April, 1997 was a huge month for the original ECW. Paul Heyman was promoting the group's first ever pay-per-view event, Barely Legal and turned to the WWF for aid in advertising when and where it was taking place. This led to a situation whereby ECW performers turned up on Raw throughout the month, apparently invading the program. Years later, something similar would occur during the midst of the proper 'Invasion' angle. WWF wrestlers stormed the area to fend off WCW incomers, but there was something unique about the men chosen to hit the ring on the July 9, 2001 edition of the show. The Dudley Boyz, Raven and others were all former ECW talent, and it became clear why soon after. Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer interjected, before Heyman himself left the announce table. Clearing things up, he revealed that ECW was now part of the storyline and The Dudleyz, Raven and pals had defected to joined The Alliance. Both instances of extreme involvement dominated the events they were on.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
