs". If you're in ROH, you basically do it for exposure. There isn't anything really developmental about it. ROH is not OVW for TNA.

[haVoc 0]

The reports that Sabu has signed a deal with WWE look to be a bit premature. He hasn't signed the deal officially yet, but it is considered to be a formality at this point as he has agreed to all the terms. Because the entire idea to bring back ECW happened so quickly, WWE hasn't had the chance to mail out contracts yet.

 

There is even talk that Sabu will be in Columbus, OH for RAW on Monday. It isn't known whether he is going to just meet with WWE officials or if WWE plans to have him appear on the actual show in some capacity and start the ECW angle.

 

Credit: WrestlingObserver.com/411

[mfn 0]

Great, He is going to come to RAW in my hometown, and I don't even have tickets.

 

I'd rather watch it on TV anyways. It's free that way.

[Scroby 0]

Great, He is going to come to RAW in my hometown, and I don't even have tickets.

 

I'd rather watch it on TV anyways. It's free that way.

 

Plus you get a better view.

[justcoz 0]

A partnership with ROH or talent exchange wouldn't be a bad idea either. TNA are pretty much using ROH as a development territory of sorts (although not officially but they tend to get a bulk of their young talent from ROH). A WWE-run ECW would need first dibs on talent from ROH before TNA.

 

Actually ROH guys, if offered a TNA and WWE contract at the same time, can choose whoever they felt like signing with. ROH guys aren't under any kind of contract. They can leave to whoever. Now, a lot of ROH guys choose TNA before WWE because TNA isn't as restrictive in terms of style. Smaller guys also feel they have a better shot at getting over in the X Division, which is pushed as a bigger deal than WWE's cruiserweights.

 

There really is not "dibs". If you're in ROH, you basically do it for exposure. There isn't anything really developmental about it. ROH is not OVW for TNA.

 

Right, which is why I said that ROH weren't officially a developmental territory for TNA but you can't deny that they have become a feeder promotion. More comparable to what ECW was to WWF and WCW in the 90's vs. what OVW is to today's WWE. The 'innovation' that TNA talks about with their X Division and talent like Joe and AJ is really nothing more than putting names established in ROH and putting them on cable television and PPV under the TNA banner.

 

ROH guys do have the choice in choosing whether to work for WWE or TNA and up until now it's been pretty cut and try why they would prefer TNA. For many it's because there is little interest from WWE because they don't fit the Randy Orton and Chris Masters mold. For others it's WWE's track record with the misuse of indie guys like Paul London and Brian Kendrick.

 

That whole scenario could change with ECW and Heyman/Dreamer having booking duties. Yeah, you will have your retread "former ECW superstars" in the picture but if Heyman and Dreamer have say in the talent called into or used in ECW then the whole scope of the business is going to change.

 

So saying WWE would have first "dibs" on ROH's talent was kind of wrong since the choice is pretty much up to the individual talent. But if WWECW showcases the strengths of someone like a Paul London, Jamie Noble or CM Punk - like I believe Heyman can do booking wise - you will see WWECW use Gabe and ROH as a feeder system just like TNA has done.

[World's Worst Man 0]

If I don't see some bridging suplexes and good looking strikes (for a change) in any "ECW" matches, I don't see the point in even watching the promotion. Although I'm semi-joking, that this new "ECW" will presumably be taped before RAW/Smackdown makes me wonder if the style of wrestling on that show will indeed be authentic ECW or if it will be just more of the same WWE junk, just involving more weapons and the like. ie. a WWE hardcore match.

[gwf0704 0]

What sucks is that one Federation will have 3 world champions. WWE, World Heavyweight, and now ECW. A little bit of overkill I think.

[GreatWhiteNope 0]

What sucks is that one Federation will have 3 world champions. WWE, World Heavyweight, and now ECW. A little bit of overkill I think.

 

I think whoever suggested Rob Van Dam will beat Cena for the World Heavyweight Championship at One Night Stand is on the right track.

 

RVD can throw down the World Heavyweight Championship and declare himself ECW champion, thereby leaving only the WWE World Title (the one with the lineage) and the ECW Title.

 

And if they don't turn Smackdown into an ECW show, the WWE World Title holder can be made a floating champion between RAW and Smackdown.

[claydude14 0]

No way Triple H let's that happen. RVD would be throwing down the HHH belt.

[justcoz 0]

An ECW show must come from a small arena similar to the ECW Arena or Hammerstein Ballroom. I don't care if they want to avoid another night of tv tapings. Tape three weeks worth of shows on one night to reduce costs. Just don't tag an ECW banner to a Raw or Smackdown ring and expect it to have the vibe and rabid fan feedback as the original ECW. Personally, I think Vince should see getting New York wrestling fans back with a product tailor-made for them as incentive in keeping the show at a place like Hammerstein Ballroom. If he doesn't want the same fans week in and week out by taping at the same venue - fine, take it on the road - just keep the venues intimate.

 

DO NOT MAKE THIS A NET ONLY SHOW. I have a feeling it's just the trend of the future and I'll have to deal with it but I think you are alienating a good portion of ECW's original fanbase who don't have high speed cable or DSL connections. My suggestion may be too much but here it is.

 

Kill the Smackdown brand. Keep the show but cut it to one hour or ninety minutes. CW or whatever the network will be called would probably go for this because they could plug in a 30 or 60 minute network show and feed off of Smackdown's lead-in.

 

A chunk of existing talent (mostly Smackdown cruisers) would be suited for ECW anyway. This way there can be one main WWE roster and neither show will fall victim to over exposing the same guys every week. It would enable Raw to have more star power to pull in ratings also.

 

Convince USA for another hour of time in a late-night slot or press CW affiliates through syndication.

 

If the idea of a net only show is to make money from ECW fans through the webcasts - since ECW obviously wouldn't have a monthly PPV - they could webcast internet PPV's of ECW house shows that the weekly tv shows could build to. Do a Byte This style show with Heyman and ECW talent maybe. They can do plenty on the net but don't limit it to just the net.

[Guest treecelightning]

Cena currently holds the WWE title, which is the one with the major lineage. The World Heavyweight Title (FKA: the Being Triple H title) went over to Smackdown with Batista last year, and is currently held by Rey Mysterio. Anyone who thinks Vince is going to let RVD trash the WWE belt needs to give me their dealers number, because they got some seriously good shit.

[justcoz 0]

Cena currently holds the WWE title, which is the one with the major lineage. The World Heavyweight Title (FKA: the Being Triple H title) went over to Smackdown with Batista last year, and is currently held by Rey Mysterio. Anyone who thinks Vince is going to let RVD trash the WWE belt needs to give me their dealers number, because they got some seriously good shit.

 

RVD doesn't have to win. It could easily be a disputed title match to jumpstart the return of ECW. RVD getting screwed from winning could set off Paul Heyman and the old ECW guys. Some guys from the WWE roster could side with RVD, Heyman and ECW. Sort of like how some on the WWF roster protested the Montreal screwjob. This could lead to the full-time ECW return.

[NoCalMike 0]

My main question about the wwe-ECW project is whether WWE wants to run ECW as it's own brand, or if they really just want another OVW with the ECW moniker.

 

Let me explain. If Vince is truly wanting an "ECW brand" does this mean we are going to get indy-style wrestling, with indy-style rosters, such as no big slug hosses that can't work. I mean I am still skeptical a bit and am kind of afraid that Vince just wants a new breeding ground for WWE-potential guys to get some experience. and that this will turn out to be more like OVW with "ECW" splashed all over the building.

 

I could be wrong though, and that is hopefully what Heyman and Dreamer are there for...!?!

[NoCalMike 0]

I could see a scenario where RVD is taking on Cena/HHH at ONS, and they are really hyping this match as "ECW's chance to show they belonged with the big leagues" You could have any WWE guys that will be on the ECW roster in the back, along with newly signed ECW alumni, and they are all in the back watching on the match on the tv monitors. I mean make it really emotional that they are all pulling for RVD because it would prove once and for all the ECW belonged. Then of course work out some major screwjob, I mean it could be Cornette, Lawler, Vince, HHH, pretty much everyone an ECW "smart" crowd despises the most, and cost RVD the match. Then you cut to the back, and everyone is just in shock, pissed off, doing the "angry intense" look, as Joey Styles signs off.....

 

Then On Raw the next night, the show starts as normal, maybe with a Triple H promo or McMahon promo, or hell maybe even someone lesser like Chris Masters, and they can comment on how they were watching ONS and got a good laugh out of the ME, and blah blah blah....then you cue to the ring entrance, and 20-30 guys start making their way to the ring....but there is no "ECW" music or shirts or apparel just yet. They just come down to the ring as one unit, beat the living shit out of whoever was in the ring and leave. This of course cues to commercial with Styles kind of hinting to sympathize with the angry mob, while Lawler is silent and Coach well you can never make anything he does good, so I guess he can stay silent too.

 

Then you can cut to the back with Maria interviewing someone of a high profile from the angry mob, for an explanation, and they just look into the camera and say something corny like "Sometimes you just have to make things right and take it to the extreme" (Ok yeah I could take a writing lesson or two lol)

 

But I am saying do something suttle at first and build. Don't just start flashing "ECW" all over the place the night after ONS. If you want the new ECW brand to work, it has to seem special, and it has to have purpose, at least in the fans' eyes. The fans, well some of them, will be smart enough to understand what is slowly unfolding, without having to shovel everything down their throat.

 

Then you could have Vince "call Heyman" or something to "settle his boys down" and Heyman could in turn could trick McMahon into giving him a new contract with some special "clauses" in it. This of course backfires on McMahon, and the following week you could have Heyman give a live

"we're tired of your rules, your cartoons, and your Son-In-Law" promo via satellite from the ECW Arena....and at the end of the promo have Heyman show the "special clauses" and out from the back, coming to fill the ring is the "angry mob" that jumped someone on Raw, this time with ECW apparel....etc etc

 

It's a start I guess...!?!

[Scroby 0]

I don't mean to sound like i'm bashing the ideas on how to start the angle of bringing back ECW because I do like the ideas but we should remember that we have a good 3 month span until ECW could actually come back. So if WWE actually does the one of the angles that are being suggested at the writers have to run this angle for 3 months and lets face it, their attention span isn't that long.

 

I think this angle might work better. RVD wins the title at ONS 2 and lets say in the month of Aug, before Summerslam Vince Mcmahon screws RVD out of the title. Somewhere along in the timeframe RVD does something to pist off Vince and the two of them feud where someone goes over RVD for the title in a screw job. The next night on Raw, RVD gets a rematch and Vince and the wrestler screw RVD out of the title again, the following week during a Vince in-ring promo about how he screwed RVD. Heyman comes out and promises a revolution because people are sick and tired of Vince and his ego and there we get the revival of ECW.

[Dips 0]

WWE VS ECW SPECIAL PLANNED FOR USA NETWORK

 

There are plans to run a "WWE vs. ECW Head to Head" special on the USA Network the week of ECW One Night Stand PPV. The word we are getting is that the special will likely be taped on 6/7 in Dayton, Ohio, which at one point was scheduled to be a Smackdown taping. There is no confirmed word on when the special would air.

 

The Dayton event is now listed as a "Raw Live" event by the WWE website. There is no listed Smackdown taping for that week as of this writing, so it appears WWE is still in the process of setting up their finalized plans for that week. Tickets to Dayton go on sale 5/6.

 

 

From PWInsider

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

I still want Steph to be acknowledged as the Owner of ECW..maybe Heyman could kidnap her/HHH's baby in exchange for ECW (which would be even more awesome if its RVD vs HHH at ONS)..I just want there to be some continuity, which I know is stupid since this is the WWF from 5 years ago that Im hoping they'll acknowledge.

[MillenniumMan831 0]

They already acknowledged that Vince owns ECW last summer.

 

Heyman said something to the degree of, "Remember our agreement Vince, you may own ECW but I control it!"