12 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE Raw From 2005
2. ‘The Funeral Of ECW’ Is Still Goosebumps Inducing
Raw's 23 May 2005 episode sticks out as historic.
Tyrannical brand GM Eric Bischoff planned to present a funeral for ECW (and gloated as he hyped it), but then Vince McMahon cut him off to say he partially funded ECW whilst killing WCW right at the turn of the millennium. Adding to the occasion, the ever-outspoken Paul Heyman then came out to run Bischoff down some more, put ECW over and hype the upcoming One Night Stand show.
This was phenomenal character work from all 3, and you’ve got to give it to Bisch. He was at his best whilst being torn to shreds, and he subtly put ECW over throughout by being horrified by the thought of Heyman’s brand getting recognition from McMahon. It was a fantastic segment to watch again; it's easy to find on YouTube if you fancy checking it out in isolation.
'05 was a year of takedowns for Bisch. He wanted to dance on ECW's grave but didn't get the chance, he wanted to flex his power muscles against John Cena but ended up fired, and Eric looked like he was having a blast no matter how much egg was thrown his way.
Meanwhile, Heyman was on top form as he spat venom at Bischoff/WCW (there was surely some truth to his intensity), and McMahon cleverly acted as more of a background overseer who decided not to jump in and tell both guys to shut the hell up.
It's easy to forget how amazing it was to see the WWE, WCW and ECW boss in the same ring on TV.