ECW: The promotion that just won't die.
The internet is buzzing with TNA’s latest plan: another ECW tribute show. The angle has been brewing for weeks now, starting with Tommy Dreamer appearing in the crowd at the Impact Zone, and returning with ECW alumni at his side. Most recently, the “ECW Originals” jumped the railing and began a brawl against the TNA roster. That broadcast of Impact ended with Dixie Carter telling the roster, “Stop! I invited them.”
The next broadcast ended with an ‘explanation’ segment and Dreamer requesting to have one last shot for the ECW cronies to shine. Carter agreed, under one condition: Dreamer has full control. No TNA, just ECW.
The problem with something like this buzzing through the internet is the tendency of internet wrestling fans to over-analyze and criticize every little thing. Now, to be fair, putting your hard-working roster completely on-hold to have one last grasp on the glory days of a long-defunct promotion isn’t great business.
Let’s be realistic, though: TNA fans won’t forget Samoa Joe. They won’t forget Motor City Machine Guns. They won’t forget the Beautiful People. I’m sure the TNA roster approves, in the first place, as ECW was a source of inspiration for many of today’s wrestling names, current and up-and-coming.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5eENU19p9Y&feature=fvst For those dreading this as a business move: relax. TNA has done far worse in the past as far as business decisions go.
- Bubba the Love Sponge
- Sean Waltman
- Nasty Boys
- Val Venis
If I was to play devil’s advocate and try to give the smarks another reason to ease off, I’d say Hogan and Bischoff, too. TNA is about to deliver a quality pay-per view, and people are complaining. I can tell you one thing: the event will not feature a major wrestling star choking on a magic Hall of Fame ring. Be happy.
So far, two names (other than those who appeared on Impact already) are confirmed: Jerry Lynn and Johnny Swinger. Swinger is the former tag-team partner of TNA agent Simon Diamond, both in ECW and TNA. Jerry Lynn had high-profile feud with Rob Van Dam in ECW, and wrestled in the first match TNA ever put on in a six-man tag team match against The Flying Elvises. Coincidentally, Lynn also wrestled in the first ROH on HDNet match, if you don’t count the pre-show. It’s 2010, but Lynn and planned opponent Rob Van Dam can still perform as well as the best, so it should be great. There has been no news so far if it will be for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Al Snow is listed on the HardCORE Justice website, despite his look of shock when Dixie Carter initially announced that she invited the ECW crowd. In a worked backstage shot of Dixie reprimanding the agents for getting involved, Snow was present. This isn’t a big deal at all, but the inconsistency gave me a chuckle.
Axl Rotten and Balls Mahoney have recently confirmed their appearance in a tag team match at the pay-per view. It’s worth noting that although neither are confirmed, both Sandman and Sabu appear in the promo for the event. Hopefully the hardcore stuff doesn’t go too far as a lot of these guys are pretty broken down as it is, and it is reported that talent is getting $500-1000 for appearing.
In the end, I don’t think this is a bad thing, but this had better be the actual “last” time they do this. Sure, it’s short-sighted. No, it’s not ‘dragging the ECW name through the mud.’ WWE didn’t do that either. ECW are just letters, and the fans should move on. Allow yourself to enjoy the product for once rather than be so critical. I for one am looking forward to seeing this upcoming week’s Impact broadcast as it should begin to set up the match between Lynn and Van Dam.