ECW's The New Breed: Where Are They Now?
Some people just aren't bred to succeed...
When ECW was revived as WWE’s third brand back in 2006, it could have gone either way. On the one hand, fans were craving a more edgy, hardcore product as RAW and Smackdown were both progressively becoming safer and more ‘PG’, and this desire to see ECW resurrected was only spurred on when WWE and Paul Heyman ran a successful tandem of ECW: One Night Stand events in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
On the other hand: what is the point of bringing back a promotion that was appreciated for its more risqué in-ring action, if you’re just going to push Big Show and Bobby Lashley anyway?
Eventually, ECW’s midcard resembled an early form of NXT, as it primarily focused on the development of new talent. This was most evident when fans were introduced to The New Breed, an arrogant faction of young heels (think The Nexus but with even less direction) who had no respect for ECW’s forefathers. Although they were thrust into an occasionally entertaining feud with the ECW Originals (Balls Mahoney, Sandman, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer & RVD), The New Breed was a jumbled mess of personalities that struggled to gain momentum, and was snuffed out after five short months.
Since The New Breed faction was so clearly mismatched to one another, it makes sense that each of its members has had wildly different career trajectories since the group split.
Not everyone can become a WWE champion, some people just fade into obscurity…
6. Elijah Burke
In The New Breed
After briefly appearing on Smackdown, Burke also teamed with former MMA fighter Sylvester Terkay, before he was singled out by Vince McMahon as ‘the future’ of ECW (an unfortunately ironic nickname if ever there was one).
As The New Breed’s de facto leader, Burke formed the stable following a beatdown from the ECW Originals. The former amateur boxer had a refreshing look and skillset that made him stand out on a roster of jobbers, Mike Knox’s, and middle-aged white men in jeans and black T-shirts, but this also put him at odds with ECW’s more traditional fans.
After The New Breed
Following his team’s breakup, Elijah Burke languished somewhat in WWE. He wrestled Chris Benoit in his last televised match, before feuding with CM Punk for the ECW Championship. Following his contract release in November 2008, Burke spent several years on the independent circuit, before landing in TNA under the ring name D’Angelo Dinero, debuting a new ‘black pope’ gimmick.
Although a reliable worker throughout his time in TNA, Burke never managed to capture gold with the company, meaning his 8+ years spent between WWE and TNA have been completely championship-less thus far. Burke now serves as TNA’s colour commentator alongside Josh Matthews, and although he’s no Tazz (he’s not even Don West), even a potted plant would be entertaining if it was placed next to Josh Matthews.
Still, Burke earned himself a degree in criminal justice back in 2011, so it hasn't been all downhill for The Pope.