In the early 90s, wrestling manager Paul Heyman felt that wrestling desperately needed to change. The WWF and WCW were seemingly stuck in the 1980s style that could be likened to the passé hair bands of yesteryear. Heyman, witnessing musics grunge movement, wanted to take wrestling in a similar direction. Heyman partnered with Todd Gordons Philadelphia-based Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW) and brought fresh ideas to the table. He did everything he could to go against the grain. When The Franchise Shane Douglas was picked to be crowned NWA World Heavyweight Champion in 1994, Heyman took full advantage of the opportunity. Shane Douglas, under Heymans guidance, threw down the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on ECW TV, and raised the ECW World Heavyweight Championship to new heights. It sparked tremendous outrage within the business, but it didnt matter. Extreme Championship Wrestling was born. From 94 on, ECW was the anti-hero of wrestling promotions. They put an emphasis on hardcore wrestling with characters like The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, and Raven. They shined the spotlight on world-class wrestlers like Chris Jericho, Eddie Guerrero, Dean Malenko, Rey Mysterio, and Chris Benoit. They even created their own brand of stars in Taz, Rob Van Dam, The Dudleys, and Sabu. Not only did this approach lead to Eric Bischoffs WCW raiding talent and creating the Cruiserweight Division, it also forced Vince McMahon to amp up the content offered during the Attitude Era. ECW ultimately folded in 2001 for reasons beyond Heyman's control, but its legacy is still alive today. Heymans presence on television as Brock Lesnars advocate is still met with ECW chants from fans. Tommy Dreamer, Heymans most loyal charge, runs his successful House of Hardcore promotion with a similar feel and fire. The revolution that was ECW was even revived for two One Night Stand pay-per-views by WWE in 2006 and 2007 by WWE. Why? Because Paul Heyman created something of value.
Eric Delgado has been writing about professional wrestling for five years and has been involved in the professional wrestling business as a performer for ten. He is also the former host of Steel Cage Radio and has an irrational love for The Ryback.
