Extreme Championship Wrestling was a revolutionary promotion based in Philadelphia that introduced the sports-entertainment industry to a hardcore style, increased sexuality and profanity, blending them together to create a product that appealed greatly to the all-important 18-35 demographic. In the process, the mad hatter of extreme Paul Heyman took industry outcasts and turned them into highly sought-after stars that would eventually help turn the tide in the Monday Night Wars in the favor of Vince McMahon. Using his cast of characters, Heyman developed stories that fans could invest in emotionally. In 2004, a banner year for WWE Home Video, the company produced a comprehensive look at the revolutionary promotion, with interviews from many of the competitors involved with its rise and fall. Best of all? It's completely uncensored! It's TV-MA rating allows the personalities to speak freely, to use very colorful language, thus staying true to the style and attitude of the company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXA9DXw33q8 The stories told by the performers and Heyman himself, as well as the in-depth look at what led to the downfall of the still-thriving promotion. In the process, feuds such as Tommy Dreamer vs. The Sandman, Dreamer vs. Raven, Taz vs. Sabu and Shane Douglas' hatred for Ric Flair are all covered. McMahon, as has been the case throughout the years, continues to refute the notion that WWE got its Attitude Era from ECW, even though everyone else involved in the presentation gives credit where credit is due. Overall, it is an incredibly open, honest and refreshing look at a company that did a great deal to not only revolutionize the industry but also present the blueprint for McMahon to follow as he fought back in the Monday Night Wars and eventually overtook Eric Bischoff and WCW. The matches included in the disc are a mix and match of the things ECW did so spectacularly. For insane brawl, there is a lucha libre masterpiece involving Rey Mysterio and Psychosis. The acclaimed Dog Collar match between Raven, Stevie Richards and the Pitbulls is also featured for your viewing pleasure, as is the instant classic pitting ECW TV champion Rob Van Dam against Jerry Lynn.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
