Every WWE ECW Ever - ECW 07 (7/25/2006)

WWE ECW 07 - 7/25/2006

Match #1: The Sandman vs. Mike Knox

This match was insanely quick, lasting around two minutes before Test comes out and gangs up with Knox on The Sandman. The Sandman almost used his kendo stick but Kelly Kelly jumped on top of Mike Knox to save him from a shot to the head, making this the first episode in the history of WWE ECW where the Kendo stick was not officially used. A great run, all in all, and I'm sad to see it end. Of course, the question now is why Test just decided to attack The Sandman. We know that Test is the current lackey of Paul Heyman, but what does Sandman have to do with this? Did Heyman call for the attack of The Sandman to get into the head of Tommy Dreamer? Just seems like attacking Sandman is real unnecessary. I will say that a team of Mike Knox and Test is intriguing; two big and athletic guys, with Kelly Kelly being the valet. 

Winner: The Sandman (via DQ)
Match Rating: Brief
Weapons Used: None

 They announce Big Show vs. Kane for the ECW Championship in an Extreme Rules match. Nice. Once again they knock it out of the park with the main event.

 Tommy Dreamer attacks Test backstage. Glad to see they didn't forget about that whole rivalry. 

 CM Punk Promo. Did you know he is straight-edge?

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Match #2: Kevin Thorn vs. Little Guido

The whole story going into this match is that they don't know Kevin Thorn's name, just calling him a vampire. The vampire doesn't actually get an entrance, they just cut to him in the ring with his (infamous) music playing until Little Guido, who was attacked backstage before the match by Paul Heyman's armed security, is dragged to the ring and given as a sacrifice. This was quick and brutal.

Winner: Kevin Thorn
Match Rating: Squash
Weapons Used: None

 Shannon Moore Promo. His nickname is "The Reject". Also, CM Punk debuts next week.

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Match #3: Balls Mahoney vs. Justin Credible

I gotta admit, I wasn't expecting much from this match. When I think of good wrestling, I don't think of Balls Mahoney and Justin Credible. That could either be because they carry the distinction of being "ECW Originals", which leads me to think of them as violent spot monkeys that try their best to cause permanent brain damage on their opponent, or that they hadn't gotten a single meaningful period of screen time in the six and a half episodes I'd watched. Regardless, these two put on a pretty damn good match for the time they were given. It wasn't a prime example of wrestling greatness or anything, but it was still a lot of fun. I came around to really liking Balls Mahoney by the end of the match, even though he did get himself disqualified at the end. His physique is really nothing special, but he can really go in the ring, and gives it his all in all aspects including selling. You really can't judge a book by his cover. Wasn't a huge fan of the match's ending, where Credible tried using a chair but Balls ripped it away from him and used it instead. The ref of course saw this and called for the bell, which is the correct call, but the announcers tried to argue that because Justin Credible brought the chair into the ring that he was the one who should be disqualified. It doesn't work like that, fellas. I don't need to tell you that. Regardless, I think this match was better than I expected, and I am looking forward to seeing Balls Mahoney wrestle again.

Winner: Justin Credible (via DQ)
Match Rating: Better Than Expected
Weapons Used: Chair (1)

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Match #4: ECW Championship Match - The Big Show (C) vs. Kane

While I was pumped for this match, I do think that it is time for Big Show to stop being a prizefighter calling out opponents from other brands and rather have an established #1 Contender from ECW's wrestler ranks. Ric Flair, Undertaker, and now Kane... Let's get Sabu and others involved.

A quick detail I noticed that I wanted to bring up before I get into the quality of the match. Big Show loves to go head first into the ring post. You see his head make contact and each time I kinda cringe because I'm sure it isn't doing anything positive. Just lead with the shoulder, Show, it looks exactly the same.

 This match was actually insane. These two giants went all out and definitely made sure that the "extreme rules" concept was out on display in full force. They used every and any weapon that they could find under and around the ring, from the camera cord to tables to the classic chair. This match utilized the most weapons since the season premiere's battle royal. In terms of the wrestling in the match, it was pretty great. The two pulled out all the stops and put on a pretty great back and forth affair. Big Show almost won with a choke slam but Kane kicked out. Kane hit most of his signatures but never got the choke slam down. Big Show also went through two tables and came out with his face covered in blood, which was a cool spot. The match ends with some interference from Paul Heyman and a choke slam from Big Show to end it. This was just another of the great main events that this brand had been putting on in their early stages.

 Sabu comes out and hits Big Show with a chair off the top rope. Looks like my wish is answered; an ECW wrestler is getting involved in the ECW scene.

Winner: The Big Show
Match Rating: Brutal
Weapons Used: Camera Cord (1), Garbage Can Lid (1), Chair (3), Garbage Can (1), Table (2)

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This was probably one of the best episodes so far of the seven aired, and without a doubt a step back in the right direction after the previous episode. The extreme rules match utilized the moniker and had several weapons and brutal action involved. An ECW roster member looks to be aiming for the title. Balls Mahoney and Justin Credible put on a pretty good match that I definitely was not expecting to enjoy, but did. Kevin Thorn (though he is just The Vampire at this point) debuted and beat up poor Little Guido. The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer vs. Test and Mike Knox was also getting set up in this episode and that is a match I definitely have interest in. All in all, a good episode that makes me look forward to Episode 8 even more than I usually do.

Match of the Night: Kane vs. Big Show
Wrestler of the Night: Balls Mahoney - He impressed me with his charisma and ability
Worst of the Night: Little Guido - Kevin Thorn really whooped him
Weapon Count (Total):
Chair: 12
Kendo Stick: 6
Table: 5
Street Signs: 3
Garbage Can Lid: 4
Garbage Can: 4
Camera Cord: 2
Baking Sheet: 1
Al Snow's Head: 1
ECW Title: 1
Steel Steps: 1
Barbwire Baseball Bat: 1
Bag of Thumbtacks: 1
Announcer's Table: 1
Total (all time): 35

Thanks for reading, and make sure to check back soon for Episode 8.

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