The Redux - Extreme Championship Wrestling

[Stojy]

The Redux – Extreme Championship Wrestling​

ECW or Eastern Championship Wrestling was founded in 1992 by Paul Heyman. In August 1994, ECW held a tournament to crown a new NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Shane Douglas won the tournament. After being presented with the NWA Championship, Douglas famously threw it down, declaring that he didn’t want to be champion of a “dead organisation”. ‘The Franchise’ then announced that ECW was breaking away from the NWA, thus giving birth to Extreme Championship Wrestling. Known for its hardcore style, edgy storylines and passionate fans, ECW gained a cult following. It’s fair to say it helped shape the ‘Attitude Era’ boom of pro wrestling in the late 90’s.

After some incredible highs in the mid to late 90’s, by the year 2000, ECW was in a dire financial position. The promotion lost it’s TV deal with TNN, couldn’t pay wrestlers consistently and had mounting debts. The financial liabilities of the company totalled $8,881,435.17. Some of the higher amounts of money owed to talent were Rob Van Dam ($150,000), Tommy Dreamer ($125,000), Joey Styles ($50,000), Shane Douglas ($48,000) and Francine ($47,875).

Whilst the on screen product was night at the highs of 1997, it was still relatively solid. Unfortunately, the financial issues, and the ongoing ratings war between the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling meant many top ECW stars left for greener pastures. These included the likes of Taz, Mike Awesome and The Dudley Boyz.

The final episode of ECW Hardcore TV aired on December 30th, 2000, whilst ECW’s last official event was Guilty As Charged on January 7th, 2001. After this show, several planned shows were cancelled, and operations effectively ceased. ECW had sadly folded with the company officially filing for bankruptcy in April 2001. The WWE then later purchased ECW’s assets including its video library and trademarks in 2003.

In short, ECW’s closure came down to financial collapse, loss of television exposure, and competition from the much larger WWF and WCW. Despite its end, ECW’s influence on modern wrestling remains significant.

…

What if?

What if ECW did not go out of business? What if Rollerball was filmed early and released in early 2001? What if Paul Heyman’s performance was so could he received a large cheque and numerous sponsorship deals? What if Paul Heyman won the lottery? Use your imagination but the story we are going with here is Heyman acquired the money to pay off all of the debt claims ECW owed.

ECW came out of bankruptcy, leading to the companies that owed ECW money, living up to their debts and paying off Heyman. This allowed Heyman to backpay all the wrestlers he owed money to, many of which were still under contract. Heyman swallowed his pride, not wanting to end up in the same position so he made a phone call he never thought he would make. Heyman turned to Vince McMahon and negotiated a bridge loan, as long as the WWF and ECW maintained a flexible (dominated by WWF) talent exchange rule.

Using his incredible wit, or getting his followers to drink the Kool-Aid, Heyman managed to establish a roster that looked not all that different from prior to Guilty As Charged. Not only that, Heyman was able to secure a deal with the USA Network for a two hour TV show on Friday nights, 10pm – midnight, with the first episode set to air on February 16th, 2001.

…

ECW Guilty As Charged 2001
Cyrus and Jerry Lynn defeated Christian York and Joey Matthews.
Danny Doring and Roadkill defeated Hot Commodity (EZ Money and Julio Dinero).
Nova defeated Chris Hamrick.
Tommy Dreamer defeated CW Anderson in an I Quit Match.
The Unholy Alliance defeated Kid Kash and Super Crazy and The Full Blooded Italians.
Balls Mahoney and Chilly Willy vs. Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond went to a No Contest.
The Sandman defeated Justin Credible and Steve Corino in a Three Way Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Canes match to win the ECW World Heavyweight Championship.
Rhino defeated The Sandman to win the ECW World Heavyweight Championship.
Rob Van Dam defeated Jerry Lynn.​

…

Pay Per View Schedule
Living Dangerously – March 4th, 2001 – Danbury, Connecticut – O’Neill Centre
Barely Legal – April 15th, 2001 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – ECW Arena
Hardcore Heaven – May 20th, 2001 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida – War Memorial Auditorium
Born To Be Wired – June 17th, 2001 – Los Angeles, California – Grand Olympic Auditorium
Heatwave – July 15th, 2001 – New York City, New York – Hammerstein Ballroom
Anarchy Rulz – August 19th, 2001 – Villa Park, Illinois – Odeum Expo Centre
Ultimate Jeopardy – September 23rd, 2001 – Marietta, Georgia – Cobb County Convention Centre
Hostile City Showdown – October 14th, 2001 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – ECW Arena
November To Remember – November 20th, 2001 – To Be Confirmed​

Okay, so I’m doing ECW again. My previous ECW BTB started from the year 2000 and worked through this period, whereas this one is starting from the closure. This will have similarities early on, but is different in the sense, I will be having fun here. My last ECW BTB, I stuck to a form of realism, which will be the out the window here. Not by an absurd amount, but there are a few things I’ll be playing with.

I’m not posting a roster to keep a few surprises in store. Oh, and for those wondering, this doesn’t mean the death of PWB, I just missed having a more “wild, unpredictable” project than modern day and felt like an additional outlet. I don’t know what this means in terms of how often this BTB gets updated vs. how often PWB does, but let’s see how we go.

 

[K-Fabe]

Got to love some ECW unpredictability! Interesting to see what you do with the WWF talent exchange. Good luck!

 

[EZ3]

I love me some 2001 ECW or WCW, and having some creativity over realism toward the roster should be fun. Give me a recovered Bret Hart as the ECW Heavyweight Champion.

Happy to catch another project from the start, so I'll be following along as always.

Pay out the Time Warner deal and get 'Big Sexy' in this thing. Nash = buys!

 

[Stojy]

Extreme Championship Wrestling
ECW Hardcore TV
ECW Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 16th, 2001​

*GUILTY AS CHARGED RECAP VIDEO*

The ECW Arena is jam packed, as the first show of the new era of extreme hits the airwaves. Loud, enthusiastic, passionate, the fans are already delivering an atmosphere that can only be seen on an episode of ECW. As the hard camera focuses in on the ring, we notice JOEY STYLES and JOEL GERTNER standing in the middle of the ring. Both men can’t suppress the smiles on their faces, ecstatic to be back doing the job for the organisation they love. The loyal ECW fans are giving the announcers a massive ovation as well, before the oh so famous “ECDUB” chant commences. The cheers and chants go on for what feels like an eternity, over and over again, until finally, a beaming Joey Styles puts the microphone to his mouth.

Joey Styles: Welcome to ECW Hardcore TV!

Another BOOMING pop, followed by more “ECDCUB” chants, causing Joey to have to wait before speaking all over again.

Joey Styles: Now we don’t want to bore you with all the details of what’s been happening since the last ECW program aired. For those of you who don’t remember that show was our January 7th pay per view, Guilty As Charged. Since that show, ECW almost went out of business, until Paul Heyman managed to save the day.

“PAUL E” chants, because Heyman’s the man in ECW.

Joey Styles: We’ve now got pay per views scheduled every month until the rest of the year. Nobody cares about TNN anymore because we are now airing on the USA Network, and nothing is going to stop us from continuing to present the hardcore revolution to all you people.

Another loud pop, as Joey delivers his messaging as passionate as ever.

Joey Styles: For those of you viewing for the first time on USA, I am ‘The Voice of ECW’, Joey Styles. To my right, is my broadcast colleague, who I will allow to introduce himself.

The fans murmur in anticipation, knowing we might be getting some version of a Gertner intro.

Joel Gertner: Well… Well…Well…

BIG pop as the hairy chested announcer struts his stuff, wearing an open blazer with nothing underneath as per usual.

Joel Gertner: I am Joel ‘Hotter than a fifteen year old in a Field Hockey Skirt’ Gertner…

Yikes. The fans enjoy it inside the arena, but USA Network probably won’t. Realising he needs to get things back on track, Styles takes over.

Joey Styles: As much as tonight is a celebration of extreme, it’s not all good news tonight. As a matter of fact, we may have some bad news to start off this brand new era. Looking to address this early, I’d like to invite the ECW World and Television Champion Rhino to the ring…

“Debonaire” immediately begins playing throughout the ECW arena, and it doesn’t take long for the ECW WORLD AND TELEVISION CHAMPION RHINO to storm through the curtain. Both titles strapped around his waist, the double champ wastes no time trekking down the ramp and into the ring, his usual intense, furious scowl on his face. As Rhino paces the ring, Styles and Gertner both look intimidated, so rather than speaking, they step back and offer a mic to Rhino.

Rhino: ECW is back, and I’m sure that makes a lot of people happy. My job since joining ECW and joining Cyrus in “The Network” was to be the enforcer of the group. Cyrus pointed his finger and I destroyed.

Major heat for the mentions of The Network and Cyrus. Rhino seems calmer than usual now – different.

Rhino: I’m out here to announce that I’m not back here tonight to continue doing the same job. Timing has always been a son of a bitch in my lifetime and this return of ECW, it’s no different.

He pauses, mulling over his next words carefully.

Rhino: But I’m not upset at the announcement I’m out here to make tonight. I don’t want any sympathy or cheers for what I’m about to say. This isn’t a sad moment for me, because quite frankly, I’m happy. Getting out of the bingo hall has been something I’ve dreamed of.

A shudder of understanding reverberates around the arena, clear where this is going now.

Rhino: I’m not just out here tonight to address the rumours about me, I’m here to confirm them. I’ve signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation and will be heading up to Connecticut this weekend.

Surprisingly, the announcement incites a huge pop from the fans. This reaction infuriates Rhino, as he begins pacing around the ring.

Rhino: That’s the reaction I get for keeping this company going all on my own… You are all pieces of shit, just like ECW.

The double champ now unstraps the titles from his waist, holding them both in his hands.

Rhino: I’m wiping my hands clean of this shithole. Unlike The Dudleyz or Mike Awesome or Tazz… I don’t want my name stained with the reputation of ECW. I don’t wanna’ leave ECW with any ECW gold.

He looks down at the titles, almost in disgust.

Rhino: I fought for these once but now I know better. It was cool to have these while I was here because it was a reason to not kill myself. But that’s done now, and as far as I’m concerned, the WWF, where I’m going, I’m not taking these. It would be an embarrassment to carry around pieces of shit like these.

Rhino looks prepared to drop the titles when “Extreme” hits over the PA system to a tremendous ovation as PAUL HEYMAN steps onto the stage. Much like Rhino earlier, the owner of ECW walks with a purpose, adjusting his leather jacket and entering the ring. A stern look on his face, Heyman doesn’t talk, instead he offers out a handshake to Rhino. Rhino takes a moment to think about it, before he begrudgingly accepted the handshake.

Heyman then held both hands out, willing to accept the titles, but Rhino doesn’t give them up straight away.

Rhino: You will get these in just a moment but before you do, I just wanted to say something. It’s been a pleasure working for a piece of shit like you.

Rhino smirks, and so does Heyman.

Rhino: There’s a lot of them in the wrestling business, but out of all the pieces of shit, I want you to know, you reeked the most.

It’s hard to tell whether Rhino is reminiscing or insulting, so Heyman remains cautious. Rhino finally hands both championship belts over to Heyman, and prepares to exit the ring, when an oh so familiar voice can be heard.

???: Excuse me! Whoa, whoa, cut it out right now…

UNGODLY would be the word to describe the heat, as the headset wearing CYRUS charges down the ramp. Of course, he speaks as he heads towards the ring.

Cyrus: That’s enough. We need to stop the broadcast due to the network’s problems with the current situation.

Boos ring out as it seems like Cyrus is looking to continue with his usual messaging. Everybody is a little confused by it though, however as Cyrus steps through the ropes, Joey Styles takes the opportunity to speak up.

Joey Styles: Uh, Paul, we haven’t heard from you. You haven’t said a word yet.

Joey offers the mic over to Heyman, who accepts. The fans begin cheering wildly, and when Cyrus begins to speak, Heyman gets right in his face, stopping him, eliciting another big reaction.

Paul Heyman: Cyrus, have you forgotten where the hell you are?

Now Cyrus looks confused, shaking his head. He knows exactly where he is apparently.

Paul Heyman: Let me remind you, this is not TNN anymore. Your run as tyrant is over, this is a brand new network. A brand new ECW, a brand new start.

Another pop as Heyman remains right in Cyrus’ face.

Paul Heyman: Just in case you’re lost, more importantly than all of that, do you know where you’re standing right now? This isn’t the Hammerstein Ballroom, this is where it all began, this is the ECW ARENA!!!

Epic response from the fans, followed by another “ECDUB” chant. All the men standing in the ring can do is listen in awe, until Cyrus finally speaks up, a smug look on his face.

Cyrus: Paul, you must not have received the memo so let me now take the time to explain something to you. The reason I’m here is quite simple. Jamie Kellner, you know Jamie, the head of the USA Network, well, safe to say she does her research. She was so impressed with the work I did at TNN. Impressed enough that she went ahead and hired me as a consultant for Hardcore TV here on the USA Network! So-…

Amongst the boos, a frustrated, confused, concerned Heyman cuts Cyrus off.

Paul Heyman: Since you’re so close to Jamie Kellner, let me ask you, what’s the point of all this?

The owner of ECW shakes his head in disbelief.

Paul Heyman: After just striking a deal, does Jamie Kellner not trust me.

A shit eating grin appears across the face of Cyrus.

Cyrus: Simply, no.

Heyman remains silent, discontent to say the least.

Cyrus: Here’s how this is going to work. You’ll do nothing with the World and TV Titles until we have all discussed it behind closed doors.

Still annoyed, Heyman looks ready to leave the ring, only to turn back to Cyrus.

Paul Heyman: I want you to know that I don’t care what your position is. Consultant or not, this is still ECW, this is still my company.

With that, Heyman drops the mic and exits the ring with both belts. As he leaves the ring, Styles and Gertner take it as their queue to head to the announce position in the Eagle’s Nest.

A rather anticlimactic ending it seems, as now Rhino prepares to quietly exit, but Cyrus surprisingly puts a hand on his shoulder.

Cyrus: We’ve had good times, but business is business, and now that you’re leaving, there’s debts to be paid. Let me remind you that you’re still owned by the network, and you still owe quite a bit of service.

Boos for the word from Cyrus, as Rhino looks genuinely shocked that Cyrus is speaking to him this way.

Rhino: You need to be really careful right now. I owe nobody nothing and the only person that “owns” me, and even then it’s a stretch, would be the man I’m going to work for. As far as I’m concerned, the only person who can tell me what to do is Vince McMahon, and soon enough, even he’ll find out that’s reaching.

Pop for Rhino’s words, but Cyrus shows irritation, getting in his face now.

Cyrus: I don’t need to be careful. I’ll talk to you how I see fit because I’ve had to bite my tongue for too long. You are worthless to me. You’ve always been nothing but a pawn.

Cyrus pauses, before continuing his tirade.

Cyrus: You were just the big, dumb guy at the right place at the right time. There were never any long term plans from either network to keep you as our top guy. You were nominated as a transitional champion; you were nothing more than a go between for Steve Corino.

Rhino’s temper is clearly bubbling now, as he gets red faced. Oh and the fans boo the mention of ‘The King Of Old School’ too.

Cyrus: So good luck, goodbye and good riddance. Enjoy jobbing to Al Snow and Bob Holly on Sunday Night Heat!

Letting out an arrogant laugh, Cyrus turns to leave…

Rhino: Wait, Cyrus…

Cyrus turns around… RHINO RUNS THROUGH CYRUS WITH THE GORE!!!

It’s a feel good farewell for Rhino, getting cheers and chants of “RHINO”, as he stands over his former friend. Rhino surveys the ECW arena one last time, enjoying his moment, but also ready to head to the WWF, as we fade into the opening credits…

*OPENING CREDITS*

Match One
The Full Blooded Italians (Little Guido and Tony Mamluke) w/Sal. E Graziano vs. The Unholy Alliance w/The Sinister Minister

Tajiri did most of the work in this one from the side of The Unholy Alliance. He worked incredibly hard, using his blended style, consisting of Japanese stiffness, martial art skills and some American style technical wrestling. Not only does he look good, but the match goes down well, with Tajiri happy to go against either member of The FBI, and keep the exchange entertaining.

As things progressed, a heat period developed where The FBI managed to isolate Tajiri from his teams corner. On top of this, The FBI have never been afraid to bend the rules, and as the ref stopped Mikey from making the save, Big Sal joined in, the beating on Tajiri now becoming a three on one.

Showing his resilience, ‘The Japanese Buzzsaw’ managed to stay in the contest and eventually fight back, before making the hot tag to Mikey.

Mikey immediately sprinted into the ring… LANDING A RUNNING DROPKICK INTO BIG SAL’S GUT!!!

As Sal staggers backwards, flailing his arms for balance, he ends up falling and tumbling through the ropes, hilariously taking Mamaluke out with him. This leaves Mikey and Guido in the ring, and Mikey has his way for a little while, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH THE WHIPPERSNAPPER!!!

With Guido down, Mikey tags Tajiri back in who stands over Guido for a moment… STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS!!!

TAJIRI STAYS ON TOP FOR THE PIN…1…2…3!!!

Winners: The Unholy Alliance via pinfall ​

The bell rings and whilst The Unholy Alliance celebrate their victory amongst the adulation from the crowd, it’s a different store for The FBI. Big Sal helps hoists Mamaluke and Guido to their feet, the Italian trio licking their wounds and heading to the back.

Meanwhile, The Sinister Minister cuts his teams celebration short, fetching a mic.

The Sinister Minister: My unholy alliance has started the new era of ECW just as we finished the old one. Between tonight’s win and the win at Guilty As Charged, we want to call our shot. We should be the number one contenders for the ECW Tag Team Championships. We want Doring and Roadkill at Living Dangerously.

TSM keeps it short and simple tonight, and whilst The Unholy Alliance continues to celebrate, there’s a steely determination in their eyes. They really do want those titles…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK* ​

Returning from the break, a video package plays. It focuses on action taking place in Japan, mainly SCOTT NORTON destroying multiple people with devastating Lariats during his current tour in Japan…

Joey Styles: That’s right. One of the hardest hitting big men in the history of professional wrestling, Scott Norton is coming to ECW…

Joel Gertner: We need to batten down the hatches, that guy looks scary…

…

Match Two
CW Anderson vs. Spike Dudley

Even though it happened over a month ago now, for the sake of continuity, CW Anderson is furious after his loss to Tommy Dreamer at Guilty As Charged. So furious in fact, that he comes out like a raging bull, steaming from the nostrils and makes absolutely light work of the man who in the past has been known as a giant killer.

There’s no giant killing from Spike tonight as CW unleashes an onslaught of power moves, rendering Spike defenceless from quite early on. Spike does his best to survive, but never really looks close to doing anything to worry CW, until ANDERSON DECIDES TO DRILL HIM WITH THE SPINEBUSTER!!!

CW HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…3!!!

Winner: CW Anderson via pinfall
​

The fans aren’t to pleased with the result, as CW gets back to his feet. Having barely broken a sweat, Anderson celebrated amongst the heat, until he notices the rather large BIG DICK DUDLEY heading down the ramp. BD Dudley steps into the ring, and attempts to help the referee peel his brother off the canvas, when Anderson approaches.

Not in the mood, Big Dick stands up tall, and he and CW go face to face… UNTIL CW SLAPS BIG DICK!!!

DUDLEY RESPONDS WITH A SLAP OF HIS OWN!!!

The blow staggered CW somewhat, so Big Dick wraps his hand around Anderson’s throat… CHOKESLAM!!!

NO!!! ANDERSON GETS A KICK TO THE GROIN!!!

The low blow causes Big Dick to let go of CW, and stagger, UNTIL ANDERSON DRILLS BIG DICK DUDLEY WITH A SPINEBUSTER AS WELL!!!

Getting back to his feet, having sent a message, CW looks like he’s snapped after losing at Guilty As Charged. He looks downright scary…

…

In a random room backstage, CYRUS stands with JERRY LYNN, the two in the middle of what looks like a serious conversation. Cyrus isn’t showing any emotion, whilst Lynn runs his hands through his hair, animated and maybe a little distressed as we start picking up audio.

Jerry Lynn: Ugh, I still can’t believe it. I don’t even have the words, I’m outraged. I blew my chance to finally rid ECW of Van Dam.

Lynn beats himself up, looking down at the ground. Cyrus doesn’t comfort him, instead nodding in agreement.

Cyrus: I can’t disagree with you, Jerry. Guilty As Charged was disappointing. You have indeed failed big time, and the network isn’t happy.

That doesn’t improve Lynn’s mood at all.

Cyrus: But thankfully, this new consultant position with USA gives me the chance to still have input in decision making. I’ve talked it over with Paul E and we’ve come to a decision.

Cyrus face doesn’t give anything away, as Jerry looks on, suddenly hopeful.

Cyrus: March seventh, at Living Dangerously, you’ll get another chance. Jerry Lynn and RVD will do battle for the last time. And to add to the stakes, this time, the match will be for the vacant ECW Television Championship. Now Jerry, there’s a lot of reward up for grabs but it’s also a lot of responsibility. The TV Title was on its way to becoming the most prestigious championship in wrestling before RVD’s injury. This is your moment, Jerry, and now is time for you to take the title past expectations.

Lynn nodded, taking a deep breath, understanding the responsibility but grateful for the opportunity…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Match Three
Lance Storm vs. Rob Van Dam

That’s right, it’s Lance Storm’s return to ECW and we aren’t pussy footing around, we’re putting him in with one of the biggest ECW stars of all time, RVD. As probably expected, the two have a fantastic match. Ever the tactician, identifying the threat of RVD’s athleticism, Storm manages to ground Van Dam, focusing his attack largely on Van Dam’s legs. As he’s doing damage, the Canadian even lets the fans know, “he’s not going high risk tonight”!

After doing significant damage to RVD, Storm looks to impress in his return, locking in the CALGARY CRAB!!! Storm really pushes for the win, leaning back, applying as much pressure as possible, to the point where RVD’s heels almost touch his own shoulders due to his insane flexibility. Despite the torque on the hold, and having it locked in for a while, Storm doesn’t pick up the submission win. RVD shows tremendous heart, AND RVD MAKES IT TO THE ROPES!!!

At the request of the referee, Storm breaks the hold. With a sense of frustration, Storm motions of RVD to get up, waiting for him to do so. Van Dam uses the ropes to get to his feet… STORM RUNS AT RVD… BUT VAN DAM DUCKS HIS HEAD… CATCHING STORM WITH A BACK BODY DROP OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE OUTSIDE!!!

Storm lands with a thud on the concrete floor, causing the fans to groan at the impact. Storm leans on the crowd barricade, using it to get back to his feet, whilst RVD heads to the outside and picks up a STEEL CHAIR. RVD holds the chair and ascends to the top rope, as Storm pushes off the crowd barricade. Thinking fast, RVD tosses the chair to Storm, who catches it instinctively, so RVD LEAPS OFF THE TOP… MODIFIED VAN DAMINATOR!!!

The extreme fans serenade Van Dam with chants of “RVD”. Storm is flat on his back on the concrete floor now, not showing any signs of life. Sensing his chance, RVD works his way back into the ring and leaps up to the top rope again. RVD IS READY FOR THE FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH TO THE OUTSIDE!!!

NO!!! VAN DAM GETS WALLOPED FROM BEHIND WITH A SINGAPORE CANE!!!

BY JUSTIN CREDIBLE!!!

Van Dam falls off his perch, landing on the floor, but it’s an awkward landing, as he basically lands on his head. With RVD down and Credible smirking, the heat goes up to VOLCANIC levels as JASON appears at ringside. ‘The Sexiest Man Alive’ is back in ECW, and on commentary, Joey Styles immediately begins freaking out, “HIVES… I’VE GOT HIVES”! Jason picks up Van Dam’s prone body and slides him back inside of the ring.

He then helps Storm to his feet, and Storm slides back into the ring. Justin Credible pulls RVD to his feet, holding him in position… SUPERKICK!!!

STORM MAKES THE COVER…1…2…3!!!

Winner: Lance Storm via pinfall​

It’s clear for all to see that The Impact Players are reunited. Storm, Credible and Jason all share a hug, feeling exuberant with Storm picking up a gigantic victory over RVD. As the celebration continues, Storm eventually leans through the ropes, grabbing himself a mic from the ringside crew.

Lance Storm: If I can be serious for a minute… You’re all privileged to witness the reunion of The Impact Players. And our first point of call is to right the wrongs of the one match already confirmed for Living Dangerously. I just proved that I deserve the TV Title match more than Van Dam.

The fans disagree vehemently, as Credible cocks his Cane and takes the mic.

Justin Credible: We’ve got nothing but time to wait for the right decision to be made. We’ll continue to make an example out of Van Dam right here. We’ll take up the rest of the show if that’s what it takes for us to get our way.

Before they can inflict anymore substantial damage outside of a few stomps, “Enter Sandman” gets the fans cheering like crazy. The cameras pick up THE SANDMAN working his way through the crowd, more hurriedly than normal, drinking his beer and walking at the same time. The Sandman gets through the adoring, extreme fans, and heads right into the ring, looking to get some of The Impact Players.

Storm and Jason immediately leave the ring, but confident in his own weapon, Credible remains. When Sandman gets inside properly… CREDIBLE TAKES A SWING… NO!!! SANDMAN DUCKS CREDIBLE’S CANE SHOT!!!

SANDMAN THEN CRACKS HIS CANE RIGHT INTO THE RIBS OF CREDIBLE!!!

The fans begin another “ECDUB” chant, as Credible runs around the ring, clutching at his back in agony. SANDMAN SWINGS AGAIN… BUT THIS TIME CREDIBLE DROPS TO THE CANVAS AND ESCAPES UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!

The Impact Players hightail it to the back, as Sandman stands tall, enjoying the moment. Meanwhile, the referee checks on RVD, who is still clearly struggling…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

Returning from the break, two unknown men are standing in the ring. They both look young, one with longish blonde hair and tattoos, the other with short black hair. The two are greeted by silence from the ECW faithful, and even some heckles, because again, this is ECW. Nobody has a clue who these two are, even our commentary team, and then one of them grabs a microphone, talking over the smattering of confused murmuring from the fans.

???: My name is CM PUNK, and this guy right here is my good friend and tag team partner, COLT CABANA. We are The Second City Saints. Of course, that means we’re from Chicago. We also don’t do drugs, don’t do alcohol and don’t smoke tobacco, we are straight edge. That doesn’t mean we’re better than anybody else, but we are the greatest wrestlers on the independent scene.

The fans boo, there’s a hint of arrogance to this Punk guy, and ECW fans think straight edge is lame in 2001. Punk hands the mic over to Cabana.

Colt Cabana: We’ve seen what some wrestlers in the past have done in ECW, and like every other smart person in the business, we’ll do the same thing. We plan on using ECW as a stepping stone to greener pastures. Please, understand, that’s our career plan and ambition, we say that with no disrespect whatsoever.

Regardless of the mention of no disrespect, the fans aren’t happy, starting a “SHUT THE FUCK UP” chant. The Second City Saints are surprised at the reaction, but before they can say anything else, “Electric Molecular” plays, bringing out CHRISTIAN YORK AND JOEY MATTHEWS. The young duo gets a pleasant response from the fans, mainly because the fans are happy Punk and Cabana have been interrupted. Inside the ring, York gets a mic of his own, looking the debutants up and down like he's some kind of veteran.

Christian York: We couldn’t help but overhear and came out here to ask a pretty simple question. Why are you guys really here? Because quite frankly, something about you two seemed familiar and then we figured out what it was. You two seem like a couple of York and Matthews rip offs, because you’re repeating history. We said the exact same thing our first night here.

York and Matthews wait for the duo to respond, with the slightly more confrontational CM Punk taking the mic back from Cabana.

CM Punk: Oh really? You said the same thing on your first night here, yet you’re still here. How long ago was that?

Punk’s tone is laced in sarcasm, and York and Matthews don’t like it. Joey Matthews steps up and nails Punk with a right hand, AND A BRAWL BREAKS OUT BETWEEN ALL FOUR MEN!!!

The ECW Arena is more exciting now, with all four duking it out, as a referee runs out. It wouldn’t be ECW without an impromptu match, baby…

Match Four
Christian York and Joey Matthews vs. The Second City Saints

Whilst the referee calls for the bell, that’s really the only part of this match which resembles a standard tag team match. The brawl started prior to the bell and doesn’t stop, so there isn’t really any waiting for tags, and isolation, it’s instead just chaos. Cabana and York pair off against each other and are quick to take their fight to the outside. It’s on the outside of the ring, where both men are happy to accept weapons from the fans to then use on each other to great success.

Meanwhile, back inside the ring, things between Matthews and Punk do settle down somewhat. It’s still heated but they transition from a brawl into a wrestling contest, both wanting to outwrestle the other. Punk shows that he’s more than adequate, however Matthews has the slight experience advantage and is able to use that to stay a step or two ahead throughout.

Towards the end of the match, Cabana and York end up back on the outside, however York gets the upper hand. After beating up Cabana at ringside, he tosses him over the crowd barricade and into the crowd. With Cabana disposed of, York turned his attention back to the action in the ring… Where Matthews has placed Punk in a seated position on the top rope. After landing a few right hands, Matthews climbs up after Punk… HURRICANRANA FROM THE TOP ROPE!!!

NO!!! PUNK LOCKS HIS LEGS ON THE MIDDLE ROPE… HOLDING ONTO MATTHEWS AND LEAVING HIM DANGLING UPSIDE DOWN IN MID AIR!!!

Both men are in an awkward struggle now, with Punk trying to reverse it, but unable to heave Matthews back up. This is because Matthews is squirming like crazy, staying away from Punk’s grip, but also ensuring he doesn’t fall and land on his head. Matthews face starts going red, all the blood rushing to his head, when York senses the time to strike is now. York slides into the ring and looks to run towards the corner, when coming from nowhere, CABANA INTERCEPTS WITH THE FLYING ASSHOLE!!!

Cabana leaps into the air and uses his, erm, rump to nail York right in the face. York goes down like he has been shot, which gets a chuckle from some of the fans. As this is happening, Punk finally manages to get Matthews where he wants him, unhooking his legs, letting him down and then trapping Matthews head between Punk’s legs… PEPSI PLUNGE CONNECTS!!!

A massive “OH MY GAAAAWD” from Joey Styles is heard from up in the Eagles Nest, as Punk just drilled Matthews. Even an “ECDUB” chant starts up for the impressive move from the newcomer, as with a tinge of arrogance in his smirk, Punk gets back to his feet. Punk stands guard, ensuring York won’t interrupt, allowing CABANA TO HOOK MATTHEWS LEG…1…2…3!!! ​

Winners: The Second City Saints via pinfall
​

It’s safe to say there are no hecklers for The Second City Saints after that result and performance. The silence and snickering from the fans are replaced by applause, as that was a very impressive debut. The Saints share a hug, ready to celebrate the night away, soberly of course, when Punk diverts his eyes to the entrance ramp, where FRANCINE is now standing. ‘The Queen Of Extreme’ is wearing a tiny dress, TITS OUT~!, and looks enticed by the two youngsters, her teeth seductively biting down on her pointer finger. Both the Saints are a little befuddled by it all, as Francine simply waves seductively at them and then leaves, vanishing just as quickly as she arrived…

…

Backstage, inside of a locker room, we see STEVE CORINO preparing as he will be competing in tonight’s main event. That really shouldn’t be all that surprising considering my love of Corino in my other ECW BTB. Anyway, Corino is getting ready when he’s approached by his old friend, CW ANDERSON. After an aggressive, dominant performance earlier tonight, CW looks to be a fair bit calmer now.

CW Anderson: Hey man, good luck in the main event tonight, I know you’ve got this… Uh, look, I hate to distract you, but I need a favour. Can you help me out? I need you to go to Cyrus and get me a rematch with Dreamer at Living Dangerously. I’m not asking for much, I don’t care what the stipulation is. Hell, I’d put it all on the line, even if the loser had to leave town.

Corino stops preparing for his match, hearing his friend out. Ever the thinking man, Corino takes a moment or two, considering before replying.

Steve Corino: You know there’s no such thing as a free favour in this business. If The Network does a favour for you, you can get your bottom dollar, you have to do a favour for The Network.

CW nods, understanding, when out of nowhere, CYRUS appears from the shadows, having apparently been in the room the entire time. Since he wasn’t in plain sight, CW is shocked to see him, but it’s clear by his facial expression, Corino knew he was there the entire time. Cyrus grimaces as he approaches, favouring his ribs after receiving The Gore earlier tonight.

Cyrus: You know I have the power to make the rematch, but let me be less veiled than Steve was. Your rematch is granted if your loyalty and undivided attention is given to the Network and all it entails.

Cyrus puts out his hand, and Anderson needs no time to think. He accepts the handshake, and then shares one with Corino as well.

CW Anderson: I’m in. I’ll even disown the Hardcore wrestling style I’ve adopted since coming to ECW if I have to…

A devious smirk appears over the face of Cyrus, having seemingly roped in another follower…

…

Before heading to a break, we head up to The Eagles Nest, where JOEY STYLES AND JOEL GERTNER are watching on.

Joey Styles: What a night it has been so far. We’ve had the now former ECW World and Television Champion forfeit the titles and announce that he’s leaving ECW for the World Wrestling Federation. Rhino capped off his farewell in style, delivering a bone crushing Gore to Cyrus. At this stage, we still don’t know anything about what will happen to the titles Rhino forfeited other than that they are currently vacant. Speaking of Cyrus, I speak for ECW when I say we were all hoping he wouldn’t be here in the new ECW, but apparently Jamie Kellner from USA Network has hired him as a consultant. I wish somebody would have consulted me on that hire.

Joel Gertner: We don’t always see eye to eye, Joey, but even I can admit, the acquisition of Cyrus to the USA Network is terrible for us. I can’t stand that guy. Being it’s ECW’s first night back though, I’m going to try and keep it positive, we’ve still got New Jack versus Steve Corino in the main event.

Joey Styles: One of the men most equipped with ECW’s style of hardcore wrestling against one of the men who likes to avoid that more than anybody. It’s going to be fascinating, but before we get to that, we’ve got to head to a break and there’s plenty more to come.

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

Match Five
Kid Kash vs. Monty Brown

Maybe a little unexpected since I’ve booked Kash strong in the past, but this is a squash win for Monty Brown. There isn’t a lot to this one, Monty is dominant but he’s also green so not a lot happens here. His impressive look and charisma shines through, as he pinballs Kash around the ring, before decking him with a Lariat! He then peels Kash off the canvas… AND DRILLS KASH WITH A POWERBOMB!!!

The velocity and impact mean he could probably win the match now, but instead of going for the cover, Brown drags Kash to his feet again. The defenceless Kash is Irish Whipped into the ropes, as Brown charges from the other side… POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUNCE!!!

Brown sends Kash flying across the ring, BEFORE MAKING A RELAXED COVER…1…2…3!!!

Winner: Monty Brown via pinfall​

The dominant win gets Brown a nice pop, but he isn’t overly concerned with celebrating. Instead, much like others tonight, he needs to establish himself as a character to these ECW fans, so he gets a mic.

Monty Brown: That was just a taste of what I can do. For all y’all that don’t know, I’m like both the Road Warriors rolled into one big Nope, and I’m gunning for the ECW Title. I’m not wasting any time either.

Having sent a message, the newcomer Monty Brown signals for gold around his waist, before exiting the ring and heading up the ramp…

…

Well, we’ve just had an African American drop an n bomb, so it feels appropriate to now cut to a pre-taped vignette from RON HARRIS AND DON HARRIS, THE HARRIS TWINS. Both sit, staring into the camera.

Ron Harris: Our motivation for coming back to ECW is easy to understand. We joined up in WCW because it was a good ol’ boys promotion where white was right. Laced with tradition and old school values, but next thing we knew, things changed. There were jews, latins, blacks and all sorts of gooks runnin’ around hoggin’ up TV time.

Well, they aren’t holding back.

Don Harris: That didn’t work for us, so we’re back at The ECDUBYA. Here, we know we can get on TV, be tested, and get some good competition. More importantly than that, we can continue our path towards white power. White privilege, dominance and prominence within the wrestling industry.

Don now looks over to brother Ron, who finishes up.

Ron Harris: You will all be seeing us real soon. ECW, I guess sometimes you gotta’ start at the bottom to make your way to the top.

That’s the end of the promo. Just calling out, I know the Monty promo and this one potentially will rub some people the wrong way, because it’s controversial. But this is ECW, and I feel these are realistic topics to be explored in this environment in 2001…

…

Standing inside of the ring is ring announcer, BOB ARTESE.

Bob Artese: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the ECW Arena, the QVC and Nashville Radio Host extraordinaire, DON WEST!

DON WEST makes his way out from the back, a big smile on his face. Whilst it’s clear the fans don’t really know who he is, the mention of the word Nashville means he’s getting SHITTED on by the fans. As West gets in the ring, he fetches a mic, before standing next to a table which has been set up. The table has different pieces of ECW merchandise on it.

West rummages through the table before holding up a Rob Van Dam t-shirt.

Don West: Okay, just a quick intermission prior to the main event and we’ve got some merchandise that will blow your socks off. Look at this, AN AUTHENTIC RVD TSHIRT…GEM…MINT… TEN!!!

The reaction is awful; the fans are booing the hell out of West now. He puts the t-shirt down, and places an ECW branded baseball cap on his own head.

Don West: This ECW cap is the perfect gift… IT’S SO AWESOME IT’S STUPID!!!

The reaction is getting worse if possible, as the fans now break out into a “GET THE FUCK OUT” chant. West’s demeanour begins to falter, the smile wavers from his face, before quickly coming back. He places the baseball cap back on the table, now picking up a Spike Dudley action figure.

Don West: He didn’t do that well tonight, but you can play with the SPIKE DUDLEY ACTION FIGURE~!

Suddenly, West stops selling the products, as he has to begin hopping around the ring, TO DODGE THE TRASH THAT FANS HAVE STARTED THROWING AT HIM!!!

This is ECW, the fans may just start rioting as they keep throwing garbage. Suddenly, West snaps, throwing the Spike action figure to the canvas, and knocking the other merch he presented off the table. He then begins jumping up and down, stomping all over the merch in fury.

Of course, this gets the fans to cheer, which sends West further over the edge.

Don West: I’ve had enough; I’m leaving but you will all be sorry…

Dropping the mic, West leaves the ring and runs up the ramp, looking extremely uncoordinated as he does so. The fans cheer loudly, giving one of the loudest reactions of the night, just happy that Don West and his merch selling ways are no longer bothering them…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Match Six
New Jack vs. Steve Corino

Once he’s in the ring, it’s clear for all to see that Steve Corino is absolutely petrified. He circles repeatedly inside the ring, waiting for New Jack to show up, but Corino looks like he feels threatened. On commentary, Joey Styles explains how this is a slightly different scenario to what the ‘King Of Old School’ is familiar with. Usually, being that this is ECW, he’s forced into Hardcore matches, but he finds a way to use his technical wrestling ability to win those matches anyway. The difference is the main event tonight isn’t against just any other ECW wrestler; it’s a fight against New Jack.

It doesn’t take long for Corino’s worst nightmare to come true, as New Jack’s music hits and he comes out with a guitar in his possession. Getting a huge reaction from the fans, Jack jives and strums the guitar, whilst also somehow pushing his usual shopping cart full of weapons to ringside. If he wasn’t in a panic before, Corino’s eyes go wide at the sight of all the weapons, and he’s definitely panicking now.

Once New Jack gets inside the ring, throwing a bunch of weapons in first, the match begins. Corino blatantly refuses to engage with Jack, frustrating both his opponent and the fans. Not wanting to get cornered in the ring or anywhere else for that matter, Corino ends up running away from New Jack. The chase goes inside and outside of the ring, with Jack basically chasing Corino around the ECW Arena.

The odd moment when Jack is able to catch or trap Corino, he begins laying a beating on The Network favourite. This includes the odd introduction of a weapon or two, but nothing crazy by New Jack standards. Eventually Corino manages to escape again, and this time they head backstage, with cameras following in. Corino ends up staggering into one of the bathrooms, Jack hot on his trail, but when New Jack goes in after Corino, he almost immediately comes stumbling back out.

Holding his head, Jack backs off, as CW ANDERSON AND JERRY LYNN start beating the hell out of a New Jack. It’s clear that Corino led Jack into a trap. The trio all beat on Jack, slowly forcing him to head back towards the ring, whilst CYRUS also appears, barking instructions and calling the shots.

Cyrus can’t help but laugh as they all work their way through the ECW fans, who’re the livid with the way Jack is being treated right now. Once they get back inside the ring, the beatdown continues, whilst the referee is given his marching orders by Cyrus. With the referee out of the picture, there’s no option but to call this one a…

No Contest​

The match is over but the beatdown is not, as they all continue to work over New Jack. Funnily enough, they stay true to their mantra, using pro wrestling moves and general brawling, but they refuse to engage in New Jack’s weapon play.

On commentary, Joel Gertner mentions that he’s surprised these scumbags have that type of honour. Anyway, the beatdown continues, until “Enter Sandman” plays, and for the second time tonight, THE SANDMAN is the saviour. This time he jogs down the ramp, not doing his through the crowd entrance again tonight, which causes the ovation he receives to immediately quiet down some.

As soon as The Sandman rolls into the ring, he runs at Cyrus, who hightails it through the ropes before he can get caught. The rest of ‘The Network’ then maul The Sandman and have success, the numbers game able to wear him down as well.

The fans boo the outcome until on his hands and knees, Sandman manages to pick up a Singapore Cane he dropped… AND HE BEGINS SWINGING FOR THE FENCES!!!

Sandman doesn’t connect with anybody, but Corino, Anderson and Lynn all join Cyrus on the outside. They regroup, looking cowardly, as Cyrus whispers to them, whilst Sandman remains armed with his Cane, begging them to come back…

BUT THEN THE SANDMAN GETS SMACKED IN THE BACK WITH TWO SINGAPORE CANES!!!

BY THE IMPACT PLAYERS!!!

JUSTIN CRDEDIBLE AND LANCE STORM are back for revenge from earlier tonight, and they constantly wear out Sandman with Cane shots. The Cane’s end up bent out of shape and unusable, but they aren’t done, as Storm and Credible send The Sandman to the outside.

With the help of their manager, JASON, they grab Sandman, who is helpless and drag him up the ramp and out of shot.

Meanwhile, at ringside, Corino, Lynn and Anderson get back into the ring to continue to destroy New Jack, as Cyrus grabs a mic to be heard.

Cyrus: Eliminate him. Get rid of New Jack and the garbage from ECW completely…

But New Jack has had time to recover, and he fights for his life against all three men. He manages to get to his cart, using stop signs, cookie sheets, his guitar, and a trash can to survive. Freaking out, Lynn and CW escape to the outside yet again, but this time Jack stops Corino before he can escape.

Corino begs for mercy, as New Jack puts him in a Side Headlock, but then picks up the stapler. He puts it to Corino’s head, as the rest of The Network are outraged but scared. Jack looks at Cyrus and tells him, “I’M ‘BOUT TO POP THIS MOTHER FUCKER”!!!

Just before Jack can perform the stapling… THE ARENA LIGHTS GO OUT!!!

When they come back on, a man stands in the centre of the ring. Dressed in a white short sleeved shirt, with a tie, the man gets plenty of gasps from audience…

IT’S STEVEN RICHARDS!!!

Richards moves forward quickly… STEVIE KICK TO NEW JACK!!!

Jack crumbles, damn near unconscious as the shot, whilst Anderson, Lynn and especially Corino look relieved. As the others join them in the ring, Cyrus is laughing hysterically, it seems he had this plan in his back pocket all along.

Lynn and Anderson help Corino back to his feet, as Stevie stands in the centre of the ring. Getting major heat, he looks around the ECW Arena, the fans completely pissed off and going absolutely bonkers.

Richards raises his arm in the air and pumps it up and down, and ode to his previous ECW gimmick, before he straightens up his tie, and shares an overly friendly handshake with Cyrus.

If the reaction before was bad, it just increased tenfold, Richards standing alongside the most hated men in ECW, as we fade away…

…

And into a set of PULP FICTION~! Interviews which will end the show…

The first one is in direct response to the ending to the show, with THE IMPACT PLAYERS AND JASON dragging THE SANDMAN through a parking lot. As they get close to a car we can only assume is theirs, Jason pops the trunk, and the trio look set to throw Sandman in the trunk… But Sandman begins fighting back, shocking everybody. They are unable to get Sandman in the trunk, and he continues to hold his own as we fade away…

…

The next scene is a lot more subdued as ROB VAN DAM sits in a locker room engulfed with smoke. Holding an ice pack to his head, RVD seems pretty mellow about his situation.

Rob Van Dam: At this point, Jerry Lynn might be my greatest rival, he’s definitely one of them. And now I get to face him one last time at Living Dangerously.

RVD shrugs, full of confidence.

Rob Van Dam: You wanna’ do this again, Jerry? That’s fine by me, dude. It’ll be an honour, but it’ll be the same result as it usually is. But I promise this time, if you get the chance, Jerry, and you can fracture my skull… You better take that chance, bro. You better smoke me if you got me, because if not, you and your buddy Cyrus will be takin’ a trip to the hospital.

Slightly more intense than usual from Van Dam, as we fade away…

…

The sultry FRANCINE is standing in front of the makeshift interview set, which is a homemade banner hanging on a wall which reads ‘ECW’. She looks hot.

Francine: Tonight was interesting. I went out there and I saw the Second City Saints, and, well, to be honest, I liked what I saw.

That’s all from Francine tonight, looking as seductive as ever as she licks her lips…

…

A camera follows DON WEST, storming through the backstage area. He’s in an absolutely terrible, sulky mood as he heads to the exit.

Don West: Mark my words, I promise that next week, I will do my job. I am going to sell my merchandise, or, or, or else…

Without another look, West leaves the arena in a fury…

…

After not appearing during the show, we see the ECW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS DANNY DORING AND ROADKILL in their locker room. Doring looks as arrogant as ever, whilst Roadkill looks clueless.

Danny Doring: We heard what The Sinister Minister had to say earlier tonight but we disagree. A stupid win over those pizza delivery guys doesn’t entitle Yoshi and the guy from Life Cereal to a title shot.

Doring chuckles at his own insults, whilst Roady pays them no attention.

Roadkill: CHICKENS~!

The tag champs are on the same page, erm, we think…

…

Standing in front of the group behind him, consisting of CW ANDERSON, CYRUS, JERRY LYNN AND STEVE CORINO IS STEVEN RICHARDS. He stands with perfect posture, looking prim and proper, with a simple message.

Steven Richards: WE’RE TAKING OVER!!!

They all wear smug grins, feeling fantastic with how the main event went tonight…

…

Finally, TOMMY DREAMER sits in a dark room. The lights are off, and there’s just a flickering torch light which illuminates his face inconsistently.

Tommy Dreamer: CW, I must say, I’m impressed. It was smart aligning yourself with the Network.

A wry smile appears over the darkened face of Dreamer.

Tommy Dreamer: Well done, because next week, your new alliance will come in handy. You’re going to need all the backup you can get.

Dreamer looks deadly serious.

Tommy Dreamer: You’ll need it all because I’ll have backup to. I’m not coming alone…

As the scene focuses in on Dreamer’s hands, he raises one… AND HOLDS UP FOUR FINGERS, as he continues to stare intently into the camera… The show fading to black…

*END OF SHOW*

…

ECW Living Dangerously 2001
March 4th, 2001
Danbury, Connecticut
O’Neill Centre ​

ECW World Television Championship Match:
LAST TIME EVER:
Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam

Stipulation To Be Announced:
CW Anderson vs. Tommy Dreamer​

 

[Brett]

Love the first show Stojy !

I know you've been jonesing to run an ECW show. While cleaning up the scraps of ECW at this time can be a tall task, blending it with the eventual TNA / ROH guys is a very smart thing to lean into. Interested to see how long before Punk and Cabana are running ECW. The rapid fire promos at the end is what makes ECW so unique and truly so fun to write, you can accomplish so much with little.

And then the cliffhanger at the end....

If I were to guess who Dreamer has in mind I would go
Sabu
Bill Alfonso / Beulah (to match with Cyrus)
Terry Funk
Shane Douglas
Sandman

ECW original squad

 

[Stojy]

Extreme Championship Wrestling
ECW Hardcore TV
ECW Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 23rd, 2001 ​

The show opens with a wide shot of the ECW Arena, and the atmosphere is electric, with the ECW faithful chanting “ECDUB” continuously. After the camera scans the arena, we focus in on inside the ring, where JOEY STYLES stands, surprisingly without Joel Gertner tonight. Styles is suited and booted, microphone in hand, but he isn’t alone, accompanied by the entire NETWORK. That’s right, CW ANDERSON, CYRUS, JERRY LYNN, STEVE CORINO AND STEVEN RICHARDS all surround Joey. They all look smug as hell after their triumphant last week, and Styles doesn’t seem overly comfortable about it all.

Joey can’t even speak, the ovation is insane, with the fans going apeshit like they only can at an ECW event. Slowly, Styles raises the mic to his mouth to formally begin proceedings, HOWEVER CYRUS SNATCHES THE MIC FROM HIS HAND!!!

Cyrus: We don’t need you out here with us tonight, Joey, we can cut our own promo. Get out of our ring!

Major heat from the crowd, as despite being irritated, Styles realises he is outnumbered and quickly leaves. The Network watch on, laughing arrogantly, as Joey hurriedly exits and makes his way up towards the Eagle’s Nest, where JOEL GERTNER is waiting for him.

Cyrus: Now that’s taken care of, I want to take you all back seven days ago and talk about last week. What a glorious plan, what a triumphant return of ECW, The Network shocked the world and welcomed Steven Richards into the fold.

All the other members of The Network give him a golf clap as Richards adjusts his tie, looking self-important. The fans are obviously livid.

Cyrus: This man has shown tremendous growth and personal development, and I couldn’t be prouder. I look back at the man who four years ago lived that hardcore lifestyle and he no longer exists. Steven realised his faults a few months ago, admirably crusading in the World Wrestling Federation, creating the Right To Censor. Whilst things didn’t necessarily go to plan for Steven in the WWF, and the Right To Censor disbanded, it wasn’t due to lack of effort. The Right To Censor did not have the backing required to be successful, but Steven realises his dream can continue within ECW alongside The Network. The mission is the same as it always has been, and Steven will help us CENSOR and PREVENT all things EXTREME within ECW.

The heat is brutal from the fans, unhappy with the mission statement. All of the crew in the ring shake their heads in disbelief at the reaction from the fans, looking down on them. Suddenly, Cyrus motions for Steve Corino to step forward.

Cyrus: To wrap that up, welcome Steven, we are so glad to have you… But now I want to talk about the future of the ECW World Championship…

It’s clear why Cyrus has asked Corino to step forward. ‘The King Of Old School’ has the ECW Championship draped over his shoulder.

Cyrus: A company needs a champion and it’s about time this ECW World Championship is no longer vacant. Therefore, it’s my pleasure to officially recognise Steve Corino as the…

The beat of “Extreme” stops Cyrus from finishing his announcement, and the fed up owner of ECW, PAUL HEYMAN makes his way out to a massive pop. Heyman is all business, stomping down the ramp, and pulling a mic out of his long black trench coat. ECW cap on, Heyman doesn’t fear being alone in the ring with The Network, as he focuses his stare on Cyrus.

Paul Heyman: I’d say I’m sorry that I cut you off, but I’m not. It was needed because whilst Jamie Kellner may have made you her little minion, I think you’ve forgotten how the arrangement works. Consultant or not, Cyrus, you are not the owner of this company. I make the final call on things.

BIG cheers from the fans and Cyrus screws up his face in anger. Maybe Cyrus doesn’t have as much power as he’s once had.

Paul Heyman: I’m a fair man though, Cyrus and I’ll admit, I have to give you some credit. You have a genuinely good idea concerning the World Championship.

Cyrus looks taken aback and Corino smirks, raising the ECW Championship above his head. The fans boo the visual, whilst Heyman shakes his head, indicating that’s not what he meant.

Paul Heyman: Don’t get ahead of yourself there, Corino. You can hold onto that belt as a prop all you want, it’s not official. You are not the champion. In fact, nobody is the champion.

Heyman pauses, mulling over his next words carefully. Everybody, even The Network, is listening intently.

Paul Heyman: But I don’t like the fact that ECW doesn’t have a World Champion so here’s what’s going to happen. I’m combining the idea Cyrus is FORCING me with, being Corino involved in the title picture. I’m combining that with an idea that I came up with, and my idea has direct implications on a match already announced for tonight’s show. Tonight, a title opportunity will be on the line, because the winner of Justin Credible versus The Sandman will face Steve Corino at Living Dangerously for the VACANT World Championship!

The fans appreciate the announcement, cheering loudly. The Network doesn’t look overly impressed, and Corino hurries over to Cyrus, frantically whispering in his ear. After listening for a few moments, Cyrus pats him on the back reassuringly, before speaking.

Cyrus: Much like you told me earlier to understand the arrangement, you need to do the same thing, Heyman. I still represent The Network’s best interests. The Network will not support such an extreme match for a World Title on a marquee pay per view.

Major heat as Cyrus continues.

Cyrus: The Network wants to move away from the stigma of being a blood and guts company. The only way the ECW Title will be up for grabs between Corino and the winner of Sandman and Credible, is if it’s a LEGITIMATE WRESTLING MATCH!!!

More boos from the crowd, with Corino smirking, knowing that suits his style. Heyman just rolls his eyes in response.

Paul Heyman: Okay, deal. It’s no sweat off my back. I think maybe you’ve forgotten that whilst Credible and Sandman have deferred to a hardcore style to entertain the tribe of extreme, there’s more to them than that. Both Credible and Sandman won their first championships in WRESTLING MATCHES. They proved they were the best in the world in wrestling matches, not hardcore brawls.

The confidence of Heyman throws Corino off a little. He’s not as confident as he was, with Cyrus trying to calm him down. Surprisingly, “Man In The Box” then plays over the pa system, with TOMMY DREAMER getting an amazing reaction. CW Anderson begins pacing furiously in the ring, but Tommy shows no fear, stepping into the lions den, not looking worried at all. Even Heyman looks a little confused at the appearance from Dreamer, who acknowledges the look from the boss with a smirk.

Tommy Dreamer: Sorry to interrupt, Paul, but having the entire Network in the ring, I just had to use the opportunity to come out here and say a few things. Firstly, I want to remind everyone of my promise at the end of last week’s show. I want to ensure everyone I’m a man of my word, and I promise tonight to fulfill said promise.

Tommy ironically smiles at how many times he’s said promise in the last ten seconds.

Tommy Dreamer: I said I’d come here this week with back up, and I have done so. But I need something for the back up to be warranted, so here’s the deal. I’m challenging CW Anderson and any member of The Network to face me in a tag team match in tonight’s main event!

The fans are down for the idea, and Heyman looks impressed. CW seems like he wants the mic, but Cyrus jumps on the opportunity instead.

Cyrus: We accept. On behalf of The Network, this is a match that works for USA’s values. It will be CW Anderson and Steve Corino versus Tommy Dreamer and your supposed mystery partner in the main event.

Everybody is in agreement and Tommy is all smiles. He turns to leave the ring, having gotten what he wanted, but stops himself before stepping through the ropes. Dreamer turns back to face The Network.

Tommy Dreamer: One more thing if I may. I just want to remind The Network that tonight…

He pauses, surveying the famous ECW Arena.

Tommy Dreamer: There’s going to be something new here in ECW. Things in the land of extreme just may have to be done…

Tommy holds up the four fingers, much like how last week’s show ended.

Tommy Dreamer: HORSEMEN style, baby!

It’s a mic drop moment from Tommy after that, as everybody in the ring looks shocked, even Heyman. The fans catch on immediately, letting out “WOOO’s”, and there’s even “HORSEMEN” chants breaking out. Amongst the excitement, we cut to our opening…

*OPENING CREDITS*

With the credits done, we focus in at the Eagle’s Nest, where JOEY STYLES and JOEL GERTNER are located.

Joey Styles: You all just heard it at the same time we did. Tonight’s main event will be CW Anderson and Steve Corino against Tommy Dreamer and a mystery partner.

Joel Gertner: And for the second week in a row, Tommy has referenced the Horsemen. There have been multiple variations of the Horsemen throughout the years, so that could mean quite a few people.

Joey Styles: You’re right, and that’s one question we’ll get answered tonight, but there’s plenty more on a STACKED edition of ECW Hardcore TV. Jerry Lynn will go one on one with New Jack, as Jack looks for revenge on The Network for last weeks attack. And as Paul Heyman mentioned earlier, Justin Credible and The Sandman will do battle, with the winner going on to face Steve Corino for the vacant ECW World Championship at Living Dangerously.

Joel Gertner: At the top end of the card, we’ve got some veterans battling it out, but let’s not forget that this is a new era of ECW. Our first match up tonight will see four men make their extreme debut. The team of AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels will take on the team of Hernandez and Homicide, better known as the Latin American Xchange. All four men have a vast amount of independent circuit experience.

Joey Styles: That they do, Joel. This is four wrestlers who are new to ECW, but make no mistake about it, they are four of the best young talent in the world today. Personally, I give the edge to Daniels and Styles in this one, I think their brief time in World Championship Wrestling has them a little more familiar with performing on such a big stage.

Match One
AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels vs. Latin American Xchange

Yeah, so this is awesome. The four men are out to impress tonight, and they put on a fantastic tag team match. Despite some silence early on, the fans are impressed rather quickly, really getting into the match, with the four men proving that ECW will be their stomping grounds for a long time to come. Unlike most ECW matches though, this one doesn’t descend into chaos right away. Instead, we get pure tag team wrestling, relying on tags and double teams, and the ECW fans enjoy it, nonetheless.

Towards the end of the match, we’ve got AJ and Homicide in the ring. AJ is in control… SETTING HOMICIDE UP FOR THE STYLES CLASH!!!

NO!!! HOMICIDE REVERSES…

AND THEN POUNCES WITH THE GRINGO KILLA!!!

HOMICIDE WITH THE PIN…1…2…NO!!!

A 450 SPLASH FROM CHRISTOPHER DANIELS BREAKS UP THE COUNT!!!

The fun exchange earns an “ECDUB” chant from the crowd, however one man none to happy is Hernandez. The big man storms into the ring, grabbing a hold of Daniels and just manhandling him for breaking up the pin. After softening Daniels up… HERNANDEZ HOISTS DANIELS UP IN THE AIR FOR THE BORDER TOSS…

HERNANDEZ RUSHES FORWARD…

WHEN STYLES POPS UP WITH A PELE KICK OUT OF NOWHERE!!!

The blow staggers Hernandez, and as he stumbles backwards, Daniels is able to break free. Daniels drops down behind Hernandez, sitting on the middle rope… ANGELS WINGS OFF THE CORNER!!!

Forgetting about legal men for a moment, Daniels crawls over, ready to pin Hernandez,

WHEN DANIELS GETS DRAGGED OUT OF THE RING…

BY THE SECOND CITY SAINTS!!!

Confusion reigns supreme as CM PUNK AND COLT CABANA begin beating the hell out of Daniels. Immediately noticing what’s happening on the outside, AJ Styles exits to help his partner. The furious AJ joins the fight but with Daniels already down on his hands and knees, AJ falls to the numbers game as well. Much to the dismay of the fans, enforcing Network rules, the referee calls for a disqualification.

Winners: AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels via DQ ​

Despite the bell ringing, the brawl continues with Styles and Daniels now beginning to fight back. With things evening up on the outside, inside the ring, LAX are pissed off with having the result taken out of their hands.

Looking at the four men brawling on the outside, LAX shake their heads. Hernandez grabs a hold of Homicide,.. Lifting him up for the Border Toss… HERNANDEZ BORDER TOSSES HOMICIDE OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE OUTSIDE…

TAKING OUT THE FOUR MEN BRAWLING AT RINGSIDE IN THE PROCESS!!!

The epic spot gets a tremendous reaction from the fans, followed by an “ECDUB” chant. Hernandez steps outside to join the action, and now the brawl continues with LAX involved as well.

All three teams continue to fight, until sneakily, Punk and Cabana manage to extricate themselves from the situation. They back up the ramp, sneaking away ever so quietly, as LAX, Styles and Daniels don’t even notice, continuing to fight each other.

Reaching the top of the ramp, Punk and Cabana watch on, as a bunch of security have run down to separate LAX and Styles and Daniels. The Second City Saints both wear smug smiles, happy with the issues they’ve caused amongst the debuting teams tonight.

As they remain standing on the ramp, FRANCINE steps out behind them, wearing an even smaller outfit than last week if possible. ‘The Queen Of Extreme’ gets a HUGE reaction from the fans as she slowly, seductively steps in front of Punk and Cabana.

They both look surprised to see her as she gives them a look of desire. She then puts a palm of each hand on their chests, and slowly moves her hand down, only stopping at their mid riff.

With that, Francine stops, licks her lips and saunters to the back. Both Punk and Cabana look confused, but also very excited by the attention given to them from Francine…

…

Now we head backstage within the ECW Arena, where we see a man walking through the backstage area. He’s inside this arena for the first time ever, and the name on his t-shirt says that he’s SAMOA JOE. A general blend of confidence and irritation on his face, Joe navigates the hallways of the arena, before pausing outside a door which reads ‘COMMUNAL LOCKER ROOM’.

With a deep breath, perhaps masking some nervousness, Joe enters the room. The locker room is filled with talent and at the sight of the newcomer, it’s almost as if everybody freezes. The attention is on the rookie, everybody staring, but Joe tries not to make any eye contact. Instead, he finds an empty corner of the locker room, happy to be left alone and antisocial. Joe begins getting changed, thinking out loud.

Samoa Joe: It’s true what they say. This locker room feels like a prison yard…

As Joe keeps changing, he’s suddenly approached by a man who hasn’t been seen in ECW in quite a while, BRIAN LEE. Lee offers a hand to Joe.

Brian Lee: Hey kid, the names Brian Lee.

Joe literally completely ignores Lee, who withdraws his hand and tries again.

Brian Lee: Look, I know what it’s like to feel new here. This is your first night here, and this is my first night back at ECW in almost four years.

Joe ignores Lee some more, and now Lee’s face begins to show some anger.

Brian Lee: Hey, punk. Let me remind you that you’re the rookie here and I’m the vet. How about you abide by locker room etiquette and show me some respect?

Still looking down at the ground and not directly acknowledging Lee, Joe speaks up.

Samoa Joe: The thing is, if ECW is like prison, I know exactly what I’ve got to do. To gain respect and make sure nobody fucks with you, you need to take a stand. You need to take out the biggest man first.

With that, Joe exploded and cold cocks the unexpecting Lee with a brutal right hand. Lee falls to the floor, having been caught off guard, and Joe is immediately on top of him, pummelling the hell out of him.

All Lee can do is cover up as Joe hammers away, until Lee rolls onto his stomach, trying to protect his face… SO JOE SYNCHES IN THE COQUINA CLUTCH!!!

Joe is choking out Lee on the locker room floor, as a bunch of different ECW wrestlers hurry over to attempt to break it up…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK* ​

Returning from the break, the overweight one, THE BLUE MEANIE is standing in the middle of the ring. He does his creepy, little dance to a huge reaction, as the fans serenade him with chants of “YOU FAT FUCK”. Meanie loves it of course, a wide smile on his face, before he becomes more sombre when it’s time so speak.

The Blue Meanie: I’m out here for a couple of reasons tonight. Firstly, I’m happy to announce that I no longer work for Diamond and Swinger. That stage of my career is done but before I can continue on with my career, there’s something I need to. I need to address my old friend Stevie’s return last week.

Before Meanie can say anything else, “Censorship” shrieks through the arena and STEVEN RICHARDS appears for the second time tonight. Getting an incredible amount of heat, Richards enters the ring, showing no emotion as he looks at his friend/former friend. Meanwhile, Meanie looks disgusted with the actions of his former BWO brethren.

The Blue Meanie: I can’t believe you’d do what you did. What is wrong with you, Stevie? Think about the greatness, the family, the home that ECW gave us. Think about our history here, we were misfits who found a place where we belong. This is our home, think about the BWO, th-.

Richards holds his hand up, challenging his inner Rock to get TBM to stop talking.

Steven Richards: I’m going to stop you right there. All the things you’re mentioning to appeal to my emotions are all the things I recently worked out are wrong with the world. I plan to uphold the most important thing to morality in this ECW Arena, and that’s the censorship of professional wrestling and more importantly ECW.

Major heat is directed at Richards, whilst Meanie looks in disbelief.

The Blue Meanie: As much as it pains me to say it, it sounds like you’re a lost cause. I won’t even try to explain or defend myself and ECW to you because you’ve been completely brainwashed by the company we both swore off five years ago when the Blue World Order began.

There’s no emotion from Richards, as he blankly stares at Meanie. Meanwhile, TBM is passionate as hell right now.

The Blue Meanie: You’ve taken some steps back as a person here, Stevie. You haven’t been this whipped since you were Raven’s bitch!

Now we see some emotion from Richards, as his jaw begins to tremble. The fury builds, AND STEVIE SNAPS, ATTACKING MEANIE, PUMMELLING HIM AND TAKING HIM DOWN!!!

Richards viciously continues to rain down strikes on Meanie, who powers out and fights back. Richards takes a step back though… AND THEN CATCHES MEANIE ON THE JAW WITH THE STEVEN KICK!!!

Meanie is down and out after that, looking up at the arena ceiling, as a heavily breathing Richards pick up his mic.

Steven Richards: This conversation is over, but the argument is not. Meet me at Living Dangerously and we will settle this as professional men, and not hardcore freaks.

With that, Richards drops the mic and begins heading towards the back, having gotten one up on his former friend tonight…

…

A video package is shown, showcasing highlights of CHRIS CANDIDO during his previous run in ECW. The package plays and confirms that Candido will be returning to ECW soon, and confirming he will be appearing at Living Dangerously.

Joey Styles: Having Chris Candido back in ECW can only be a good thing. Truly one of the most underrated professional wrestlers I have seen in my time. Whilst Candido will be returning to compete in ECW, he will not be competing at Living Dangerously. Instead, Candido will be conducting a LIVE shoot interview at Living Dangerously. Nothing is off the table, he’ll be answering any and all questions from the fans.

…

Match Two
Monty Brown vs. Ruckus

Even as the two men stare each other down, there’s just an aura about Monty Brown that says he’s going to do some damage again tonight. On commentary, Styles and Gertner remind everybody of the quick work he made of Kid Kash last week. This week is really no different as the ‘Alpha Male’ has his way with Ruckus right from the get-go.

Determined to impress in his debut, Ruckus shows heart and fights back… BROWN LOADS UP THE POUUUNCE!!!

NO!!! RUCKUS CONNECTS WITH A DROPKICK INSTEAD!!!

Brown stays down, dazed and confused by the shot, as Ruckus hurries to his feet. Sensing a chance for something special, Ruckus ascends to the top rope… RUCKUS COMES OFF WITH THE LEAP OF FAITH!!!

NO!!!

BROWN LEAPS INTO THE AIR AND HITS A DIVING POUNCE OUT OF MID AIR!!!

The blow is crazy and Ruckus lands awkwardly, without his boots which have fallen off during the collision. Ruckus might be dead, but Monty doesn’t even go for the cover. Brown drags him up… ALPHA BOMB!!!

NOW BROWN MAKES THE RELAXED COVER…1…2…3!!!

Winner: Monty Brown​

Brown gets his hand raised, looking ultra impressive for the second week in a row. He then leaves, no fuss no muss, allowing the referee to check on the battered Ruckus…

…

Standing in front of the makeshift ECW interview set after already having an interesting night so far are THE SECOND CITY SAINTS. CM PUNK AND COLT CABANA share a look, with them both agreeing for Punk to take the lead here.

CM Punk: I’m sure after our impressive debut last week the question on everybody’s minds is pretty simple. Why did we attack, AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels and LAX earlier tonight?

The Saints nod casually, understanding the question.

CM Punk: Well, let me explain because the answer is equally as simple as the question. The Land of Extreme isn’t big enough for three up and coming tag teams.

Both shrug as if it’s an obvious answer, not a big deal.

CM Punk: It goes back to what we said last week. We said that we came here out of respect to ECW, and we were using ECW to reach our ultimate goals.

Cabana nods in agreement with his partner’s words.

CM Punk: So let me now pose a question back to everybody who wants to know why. How can we do everything we want to achieve with both spot monkeys and porch monkeys running around?

Punk holds his hands out, as if he doesn’t know the answer, whilst now Cabana chimes in.

Colt Cabana: I know all of this is important, but man, I can’t stop thinking about how hot Francine looked.

Punk doesn’t look happy with this, putting a hand on Colt’s shoulder.

CM Punk: Come on, man. You’ve got to keep your head straight.

Colt nods as if he understands but his eyes say otherwise.

CM Punk: I did some extensive research before we got here. I know too much about Francine’s past. I’d sooner turn to drugs and alcohol then get wrapped around her finger.

Cabana finally shrugs, facial expressing saying, “you’re probably right”.

Colt Cabana: Good point. Plus, we’d probably be healthier with drugs and alcohol. I mean, you can’t get aids from beer and pot.

Even Punk can’t help but smirk at that statement, and with that we cut back to ringside…

Match Three
Big Dick Dudley and Spike Dudley vs. The Full Blooded Italians w/Sal E. Graziano

The Dudleyz team up this week after Spike was unsuccessful in singles action last week. Using his power and strength, Big Dick takes most the action in the early stages, and he’s able to make relatively light work of Little Guido and Tony Mamaluke. He throws both men that are half his size around almost for fun, until he gets bored and makes the tag to Spike, who was desperate to get some of the action himself.

Before Big Dick can leave the ring, Sal E Graziano gets into the ring. BIG SAL RUNS AT BIG DICK FOR A BODY CHECK!!!

NO!!! BIG DICK SIDESTEPS HIM!!!

Big Sal stops himself from crashing into the corner, turning around, but Spike has climbed up to the top rope… CROSS BODY BLOCK!!!

NO!!! BIG SAL CATCHES SPIKE…

AND THEN GUIDO AND MAMALUKE DROPKICK BIG SAL IN THE BACK…

CAUSING HIM TO FALL FLAT FORWARD, SQUASHING SPIKE WITH A MODIFIED POWER SLAM!!!

Seeing his brother get squashed, Big Dick is irate, as he grabs both Guido and Mamaluke… BUT THEY NAIL BIG DICK WITH A DOUBLE LOW BLOW!!!

Big Sal rolls out, having done his bit, whilst Spike holds his ribs but battles to his feet. He joins the fight, ready to defend his brother against the dastardly Italians. Spike desperately kicks, claws and punches at both members of The FBI. With Guido and Mamaluke in shock, Spike grabs them both by the neck and runs up the ropes… DOUBLE ACID DROP!!!

NO!!! GUIDO AND MAMALUKE THROW SPIKE INTO THE CROWD!!!

BUT THE CROWD DISPERSE IN TIME… AND SPIKE LANDS HARD ON HIS TAILBONE ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR!!!

Spike is in huge pain, down and out, as the fans chant “ECDUB” for the enormous bump. Meanwhile, inside of the ring, now Big Dick has recovered and he’s furious. Big Dick grabs a hold of Mamaluke… CHOKESLAM!!!

Having taken care of Mamaluke, Big Dick turns around, looking for Guido… BUT GUIDO SPRINGBOARDS… ARRIVEDERCI SPRINGBOARD SINGLE ARM DDT!!!

Big time move from Guido and Bick Dick is down. GUIDO GETS THE PIN…

AND MAMALUKE JUMPS ON TOP TO MAKE SURE…1…2…3!!!

Winners: The Full Blooded Italians ​

After the match, Guido and Mamaluke share a hug amongst the heat of the fans. Big Sal is quick to join them to, and realising Spike is out of commission, they decide to continue to attack Big Dick Dudley.

Big Dicks absorbs some blows and works back to his feet, and he’s ready to fight back. Big Dick does well against ALL three members of The FBI, keeping them at bay…

UNTIL BIG DICK GETS CHOP BLOCKED FROM BEHIND…

BY JOHNNY ‘THE BULL’ STAMBOLI!!!

The heat is LOUD as Stamboli shows off his incredible strength, dragging Dudley up…FUHGETABOUTIT POWERSLAM!!!

Stamboli now shares hugs with the remainder of The FBI, showing he’s potentially their newest member. They all celebrate together and pose like tough guys, getting booed by the fans, as we head to a break.

*COMMERCIAL BREAK* ​

Returning from the break, we are at the Eagle’s Nest, with JOEY STYLES AND JOEL GERTNER.

Joey Styles: Welcome back to Extreme Championship Wrestling. What a night we’ve had so far, Johnny Stamboli joined The Full Blooded Italians, Steven Richards confirmed he joined The Network and then confronted his former best friend, The Blue Meanie. To top it all off, The Second City Saints showed how cutthroat they can be, ruining an instant classic between AJ Styles and Christoper Daniels versus the team of LAX. And we’ve still got a huge triple main event still to come. Justin Credible versus The Sandman, with the winner facing Steve Corino for the ECW Championship at Living Dangerously. Jerry Lynn versus New Jack, and the main event of CW Anderson and Steve Corino versus Tommy Dreamer and a mystery partner.

Joel Gertner: I think we’ve got a good idea on who the mystery partner is, Joey. Check this out…

A video plays, showing the end of TOMMY DREAMER’s pulp fiction promo last week, which ended with him holding up four fingers, the symbol of The Four Horsemen.

Joey Styles: Still so much to get through and coming up next is Credible vs. The Sandman. Cyrus has put Corino in the match at Living Dangerously no matter what. It’s not fair in my eyes but it’s what The Network wants apparently.

Before Joey can go off on a tangent and get himself in trouble, we cut back to ringside…

Match Four
Winner faces Steve Corino for the ECW World Championship at Living Dangerously
Justin Credible vs. The Sandman

A typical anarchy filled ECW match at two of its finest right here. Surprisingly, Credible came down on his own, although armed with Singapore Cane of course, and our commentary team wonder if Credible actually wants to prove that he can do it on his own. Perhaps it’s a set up to get Sandman to lower his guard though, as the fair one on one contest doesn’t last very long. After both men go through some basic moves inside of the ring, breaking even in most the exchanges, JASON AND LANCE STORM start making their way down the ramp.

Credible and Sandman continue to be pretty even in the ring, whilst on the outside, Storm stands on one side and Jason the other. It’s clear they’re trying to make Sandman feel surrounded, but this way, they are both ready to interfere at the drop of a hat. The match continues back and forth, until it finally feels like Sandman starts to outlast Credible. Sandman gets ahead, before heading up to the top rope, and he leaps off… ROLLING ROCK SENTON BOMB!!!

NO!!! STORM LEAPS ONTO THE APRON AND PUSHES SANDMAN OFF THE ROPES!!!

Sandman lands awkwardly inside the ring, SO CREDIBLE SPRINGS TO LIFE AND HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!!

THE SANDMAN KICKS OUT!!!

Being in control now, Credible feels like he’s got a second win, and as he drags Sandman back to his feet… BEFORE DRILLING HIM WITH THE THAT’S INCREDIBLE!!!

CREDIVLE GETS ANOTHER PIN…1…2…NO!!! THIS TIME SANDMAN ROLLS A SHOULDER OFF THE MAT!!!

Credible’s eyes go wide in shock at the persistence of Sandman, before he looks over at Jason on the outside. Credible demands a steel chair and Jason does as he’s told, sliding it into the ring. Credible grabs the steel chair and places it on the mat, underneath the head of Sandman. Credible then does something somewhat unpredictable of him and heads up to the top rope, before jumping off… DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO SANDMAN’S HEAD!!!

NO!!! SANDMAN ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!!

Thankfully for Credible, he lands on his feet, but he still awkwardly jams his ankles, causing him to limp around the ring. As Credible focuses on recovering his legs, Sandman quickly snatches a Singapore Cane from the canvas. He then approaches Credible from behind… WHITE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!!!

THE SANDMAN FLOATS INTO THE PIN…1…2…NO!!!

SANDMAN IS YANKED OFF THE PIN BY LANCE STORM!!!

Storm wants no part of Sandman right now, immediately rolling outside the other side of the ring. Once he realises what’s happened, The Sandman is incensed and he charges towards Storm, leaning over the top rope to grab at him. The Canadian just manages to create enough distance to be out of arm’s length. With the distraction in mind, Jason gets a hold of another Singapore Cane… JASON THROWS THE CANE TO CREDIBLE…

BUT SANDMAN MANAGES TO INTERCEPT IT!!!

SANDMAN SWINGS THE CANE LIKE A BASEBALL BAT AT CREDIBLE’S HEAD!!!

NO!!! CREDIBLE DUCKS!!!

Credible runs to the opposite side of the ring, where STORM LEANS THROUGH THE ROPES AND GIVES CREDIBLE ANOTHER CANE!!!

Credible turns towards Sandman… SWINGING THE CANE…

AS SANDMAN SWINGS HIS SHOT AS WELL!!!

CRACK!!! BOTH MEN SMASH EACH OTHER IN THE SKULL WITH THE SINGAPORE CANE!!!

Both men fall to the mat, close to loosing conscious. Seemingly with no choice, the referee begins counting, and both men stay down for the count of ten.

Double Count Out​

The heat reverberates around the arena for the cruddy finish, as our commentary team immediately discuss whether Cyrus got to the referee, because this is the finish he wanted for Corino.

Either way, Credible and The Sandman still remain down. Jason and Storm slide into the ring, and they help a somewhat bloody Credible up the aisleway and to the back.

Meanwhile, The Sandman shrugs off the referee, staggering, but he’s more than happy to recuperate and find his own way to the back…

…

And now we’re back to the Eagle’s Nest with JOEY STYLES AND JOEL GERTNER.

Joey Styles: We’ve talked plenty about Living Dangerously in just two weeks’ time, and we’ve got another special announcement to make here tonight. On our agenda this time are two recent signings to ECW, Curt Hennig and Eddie Guerrero. Anybody who knows about professional wrestling knows how good both these men are, having seen them wrestle in both the WCW and the WWF.

Joel Gertner: The hits keep coming because we can officially announce that Curt Hennig will make his ECW debut, and Eddie Guerrero will make his ECW return. Both of these will take place at Living Dangerously in a match against each other, which should be an ultimate wrestling clinic.

Match Five
Danny Doring and Roadkill vs. The Unholy Alliance w/The Sinister Minister

As the match begins, both teams are rather cagey, as our commentary team talk about the high stakes of this match up. After their challenge to the champions last week, if Tajiri and Mikey win tonight, you would have to assume they would become automatic number one contenders for the tag titles. Whilst the match started as a basic tag match, as both teams got heated, the match descended into chaos.

All four men end up wrestling in the ring at the same time, Tornado Tag style. On one side of the ring, Tajiri pairs off with Roadkill. Despite the size difference, Tajiri gives it his best, until Roadkill grabs him… DOUBLE HANDED CHOKESLAM!!!

NO!!! TAJIRI CRAWLS AROUND AND TANGLES HIMSELF IN THE ROPES…

LOCKING IN THE TARANTULA ON ROADKILL!!!

Tajiri uses the slack of the ropes to bounce back and forward, applying extra pressure to the big Amish man. Roadkill screams in pain, all tangled in Tajiri’s web like a spiders prey, but he refuses to submit. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ring, Doring is teeing off with right hands to Whipwreck. He then sends Mikey bouncing off the ropes… DORING LEAPS UP FOR THE WHAM BAM, THANK YOU MA’AM!!!

NO!!! MIKEY CATCHES DORING BY THE LOWER BODY…

AND HITS A MODIFIED REVERSE WHIPPERSNAPPER!!!

It’s a pretty awesome counter by Mikey, and it gets the deserved “ECDUB” chant from the hardcore fans. Mikey crawls over, AND MIKEY PINS DORING…1…2…NO!!!

ROADKILL HAD BEEN RELEASED FROM THE TARANTULA AND BREAKS UP THE COUNT!!!

Sensing the desperation, Roady doesn’t stop there, dragging Mikey up… AMISH BOMB!!!

Roadkill quickly turns to face the downed Tajiri, who he managed to clobber to break free from the Tarantula. He grabs Tajiri now, ready to have him fall to the same fate as Mikey… AMISH BOMB!!!

NO!!! UP IN THE AIR… TAJIRI SPITS THE GREEN MIST RIGHT IN THE EYES OF ROADKILL!!!

The fans mark out for the mist spot, as Tajiri is dropped to his feet, with Roadkill desperately trying to wipe at his eyes. Able to stalk Roady and take his time, Tajiri hits a devastating kick to the back of the legs, which causes Roady’s legs to give out. Roadkill falls to his knees, in perfect position… BUZZSAW KICK FROM TAJIRI!!!

TAJIRI COVERS THE BIG MAN…1…2…3!!!

Winners: The Unholy Alliance​

Well, The Unholy Alliance continue their impressive start to the return of ECW, picking up their second win in two weeks. The fans cheer loudly, as The Sinister Minister joins Tajiri and Mikey in the ring, the dark, twisted yet loved trio celebrating their hard fought victory over the current tag team champions.

At the behest of The Sinister Minister, Mikey and Tajiri lock eyes with Doring and Roadkill on the outside, motioning for the tag titles around their waists. The champs stand on the outside, regrouping, watching on, not looking afraid, but mainly just shocked that they lost tonight…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

Upon returning from the break, he doesn’t get the big introduction this week, but DON WEST is standing in the ring. Once again, he gets MAJOR heat as he has a table covered with some more ECW merchandise to sell. He starts off by holding up a Taz t-shirt.

Don West: Let’s start off this week with something a little different. I’ve got a VINTAGE TAX SURVIVE IF I LET YOU T-SHIRT!!!

The fans absolutely LOVE Taz, but boo West anyway. He puts the shirt down and picks up a can holder.

Don West: Next up, an absolutely GEM MINT TEN Sandman beer holder…

You guessed it. More heat, as Wests confident demeanour begins to falter ever so slightly. Still, he tries to go on, pitting the beer holder down, and now picking up an action figure.

Don West: For our wrestling figure collectors, a STUPIDLY AWESOME SO MUCH THAT IT’S AWESOME STUPID SABU ACTION FIGURE!!!

This still doesn’t get the reaction he wants, with the fans ripping West to shreds. For the second week in a row, he receives a “GET THE FUCK OUT” chant. After a few moments of trying to play it down, West snaps and pushes all the merch off his table.

Don West: I don’t understand what you all have a problem with me for. I’m trying my best to help out my new company by selling its merchandise to you supposed great fans. I’m trying to do work for a good cause here, and I’m getting shit on. Somebody please tell me, for what?

The fans just continue to heckle, as opposed to giving West an explanation obviously.

Don West: Two hours is a long time. I’m providing a much needed break in a long show. You people, in all honesty, should be able to take five minutes off from blood. You should be able to take five minutes off from guts and flaming tables to support ECW by purchasing merchandise.

West is really standing up for himself tonight, but it isn’t doing him any favours with the fans. He stands defiantly until “Big Balls” hits, and the familiar tune gets a very nice pop. Making his first appearance since the return, BALLS MAHONEY joins West in the ring. West looks quite intimidated, but Mahoney looks like he just wants to speak to him for now.

Balls Mahoney: No sugar coating, no beating around the bush, I’ll tell you how it is. All this stuff you’re doing with the merch, nobody gives a fuck.

Epic pop as West looks offended.

Balls Mahoney: That’s not the only thing these people are letting you know though. If you listen carefully, let me hammer a more personal message home for you. It’s clear, nobody likes you.

More loud cheers, as West’s eyes are wide in shock.

Balls Mahoney: It’s not a knock on your character; you’re just not our type of person. Every man needs to know where his place is in the world, that’s a fact. And your place ain’t South Philly at the ECW Arena!

The cheers continue to come for Mahoney, who takes a step towards West… WHEN SUDDENLY THE LIGHTS IN THE ARENA GO OUT!!!

THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON… AND THERE’S A HAND WRAPPED AROUND MAHONEY’S THROAT!!!

It’s SID!!!

SID LETS OUT A ROAR AND THEN CHOKESLAMS BALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!!!

The fans are in absolute shock, a “SID” chant breaking out initially, despite the fact he’s beating up one of their favourites. It looks like West knew Sid had his back tonight, as he shows no intimidation of the big man and is all smiles.

Don West: Hey, Balls, maybe next time you’ll learn to mind your own business. But hey, I’ve got a special offer just for you, this next Chokeslam, you’ll get FOR HALF OFF!!!

Almost on queue, Sid drags Balls up from the canvas… AND NAILS ANOTHER CHOKESLAM!!!

Now the initial surprise of Sid’s appearance has worn off, he’s getting plenty of heat. West loves it.

Don West: I’m not done. The next move is so perfect. The next move is GEM… MINT… TEN… IT’S… POWERBOMB!!!

Yet again, Sid does what West says, hoisting Balls up in the air… AND ALMOST PUTTING BALLS THROUGH THE RING WITH A DEVASTATING POWERBOMB!!!

With Balls barely moving now, West pats Sid on the back, happy with his work.

Don West: Last week, I told the world my merchandise would get sold one way or another. Nobody listened but with Sid by my side, I won’t just help ECW, I’m down to make a profit.

A greedy little grin appears on the face of West, as he now hands the mic over to the big man.

Sid: A lot of you might be surprised to see me standing here right now. For those of you who saw my last appearance in WCW, it looked like I broke my leg a month ago…

Don leans over into the mic.

Don West: Sid, how are you standing after that injury?

Sid shakes his head with intensity, water and perspiration flicking from his blonde curls.

Sid: BECAUSE I’M THE MAN!!!

Sid yells for no reason like only he can.

Sid: WHO’S THE MAN?

Sid flexes and drops the mic, continuing to get a fairly negative reaction from the fans. This new duo makes their way up the aisleway, with West looking much happier with how things went this week. Meanwhile, despite debuting as a heel, Sid offers fist bumps to everybody, most of which are still happy to oblige, because he’s fucking Sid…

…

Much like last week, we get a pre-taped segment with DON AND RON HARRIS, THE HARRIS TWINS. Same setting, same outfits as last week, this is just a continuation of last week’s promo.

Don Harris: We had to leave WCW; it was going more and more against our core values.

Ron nods his head in agreement.

Ron Harris: It’s pretty simple. Basically, we could not support one of those people. We could not support Booker T as World Champion. We refused to do it; it’s against any and all of our morals.

Not sure these guys have to many morals, tbh.

Don Harris: ECW hasn’t gone that far down the drain. The closest thing ECW’s had to a black World Champ was Taz. Not the best representation of a company but not the worst and besides, that peanut butter midget is long gone.

Holy fuck, I hope nobody hates me for writing this.

Ron Harris: We’re here to uphold the great tradition in professional wrestling. We vow not to get in the way of any white brother trying to make a living and support the aryian race’s movement towards a white brotherhood. We’re pure bloods and we’ll be damned to see any black, spick, jew or gook hold gold in THE ECDUBYA while we’re around.

Yikes.

Don Harris: You’ll be seeing us real soon. We’re The Harris Twins…

The two continue to stare into the screen, unleashing controversial words much like last week…

Match Six
Jerry Lynn vs. New Jack

Realising the weapon wielding psychopath he’s in the ring with, Lynn takes things down to the mat early, and keeps things as similar to an amateur wrestling match as he can. The fans hate The Network inspired tactic, but it works for Lynn. Being able to control Jack in the wrestling positions, Lynn tries to finish things early multiple times, LOOKING FOR THE CRADLE PILEDRIVER… BUT JACK KEEPS FINDING WAYS TO REVERSE OR PREVENT IT!!!

After another failed attempt from Lynn results in him receiving a Back Body Drop, it gives Jack the space he needs. He’s able to dig into his weapon cart full of goodies, and Jack grabs a hold of TWO TRASH CAN LIDS! Once back in the ring, before using them, Jack sees Lynn fighting up, so he grabs Lynn by the hair and throws him back down onto the canvas.

Lynn lands with a splat on his back, but then shoots up into a seated position, almost on instinct. Jack grabs the trash can lids, one in each hand and comes up behind Lynn… AND HE SMASHES BOTH TRASH CAN LIDS INTO BOTH SIDES OF THE HEAD OF LYNN!!!

A successful weapon spot breaks out another “ECDUB” chant, as the brutal New Jack disposes of the now incredibly out of shape trash can lids. He isn’t done with weapons though, as he now grabs himself a STEEL CHAIR. Jack keeps a hold of the chair and climbs his way up to the top rope… JACK LEAPS OFF THE TOP WITH THE CHAIR… 187!!!

NO!!! LYNN ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AND JACK CRASHES AND BURN!!!

Groans come from the audience for the mishap, as Jack bounces to his feet rather quickly. He’s in pain though, trying to walk it off… WHEN LYNN COMES FROM BEHIND WITH A ROLL UP…1…2…3!!!

Winner: Jerry Lynn​

The fans can’t stand the tame ending to the match, booing loudly. Enjoying the reaction more than anything, Lynn scoots out of the ring quickly, a mixture of happiness and cockiness written over his face. Lynn walks backwards up the ramp, taking in the moment, and raising his hand in the air, all whilst laughing at New Jack, who is upset inside the ring.

Lynn continues to back up, until he backs up into the chest of somebody…

IT’S ROB VAN DAM!!!

Lynn turns around and sees Van Dam, immediately freaking out. Now Lynn turns and begins backing back down the ramp, away from RVD. Van Dam presses forward… SPINNING HEEL KICK!!!

NO!!!

Lynn backs far enough away to avoid contact, although Van Dam lands on his feet anyway. The issue is Lynn backed right into the ring apron, WHERE NEW JACK GRABS HIM BY THE HAIR AND DRAGS HIM BACK INSIDE THE RING!!!

RVD climbs to the top rope, as Jack pinballs Lynn around the ring. Jack then pulls out his trusty GUITAR.

New Jack Irish Whips Lynn off the ropes, and when Lynn returns… GUITAR SHOT!!!

NO!!! LYNN DUCKS…

BUT RUNS STRAIGHT INTO A DIVING THRUST KICK FROM RVD!!!

Lynn goes down like a ton of bricks, receiving the same move that fractured his skull in November. Picking up the steel chair from earlier, JACK SLAMS THE CHAIR ROUGHLY ACROSS THE CHEST OF LYNN!!!

Jack signals for RVD to head up to the top and finish things off. RVD doesn’t need much convincing, heading up tope… FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH LANDING ON THE STEEL CHAIR DRAPED ACROSS THE CHEST OF LYNN!!!

“RVD” chants break out as Van Dam takes a few moments to get up, feeling the effects of the high risk move. Once he’s up, RVD and New Jack share a fist bump, and bond over taking out Lynn together.

After allowing the fans to enjoy their celebration, Jack and RVD leave the ring together, most likely ready to have a drug filled party…

…

A similar video to last week airs, showing highlights of SCOTT NORTON decimating people in Japan with deadly Lariats. The video package ends with words announcing that Scott Norton will be debuting in ECW in the very near future…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*

Match Seven
CW Anderson and Steve Corino w/Cyrus vs. Tommy Dreamer and ???

The Network are out first, including Cyrus and once in the ring, they await the arrival of their opponents. Of course, Tommy Dreamer is out first, however he smartly stops midway down the ramp. Corino and Anderson beg him to come to the ring, but Tommy stops, smiles and then holds up those famous four fingers yet again.

“Four Horsemen” hits over the PA system to an epic pop, as most of the arena is apparently familiar with WCW. Anyway, wearing jeans and a polo, unlikely to be Dreamer’s partner tonight is ARN ANDERSON… ‘Double A’ is closely followed by a man in a suit, JJ DILLON, and finally the Horsemen in gear and ready to compete tonight…

It’s TULLY BLANCHARD!!!

As The Horsemen greet Dreamer with handshakes on the ramp, CW and Corino look afraid, and honestly in awe of the legendary figures in front of them. With the big reveal out of the way, the match begins, and quickly breaks out into a typical ECW brawl. The hated rivals, Dreamer and CW did wrestle initially, but as things got more heated, they end up brawling to the outside and even through the crowd.

The fans are happy to pass along weapons for Dreamer to use, AND DREAMER AND CW GO BACK AND FORTH, TRADING STEEL CHAIR SHOTS!!!

With the hardcore mayhem outside the ring, on the inside, Corino and Tully put on a damn masterclass of technical wrestling. Both men have their moments, but it escalates when Blanchard sends Corino to the ropes. Corino bounces back… and Tully locks him in a Sleeper!!!

But Corino manages to step to the side… AND HIT THE OLD SCHOOL EXPULSION!!!

CORINO HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!!

JJ DILLON BREAKS UP THE COUNT!!!

Corino recognises what has happened straight away and flips out. He leans over the ropes and grabs a hold of Dillon by his tie, dragging him into the ring. Continue to hold the struggling Dillon by his tie as he gets to his feet inside the ring, Corino cocks back his right hand, until the fans lose their minds with a HISTORIC pop, because Arn Anderson has stepped into the ring.

‘Double A’ rips off his polo and throws his glasses out of the ring. With a look of disdain on his face, Arn rolls his left shoulder as well, preparing for battle. Corino relinquishes his grip on Dillon and takes a few steps back, putting his hands up in innocence. The fans boo the cowardly attack, and Arn doesn’t fall for it, shaking his head. Arn takes on step forward, when Corino panics, and charges at Arn… RUNNING RIGHT INTO A DOUBLE A SPINEBUSTER!!!

Epic pop from the fans, followed by an “ECDUB” chant. Arn enjoyed the moment, but suddenly, he’s clobbered from behind by CW Anderson. CW lands a few more left hands, before sending Arn off the ropes, and when Arn comes back… SPINEBUSTER FROM CW!!!

NO!!! BEFORE HE CAN FINISH THE MOVE… JJ DILLON KICKS CW IN THE NUTS!!!

JJ Dillon saves the day, with Arn potentially close to being paralysed if that move landed. Getting back to his feet, now Blanchard brings CW up, and kicks him in the stomach. Tully looks ready to finish things off, when Dreamer steps in, telling Tully it would be his honour to hit the move. Blanchard is happy, SO DREAMER HITS THE SLINGSHOT SUPLEX ON CW ANDERSON!!!

It’s a moment full of respect and the fans absolutely love it. Suddenly though, Corino has managed to get back to his feet, so Tully hits him with a kick to the gut… SLINGSHOT SUPLEX TO CORINO!!!

NO!!! CORINO GETS OUT IN MID AIR…

AND THEN IMMEDIATELY HITS THE OLD SCHOOL BOMB ON TULLY!!!

After hitting the big move, Corino realises he’s still in trouble, sliding out of the ring to regroup with Cyrus. He doesn’t get long though as Dreamer goes out after him. Corino begins blatantly running away, getting major heat from the crowd, as Tommy chases around the ring after him… UNTIL CW CUTS OFF TOMMY WITH A HARD LARIAT OUT OF NOWHERE!!!

The Lariat lands partially across Dreamer’s face, and blood immediately starts trickling from Dreamer’s nose. CW stands over Tommy and begins stomping all over him, content to continue punishing him. Corino smiles and laughs, pointing at the downed Tommy before rolling back inside of the ring. Corino doesn’t realise though that Blanchard is back to his feet and he’s angry.

Tully gets a Double Legged Takedown and mounts Corino, just hammering away with fists of fury. After rolling off of Corino, he drags him up, and Tully Irish Whips Corino to the ropes. When Corino comes back… TULLY HITS A MODIFIED SLINGSHOT SUPLEX!!!

BLANCHARD GETS THE COVER ON CORINO…1…2…NO!!!

THE REFEREE STOPS COUNTING…

“WAIT A MINUTE”!!!

The referee is distracted by the shrill voice of Cyrus, who has got his hands on a mic amongst all the chaos.

“UNFORTUNATELY, THIS MATCH HAS BEEN MORE COMPETITIVE THAN EXPECTED… THE NETWORK HAS INFORMED ME THAT TELEVISION TIME HAS RUN OUT AND MATCH THE MATCH HAS TO END…SO, THEREFORE… AFTER CONSULTING AND TALKING WITH THE MATCHES JUDGES… IT WAS UNANIMOUS, THE WINNERS OF THE MATCH BY A RESULT OF JUDGE’S DECISION… CW ANDERSON AND STEVE CORINO!!!

Winners: CW Anderson and Steve Corino​

The decision is nonsense, and the fans react accordingly. Knowing they’re getting away with one here, Corino and CW hightail it up the ramp. Meanwhile, JJ Dillon checks on a visibly hurt Dreamer, whilst Blanchard and Arn Anderson look furious at the tomfoolery inside the ring. Cyrus shows no fear though, whilst Corino and CW have scurried to the top of the ramp, Cyrus actually gets inside of the ring.

Cyrus: Arn, Tully, not only is television time up, but quite frankly, times on your careers is up. This isn’t new, it has been for quite some time.

Arn doesn’t really react, but Tully raises his eyebrows as if to say, “oh really”.

Cyrus: I’ll start with you, Arn. There’s a rocking chair at a beautiful nursing home down the street with your name on it.

Daggers of heat get thrown at Cyrus, as Tully puts a hand on Arn’s chest, preventing him from going at Cyrus.

Cyrus: Settle down, Double A. Rest that neck just in case you feel the need to cry heavily later on after Kevin Nash makes fun of you again.

Cyrus is reaching a bit there, but Anderson is fuming.

Cyrus: As for you, Tully, let me ask you a question. What happened the last time you were in Philadelphia? You know, back in 1989.

Whoa, Cyrus bringing up some personal things now, and Tully grabs Cyrus by the shirt. Despite the menacing look in Blanchard’s eyes, Cyrus doesn’t back down.

Cyrus: No need to get violent, Tully. Since tonight was only a one time appearance, I’ve got your back. I promise not to have you drug tested.

There it is, brutal from Cyrus. The fans implore Tully to lay Cyrus out, and he looks ready to do so…

BUT CW AND CORINO REENTER THE RING!!!

Before they can attack, Arn and Tully meet CW and Corino with punches, quickly disposing of them. Corino and CW jog back up to the top of the ramp, whilst Arn and Tully get midway up the ramp, scaring them away. JJ Dillon makes sure to stand right by his buddies.

After having not been hit, but falling down amongst the chaos, a visibly shaken Cyrus gets back up. He dusts himself off, taking a deep breath, regaining his composure, when suddenly Cyrus is spun around by Tommy Dreamer…

SPICOLLI DRIVER!!!

“ECDUB” chants reign supreme as CW and Corino look shattered with what has just happened to Cyrus. They are unable to intervene thanks to the wall set up by The Four Horsemen, and Cyrus isn’t going to be happy when he recovers.

For now though, Tully, Arn and JJ rejoin Dreamer in the ring, and Tommy’s an honorary Horsemen. The four men celebrate together as we fade away…

…

Into the obligatory PULP FICTION~! Promos which will end the show. The first one shows MONTY BROWN standing in front of the black sheet with the ECW logo printed on it.

Monty Brown: A little over a week away, at Living Dangerously, I’m going to be on that card no matter what. I’m issuing an open challenge to anybody in the world of wrestling to come face the POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUNCE, period.

Having said his bit, Brown walks off the set, still looking like a potential star in the making…

…

Standing at one of the merchandise stands in the concession area of the ECW Arena is DON WEST. He’s accompanied by none other than SID. West throws some merch around, looking pretty excited.

Don West: I told you all I’d sell my merchandise. The DEALS OF THE CENTURY are coming. They’re coming thick and fast and they are courtesy of…

Sid: THE MASTER… And the ruler… OF THE WORLD!!!

Sid looks as menacing as ever, with a sadistic grin on the face of West in the background…

…

Next cut is to the trainer’s room, where a member of ‘Damage Control’ is sticking up THE BLUE MEANIE. Most likely, this is due to the hard Superkick delivered by Steven Richards earlier tonight. Once he notices the camera, Meanie ushers the doc out of the way, looking hard into the camera.

The Blue Meanie: Steven… at Living Dangerously…

A slight pause from the Meanie.

The Blue Meanie: SAY HELLLOOOO… TO THE FAT GUY!!!

Meanie is in good spirits, busting out his best Scott Hall impression, most likely just to piss his former friend, Steven Richards off…

…

In front of the ECW logo at the interview set, still bleeding from what might potentially be a broken nose is TOMMY DREAMER. Dreamer wipes his hand across his bloody face, smirking at the bright red elixir on his hand afterwards.

Tommy Dreamer: This blood, the blood that’s covered my face, it’s given me a revelation. The wrestling royalty blood that’s flowing through my veins right now, it has brought me an epiphany. Let’s just say it has given me a great idea for the pay per view… First Blood!

Mysterious from Tommy, not wanting to give away his idea yet, as he walks off, needing to go clean himself up…

…

Heading towards the exit of the arena is ROB VAN DAM, and for the first time in this BTB, he has his whistle blowing manager, BILL ALFONSO with him. Alfonso annoyingly blows the whistle as RVD talks to the camera.

Rob Van Dam: Tonight was just another night in the life of RVD. Tonight was no different than the other times, and it won’t be any different at Living Dangerously.

RVD shrugs, believing he’s stating facts.

Rob Van Dam: As always, tonight, I was everything I say I am. I was Mr. Friday Night. And Fonzie, at Living Dangerously dude, I’ll be Mr. P…P…V.

The whistle gets blown a few more times.

Rob Van Dam: But whether it be PPV or Hardcore TV, overall, I’ll always be Rob… Van…Dam… And I’m still the WHOLE FUCKING SHOW!

With that, RVD and Alfonso push through the doors of the arena, making their exit…

…

In a locker room, JASON AND LANCE STORM stand, monitoring JUSTIN CREDIBLE, who sits, slumped in a chair, still barely conscious. Seeing his friend like this clearly infuriates Storm.

Lance Storm: Sandman, I hope you’re proud of yourself. Heed my words carefully, I’m coming for revenge after the duelling Canes tonight.

Despite having no energy to stand, an exhausted Credible at least holds his head up so he can audibly speak.

Justin Credible: It’s all good, Lance. I didn’t lose so as far as I’m concerned, I did what I needed to. I’m going to Living Dangerously to face Corino, and I’m going to become ECW World Champion once again. Living Dangerously won’t just be a good match, and my crowning moment won’t just be a great night, everything will be JUST INCREDIBLE!!!

Credible then slumps back down, having seemingly used his last remainder of energy. Storm and Jason go back to checking on him as we cut away…

…

To THE SANDMAN who is wiping himself down with a towel, sweat dripping from his forehead. Sandman has a lit cigarette hanging from his lip, as he sighs.

The Sandman: You know what they say, life’s a bitch. The bitch can be funny and sometimes, things happen. Sometimes you go and get yourself caught up in a three way feud with two of ‘em.

Sandman takes a long, satisfying drag of his cigarette before we cut away…

…

The final scene of the night sees STEVE CORINO grasping the ECW Championship tightly. He clutches it to his chest, desperation in his eyes, as he looks at it, talking to the strap.

Steve Corino: I don’t care what anyone says.

He doesn’t even blink, just staring at the belt.

Steve Corino: Not Heyman, not Cyrus, not Sandman, not Credible, not even Dreamer, Blanchard or Anderson.

Corino’s eyes refuse to remove from the title.

Steve Corino: You are mine, my pretty.

‘The King Of Old School’ looks on the verge of a breakdown.

Steve Corino: Mine, mine, mine.

Finally, he seems to snap out of his trance, raising his eyes to look into the camera.

Steve Corino: I’ve done some thinking and I have come to a decision. Since Sandman and Credible went to a Double Count Out, neither of them earned the right to face me. There is NO other challenger at Living Dangerously, so this is what’s going to happen. At the pay per view, in front of the entire world, I will be crowned the World Heavyweight Champion of ECW.

And for the first time tonight, there’s a thought that makes Corino smile. That’s the last visual we get, with the show fading to black…

*END OF SHOW*

…

ECW Living Dangerously 2001
March 4th, 2001
Danbury, Connecticut
O’Neill Centre

ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match:
TRADITIONAL WRESTLING RULES APPLY:
Steve Corino vs. ???

ECW World Television Championship Match:
LAST TIME EVER:
Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam

First Blood Match:
CW Anderson vs. Tommy Dreamer

Grudge Match:
Steven Richards vs. The Blue Meanie

Open Challenge:
Monty Brown vs. ???

Curt Hennig vs. Eddie Guerrero

Chris Candido Live Shoot Interview​

 

[Stojy]

Extreme Championship Wrestling
ECW Hardcore TV
ECW Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 2nd, 2001​

ECW Arena? Check. Rabid Fans? Check. “ECDUB” chants ringing through the ears creating the amazing atmosphere that can only be experienced in ECW? Check. As the cameras focus in on inside the ring, we see JOEY STYLES standing inside with a microphone in hand. Joey excitedly views the rabid fanbase, the cult following of sorts, before preparing to speak.

Joey Styles: Welcome to Extreme Championship Wrestling! The first thing you’ll notice is that I’m out here on my own tonight. Uh, conspicuous by his absence is my broadcast colleague, Joel Gertner.

Gertner is a fan favourite these days, so the lack of Gertner on the show received some heat. Joey just shrugs sheepishly.

Joey Styles: I feel the same way but it’s out of my control. With that being said, I want to introduce everyone to my guest tonight. He’s a man that I admire very much, he’s the owner of ECW… PAUL HEYMAN!!!

On demand, “Extreme” plays from the arena’s speakers and PAUL HEYMAN struts down the ramp with his trench coat and ECW baseball cap. The ovation is tremendous for the man that runs the ship, as Heyman steps inside the ring, and shares a friendly handshake with Styles. As opposed to Joey interviewing him, Heyman requests the mic and Styles is happy to oblige, taking a step back to simply listen.

Paul Heyman: Thanks for that, Joey. Now I came out here tonight because I wanted to address the masses about what’s been going on lately in ECW. I feel like I owe each and every one of you loyal fans an apology. From the bottom of my heart, since ECW returned, I’m sorry for being more focused on doing verbal sparring with Cyrus instead of taking care of what should be my main task. That task is to find a new ECW Champion.

The fans applaud Heyman’s modesty, accepting the apology, even if they didn’t necessarily ask for it. The mad scientist nods gratefully for the response.

Paul Heyman: So the ECW Championship is what I’m out here to focus on because it’s better late than never. Now as much as it pains me to admit it, I do have to admit that there are certain things Cyrus can have input on that I’m not necessarily able to change.

Boos from the fans, and the owners face shows he agrees.

Paul Heyman: For example, Cyrus made a certain stipulation for the next ECW Championship match and that stipulation stands. This Sunday, at Living Dangerously, it’s confirmed The Network’s Steve Corino will be in a legitimate wrestling match for the ECW Championship. As we all know that match was supposed to be against the winner of The Sandman and Justin Credible last week.

Murmurs from the fans, who wonder what will happen since the non-conclusive result of last week’s match.

Paul Heyman: Neither Justin Credible nor The Sandman, however, were able to win that match. The match never came to a close, so at this time, as far as Living Dangerously is concerned, there’s nobody else to go in the match officially.

Heat from the fans, who don’t want Corino to get his wish and just be gifted the title.

Paul Heyman: Well, let’s just say the more things change, the more they stay the same. I’ve changed things around the best I can. What that means is that at Living Dangerously, we will see a rematch from Guilty As Charged. It will be Justin Credible versus The Sandman versus Steve Corino in a Three Way Dance for the vacant ECW World Championship!

The fans pop for the announcement, until “Revolution” hits, and Heyman can’t help but rolls his eyes as CYRUS appears. Headset on, Cyrus ignores the vicious level of heat from the fans, stepping into the ring for a discussion with Heyman.

Cyrus: Whoa, whoa. I hate to interrupt, Paul, but once again, I regret to inform you the Network is not happy.

Cyrus says he’s not happy, but the smug look on his face says otherwise.

Cyrus: ECW only just came back, you need to be careful not to ruin that, Heyman. You better start to shape up before USA has you and this company shipped out.

Ungodly levels of heat are directed at Cyrus, as Heyman looks frustrated.

Cyrus: I hate to start on a negative, but I have my orders to. On the other hand, in what’s a definite positive, you’ve made a very smart decision in agreeing with me on the match stipulation at Living Dangerously. I don’t disagree with putting The Sandman and Justin Credible into a legitimate wrestling match against the ‘King Of Old School’, the next champion, Steve Corino.

Obviously referring to Corino as the next champ doesn’t go down well with the crowd.

Cyrus: What I’m trying to say is that no matter what, I think we’ve done the right thing. I know I’ll be proud to work for a company with a professional wrestler as our World Heavyweight Champion.

Heyman looks at his watch, indicating for Cyrus to hurry it up.

Cyrus: Hold your horses, I’m almost done. I’ll be out of your hair in a second, there’s just a few other items I need to announce. I have a few adjustments to make…

Cyrus holds up his index finger.

Cyrus: Adjustment number one, I announce that Danny Doring and Roadkill will defend the Tag Team Championships against The Unholy Alliance at Living Dangerously.

The announcement gets a big pop, everybody in shock that Cyrus booked a match the fans actually want to see.

Cyrus: I’m putting the business over my personal issues with that one. Even though I hate that snivelling little zipper head Tajiri for betraying the Network, I’ll book it. I’m willing to start giving the fans what they really want.

Cyrus smiles but nobody is really buying it, especially not Heyman and Styles.

Cyrus: My second announcement, this Sunday we will see a Tag Team Three Way Dance. After what happened last week, the thorn in a lot of teams sides lately, CM Punk and Colt Cabana, The Second City Saints… They will do battle against both the Latin American Xchange and the Phenomenal Angels at Living Dangerously.

The reaction is lesser for this announcement, but it still gets a good pop from the fans.

Cyrus: Last but certain not least, the only other announcement I have at this time is punishing someone due to their actions two weeks ago. After his abysmal behaviour, New Jack is barred from the building this evening and at Living Dangerously, he will face the consequences for his actions. New Jack will attend a public meeting with the Network to discuss his future with ECW.

The fans are ready to riot, and Heyman looks appalled by the decision to.

Paul Heyman: A question if I may, what did Jack do wrong? From what I saw, all he did was beat Steve Corino’s ass all across the arena until the rest of the Network got involved.

Big pop and Cyrus is irritated, pointing his finger menacingly at the owner of ECW.

Cyrus: Don’t push your luck. Mind your own business before I have to place a phone call to Jamie Kellner.

Heyman takes a step forward, anger showing as he gets in Cyrus’ face.

Paul Heyman: No, you don’t push it, pal. I don’t take well to threats and the last person that fucked with my company this bad was my co-founder. Yeah, I’m referring to Tod Gordon, and we all know what happened to him. I sent him back to his Jewish Jewellery Retail store faster than he could say Auschwitz.

Whoa, big words from Heyman there, as the fans love his passion, marking out. Cyrus is shaking his head, unimpressed.

Cyrus: Now look what you’ve gone and done. I’m going to have to fine you for anti-Semitic remarks. You should be ashamed of yourself for speaking such vulgar language in a city that has a large population of people devout to the Jewish faith. For crying out loud, that even includes yourself.

Boos for Cyrus, as Heyman isn’t looking very calm right now.

Paul Heyman: At this point, you might as well call me ADOLF!!!

Before Cyrus can react, HEYMAN DECKS HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND RIGHT TO THE JAW!!!

The crowd goes bonkers as Cyrus falls to the canvas, and then rolls out of the ring, holding his jaw. Cyrus isn’t looking very well kept now hair a mess and there’s a crack down the middle of his headset. Cyrus screams incoherently at Heyman, who straightens up his trench coat, revelling in the “ECDUB” chants from the faithful…

*OPENING CREDITS*

Match One
‘Bulldozer’ Brian Lee vs. Samoa Joe​

For those of you who didn’t read last week’s show, this ones a grudge match of sorts. These two had an incident in the locker room last week, which resulted in newcomer Joe choking out Lee. Despite the incident that occurred last week, facing Joe in his first ever match in ECW, seems to have Lee feeling pretty confident. Being that he’s a veteran in ECW and the business, Lee expects stage fright from Joe, but on commentary, Joey Styles is weary that might be a mistake from Lee.​

The beginning of the match resembles their confrontation in the locker room. Joe dominates Lee, sending him to the corner, where he begins going to town with stiff kicks to the lower body. As Lee starts to feel it in his lower body, Joe goes up high, reeling off some extremely stiff chops which immediately show bruising on Lee’s chest.​

Lee shows he won’t just be steamrolled tonight though, turning the tables and getting some stiff shots of his own. As the match progresses, Joe gets a little daring, landing a Scoop Slam and then heading up to the top rope. Once Joe gets to the top, Lee gets to his feet, albeit dazed… SO JOE LEAPS OFF THE TOP ROPE, LOOKING FOR A CROSSBODY!!! ​

NO… LEE INCREDIBLE CATCHES JOE… ADJUSTS HIS POSITION…

AND LEE DRILLS JOE WITH A DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!! ​

LEE HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!! ​

JOE KICKS OUT!!!​

Despite the kick out, Joe is feeling it after the big move, so he stays down. This allows time for Lee to exit the ring, slide a TABLE into the ring and then return. With Joe remaining down, Lee even has time to set up the table leaning against a corner of the ring. Looking to soften up the rookie further, Lee goes to work with some basic clobbering, before bringing Joe to his feet and wrapping a hand around his throat… PRIMETIME SLAM!!!​

NO!!! BEFORE LEE CAN LIFT JOE UP TO SLAM HIM THROUGH THE TABLE, JOE EXPLODES WITH NUMEROUS KICK TO THE GUT!!!​

The blows are enough for Lee to break his grip, allowing Joe to regain control. Samoa Joe lays into Lee with some right hands, before throwing him around with a variation of Suplexes, STARTING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!!! ​

Joe holds on and then slides into the next one… DRAGONPLEX!!! ​

Firmly in control, Joe brings Lee back up and drags him towards the table. Joe gets in position TO DELIVER AN X PLEX THROUGH THE TABLE!!! ​

NO!!! LEE RAISES ONE OF HIS LEGS… NAILING THE LOW BLOW!!! ​

Joe crumbles to his knees, mouth wide open in a mixture of pain and shock. Yet again, Lee decides to hunt for some weaponry on the outside of the ring, this time finding a STEEL CHAIR. Lee raises the chair over his head, ready to hit Joe… WHEN JOE EXPLODES FORWARD WITH THE FACEWASH!!!​

NO!!! LEE SIDESTEPS IT… AND AS JOE TURNS TO FACE LEE…​

LEE CRACKS THE STEEL CHAIR OVER JOE’S SKULL!!!​

The fans can’t help but chant “ECDUB’ after the brutal shot, as Lee discards the dented chair out of the ring. The veteran now stands over Joe, putting the boots to him, really wanting to make Joe pay for last week. Lee’s attention now turns back to the table, so he points at it and yells “BULLDOZER”. Lee slowly brings Joe back to his feet, and struggles… BUT GETS JOE IN POSITION FOR THE CANCELLATION!!!​

INSTEAD OF DROPPING BACKWARDS THROUGH THE TABLE, JOE MANEUVERS HIMSELF TO DROP FORWARDS!!!​

Lee’s in shock with Samoa Joe landing on his feet right in front of him. Joe hoists Lee high in the air before he can react, GETTING HIM UP FOR THE MUSCLE BUSTER!!!​

Joe spins around, showing his incredible strength, before dropping backwards… MUSCLE BUSTER THROUGH THE CORNER TABLE CONNECTS!!! ​

“ECDUB” chants reign supreme again as Joe drags Lee out from the rubble, AND JOE MAKES THE COVER…1…2…3!!! ​

Winner: Samoa Joe ​

The fans greet Samoa Joe’s first victory in ECW with a rather positive response. They don’t seem to mind the no nonsense newcomer. Joe barely allows the referee to raise his hand, not interested in celebrations, instead he stands over his victim. After a moment, Joe then rolls Lee over, and in shades of last week… JOE LOCKS IN THE COQUINA CLUTCH!!!

Lee can barely fight Joe’s grip at all after the match, whilst referee Jim Molineaux tries to intervene to no success. With chaos in the ring, we cut away…

…

To the Eagle’s Nest where JOEY STYLES sits all on his lonesome this week.

Joey Styles: It’s me, alone again, and I figured well half the organisation tries to pry Samoa Joe off Brian Lee, I’d elaborate on my colleagues absence tonight. I received a message from Gertner earlier this afternoon informing me that he would not be at tonight’s show because he had some important business to take care of in Stanford, Connecticut.

Joey shakes his head, a worrisome look on his face.

Joey Styles: That’s the headquarters of the WWF, I hope this doesn’t mean what I think it means.

After a deep breath, Styles shuffles some paperwork and tries to energise the mood.

Joey Styles: We’ll deal with that in due course so let’s talk about Living Dangerously. It’s going to be a dream match at the pay per view when Curt Hennig and Eddie Guerrero make their ECW debut and return respectively in what should be an awesome match. Whilst both men won’t be at ECW in person until this Sunday, we did manage to capture some words from Eddie Guerrero during the week.

…

The typical ECW interview set comes to life, with the homemade black banner in the background. Standing in front of it for a pretaped backstage promo is the ever devious looking EDDIE GUERRERO.

Eddie Guerrero: Extreme Championship Wrestling, I’m looking forward to this fresh start. You see, I was treated so badly in WCW. I only became friends with Bischoff after I threatened a class action discrimination lawsuit against him.

Eddie is fiery when discussing his issues in WCW. Instead of continuing on a rampage though, he takes a deep breath, regaining his composure.

Eddie Guerrero: ECW obviously has its own issues, having almost gone out of business, and all, but there’s one thing I have to credit ECW for. When I was here and after I was gone, it was never about race. ECW was never about size or looks or any of that shit, the only thing that mattered, it was about your skill. And when I was here, Eddie Guerrero was the best in the world.

A video package plays, showing highlights of Eddie’s final match in ECW in 1995 against Dean Malenko. After several clips, we focus back in on Eddie, still standing in front of the interview set.

Eddie Guerrero: Now onto my opponent for Living Dangerously, Curt Hennig. Let me make it clear, I don’t respect you, Curt because you have no clue what it’s like to pay dues.

Eddie’s tone is vicious, speaking with real conviction and truth.

Eddie Guerrero: Our paths to get here couldn’t have been anymore different. We’re both second generation superstars, but that’s where the similarities end. I haven’t gotten to where I’m at today because of my father.

Guerrero shakes his head, emphasising his words.

Eddie Guerrero: If I relied on my family name, what my brothers and fathers did in this business, I’d be a lot higher in this industry.

The look on Eddie’s face shows bitterness.

Eddie Guerrero: You on the other hand, Curt, are the opposite. You are where you’re at today because of three people. Larry ‘The Ax, Bret Hart, and Vince McMahon.

Whoa, some serious name dropping from Guerrero here.

Eddie Guerrero: Newsflash, it’s going to be different here in ECW. Your daddy isn’t here to help elevate your stature in ECW. Unlike the past, Bret isn’t here to carry your over the hill ass in a match that was overrated to begin with. On top of all that, there’s no Vince McMahon here to book you as the superstar that you’re not.

Eddie’s eyes tell the story; he means every single word.

Eddie Guerrero: I’ve been in this business a long time and you calling yourself Mr. Perfect was one of the biggest backstage jokes throughout the country.

The slightest hint of a smirk flickers, for just a moment.

Eddie Guerrero: You’re good, Curt, but perfect…

Eddie chuckles for a moment.

Eddie Guerrero: Mi hermano, usted no es perfecto. Usted no está en ninguna parte cerca perfecto. Usted no tiene ningunas capacidades dentro de usted que puede ser hasta considerado remotamente perfecto. En la Living Dangerously, usted verá la primera mano perfecta cuando la herencia Guerrero mastica algo que usted ha hecho y lo escupe perfectamente!

We get one last close up of a focused Eddie’s face. He’s seemingly ready for Hennig in two days’ time…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

Match Two
Danny Doring and Roadkill and Latin American Xchange vs. Phenomenal Angels and The Unholy Alliance​

There’s an interesting dynamic in this one, with the only heels in the match being LAX. Still, the tag champs manage to team with them relatively okay for the most part, hell bent on getting their win back after losing to The Unholy Alliance last week. Considering the eight men involved, this one is quite the spot fest, even when they are abiding by standard tag wrestling rules. Tajiri cerebrally focuses in on Doring quite a bit, inflicting as much punishment as possible, INCLUDING LOCKING IN THE TARANTULA ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS!!!​

On commentary, Styles talks about how Tajiri is loved but isn’t for the feint hearted. Doring is clearly struggling a little after their match last week, and Tajiri has made it his goal to do more damage before their title match in two days’ time. All eight men do eventually get into the ring at once, as we get the standard big multi match all hell breaks loose segment.​

We end up in a position where Doring, Roadkill, the Phenomenal Angels and Mikey Whipwreck are fighting on the outside of the ring. With Tajiri down on the inside, Hernandez hoists his own partner Homicide into the air… BORDER TOSS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TO THE OUTSIDE TAKES OUT EVERYBODY!!!​

BUT IT’S A SLIGHT OVERTHROWN FROM HERNANDEZ SO HOMICIDE HITS THE CROWD BARRICADE ON THE WAY DOWN!!! ​

It’s a gruesome landing for sure, as the fans break out into an immediate “YOU FUCKED UP” chant. The big man doesn’t have time to react though, as he’s not alone in the ring. Tajiri spins him around and unleashes a blitz of kicks to the legs and body, dropping Hernandez to his knees. ‘The Japanese Buzzsaw’ lines Hernandez up… BUZZSAW KICK CONNECTS!!!

In something we haven’t really seen before, instead of being down after the big kick from Tajiri, Hernandez works back to his feet. He’s dazed and confused but he’s up, stumbling towards Tajiri… RIGHT INTO THE GREEN MIST!!!​

Hernandez is blind now, doing a 180… TURNING INTO A PELE KICK FROM AJ STYLES!!! ​

Again, Hernandez remains on his feet, staggering towards A WHIPPERSNAPPER FROM MIKEY!!!

Finally, after so much punishment, Hernandez is down and out, so Christopher Daniels seizes the moment… BEST MOONSAULT EVER!!! ​

It’s the first time the move has been hit in ECW, and it garners another “ECDUB” chant from the excited fans. The Unholy Alliance and AJ now head to the outside to keep Doring, Roadkill and Homicide at bay… ALLOWING DANIELS TO REMAIN ON TOP OF HERNANDEZ FOR THE PIN…1…2…3!!!​

Winners: Phenomenal Angels and The Unholy Alliance​

There are no hard feelings attached to this one, it’s all just competition, meaning once the bell rings the action on the outside halts. Instead, AJ, and The Unholy Alliance get back into the ring, sharing handshakes and celebrating their victory, much to the delight of the crowd…

…

Backstage, in front of the ECW logo stuck to that homemade black curtain, THE NETWORK stands. CYRUS looks livid as he presses an icy hot against his jaw. The remainder of the team, CW ANDERSON, JERRY LYNN, STEVE CORINO and STEVEN RICHARDS all looks concerned, sensing the foul mood of their leader.

Cyrus: Every week I’m getting put through the ringer and where are any of you? I’m putting each and every one of you on notice. You must turn this around, tonight has already started off as a travesty.

The rest of the crew listen intently as Cyrus continues to be steaming mad.

Cyrus: You, CW, Dreamer’s career better be done at the pay per view. If not, I’ll make sure you’re sent to the WWF and jobbing on Shotgun Saturday Night against Essa Rios.

CW gives a subtle nod, showing he’s receiving the message.

Cyrus: You looked like a world beater when you wanted to join us, and since th-…

Cyrus is shocked as Richards puts a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. The leader of The Network looks at Richards, who gives him a reassuring smile.

Steven Richards: Cyrus, we all understand your concern, but this isn’t what we need right now. Negativity is an obvious negative aspect of running a company, especially one like ECW, but it’s an aspect that will usually run said company into the ground.

Again, the calming hand of Richards is on the shoulder of Cyrus.

Steven Richards: We’ve got this, you go relax. Rest up, take care of your jaw, get ready for Living Dangerously and I’ll motivate the boys.

There’s an aspect of uncertainty across Cyrus’ face, but with Richards looking so convincing, Cyrus eventually listens. He shoots them all daggers one last time before storming off. Once Cyrus is gone, Richards signals for The Network to huddle closer together, which they do.

Steven Richards: CW, Jerry, you both know what’s needed tonight right?

They both nod in agreement.

Steven Richards: Go do it then.

Anderson and Lynn both leave, and Corino looks to do the same, but Richards grabs his arm, stopping him.

Steven Richards: Whoa, Steve, before you go. There’s a certain Italian American Organisation within the ECW locker room that might be helpful to your current situation. I would recommend looking into that because as long as what needs to be done gets done and doesn’t happen on the USA Network, it’ll all be above board. There’ll be no need for censorship or fines.

Corino shoots Richards a grin, who gives him one right back. The two look as sneaky as ever as we cut away…

…

To the ECW locker room, where THE SECOND CITY SAINTS sit on a bench. Both CM PUNK and COLT CABANA sip on a can of Pepsi each, looking in pretty good spirits.

CM Punk: Did you see that match? If that’s the best Phenomenal Angels and LAX can do, Living Dangerously is going to be a cakewalk… Well we’re sitting here to, surely my tattoo and us drinking this right now means we’ll be getting some product placement checks in the mail soon enough. God knows, the ECW salary barely keeps the lights on.

The two snicker at Punk’s snide remarks, feeling pretty good about themselves. They both perk up somewhat though, looking more innocent and eyebrows raised in excitement, when the sultry FRANCINE approaches them. Mouths wide open, they stare, waiting for her to say something.

Francine: Hey boys. I’ve been watching you the past few weeks and I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve seen.

They both smile sheepishly, as she bends over ever so slightly, showing even more of her cleavage if that’s possible.

Francine: I wanted to talk to you both because I was wondering if you’ll do a favour for little old me.

She pouts her lips, doing her best to convince them.

Colt Cabana: Uh, what’s the favour?

‘The Queen of Extreme’ thinks, for just a second, before responding.

Francine: Okay, look. It’s not really a favour for me per se, but you’d be helping me out by doing a favour for a friend of mine.

The Saints look confused, so Francine keeps talking.

Francine: I can’t say who or why right now, but I can tell you my friend will be extremely grateful. On top of that, I’ll be even more grateful.

Ever the seductress, Francine bends down, basically pushing her tits in each of their faces, as she gives them both a kiss on the cheek. That seems convincing enough for the youngsters.

CM Punk: Okay, you’ve got a deal.

The last image we get is a huge smile from Francine, before cutting away…

…

Back to the Eagle’s Nest, where JOEY STYLES sits, still on his lonesome and a befuddled look on his face.

Joey Styles: I’m not sure exactly what Francine is up to with this offer for The Second City Saints to help her with a favour, but knowing Francine, it can’t be good.

Joey lets those words marinate for a moment before changing the topic.

Joey Styles: Now we’re only two nights away from Living Dangerously and what a show that’s turning out to be, but before we get there, we’ve still got to get through tonight’s show. We have a big time main event scheduled for tonight as well, with The Impact Players teaming up to face The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer.

From there, highlights are shown of last week’s ECW Hardcore TV with Tommy Dreamer bringing in The Four Horsemen to have his back. It then broadly highlights more of the feud between Dreamer and CW Anderson.

Joey Styles: To say there’s bad blood between Dreamer and Anderson would be an understatement, so it’s fitting that the winner at Living Dangerously will be the first man to spill the other man’s blood. It’s going to be extreme; call your local pay per view provider and purchase this must see event if you haven’t already… We’ll be back after a quick break, folks.

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
​

Returning from the break, we see STEVE CORINO traversing through the hallways of the arena, looking a little uncertain. Suddenly, Corino finds the room he was looking for, entering the ‘office’ of THE FULL BLOODED ITALIANS. JOHNNY STAMBOLI, SAL E. GRAZIANO and TONY MAMALUKE all stand around and watch Corino, as he approaches a wooden oak desk, which LITTLE GUIDO sits behind.

Steve Corino: Uh, Guido, hey. I’ve come to request a favour…

Guido surveys Corino from behind the desk, looking every bit like a don.

Little Guido: Steve Corino, my boy. What’s the request?

Corino shuffles his feet for a moment, thinking about how to phrase his request.

Steve Corino: Big night this Sunday, Living Dangerously and all. I was hoping that before or at the pay per view, you could help me out. I was hoping The FBI could do what you do best and make sure come main event time, there’s no one left but me.

Guido takes his time, mulling over the request. He shares a look with Big Sal and Mamaluke, before focusing back in on Corino.

Little Guido: Okay, expect it to be done. But nothing comes for free, let it be known that a favour will be asked back to you and the Network someday.

Corino nods gratefully, before Guido diverts his gaze to the door. Corino takes that as his queue and leaves, as Guido looks over to Johnny ‘The Bull’, stepping out of the shadows.

Little Guido: Johnny, if you get this done, you won’t be a prospect no more. You’ll be a made guy in no time.

Stamboli looks excited by the opportunity, smirking and rubbing his hands together as Guido watches on…

…

We’re back at the Eagles Nest now, where JOEY STYLES looks absolutely outraged.

Joey Styles: I can’t believe the cowardice of Steve Corino. It’s disgusting that he would go that far to secure himself an ECW Championship victory when the match style was made specifically for him.

He shakes his head, still in disbelief.

Joey Styles: At Living Dangerously, it’s scheduled to be Steve Corino versus Justin Credible versus The Sandman in a Three Way Dance for the vacant ECW Championship. Let’s hope Corino doesn’t have his way and we still get this match… We’ll have more on this later, but it’s time to head back to ringside…

Match Three
Balls Mahoney vs. Monty Brown

Knowing the battle he’s in for tonight, Balls doesn’t come to the ring empty handed, instead bringing his specialised STEEL CHAIR with him. Not necessarily overly familiar with the hardcore style of wrestling, Monty refused to engage and managed to coerce Balls into putting the chair down. Brown is too strong once they lock up, overpowering Mahoney. However, Balls shocks the world, showing some of his rarely talked about collegiate wrestling experience, shocking Monty and the fans for that matter.​

Getting frustrated, Brown starts throwing some cheap shots and showing more aggression to get back on top. Having dropped Mahoney, Brown also heads to the corner and undoes the turnbuckle pad. After taking care of the turnbuckle, Monty turns back, expecting Balls to still be down, but he’s on his feet and armed with the steel chair. Feeling vulnerable, Monty exits the ring immediately to regroup, refusing to charge into the chair swinging freak.​

Eventually, Brown gets back into the ring, and whilst he’s able to void the chair shots, he’s so worried about it, but that Mahoney managers to sucker him in… FOR THE NUTCRACKER SUITE!!!

Instead of going for the pin, now Balls picks up the steel chair, waiting for Monty to work to his feet… CRACK!!! STEEL CHAIR ACROSS THE SKULL!!!​

Brown drops to the canvas, as Mahoney raises the chair above his head, getting an “ECDUB” chant from the fans. Mahoney takes it in before turning to do further damage to Brown, but somehow he’s back on his feet… AND BROWN RUNS THROUGH MAHONEY WITH A POOOOOUUUUUUUUUNCE INTO THE CHAIR… CAUSING THE CHAIR TO SMASH BACK INTO BALLS!!! ​

Balls goes flying on impact, losing the chair and landing with a splat. Furious at his most difficult challenge in ECW as of yet, BROWN ROUGHLY HOOKS BOTH LEGS…1…2…3!!!

Winner: Monty Brown​

Similarly to previous weeks, there’s a lack of celebration from the ‘Alpha Male’. He barely gets his hand raised, before leaving the ring to a mixed reaction, leaning towards the negative side, having made another strong impression on the ECW fans…

…

Of course, we head to the Eagles Nest yet again for JOEY STYLES.

Joey Styles: Another impressive powerhouse performance from Monty Brown, and on that note, we’ve got another powerhouse making his way to the ECW Arena soon.

The segue leads to another video package promoting SCOTT NORTON. Somehow, this shows some of his most devastating highlights from his time in WCW.

…

The next scene shows THE BLUE MEANIE sitting in a locker room, a lonely figure. Meanie looks slightly downtrodden, the screen is hued in black and white, and faintly in the background, the BWO music can be heard.

The Blue Meanie: I never in my wildest dreams thought it would come to this. I have quite the past with Richards, we go way back, dating back to the early 90’s when we broke in together.

Almost a glimpse of a wry smile as TBM relives some fond memories.

The Blue Meanie: I have to admit initially I was jealous of Stevie’s luck to go to WCW and the WWF. Despite his success, I thought Stevie would be the last one to let it get to his head.

TBM shakes his head, clearly he was wrong.

The Blue Meanie: Clearly I was wrong, and now Stevie must pay the price for his behaviour. I promise that for one night only at Living Dangerously, you’ll see a different side of me. The stupid gimmicks, all of the impersonations, all the fun and gamed and the Blue World Order are going to be put to rest as I take out ten years of anger on my censored friend.

Meanie continues to look down at the ground, much more serious than we’ve ever seen him before…

Match Four
Christian York and Joey Matthews vs. The Harris Twins ​

Despite the clear size, strength and experience gaps between the two teams, York and Matthews show no fear going against the newest, meanest team in ECW. Even with the youngsters best endeavours, The Harris Twins are extremely impressive in their return to ECW. They dominate with their power advantage from the get-go, making mincemeat out of the teen heart throbs. It’s a complete squash to put over just what these two can do. In the end, Ron and Don grab a hold of Matthews… AND DRILL HIM WITH A DOUBLE CHOKESLAM!!! ​

With Matthews taken care of, the brothers now focus on York… HITTING HIM WITH THE H BOMB!!!​

RON COVERS YORK…1…2…3!!! ​

Winners: The Harris Twins ​

The Harris Twins get heat after the match, but it doesn’t last long. They go to celebrate their handiwork, but instead of their music playing, “Natural Born Killaz’ plays. The fans go insane as The Harris Twins look confused inside of the ring. It doesn’t take long for ECW’s favourite gangster, NEW JACK to step out onto the stage.

New Jack: I’ve been watching you two run your mouths the last few weeks and I couldn’t help but come out here. You are nothing but a bunch of in bred racist redneck cracker pieces of shit. Hell, the last time you were in ECW, I remember, you were managed by some punk ass called Uncle Zebediah.

The fans remember to, but The Harris Twins don’t really react.

New Jack: Well let me tell you something. I ain’t no Uncle Zeb and I ain’t no Uncle Tom. I want to politely ask you two to shut what we call the fuck up and get what we call the fuck out.

Big pop from the fans but The Harris Twins shake their heads in defiance, refusing to leave the ring. New Jack seems to enjoy the answer, disappearing behind the curtain, before beginning to wheel his trolley cart full of weapons to ringside.

It looks like shit is about to pop off between Jack and The Harris Twins…

???: WAIT A MINUTE!!!

Major heat as CYRUS appears at the top of the ramp, stopping the violence from starting to this point.

Cyrus: This has to stop; The Network is not happy. They aren’t happy, especially with you Jack, as you already know. You were banned from the arena after your previous actions.

Boos are directed at Cyrus, whilst New Jack can’t believe the audacity of him.

New Jack: Yo, Cyrus, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not like these other guys in ECW. I’m a smurf, hell I’m a scary one at that and I don’t take shit. I go where the fuck I want to go.

The response from Jack wins over the fans, but Cyrus doesn’t appreciate it.

Cyrus: Enough, please. Watch your potty mouth. We cannot afford that many bleeps on the new network.

BOOOOOOO, as Jack rolls his eyes.

Cyrus: I’m sure you’re a businessman, let’s make a deal.

No response from Jack so Cyrus presses forward.

Cyrus: As I mentioned earlier tonight, originally, this Sunday wasn’t going to be good for you. You were to be scolded at Living Dangerously by USA Networks and NBC Universal. However, after further consideration, that doesn’t have to happen. As long as tonight remains under control, I promise to feed up an old foe of yours in a peace offering.

Cyrus smiles, whilst Jack looks to be considering it. The fans don’t seem to be excited.

New Jack: Consider this your lucky day because I’m curious. As long as it ain’t Mustafa, I’m in. We got a deal.

Cyrus meets Jack at ringside and the two shake hands. As Cyrus looks to break away and enter the ring, Jack doesn’t relinquish his hand.

New Jack: I’ll keep it on lock for TV, but watch your back when you go outside tonight and keep a look out for my beaty yellow eyes.

With that one last threat, Jack lets go of Cyrus’ hand and takes his cart full of weapons to the back. Meanwhile, in an interesting development, Cyrus still enters the ring and talks feverishly with The Harris Twins off mic, before the show cuts to a break…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK*​

Returning from the break, we’re back at the Eagle’s Nest, where JOEY STYLES is finally joined by his colleague, JOEL GERTNER. Gertner gets in position, putting on his headset, trying to act causal, but Styles immediately gives him the stank eye.

Joey Styles: Oh it’s nice of you to finally show up to work, Joel. Why were you in Stamford, Connecticut?

Gertner smirks earnestly.

Joel Gertner: I can’t say much now, but I’m working on something big. I promise all will be answered in a few weeks’ time. But enough about that, lets talk about something we haven’t spoken about, but we should be. How come a bigger deal hasn’t been made of Sid coming back to ECW? This guy is doing crazy things, especially after such a nasty injury two months ago in WCW.

Styles allows the change of topic, nodding along with Gertner’s words.

Joey Styles: I’ve been looking into this, and Sid underwent some sort of one of a kind surgery. The details are murky there but what I can confirm is he isn’t quite ready to wrestle yet. If I know Sid, when he does wrestle, it’s going to be dangerous for any other man in that locker room. He’ll put all of the ECW wrestlers on notice.

After taking a beat, Gertner looks at Styles.

Joel Gertner: I have another question about Sid. Did Sid run into Arn Anderson last week when he was here?

Joey shakes his head.

Joey Styles: Ah, no. Why?

Joel Gertner: I was just checking because I found these.

Gertner marks out for his own joke as he holds up a pair of scissors. Styles isn’t even sure how to react as Gertner guffaws away, and then we cut to a new scene…

…

A makeshift table is set up somewhere backstage with both CYRUS and PAUL HEYMAN standing in the middle of the table. On one end of the table sits JERRY LYNN, and on the other sits ROB VAN DAM, of course with BILL ALFONSO right behind him. There is also a stack of papers sitting in the middle of the table.

Cyrus: Thank you gentlemen for joining us for the official contract signing for your match against each other at Living Dangerously.

Cyrus does his best to act professional, nodding at both men. Neither reacts.

Paul Heyman: Normally a contract signing would just get done behind the scenes and off camera, but not for this match. The reason it’s necessary for such a public contract signing is because this isn’t just for a vacant title. It’s because this contract will ensure that as long as both of you are in ECW, regardless of circumstance, you will never wrestle each other again. Therefore this will be one of the last times you are seen on ECW Television together, because Living Dangerously will stop any more damage and violence inflicted into one by the other.

Not wasting anytime, Lynn drags the contract over to his side, and has no words, simply signing it. Brimming with intensity, Lynn shoves the contract over to RVD’s side of the table. Van Dam is most likely high as a kite, so he gets Alfonso to take a quick look over the fine print. Fonzie shoots the thumbs up, so RVD signs the contract as well.

Rob Van Dam: It’s going to be the same ol-…

RVD and Fonzie both get attacked from behind by CW ANDERSON, STEVE CORINO and STEVEN RICHARDS!!!

They hammer away at them as Heyman scurries out of the way. Meanwhile, Cyrus watches on, laughing and applauding the entire time. After they soften RVD up to the point where he’s not trying to get back to his feet, the onslaught ends, and Lynn stands over RVD.

Jerry Lynn: Rest up, Rob, because at Living Dangerously, you’re done. I will officially become the (Lynn does the shoulder point like RVD would) Whole… FUCKING… Show.

With a job well done, The Network celebrate their handiwork, before we go back to ringside…

Match Five
Chris Candido vs. Chris Hero ​

Just two days out from his live shoot interview at Living Dangerously, we witness the in ring return of Candido. On commentary, Styles and Gertner promote the segment scheduled for the pay per view, mentioning that Candido has promised to reveal more dirt than imaginable about not only his runs in WWF and WCW, but more then that. He’ll also dish the dirt on his previous run here in ECW. Meanwhile, this is Hero’s first appearance in ECW as well, and it’s safe to say, he’s super impressive.​

Together, the two put on an awesome, show stealing match. There’s plenty of enjoyable back and forth chain wrestling, which escalates as the match goes on. Eventually Candido feels like he’s done enough to pick up the victory, so he ascends to the top rope… DIVING HEADBUTT!!!

NO!!! HERO MANAGES TO ROLL OUT OF THE WAY!!!

On instinct, Candido bounces right back to his feet, although he’s holding his face. This allows Hero to kick him in the gut… AND NAIL THE HERO DDT!!!​

HERO HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!!

CANDIDO GETS A SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST SECOND!!!​

Knowing he’s closing in on a huge victory, Hero stays on task, dragging Candido right back to his feet, applying a Reverse Front Facelock… HERO’S WELCOME!!!​

NO!!! ​

CANDIDO SPINS HIMSELF FREE AND THEN RUNS THROUGH HERO WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!! ​

Candido stomps all over Hero, showing some aggression in attempting to soften him up. Candido then slowly starts dragging Hero to the corner, where he sits him on the middle turnbuckle, facing outside the ring. The man formerly known as Skip then steps out onto the apron and climbs up to the top rope… With the crowd buzzing, Candido stands over Hero… PREPARING TO HOIST HIM IN THE AIR FOR SUPERBOMB!!! ​

NO!!! CANDIDO GETS SHOVED OFF THE TOP ROPE… ​

BY THE SECOND CITY SAINTS!!!​

It’s an awful landing for Candido, who lands basically head and neck first onto the crowd barricade. There’s no “ECDUB” chant for the spot thought, instead the ECW fans are simply furious. CM PUNK and COLT CABANA aren’t finished either, as they get off the apron and continue to decimate Candido on the floor. Punk picks up a STEEL CHAIR, and Cabana is forced to pull Candido up… PUNK CRACKS THE STEEL CHAIR ACROSS CANDIDO’S CRANIUM!!!​

Cabana doesn’t let Candido fall, holding him in place… CABANA THROWS HIM INTO THE RING STEPS!!!​

Watching on from inside the ring, Hero looks baffled by what’s happening, but he just kind of shrugs it off. He has no interesting in getting involved in this. As our cameras zoom in on Candido’s face, it shows that he’s now busted wide open. Even the blood flowing doesn’t stop The Saints, as now it’s Punk’s turn to drag and hold Candido on his feet. Candido is defenceless… AS CABANA EXPLODES WITH MULTIPLE BIONIC ELBOWS!!!​

Cabana only relents when Punk releases Candido, who of course then falls straight to the floor. The fans boo loudly as Punk and Cabana are finally done, making their way to the back, with commentary wondering whether this has anything to do with the favour Francine requested. That’s a question for another day though as ‘Damage Control’ run down to check on Candido. To add insult to injury, Hero claims that Candido can’t continue, and he forces the referee to raise his hand, officially ending the contest.​

Winner: Chris Hero​

If you were wondering whether Hero is a face or heel, that question has now been answered. He gets booed out of the building for taking the win in this manner, but he doesn’t care, all smiles as he celebrates his first extreme victory…

…

Back to the Eagle’s Nest where JOEY STYLES looks appalled with what he’s just seen, whilst JOEL GERTNER, honestly, just looks distracted.

Joey Styles: That was disgusting behaviour by The Second City Saints. I was starting to grow respect for them and their lifestyle but now they’ve become male rats for the jezzabelle head cheerleader Francine.

The fuming Joey takes a moment, needing to catch his breath. He’s that worked up.

Joey Styles: The only explanation for this is that Candido must have had dirt on Francine for Francine to want that done.

Styles looks over at Gertner, expecting him to add something, but Gertner isn’t even listening. His headset has been removed and he’s talking to somebody on his cell phone. Styles looks at Gertner incredulously, but Gertner is oblivious. Despite looking offended, Joey doesn’t say anything, listening in to the call.

Joel Gertner: Alright Vince… Thanks a lot… I’ll see you soon… Bye my friend…

Gertner quickly ends the call and puts his headset on, Joey giving him an accusatory stare the entire time.

Joey Styles: Joel, who was that?

Gertner responds very quickly, almost too quickly.

Joel Gertner: An old friend of mine, Vincent from WCW.

Styles scoffs.

Joey Styles: That’s bullshit!

There’s an awkward silence between the two, with Joey unnerved, but Gertner refusing to delve further into the topic…

…

In a random area in the back, FRANCINE approaches THE SECOND CITY SAINTS, and she looks very impressed with what they just did.

Francine: Wow. Thank you both on a job well done. I couldn’t have pictured it any better than that, but I thank you both for shutting up Candido and hopefully preventing him from appearing at the pay per view.

Both Punk and Cabana stand up straight, feeling good about themselves.

CM Punk: Don’t worry about a thing. If he shows up at Living Dangerously, we’ll finish what we started.

Francine loves that, getting an intriguing look in her eye, as she looks both the youngsters up and down.

Francine: Now that business is out of the way, do you boys want to go out to a bar and party?

The Saints are straight edge; they don’t look interested in the slightest at going out to party.

Francine: I won’t tell anyone. Around me, you can drop the gimmick any time.

Both Punk and Cabana look unimpressed now, with Francine being slightly taken aback.

CM Punk: It’s not a gimmick. I was serious when I stated that our only addiction is competition and wrestling.

Punk then rubs his chin as if he’s contemplating, locking eyes with Colt for just a moment, and they share a smirk.

CM Punk: Come to think of it, well, there is one more thing.

Francine looks curious.

Francine: Oh yeah, what’s that?

Without another word, now Punk and Cabana look Francine up and down. They then take her by a hand each, which she willingly accepts, and the trio open a door, stepping into to the nearest dark room. That’s where the scene ends, with the door slammed shut, the ECW cameras remaining on the outside…

*COMMERCIAL BREAK* ​

The final break of the night is over, and we’re up at the Eagle’s Nest one last time with JOEY STYLES and JOEL GERTNER.

Joey Styles: Earlier tonight we got some thoughts from Eddie Guerrero on his match with Curt Hennig at Living Dangerously. Curt Hennig was offered his own time to say a few words to Eddie Guerrero in a taped segment. It was only fair, much like Eddie said stuff about Hennig, however, Hennig turned down the offer. Rather than travel early, Hennig requested to stay at home in Minnesota a few days longer in preparation.

Both commentators look pretty understanding.

Joel Gertner: If anything, that decision just gets me excited, Joey. It shows that he’s taking his debut in ECW very seriously, and considering his list of accomplishments in both the WWF and WCW, it can only mean good things.

Styles nods in agreement.

Joey Styles: Yet another big time match on a stacked card for Living Dangerously this Sunday night, but before we get there, let’s head to ringside for tonight’s main event. It’s The Impact Players versus The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer.

To ringside we go…

Match Six
The Impact Players vs. The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer ​

The Impact Players aren’t quite The Network; they don’t mind getting extremely when it suits them. In this situation, against two ECW originals, they try and keep the match as tame as possible. Unfortunately it doesn’t work out for them, and Sandman and Dreamer are able to turn the match into a brutal slugfest. Sandman and Credible pair off, not lasting very long inside the ring, and instead Sandman takes Credible on a tour of virtually the entire arena. Sandman absolutely dominates Credible, with Credible offering little to no resistance.​

Meanwhile, even though they remained at ringside, Dreamer and Storm were getting hardcore as well. Tommy gets the advantage and then places a TRASH CAN over the head and body of Storm, who is on his knees. Storm has his upper body stuck in the can, as Tommy grabs a Singapore Cane… AND DREAMER REPEATEDLY SMASHES THE SINGAPORE CANE INTO THE TRASH CAN!!!​

The cracks of Cane hitting bin echo throughout the arena, causing an “ECDUB” chant to start up. As Tommy looks around the arena, playing to the fans, Storm somehow works his way to his feet. The trash can is still over Storm’s head as he begins running around ringside and away from Dreamer. Tommy chases after him, but as they are running, Storm manages to get rid of the trash can, allowing him to sidestep Tommy… AND THEN STORM DRILLS TOMMY WITH A SUPERKICK!!!​

The attention now shifts back to the brawl in the crowd, WHERE SANDMAN HAS A CABLE WRAPPED AROUND THE THROAT OF CREDIBLE… CHOKING HIM!!! ​

Tongue almost rolling out of his mouth, Credible is desperate as he reached and just manages to get his hands on a STEEL CHAIR… CREDIBLE SWINGS THE CHAIR BACKWARDS OVER HIS HEAD… SMASHING INTO THE CRANIUM OF THE SANDMAN!!! ​

CREDIBLE REPEATEDLY HITS THE CHAIR SHOTS… STAGGERING SANDMAN… ​

WHO USES THE ADRENALINE TO CONTINUE CHOKING CREDIBLE… ​

UNTIL THE SANDMAN GETS ATTACKED FROM BEHIND… ​

BY THE FULL BLOODED ITALIANS!!! ​

Much to the dismay of the fans, The FBI hammer all over Sandman, keeping him occupied in the crowd. This allows Credible some space, and he simply begins crawling through the crowd, away from Sandman and back towards ringside. The Sandman refuses not to fight back though, swinging wild left hands to break free, before getting his hands on the steel chair… SANDMAN CRACKS THE CHAIR OVER LITTLE GUIDO’S SKULL!!!​

AND TONY MAMALUKE GETS THE SAME TREATMENT!!!​

Suddenly, JOHNNY STAMBOLI CHARGES AT SANDMAN… RIGHT INTO A CHAIR SHOT TO THE SKULL!!!

BUT STAMBOLI IS DESPERATE TO IMPRESS THE FBI… SO HE FUCKING NO SELLS THE CHAIR!!!

Hitting a quick flex, Stamboli then nails the shocked Sandman with a right hand, and manages to force him to discard the chair. With the advantage, Stamboli continues to pummel Sandman, as they both trek their way back towards ringside. Once Stamboli hurls Sandman over the barricade and back to ringside, ‘The Bull’ doesn’t realise that Sandman has managed to pick up a Singapore Cane. As Stamboli climbs over the barricade… THE SANDMAN EXPLODES WITH REPEATED CANE SHOTS TO THE BODY OF STAMBOLI!!!​

Johnny can do nothing but run away in pain, and as Guido and Mamaluke try to get involved, Sandman swings at them to. The FBI all decide to fight another day and hightail it up the ramp, their attempts to take out The Sandman unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Credible has crawled to the other side of ringside, attempting to get to the ring when he comes face to face with the one member of The FBI who didn’t go after Sandman, SAL E. GRAZIANO!!!​

Fear comes over the face of Credible, as he pleads for Big Sal not to hurt him. Big Sal just sort of shrugs, telling Credible, “IT AIN’T PERSONAL BUT I GOTTA’ TAKE YOU OUT”, but as Sal talks… CREDIBLE KICKS BIG SAL RIGHT IN THE GROIN!!! ​

As Sal bends over, struggling to breathe, Credible gets a steel chair… AND TEES OFF WITH CHAIR SHOTS ACROSS THE BACK… UNTIL BIG SAL CRUMBLES TO THE FLOOR!!! ​

Back inside the ring, Dreamer has regained the advantage… DRILLING STORM WITH A SPICOLLI DRIVER ON THE DAMAGED TRASH CAN FROM EARLIER!!! ​

Enjoying the “ECDUB” chants from the fans, a pumped up Dreamer gets back to his feet… ONLY TO BE MET WITH A SUPERKICK FROM CREDIBLE!!! ​

CREDIBLE LEAPS ON TOMMY FOR THE COVER…1…2 ​

SANDMAN ROLLS INSIDE THE RING…​

BUT HE’S NOT QUICK ENOUGH…​

3!!!​

Winners: The Impact Players​

The bell rings and there’s a slight groan from the fans for the result, but the action doesn’t really stop. Now in the ring and pissed off, SANDMAN BEGINS GOING NUTS ON CREDIBLE WITH A SINGAPORE CANE!!!

With Storm and Dreamer both down, Credible flees from the ring, but Sandman chases him, and the two men end up brawling around ringside again.

As this is happening, the ever resilient Dreamer works to his feet inside the ring… ONLY TO BE NEARLY DECAPITATED WITH A STIFF ARM LARIAT!!!

FROM CW ANDERSON!!!

With Dreamer down, Anderson mounts him and just explodes with vicious left hands. It isn’t long before bits of bruising start showing up on Tommy’s face, and a nasty cut has been opened up, blood leaking from Dreamer’s forehead.

In a rage, CW drags Dreamer to his feet, keeping a grip on Tommy’s t-shirt for him to be able to stand. Anderson gets right in Dreamer’s face, before smudging Tommy’s blood with his hand, and CW wipes Dreamer’s blood all over his own chest.

Joey Styles: Going into a First Blood match at Living Dangerously, it’s safe to say by creating that gash, Anderson has tilted the playing field with an awesome upper hand.

Joel Gertner: THAT’S INCREDIBLE!!!

Joey Styles: You’re right, Joel, indeed it is.

Joel Gertner: No, no. Look on the floor near the ramp…

Credible has managed to gain the upper hand in his fight with The Sandman… AND HE HITS THE THAT’S INCREDIBLE ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR!!!

Referees run down to stop Credible from being able to do any more damage, whilst Dreamer gets checked on inside the ring as well.

The final image we get though is at the top of the ramp, where CW Anderson stands. He just stands there, staring at his hands, which are covered in Dreamer’s blood, much like CW’s face, and then we cut away from this eerie visual…

…

To this week’s edition of PULP FICTION~! Promos to finish the show. The first one shows NEW JACK standing outside somewhere, in front of a chain link fence, and some graffiti covered walls.

New Jack: Before Living Dangerously, Cyrus, one last time, I just want to remind you that I ain’t the Nope to be fucked with.

Plenty of censor sounds at that statement, as no matter happens, New Jack is ready for the PPV…

…

STEVEN RICHARDS sits alone inside a locker room, usual black tie and short sleeved white shirt on. He looks as unemotional and stoic as ever.

Steven Richards: I heard what you had to say earlier Meanie but it’s all a lie. I know that you would’ve done the same thing if you had the opportunities that I did.

The ever serious Richards facial expression then softens ever so slightly.

Steven Richards: I’ll help you learn the error of your ways, and then when all this is over, as your friend, I will come through for you. The Network has a position open for you should you choose to accept the offer.

Richards then raises his palm in the air, the ultimate sign of censorship as we cut away…

…

Out of breath after their failed run in during the main event, THE FULL BLOODED ITALIANS all huddle together, grimacing in pain.

Little Guido: Tonight didn’t go to plan but we’ve got a job to do, and if there’s one thing about The FBI, we get the job done.

Guido then turns his attention towards JOHNNY STAMBOLI, slapping him in the face, motivating him.

Little Guido: You want to be a made man? Prove you deserve it, kid.

Stamboli looks super motivated, ready to run through a brick wall as we fade away…

…

In a random area in the back, the LATIN AMERICAN XCHANGE, HOMICIDE and HERNANDEZ stand, mean mugging the camera.

Homicide: AJ Styles, Christoper Daniels, we want you to know that we’ve got a move called the Gringo Killa for a reason. Remember that. And as for The Second City Saints, it doesn’t matter what slut you got on your side or who the slut is working with. Mark my words, it’ll still be a cold day in LAX before we’re embarrassed again.

Hernandez continues to look tough in the back, with the message being delivered loud and clear…

…

The next scene starts with an extreme closeup of SID. ‘The Master and Ruler of the world’ stares hard into the camera, not blinking, until the camera slowly pans out. As the shot gets wider and wider, we see DON WEST holding up and hawking t-shirts somewhere inside the arena.

Don West: Get your limited edition Living Dangerously t-shirts…They are GEM… MINT… TEN!!!

West continues to sell like only he can, Sid watches on intensely…

…

Inside a locker room, CW ANDERSON stands, looking in a trance of sorts, still covered in Tommy Dreamer’s blood. A smirking CYRUS is by his side.

Cyrus: All the kings horses, and all the kings HORSEMEN couldn’t put Tommy Dreamer together again.

CW remains deadly serious as Cyrus laughs to himself until we cut away…

…

The ECW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS DANNY DORING AND ROADKILL are backstage. Roady looks depressed with their loss tonight, but Doring is furious.

Danny Doring: WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED OUT THERE?

No response from Roady, as Doring continues to let out his frustration.

Danny Doring: Losing to The Unholy Alliance again, this does not bode well for us going into Living Dangerously. You need to snap out of whatever funk you’re in.

Roadkill looks offended, and after taking a few deep breaths, Doring calms down and puts a hand on his partner’s shoulder.

Danny Doring: Look, I’m sorry, I’m just a little heated right now. Nothing a little WHAM BAM THANK YOU MA’AM on Life Cereal Mikey and Yoshi from Super Maria Brothers won’t fix.

Even with the change in demeanour from Doring, Roadkill looks enraged, before motioning to snap a neck with his hands.

Roadkill: CHICKENS!!!

Doring smirks, happy with Roadkill suddenly looking fired up…

…

Now we hear from the challengers, THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE, MIKEY WHIPWRECK and YOSHIRIO TAJIRI. Or at least they stand there, whilst we hear from the devious one, THE SINISTER MINISTER.

The Sinister Minister: I would be worried if I were the tag champs as well. Danny Doring, as far as tag team gold goes, well he likes it. That man right there, Mikey REALLY REALLY likes it.

TSM smirks, taking a moment.

The Sinister Minister: Tajiri, you need to be careful at Living Dangerously because you’re small. You’re a target because you’re foreign, there’s a reason sheep get quiet when Roadkill walks into a barn.

Minister loudly crackles at his own joke, getting some giggles from Mikey to, before cutting away…

…

The door of the dark room from earlier tonight swings open, with THE SECOND CITY SAINTS making their exit. They’re both adjusting themselves, especially around the crotch area, and FRANCINE follows out, not to far behind. Francine’s hair is a mess, and she’s wiping her mouth and fixing her dress, before giving CM PUNK and COLT CABANA a sensual look.

Francine: Well done, boys, tonight was great. This Sunday though, the pay per view will be better because since you took care of me…

A glint appears in her eyes.

Francine: TWICE…

Punk and Cabana share a fist bump.

Francine: Let’s just say I’ve got a special surprise for you both at Living Dangerously.

After one last smile, Francine walks off, whilst Punk and Cabana conveniently get their hands on some cans of Pepsi, sharing a celebratory ice cold drink…

…

In more fallout from tonight’s main event, THE IMPACT PLAYERS are shown. JUSTIN CREDIBLE is struggling, but relatively okay compared to LANCE STORM, who Credible has to carry into the locker room and onto a seat. Once Storm’s taken care of, Credible turns his attention towards the camera.

Justin Credible: Steve Corino, I’ll be honest. Putting politics aside, even if we were fighting for the ECW Championship, I had respect for you up until last week.

A disgusted look crosses Credible’s face.

Justin Credible: That’s all over, you’re not even a good bad guy anymore.

Credible smirks, enjoying trashing his opponent.

Justin Credible: Let me tell you exactly what you are. You’re just a pussy for sending the Pizza Delivery Boys and the Fat ass who ate all the pizza.

Credible clearly isn’t happy with The FBI either.

Justin Credible: It didn’t work and now we are two days away, I can almost taste it. I promise when I win my ECW Title back it won’t be just good, and it won’t be just awesome, no, it will be JUSTIN CREDIBLE!!!

Having said his bit, Credible now goes back to check on his tag team partner…

…

Sitting alone in a locker room, THE SANDMAN removes tape from his wrist and hands. Oh, and of course, he has an open can of beer next to him, and a lit cigarette hanging from his mouth.

The Sandman: This might surprise a lot of people, but I want to thank Corino for sending the group of F’n zips after me tonight because it got me motivated and focused.

So focused that he pauses to down his beer.

The Sandman: I almost forgot but I realised again that life isn’t all about booze. It isn’t all about bitches. It isn’t all about bogies, and it isn’t all about killing Justin Credible.

Now he pauses to take a power drag of his cigarette.

The Sandman: Above all else, I remembered I’ve got a fucking title to win.

With that, Sandman puts his head down, nothing left to say…

…

Similar to last week, the last promo tonight sits with STEVE CORINO. He’s in what looks to be a private room for members of The Network, surprising on his knees, apparently praying to the ECW World Champion laid out on the floor in front of him. Corino has a worried look on his face, which at least somewhat calms after a few deep breaths.

Steve Corino: I’m gonna’ snap out of this. And at Living Dangerously… I won’t need the Network or any hardcore play toys.

Potentially growing in confidence, Corino shakes his head along with his words.

Steve Corino: I’m ‘The King Of Old School’ for a reason.

Now he’s smirking ever so slightly, his mood is all over the place, perhaps nervous.

Steve Corino: I hoped Credible and Sandman can say the same for themselves, but they can’t.

Another pause.

Steve Corino: I’m going to make a promise right now. If I win on Sunday, better yet, when I win on Sunday, big changes are happening to ECW. The glory days of EASTERN Championship Wrestling will be brought back to the forefront.

A devilish grin covers his face now, actually making him look twisted.

Steve Corino: It’s going to be the demise of the extreme. Long live Tod Gordon!

Whoa, one must wonder exactly what that means. Unfortunately, we won’t find out tonight, as the show comes to an end, Corino’s mood changing by the millisecond, from ready to go to extremely nervous…

*END OF SHOW* ​

ECW Living Dangerously 2001
March 4th, 2001
Danbury, Connecticut
O’Neill Centre ​

ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match:
THREE WAY DANCE:
TRADITIONAL WRESTLING RULES APPLY:
Justin Credible vs. Steve Corino vs. The Sandman​

ECW World Television Championship Match:
LAST TIME EVER:
Jerry Lynn vs. Rob Van Dam w/Bill Alfonso​

ECW World Tag Team Championship Match:
Danny Doring and Roadkill (c) defend against The Unholy Alliance w/The Sinister Minister​

Open Challenge:
Monty Brown vs. ???​

First Blood Match:
CW Anderson vs. Tommy Dreamer​

Three Way Dance Tag Team Match:
Latin American Xchange vs. Phenomenal Angels vs. Second City Saints​

Grudge Match:
Steven Richards vs. The Blue Meanie​

Curt Hennig vs. Eddie Guerrero​