10 Reasons WWE Wants You To Forget 2001

5. The WWF Used The ECW Name Without Permission

Scrambling to try and rescue an incredibly botched storyline, the WWF introduced ECW to partner up with WCW and form 'The Alliance'. The Summer angle was received very well by fans, but there were problems behind the scenes. Even though the McMahon family owned many of the WCW trademarks, the same couldn't be said for Extreme Championship Wrestling. Clearly feeling untouchable, the WWF went ahead and used them anyway. This led to some legal troubles, but the company managed to avoid being hammered for effectively breaking the law. Stephanie McMahon was cast as the new owner of a revived ECW, which was in reality a completely defunct company. The WWF didn't have the rights to anything involving the brand. ECW would eventually be phased out when the whole 'Invasion' angle ended, but it's incredible to think that the WWF took such a legal risk. There were clearly thoughts that the brand was needed to help the story motor along, otherwise it wouldn't have been used and the chance wouldn't have been taken. This proves the desperation surrounding the whole 'Invasion' scenario come July, 2001.