ECW 2006: The Blunder That Changed Wrestling

[Save_Us.Necro]

Now without any, we are going to create our own competition.

 

The idea of a "brand split" always intrigued Vince McMahon. He saw the idea of turning his WWE into it's own competition as the highest form of business accomplishment. When the WWE acquired WCW and ECW, along with the video libraries of AWA, SMW, WCCW, Stampede, CWF and others, McMahon's dream of a wrestling monopoly was seemingly coming true. Yes, smaller independent promotions existed, and even a somewhat major North American promotion debuted (TNA), but all weren't even on the WWE's radar. With it's major foes now his property and without any one to go against, McMahon put his plan into effect. His original plan of a WWE/WCW brand was scrapped, as the "Invasion" storyline of 2001/2002 failed miserably. McMahon simply decided to split his two television shows, "Raw" and "Smackdown" into it's own entities, complete with it's own stars, championships, house shows and major events. The plan came into fruition in 2002 to mixed success. As time went however, the WWE fell into a major dry spell. Fans quickly began to turn away from a product seemingly against the liking of the fans. The WWE force fed fans recycled storylines, over pushed talent and overall a product which fans did not agree with for the most part. McMahon was desperate. DX was brought back, names like Flair and Hogan were pushed yet again, stars shifted brands at a surprising pace, brand only PPV's were finished. The WWE and the wrestling business as a whole was in a hole, dug by the lack of a major competitor to the WWE, despite TNA's best efforts. McMahon yearned for the days of 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001; when the WWE was at it's hottest. He even yearned for the years of 2002-2004, when the WWE was still strong. McMahon and his crew of writers, agents, right hand men and Triple H looked for an answer, and following hearing merchandising news, he had found it. McMahon had his answer under his nose all along.

 

ECW

 

The story of ECW is one paved with innovation, excitement, passion and poor management. To this day, whenever a table breaks or a crazy spot happens, you are most likely to hear an "ECDUB ECDUB" chant break out. Fans remember the promotion fondly, much like how old men remember the greats of baseball past. But ECW was seemingly dead. Until a single DVD would change everything.

 

The WWE announced and released it's "Rise and Fall of ECW" DVD release in 2005. The DVD was an immediate hit with fans everywhere and almost instantly became the WWE's biggest selling DVD, even outselling the much acclaimed "Ric Flair Collection". McMahon saw dollar signs instantly. In a rather quickly made move, McMahon announced an ECW Pay Per View event dubbed "One Night Stand". The event, a first as a defunct promotion holding a post mortem event, was filled with matches featuring former ECW stars on the WWE roster and several ex ECW stars brought in for one night contracts. Men who were never thought to be on PPV again, including Sabu, Mike Awesome, Super Crazy and others were seen again by millions. WWE even brought in Joey Styles to announce the event. The event, ironically held from the site of the last ECW PPV the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, was an immediate success and went down as the 2nd biggest WWE PPV behind WrestleMania, an amazing fact. The boost of the ECW PPV also increased the WWE ratings. McMahon sensed a trend. The trend was confirmed when the WWE went back to normal following the PPV, acting as like it never happened and thus interest and ratings dropped again. By the fall of 2005, McMahon now saw what he had to do to get back in business. He was going to bring back ECW.

 

It was a mistake he may never live down.

 

[EkmO]

Looking forward to this Goodluck.

[Truth]

Very interesting start. Looking forward to see where it goes.

[CZCW]

It seems really cool what youre putting together. Youve got a reader in me!

[Save_Us.Necro]

Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that seem absolutly insane [/quOTE]

 

There was only one person who could be in charge of ECW. Everyone knew it, despite the fact he wasn't the most liked person in the company. Paul Heyman at the time, was booking the WWE's developmental league OVW to rave reviews. Heyman, even based in Louisville, heard the rumblings of a resurrected ECW and all the possible ways it would go down. Heyman, seeing first hand how McMahon will do anything for a buck and press and not care about destroying legacies in the process, did not expect to hear anything from Vince about the rumored re launch. However, when McMahon requested Heyman for a meeting about the re launch, Heyman had a plan. An unconventional plan, but a plan none the less.

 

McMahon wanted Heyman's input, as Heyman knew the audience which would be Vince was now going for. An audience McMahon always found disgusting: wrestling fans. Those who hated the product McMahon had presented them, those who hated many of McMahon's stars, the fans who still believed that wrestling died when Heyman appeared on Raw as an announcer. Times were desperate for McMahon, and appealing to these fans would be the only guaranteed way in which he could stimulate the wrestling market he essentially controlled. McMahon and his writers and idea people had two ideas when it came to re launching ECW. The first was to integrate the WWE's ex ECW stars in with it's developmental roster and use it as a feeder system into the other 2 brands. The second idea would have ECW "invade" the other 2 brands and eventually be revealed as a third WWE brand, being the "alternate" brand to the big 2. However, Heyman suggested a third option. An unconventional option but one which realistically made sense. It was pretty simple.

 

Give Heyman ECW back.

 

McMahon was dumbfounded by the balls it took for Heyman to say that. However, what Vince wasn't prepared for was the logic Heyman had behind his argument. The developmental idea wouldn't work because fans would see it simply as a feeder system and whenever someone gets hot, they'll go to Raw or Smackdown. And fans will never go for a ECW ran by the WWE. It would initially get views but unless it's ECW to the core, which most likely wouldn't happen under the WWE's banner, fans would turn away as fast as it would have been launched and would even lose some of it's already dwindling audience, seeing the move as sheer desperation and poor management. Heyman's solution was to essentially create competition. Heyman wanted essentially the rights and library of ECW, but the WWE would have full permission and rights to use the ECW name and library in any possible way the WWE sees fit. Heyman also wanted $5 million dollars startup money and several roster members, none past mid card status. Heyman wanted ex ECW stars Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer and several other bit players on his roster, along with 5-10 developmental talents. Heyman, however claimed that the deal couldn't be done in public, it had to seem as though McMahon wasn't simply giving Heyman all these things. Something had to be orchestrated. McMahon was stunned by the idea, stunned and angry asked Heyman to leave and he would soon enough get back to him. With Heyman gone, McMahon for the first time in ages wondered if his idea was the right one for business.

 

Nothing quite like internal conflict.

[jw_forever]

This sounds fantastic. I was planning on doing a diary similar to this. Out of curiosity, which mod are you using for this?

[Save_Us.Necro]

Jerry (McDevitt) is the best. He's one of the few guys who I know I can always count on and get stuff done.

 

The idea was on the table. McMahon began to look more and more into it. The staff was split. Stephanie McMahon, Triple H, Brian Gerwitz and many others within the creative field were absolutly against the idea. However, Shane McMahon, Michael Hayes and many close to the wrestling aspects of it saw the idea as brilliant. McMahon, ever the promoter saw both the potential success and disaster of the deal. As fans all over the country continued to boo John Cena and have 0 intrest in other top faces they pushed. McMahon asked Heyman over to the WWE offices for yet another meeting.

 

McMahon quized Heyman on the speciics of the deal. Heyman restated the deal. McMahon however prompted some changes to the idea of the deal, most notably the WWE retaining the ECW library, but giving Heyman the opportunity to utalize it. McMahon was willing to part with several of it's talent, espically Rob Van Dam who's controversial comments on marajuana and WWE booking made him a potential liability. The money wasn't an issue at all, but selling the ECW name was a risk, espically if the company took off. But, with the library on his side, the name wasn't nessecarry. McMahon took a risk, and the plan was put into place.Paul Heyman controlled ECW yet again...well he soon would.

 

The problem now was, how to make it all look real.

[TakerNGN74]

Intriguing backstory I will be reading!

 

TakerNGN74

[Oldschool]

Yeah, I'm thouroughly enjoying this backstory as well... I've tried something similar in the past, but yours is much more compelling than what I had tried..

[Jabba_The_American]

Sweet backstory. I'm in.

[Save_Us.Necro]

Paul isn't just a friend to me. He's a mentor

 

 

Paul Heyman's work in OVW showed all those not only who watched it, but those who worked there that Heyman still had it. Solid storylines and matches made everyone forget about Jim Cornette, the former booker since OVW's creation. Heyman took talents many saw as weak and one dimensional, and gave them personas and made them look phenominal. The best part about booking for OVW, besides shaking off any potential "book rust", was that he had first hand knowdlege on the potential and skill set of the OVW roster. And for a man who took a roster of "misfits and no talents" and made them the third most popular promotion in the world at one point, this was if anything an unfair advantage. Unknown to the roster, as he booked, Heyman began to put together his list.

 

With the deal in place, and nearly 9 months away from the rumored "One Night Stand 2", everyone who knew about the deal was basically sworn to secrecy. Heyman and McMahon did an excelent job of keeping the deal a secret. The wrestling news sites and "dirt sheets" had no idea what was happening. However, the only cog in the machine was how to orchistrate the seperatation of ECW and WWE. Ideas of McMahon firing Heyman and then filing a wrongful termination lawsuit were thrown around, but the potential legal backlash of that axed the idea. However, unbeknost to Vince, Heyman had a legitimate plan. When McMahon purchased the ECW name from Heyman, he soley went through Heyman. However, Paul himself was not in charge of the name, as Heyman's father, the other partner in HHC LLC had equal say in the sale, and with Vince bypassing him, the sale was not truly valid. Heyman spoke with not only his father, but also several major business lawyers, who confirmed that any potential action against McMahon would be valid. Heyman now had an in and the game was now in play.

 

When Vince's office recieved a fax from Heyman putting in his resigination, and then a summonse he was being sued by Heyman, he smiled to himself. Nearly 500 miles away, Heyman smiled to himself as well as he walked into the Louisville Garden to address his workers.

[Save_Us.Necro]

Nobody saw it coming and nobody really was really happy about it. But me and a few other guys knew something was up.

 

Heyman confirmed to his roster at the Gardens that he was in fact leaving OVW and the WWE due to "pending litigation". Much of the roster was not happy with his departure, espically the core of talent Heyman based his product around including Ken Anderson, CM Punk, Brent Albright and others. However, following the meeting, to a select few, Heyman assured them all will be right soon.

 

Within hours, Heyman's departure from WWE and subsequant lawsuit against the WWE became the talk of the wrestling world. Fans wondered what would happen, where Heyman would end up. TNA and ROH both came calling, oblivious from what the deal was. While away, Heyman began to write up new storylines and ideas for the relaunch.

 

Meanwhile, Vince continued to see how fans were hating his product as the Survivor Series got it's lowest buy rate ever. Yet strangly enough, Vince kept relativly quiet about the massive downspin, and espically about the Heyman suit. Those within the WWE were nervous about the Heyman suit, then again they were the ones who had no idea of what was happening. The lawsuit loomed over the head of the WWE, but McMahon went into "negocations" mode. Over a 3 week peroid, options were "discussed" by both parties. McMahon and Heyman bartered over deals until the naming rights of ECW and $7.5 million dollars went to Heyman. The monumental news hit the wrestling world and hit it hard.

 

But it wouldn't be the last time McMahon and Heyman did business.

[Oldschool]

If Ken Anderson, CM Punk and Brent Albright make their way to join Heyman, that would be all kinds of awesomeness in my book!

[Save_Us.Necro]

The "ECW One Night Stand 2" event will mark the end of the WWE and ECW relationship once and for all and we would like to thank Mr. Heyman for his cooperation in this matter.

 

Clearly the wrestling world was abuzz with the news Heyman had reaccquired the rights to ECW. Metzler, Alvarez, all the big writes wrote about what Heyman would do now. But Heyman kept quiet. He secretly began to get his affairs for ECW in order. Arenas, tv networks, staff, workers. Things were getting organized.

 

On the flip side of things, the WWE actually turned it's luck around breifly as John Cena began to feud with Edge, the company's hottest heel, and a dusty finish where fans thought Edge won the belt gave Raw it's highest ratings in years. To capitalize on this, along with the buzz of ECW going back to Heyman, McMahon and Heyman put forth "One Night Stand 2". In actuality, the show was planned almost immediatly following the initial event. The show would be essentially a blow off but at the same time a hype machine for Heyman's new ECW.

 

However, all was not well in the WWE as it seemed as though Kurt Angle's demons were quickly getting the best of him. McMahon and staff wondered what to do with him. However, they didn't wonder what to do with Rob Van Dam, who had caused a huge stir when he claimed he wanted to be fired so he could join Heyman's ECW. McMahon loudly obliged Van Dam. Along with Tommy Dreamer. This also happened during a rather early roster dumpage, as 24 roster members were released. Ironically, quite a few were friends of Heyman, and the timing of it allowed them to clear 90 days and if Heyman was back on TV or PPV, they would be able to work for him.

 

Interesting.

 

 

 

[Nobby_McDonald]

Very interesting...

[Save_Us.Necro]

Brilliant. Absolutly brilliant. It did wonders for everyone involved

 

"One Night Stand 2" was planned for June as established. It was thought to be cancelled as a result of the lawsuit. However, it would be in mid January when Heyman phoned McMahon about another idea.

 

Heyman knew that everyone bought into the legitmacy of the lawsuit and believed that it wasn't a stunt or a gag or anything. He also knew the last thing anyone would expect would be a man who successfully sued Vince McMahon to show up on his shows. And thats what he proposed. An ECW invasion. McMahon was intrigued, espically following the complete failure of the WCW one 5 years earlier. Heyman had an entire storyline laid out and had the men it focused on. This aspect surprised McMahon, with it focusing on a basically released upper card talent, a jobber to the stars, an announcer and someone released after a handfull of TV appereances. But the story captivated McMahon. And soon enough after the Royal Rumble, the storyline seeds were planted.

 

For months leading to "WrestleMania", the WWE's hottest feud in terms of promos and angles dealt with Edge and Mick Foley with the payoff match being a "Hardcore Rules" match at "WrestleMania". During the feud, ECW was continusly mentioned as a point to illustrate the values of "extreme". This was the initial storyline, to keep fans in the loop of ECW.

 

However, things took off at "WrestleMania" in an unlikley match. In the "Money in The Bank Ladder Match", the match saw Matt Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, Ric Flair and Finlay battle for the opportunity to compete for the title at any time. As Shelton Benjamin looked to have defeated the pack and gain the shot many believed he deserved. But fans in the sold out Allstate Arena experienced absolute shock, when from the crowd ran in the released Rob Van Dam, wearing an ECW shirt and basketball shorts. Van Dam scaled the ladder and nailed Benjamin with a stiff blow and stole the breifcase and ran back through the crowd as the ENTIRE security staff chased after Van Dam as announcers Joey Styles, Jonathan Coachman, Tazz, Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole went quiet (all but Styles who let a resounding "YES" off) and the show instantly cut to another segment. Everyone was in shock. The announcers issued a formal appology and said the matter would be settled on Raw tommorow. The line between real and storyline was offically blurred. Stations reported on Van Dam's run in. The Wrestling Observer had no idea what was going on. There was a buzz around the WWE again.

 

But the bigger buzz was around ECW.

[Chuck]

a jobber to the stars

 

I will absolutely cum if its Val Venis.

[Astil]

 

"One Night Stand 2" was planned for June as established. It was thought to be cancelled as a result of the lawsuit. However, it would be in mid January when Heyman phoned McMahon about another idea.

 

Heyman knew that everyone bought into the legitmacy of the lawsuit and believed that it wasn't a stunt or a gag or anything. He also knew the last thing anyone would expect would be a man who successfully sued Vince McMahon to show up on his shows. And thats what he proposed. An ECW invasion. McMahon was intrigued, espically following the complete failure of the WCW one 5 years earlier. Heyman had an entire storyline laid out and had the men it focused on. This aspect surprised McMahon, with it focusing on a basically released upper card talent, a jobber to the stars, an announcer and someone released after a handfull of TV appereances. But the story captivated McMahon. And soon enough after the Royal Rumble, the storyline seeds were planted.

 

For months leading to "WrestleMania", the WWE's hottest feud in terms of promos and angles dealt with Edge and Mick Foley with the payoff match being a "Hardcore Rules" match at "WrestleMania". During the feud, ECW was continusly mentioned as a point to illustrate the values of "extreme". This was the initial storyline, to keep fans in the loop of ECW.

 

However, things took off at "WrestleMania" in an unlikley match. In the "Money in The Bank Ladder Match", the match saw Matt Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, Ric Flair and Finlay battle for the opportunity to compete for the title at any time. As Shelton Benjamin looked to have defeated the pack and gain the shot many believed he deserved. But fans in the sold out Allstate Arena experienced absolute shock, when from the crowd ran in the released Rob Van Dam, wearing an ECW shirt and basketball shorts. Van Dam scaled the ladder and nailed Benjamin with a stiff blow and stole the breifcase and ran back through the crowd as the ENTIRE security staff chased after Van Dam as announcers Joey Styles, Jonathan Coachman, Tazz, Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole went quiet (all but Styles who let a resounding "YES" off) and the show instantly cut to another segment. Everyone was in shock. The announcers issued a formal appology and said the matter would be settled on Raw tommorow. The line between real and storyline was offically blurred. Stations reported on Van Dam's run in. The Wrestling Observer had no idea what was going on. There was a buzz around the WWE again.

 

But the bigger buzz was around ECW.

 

I'd pay a lot to see this.

[Save_Us.Necro]

loving the feedback, thanks guys.

 

1. I forgot the specific mod this is, if i find it, i'll say what it is.

2. I'm not gonna reveal the roster quite yet, but names mentioned are on it.

 

BTW, backstory's almost done lol. I'm a mark for epic backstories lol.

[dse81]

This is an interesting read so far. Can't wait to see where it goes!

[jtnlange]

Really not much for real life mods, but this one has me intrigued. I will be watching this one.

 

Trevor

[Save_Us.Necro]

We're back, and it's only just begun Vince.

 

Rob Van Dam's theft of the Money In The Bank breifcase was instantly big news all over. The WWE renounced the act in public, but in private a very select few knew it was just what they wanted. The day following Raw, Ric Flair won a Money in The Bank rematch, which surprised many as Shelton Benjamin was rumored to win. However, the damage was done, as the episode of Raw was dominated by ECW signs and chants. The plan was working.

 

The next week on SmackDown, during the main event of Rey Mysterio and Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle and Randy Orton, according to live reports, a fan attempted to rush the ring only to induce a huge scuffle with security, cause the match to stop for several minutes. The fight was taken out of the broadcast but the news hit the net big, as the fan turned out to be recently released SmackDown star Ken Kennedy (the former Mr. Anderson).

 

The Mick Foley/Edge feud seemingly ended as Foley sided with Edge, proclaiming Edge the true "hardcore legend" and "the most extreme man in wrestling". Foley spoke down against other "hardcore" wrestlers claiming they were talentless and continued to put Edge over.

 

However, it all came together on the April 17th edition of Raw, ironically in Philadelphia. When midway through the opening segment, the crowd became unglued as Paul Heyman, Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, and The Sandman made their way to their front row seats. Cameras never focused on them, nor were announcers instructed to mention them. The 4 there had ECW chants going on all night, to the point Joey Styles exclaimed "So we're not gonna mention the fact Heyman and Van Dam and Sandman and Dreamer are in the front row? No? OK." The 4 sat as if they were enjoying the show, despite getting many a sour look from WWE stars. The night's main event saw John Cena facing Edge in a non title match. But the match would never begin, as Cena jawjacked with Rob Van Dam, and was then sucker punched by Tommy Dreamer. All hell broke loose as Van Dam, Sandman and Dreamer hopped the rail to attack Cena and Edge, who broke kayfabe to aid Cena. USA instantly cut away. When Raw returned, a massive scene saw security and half of the roster attempting to break up this scuffle. Joey Styles was in the stands yelling at Paul Heyman who had a huge smile on his face. A busted open Cena was livid and attempt to break through and attack the ECW contingent. Mick Foley was yelling at his former roster mates, only to have Dreamer and Sandman call him a "****ing sellout" (on live TV) and then Dreamer and Foley then got into it. As this pull apart took place, Heyman jumped the rail and rolled into the ring. A huge ECW chant broke out as Heyman pointed to his men and gave a thumbs up and revealed a Raw mic from his pocket. Heyman shouted "We're back, and it's only just begun Vince" before security rushed the ring and threw Heyman and the group out. As this happened, a silent Raw went off the air 10 minutes early, the first time this ever happened in Raw's 13 year history.

 

Those who thought it was an angle based off Heyman getting a hot mic were silenced when they cut Raw off, and WWE announced they were to press charges on the 4 based on what happened. The segement, however got the biggest rating on Raw since Goldberg's debut in 2002 and only behind the DX Invasion angle.

 

Heyman was now 2 for 2. And he could only build on it.

[The Celt]

If the actual diary can match this backstory we're going to have an absolute beast on our hands./thumbs up

[Oldschool]

If the actual diary can match this backstory we're going to have an absolute beast on our hands./thumbs up

AGREE 100%

 

And if this would've happened in real life, I might actually be turned back on to todays world of professional wrestling...

 

Awesome stuff thus far Necro

[Save_Us.Necro]

When Paul ran the new guys by me, I like it. All could have been in, and done great in the original ECW. Espically a ******* heel like Kennedy.

 

The incident at Raw caused quite a shakeup around the WWE. Many within the company wanted to legitmatly fight Heyman and his ECW crew. Vince loved it. However, unknown to a majority of his roster, McMahon took a group aside and revealed to them it was a work, that they were working with ECW to make everything look real.

 

Real once again took place the next day at the Smackdown tapings, when during a Finlay/Funaki match, Ken Kennedy hopped the guardrail and took a mic from Tony Chimmel. Kennedy leaped upon the announcers table and as he fought off security, Kennedy delivered a now infamous promo, claiming the WWE fired him because unlike guys like Cena and Orton he was trained to be a wrestler, not a joke, and because he was more entertaining than anyone the WWE had to offer. He then claimed he was fired because he was friends with Paul Heyman. Kennedy says the WWE missed out on him, but Heyman didn't and now he is ECW for life and will do anything to take the WWE off the map. Security then got to Kennedy and he was escorted out of the arena. Fans in the arena went crazy, but the match was cut out of Smackdownfor obvious reasons. But fans still saw it, as Paul Heyman managed to get a "pirated" copy of the promo out to all the wrestling sites and newsletters and it became the centerpiece of the newly back online ecw.com.

 

By Friday that week, the WWE issued a shocking announcement, that the coming Monday, as a result of the major controversities happening the past week, WWE invites Paul Heyman and his associates to Raw to address fans once and for all. Later that day, all the sites were hit with a video of Heyman, surrounded by Van Dam, Dreamer, Sandman, Balls Mahoney, Sabu, Bill Alfonso, Stevie Richards, Al Snow, Danny Doring, Roadkill, Taijiri, Super Crazy, Little Guido, Tony Mamaluke and the newest member of ECW's "roster" Ken Kennedy. Heyman simply looks in the camera and utters 3 simple words.

 

 

See you Monday.