10 Greatest In-Ring Promos Of All Time

8. Shane Douglas And The Birth Of Extreme

It wasn't the blood and violence which defined the 'Extreme' in ECW, but the promotion's attitude. This was a company which was willing to fly in the face of pro-wrestling tradition and forge its own identity, and in doing so irrevocably change the business the process.

It was an ethos exemplified from the very start, not by a future hardcore legend such as Raven, Sabu, or the Sandman, but rather WWF flop Shane Douglas.

After winning a tournament for the vacant NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the former 'Dean' began to graciously pay tribute to the august list of former NWA champions, before dramatically denouncing their legacy in an act tantamount to sacrilege. Throwing down the belt with disgust, Douglas rebuked the traditions of the business which were antithesis to Paul Heyman's vision, declaring himself the new ECW champion. The NWA was finished, and the era of 'extreme' was born.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.