I think ECW will succeed in the long-run. When Vince puts his mind to something, it can pay off very well. But when Vince sits back and dishes out pathetic storylines/gimmicks, watch out. It has been reported that Vince is determined to fix the new ECW, so it can stand on it's own as a brand. Mcmahon knows how to get ratings when he wants. Right now, ECW is getting low ratings because of people like Matt Striker. It also appears to be a failure because of the lack of promotion. Vince needs to inter-promote ECW into storylines with the chief brand, RAW; just until ECW gets more publicity.
I think ECW this week was the best I've seen in a long time. Bobby Lashley exploding through the cage and taking out Umaga, was in my opinion, the greatest "Oh my God!" moment of the new ECW. I really enjoy Bobby Lasley as a wrestler, because he can put on a very entertaining match. His entrance his great, his performance is great, however he is obviously lacking in his microphone skills. He is too soft-spoken; much like a Michael Jackson on steroids. I am not implying Lashley is on steroids - as I respect him as a bodybuilder being able to bench-press upwards of 600 pounds. In conclusion, I think Bobby needs to step outside the box and try to shoot a little bit more of an intimidating promo. Either that or get a manager.
As for Hardcore Holly, I think he knows how to shoot a decent promo, and he can carry a good match. However, Holly is an accident waiting to happen and is very injury prone. What the new ECW needs, is another draft lottery. The ECW roster right now is weak. They've got guys like Terry Funk on the roster, who to my knowledge - have never even appeared on an episode on Sci-fi. Anyways, a draft always shakes things up. Mcmahon needs to realize that if he wants to get ratings, he needs to bring in big names, as opposed to using ECW as a breeding (no pun intended) ground for developmental talent.
