ECW makes a splash
If you’re anything like me, ECW for months has been nothing more than background noise while doing other things on a Tuesday night. Every once in a while, however, there is an ECW episode that is worthy of my full attention. Last night’s show was one of them – and the sensational Shelton Benjamin wasn’t even on it.
The show, which took place in Corpus Christi, Texas, was fueled by two strong segments that were a departure from the norm. The main event pitted ECW champion Chavo Guerrero against CM Punk in a non-title, first-ever Gulf of Mexico match, which was a come-as-you-are streetfight that began in the ring and could end only when one man threw his opponent into the Gulf of Mexico.
This was a good brawl with an entertaining stipulation that helped breathe some life into what has mostly been a flat feud between Guerrero and Punk. Before Guerrero ended up in the water, both wrestlers were nearly run over by a car, and they took turns slamming each other on the hoods of cars.
Hardcore matches that spill outside the arena were a wrestling staple during wrestling’s last boom period, but eventually they were played out and fans became bored with them. This match seemed fresh, however, because it hasn’t been done much in recent years.
The other element of the show that stood out was Joey Styles’ pre-taped sit-down interview with Stevie Richards. In the piece, an emotional Richards talked about the neck injury that he suffered in the original ECW and his multiple throat surgeries. It was compelling stuff simply because it was real. If WWE plays this one right, Richards could really get over as a sympathetic babyface, and whoever his adversary turns out to be could generate a lot of heel heat.
One final thought on last night’s show: I see something in Kofi Kingston. Although he’s a little green, Kingston is athletic, has some unique moves and showed a lot of charisma in his vignettes.
Comments
Probably enjoyed that ECW show better than any in recent memory,and see some comparisons between Kofi and a young RobVan Dam,who I once saw wrestle right in good old downtown Essex early on,lots of speed atheleticism,charisma and an unorthodox style.The poor kid who gets pummeled every week,his name escapes me,reminds me lot of the of the smallest of the three guys who used to stand in the ring and try to sing or rap or whatever the heck it was,can you refresh my memory?3 spot or something or other is all I remember.Just one man's opinion but I really thought Shelton Benjamin had a chance to be special when he first broke in,any thoughts on why that hasn't really seemed to develop?Thanks for the continued updates!Does anybody but me think the inclusion of Big Daddy V or whatever he is called these days seem to underscore the lack of talent in the "heavyweight" division?
Posted by: Burt from Essex | February 6, 2008 5:08 AM
Kevin, good stuff. I enjoy reading your blog, it's a good mix of kayfabe storyline reviews and summaries, plus actual behind the scenes stuff. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Bill Drain | February 6, 2008 7:23 AM
Eck - spot on analysis.
I've never been a big Richards fan, even in the old ECW, but I like whent hey build around these guys and their actual adversary. Like when Hardcore Holly came back from that staph infection (the WWE squandered that away right quick). Should be interesting to see.
I like this Kofi Kingston cat. The over the top smiley goof thing reminds me of the Rock, Rocky Maivia when he first hit the scene. With the goofy hair and frilly outfit. Same sort of thing. Maybe a new NOD with Kingston, Burke and Benjamin? Those guys can really go in the ring and would be a fun stable in the NoD vein.
Posted by: JTK | February 6, 2008 9:27 AM
It seems that I am in the minority, but I just don’t get TNA. They seem like they are a ripoff of the W.W.E. Abyss=Mankind and now this Sharkboy thing. The NWA was cool in the ‘80s when they focused on wrestling and thus were different from what Vince McMahon was offering. The old ECW was innovative as was WCW for a while. I’d rather watch ROH which I keep hearing so many good things about.
Posted by: Sean Kilkelly | February 6, 2008 10:17 AM
ECW was very enjoyable last night. The only problem is that the ECW show has a history of dropping the ball and not following through the following week. We'll see what happens next Tuesday.
Posted by: Sean | February 6, 2008 2:58 PM
Eck-
Kingston reminds me of Ron Killings.
Posted by: John | February 6, 2008 4:06 PM