Watch ECW
- TV-14
- 2008
- 3 Seasons
-
5.7 (1,068)
ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) was a professional wrestling show produced by the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) as part of their brand extension from 2006 to 2010. The original ECW was a promotion that existed from 1992 to 2001 and was known for its hardcore wrestling style and innovative storytelling. The WWE's version of ECW aimed to capture the spirit and energy of the original while incorporating WWE-style production values and talent.
ECW aired on Tuesday nights on the SyFy network (formerly known as Sci-Fi) and featured a roster of both familiar WWE Superstars and up-and-coming talent from the independent wrestling scene. The show was unique in that it focused on the hardcore and extreme aspects of wrestling, with matches featuring weapons and stipulations such as tables, ladders, chairs, and barbed wire.
One of the key elements that set ECW apart from WWE's other shows was its atmosphere. The show featured a smaller, more intimate arena, with the crowd positioned closer to the action. The lighting was darker and more moody than other WWE shows, and the use of smoke and other special effects added to the gritty, underground feel of the program. The announce team, which included Joey Styles and Tazz, often called matches from ringside or even in the midst of the action, further adding to the sense of immediacy and excitement.
As with other WWE shows, ECW was built around storylines and rivalries between wrestlers. Some of the most prominent feuds on the show included Rob Van Dam vs. Hardcore Holly, Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke, and CM Punk vs. John Morrison. Many of these storylines were intertwined with the larger WWE universe, with wrestlers crossing over between ECW and Raw or SmackDown.
ECW also featured a number of memorable moments and matches. One of the most notable was the debut of the ECW Originals, a group of wrestlers from the original ECW who made a surprise appearance on WWE's version of the show. The group, which included Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and The Sandman, was a fan favorite and helped give the show a sense of continuity with the past.
Another memorable moment was the match between CM Punk and John Morrison, which took place in a steel cage and featured the two competitors battling for the ECW Championship. The match was highly physical and featured a number of high-flying moves and dangerous spots, and it helped cement Punk's status as one of the top stars on the show.
Despite its popularity with fans, ECW was ultimately cancelled in 2010 as part of a larger change in WWE's programming strategy. The company replaced the show with NXT, a reality-style competition show that focused on developing new talent. While NXT has gone on to become one of WWE's most popular and influential shows, many fans still look back on ECW with fondness and nostalgia.
In conclusion, ECW was a highly influential and unique wrestling program that offered a different take on WWE's traditional style. With its emphasis on hardcore and extreme wrestling, as well as its gritty atmosphere and memorable characters, the show left a lasting impact on the wrestling world and remains a beloved part of many fans' memories.