WWE ECW 08 - 8/01/2006
WWE Network Link: http://network.wwe.com/video/v1522305183?contextType=wwe-show&contextId=wwe_ecw&contentId=237922452&watchlistAltButtonContext=series
Match #1: Test & Mike Knox vs. Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman
This is the Extreme Rules match of the evening, which feels right with the guys out there. There is no doubt Sandman and Tommy Dreamer are ready to go crazy.
The opening match of the evening was both brutal and electric. The Hammerstein Ballroom is the venue for the evening, and the crowd is going insane. They love Sandman and Tommy Dreamer and as a result despise Test and Mike Knox. The match is hectic as a result of the stipulation of no disqualifications, and the use of weaponry comes into play almost instantly. Dreamer and Sandman play off the crowd so well. When the crowd wanted tables, Tommy and Sandman gave them, well, not your average table, but one covered in barbwire. A good amount of weapons were used, and Sandman pulled out TWO kendo sticks for this match which was a treat. Tommy Dreamer also bent Kelly Kelly over his knee and spanked her which the crowd loved, of course.
The finish was a bit underwhelming. Heyman came out and had his security goons beat up Dreamer and put him through the barbwire table, leaving him for Test to finish off. I guess it makes sense given that Test has always worked for Heyman, and now that is coming full circle, but I'm just a fan of more "clean" finishes. Sandman and Mike Knox ended up fighting each other to the back and that was a bit strange. All in all, though, this was a really fun match to watch and made me excited for the rest of the show. This was main event worthy.
The opening match of the evening was both brutal and electric. The Hammerstein Ballroom is the venue for the evening, and the crowd is going insane. They love Sandman and Tommy Dreamer and as a result despise Test and Mike Knox. The match is hectic as a result of the stipulation of no disqualifications, and the use of weaponry comes into play almost instantly. Dreamer and Sandman play off the crowd so well. When the crowd wanted tables, Tommy and Sandman gave them, well, not your average table, but one covered in barbwire. A good amount of weapons were used, and Sandman pulled out TWO kendo sticks for this match which was a treat. Tommy Dreamer also bent Kelly Kelly over his knee and spanked her which the crowd loved, of course.
The finish was a bit underwhelming. Heyman came out and had his security goons beat up Dreamer and put him through the barbwire table, leaving him for Test to finish off. I guess it makes sense given that Test has always worked for Heyman, and now that is coming full circle, but I'm just a fan of more "clean" finishes. Sandman and Mike Knox ended up fighting each other to the back and that was a bit strange. All in all, though, this was a really fun match to watch and made me excited for the rest of the show. This was main event worthy.
Winner: Test & Mike Knox
Match Rating: Brutal
Weapons Used: Kendo Stick (2), Garbage Can (1), Police Batons (2), Barbwire Covered Table (1)
A promo of Heyman walking around the locker room is next and people are afraid to look him in the eye, except Sabu, who still wants an ECW title match. I like how Heyman is wary of Sabu when kicking him out of the arena, because he knows he can flip and kill everyone in the arena. He is a genocidal maniac, you know.
We are gonna get Batista vs. Big Show for the ECW Title tonight. Interesting.
--
Match #2: CM Punk vs. Justin Credible
The man. The myth. The legend. CM Punk has arrived. He gets Justin Credible as an opponent, which feels right, as Credible is, in this new ECW, a veteran who is out of his prime but still willing and ready to put on a fight. The crowd loves CM Punk. Seconds into the match and the "CM Punk" chants start up. I know he was a big deal on the indie scene, but I wasn't aware of how informed and dedicated the fans of the Hammerstein Ballroom were.
The match is surprisingly technical, although Justin Credible does get in a good amount of his usual brawler offense and makes the match back and forth. Credible is the guy who is going to put over other wrestlers while making himself look decent in the process. Glorified jobber, if you will. There was no doubt, though, that CM Punk looked great in this match. His offense is crisp and looks brutal, especially his kicks. I also have to say that I think Punk looks the part here, much more than he did near the end of his WWE run. I always thought that when Punk had a little more meat on him at the beginning of his career was just a better look. He looked so scrawny in his WWE title runs, and while he didn't lose his wrestling ability by any means, the more intimidating physique he carries here validates his brutal move-set even more. It's a good start to a soon to be legend's WWE career.
Winner: CM Punk
Match Rating: The Beginning
Weapons Used: None
Shannon Moore promo. Once again, no words, just him in his makeup.
Shannon Moore promo. Once again, no words, just him in his makeup.
--
Match #3: Brooklyn Brawler vs. Kurt Angle
It's nice to see both of these guys. It's nice to see Brawler because he is a legend in his own right, and it's nice to see Angle because he was missing for a few weeks and he is one of the best to do it. I know his time is numbered here in ECW, but you gotta enjoy it while you can.
This match goes how you'd expect. Kurt quickly takes care of Brawler and finishes it off with the Angle Lock. There's really not much to say here; just nice to see Kurt back in the ring.
Winner: Kurt Angle
Match Rating: Squash
Weapons Used: None
We finally learn that Kevin Thorn's name is, well, Kevin Thorn. Sweet. I'm a big Thorn guy so I'm looking forward to seeing him more.
We finally learn that Kevin Thorn's name is, well, Kevin Thorn. Sweet. I'm a big Thorn guy so I'm looking forward to seeing him more.
--
Match #4: ECW Championship Match: The Big Show (C) vs. Batista
I remember this match pretty distinctly as I watch Batista come out. The ECW crowd hated him, and they really weren't a fan of Big Show either. I definitely get it. These two guys are not your average "ECW guys". Big Show is the champion, but he wasn't an original, and this is a dedicated and hardcore fanbase. They should have done Sabu vs. Big Show at this show. The crowd even chants for Sabu for most of the match.
This match is definitely a low point for the show. The crowd turned on this match so hard that it was tough to even gauge the match and determine the quality of it. If the crowd isn't interested, who cares? It's such a pivotal part of the show. The wrestling itself is fine, but it's not even worth going into in depth. You can tell that Batista and Big Show are getting agitated at the crowd and I give them credit for even continuing to wrestle the match and giving it their all with the crowd so confrontational.
After the match, Sabu comes out and NOW the crowd goes nuts. Sabu goes all out, using a chair to stun Big Show then to later put him through a table. Good way to end the show, but it just sucks that the crowd was so against the main event. They never had a chance.
Winner: Batista (by DQ)
Match Rating: Embarrassing
Weapons Used: ECW Title (1), Chair (1), Table (1)
--
This was an up and down show that had the potential to be one of the best so far in the history WWE's ECW. The first match was awesome, with an electric crowd atmosphere on top of it. CM Punk then had a pretty great debut and was put over by a dedicated crowd. Angle was even well received, and his match, while brief, was fun. Then, the main event was seemingly overtaken by the crowd and had no chance of doing well. The crowd really did a number on that one, but I need to say that while some of the fault is with the crowd for being uncooperative, the WWE needs to know better. This crowd wants to see ECW originals. The ECW Title match in the main event is fine, but they missed a big opportunity here by instead slotting in Batista. Fan service is necessary for some of these more passionate crowds.
Match of the Night: Test & Mike Knox vs. The Sandman & Tommy Dreamer
Wrestler of the Night: CM Punk - Looked great in his debut
Worst of the Night: WWE Management - Bad booking for ECW's hometown
Weapon Count (Total):
Chair: 13
Kendo Stick: 8
Table: 6
Garbage Can: 5
Garbage Can Lid: 4
Garbage Can: 5
Garbage Can Lid: 4
Street Signs: 3
Camera Cord: 2
ECW Title: 2
Police Baton: 2
ECW Title: 2
Police Baton: 2
Baking Sheet: 1
Al Snow's Head: 1
Steel Steps: 1
Barbwire Baseball Bat: 1
Bag of Thumbtacks: 1
Announcer's Table: 1
Announcer's Table: 1
Total (all time): 51
Thanks for reading, and make sure to check back soon for Episode 9.
Comments
Post a Comment