10 Greatest ECW Champions
2. Shane Douglas
The Franchise enjoyed not one, but two year-long ECW world title reigns among his four runs at the top. A Heyman favourite, Douglas caused a major scandal in the wrestling world upon winning the NWA World Title in August 1994. Closing out the show with a victory speech, Douglas seemingly turned heel on the industry itself when he threw the legendary belt away in favour of his ECW title.
The decision proved controversial, shocking many insiders at the time. Ultimately it proved best for business for ECW with Douglas continuing to carry the torch into 1995, mowing down all manner of opponents as fan interest continued to grow.
After a bizarre academic administration themed run in WWF as Dean Douglas, he returned to ECW and resumed his superstar status in the promotion. One of ECW’s definitive heels, Douglas’ career everywhere else is like night and day. Often buried in midcard angles and goofy gimmicks, Douglas never became the main event player many believed he could’ve been in the big leagues. Douglas himself has been very vocal regarding his purported mistreatment and burials in WWF.
Regardless, Douglas will go down in history as the man who legitimised the ECW title as a world title.