HeadLocker–Jay Shannon
ECW: On the Critical List
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, looks at the problems that are causing ECW to spiral towards oblivion.
The original ECW was an institution. It was unique in it’s presentation and it’s appeal. It was the Rocky Horror Picture Show of wrestling. The current version of ECW is more like Shock Treatment, a sequel with a few familiar faces that just can’t measure up to the original. In this edition of HeadLocker, I want to take a look at the mistakes the WWE has made with this version of ECW and why, in my humble opinion, it is heading towards an early grave.
The Firing of Paul Heyman
Imagine going to see a Led Zeppelin Reunion Concert without Robert Plant on lead vocals. Try tuning in to a Seinfeld cast reunion, only to discover that Jerry’s not there. That is where ECW finds itself now.
Paul Heyman, for all his faults, was the glue that held ECW together. He was the Dr. Frankenstein of this patchwork monster of a wrestling organization. Armando Estrada is trying to fill shoes that no man could possibly fill.
The WWE made a foolish mistake by releasing Heyman. The fans of ECW identified with the rebellious nature of Heyman. Without him, the program has become just another WWE clone. The spark that Heyman added is gone.
The disappearing Originals
When ECW was relaunched, it was filled with the names and faces of stars we knew and loved. ECW is now down to 4 Originals: Tommy Dreamer, Balls Mahoney, Stevie Richards and Nunzio. Actually, it’s not fair to count Nunzio, because of the name change. To be a true ECW Original, he’d need to be called Little Guido.
The heart and soul of ECW: Sabu, Terry Funk, Sandman, RVD, etc… are plying their trades in the indies, while ECW tries to continue on. The fans of the “real” ECW are offended by this new Original-less ECW. Just check any message board and you’ll find the rants and raves of disheartened fans who have moved away from Tuesday nights.
Tazz at the announce desk
One of the things that made ECW unique was Joey Styles as the solo announcer. When WWE shifted Tazz from Smackdown to the ECW on Sci-Fi announce desk, it spoiled that aspect.
Tazz has a great knowledge of wrestling. He also has an above average sense of humor. He would be a great substitute for Lawler on Raw. He did well as the in-the-know guy back on Smackdown. He just fouls up the feel of the ECW on Sci-Fi program by joining Joey on commentary.
The Smackdown/ECW talent exchange
This should have been a great idea. The concept of talent exchanges between two shows has always been a wrestling fan’s dream come true. Imagine, in 1987, if Hulk Hogan had strolled over to NWA/WCW to battle Sting. Or picture Sting and Lex Luger making a day trip to Madison Square Garden to battle he Hart Foundation. These were fantasy matches that could never have occurred.
Now, the Smackdown roster gets more airtime on ECW on Sci-Fi than the ECW guys do. The ECW crew gets lost in the shuffle. This just further dilutes the product. ECW on Sci-Fi is turning into Smackdown-Light. The brand is just falling apart, at the seems.
The fact that Miz and Morrison hold the Smackdown Tag Team titles says a lot about the state of ECW. It is only a matter of time before the two shows are merged.
Smackdown ending it’s contract with the CW Network
Smackdown needs a new home. The WWE has a great working relationship with the Universal/NBC networks. Raw is on the USA Network. Saturday Night’s Main Event gets to replace Saturday Night Live occasionally on NBC.
ECW on Sci-FI’s ratings have been disappointing. If Smackdown is heading for one of the Universal/NBC networks, it would make sense to use Sci-Fi. While the WWE might consider moving Smackdown back to Thursdays (to compete one-on-one against TNA), it is also very possible that Smackdown might take a two hour block on Tuesdays. That could send ECW on Sci-Fi to the net (or to the showers). A unified ECW/Smackdown program could easily cut production and personnel costs. From a business standpoint, a merger of the two brands could strengthen the product presented to the Sci-Fi Network. This move could very well spell the end to the ECW brand.
In Conclusion:
There are other events that WWE had no control over. Injuries, suspensions, and, of course, the Chris Benoit tragedy. All of these played parts in damaging ECW. Most of what has damaged ECW, though, was brought about by WWE. Some might say that it was an intentions sabotage by Vince McMahon to have the joy of putting the final nail in the coffin of ECW. I tend to disagree. I think it was more like an amateur magician trying to do a Houdini or Penn and Teller level of magic. Vince just couldn’t re-capture the spirit that Heyman created. Without some kind of miracle, ECW will likely join World Class, WCW, AWA and dozens more that made a mark and then faded away.
– Jay Shannon
Boxworld@SBCGlobal.net
(2/11/08)
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