Another show where promos were initially in recap and now in full. Sad part about redoing this is I realise I'll probably never book something this well or thought out again lol.
ECW Hardcore TV
August 4th, 2001
Birmingham, Alabama
The show begins with a local jobber standing in the middle of the ring, and he’s introduced as JAIDYN GRUNDY. The young man looks slightly nervous yet pumped up, ready for action, when the former ECW Champion RHINO storms down the ramp and slides into the ring. Grundy doesn’t really know what to do, looking a little dumbfounded...
SO RHINO CHARGES THROUGH HIM WITH A SAVAGE GORE!!!
The fans react with an EPIC face pop for Rhino as he destroys the younger. In a potentially more vicious mood than normal, Rhino immediately grabs the kid and drags him through the ropes and onto the ring apron...
BEFORE DRILLING HIM WITH A PILEDRIVER...
OFF OF THE APRON AND THROUGH THE FUCKING TIMEKEEPER’S TABLE!!!
Despite the sheer brutality, as he slides back into the ring, the fans chant him name, completely behind him taking out his frustrations on no longer being the ECW Champ. Rhino grabs a microphone but before he can begin speaking, Damage Control’ is on the outside of the ring, checking on the poor, dead jobber.
Not wasting any time, an obviously worked up Rhino grabs a mic.
Rhino: STEVE CORINO, GET YOUR FUCKING ASS OUT HERE SO I CAN BREAK YOUR GOD DAMN NECK!!!
More cheers from the fans as Rhino awaits the arrival of the new ECW Champion, but he smartly doesn’t show up.
Instead, the leader of The Network, CYRUS hesitantly makes his way down the ramp, accompanied by a bucket load of security. Cyrus realizes that his charge is clearly unhinged right now, deciding to speak before finishing his trip down the ramp.
Cyrus: Rhino please, calm down…
As Cyrus climbs onto the ring apron, Rhino snaps.
Rhino: IF YOU GET IN MY FUCKING RING, I WILL BREAK YOUR NECK TOO!!!
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Cyrus ops to remain on the ramp.
Rhino: EVERYBODY INVOLVED IN LAST WEEK IS GOING TO FUCKING DIE...
The former champion begins pacing in a typical unpredictable fashion.
Rhino: STEVE CORINO... JACK VICTORY... THE GIRLS WITH THE TITS... THE SANDMAN... TOMMY DREAMER... CW ANDERSON... AND YOU!!!
The fury of Rhino continues to seep through his pours, as Cyrus gives him a pleading look.
Cyrus: I understand how furious you are right now, but you’re
not thinking rationally. This wasn’t some big conspiracy to screw you out of the ECW Title, last week was an
accident.
Rhino scoffs as Cyrus looks earnest. Or at least tries to.
Cyrus: Steve Corino was there to help you retain the title. If it wasn’t for Corino, it could have been much worse. It would have been Dreamer or Sandman, and that would be a nightmare, but let me just reiterate, The Network did
not screw you.
Rhino shakes his head in disbelief as Cyrus continues on.
Cyrus: Make no mistake about it, last week went
wrong. With that being said, The Network isn’t
OPPOSED to Steve Corino holding the World Title, but I want to make things right because I certainly recognize that you were
robbed.
For the first time tonight, Rhino seems to agree with Cyrus, which gives ‘The Virus’ confidence.
Cyrus: As a matter of fact, not by The Network, but you
WERE screwed. It was Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman that screwed you, so here’s how we make it right. Steve Corino will be
MORE than happy to defend the title against you on pay per view in the future.
This is seemingly the first sign of good news for Rhino, who continues to pace.
Rhino: Good. Book the match then. Now. And give me Dreamer and Sandman in the meantime.
Suddenly, Cyrus gets a solemn look on his face.
Cyrus: I can’t. I want to but I can’t book it for Anarchy Rulz. Before the match last week, I already booked the main event of Anarchy Rulz in a month. The contract is already drawn up and you’ll be participating. You are going to have to truly be the
wrecking machine I
KNOW you can be.
Whilst not happy, Rhino does seem genuinely intrigued.
Rhino: Cut the shit, what’s the match?
Cyrus hesitates for a moment, in fear.
Cyrus: Well, it’s a big night. The Network wants something
big for their return to Atlanta, and after thinking and thinking, I’ve got just the match.
A pause to build anticipation.
Cyrus: One month away, at Anarchy Rulz, history will be made as it will be the return of
Ultimate Jeopardy. However this version of Ultimate Jeopardy, will have a little bit of a twist.
The fans pop for the mention of Ultimate Jeopardy. Rhino looks less impressed.
Cyrus: We’re doing this big; it will be
two teams of
five men.
Rhino is not happy.
Cyrus: It’s time to settle the score once and for all. The Network versus the original ECW… AND THE WINNER OF THE FALL WILL GET THE ECW TITLE SHOT AT NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER!!!
Rhino looks torn at this announcement, not happy with not getting his title rematch immediately. It’s clear by the uncomfortable look on his face that Cyrus senses Rhino’s mood.
Cyrus: It’s the perfect opportunity for you. On top of your due title shot that I have
EVERY faith my War Machine will earn, there’s more here for you. You can get your revenge too, because of who your opponents will be in Ultimate Jeopardy. The opposing team will have The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Kid Kash and Eye Balls!!!
BIG pop for the team, as Rhino scowls at the mention of each name.
Cyrus: I formed that team just for you, because that’s everyone you hate.
Still no positive reaction from the former champ, so Cyrus presses further.
Cyrus: The Network fully supports you as our main attraction. As a show of faith, you will have the ultimate honor of leading The Network’s team. You’re the captain and you will have CW Anderson, Justin Credible, Jerry Lynn and THE NEW ECW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION STEVE CORINO behind you.
Now that the announcement is complete, Rhino seems to have calmed down quite a bit, although there was a clear twitch to his face when Cyrus announced Corino as champ.
Rhino: Okay. I’ll do it and lead your team. Let me make this clear though, if you screw me again, I promise, you’re all
dead.
Cyrus meekly nods as Rhino hops out of the ring...
AND RHINO BARGES THROUGH MEMBERS OF CYRUS’S SECURITY TEAM!!!
As Rhino walks past, Cyrus attempts to backtrack out of the way...
BUT RHINO GRABS CRYUS BY HIS NECK TIE!!!
CYRUS LOOKS AS IF HE’S CRAPPING HIS PANTS... AS RHINO GETS RIGHT IN HIS FACE!!!
Rhino: Remember this… The Network
isn’t ECW.
The intimidated Cyrus nods in agreement.
Rhino: Your champ, Steve Corino
isn’t ECW.
Rhino shakes his head along with his words.
Rhino: All the other names in that team, none of those fucking idiots are ECW.
No words from Cyrus.
Rhino: I AM ECW…
Rhino’s about to snap.
I AM THE NETWORK…
He puffs out his chest as he begins screaming.
NOBODY STANDS UP TO ME…
He punches his chest to emphasize himself.
NOBODY SCREWS WITH ME…
Rhino looks Cyrus dead in the eyes as he keeps yelling.
SAY MY FUCKING NAME RIGHT NOW…
Cyrus doesn’t.
WHO’S THE REAL CHAMP?
Nothing.
WHO’S THE LEADER?
Rhino is getting angrier.
WHO’S THE MAN?
Still nothing from Cyrus so Rhino literally lifts him off his feet by the collar.
SAY IT!!!
A scared shitless Cyrus responds as confidently as he can.
Cyrus: RHINO!!!
Rhino softens his grip, putting Cyrus back to the ground, but he doesn’t relinquish his tie.
Rhino: YOU’RE FUCKING RIGHT!!!
With his message well and truly sent, Rhino lets go of Cyrus’ tie...
ONLY TO SHOVE HIM IN THE CHEST... SENDING HIM TUMBLING INTO HIS SECURITY ENTOURAGE!!!
As a freaked out, worried Cyrus scurries to recover, Rhino just scoffs and leaves, still on side with The Network, but clearly with his own needs at the front of his mind...
-COMMERCIAL BREAK-
When we return from the break, CYRUS is now standing inside of the ring, still receiving heaps of heat from the fans. It’s worth noting that he’s dismissed his security for the night, having seemingly gotten past what they were required for. It’s clear he’s in less of a good mood than when the night started.
Cyrus: Ladies and gentlemen, right now, I’d like to introduce the man who made a triumphant return to ECW on pay per view last Sunday. I’d like to call HC Loc down to the ring.
Cyrus doesn’t beat around the bush, immediately calling out HC Loc, and HC LOC makes his way out to severe heat, donned in casual clothing.
Loc gets MAJOR heat from the fans as he was a bit part in dismissing RVD from ECW. Loc looks kind of sheepish, but Cyrus doesn’t care.
Cyrus: Despite being back in ECW, I know you’re going through a tough time right now. You’re getting
a lot of heat now from the fans and from the boys in the back for selling out at Heatwave. I want you to know that I understand that it
wasn’t your fault.
Cyrus shoots Loc with an understanding look, and he nods in agreement.
Cyrus: You have a family. You were out of work and needed a way back into ECW. You were desperate and all you had to do was
bend over for The Network one more time.
Loc puts his head down, depressed and clearly upset with what he’s done. Cyrus seems to be taking pleasure in this.
Cyrus: Don’t be so hard on yourself, it’s not your fault. Take a look around,
everybody bends over for The Network.
Heat from the fans as Loc nods sadly, and Cyrus continues on clearly not really caring about the emotional trauma that Loc is going through.
Cyrus: Now, with that in mind, business is business and it’s not personal. We need to make sure now that you’re back both as a wrestler and if need be, your old job, a referee, we need to make certain that you don’t go changing your mind.
Loc looks a little confused.
Cyrus: I want to test out my newly acquired talent so you’re having your first match right now!
The leader of The Network points towards the entrance ramp and HOMICIDE steps through the curtain and heads towards the ring. Loc knows he’s in trouble but tries to brace himself, whilst Cyrus motions behind Loc’s back that if Homicide takes him out (throat slash gesture), he’ll get paid some serious cash (rubbing fingers together).
Cyrus gets out of the ring and just before Homicide can get in, the only real Network referee DANNY DANIELS slides into the ring, ready to referee this match.
Joey Styles: I don’t condone what HC Loc did at Heatwave, it was a bad judgment call, but Cyrus and his master manipulation is just wrong. Cyrus
used HC Loc to screw Rob Van Dam out of the title and a job. Now that the jobs done, he’s cleaning up a potential piece to be used against him.
The commentary team continue to discuss this, and the trouble that Loc is clearly in as the match begins…
Match One
HC Loc vs. Homicide
Yeah, so I’m pretty sure you can all predict how this one is going to go. Right from the get-go, Homicide DESTROYS HC Loc. It’s as one sided as a contest can be, and Homicide gets to show how vicious he can be, DRILLING A FORK REPEATEDLY INTO THE HEAD OF HC LOC, BUSTING HIM WIDE OPEN!!!
As the beating continues and Çide uses a steel chair and the ring bell hammer to continue his assault, the duo on commentary are up in arms at the double standards from The Network.
Joel Gertner: DANNY DANIELS HAS BEEN CALLING DQ’S FOR RIDICULOUS REASONS ALL YEAR LONG… BUT THIS IS SOMEHOW OKAY…
Eventually, Homicide simply mounts HC Loc, and pummels him over and over again with punches, causing Loc’s face to now be a crimson mask.
After Homicide punches himself out, he drags Loc into position...
AND FINISHES HIM OFF WITH THE COP KILLA!!!
HOMICIDE WITH THE COVER...
1...2...3!!!
Winner – Homicide @ 3:36
There is no celebration from Homicide as he simply nods his head and barely allows Danny Daniels to raise his hand in victory. Homicide takes one last look at his handy work, ignoring the heat from the fans as he scoffs at HC Loc and makes his way to the back. In his words, he mentions that it’s time to go collect his pay check.
Meanwhile, HC Loc is barely moving inside of the ring and ‘Damage Control’ is out for the second time tonight already. After performing an initial assessment, they placed HC Loc into a neck brace and onto a stretcher, before taking him out of the arena. The saddest part of all of this, the fans don’t even care, as they’d much rather RVD still be around then HC Loc.
-COMMERCIAL BREAK-
We’re in the backstage area when we return, where the fan favorite team of EYE BALLS have some things on their mind regarding being named members of ‘Team ECW’ for Anarchy Rulz. Balls starts things off rather passionately.
Balls Mahoney: In case you didn’t know, because I know your new here, Pierre, but I’m not. I’ve been
busting my ass for four years. As far as I’m concerned, we’ve earned this opportunity in Ultimate Jeopardy.
PCO remains rather silent throughout, just nodding in agreement as Mahoney continues.
Balls Mahoney: I wasn’t born yesterday; I know what this is but it doesn’t matter. I know this is some more Network
bullshit designed to cover their tracks after what happened last week. I get that, but The Network are gonna’ find out that three originals, and their partner, one
insane redneck kid with shiny pants, and my partn- my brother, one tough as
fuck newer
one eyed bastard aren’t gonna’ roll over for them. We won’t bend over for The Network and at November To Remember, mark my words, one of the five of us will bring the ECW Title back
HOME.
Both men nod in agreement, pumped to be a part of team ECW, and having sent the message that they needed to...
Match Two
Danny Doring vs. Yoshihiro Tajiri
As these two begin with a slight feeling out process, the respect between the two clear for all to see, the commentators clarify the tag title picture as it currently is. At Anarchy Rulz, Tajiri and Mikey Whipwreck will defend the tag titles against Doring and Roadkill, however in the buildup, the team members have been paired up in a series of one on one matches. In the spirit of competitions, both teams have agreed that the singles matches will take place without their partners at ringside.
Now that’s out of the way, Doring did pretty well here, keeping up with Tajiri throughout the contest, however Doring was feeling worse for wear a few times after wearing some of Tajiri’s insane kicks to the face and body.
Despite the kicks, Doring scores some near falls...
BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE BACKPACK STUNNER...
BUT TAJIRI FOUGHT HIS WAY TO SEPARATION...
ONLY FOR DORING TO WALK STRAIGHT BACK INTO A ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!!
DORING CONVENIENTLY FALLS TO HIS KNEES...
BUZZSAW KICK!!!
Doring is out of it but one half of the tag champions wants to send a lesson, as ‘The Japanese Buzzsaw’ drags the lifeless Doring back up...
AND CONNECTS WITH A BRAINBUSTER!!!
TAJIRI HOOKS THE LEG...
1...2...3!!!
Winner – Yoshihiro Tajiri @ 14:50
Tajiri celebrates to the cheers of the crowd, as another fan favorite, Doring remains down, and we head to a commercial break, with the tag team champions having all the momentum in the world...
-COMMERCIAL BREAK-
Much like after the previous break, we come back to the backstage area, except this time it’s the ECW Television Champion LOW KI who wants to get something off his chest. Low Ki adjusts the title around his waist, still getting somewhat familiar with carrying his newly won title around.
Low Ki: I’m still something of a rookie here in ECW, I represent the new generation. No, I’m
not an original ECW wrestler, but I want to make it known, I also
don’t want anything to do with The Network.
Ki looks as stoic and serious as ever, facial expression not changing.
Low Ki: I’m here to wrestle anybody and everybody. I want to face the
best. Whether it be an old ECW stalwart like Tommy Dreamer or The Sandman. Whether it be a monster like Rhino, whether it be a big man like PCO or Balls Mahoney, or whether it’s my peers like Christopher Daniels and Bryan Danielson. Hell, I’m happy to relive the past and face an
old acquaintance like Homicide.
This gets an epic pop from fans inside the arena, because Ki versus Homicide in ECW would be epic.
Low Ki: It doesn’t matter who it is. Present me with challengers, and I will defend this title with honor, and I will run through them all. I am the best wrestler on the planet, and it is
not the size of a fighter…
Before Low Ki can continue, a furious looking JERRY LYNN barges into the shot, immediately pointing at the Television Championship.
Jerry Lynn: You can forget about other challengers. That’s
MY title…
The actual champion looks at the title and raises his eyebrows.
Low Ki: Oh, I must have misread the nameplate. It’s got my name on it... Because I beat you TWICE!
Simple but effective from ‘The Warrior’, and Lynn is furious now.
Jerry Lynn: Anybody can get lucky twice, kid. I’ll take you on again next week…
Ki chuckles to himself, but before he can elaborate on that response…
LOW KI GETS SPUN AROUND...
AND POPPED WITH A MASSIVE LEFT HAND FROM CW ANDERSON!!!
As Lynn watches on with delight, Anderson picks up the dazed Low Ki...
ONLY TO THROW HIM THROUGH THE INTERVIEW SET!!!
Anderson stands over the downed Low Ki, reveling in the carnage that he has caused. With Lynn by his side, CW sends a message to Ki.
CW Anderson: Cyrus thinks it’s somebody else’s turn, Jerry.
I’ll be taking that title shot next week then.
As they walk away, CW pats Lynn on the chest.
CW Anderson: It’s okay, I don’t want you to worry. Next week, we’ll get the title back no matter what.
CW smirks and walks off, with Lynn closely behind, however Lynn clearly looks miserable and not happy with the idea that somebody else could be holding his title in the future...
...
On commentary, JOEY STYLES AND JOEL GERTNER stand in the back, ready for some screen time.
Joey Styles: We’re just a few moments away from tonight’s main event, but before we get there, let’s take you through some of the exciting matches confirmed for next week’s ECW Hardcore TV. With Danny Doring and Roadkill confirmed to get an ECW Tag Team Championship match at Anarchy Rulz, Roadkill will face one half of the tag champions in Mikey Whipwreck. A win either way could change all the momentum and could ultimately decide who leaves Anarchy Rulz as champions.
Joel Gertner: Just like when a woman gets a taste of me, they keep coming back for more, these two men can’t get enough of each other. There have been neck injuries and bad blood between these two, and to open next week’s show, Christopher Daniels versus Spike Dudley
THREE.
And now Joey gets a look of concentration on his face, as he listens in to his headset.
Joel Styles: And hot off the bat, fresh from the office of Cyrus himself, Low Ki will defend his ECW Television Championship against The Network’s CW Anderson.
There’s some exciting news, and they continue to hype it, before sending us to our main event…
...
Match Three
CW Anderson and Justin Credible vs. Eye Balls
Despite not being able to win the tag titles as of yet, Eye Balls again show that they are quite the team, using their awesome, unorthodox move set to beat the hell out of Anderson and Credible in the early stages. With all four men being a part of the huge Ultimate Jeopardy match at Anarchy Rulz, there feels like there is a lot at stake here, so The Network’s team fight back by cheating and occasionally stalling to halt Eye Balls’ momentum.
As expected with, well, any ECW match really, it breaks down and becomes an all-out war. Whilst the chaos picks up, JERRY LYNN comes out from the back, bringing a steel chair with him. Lynn communicates with Anderson and holds the chair against the ropes...
AS CW GRABS PCO AND LOOKS TO THROW HIM HEAD FIRST INTO THE CHAIR...
BUT PCO REVERSES THE MOMENTUM, SENDING ANDERSON CRASHING INTO THE CHAIR!!!
Lynn can’t believe it and is in complete shock, before he gets turned around by KID KASH!!!
KK lands a few right hands, before rolling Jerry Lynn into the ring!!!
The referee is distracted with Lynn being in the ring, and before Credible can react, Kash yanks him off of the apron. Credible swings with a right hand, Kash ducks, lands a kick to the gut...
AND FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A DDT ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR!!!
Having gotten some semblance of revenge on Credible, Kash leaves the ringside area. Meanwhile, inside of the ring, Lynn is up to his feet...
ONLY TO GET CRUSHED WITH A CHAIR SHOT FROM BALLS MAHONEY!!!
With Lynn and Credible both out of it now, CW stumbles back to his feet...
BUT BALLS TAKES HIM OUT WITH THE NUTCRACKER SUITE!!!
PCO FOLLOWS UP WITH LE CANNONBALL FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!
PCO MAKES THE COVER...
1...2...3!!!
Winners – Eye Balls @ 13:19
The match is over, and Eye Balls have picked up an impressive victory. They celebrate inside of the ring, enjoying the chants from the fans, whilst all three members of The Network remain down on the outside.
Cyrus will be fuming, it’s not a good start for The Network in the build to Anarchy Rulz, will they be able to turn this around.
END OF SHOW
***
Current Card for ECW Anarchy Rulz
September 9th, 2001
Atlanta, Georgia
Ultimate Jeopardy – Winner challenges Steve Corino for the ECW Championship at November To Remember:
Team ECW (Eye Balls, Kid Kash, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer) vs. The Network (CW Anderson, Jerry Lynn, Justin Credible, Rhino and Steve Corino)
ECW World Tag Team Championship Match:
The Unholy Alliance (c) defends against Danny Doring and Roadkill
