TEW 10: ECW 1997/98

[DeToxRox]

Credit for the write up goes to Genadi, the mods maker, on the GDS forums

North America

In late 1993, former commentator of the AWA and long time WCW employee, Eric Bischoff was appointed as Executive Vice President of WCW. Bischoff was desperate to give the promotion a new direction and impressed Ted Turner with his tactics and business savvy. Things in professional wrestling were about to change forever.

When Bischoff entered his position in WCW, he was given full access to Ted Turner's check book to try and defeat the WWF by any means necessary. With that in mind, Bischoff made his first move and signed Hulk Hogan from the WWF in early 1994. The WWF, without their biggest draw of the last 10 years on the roster, began to suffer immediately and started building new stars out of the likes of Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Lex Luger, Razor Ramon and Diesel. Despite putting on a spectacular wrestling performance at WrestleMania X, the WWF still could not draw the desired fans. On June 11, Hogan officially signed with WCW and made an immediate impact by facing Ric Flair at the July pay-per-view Bash at the Beach. Despite being a critical and financial success, the glory would not last long as the Hogan/Flair feud was only a one-off match. Five months later and after a decade with the WWF, Randy Savage was lured with a big money contract to WCW as well.

Away from the war between the WWF and WCW, a new breed of professional wrestling was beginning. NWA Eastern Championship Wrestling renamed itself "Extreme Championship Wrestling" when Shane Douglas won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship tournament in Philadelphia. He threw down the NWA World Title, picked up the ECW Heavyweight championship and proclaimed himself ECW World Heavyweight Champion. WCW also began to sign talented wrestlers based in ECW. Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Rey Misterio, Jr. and Juventud Guerrera were just a few of the names to be recruited from the much smaller, lower budget ECW to the growing promotion known as WCW. Most of the talents signed had been scouted by ECW, more directly Paul Heyman.

The war between WCW and WWF really picked up on May 27, 1996 when Scott Hall (who had previously been Razor Ramon in the WWF) interrupted a match and said he was taking over the show. When confronted by Sting by the end of the show, Hall promised a big surprise. The following week, Kevin Nash (who had been Diesel in the WWF) also showed up. They claimed they had a third man with them, but the man didn't show up for several weeks.Finally at Bash at the Beach on July 7, the third man was revealed to be Hulk Hogan, who turned heel and declared in his post-match speech that he, Hall and Nash were "the new world order of professional wrestling." WCW
proved to be the figurehead of professional wrestling by this stage and the WWF were no longer the most popular wrestling product in North America for the first time in over 15 years.

The New World Order (shortened to nWo) has run amuck in WCW and destroyed McMahon's product as WCW has came up with more legitimate, edgy storylines and characters over the WWF's cartoon style of character. With Hogan winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship from The Giant at Hog Wild with help from Nash and Hall. The Giant joined the group weeks later and the nWo proved to be the most powerful faction in professional wrestling.



Montreal Screwjob

After months of WCW gaining plentiful power over the WWF thanks to its highly successful New World Order storyline, it became evident that after years of service to the WWF, Bret Hart was leaving for WCW. There was only one thing standing between Hart and his new found home; the WWF Championship. Hart, along with Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker had been the stronghold of the WWF throughout the nWo storyline and Hart had the title for a solid period of time.Amidst all the drama, McMahon requested that Hart drop the title at Survivor Series against Shawn Michaels. Hart said he'd drop the title to anyone but Shawn Michaels; otherwise he would vacate
the title the next night on RAW. McMahon accepted his decision and allowed Hart to continue on his way to Survivor Series. What was brewing in professional wrestling was something nobody except McMahon and a few associates knew.

The match went ahead as planned and showed yet another display of technical brilliance from both competitors. However, as Michaels locked in the Sharpshooter to finish the match, McMahon told referee Earl Hebner (who was supposedly in on the act) to "ring the damn bell!" Hebner then signaled to the timekeeper as if Hart had submitted to the hold, and Michaels was quickly awarded the match and the title as his theme music began to play. Hebner then bolted backstage from the ring, allegedly to a waiting car.

Astounded by the unexpected turn of events, Hart was immediately outraged. As Hart stood dazed in the ring, Triple H and Gerald Brisco came out to escort Michaels back stage as the fans threw garbage at him and rained boos. Michaels himself was told to act even more outraged than Hart because if he didn't, they feared, due to his bad temper, that Hart would attack and pummel him for real (as he had tried to do, but was unsuccessful at several months earlier backstage at a RAW taping). As ringside commentators Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler quickly departed their announce position, Hart looked down at McMahon from the ring, spit right in his eye, and shortly after destroyed several TV monitors at ringside before climbing the turnbuckles and signing the letters "WCW" to the rabid crowd.

With Bret Hart's move to WCW, it appears WCW is prime to push the WWF right off the map.



Japan

In North Korea, approximately 150,000 attend a New Japan Pro Wrestling event, setting an attendance record for one day as nearly 190,000 fans attend the second day of wrestling at the Korean cultural festival on April 28 and 29, 1995. New Japan has taken the lead over old rival promotion AJPW with the defection of top stars like Riki Choshu and a handful of crossover MMA stars. While the wrestling in the Orient has been first class the area has suffered of late due to a financial collapse in the region. With new promotions looking to start up and bring diversity to the stiff style in Japan the future looks exciting for the home of puro.



Mexico

The late 90's have witnessed Mexico robbed of it's greatest lucha's to the lure of North American money. As WCW and WWF sign hot prospect after prospect, Mexico's two biggest mainstay promotion's CMLL and AAA watch as their rosters are stripped almost bare. The departure of the countries biggest stars to the US has seen a big downturn in the industry and has the top two promotions searching for the next generation of stars.



UK

The United Kingdom continues to serve as a huge fan base for professional wrestling but local promotions still struggle with stability. With the introduction of the Monday night wars to UK fans TV screens the industry continues to be hugely popular. Fans of the early 80's product are also coming of age and a few even stepping into the ring themselves creating a new crop of UK workers that many are calling the greatest generation out of the UK for decades.



Europe

Professional wrestling has always had a solid vocal fan base in Europe although it remains a fairly small one. Recent changes in Eastern Europe and an ever growing strong economy has seen the sport gain momentum. The Catch Wrestling Association, based in Germany and established by Otto Wanz continues to draw decent crowds using former US stars and local talent although with the rapid change pro wrestling is undertaking in the US product wise, it's uncertain how long the CWA will remain relevant.



Australia & NZ

It's glory years long gone Australian wrestling has returned with a massive bang in the late 90's. Coinciding with the introduction of cable TV in the country the Monday Night Wars have drawn Aussie wrestling fans back to the sport in droves.

With WWF's RAW and WCW Nitro already two of the highest rated shows on cable many local promoters and businessmen are looking to capitilise on it's success.

[DeToxRox]

Active Companies
Companies listed by prestige

1. WCW

WCW leads the charge heading into 1998, lead by their newest acquisition Bret Hart. Other key workers are Hollywood Hogan, Sting and Diamond Dallas Page. They have a bloated roster with over 60 contracted workers.

2. WWF

WWF is going against the grain with a more cutting edge product. Lead by the Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin and Mankind the WWF has a roster full of guys chomping at the bit to show they can lead a company. WWF has 47 contracted wrestlers.

3. NJPW

The Pearl of the Orient, NJPW is loaded with amazing workers who work a stiff style called strong style. They are lead by The Great Muta, Masahiro Chono, Riki Choshu and Don Frye.

4. AJPW

The WWF to NJPW's WCW, they are looking to overtake the NJPW's dominance, lead by one of Japan's rising stars Mitsuharu Misawa. Lest we not also forget about Kenta Kobashi, Toshiaki Kawada and Stan Hansen.

5. AAA

The Kings of lucha libre, AAA is a Cult sized promotion that focuses on amazing athletic talents. They are lead by Perro Aguayo, Fuerza Guererra, Cibernetico and Octagon.

6. CMLL

The grizzled veterans of Mexican wrestling, CMLL has been there and done that. To regain their place as top dogs of Mexico though they will need to push the envelop. They are lead by Negro Casas, El Hijo del Santo, El Canek and Dr. Wagner Jr.

7. ECW

The Nirvana of the wrestling scene, ECW relies on a variety of action, from the high flying, to the technical to the hardcore. We are lead by Bam Bam Bigelow, Shane Douglas, Sabu and Rob Van Dam.

8. FMW

Japan's version of ECW, FMW may even take it more extreme. While they don't have the variety of ECW, they specialize in matches such as Cactus Death Matches. They are lead by Astushi Onita, Megumi Kudo, Tarzan Goto and Hayabusa.

9. AJPW

The home of the best women's wrestling in the world. They are lead by Manami Toyota, Aja Kong, Akira Hokuto and Bull Nakano.

10. M-Pro

Specializing in lucha libre, this Japan based promotion is something different. They are lead by The Great Sasuke, Gran Hamada, Super Delfin and Jinsei Shinzaki.

The Rest:

11. ECWA
12. WWC
13. CWA
14. BCW
15. JAPW
16. APW
t17. IWA-MS
t17. OVW
19. OMEGA

[DeToxRox]

ECW Business

Prestige: D-

Cash: $500,000

We're keeping default production but we switch to "Just in Time" merchandise. It will cost us about 10% more a month but has the potential to make us more money.

Popularity

Tri City: D-
New England: E
Great Lakes: E-
Rest of the US: F+

Rest of the World: F-

[DeToxRox]

ECW Champions

ECW World Title (B) - Shane Douglas
ECW TV Title (B-) - Taz
ECW Tag Team Titles (D+) - FBI

[DeToxRox]

ECW Roster

Main Eventers

Rob Van Dam
*The Sandman
$Bam Bam Bigelow
*Sabu
$Shane Douglas

Upper Midcarders

*Bubba Ray Dudley
$Taz
*Jerry Lynn
*D-Von Dudley
*Tommy Dreamer

Midcarders

*Mikey Whipreck
*Little Guido
Tracy Smothers
*Lance Storm
$Chris Candido
*Justin Credible
Doug Furnas
Phil LaFon

Lower Midcarders

New Jack
*John Kronus
Axl Rotten
*Ballz Mahoney

Opener

Chris Chetti
*Spike Dudley
Big Dick Dudley

Enhancement Talent

*The Blue Meanie
Roadkill

Managers

*Joel Gertner
Bill Alfonso
*Chastity
Tommy Rich
Francine

Other

*Joey Styles
$Paul Heyman
$John Finnegan
Jim Molleniux
Gabe Sapolsky

$ indicates guys on Written deals
* indicates guys on Exclusive PPA deals

[DeToxRox]

Note, I have to restart this because I was mass deleting test games I ran and deleted the wrong save file.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Note, I have to restart this because I was mass deleting test games I ran and deleted the wrong save file.

nooooo, I just subscribed earlier

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

nooooo, I just subscribed earlier

Ha it's okay I am keeping it in this thread. Plus I found some stuff in the database that needs fixing, mainly WCW and WWF's products needed tinkering and a couple other things that were more cosmetic.

I think it all worked itself out though in the end since I actually came up for a better idea then I initially had.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- The Monday Night Wars continued on with Raw beating Nitro 8.56 to 7.58. Nitro was the better show (B+) but both shows had A matches. On Raw it was Steve Austin & Owen Hart beating The Undertaker & Kane while on Nitro Sting beat Hollywood Hogan in a Non Title Match.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 1, December 1997
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- SELLOUT
TV Taping

Pre-Show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon defeated Mikey Whipwreck and Spike Dudley in 12:30 when Doug Furnas defeated Spike Dudley by pinfall with a Frankensteiner (D)

ECW Hardcore TV opens up with Shane Douglas backstage looking for Bam Bam Bigelow. After their war at November to Remember people at home question his motives, but upon finding Bigelow Douglas pulls him aside and tells him they need to make things right together and make Triple Threat the premier group in wrestling like it should be. He says DX and the nWo have nothing on them as a group and that he should come listen to Shane's plan in private. An annoyed Bigelow finally relents and follows Shane outside (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, D-Von Dudley defeated New Jack in 9:58 by pinfall with a Dudley Death Drop (D+)

Bubba Ray Dudley rolls into the ring following the match, taking a couple of shots at New Jack. He then gets on the mic and lets ECW know that they are sitting front row in Dudleyville and that where they come from the only rule is the strong survive. Bubba Ray then demands RVD come out for their match (D)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Rob Van Dam defeated Bubba Ray Dudley in 11:19 by pinfall with a Frog Splash (D)

Backstage Taz, towel over his head, promises to choke Sandman out and begin the greatest TV title reign in ECW history in style (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated The Sandman in 14:16 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 1 of his ECW World Television title (D+)

Show Rating: D+

Not bad. Not great but not bad. I suffered from not enough danger which I can easily fix with some more blood and guts with the likes of New Jack and Sabu.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- ECW comes to terms with Mike Awesome on a PPA deal.

- Johnny Swinger wins BCW Can-Am Television Title.

- Jushin Liger turned down a contract offer from the WWF.

- The Sheepherders won the WWC Tag Team Titles.

- WWF holds In Your House which was a solid PPV (B rating). The Main Event saw HBK retain his WWF Title over Steve Austin (B+). Also on the show was Owen Hart & Ken Shamrock beating The Underaker & Vader (B+)

- The Monday Night Wars waged on with Nitro winning this week with an insane 9.24, beating Raw which had an 8.97. Nitro was an amazing show (B+) headlined by Bret Hart beating DDP (A) while Raw was a solid effort (B) headlined by an IYH rematch with HBK once again retaining his title over Steve Austin (B)

- Sean Morley and Rakishi Fatu sign with WWF.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 2, December 1997
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- SELLOUT
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Mike Awesome defeated Spike Dudley in 7:51 by pinfall with an Awesome Bomb (E+)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Lance Storm defeated Justin Credible in 8:13 by submission with a Canadian Maple Leaf (D)

ECW Hardcore TV opens up with Tommy Dreamer backstage with Joey Styles. Dreamer says there's a weird vibe backstage and he can't put his finger on it. He says all he knows is December to Dismember is tomorrow and Shane Douglas would rather hold a peace conference then fight. Out of nowhere Shane Douglas emerges, whacking Dreamer with his ECW World Title. He calls Dreamer a punk and says to find a partner for tomorrow because he and Bigelow worked things out and will show everyone how deadly Triple Threat is! (D+)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Chris Candido defeated Jerry Lynn in 12:07 by pinfall with a Blonde Bombshell following interference from Bam Bam Bigelow (D-)

The Dudley Boys come out next to offer up an open challenge to face them in a Dudleyville Street Fight! (D+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Dudley Boys defeated New Jack and The Sandman in 11:38 when Bubba Ray Dudley defeated New Jack by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D+) After the match Sandman goes to check on New Jack but New Jack pushes him away. Sandman looked annoyed and spins him around to see whats wrong. For his trouble he takes a brass knuckle shot to the jaw, knocking him out cold (D-)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Sabu in 12:07 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D) After the match Triple Threat once again attempts an assault but Tommy Dreamer comes out with a chair and sends them running. He then says tomorrow night he has a partner and that partner is Taz! (C-)

Show Rating: D+

[DeToxRox]

ECW December to Dismember
Saturday, Week 2, December 1997
NY Pritchard Gymnasium (Tri State)
2000 People -- Sellout

December to Dismember opens up with Shane Douglas in the office of Paul Heyman. Douglas is speaking in muted tones but when he finally turns around to leave a smirk emerges on his face (C-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Jerry Lynn drew with Lance Storm in 15:00 when the time limit expired (C)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon defeated Mikey Whipwreck and Spike Dudley in 7:52 when Doug Furnas defeated Spike Dudley by pinfall with a Frankensteiner (D-)

A video airs showing what happened last night to the Sandman at the hands of New Jack (D)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Rob Van Dam defeated Little Guido in 12:23 by pinfall with a Split-Legged Moonsault (D)

After the match RVD tells Guido that he and Sabu want a tag team title match, which brings out the Dudleys. They both get in RVD's face leading to Sabu hitting the ring. Before we know it Furnas and LaFon are out as well. Before a brawl can erupt Paul Heyman comes out to announce a round robin series with the team with the most wins getting a shot at Guilty as Charged! (D)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Sabu defeated Chris Candido in 15:14 by pinfall with a Triple Jump Moonsault (D+)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Mike Awesome defeated Justin Credible in 8:24 by pinfall with an Awesome Bomb (E)

Shane Douglas is backstage with Bam Bam Bigelow getting ready for their Main Event tag match. Douglas tells Bigelow that no matter what happens tonight not to worry because as usual, the Franchise is one step ahead of the pack (D+)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz and Tommy Dreamer defeated Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow in 20:42 when Taz made Shane Douglas tap to the Tazmission (D+)

Show Rating: D+

Another good show. Not great but good. Lynn vs Storm clicked like nobodies business and had easily our best match, even if it is just three weeks in.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- AJPW is on the verge of losing its TV deal.

- WWF goes old school, signing the Bushwhackers and One Man Gang.

- The Monday Wars continue with their fiercest battle yet, as Raw rebounds to win this week 9.00 to 8.97. Both shows were decent, with Raw being slightly better (B to B-) Raw was headlined by DX beating Steve Austin & Ahmed Johnson (B+) while Nitro was headlined by a double DQ between Hogan, Nash & DDP vs Scott Steiner, Luger and Sting.

- Farooq and Billy Gunn make face turns in the WWF.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 3, December 1997
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- SELLOUT
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction but featured terrible wrestling, Spike Dudley defeated Chris Chetti in 8:19 by pinfall with an Acid Drop (F)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction but featured terrible wrestling, Axl Rotten defeated Roadkill in 7:49 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex (F+)

Taz comes out to the ring and introduces the video footage from December to Dismember. He says that one Tazmission changed the course of ECW forever. He says that now he is the #1 contender for the ECW World Title and he will bring the belt to the Red Hook District. This leads to Shane Douglas coming out and saying Taz got a flukey win. He then says before the match he went to Paul Heyman and had him organize a #1 contenders tournament for the ECW World TItle, and as part of the rule, no one who is a champion as of tonight is allowed to participate! Douglas tells Taz that once again he has been outsmarted by the Franchise! (C)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Mikey Whipwreck in 7:38 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D-) Bam Bam Bigelow advances in the #1 contenders tournament.

After the match Tommy Dreamer comes to the ring and says he knows that the Triple Threat think they control ECW, but they don't. Dreamer says that while Taz was kept out of the tournament, he won't be, and he will get the vindication the crowd craves! (D+)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction but featured terrible wrestling, New Jack defeated Tracy Smothers in 5:32 by pinfall (D-) New Jack advances in the #1 contenders tournament.

After the match New Jack continues his assault on an obviously injured Smothers until the Sandman hits the ring for the save (D-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon defeated Sabu & Rob Van Dam in 12:25 when Doug Furnas defeated Rob Van Dam by pinfall with a Frankensteiner (D)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Lance Storm defeated Chris Candido in 15:49 by submission with a Canadian Maple Leaf (D+) Lance Storm advances in the #1 contenders tournament.

Show Rating: D

More or less progressed undercard stuff outside of the Douglas screwing Taz stuff. The tournament brackets are as followed:

Bigelow vs Whipwreck
New Jack vs Smothers
Sandman vs Mike Awesome
Candido vs Storm

Dreamer vs Spike Dudley
Credible vs La Fon
RVD vs Furnas
Lynn vs Bubba Ray

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- Ox Harley won the vacant IWA-MS Title over Wolfie D.

- Don Frye turns heel in NJPW.

- The Monday Night Wars once again roll on, with Nitro this time pulling out the squeaker 8.92 to 8.87. Both shows were received well enough with them both earning B ratings. Raw was headlined by Owen Hart & Steve Austin defeating Vader & Kane (B) while on Nitro The Outsiders defeated the Steiners (B)

- Lex Luger did a National interview and came off as a great spokesperson for WCW.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 4, December 1997
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- SELLOUT
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction but featured terrible wrestling, Chris Candido defeated The Blue Meanie, Chris Chetti, Spike Dudley, Ballz Mahoney and Roadkill in 14:51 when Chris Candido defeated Roadkill by pinfall with a Diving Headbutt (E+)

Paul Heyman comes to the ring and announces due to injuries sustained last week at the hands of New Jack, Tracy Smothers is forced to vacate his half of the tag team titles, so Little Guido has until next week to find a new partner. Once he does they will face Shane Douglas & Bam Bam Bigelow in a non title match! (D-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Jerry Lynn defeated Bubba Ray Dudley in 10:44 by submission with a Cross Armbreaker Submission. During the match we also had Rob Van Dam run in and attack Bubba (D+) Jerry Lynn advances in the #1 contenders tournament.

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, The Sandman defeated Mike Awesome in 8:17 by pinfall with a Flying Leg Drop (D-) The Sandman advances in the #1 contenders tournament.

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated Mikey Whipwreck in 5:41 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 2 of his ECW World Television title (D)

After the match Taz gets on the mic and says it's real cute, all the games Shane Douglas is playing, but he can only run so long until he finally is forced to put his beloved title on the line vs Taz. Taz then promises Douglas will leave ECW an embarrassed mess, with his tail between his legs, just like he left WWF and WCW! (C)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Rob Van Dam drew with Doug Furnas in 11:40 following a double count out. The match also had a lot of interference: Bubba Ray Dudley targeted Furnas, Bubba Ray Dudley attacked RVD, D-Von Dudley attacked RVD, and finally D-Von Dudley interfered against Furnas (D+) Hardcore TV goes off air with the Dudleys putting Sabu, who attempted the save, through a table (D+)

Show Rating: D+

Updated brackets

Bigelow vs New Jack
Sandman vs Storm

Dreamer vs Credible/La Fon winner
Jerry Lynn has a bye

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- WCW held Starrcade which drew a 5.20 buy. It was a solid effort (B) and was headlined by Hollywood Hogan retaining his title over Sting (B+)

- Les Thatcher opens up the HWA.

- ECW comes in 2nd in the Regional Battles to WWC. JAPW finished 3rd.

- Nitro rides the momentum of Starrcade into a big win in the MNW, beating Raw 9.43 to 8.83. Nitro was a fantastic show (A) headlined by Bret Hart beating DDP (A) Raw was a okay show (B-), headlined by Vader & Undertaker beating Steve Austin & Mankind (B+)

[DeToxRox]

ECW December '97 Review

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 1, January 1998
NY - NY AR&W Center (Tri State)
2000 People -- SELLOUT
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Mike Awesome defeated The Blue Meanie in 7:43 by pinfall with an Awesome Bomb (E+)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Spike Dudley and Mikey Whipwreck defeated Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks in 8:23 when Mikey Whipwreck defeated Axl Rotten by pinfall with a Whippersnapper (D-)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Justin Credible defeated Phil LaFon in 8:26 by pinfall (D-) After the match New Jack hit the ring and laid out Credible before escaping through the crowd (E+)

Backstage the Dudley Boys are getting ready for their Round Robin Challenge match with RVD & Sabu. D-Von says that tonight they officially eliminate RVD and Sabu from the RR Challenge and then earn their #1 contenders match next week, he then tells Bubba to testify! Bubba is to the point by saying that tonight RVD & Sabu will both be picking splinters out of their body all night because it's not gold in their future, it's tables! (C-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Sabu & Rob Van Dam defeated Dudley Boys in 12:27 when Sabu defeated Bubba Ray Dudley by pinfall with a Triple Jump Moonsault (D+)

A video airs that shows the history between Shane Douglas, Taz, Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow up until this point (C-)

Little Guido comes out to the ring to announce his new partner, Lance Storm! (D-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Little Guido and Lance Storm defeated Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow in 15:46 when Lance Storm defeated Bam Bam Bigelow by submission with a Canadian Maple Leaf after interference from Tommy Dreamer (D) The show ends with Tommy Dreamer at the top of the ramp laughing and pointing at Bigelow & Douglas (D+)

Show Rating: D

Another okay show that will increase our popularity.

Updated brackets

Bigelow vs New Jack
Sandman vs Storm

Dreamer vs Justin Credible
Jerry Lynn has a bye

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- We attempt to break off our agreements with WWC and BCW. They each have guys I want, so we'll see what happens. WWC may end up declaring war on us, so I say bring it on.

- As expected WWC has declared war on us. BCW was more pleasant about it though. Things will pick up now.

- Jody Hamilton was named head booker of HWA.

- Chris Benoit is voted best technical wrestler on an online poll, while Jerry Lawler is named best color commentator.

- WCW wins another Monday Night War, though WWF closed the gap again. Nitro pulled in a 9.06 while Raw had a 8.94. Neither show was very impressive, as Nitro did a B- while Raw a C+. Raw was headlined by The New Foundation beating Kane & Vader (B-) while The Outsiders beat the Steiners (B-)

- We sign Mike Quackenbush.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 2, January 1998
NY - JFK Civic Center (Tri State)
2000 People -- SELLOUT
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Jerry Lynn defeated Mike Quackenbush in 8:19 by submission with a Cross Armbreaker Submission (E+)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Chris Candido defeated Mikey Whipwreck in 8:23 by pinfall with a Blonde Bombshell (D)

The Dudleys are backstage. Bubba Ray promises that they will take out Furnas and LaFon tonight and ruin the whole Round Robin Challenge! (D+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Dudley Boys defeated Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon in 12:28 when Bubba Ray Dudley defeated Phil LaFon by pinfall with a Power Bomb (C)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, Bam Bam Bigelow defeated New Jack in 7:59 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D-) The Sandman comes out after the ring and canes the living crap out of New Jack, before pointing his Cane at Bam Bam Bigelow whom he would meet in the next round if he beats Lance Storm tonight (D)

A video airs hyping a major announcement by Shane Douglas for next week (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, The Sandman defeated Lance Storm in 14:48 by pinfall with a Flying Leg Drop (D) After the match Bam Bam Bigelow puts Sandman through a table (D)

Show Rating: D

Still in that D range. Our Main Events need to come through more then they have.

Updated brackets

Bigelow vs Sandman

Dreamer/Credible vs Lynn

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- We sign Steve Corino, Christian Cage and Adam Copeland to PPA deals.

- AJPW TV gets axed.

- WCW goes on a hiring spreed, picking up Ricky Steamboat, Steve Williams, John Tenta, Marty Jannetty and Sean Stasiak.

- WCW adds Dutch Mantell and Kamala as well.

- WCW continues to be on fire, hiring Brian Knobbs and Sid Vicious.

- Nitro eeks out another MNW victory, this time 8.94 to 8.89. Both shows were B-, with DX beating the New Foundation (B-) and The Outsiders beating The Steiners (B-) as the main events.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 3, January 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom(Tri State)
2384 People
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a bout that had solid in-ring action but not much in the way of heat, Mikey Whipwreck defeated Christian Cage, Mike Quackenbush, Adam Copeland, Steve Corino and Spike Dudley in 14:55 when Mikey Whipwreck defeated Adam Copeland by pinfall with a Whippersnapper (D-)

Hardcore TV opens up with Shane Douglas already in the ring. He mentions everyone knows the vendetta Taz seems to have against him. Douglas says a fluke win is just that: a fluke and the reason he isn't being allowed to face him again because no one wants to see the inevitable defeat of their hero. Douglas says though that he is going to give Taz the chance right now to end his pursuit of the World Title, otherwise he is going to face a friend from Douglas path who owes him a huge favor, and that favor will be ending Taz career once and for all! (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, Bam Bam Bigelow defeated The Sandman in 12:17 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Tommy Dreamer defeated Justin Credible in 7:55 by pinfall with a Piledriver (D)

Paul Heyman comes out to the ring and says as a result of the Round Robin Challenge ending in a three way tie, the tag team titles will be on the line at Guilty as Charged in a four way Ladder Match! (D+)

Tommy Dreamer is backstage where he is alerted that because of the way Shane Douglas was able to manipulate the brackets that Dreamer or Jerry Lynn will have to win two matches next week to be the #1 contender (D)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated Lance Storm and Jerry Lynn in 15:36 when Taz defeated Lance Storm by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 3 of his ECW World Television title (C-)

Show Rating: D+

A main event that delivered. Now we need to keep the momentum going into our final TV taping before the PPV.

Updated Brackets

Bam Bam Bigelow vs Dreamer/Lynn winner

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- As a result of us being in a war with WWC, Steve Corino has left WWC to work for us instead.

- An Internet poll named The Rock the best young prospect in wrestling today.

- WCW held Souled Out, doing a 5.24 buy. The show was solid overall, garnering a B rating, and was headlined by Hollywood Hogan retaining his World Title over Bret Hart (B)

- WWF countered with the Royal Rumble which did a 5.42 buy and also garnered a B rating. The Main Event saw Ahmed Johnson win the Royal Rumble (C+), though the match of the night was HBK retaining his WWF Title over The Rock (A)

- Following their head to head PPV battle, the Monday Night Wars continued with Raw scoring a big win, 8.85 to to 7.76. Raw was the better of the two shows (B to B-) but the main reason for the disparity was Raw featured Owen Hart winning the WWF Title from HBK (B+) while on Nitro Vicious & Delicious beat Lex Luger & Bret Hart (B-)

- Jerry Lynn won the HWA Heavyweight Title, beating Johnny Swinger (D) on the promotions first show.

- OMEGA is on the brink of bankruptcy.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 4, January 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom(Tri State)
2408 People
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In an extremely poor match, Mikey Whipwreck and Spike Dudley defeated Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in 8:03 when Mikey Whipwreck defeated Christian Cage by pinfall with a Whippersnapper (E+)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Mike Awesome defeated Steve Corino in 7:57 by pinfall with an Awesome Bomb (E+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Tommy Dreamer defeated Jerry Lynn in 7:52 by pinfall with a Piledriver (D)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Lance Storm, Little Guido and Dudley Boys drew with Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon and Sabu & Rob Van Dam in 17:44 when the referee lost control and stopped the match (D+)

A video airs showcasing highlights of the #1 contenders tournament which is set to conclude in mere moments as Tommy Dreamer takes on Bam Bam Bigelow (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, Tommy Dreamer defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 12:59 by pinfall with a Piledriver (D+) Soon Douglas and Candido are in the ring and lay into Dreamer as Bigelow regains himself. Then out of nowhere comes Taz who lays to waste both Candido and Douglas. Then he locks an armbar on Bigelow while screaming that at Guilty as Charged, Bigelow is going to be the next to tap! (C+)

Show Rating: D+

Good show heading into our first PPV of the dynasty.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Guilty as Charged
Saturday, Week 4, January 1998
NY Westchester County Center (Tri State)
5000 People -- Sellout
Live on PPV

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Mike Awesome defeated Spike Dudley in 7:34 by pinfall with an Awesome Bomb (E+)

Pre-show Dark Match
In an extremely poor match, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage defeated Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks in 7:53 when Adam Copeland defeated Axl Rotten by pinfall with a Missile Dropkick (E+)

In a match that had some good action and average heat, Jerry Lynn defeated Chris Candido in 14:26 by submission with a Cross Armbreaker Submission (D)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, The Sandman drew with New Jack in 14:42 when they were simultaneously knocked out (D-)

Backstage a slightly subdued Dudley Boys are preparing for the upcoming Ladder Match. Bubba Ray says he isn't dumb, he knows their careers are on the line tonight because in this kind of match anything bad can and will happen, but regardless the Dudleys are coming to fight, and to take the ECW Tag Team titles to Dudleyville! (D+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Sabu & Rob Van Dam defeated Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon, Dudley Boys and Little Guido and Lance Storm in 24:47 when Rob Van Dam retrieved the item. Sabu & Rob Van Dam win the ECW World Tag Team titles (D+)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Justin Credible defeated Mikey Whipwreck in 9:33 by pinfall (D-)

Taz sits in the backstage looking calm to the point it is unnerving. He promises that tonight Bam Bam Bigelow will be dispatched and sent to the injured list, leaving no one else in path to Shane Douglas! (C)

In a match that had a fantastic crowd and good action, Taz defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 19:36 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 4 of his ECW World Television title (D+)

Shane Douglas is backstage, his usual cocky swagger replaced with concern as he sees EMT's working on Bam Bam Bigelow in his locker room. They decide to take Bam Bam to the hospital, with Chris Candido in tow leaving Douglas on his own tonight (C-)

Before the main event a video airs highlighting the career of Tommy Dreamer as he tries to finally win the ECW Title which has eluded him his entire career (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Shane Douglas defeated Tommy Dreamer in 18:04 by pinfall with a Piledriver. Shane Douglas makes defence number 1 of his ECW World Heavyweight title (C-) After the match Taz is in the ring, ready to pounce on Douglas who has begged off. Then the lights go off for what feels like an eternity, and when they come on Taz is laid out in a pool of blood. A shocked smile emerges over Douglas lips before grabbing a mic and saying Taz has made his bed and now he has to lie in it. Douglas says his friend is here in ECW and NO ONE is safe! (C+)

Show Rating: C-

Awesome show for where we are right now. Cannot ask for anything better then what we got.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- Guilty as Charge did a 0.03 which looks awful but we have no real publicity so I will take it. It will do a good job of improving our popularity across the US which is the biggest thing for us.

- Our dirty trick on WWC pays off as we spread negative rumors to some of their biggest sponsors which will hurt their bottom line for the month.

- Steven Regal and Sean Waltman may be on their way out of WCW as the company has yet to offer either contract extensions.

- WCW bounces back in the Monday Night Wars, beating Raw 9.43 to 9.00. Both shows did B-. Nitro was headlined by Luger beating Scott Hall (B-) while on Raw Ken Shamrock beat HBK (B)

[DeToxRox]

January 1998 Review

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 1, February 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2327 People
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon defeated Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in 18:25 when Doug Furnas defeated Adam Copeland by pinfall with a Frankensteiner (D)

Hardcore TV opens with Shane Douglas in the ring, a huge smile on his face. He says last night Triple Threat suffered collateral damage with Bam Bam going down but it all worked out in the grand scheme of things. Douglas says after beating Dreamer he is taking a night off but came out to warn Taz that if he shows up in two weeks to Cyberslam then Douglas will have no choice but to reintroduce Taz to Douglas friend from both of their pasts! (C)

Backstage Sabu is warming up for his upcoming match with Bubba Ray Dudley when the Dudleys emerge out of nowhere and lay Sabu out in a heap. Bubba Ray steals Sabu's half of the ECW Tag Team Titles and hits the ring (D-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Bubba Ray Dudley defeated Sabu in 12:02 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D) After the match D-Von challenges RVD to a match next week, letting him know he'll have his half of the belts then to complete the pair (D)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Rob Van Dam defeated Little Guido in 12:14 by pinfall with a Frog Splash (D) Afterward RVD says D-Von is on! (D)

Before the Main Event, Joey Styles announces that the winnr of this match will be #1 contender for the TV Title (D)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Lance Storm defeated Jerry Lynn in 19:02 by submission with a Canadian Maple Leaf (C-)

Show Rating: D+

Another good show. Gotta get to the C- range though to continue our growth more rapidly.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- WWF announces a new show on USA entitled UnderGround.

- The Monday Night Wars continued with Nitro winning 9.38 to 8.85. Both shows had B- ratings. On Nitro, Randy Savage beat Lex Luger (B-) while on Raw Vader beat Owen Hart (B-)

- WWF signs Steven Regal.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 2, February 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction but featured terrible wrestling, New Jack defeated Ballz Mahoney in 7:51 by pinfall (E)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Little Guido defeated Steve Corino in 7:43 by submission with a Sicillian Crab (E+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Doug Furnas defeated Jerry Lynn in 12:14 by pinfall with a Frankensteiner (D+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Sabu & Rob Van Dam defeated Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in 8:29 when Rob Van Dam defeated Christian Cage by pinfall with a Split-Legged Moonsault. Sabu & Rob Van Dam make defence number 1 of their ECW World Tag Team titles (D)

After the match RVD takes the mic and lays down an open challenge for the Cyberslam PPV (D+)

In a bout that had solid in-ring action and average heat, Lance Storm defeated Mike Quackenbush in 7:17 by pinfall with a Flying Spinning Leg Lariat (D-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, D-Von Dudley defeated The Sandman in 14:36 by pinfall with a Dudley Death Drop (C-)

After the match Tommy Dreamer comes out and demands one more shot at Shane Douglas, this time at Cyberslam. Dreamer says if he loses he will never take another title match again as long as Shane is champ (C-)

Douglas comes out and agrees to Dreamer's challenge, then says everyone needs to tune in, not to just see Douglas squash Dreamer's ECW Title dreams once and for all, but also because he is going to give Taz the opportunity of a lifetime! (C+)

Show Rating: C-

Great show, our best yet. My Douglas stuff is going to lead to something I think is my best idea ever. I hope it works.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- Scott Norton comes off well on National TV doing promotion work for NJPW.

- WWF holds No Way Out. It does a 5.30 buy. It was a solid show (B), headlined by Owen Hart retaining his WWF Title by beating Shawn Michaels (B+)

- Nitro scores a huge 9.70 rating to win the MNW again, besting Raw's 8.70. Nitro was also the better show, though neither was that impressive (B- vs C). Nitro was headlined by Lex Luger beating Scott Hall (B) while on Raw, The Rock and Kane went to a no contest (C)

- Former ECW star Pittbull II died of a drug overdose.

- Adam Copeland won the BCW Can-Am Title from Scott D'Amore (D+)

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 3, February 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2357 People
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction but featured terrible wrestling, Spike Dudley defeated Mikey Whipwreck, Steve Corino, Mike Quackenbush and Chris Chetti in 17:50 when Spike Dudley defeated Chris Chetti by pinfall with an Acid Drop (E+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Lance Storm defeated Little Guido in 9:07 by submission with a Canadian Maple Leaf (D)

Taz comes out after the match and gets in Lance Storm's face. He says he respects Storm's talent but just know that come tomorrow, respect won't matter when he is making Storm tap. Then Taz says that he can't wait for whatever shit Douglas has to spew because Taz there is no offer imaginable that can keep Taz from breaking Douglas neck! (C)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, New Jack defeated Mike Awesome in 5:41 by pinfall (E+)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Justin Credible and Chris Candido defeated Adam Copeland and Christian Cage in 10:56 when Chris Candido defeated Christian Cage by pinfall with a Blonde Bombshell (D-)

Tommy Dreamer is backstage gearing up for tonight's six man tag main event. He says that tonight he is going to give everyone an early preview of tomorrow when he gives Douglas the DDT and covers him for the 1-2-3! (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Tommy Dreamer and Sabu & Rob Van Dam defeated Shane Douglas and Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon in 14:35 when Tommy Dreamer defeated Phil LaFon by pinfall with a Piledriver (D+)

Show Rating: D+

[DeToxRox]

ECW CyberSlam
Saturday, Week 3, February 1998
NY Stony Brook Sports Complex
5226 People -- Sellout
Live on PPV

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Sabu & Rob Van Dam defeated Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon in 19:47 when Sabu defeated Phil LaFon by pinfall with a Triple Jump Moonsault. Sabu & Rob Van Dam make defence number 2 of their ECW World Tag Team titles (C-)

In a match that had some good action and average heat, Jerry Lynn defeated Adam Copeland and Little Guido in 14:47 when Jerry Lynn defeated Little Guido by submission with a Cross Armbreaker Submission (D+)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Bam Bam Bigelow defeated The Sandman in 14:09 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D)

Backstage Bubba Ray Dudley is getting ready for the Dudleys match. He says he is happy RVD & Sabu retained the titles tonight because the only team who will take those titles from them are the Dudleys! (D+)

In a bout that had solid in-ring action and average heat, Dudley Boys defeated Hardcore Chair Swingin' Freaks in 5:59 when Bubba Ray Dudley defeated Axl Rotten by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D)

Taz is backstage where he promises to show Shane Douglas what is going to happen to him once he finally gets his hands around his neck (C+)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated Lance Storm in 20:12 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 5 of his ECW World Television title (C)

After the match Taz says he wants Douglas next month for the title! (C)

A video airs hyping the Main Event (C+)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Shane Douglas defeated Tommy Dreamer in 30:13 by pinfall with a Belly to Belly Suplex. Shane Douglas makes defence number 2 of his ECW World Heavyweight title (D+)

After the match Shane Douglas grabs a mic and tells Taz that he can have his title match .. IF he follows through with several challenges Douglas has set up to test how much Taz wants it. He says at each PPV for the next few months he will face an opponent of Douglas choosing in a match of Douglas choosing. Should he win all those matches, he will face Shane's old friend and if he wins that match he can have his title match at a November to Remember, an entire 8 months away! (C+)

Show Rating: C-

Awesome show. Main Event could have been better but I'll take that all day.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- CyberSlam does a 0.2 buy. The Main Event was not pushed enough.

- WCW holds SuperBrawl, a tremendous show (B+) which did a 5.49 buy. The main event saw Hollywood Hogan retaining the WCW World Title, beating Bret Hart (A)

- Raw rebounds to beat Nitro for the first time in a month, with a 9.02 to an 8.14. Raw was the better show (B-/C+), headlined by Owen Hart and The Undertaker going to a no contest (B-) while on Nitro DDP beat Lex Luger (B-)

- Davey Boy Smith becomes the second wrestler this month to die of a drug overdose.

- OMEGA officially folds.

- Spike Dudley is mentioned as a rising star in the business.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 4, February 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2481 People
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Little Guido defeated Mike Quackenbush in 7:52 by submission with a Sicillian Crab (D)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, New Jack defeated Steve Corino in 7:58 by pinfall (E+)

Shane Douglas comes out to the ring, his ribs bandaged up, but his ECW Title proudly slung over his shoulder. He says that he laid down the gauntlet last night to Taz, and tonight he is here to announce that his first match will be at Living Dangerously vs Doug Furnas in a Submissions Match! (C-)

Paul Heyman comes and says he may be having fun playing booker, but tonight there will be a 10 man battle royal to determine who Shane Douglas will face at Living Dangerously! (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated Adam Copeland in 14:04 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 6 of his ECW World Television title (D+) Taz gets the mic, ready to call out Shane Douglas, when he is jumped by New Jack from the crowd. New Jack pulls out a wad of cash and says "it's just business". After Jack leaves Doug Furnas comes out and looks down at a hurt Taz, before he locks in an arm bar before officials race to the ring to break it up (D+)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Chris Candido and Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Mikey Whipwreck and Spike Dudley in 6:53 when Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Spike Dudley by pinfall with a Diving Headbutt (E+)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Sabu won a battle royal in 14:47. The final four competitors also included Bam Bam Bigelow, The Sandman and Lance Storm, with Bam Bam Bigelow being the final elimination (C-)

Show Rating: D+

Another solid show. Just gotta' keep rollin' along.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- Ron Simmons was busted with steroids.

- We won the Regional battle with WWC this month.

- Nitro bounces back with a massive 9.82 rating, beating Raw's 8.62. Nitro was the better show (B/C+) and was headlined by The Steiner Brothers beating The Outsiders (B), while on Raw Ken Shamrock beat Vader (C+)

- WWF debuted UnderGround, with Ahmed Johnson beat The Undertaker (B-) in the Main Event.

- We hire The Hardy Boys with OMEGA going under.

[DeToxRox]

March in Review

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 1, March 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Jerry Lynn defeated Christian Cage, Mike Quackenbush and Steve Corino in 7:08 when Jerry Lynn defeated Steve Corino by submission with a Cross Armbreaker Submission (D)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a bout that had solid in-ring action but not much in the way of heat, Mikey Whipwreck and Spike Dudley defeated Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy in 7:49 when Mikey Whipwreck defeated Jeff Hardy by pinfall with a Whippersnapper (D)

A video plays showing Doug Furnas working out at an MMA training camp. He goes through various submission holds many wrestling fans have never seen, then promises that at Living Dangerously this is what will happen to Taz! (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, Taz defeated New Jack in 10:44 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 7 of his ECW World Television title (D) After the match Doug Furnas comes out but Taz cuts him off. Then from behind Phil LaFon comes from the crowd and clips Taz. He and Furnas work over his left leg before leaving (D) As Taz slowly gets up he grabs a mic and demands a handicap match next week! (D+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Adam Copeland defeated Lance Storm in 10:31 by pinfall with a Missile Dropkick (D)

Shane Douglas & Bam Bam Bigelow are in the back getting ready for the Main Event tonight vs RVD & Sabu. Douglas says tonight will be a precursor to Living Dangerously, except with a little less blood (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Sabu & Rob Van Dam drew with Bam Bam Bigelow and Shane Douglas in 10:50 when the referee was forced to rule a no contest when all hell broke loose (D) After the match Sabu and Shane Douglas brawl all over the Hammerstein Ballroom (C-)

Show Rating: D

The Main Event was an epic failure. The double countout was a cop out and I wish I didn't do it, as it helped kill the rating.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- Sean Waltman leaves WCW. We request negotiations but I don't see him coming into ECW.

- Jerry Lynn retained his HWA Heavyweight Tile beating Christopher Daniels in a good match (D) After seeing that they had that type of match in a small promotion like HWA I decide to try bringing in Daniels.

- Adam Copeland signs a PPA deal with WWF, so we will still be able to keep him when he isn't on WWF shows. His popularity will rapidly rise on WWF TV.

- Nitro scores their biggest Monday Night rating to date, with a 9.91, but Raw also improves to a 8.88 in the most watched night of wrestling ever. Nitro was the better show (B/B-), headlined by Scott Steiner going to a No Contest with Scott Hall (B) while on Raw DX beat the New Foundation (B-)

- Sean Waltman turns down our negotiations, which is not a surprise.

- Christopher Daniels also turns down negotiations because he is in too many promotions as is.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 2, March 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a bout that had solid in-ring action but not much in the way of heat, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage defeated Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy in 7:49 when Adam Copeland defeated Jeff Hardy by pinfall with a Leaping DDT (D)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Justin Credible defeated Mike Awesome in 8:06 by pinfall (E+)

In a match that had a fantastic crowd and good action, Sabu defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 13:07 by pinfall with a Triple Jump Moonsault (C)

Backstage The Dudley Boyz announce that next week there will be a four corner Dudley Invitational Tag Team Match with the winners getting the opportunity to face the Dudleys at Living Dangerously! (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Doug Furnas & Phil La Fon defeated Taz in 13:30 when Doug Furnas defeated Taz by pinfall with a Frankensteiner (D+) After the match LaFon stands over Taz as Furnas walks away, but he waits too long as Taz grabs his ankle and locks in an Ankle Lock until Furnas comes in causing Taz to break the hold in get nose to nose with Furnas (C-)

Shane Douglas is in the back hyping up his Main Event non title match vs RVD tonight. He tells Sabu to take notes (C)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Shane Douglas defeated Rob Van Dam in 16:14 by pinfall with a Belly to Belly Suplex (D+)

Show Rating: D+

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- Steve Williams short term deal with WCW is coming to an end. We are going to push hard to bring him in.

- The Monday Night Wars waged on with Raw besting Nitro 9.01 to 8.38 this week. Both shows were B-, with Vader beating Owen Hart (B-) on Raw and Lex Luger beating Scott Hall (B-) on Nitro. Of note also is Adam Copeland debuted for WWF as Edge, losing in a triple threat match to Steve Austin. Also in the match was The Undertaker.

- Jumbo Tsuruta and Lance Russel announce their retirements from wrestling.

- Steve Corino's short term deal with is up soon and he wants a new short term deal. I am going to let him walk and bring him back in the future hopefully.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 3, March 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Justin Credible defeated Steve Corino in 8:10 by pinfall (E+)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Chris Candido defeated Mike Quackenbush in 8:15 by pinfall with a Blonde Bombshell (D-)

The Dudleys come out to the ring awaiting the Dudley Invitational. Bubba Ray grabs the mic and introduces the team, but when the 4th team "The Hardcore Chair Swinging Freaks" don't come out Bubba gets upset and says they are blowing their chance at the big time. Then "Enter Sandman" hits and Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman come out to a huge pop, sending the Dudleys into a panic (C-)

In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer defeated Christian Cage and Adam Copeland, Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy and Mikey Whipwreck and Spike Dudley in 13:10; the order of elimination was Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy first, then Mikey Whipwreck and Spike Dudley, and finally Christian Cage and Adam Copeland (D+)

Backstage Taz is with Joey Styles. He promises that tonight he is going to send a message to Doug Furnas and Shane Douglas when he snaps Phil LaFon's neck (C)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Jerry Lynn defeated Little Guido in 12:06 by submission with a Cross Armbreaker Submission (D+)

Backstage Justin Credible says Taz talks a big game, but it's just that: talk. He challenges Taz to a match next week to prove he is an Impact Player in ECW (D)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated Phil LaFon in 13:20 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 8 of his ECW World Television title (D+)

Show Rating: D+

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- ECWA holds their Annual Super 8, with Reckless Youth defeating Charlie Haas in the final (D-)

- WCW holds Uncensored, drawing a 5.77 buy. The Main Event saw Hollywood Hogan beat Bret Hart (A) to retain his WCW World Title.

- We sign a PPA deal with Homicide.

- Raw wins the Monday Night Wars again, 9.27 to 8.57. Raw was an amazing show (A/B-) headlined by The Undertaker beating Steve Austin (A). Also on the show was Owen Hart beating Shawn Michaels (A). On Nitro the Main Event was The Steiners beating the Outsiders (B-)

- Christian Cage won the vacant BCW Can-Am Heavyweight Title (Copeland left BCW) beating Mike Awesome (D).

- Shane Douglas told an internet site he was carrying ECW on his back, which will surely further endear him to a locker room he has been alienating.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 4, March 1998
NY - Hammerstein Ballroom (Tri State)
2500 People -- Sellout
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Little Guido defeated Homicide in 7:41 by submission with a Sicillian Crab (E+)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a bout that had solid in-ring action but not much in the way of heat, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy and Mike Quackenbush defeated Mikey Whipwreck, Spike Dudley and Chris Chetti in 7:20 when Matt Hardy defeated Chris Chetti by pinfall with a Flying Legdrop (D-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Adam Copeland defeated Lance Storm in 13:23 by pinfall with a Missile Dropkick (D) After the match the two Canadian's shake hands to a chorus of boos. Copeland says guys like he and Storm are too good for American's and they need to stick together, to which Storm shakes his head and agrees (D+)

Backstage Taz promises Justin Credible will regret ever uttering his name, especially to challenge him of all things (D+)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated Justin Credible in 6:28 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 9 of his ECW World Television title (C-)

A video airs highlighting the history between Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman with the Dudley Boyz (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Tommy Dreamer defeated Bubba Ray Dudley in 14:58 by pinfall with a Piledriver (C)

The show ends with a video hyping Living Dangerously (D+)

Show Rating: C-

Helluva main event saved us tonight.

[DeToxRox]

ECW Living Dangerously
Saturday, Week 4, March 1998
NY Binghamton Events Center (Tri State)
7500 People -- Sellout
Live on PPV

Pre-show Dark Match
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Mike Awesome won a battle royal in 14:32. The final four competitors also included Mike Quackenbush, Mikey Whipwreck and Axl Rotten, with Mike Quackenbush being the final elimination (D) Mike Awesome wins a TV title shot

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Lance Storm defeated Rob Van Dam and Jerry Lynn in 15:37 when Lance Storm defeated Jerry Lynn by submission with a Canadian Maple Leaf. During the match we also saw Adam Copeland run in and attack RVD, and also attack Lynn (D+)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Phil LaFon defeated Little Guido in 9:46 by pinfall with a Dragon Suplex (D)

In a bout that had great heat and some decent in-ring action, Bam Bam Bigelow defeated New Jack in 10:31 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (D+)

The Dudleys are in the back where Bubba Ray makes a promise that tonight they have a surprise in store for Dreamer & Sandman for getting involved in their business and when it happens, and it will happen, neither Dreamer nor Sandman will EVER be the same! (C)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Dudley Boys defeated The Sandman and Tommy Dreamer in 17:35 when Bubba Ray Dudley defeated The Sandman by pinfall after powerbombing him through a flaming table (C+) After the match EMT's rush out to take care of the Sandman as Dreamer looks on in horror (C)

A video package airs that shows us what has lead Taz to his upcoming match with Doug Furnas (C-)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Taz defeated Doug Furnas in 23:49 by submission. Taz makes defence number 10 of his ECW World Television title (D+)

We cut to the back where Bill Alfonso promises tonight Sabu will bring home the ECW World Title to where it rightfully belongs! (D+)

Meanwhile Shane Douglas is in his locker room getting ready for what he knows will be a war. He promises that once he pins Sabu in the middle of the ring that he will unveil Taz next challenge (C)

In a match that had a fantastic crowd and good action, Shane Douglas defeated Sabu in 24:46 by pinfall with a Piledriver. Shane Douglas makes defence number 3 of his ECW World Heavyweight title (C+)

A spent Shane Douglas grabs a mic and says that next month at Hostile City Showdown it will be Taz vs Bam Bam Bigelow inside a steel cage! (C-)

Show Rating: C

Wow, talk about delivering. Expected more from Taz/Furnas but the main event exceeded expectations in every way.

[DeToxRox]

Wrestling News

- Living Dangerously does a 0.04. It's not good but we have TV in two regions so I will take it every day.

- WWF holds WrestleMania XIV, which does an amazing 6.05 buy. It was headlined by Owen Hart retaining his WWF Title over Vader (B) though the match of the night was Undertaker beating Steve Austin (A)

- WWF was caught spreading lies to WCW sponsors and now faces public humiliation.

- ECW wins the Tri State regional battles again.

- Shane Douglas is not happy with me for some reason. To appease our champ we give him a $1000 bonus and two weeks off of paid vacation.

- Raw wins the Monday Night Wars again, beating Nitro 9.23 to 9.00. Both shows drew a B rating, though Raw had an excellent main event with Mankind beating HBK (A) while on Nitro Sting beat Sid Vicious (B)

[DeToxRox]

March in Review

[DeToxRox]

ECW Hardcore TV
Friday, Week 1, April 1998
NY - Cotterell Court (Tri State)
2989 People
TV Taping

Pre-show Dark Match
In an extremely poor match, Homicide defeated Chris Chetti in 7:54 by submission with a STF (E)

Pre-show Dark Match
In a bout that had solid in-ring action but not much in the way of heat, Christian Cage defeated Jeff Hardy in 7:45 by pinfall (D-)

Paul Heyman comes out and announces tonight will be a fatal four way match to determine Shane Douglas' opponent at Hostile City Showdown. It'll be Adam Copeland vs Tommy Dreamer vs Bubba Ray Dudley vs Jerry Lynn! (D)

In a bout that had great heat and good action, Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Sabu in 11:36 by pinfall with a Power Bomb (C-) After the match Bigelow says that next week he and Candido will be facing RVD & Sabu for the Tag Team Titles! (D-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Taz defeated Mike Awesome in 12:12 by pinfall with a T-Bone Suplex. Taz makes defence number 11 of his ECW World Television title (D+) Taz then takes a mic and says at Hostile City Showdown inside a steel cage there will not be ANYWHERE for Bam Bam Bigelow to hide, and he can promise that Bigelow's wrestling career WILL come to an end that night! (C-)

In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Adam Copeland defeated Tommy Dreamer, Bubba Ray Dudley and Jerry Lynn in 14:09 when Adam Copeland defeated Jerry Lynn by pinfall with a Missile Dropkick (D+) After the match Tommy Dreamer says Sandman is going to be out for a while because of what the Dudleys did to him last week, so at Hostile City Showdown Dreamer and a partner of his choosing will be taking on the Dudleys in a flaming tables match! (D+)

Show Rating: D+

Adam Copeland has been getting over on WWF TV so I figured I'd capitalize on his popularity surge while I still have him.