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Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE) (view source)
Revision as of 03:58, July 24, 2007
, 03:58, July 24, 2007Same thing I did with the other two
'''Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)''' is a [[professional wrestling]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] of [[World Wrestling Entertainment]], based on the independent promotion [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] that lasted from [[1992]] to [[2001]]. It debuted on [[June 13]], [[2006 in television|2006]] with a weekly television series. The ECW brand is one of WWE's three brands, the other two being [[WWE Raw|RAW]] and [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]].
This version can be seen on [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]] in the United States, [[X-Treme Sports]] and [[Global Television Network|Global]] in [[Canada]], [[Lativi]] in [[Indonesia]], [[Sky Sports|Sky Sports 3]] in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Premiere (pay television network)|Premiere]] in [[Germany]], [[FX Latin America|FX]] in [[Latin America]], [[Ten Sports]] in [[India]], [[Astro (satellite TV)|Astro Supersport]] in [[Malaysia]], [[Solar Sports]] in the [[Philippines]], [[FOX8]] in [[Australia]], [[SKY Network Television|SKY 1]] in New Zealand, [[e.tv]] in South Africa, [[SIC Radical]] in [[Portugal]] and [[American Forces Network|AFN Xtra]] .
== History ==
WWE acquired the Extreme Championship Wrestling name and [[WWE Video Library|video library]] in 2003 and later began reintroducing ECW through a series of [[DVD]]s and books. The most notable example is ''[[The Rise and Fall of ECW]]'', a documentary (and later a book) of the promotion's history. The enormous popularity of this and other ECW merchandise; along with a suggestion from [[Rob Van Dam]] prompted WWE to organize an ECW "reunion show" pay-per-view in 2005 dubbed [[WWE One Night Stand#2005|ECW One Night Stand]]. The financial and critical success of the show motivated WWE to organize a second [[WWE One Night Stand#2006|One Night Stand]] the following year. With rejuvenated interest in ECW, WWE began exploring the possibility of reviving the promotion full time.
On [[May 26]], [[2006 in television|2006]], WWE announced the relaunch of ECW as a stand-alone brand that would complement WWE's ''[[WWE Raw|RAW]]'' and ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'' brands and emanate weekly on the [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]]. <ref name=SciFi>{{cite web|title=WWE brings ECW to Sci Fi Channel|publisher=WWE.com |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/scifi|accessdate=2006-06-02}}</ref> Despite initial concerns that professional wrestling would not be accepted by Sci Fi Channel's demographic, network President [[Bonnie Hammer]] believed that ECW would fit the channel's theme of ''stretching the imagination.'' Sci Fi Channel is owned by [[NBC Universal]], parent company of [[USA Network]] and exclusive cable broadcaster of WWE programming.
To boost success of the new brand, ECW was cross-promoted on WWE programming in the weeks leading up to the 2006 [[WWE One Night Stand#2006|One Night Stand]]. A [[prime time]] special called ''WWE vs. ECW Head to Head'' was aired on [[USA Network]] as part of the promotion.
The ECW brand initially attempted to differentiate itself from WWE's other brands. The hard cameras were placed in a different location and the ring mat had an "ECW" logo on it. The male performers were also referred to as "Extremists" as opposed to Superstars, and female performers were called "Vixens" instead of [[WWE Diva|Divas]]. Eventually, all of these features were dropped.
The ECW brand was initially headlined by original ECW performers such as [[Rob Van Dam]], [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]], [[Tommy Dreamer]], [[Balls Mahoney]], [[Al Snow]] and [[Jim Fullington|The Sandman]], with former ECW owner [[Paul Heyman]] and new ECW "rebels" like [[Kurt Angle]] and [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] entrusted with [[Booker (professional wrestling)|booking]] the brand. However, following the second episode, Heyman's role was somewhat reduced. According to an interview in the UK newspaper [[The Sun]], Heyman wrote the brand's weekly scripts and submitted them to writers for possible changes, and then Vince McMahon for final approval. Following the 2006 [[ECW December to Dismember#2006|December to Dismember]] pay-per-view event Heyman was relieved from both his on and off air duties with World Wrestling Entertainment. The WWE website cited "slumping television ratings and a disgruntled talent roster" as the reasons for his dismissal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/heymanout|title=Heyman out|accessdate=2006-12-23}}</ref>
Behind the scenes, Dave Lagana, former head booker of [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]] replaced Heyman as head booker of the ECW brand. As of May 2007, no new on-air ECW Representative has been named.
Changes were made to the brand that differentiated it from the original ECW promotion, including changing the original promotion's rules - where weapons were legal in all matches and there were almost never count outs or disqualifications. WWE classifies such matches as "[[Hardcore wrestling|Extreme Rules]]" bouts, and they are only fought on occasion. By default, all matches on ECW cards are now fought under standard rules unless specified otherwise.
Originally, ECW was featured as part of WWE's "Big Four" cross-branded pay-per-view events: [[Survivor Series]], [[Royal Rumble]], [[SummerSlam]] and [[WrestleMania]]. The first [[pay-per-view]] event hosted by the ECW brand since its launch was [[ECW December to Dismember|December to Dismember]]. On [[March 14]] [[2007]], WWE announced that all future PPV's would feature all three brands. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2007/2007_03_14.jsp|title=WWE Pay-Per-Views to follow WrestleMania format|accessdate=2007-03-21}}</ref>
==''ECW on Sci Fi''==
[[Image:Ecwset.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The ECW set used from [[October 31]], 2006 - Present]]
ECW's weekly series was originally given a run of a thirteen episode "summer series" by the [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]]. Because of good ratings, it was granted an extended run through the end of 2007.<ref name="extend">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/3249242|title=Sci Fi Channel Extends ECW|accessdate=October 11|accessyear=2006}}</ref> The premiere of ECW's weekly show on the Sci Fi Channel received a 2.79 [[Nielsen Ratings|rating]], making it the highest rated show on cable in its time slot.<ref name=rating>{{cite web|title=Sci Fi Channel pins the competition with ECW's triumphant return to television|publisher=www.thefutoncritic.com|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20060614scifi01|accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref>
While the show started out a [[Nielsen Ratings|ratings]] success for both Sci Fi Channel and WWE, it began drawing criticism from fans of the original ECW early on. This was most evident by the [[Heat (professional wrestling)#X-Pac heat|negative crowd reaction]] "old school" fans gave the main event of [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] vs. [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] at the [[August 1]] [[2006]] show from [[Hammerstein Ballroom]].<ref>http://www.onlineonslaught.com/features/20060801.shtml</ref><ref>http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/15/17507</ref>
Unlike the original promotion which primarily ran television tapings in smaller arenas, ECW shows are now held in larger arenas as a part of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'''s Tuesday taping schedule. ECW usually airs live on Tuesdays directly after ''SmackDown!'' has taped<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/7253|title=WWE Makes Changes To Compete With WSX|accessdate=2007-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/7293|title=ECW TV Staying Live|accessdate=2007-02-07 }}</ref>, however, it is occasionally taped before ''SmackDown!'', and placed on a [[Tape delay (broadcasting)|tape delay]] until later in the night<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/6941|title=WWE Smackdown! & ECW Tapings (12/12/06)|accessdate=2007-02-07 }}</ref> depending on what circumstances dictate. When touring the [[West Coast of the United States|west coast]], which is in the [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific time zone]] ECW shows broadcast live before the ''SmackDown!'' event tapes<!--<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=23037&p|title=PWInsider Live Report}}</ref>. -->
To compliment the weekly television program, WWE.com introduced an online streaming video site called ''Hardcore Hangover'' that allows fans to stream on-demand video footage of the weekly show.
==Recurring segments==
In addition to wrestling matches and backstage vignettes, ''ECW'', like ''RAW'' and ''SmackDown!'', has had recurring weekly segments.
The earliest segment, which began on the first episode - albeit unnamed - was ''Kelly's Exposé'', and featured [[exhibitionism|exhibitionist]] character [[Barbie Blank|Kelly Kelly]] performing a [[striptease]] for the crowd.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/shows1/ecwonscifi/archive/061320061/ |title=An Extreme Debut |accessdate=2007-03-29 |last=Hoffman |first=Brent |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> ''Kelly's Exposé'' took a hiatus when Kelly took a leave in December of 2006, and upon her return in January of 2007, she was joined by fellow [[WWE Diva|divas]] [[Layla El]] and [[Brooke Adams (model)|Brooke Adams]] to form [[Extreme Exposé]], a three person dance troupe. ''Extreme Exposé'' now performs weekly, utilizing a different song and costume each week.
Another recurring segment, which is only used on occasion, is ''Striker's Classroom''. This segment is hosted by [[Matthew Kaye|Matt Striker]], who acts as a teacher (his former [[Legit (professional wrestling)|real-life]] profession) and insults the audience's intellectual capacity. It's sometimes utilized as a simple [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promo]] device, and other times as an interview segment.
== On-air personalities ==
=== Champions ===
{| class="wikitable"
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Championship
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Current champion
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Date won
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Date aired
|-style="background: #E7DDEE;"
|[[ECW World Championship|ECW World Champion]]
|[[John Hennigan|John Morrison]]
|June 24, 2007
|June 24, 2007
|}
===Authority figures===
*[[Paul Heyman]] - "ECW Representative" ([[June 7]], [[2006]] - [[December 4]], [[2006]])
*[[Mr. McMahon]] - Chairman of ECW's parent company WWE.
===Commentators===
*'''[[Joey Styles]]''' ([[June 7]], [[2006]] - present)
*'''[[Tazz]]''' ([[June 7]], [[2006]] - present)
==References==
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>
==See also==
*[[List of ECW pay-per-view events]]
*[[World Wrestling Entertainment roster#ECW brand|World Wrestling Entertainment roster (ECW brand)]]
This version can be seen on [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]] in the United States, [[X-Treme Sports]] and [[Global Television Network|Global]] in [[Canada]], [[Lativi]] in [[Indonesia]], [[Sky Sports|Sky Sports 3]] in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Premiere (pay television network)|Premiere]] in [[Germany]], [[FX Latin America|FX]] in [[Latin America]], [[Ten Sports]] in [[India]], [[Astro (satellite TV)|Astro Supersport]] in [[Malaysia]], [[Solar Sports]] in the [[Philippines]], [[FOX8]] in [[Australia]], [[SKY Network Television|SKY 1]] in New Zealand, [[e.tv]] in South Africa, [[SIC Radical]] in [[Portugal]] and [[American Forces Network|AFN Xtra]] .
== History ==
WWE acquired the Extreme Championship Wrestling name and [[WWE Video Library|video library]] in 2003 and later began reintroducing ECW through a series of [[DVD]]s and books. The most notable example is ''[[The Rise and Fall of ECW]]'', a documentary (and later a book) of the promotion's history. The enormous popularity of this and other ECW merchandise; along with a suggestion from [[Rob Van Dam]] prompted WWE to organize an ECW "reunion show" pay-per-view in 2005 dubbed [[WWE One Night Stand#2005|ECW One Night Stand]]. The financial and critical success of the show motivated WWE to organize a second [[WWE One Night Stand#2006|One Night Stand]] the following year. With rejuvenated interest in ECW, WWE began exploring the possibility of reviving the promotion full time.
On [[May 26]], [[2006 in television|2006]], WWE announced the relaunch of ECW as a stand-alone brand that would complement WWE's ''[[WWE Raw|RAW]]'' and ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'' brands and emanate weekly on the [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]]. <ref name=SciFi>{{cite web|title=WWE brings ECW to Sci Fi Channel|publisher=WWE.com |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/scifi|accessdate=2006-06-02}}</ref> Despite initial concerns that professional wrestling would not be accepted by Sci Fi Channel's demographic, network President [[Bonnie Hammer]] believed that ECW would fit the channel's theme of ''stretching the imagination.'' Sci Fi Channel is owned by [[NBC Universal]], parent company of [[USA Network]] and exclusive cable broadcaster of WWE programming.
To boost success of the new brand, ECW was cross-promoted on WWE programming in the weeks leading up to the 2006 [[WWE One Night Stand#2006|One Night Stand]]. A [[prime time]] special called ''WWE vs. ECW Head to Head'' was aired on [[USA Network]] as part of the promotion.
The ECW brand initially attempted to differentiate itself from WWE's other brands. The hard cameras were placed in a different location and the ring mat had an "ECW" logo on it. The male performers were also referred to as "Extremists" as opposed to Superstars, and female performers were called "Vixens" instead of [[WWE Diva|Divas]]. Eventually, all of these features were dropped.
The ECW brand was initially headlined by original ECW performers such as [[Rob Van Dam]], [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]], [[Tommy Dreamer]], [[Balls Mahoney]], [[Al Snow]] and [[Jim Fullington|The Sandman]], with former ECW owner [[Paul Heyman]] and new ECW "rebels" like [[Kurt Angle]] and [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] entrusted with [[Booker (professional wrestling)|booking]] the brand. However, following the second episode, Heyman's role was somewhat reduced. According to an interview in the UK newspaper [[The Sun]], Heyman wrote the brand's weekly scripts and submitted them to writers for possible changes, and then Vince McMahon for final approval. Following the 2006 [[ECW December to Dismember#2006|December to Dismember]] pay-per-view event Heyman was relieved from both his on and off air duties with World Wrestling Entertainment. The WWE website cited "slumping television ratings and a disgruntled talent roster" as the reasons for his dismissal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/heymanout|title=Heyman out|accessdate=2006-12-23}}</ref>
Behind the scenes, Dave Lagana, former head booker of [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]] replaced Heyman as head booker of the ECW brand. As of May 2007, no new on-air ECW Representative has been named.
Changes were made to the brand that differentiated it from the original ECW promotion, including changing the original promotion's rules - where weapons were legal in all matches and there were almost never count outs or disqualifications. WWE classifies such matches as "[[Hardcore wrestling|Extreme Rules]]" bouts, and they are only fought on occasion. By default, all matches on ECW cards are now fought under standard rules unless specified otherwise.
Originally, ECW was featured as part of WWE's "Big Four" cross-branded pay-per-view events: [[Survivor Series]], [[Royal Rumble]], [[SummerSlam]] and [[WrestleMania]]. The first [[pay-per-view]] event hosted by the ECW brand since its launch was [[ECW December to Dismember|December to Dismember]]. On [[March 14]] [[2007]], WWE announced that all future PPV's would feature all three brands. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2007/2007_03_14.jsp|title=WWE Pay-Per-Views to follow WrestleMania format|accessdate=2007-03-21}}</ref>
==''ECW on Sci Fi''==
[[Image:Ecwset.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The ECW set used from [[October 31]], 2006 - Present]]
ECW's weekly series was originally given a run of a thirteen episode "summer series" by the [[Sci Fi Channel (United States)|Sci Fi Channel]]. Because of good ratings, it was granted an extended run through the end of 2007.<ref name="extend">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/3249242|title=Sci Fi Channel Extends ECW|accessdate=October 11|accessyear=2006}}</ref> The premiere of ECW's weekly show on the Sci Fi Channel received a 2.79 [[Nielsen Ratings|rating]], making it the highest rated show on cable in its time slot.<ref name=rating>{{cite web|title=Sci Fi Channel pins the competition with ECW's triumphant return to television|publisher=www.thefutoncritic.com|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20060614scifi01|accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref>
While the show started out a [[Nielsen Ratings|ratings]] success for both Sci Fi Channel and WWE, it began drawing criticism from fans of the original ECW early on. This was most evident by the [[Heat (professional wrestling)#X-Pac heat|negative crowd reaction]] "old school" fans gave the main event of [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] vs. [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] at the [[August 1]] [[2006]] show from [[Hammerstein Ballroom]].<ref>http://www.onlineonslaught.com/features/20060801.shtml</ref><ref>http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/15/17507</ref>
Unlike the original promotion which primarily ran television tapings in smaller arenas, ECW shows are now held in larger arenas as a part of ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown!|SmackDown!]]'''s Tuesday taping schedule. ECW usually airs live on Tuesdays directly after ''SmackDown!'' has taped<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/7253|title=WWE Makes Changes To Compete With WSX|accessdate=2007-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/7293|title=ECW TV Staying Live|accessdate=2007-02-07 }}</ref>, however, it is occasionally taped before ''SmackDown!'', and placed on a [[Tape delay (broadcasting)|tape delay]] until later in the night<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajah.com/base/node/6941|title=WWE Smackdown! & ECW Tapings (12/12/06)|accessdate=2007-02-07 }}</ref> depending on what circumstances dictate. When touring the [[West Coast of the United States|west coast]], which is in the [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific time zone]] ECW shows broadcast live before the ''SmackDown!'' event tapes<!--<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=23037&p|title=PWInsider Live Report}}</ref>. -->
To compliment the weekly television program, WWE.com introduced an online streaming video site called ''Hardcore Hangover'' that allows fans to stream on-demand video footage of the weekly show.
==Recurring segments==
In addition to wrestling matches and backstage vignettes, ''ECW'', like ''RAW'' and ''SmackDown!'', has had recurring weekly segments.
The earliest segment, which began on the first episode - albeit unnamed - was ''Kelly's Exposé'', and featured [[exhibitionism|exhibitionist]] character [[Barbie Blank|Kelly Kelly]] performing a [[striptease]] for the crowd.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/shows1/ecwonscifi/archive/061320061/ |title=An Extreme Debut |accessdate=2007-03-29 |last=Hoffman |first=Brent |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> ''Kelly's Exposé'' took a hiatus when Kelly took a leave in December of 2006, and upon her return in January of 2007, she was joined by fellow [[WWE Diva|divas]] [[Layla El]] and [[Brooke Adams (model)|Brooke Adams]] to form [[Extreme Exposé]], a three person dance troupe. ''Extreme Exposé'' now performs weekly, utilizing a different song and costume each week.
Another recurring segment, which is only used on occasion, is ''Striker's Classroom''. This segment is hosted by [[Matthew Kaye|Matt Striker]], who acts as a teacher (his former [[Legit (professional wrestling)|real-life]] profession) and insults the audience's intellectual capacity. It's sometimes utilized as a simple [[Promo (professional wrestling)|promo]] device, and other times as an interview segment.
== On-air personalities ==
=== Champions ===
{| class="wikitable"
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Championship
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Current champion
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Date won
!style="background: #EEEEEE;"|Date aired
|-style="background: #E7DDEE;"
|[[ECW World Championship|ECW World Champion]]
|[[John Hennigan|John Morrison]]
|June 24, 2007
|June 24, 2007
|}
===Authority figures===
*[[Paul Heyman]] - "ECW Representative" ([[June 7]], [[2006]] - [[December 4]], [[2006]])
*[[Mr. McMahon]] - Chairman of ECW's parent company WWE.
===Commentators===
*'''[[Joey Styles]]''' ([[June 7]], [[2006]] - present)
*'''[[Tazz]]''' ([[June 7]], [[2006]] - present)
==References==
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>
==See also==
*[[List of ECW pay-per-view events]]
*[[World Wrestling Entertainment roster#ECW brand|World Wrestling Entertainment roster (ECW brand)]]