ECW 1993

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

So a while back a couple of friends and I started a 1993 booking project. I was the arbitrator of the project, with them representing WCW and WWF, but I decided to join in as head booker of ECW. We did a talent draft to start with, with me entering in something like the 20th round. I thought I'd share what I wrote up here.

 

Now, there are a couple of cheats with the timeline, mainly because I didn't really follow ECW. Most obviously, ECW didn't become 'Extreme' until 1994, I believe. I also have Joey Styles as my head announcer from the start, and I know he didn't come on board until later.

 

I picked up a couple of names in the draft that probably stretch credibility quite a bit too. However, I did try to stay true to the spirit of the promotion.

 

I'll maybe post one every couple of days. Here is the debut episode.

 

ECW TV- 1/1/93

 

Show opens with Joey Styles in the ring, welcoming everyone to the debut episode of ECW TV. He runs down the planned card: the semi finals of the tournament to crown new ECW tag team champions, and debut of the legendary 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton of the Midnight Express. Lex Luger walks to the ring (no music). Styles looks shocked and excited and offers his hand to Luger. Luger snatches the mic instead and ushers Styles out of the ring.

 

LL: "Are you kidding? You're out here hyping the debut of Bobby Eaton, when you've got the biggest star in wrestling, the Total Package, Lex Luger on the show. This is the debut you should be talking about".

 

Styles has made his way to the commentary booth and calls Luger rude. Luger says he came to ECW to make money and win titles, and since he already makes more than the rest of the locker-room combined, that just leaves winning titles. He says the fans should consider themselves lucky just to be in his presence, and he's the only star in ECW, and what a real champion looks like. Enter Sandman hits and the Sandman comes out. Sandman says these are good honest people like him, and they don't need Luger and his ego. He calls Luger overrated. Luger says Sandman talks a lot of crap, and wrestles like crap too. He goads Sandman into a title match.

 

We go to commercial. When we come back Styles says that it's been made official. The Bobby Eaton debut will now take place next week, and instead we have an ECW title match to start the new year.

 

Match 1: Brian and Brad Armstong Vs The Highwaymen (Rex Mason and Steve Henry- the former Well Dunn). Tag team tournament semi final with a 15 minute time limit.

 

The Highwaymen cut a short promo before the match saying they rob the men blind, but treat the women kind, and a better team you will not find.

 

The Armstrongs are the babyfaces. Brian is treated as a rookie and doesn't get much offence in. Brad gets the win for his team with a small package after about 10 mins. Played up as a mild upset.

 

A video package for Sabu airs, showcasing his high-flying and violence.

 

Match 2: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz with a 10 minute time limit.

 

Payne is doing his grunge gimmick from WCW. Styes hypes these two up as great future stars for ECW. Horowitz gets a flurry of offence, but this is mainly a showcase for Payne. He wins with the Payne Killer arm submission in about 4 mins.

 

The Sandman cuts a promo in the back about Luger's lack of respect and what the ECW title means to him. He says this is his house, and he'll do anything to defend it.

 

Match 3: Tracy Smothers and Ricky Morton Vs The Arkansas Hit Squad (Canterbury and Knight, the former Tex Slazenger and Shanghai Pierce). Tag team tournament semi final with a 15 minute time limit.

 

Morton and Smothers use their quickness to nuetralise the big men early on, but eventually Morton takes a rough shot into the guard rail and that leaves Smothers at the mercy of the Hangman's Noose (Knight takes out the opponents legs while Canterbury drops them with a neckbreaker). Time of fall: 7 mins. During the match Marc Mero joined Joey Styles on commentary and said he can't wait to compete in ECW and to stayed tuned because he's the one to watch in 93.

 

A video package airs showing the shadowy outline of an imposing wrestler (Adam Bomb), and it just says "He's Coming".

 

Styles tries to get a quick word with the Hit Squad, but they tell him they'll do all their talking in the ring.

 

Match 4: The Sandman © Vs Lex Luger for the ECW Heavyweight Title, with TV time remaining.

 

Luger is jaw jacking with fans as he comes out, saying if this is Sandman's house it's time for a home invasion. They go at it fast and hard, brawling. Luger soon gains the upper hand, and dominates the match with power. Styles says Luger lives up to the hype and might just be too good for the Sandman. He goes for the torture rack, but Sandman rakes his eyes and unleashes a flurry of offence that has Luger reeling. Luger is busted open. Out of desperation he goes to a low blow, unseen by the ref. Luger pins him with his feet on the ropes, stealing the ECW title. Match time: 12 mins. Styles says Luger broke into the Sandman's house and stole his prized possession. The show cuts off with Luger backing up the ramp, bloody and beaten, but the new ECW champion.

[SirEdger]

Absolutely don't mind that you didn't exactly follow up everything happening in ECW IRL for this one. Looking forward to the continuation of that series!

[gordi]

Maximilian Payne is a great "York Foundation" type of name.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV- 8/1/93

 

Joey Styles is in the ring. He hypes ECW TV as the best one hour of wrestling you'll find anywhere, and the place to be on Friday nights. Tonight we have the debut of Bobby Eaton, and the Sandman has demanded a match tonight. Styles says there's definitely a full moon over Philly tonight, and he can feel the tension as both the Sandman and the new ECW champion, Lex Luger are expected in the building. He introduces video showing the final moments of last week's show when Luger stole the belt. From there we cut to a backstage promo by the Sandman.

 

Sandman says he's pissed off. Pissed at Luger, but pissed at himself for getting conned out of his belt by a bodybuilder. Last week he said ECW was his house, but ECW is more like his church, and Luger came in and pissed in the holy water. There will be a rematch, and he vows to hurt Luger and take back what's his.

 

Styles has made his way to the commentary position. Jump Around by House of Pain blares out the speakers and Scotty Flamingo comes out. He heads over to Styles and tries to get Styles to "jump around" with him. Scotty makes it to the ring and grabs the house mic. He introduces himself as Scotty the Party Starter, and says he's here to save them from their humdrum existances, and make everyday a party. Theme From Midnight Express comes on, and we're ready for our opening match.

 

Match 1: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Scotty the Party Starter, with a 15 minute time limit.

 

Eaton is a house of fire, pummeling Scotty around the ring, even throwing him into the crowd- "here's your party". They get back into the ring and Scotty takes over, slowing the pace down. Marc Mero joins Styles on commentary, and puts over Eaton and Scotty as exciting wrestlers. He asks Styles if he thinks Beautiful Bobby is more beautiful than him. He says 93 is going to be his year, he's gonna be bigger than Seinfeld, bigger than Guns N Roses. Eaton makes his comeback and finishes Scotty off with the Alabama Jam top rope legdrop in 6 minutes. Eaton got to show off a lot of his best offence in what was basically a squash match.

 

After commercial, another Adam Bomb video airs, again just showing the outline of his physique, not his face, and ending with "He's Coming".

 

Quick video of the finishes to last week's tag team semi-final matches air, and Styles says next week will be the final. He cues up a backstage interview with the Armstrong brothers.

 

Brad starts by saying what an honour it is to team with his brother, but Brian cuts him off and apologises for letting the team down. Brad says they won, but Brian says that it was all Brad and he didn't pull his weight. He promises to do better next time. Suddenly, the Arkansas Hit Squad attack the Armstongs. Brad is blasted into the wall and they lay the boots to Brian. Canterbury then restrains Brian ("watch this, boy") while Knight delivers a neckbreaker to Brad. They tell Brian "you're coming with us", and drag him off.

 

After a moment, the Hit Squad come into the arena. Knight is dragging Brian Armstrong by a bull rope tied around his neck, and Canterbury is brandishing a hot branding iron. They get him in the ring and lay some more boots into him, and then rip off his shirt and brand him on the back of his shoulder. Bobby Eaton, Tracy Smothers and Ricky Morton run out and the AHS back away. Cut to commercial.

 

We come back from commercial with Brian Armstrong being helped out by Brad Armstrong and referees. Tracy Smothers has remained in the ring and has the mic. He says he's known the Armstrong family for years, and calls out the AHS so he can gain some retribution for them. Rape Me by Nirvana plays over the speakers, and Maximilian Payne makes his way out. Styles says Payne is scheduled for action next, but it doesn't look like Smothers is going anywhere. Payne gets in the ring and he and Smothers start whaling on each other. Smothers rocks Payne with a dropkick, but Payne swats away a second one and locks on the Payne Killer. Refs finally get him to break the hold.

 

Match 2: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz. 10 minute time limit.

 

Horowitz requested this rematch after being disappointed with his performance last week. This time he takes the fight to Payne, but the result is the same. Winner by submission, Maximilan Payne in 5 mins.

 

A backstage promo by the Berzerker (not in that gimmick). He says when you think of vikings you think of barbarians, savages, pillagers, but that doesn't tell the full story. he says the vikings were kings and noblemen. They were great civilisers. Next week, he says, Nord is coming to civilise ECW.

 

A video airs showing Ron Simmons in his college football days, with interviews with his coaches and former teammates about what a great athlete and great man he is. "Coming soon."

 

Styles says he knew tonight was going to be crazy, and the main event is still to come. He says Brian Armstrong has been taken to a nearby hospital to treat his burns, and hypes up the tag tournament final next week. He says next week will also see the renewal of one of the legendary feuds in wrestling as Bobby Eaton of the Midnight Express faces Ricky Morton of the Rock N Roll Express. Also next week is the debut of Nord.

 

Match 3: The Sandman Vs Rex Mason w/ Steve Henry. 10 mins.

 

Sandman knocks Mason from pillar to post. Henry causes a distraction allowing Mason to get a couple of licks in, but Sandman goes right back on the offensive. After about 2 mins he waffles Mason with a chair for the DQ. He gives Henry a chair shot for good measure. He gets the mic. "Luger- where are you, Luger? I know you're here. Come on. Let's do this." An official scurries into the ring and whispers something to the Sandman. The Sandman bolts out the ring and makes his way to the back. Styles says he's just been informed that Luger is outside the arena with Sandman's wife. A camera follows Sandman as he makes his way out back. Outside, about 30 feet away, we see Luger holding a woman by the arm. He yells at Sandman to stay back. The woman pleads with "Jim" to listen to him. Luger says Sandman kept talking about a home invasion, and that gave him a good idea. He said that in two weeks Sandman will get his rematch for the world title, but Luger's already got everything he wants. He shoves Sandman's wife down and jumps into a car, speeding off as Sandman makes a futile pursuit on foot. "I'm gonna kill him." Styles wonders if Luger just signed his own death warrant. The camera scans up to the full moon hanging over the arena, and then fades to black.

[SirEdger]

Feels so weird to see Raven in the ECW environment as another alter ego, even moreso as Scotty Flamingo/Scotty the Party Starter. Looking forward to see where this goes.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 3- 15/1/93

 

We're going straight to match action this week as Styles welcomes us to a blockbuster show from the commentary booth.

 

Match 1: Bobby Eaton Vs Ricky Morton. 15 minute time limit.

Styles talks about the rivalry between the Midnight Express and the Rock N Roll Express, but says this is about the future and singles success for these two. They shake hands to start. They wrestle a fast paced match, with both men getting ample time to show off their movesets. Marc Mero joins Joey in the booth. He puts over Eaton and Morton and says these are the kind of guys he's looking forward to mixing it up with. Styles asks Mero when exactly he's going to get in the ring. "Hold those horses, Joey, my friend. 1993 is early yet, but you can rest assured that when Magnificent Marc Mero gets in the ring, it's going to be the event of the year". Lots of near falls before we reach the time limit making this a draw. A little pushing match after the bell between Eaton and Morton, but they shake hands and hug. We cut to Mero giving them a standing ovation. "Stand up, Joey. That was a hell of a contest. Hell of a contest".

 

Madusa is in the back for a promo. "Hey ECW. Madusa here, and I'm looking for a man. A man with power. A man in peak physical condition. A man who can get it done in the ring... and out of the ring. Remember boys, I'll be watching you."

 

The Wayne's World theme song plays over the speaker system, and we see that Scotty the Party Starter is in the ring, dressed as Wayne. Joey Styles wonders what's going on, calling Scotty a goof. Scotty has the mic. "Welcome to Scotty's world. You're not worthy.. you're not worthy. Last week I made the mistake of inviting you all to my party. This week I'm just looking for one person to come to the party. Anyone in the back wanna step into Scotty's world?" Barry Horowitz walks out. Scotty asks if he's kidding, and said he's a two-time loser to Payne, so why would he think he can hang with him. Horowitz pops him in the mouth, and we have an impromptu match.

 

Match 2: Scotty the Party Starter Vs Barry Horowitz, 10 minute time limit.

 

Scotty gets the upper hand and starts to beat Barry down, stopping to jaw with the fans, and pose. Horowitz ends up catching him with an inside cradle for the pin after about 3 mins. Scotty tries to attack Barry after the match but Horowitz socks him again, and then puts on Scotty's Wayne wig and headbangs with some fans.

 

Another Bomb video. Eastern lettering runs across the screen, and then it says "You all shall fall. He is coming".

 

Styles says that Luger and Sandman have both been banned from the building for tonight, but they did both tape promos earlier in the day, in anticipation for their ECW title rematch next week.

 

Luger cuts a promo asking Sandman if it counts as a home invasion if he was invited in with open arms.. and open legs. He says Sandman is a Philly piece of scum, and there isn't going to be a Rocky ending for him.

 

Sandman says that Luger stole his title and put his hands on his old lady, and his only saving grace is that his kid wasn't home. He says that's the only reason Luger is still walking, but as it is he has just seven more days before he gets destroyed.

 

Styles speculates that Luger is trying to get into Sandman's head, but says he wouldn't want to be Lex Luger next week.

 

Match 3: Tracy Smothers Vs Nord. 10 minute time limit.

 

Smothers has his shoulder heavily taped, a result of his altercation with Maximilian Payne last week Styles tells us. Nord gets a big time entrance. The lights go out. Simulated lightning bolts and thunder. A spotlight shows Nord standing in the entrance way in an animal pelt. He takes a drink from a wooden goblet as Prokofiev's Dance of the Nights starts up. He throws down the chalice and marches to the ring. he immediately jumps on Smothers with brawling offence. The bell hasn't rung yet. The ref manages to back him up and Smothers says he wants to fight. The bell rings and Smothers goes at Nord with right hands, fighting through the pain. But he runs into a big boot and that's all she wrote, Nord winning in about a minute. Nord crosses Smothers' arms across his chest and stands over his fallen body. Styles says Nord is scary.

 

A Ron Simmons video airs, showing Simmons in the gym, and doing some wrestling drills. Some comments from other gym members about what a good guy Ron is. Ron Simmons will be live on ECW TV next week.

 

We cut to a close-up of the letters AHS burnt into flesh, and pan out to show this is Brian Armstong's back. Brad comes into shot and says the Hit Squad messed with the wrong family, and that vengeance is coming.

 

Match 4: Tag team tournament final with a 20 minute time limit. The Arkansas Hit Squad Vs Brian and Brad Armstong.

 

The Armstrongs get a good shine on the big guys, with fisticuffs and a pair of dropkicks sending the Hit Squad to the outside. The Armstrongs go after them but that leads to a turnaround, and Brian is now in trouble. They work Brian over for several minutes, before Brad finally gets the hot tag. Brad is a house of fire, getting a couple of near falls on Knight. Canterbury gets the branding iron, but Brian cuts him off at the pass. Brian climbs into the ring with the branding iron. The ref tries to stop him using it but Brian pushes the ref away. Brad comes up behind Brian to stop him but Brian instinctively turns and waffles Brad between the eyes with the iron. He looks remorseful. Canterbury pulls Brian out the ring and Knight covers Brad for the win, and the titles. 12 mins. Canterbury drills Brian into the guard rail, and then the AHS deliver a Hangman's Noose to Brad before standing over him with the tag belts held aloft. Styles gets a quick plug in for the world title match and Ron Simmons appearance next week as we go off the air.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 4- 22/1/93

 

Joey Styles on commentary welcomes us to the show and gets us pumped for Sandman Vs Luger 2, in our main event. We're kicking off with 6-man tag action. As the competitors are introduced, Styles shows us the bracket for the television title tournament, which starts next week.

 

TV Title Tournament Round 1:
'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Tracy Smothers
Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz
Ricky Morton Vs Brad Armstrong
Scotty the Party Starter Vs Brian Armstrong

 

Match 1: Scotty the Party Starter and the Highwaymen Vs Bobby Eaton, Ricky Morton and Barry Horowitz. 15 min time limit.

 

Before the match the Highwaymen cut a promo, telling Madusa that they know how to treat a woman, and the Highwaymen do everything together, so it's double your pleasure. Midway through the match Madusa comes out onto the entrance way and watches the action with keen interest. All 6 guys get a little bit of shine in a match that goes about 12 mins. Finally, with the rest of the combatants brawling on the floor, we're left with Horowitz and Steve Henry in the ring. Horowitz hits a German suplex with a bridge to pick up the win. Madusa applauds Horowitz. Styles says Horowitz is on a bit of a role. Dance of the Knights starts and Styles says the roll is about to end. Nord makes his entrance as the heel team slink away. Eaton, Morton and Horowitz stand primed in the ring. Nord drinks from his goblet then rushes the ring. He fights off the attack of the faces, tossing Eaton over the top rope and taking Morton down with a clothesline. He gives the big boot to Horowitz, then to Morton.

 

A recap of the Sandman/Luger feud airs, followed by another Adam Bomb video.

 

Match 2: Tracy Smothers Vs Maximilian Payne, 10 minute time limit.

 

A video shows the altercation between these two men from two weeks ago. As Smothers comes out, still bandaged up, we see a pop-up promo by him in which he challenges either one of the Arkansas Hit Squad to a match next week. He says he considers himself part of the Armstrong family, and he won't rest until he's got some revenge for them. Smothers takes the fight bravely to Payne, but once again gets caught in the Payne Killer and has no choice but to submit. About 2 mins. Styles proclaims Payne the favourite to win the TV title.

 

Joey Styles is in the ring and introduces us to the All American, Ron Simmons. Simmons comes out, slapping hands with fans along the way. Styles welcomes Ron to ECW and gives him the floor. Simmons says if the fans will indulge him he'd like to tell them a little story. He said that just a couple of months ago he made history when he became the first ever African-American world champion. He said he felt like he was on top of the world, but it soon became apparent that the top brass 'down South' had no intention of promoting him the way a world champion should be promoted. He said instead of main eventing shows and doing promotional tours and autograph signings, they had him buried in the midcard, just waiting for the first chance to get that belt back on a white man's shoulder. He said the fans don't want him to tell them about their favourite southern wrestling stars. "Let's just say that for some people, the 'american dream' doesn't extend to people of colour, and not everyone has a 'flair' for race relations". He goes on that he couldn't get out of the south fast enough, because he knew that up in the north of the country he would be welcomed with open arms, and judged not by the colour of his skin, but by his ability and his character. "Boy, was I ever wrong. Up here in Philadelphia I see the most bigoted, redneck, hillbilly, hayseed, inbred pieces of trailer park trash that I ever saw in my life." Styles tries to protest. "Don't interrupt me Joey Styles or I'll slap that smug look off your lily white face. The problem with you people is that you only tolerate a black man if he's rapping for you or catching touchdown passes for the Eagles. You want to own us just as bad as they do down south, but at least they have the guts to say it". We hear another voice from the aisle way. "Finally, someone who is willing to tell it like it is". Brian Armstrong is making his way into the ring. He climbs in. "Listen, brother, if anybody knows how it feels to be a black man in this town, it's me". Simmons looks at him like he's lost his mind. "I know what you're thinking. Why didn't I speak up before? I only wish I had, but it's hard when you look out at a sea of people and only see hatred and resentment. But together, we can make a difference." RS- "You and me?" BA- "You and me. Look, see this BA on my trunks? That doesn't stand for Brian Armstrong. That stands for Black Asskicker". RS- "Oh, you a black asskicker?" Simmons levels Armstrong with a clothesline. He throws him out the ring. Styles has made his way back to the commentary table, and says that Brian Armstrong must have been knocked loopy by the AHS last week. Simmons starts choking Armstrong with a camera cable. "You think this is a joke? This funny to you, boy?" He tosses him back in the ring and grabs a chair, following him in. He crowns him with the chair, then casually tosses the chair onto the mat, and delivers a spinebuster to Armstrong on the chair.

 

A video shows The Arkansas Hit Squad winning the tag titles last week, and Styles says they have accepted Tracy Smothers' challenge, but now it's time for the main event.

 

Match 3: Lex Luger Vs The Sandman, with TV time remaining, about 15 mins.

 

The Sandman is pacing back and forth waiting for Luger to come out. When he does, Sandman goes straight for him and they brawl in the aisleway and into the fans. Sandman rains down the punches on Luger, busting him open hardway. Luger reverses an irishwhip into the guard rail, which gives him a chance to take off his belt and compose himself. Sandman is soon back on the attack though, beating him all around the ringside area. Luger takes over in the ring, but is getting desperate when a big powerslam only gets a 2 count. He grabs a chair from ringside but Sandman meets him with a kick. Sandman has the chair and Luger braces himself. Sandman is about to hit him, but pauses. Luger yells at him to 'do it!', but Sandman tosses the chair out of the ring. Luger tries to bolt but Sandman pursues him into the aisle. Luger is on his knees now begging off. The Highwaymen run out and attack Sandman, causing a DQ after 10 mins. Sandman tries to fight them off, but the 3-on-1 is too much. The Highwaymen hold Sandman's arms while Luger brains him with a chair shot. The show ends with Luger holding the world title aloft.

[SirEdger]

I'd be tempted to say that Beautiful Bobby will win the TV title tournament but I can't bet against Brad Armstrong either!

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 5- 29/1/93

Show opens with Joey Styles in the ring, and he says we have a bumper show tonight including the start of the TV title tournament, but first he has a huge announcement. Lex Luger's music hits, and the champ strolls out. Luger asks if the announcement is that he is still the ECW Heavyweight Champion. Styles says no but it does concern him. JS: "ECW is bringing to you a special event, 3 weeks from now on Valentine's night, the 14th February. We invite you to spend your Valentine's night with the stars of ECW at the Radisson Hotel in Downtown Philadelphia. This is going to be a blockbuster night of action, and it will be headlined by the current ECW Champion, Lex Luger (Luger smugly holds his belt up in the air), as he fends his title against... The Sandman". Luger throws a tantrum, kicking the ropes, shouting the odds. JS-"It seems to me like you don't want to face the Sandman again. Like maybe you're scared of the Sandman". LL- "I'm scared of nobody. The fact of the matter is Sandman had his shot last week, and he couldn't get the job done. There's plenty of other worthy challengers in ECW, and I don't see why this Sandman is getting another shot at the gold". JS-"Myabe because you paid off the Highwaymen to attack Sandman last week when you knew you couldn't beat him". LL-"I didn't pay off anybody. Maybe if the Sandman didn't go around hitting people with chairs, he wouldn't have got jumped last week." JS-"Nevertheless, the match has been signed, and furthermore, the Sandman will compete tonight in a special 10 minute gauntlet match challenge against the Highwaymen, and if he beats both members within the 10 minute time limit, he will get to choose the stipulation for your match on the 14th". LL-"This is a crock, Joey, and you know it". JS-"If you're not scared of the Sandman, I don't see the problem". LL-"You think I'm scared of this bum? I'll show you tonight how scared I am of the Sandman."

A video airs showing a man trading amateur holds in a wrestling room. Close-ups of sweat flying and body against body, emphasising the toughness on display. A voice speaks over the footage. "Wrestling is all I ever wanted to do with my life. It's what defines me. I can still hear the fans screaming in Madison Square Garden. Sell-out after sell-out. A rush like that... anyone will tell you that it's like an addiction. I had to come back. I had to feel that again. Do I feel like I still have something to prove to the wrestling world? I feel I have something to prove to myself. That I can still do this, that I can still compete. That's why I'm here. That's why I came to ECW". As the monologue progresses we see that one of the men wrestling (and the man talking) is Bob Backlund.

Barry Horowitz is in the ring awaiting his opponent for our opening match. A pop-up promo airs in which Horowitz says that Madusa sets his pulse racing, and ever since she came on the scene he's been undefeated. He says this match is for her.

Match 1: Barry Horowitz Vs Nord. 10 minute time limit.

Nord engulfs Horowitz from the opening bell with a flurry of offence. Styles says if Horowitz was trying to impress Madusa, taking a match with Nord was probably a bad idea. Nord hits the big boot, which Styles informs us is called the Road To Valhalla, and picks up the win in about a minute.

We come back from commercial to see Horowitz being helped to the back. Madusa comes out and shows concern for him, walking to the back with him.

Scotty the Party Starter comes out and takes a house mic. He says he was supposed to be taking on Brian Armstrong tonight in the first round of the tv title tournament, but little Brian got himself in some bother last week with Ron Simmons, and now he has a concussion and a rack of broken ribs. Scotty says this means the party has officially started, because he's moving on to the semi-finals, and will soon be the television champion. He demands a referee raise his hand, and the announcer announce him as the winner by forfeit. Brad Armstrong makes a beeline for the ring and attacks Scotty, opening up on him with lefts and rights, and drilling him shoulder-first into the ring post. Scotty collapses to the floor, and Brad grabs the mic. "Let me tell you something about Brian Armstrong. Now, Brian may have said some things he shouldn't have last week, but this is just a kid, a good kid, and he didn't deserve the beating he took from you, Ron Simmons. Brian Armstrong loves his family, and he loves his country. In fact, he fought for this country in the Gulf. Yeah, that's right. More than that, he's my baby brother, and you don't put your hands on my baby brother and get away with it. Simmons, this ain't about race, or anything like that, and I don't give a damn about your reputation. I'm going to kick your ass for what you did to Brian, and that's from one Georgia boy to another."

Match 2: Tracy Smothers Vs Knight w/Canterbury. 10 min time limit.

Smothers is still banged up from his run-ins with Maximilian Payne, and Knight goes straight on the attack, zoning in on the shoulder. Smothers fired up and fights back though, eventually hitting a missile dropkick and going for the pin. Before the ref can count 3, Canterbury is in, giving Smothers the win via DQ in 5 mins. The Arkansas Hit Squad hit Smothers with the Hangman's Noose, leaving him laying.

A clip airs of the finish to last week's title match, with the Highwaymen and Luger laying out Sandman.

An Adam Bomb video. We see a desert, a sandstorm, which merges into an egg timer with the sand running out. All this interspersed with shots of Bomb's impressive musculature (but no face). The words appear on the screen: "Emperor, your sword won't help you out, sceptre and crown are worthless here, I've taken you by the hand, for you must come to my dance". And then "He is coming".

Match 3: Brad Armstrong Vs Ricky Morton. TV title tournament, first round. 10 min time limit.

Marc Mero joins Styles on commentary. He says he's gonna tear it up in 93, just like his friends Boyz II Men. Styles asks why Mero isn't in the tournament, and Mero says as prestigious as the TV title is, he's already a champion in the hearts and minds of his legion of fans. Brad and Ricky wrestle a fair match, although Brad is a little more aggressive than usual. Morton reverses a sunset flip to get the pin. Ron Simmons comes out to the commentary position with a mic. "I've already put one of you boys in hospital. I'll put you right there with him with a snap of my fingers. You shut your mouth too Styles. You think this isn't about race or like I'm supposed to care about your brother being a war hero or something. You're just another white fool who can't handle a strong black man speaking his mind. Just like all you bigots. I'm not stepping in the ring with you because I don't perform tricks for these people. I fight when I want to fight, step where I want to step and say what I want to say, and you racist rednecks better learn to accept it because I ain't no house negro, I'm the master". Morton and the referee are trying to restrain Brad as this is going on. We cut to commercial.

We come back and Brad Armstrong is laid out in the back. Styles shows us the video of Brad making his way backstage looking for Simmons, and Simmons coldcocking him from behind, before wrestlers and officials pull him back.

Match 4: The Sandman Vs Rex Mason w/Steve Henry.

This is the first part of the 10 minute challenge gauntlet match. Luger joins Joey Styles on commentary and cheers Mason on, as Mason stalls, and uses Henry as a distraction to get the upper hand. About 5 mins in Sandman makes his comeback, sending Mason and Henry into each other and then downing Mason with a piledriver for the pin. Luger leaves the commentary position and takes out Sandman with a clip to the knee. he stomps away on the knee as the ref tries to restore order. Luger yells that this is his match now and tells Sandman to get up. Sandman lunges at Luger and rains down the punches on him. The ref rings the bell.

Match 5: The Sandman Vs Lex Luger.

Styles says it looks like Luger has taken Steve Henry's place in the match, but there's only about 4 mins left in the challenge. Luger kicks out Sandman's leg and goes to work on it, and is in complete control of the match as time ticks away. He's cocky, asking the fans if Sandman looks like a champion. Sandman catches Luger with a low blow, and rolls him up, pinning him with a handful of tights and his feet on the ropes, the same way Luger beat Sandman for the belt. Sandman hobbles to the commentary position, as Luger is dumbfounded in the ring. Sandman gets on the house mic and says 2 times they faced before tonight, and twice Sandman left Luger a bloody mess but Luger escaped with the belt. he said that won't happen a third time, because they're going to meet in a first blood match. Luger sells concern, and Styles closes the show by saying it's going to be a bloody Valentine for somebody.

[SirEdger]

Another great show. Sandman vs Luger really tearing it up.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Thanks for the kind words.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 6- 5/2/93

Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to the show. He says we're just 9 days away from ECW presents Bloody Valentine, where we know the main event will be Luger Vs Sandman in a first blood match for the ECW title, and the final of the TV title tournament will also take place. He says Brad Armstrong has also challenged Ron Simmons to a Georgia Street Fight. He tells the fans how they can get tickets to the show, or pre-order the video cassette of the event. He then hypes tonight's show, which will feature 2 TV title tournament matches, and Brad Armstrong Vs Canterbury of the Arkansas Hit Squad.

Match 1: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Tracy Smothers. TV title tournament quarter-final, 10 minute time limit.

An even-fought sporting match. The AHS come out to the entrance-way to watch the action. Smothers gains the upper hand but misses his missile dropkick, and Eaton puts him away with the Alabama Jam in about 6 mins. The AHS start walking menacingly towards the ring, but Eaton slides Smothers a chair, and the AHS think better of it.

A vignette airs, showing the Highwaymen out and about in Philly. They check out some local landmarks, insulting the city as they go, we see them steal a man's wallet, bully some kids, try to smooth talk some women. Mostly played for humour. After it ends Styles says the Highwaymen have challenged Sandman to a handicap match next week, and Sandman accepted. He says to make things fair just 2 days shy of the First Blood match, Luger will also be in action next week. Marc Mero then joins Styles on commentary for the next match.

Match 2: Nord Vs Ricky Morton, 10 min time limit.

Styles talks about Morton facing Scotty the Party Starter in the tv title tournament semi-final next week, and how with his experience and speed he should be the biggest challenge Nord has faced to date. Mero agrees, putting over Morton's ring skills, "but what is it with this guy's look, Joey? Doesn't he know this is 1993? Everything about this guy screams the 80s". Styles speculates on what is in the goblet Nord drinks from before each match. Morton manages to rock the big man with a salvo of dropkicks, even sending him to the outside. Eventually, though, the Road to Valhalla seals the win for Nord in about 4 mins. After Nord has left, Scotty the Party Starter creeps down the ring, and drops Morton with a DDT.

Ron Simmons makes his way down the aisle, pushing a wheelbarrow full of watermelons. Styles is disgusted. Simmons gets in the ring. RS-"Tod Gordon, the owner of this company, requested that I come out here and issue an apology for my actions last week. I should apologise for slapping Brad Armstrong upside the head. Maybe Brad Armstrong should apologise to me for whatever backwards thinking bigotry his baby brother is going around spouting at me. Maybe Brad Armstrong should apologise for being just like all you Philadelphia hillbillys, and trying to act like this ain't about race. Well, Mr Gordon, you sign my checks, so here I am. Is this the black man that you want? Coming out here with my watermelons and my head down? Maybe I can do a little soft-shoe shuffle for you? Or maybe shine your shoes, is that it? Well, if that's the black man you want then you better look elsewhere because I don't play that way, and I don't apologise for nothing. Here's how this is going to go down. I've got fifty dollars right here, fifty dollars for whichever one of you rednecks is gonna get in this ring and shine my shoes. Come on. $50. You can get your teeth fixed, or pay for your sister to get a backstreet abortion. You want a piece of this Joey Styles?" Simmons picks a gangly youth out of the crowd and gets him into the ring. He gets a folding chair and sits himself down in the middle of the ring, and starts browbeating the fan as he shines his shoes. Brad Armstrong climbs into the ring behind Simmons and after a little playing to the crowd he dropkicks Simmons out of the chair. He then goes on the assault, rocking him with punches, which Simmons sells big time. The assault spills to the floor, but Simmons manages to get his hands on a watermelon which he smashes over Armstrong's head. He starts laying the boots into Brad. "Now look what you made me do, you dumb cracker. I've scuffed up my shoes again". Brad is out cold and officials restrain Simmons. Styles says Simmons should be fined and suspended.

Match 3: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowitz w/Madusa. Tv title tournament quarter-final, 10 minute time limit.

A pop-up promo shows Horowitz saying how he knows he's lost twice to Payne before, but this time it will be different, and Madusa steps into the shot and puts her arm around Barry. This is much more even then previous matches between these two, and Horowitz gets a couple of good nearfalls, but once again he falls pray to the Payne Killer. Madusa walks away leaving Barry in the ring. Horowitz gets on the mic. BH- "Madusa, Madusa. Wait. Where are you going?" Madusa comes back to the ring and takes the mic. "I'm sorry, Barry. I like you. I really do. But I'm looking for a man that can make a big impact in this business. And I don't think that's you". She walks off. We see Barry saying "you want impact. I'll show you impact".

A Bob Backlund video airs, the same sort of thing as the last one. Bob says he walked away from wrestling when he still had so much to give, and he could never shake the addiction to competition. He says coming back is the biggest challenge he's ever faced in his life, but it's these challenges that he lives for.

The Arkansas Hit Squad enter the ring for the main event. The ring announcer informs everyone that Brad Armstrong is no longer able to compete tonight, but a replacement has been found.

Match 4: Canterbury w/Knight Vs Tracy Smothers. 10 min time limit.

Smothers gets a house mic and makes a challenge that if he wins, that'll be both members of the Hit Squad he's beat in successive weeks, and he wants a tag title match. The AHS laugh at this and agree. Canterbury lays a beating on Smothers, who has already competed tonight. Smothers won't stay down for the count though. Eventually he reverses a neckbreaker attempt into a backslide and picks up the win. he scurries out the ring before Knight can get to him and grabs a mic. He tells the Hit Squad he has a hell of a tag partner in mind, and they'll find out who it is next week.

[SirEdger]

Solid show again! Can't wait to see who'll be Tracy Smothers tag team partner!

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 7- 12/2/93

Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to the last episode of ECW TV before the big Bloody Valentine event in 2 days. He hypes up the First Blood match between Luger and Sandman, the tag team title match between the Arkansas Hit Squad and Tracy Smothers and his partner to be revealed tonight, the final of the TV title tournament, and the Georgia Street Fight between Ron Simmons and Brad Armstrong. He mentions again how fans can see the event live or pre-order the video cassette. Roll opening credits.

Match 1: Lex Luger Vs Brad Armstrong. None-title match with a 15 minute time limit.

Styles talks about Luger's "blood-stained history", bringing up the two times Sandman has already busted him open, and talking about Luger losing the biggest match of his career at Starrcade 88 to Ric Flair via blood stoppage. "If the Total Package has a weakness, this is it". Luger bullies a game Armstrong around the ring. Ron Simmons makes his way out, joining Styles at the booth with a house mic in hand. "Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love, so why don't all you rednecks show this brother some love, and shut your racist mouths. Now, I must have cracked little Brian Armstrong so hard in the head that that whole family got brain damage. I don't know why else this piece of garbage would challenge me to a Georgia Street Fight. You call it a Georgia Street Fight, but this man's Georgia and my Georgia are two different things. I had to fight and claw my way off the streets, while the Armstrong boys, the good old boys, skated by on their daddy's reputation". Simmons' words fire Armstrong up and he starts making a comeback. "Knock him down, Lexy." Armstrong starts to make a beeline for Simmons, but Luger attacks him from behind, and drops him on the guard rail from a press slam position. He then finishes him off in the ring with the Torture Rack, gaining the submission victory in 8 mins. Simmons delivers some final words: "Just like your old man, just like your baby brother, your career is going to be over after this Sunday. And all you Philly scum are going to have to deal with the thing that scares you most, a powerful black man who won't be held down any more".

A video shows Bob Backlund in the wrestling room working out, tying guys in knots. Backlund says if he didn't still think he had what it takes to be a champion he wouldn't be coming back, that it's his passion to be the best that is driving him. He says he may be older but he can outwrestle and outfight anyone.

Match 2: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Maximilian Payne. TV tournament semi-final match, 10 minute time limit.

As Payne comes to the ring a pop-up promo airs, showing him playing his electric guitar. "People always ask me why I enjoy inflicting pain on others. Maybe I want them to experience the pain that I feel living on the outskirts of an uncaring society, an outcast, a misfit, a loner. Maybe the pain I cause is a commentary on the decay of modern civilisation, and a wasted generation of lost potential. Or maybe, maybe I just do it because I'm bored. They're all good answers".

Styles talks this up as a battle between two undefeated wrestlers. Eaton uses his savvy to out-maneuver Payne, whereas Payne relies on his power advantage, in what is a pretty even match. The action spills to the floor. Payne sends Eaton into the guard rail, but Eaton avoids Payne's charge sending Payne into the steel. Eaton rolls back into the ring, but as Payne shakes off the damage, Barry Horowitz appears in the crowd and clocks Payne on the side of the head with a roll of quarters. Payne is dazed and confused, and by the time he's shaken the cobwebs off he's been counted out. Eaton advances to the final after a 7 min contest.

After a commercial break we see that Styles has taken to the back in an attempt to grab an interview with Horowitz, who is on his way out of the building. Horowitz says he said he was going to make an impact. Madusa runs over and asks Barry what he's doing. Barry says he did it for her, and says he's going one further and challenging Payne to one more match at Bloody Valentine. He asks Madusa if she'll consider managing him if he beats Payne. Madusa says what he did to Payne was a real turn on, and if he wins on Sunday she'll be his woman both professionally and personally.

A Nord promo airs. Nord says that he came to ECW to civilise the place, and he's been doing that one fallen opponent by one. He says the level of competition isn't befitting a warrior like him, but he'll be at Bloody Valentine looking for any worthy opponent to fall by his sword.

Match 3: Ricky Morton Vs Scotty the Party Starter. TV title tournament semi-final, 10 min time limit.

Footage of Scotty dropping Morton with a DDT last week is shown. Marc Mero joins Styles on commentary and says Scotty has been his pick for this tournament from the get-go. He says Morton is about 5 years too late for this party. Scotty gets a lot of offence, and shows some flashy stuff we haven't seen from him before, like a plancha to the floor. He goes for the DDT but Morton counters with a back body drop and then hits a huracanrana into a cradle for the win in about 6 mins. Morton DDTs Scotty after the match. Eaton comes out onto the ramp and applauds Morton and they both nod at each other and do 'belt' gestures and whatnot.

The Arkansas Hit Squad are out next. They say Tracy Smothers made the mistake of his life challenging them, and wonder if he even found someone stupid enough to team with him against them. Smothers comes out. He says he did have a hard time finding a partner, because the AHS have quite a reputation. "I know you think of yourselves as the two toughest bastards to come out of Arkansas, but I found someone who's ready to fight that claim". Sid Vicious walks out, fist-bumping fans and muttering boasts, dripping with sweat and charisma. Styles sells it huge, and the Hit Squad act like they're about to have HAs. Sid and Smothers fist bump and then rush the ring as the AHS scatter.

Adam Bomb vignette. The sandstorm, the egg-timer, the Eastern lettering, from behind we see Bomb lift a hood over his head. "Who was the fool, who the wise, who the beggar or the emperor? Whether rich or poor, all are equal in death". He turns slowly towards the camera as the image fades out.

Match 4: The Sandman Vs The Highwaymen. Handicap match with TV time remaining, only 6 or 7 mins.

Styles says Sandman is taking an awful risk here just two days away from the first blood match. Sure enough, after 3 or 4 mins of action, which sees the Highwaymen take control after an early flurry by Sandman, and then a Sandman comeback, Luger comes out. Sandman fights him off at first, but when his attention goes back to the Highwaymen, Luger catches him with a shot to the temple with the ECW championship belt. Sandman fights back up to his feet a bloody mess and the Highwaymen hold him as Luger lays boots into the open wound. Eaton, Morton and Smothers, plus officials race out to stop the attack as Styles wraps up the show by saying Sandman will be walking into the first blood match with a fresh wound. He quickly runs through the card for Sunday as we fade to black.

[SirEdger]

Bob Backlund in ECW should be interesting!

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW Presents BLOODY VALENTINE - 14/2/93

Earlier in the day: We see a hummer pull up at the venue, and ECW champion Lex Luger steps out confidently. He has the ECW belt draped over his shoulder, with the Sandman's blood still smeared across it.

Later in the day, a beat-up Chevy pulls up and the Sandman gets out, with his head bandaged up. He looks confident too, and we see why as he pulls a Singapore cane out of the car and walks into the hotel.

Joey Styles and 'Magnificent' Marc Mero are in the ring to greet us to this special event, live from the Radisson Hotel in downtown Philadelphia, PA. They run down the card, hype up the crowd, and make some predictions before making their way to the commentary position.

Match 1: Ron Simmons Vs Brad Armstrong in a Georgia Street Fight with a 30 minute time limit. No DQ, falls count anywhere.

Simmons cuts a promo before the match: "Of all the outhouses in this stinking city, this one is the crappiest. It's no surprise to me that before me, the most famous black man in Philadelphia was the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and he couldn't wait to get the hell out of here either". Armstrong starts the match a house a-fire. he's been waiting to get his hands on Simmons for weeks. He peppers him with punches, and beats him around the ring-side area and into the crowd. They make their way back to the ring and Simmons takes over. Simmons takes off his belt (both men are dressed in street attire) and starts to whip Armstrong on his back ("now the black man is doing the whippin"). Armstrong absorbs a lot of punishment, and makes his inevitable comeback. After about 12 mins of violent brawling, Armstrong finds himself in command of the match. He rocks Simmons with a flying clothesline and looks for the coup de grace. He wraps Simmons' belt around his fist with the buckle covering his knuckle and rears back for the KO. Before he can deliver, Brian Armstrong slides into the ring. Styles sells it like no-one knew Brian was in the building. Brian begs Brad to let him deliver the final blow. Brad tosses him the belt, Brian wraps his fist and BOOM, knocks out his brother. Simmons is dazed, and doesn't know what's going on, and has to be ushered to make the cover by Brian Armstrong. Simmons covers and picks up the pin as Brian purposefully walks back up the aisle, never looking back. Styles and Mero sell this big as an act of betrayal. Winner in 13 mins: Ron Simmons.

A video shows the action that has lead us to the final of the TV title tournament.

Match 2: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Ricky Morton in the final of the TV Title tournament with a 15 minute time limit.

Styles goes over the history between the two, bringing up the fact they went to a 15 minute draw on ECW TV several weeks back. Mero says Eaton can dish it out and Morton can take it, so they may go 15 again, and then what? Mero adds that if Morton loses, he can team with his mullet and go for the tag titles. This is wrestled pretty technically, but it's Morton who shows the more aggressive side, taking an opportunity to target Eaton's leg. Eaton makes a comeback and they exchange near falls. Eaton goes for the Alabama Jam but takes too long climbing to the top rope. Morton moves and hits the huracanrana, but only for a 2. Eaton recovers again and hits the Jam at the second time of asking to claim the gold. Morton hands Eaton the belt and congratulates him. Winner in 13 mins: Bobby Eaton.

A video shows Bob Backlund in a gym throwing around a wrestling dummy. He says he used to call Madison Square Garden his home but he doesn't need the bright lights of Broadway to prove he's the best. He says ECW is his new home and he's fixing to get real comfy.

A quick video shows Nord's path of destruction, as the big man makes his way out for his open challenge. Nord has his usual entrance, and then paces impatiently in the ring waiting for his opponent. The arena lights go out. When they come back on, Sabu is standing in the ring pointing to the ceiling. Styles and Mero just let the moment sink in without saying anything. Nord gives Sabu a look more out of curiosity than anything else, and then the two go at each other like crazy men.

Match 3: Nord Vs Sabu. 15 minute time limit.

Styles starts selling the Sabu appearance, saying he's been wrestling in Japan for the past several months, but now he's back. Nord starts to dominate with his power, but Sabu just keeps coming back at him. The action spills to the floor, and Sabu throws a chair in Nord's face. Out comes a table from under the ring. Sabu sets Nord up on the table and then launches himself from the top rope with a legdrop. Both men crash through the table, and the ref has no choice but to call this one a no contest after 8 mins.

As that mess gets cleaned up, we see Bobby Eaton celebrating in the back with some friends, Tracy Smothers and a couple of refs. Ricky Morton is there too. Maximilian Payne walks in and the room goes quiet. "I've been told that when, not if, I win my match tonight, I get a crack at that TV title on ECW TV. You never beat me Bobby. You only survived me thanks to Barry Horowitz. Well, I'm gonna take care of that problem now, and then I'm coming for you".

Match 4: Maximilian Payne Vs Barry Horowtiz w/Madusa. 15 minute time limit.

Madusa comes out with Horowitz. She gives him a good long kiss before the match. Styles goes over the stipulations. If Horowitz wins, he gets the 'services' of Madusa, but, as we just heard, Payne is fighting for a shot at the TV title. Mero wonders what Madusa could see in BH. Horowitz fights most of the match from underneath, just trying to survive. Finally Payne locks on the Payne Killer. Horowitz fights it and manages to make it to the ropes, which Styles puts over big time as the first time anyone has survived the hold. Horowitz fires up and manages to hit his bridging German, but can't hold the bridge because of his weakened arm. This allows Payne to plant BH on the back of his neck with a back suplex which, Mero informs us, he calls the Pretty Hate Machine. Payne earns the 3 to break Horowitz's heart. Winner in 8 minutes: Maximilian Payne.

Horowitz is visibly upset, head in hands, punching the mat, ashamed of himself. Madusa grabs a mic and climbs into the ring. "Barry, Barry, honey. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay that you lost. It doesn't matter to me. It doesn't matter to me because (changing tone) I would never, ever associate myself with a loser like you". Horowitz is attacked from behind by a gargantuan 400 pounder, Mike Shaw, who crushes BH in the corner and then hits a big splash as Madusa cheers him on. Shaw and Madusa then make out passionately over Horowitz's fallen body.

Tracy Smothers cuts a promo in the back. He says that this thing between him and the Arkansas Hit Squad started off about revenge for the Armstrong family. He blames the AHS's attacks on Brian Armstrong for what happened earlier. But, he continues, this is about more than that now. He really likes the idea of being tag team champion, and thinks he's found the perfect partner to accomplish that goal. "Tell 'em, big man". The camera pans out to reveal Sid Vicious. "ECW is about to get vicious". He laughs and walks off, followed by Smothers.

Match 5: The Arkansas Hit Squad (c) Vs Tracy Smothers and Sid Vicious for the ECW tag team championship. 30 minute time limit.

This starts with Smothers using his quickness to bewilder the champs. They start to overpower him, so Smothers tags Sid. The AHS bump around a lot for Sid, making him look like a beast. They eventually manage to isolate Smothers and put a beating on him. Smothers makes the hot tag and Sid is back in cleaning house. Sid basically takes no offence during this. The match breaks down and Sid and Knight are on the outside with Smothers and Canterbury on the inside. Smothers dodges a charge in the corner and goes up top, hitting his patented missile dropkick. Sid has lost the plot on the floor though and is attacking Knight with a chair, which the ref sees. He calls for the bell as Smothers has Canterbury pinned, and Smothers is disappointed to learn that Sid has got the team DQ'ed. Winners by disqualification in 12 minutes: The Arkansas Hit Squad. Smothers manages to calm Sid down and Sid apologises for costing them the titles. Smothers sees Canterbury getting to his feet and invites Sid to give him the chair treatment too. He does, and as the champs crawl away, Vicious and Smothers celebrate.

Styles recaps the whole feud between Luger and the Sandman and says this will be the final chapter.

Match 6: Lex Luger (c) Vs The Sandman in a First Blood match for the ECW Heavyweight Championship. 30 minute time limit.

Sandman attacks from the bell, trying to lacerate Luger by sending him into the ring post and steel steps, but Luger is always able to block with his hands. Luger comes back and zeroes in on the bandage on Sandman's head, ripping it off and attempting to reopen the wound with punches. Sandman this time is able to block and retreat. Luger gets hold of the Singapore cane, but Sandman kicks him in the nads before he can bring down the blow. Sandman levels Luger with a chair but Luger gets the hands up to partially block. Sandman piledrives Luger on the chair. The ref checks but still no blood so Sandman goes in with hard punches. Luger retreats back to the floor and digs his fingers into Sandman's wound. He then starts trying to bite it, but Sandman backs off and is still clean. Luger sends Sandman into the ring post, but still no blood. Sandman gets hold of his cane and starts wailing away at Luger with body shots, before taking a big swing and nailing him on the skull. Luger reels back but there's no blood. Sandman winds up for another big hit but Luger has grabbed the ECW title belt and he levels Sandman with it at the same time as Sandman unleashes the shot with the cane. Luger goes down like a sack of shit, while Sandman is knocked back but doesn't go down. However, Sandman has been re-opened and as blood pours down his face the ref calls for the bell. Winner in 10 minutes: Lex Luger. Sandman doesn't seem to realise he's lost, and gives himself a series of shots to the head with the cane as he's now wearing a crimson mask. Sandman stands in defiance as Luger exits up the aisle with his ECW title. Luger celebrates in the entranceway, while Sandman basks in the glory of what for him is a moral victory.

Styles thanks everyone for coming or buying the VHS, and wonders what the fall-out will be as ECW continues to grow.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 8 - 19/2/93

Joey Styles and Marc Mero welcome us to the show from the commentary position. They talk about what a great show Bloody Valentine was, and say tonight's show is going to be jam-packed, so let's get on with the action.

Match 1: The Arkansas Hit Squad Vs Tracy Smothers and Sid Vicious. Tag team title match, 15 min time limit.

The AHS cut a promo before the match, saying that the fans probably expect them to be angry about having to face Sid and Tracy again after winning the match at Bloody Valentine, but the AHS walk away from no challenge. We see a couple of still photos from the previous match. The AHS take the fight to the challenges this time, and actually get the advantage on Sid, working over his leg. Smothers comes in off the hot tag but he is overwhelmed too. Finally Sid gets back in and a pier-6 ensues. The challengers take over and look to be closing in on the win when Sid sets up Knight for the powerbomb. But Canterbury drags Knight out the ring and the champs high-tail it up the aisle with their belts, getting themselves counted out in the process. About 10 mins.

Madusa makes her way out, looking fine. She grabs a mic. "Allow me to introduce you to the man who was the real reason Madonna divorced Sean Penn. The man who Paula Abdul can't stop calling. The song 'Damn, I Wish I was Your Lover' was written about him. He is the modern day Casanova, the Lady Killer, and my lover, Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw. Mr Loverman by Shabba Ranks blares across the arena as Shaw comes out. Shaw takes the mic. "Take heed at what a real man looks like. I'm wrestling's number one heartthrob. Why have a Sexy Boy, when you can have a real man like me? Space Mountain? Come ride the log flume, ladies. You're guaranteed to get wet. People tell me I remind them of a Greek hero, and I know what they mean. Just like Perseus, I came for Madusa's head. But Madusa, she ain't no gorgon. If you look at her you won't turn to stone, but she damn sure makes me rock hard". Joey Styles is indignant over all this, but Mero is loving it. Barry Horowitz come out with a determined look on his face. This is a scheduled match.

Match 2: Mike Shaw Vs Barry Horowitz, 10 mins.

Horowitz goes at Shaw with punches and kicks. Madusa causes a momentary distraction and that's enough for Shaw to take full control of the match. He chokes BH on the ropes and as he does so Madusa climbs onto the apron and makes out with him. MM: "They told me about this, Styles. They call it the Cuck Hold. Do you get it? Of course you do". Shaw finishes BH off with a big splash which he calls the Guaranteed Finish. 4 mins. After the match Madusa is back in the ring directing traffic. She tells Shaw to give BH another splash which he does, but before he can deliver a third Maximilian Payne runs in, causing Shaw and Madusa to flee. Styles sells surprise.

In the back Styles catches up with Payne and asks why he came to Horowitz's aid. Payne says every time he laid a beating on BH, he got back up and asked for more. He even escaped the Payne Killer. He says Horowitz earnt his respect.

Styles changes to a more serious tone as he talks about the situation with the Armstrong brothers. He says he had the opportunity to sit down with Brian Armstrong earlier in the week and get some answers. Roll footage.

JS: Well, Brian, the obvious question to ask is why? Why did you knock out your brother Brad at Bloody Valentine?
BA: Let me tell you something about growing up as the baby of the Armstrong family. The fighting Armstrong family. All my life I was treated like a kid. I was coddled, patronised, not allowed to stand on my own two feet. All I wanted was for my daddy, and my big brothers, who I idolised, to see me as a man. It became obvious that wasn't going to happen, so I decided to sign up for the US marine corps and fight in the Gulf War. I figured if that didn't earn their respect nothing would. But when I got back is was more of the same. Our baby brother's home. What a hero our baby brother is. Little Brian Armstrong fought in a war. Okay, so then I thought that if I could win the ECW tag team titles with my brother, Brad, then they would give me some respect. But all I got was "don't worry Brian, you just try your best and let old Brad take care of business". You shrugged off my failures like I was a child falling on his butt while learning to walk, and my successes earned me nothing more than a pinch on the cheeks and a pat on the head. You wanna go out and fight my battles for me, Brad and make my excuses for me. "Brian said some stupid things but he's a good kid really. Just a little scrambled in the head". Screw you, man. A great man once said that if you want respect you take it, by any means necessary, and that's just what I did. I knocked you out, and punching you was like punching our daddy and our brothers too. And I'm not stopping with that. I'm challenging you to a match, and when I beat you in the middle of the ring, then you'll know just what kind of man I am".

Scotty the Party Starter makes his way out, no music, in a business suit, with his hair neatly trimmed. Styles acts like he doesn't know who it is. Scotty gets the mic. "My name is Scott Levy. You know me as Scotty the Party Starter, but the party is over. Let me tell you a bit about me. My father is one of the richest men in this country. He is a businessman of high repute, and high class and I was born into wealth, and high society. On my 18th birthday my father essentially gave me a blank check and told me to do whatever I wanted. I took that money and I started the wildest, most hedonistic party the world has ever seen. But, just as my father succeeded in everything he put his mind to, I too need to succeed. I need to be the best. So, from now on, it's all business for Scott Levy. The Levys have a reputation for achieving greatness in everything they set their mind to, and I will continue that tradition. I will beat every man in that locker room, just like my father would buy and sell the likes of you people just for his own amusement. Because people like me are just born better than people like you". At that point a foreboding voice booms out over the speaker: "Whether rich or poor, all are equal in death. Take my hand as it reaches for you, joining me in the danse macabre". Smoke billows out of the entranceway and 'The End' by The Doors starts to play. Levy looks concerned. Bryan 'Adam Bomb' Clark steps out into the arena and slowly makes his way towards the ring. He is wearing a black cloak, and when he opens his arms to extend it out, you see there are angel-like wings on the back. He steps into the ring. Silence. Levy gets in his face, poking him in the chest, asking him who he thinks he is. Clark goozles him and launches him into the corner. He lays a beating on him, ending with a spinning powerbomb. Styles and Mero sell shock and awe.

Bob Backlund cuts a promo in the back saying that he debuts on ECW next week, and can't wait to begin his journey back to the top of the wrestling world.

Match 3: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Maximilian Payne. TV title, 15 mins.

Styles talks about Payne earning this title shot at Bloody Valentine. He talks about the importance of the TV title, and says the edict has come down from ECW officials that 10 successful title defenses earns the champ a shot at the ECW title. Mero says Eaton might not even make it to one as Payne has still never been pinned or made to submit. Payne makes his way out but as he does so he is attacked by Mike Shaw with Madusa. Shaw sends Payne into the guard rail and squashes him against it, before officials get him to back off. Payne decides he still wants to wrestle so the bell rings. Eaton looks reluctant to fight, but goes about his business like a pro. Payne eventually comes back into the match, but about 8 mins in Shaw comes back out and attacks him again, leading to the DQ. This time Payne fights back on Shaw, and Shaw retreats to the back. Eaton offers his hand to Payne, but Payne leaves him hanging. Styles says next week we have the Backlund debut, Lex Luger in action, Sabu's first appearance on ECW TV and a big 8-man tag match has been signed involving the tag team champions and the television champion.

[SirEdger]

I got a huge kick out of "Sugarlips"! Job well done again for this episode.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 9 - 26/2/93

Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to another stacked episode of ECW. He is interrupted by Scott Levy, who makes his way out with a mic. "Shut your mouth you nickel and dimer, and run along back to your seat. When I talk, everyone listens. Now last week, I came out here to make an important announcement, and I was interrupted, and physically abused, by some sideshow freak. That sort of thing doesn't happen to people like me..." He is cut off by Sabu's entrance music.

Match 1: Scott Levy Vs Sabu, 10 min time limit.

Styles puts over the impact made by the mysterious debutant last week, and also Sabu's war with Nord at Bloody Valentine. Levy shows off a new aggressive streak here, choking and clawing away at Sabu, but this is mostly a showcase for Sabu's high-risk style. Sabu finishes with a somersault legdrop off the top in 5 mins. Levy gets on the mic again after the match, puffing and panting. "This is an outrage. A man of my wealth shouldn't be in the ring with these savages. I can buy and sell every last one of you..." Bryan Clark makes his entrance again. Styles says Levy should learn to keep his mouth shut. Levy falls prey to another beatdown, ending in a spinning powerbomb.

Nord cuts a promo in the back. He says Sabu proved himself a worthy competitor, and a gallant warrior, and says he will reserve him a special place in Valhalla.

Match 2: Bob Backlund Vs Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw, 10 min time limit.

Madusa is out first to introduce her man, the man who always guarantees a finish, between the ropes or between the sheets, the modern day Casanova, Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw. Styles put Backlund over big for his debut match, his amateur career, and his history in wrestling. Backlund tries to make this a wrestling match, and manages to frustrate the big man. Shaw uses his girth to gain the edge, applying the Cuck Hold on Backlund. Backlund fights back and Shaw takes to the outside. Backlund goes out after him but Shaw hits him in the gut with a chair to give Backlund the DQ win in about 6 mins.. Styles wonders if Backlund is ready for ECW. Shaw takes Backlund back in the ring and looks to continue the beatdown, but Maximilian Payne hits the ring and chases Shaw off. Payne grabs a mic. "Shaw, you made the mistake of your life last week when you cost me the TV title. You see, I'm a loner, Shaw, and you got in my personal space. Now you're going to feel my pain."

A quick video shows Brian Armstrong hitting Brad Armstrong with the belt buckle at Bloody Valentine, and then Brad makes his way out, looking very sombre. Brad says he's heartbroken about what happened, and can't believe his own flesh and blood would do that to him. He says that although they used to scuffle as kids, like all brothers do, there's no way he will step in the ring and fight his little brother. He does, however, want to ask Brian out to the ring tonight to talk about this like men. Brian Armstrong walks out, a determined look on his face. Brad: "Brother, first off thank you for coming out here. I asked you out here tonight because I want to make things right with you. I believe we can still make this right. Now, I know you're upset, mad. And listening to your interview last week, and the way you laid it all out, I can see where you're coming from. So, I want to say this to you now, I'm sorry. From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry. You're my baby... Sorry, you're my brother, and I would never do anything to hurt you. I'm asking you to find it in your heart to forgive me." Brian asks for the mic. "You're sorry? You're sorry? You want to prove to me that you're sorry, you want my forgiveness, how about you get down on your knees and beg me for my forgiveness?" Brad is visibly hurt by Brian's unrelenting attitude, but after a little thought he gets down on his knees. "If this is what it's going to take, it's worth it. Brian, please, I'm begging you, please accept my apology and let's move on." Brian thinks on it for a moment, and then slaps Brad across the face. Brad is dejected. Now Brian spits in his face. Brad just takes it, tears starting to well up, as Brian walks away in disgust. At the top of the entrance Brian is met by Ron Simmons. Simmons hugs Brian and holds his arm aloft in victory as Brad watches crying on his knees in the ring.

Match 3: Lex Luger Vs Barry Horowitz, none-title match, 10 min time limit.

Fairly straight-forward win for Luger, via submission with the Torture Rack, in about 3 mins. Luger takes the mic. "Once again, I've shown my dominance over ECW, just like I did time and again against the Sandman. I have proven that I'm bigger than ECW, I'm the biggest star and the best competitor and no-one in this company deserves to be in the same ring as me. The lights go out. They come back on and Sabu is standing in the ring behind Luger with a chair. Luger is looking to the entrance, but turns around to be met by Sabu throwing the chair at his face. Luger bumps and scurries out the ring, beating a hasty retreat up the ramp.

A quick video highlights the skills of Ricky Morton. Styles says Morton gets a crack at the TV title next week, but also next week we're going to get the final encounter between the Arkansas Hit Squad and the team of Tracy Smothers and Sid Vicious, and it's going to be best 2/3 falls, with the 3rd fall, if necessary, being no holds barred.

Match 4: The Arkansas Hit Squad and the Highwaymen Vs Tracy Smothers, Sid Vicious, 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton and Ricky Morton. TV time remaining, about 15 mins.

Marc Mero joins Joey on commentary, and asks whose mullet Morton had to blow-dry to get another shot at the TV title. Styles asks Mero what he has against Morton. Mero says says he's just having fun with someone a little less stylistically fortunate than he is. Morton ends up playing face in peril for the face team, but makes a hot tag to Eaton to starts pinballing the Highwaymen around. Things break down and the Highwaymen decide to take a walk, leaving the AHS alone. The Sandman greets the Highwaymen at the entrance, and gives them each a Singapore Cane shot to the head. In the ring Canterbury eats a dropkick from Morton which sends him to the outside. Eaton hits a flying clothesline off the apron on Canterbury. Smothers hits Knight with the missile dropkick, and then Sid finishes him off with a huge powerbomb, and we go off the air with the faces celebrating in the ring.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 10 - 5/3/93

The show starts as Sid Vicious and Tracy Smothers are making their way to ringside. Styles and Mero are on commentary and we're ready to go with the first of two title matches scheduled for tonight.

Match 1: The Arkansas Hit Squad (c) Vs Sid Vicious and Tracy Smothers for the tag team titles. Best 2/3 falls with the 3rd fall, if needed, to be no holds barred. 30 minute time limit.

The challengers come out of the blocks fast, and pick up the first fall after about 4 mins when Sid powerbombs and pins Canterbury. They continue their dominance in the second fall, but the tables turn when Smothers misses a plancha to the floor, and appears to have hurt his knee. The AHS go to work on the leg, and when Knight locks on a half Boston the ref steps in and awards the fall to the champs. 11 mins gone. We take a commercial break, and when we come back we see that Smothers has been helped to the back and Sid is left in a handicap streetfight against the tag champs. Sid holds his own, fighting off the Hit Squad, before they get the upper hand. It spills to the floor. The AHS are going to put Sid through a table, but Smothers hobbles back out and the challengers are back on offence. Sid takes Knight into the ring and sets him up for the powerbomb. On the outside Canterbury kicks out Smothers' leg and saves his partner by clocking Sid on the side of the head with the bullrope. They hit the Hangman's Noose on Sid and Knight covers for the pin just before Smothers can make it back into the ring to break up the fall. 20 mins. After the champs leave, Vicious and Smothers have a little chat, a hug, and thank the crowd for their support.

Mero and Styles put the AHS over strong as an unstoppable team.

The Sandman cuts a promo in the back. He's smoking and drinking a beer. He says the Highwaymen have been a thorn in his side for weeks and he's about to take that thorn out and flick it away. He says he would be fine with taking them both on at once, but Tod Gordon is insisting he find a tag team partner. Sandman says that Gordon can assign him a partner, and all they have to do is stand on the apron while he takes care of business. The match will be next week.

We see a video of the confrontation between Luger and Sabu from last week. Styles has a blockbuster announcement. Next week, Sabu will take on Nord in a rematch from Bloody Valentine, and the winner of the match will be the new number one contender to the ECW championship.

Match 2: Mike 'Sugarlips' Shaw w/Madusa Vs Barry Horowitz, 10 mins.

Styles says BH asked for this rematch, and Mero says he must be a glutton for punishment. Madusa introduces Shaw as the most ravishing man in wrestling, and says he's working on a sequel to the Kama Sutra. She calls Horowitz a loser, and says Maximilian Payne was the weird kid in high school who all girls made fun of. Shaw is dominant in the match. He has BH set up for the Cuck Hold when Rape Me hits the PA and Payne makes his way out. Payne gets in Madusa's face, and the distraction allows BH to schoolboy Shaw and score the upset in 4 mins. Payne walks off laughing as Shaw and Madusa are enraged in the ring.

Ron Simmons and Brian Armstrong make their way out. Simmons says that he learnt a valuable lesson a couple of weeks ago. He says he should have listened to his own advice because he judged Brian Armstrong by the colour of his skin, but if he'd have paid close attention he'd have seen the brother within. He congratulates Brian on finally standing up for himself and being a man. Armstrong says Simmons is an inspiration to him, and everybody in the arena should listen when he talks. He says Simmons is his mentor, and the only family he needs. He then says he can't wait to get back in the ring and show everyone who the real talent of the Armstrong family is. Simmons continues. "Ever since I came to ECW you people have given me nothing but disrespect. That's the difference between the South, and the North East. You people think you're so enlightened up here because you fought against slavery, but you just have a different way of keeping the black man down. You hide the black man in your ghettos, and then you blame him for all the ills of your society. I see you there shaking your head, Joey Styles. Let me ask you something. Where are you from? Oh New York? The great melting pot, right? Well, the only reason there ain't no lynch mobs in New York is because you have the police to do it for you. You see, in the South if someone doesn't like you they say it to your face. Like a real man. Up here, you hide behind your progressive values and your liberal outlook but deep down inside your no better than the plantation owners of old". Lex Luger's music hits and the champ comes out. Simmons and Armstrong look confused. Luger gets in the ring. "I'm sitting back there listening to you talk trash about the North East, listening to you talk trash about my home state of New York, and I had to come out here and tell you that, man, you couldn't be more right. You know, Ron, you and I, we have a lot in common. We were both standout football stars, we both know what it means to be a world champion, and we both think Philadelphia sucks. I don't know if you saw, but I just got done beating the crap out of the best this hell hole has to offer, the Sandman." "What's your point, Lex?" "I just wanna share the love, brother. It's pretty clear that you and I are the biggest stars in ECW, and I had to let you know that I look at you with nothing but respect". "You wanna know what I see when I look at you? All I see when I look at you is another white boy claiming ownership of something that should be mine. And if you don't step out of my ring I'm fixing to give you a whole other problem to deal with". Luger backs away indicating he wants no trouble. He has a last parting shot. "You know, the angry black man and the house negro are just different sides of the same coin, Ron." Simmons is enraged and Brian Armstrong has to calm him down.

A video airs showing the previous encounters between Scott Levy and Bryan Clark. Styles says the only thing he's been able to find out about this newcomer is that he goes by the name Azrael. He says he's done some research and Azrael is the name given in certain belief systems to the angel of death. He wonders if Levy's time has come.

Match 3: 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton Vs Ricky Morton. TV title match, 15 min time limit.

Mero says he's not going to make fun of Morton this week because Morton is a good guy who does a lot of work for charity, like for the Blind Barbers of America. This is another fast-paced match between these two, with lots of big offence. Eaton eventually gets the win with the Alabama Jam after 10 mins. The two embrace after the match and Morton raises Eaton's arm in victory as we go off the air.

[SirEdger]

A main event involving a Midnight Express vs a Rock N" Roll Express member is always good for me. Great job again.

[spaldoni]

I just caught this and ending up binge watching (reading) all your shows. Man, this is really great stuff! Luger as champ, Levy finding is way, Horowitz involved in angles, an intense Ron Simmons, Armstrong rift, stacked tag team division, Morton and Eaton battling for the TV title. New rejuvenation gimmicks for Nord, Shaw, Bomb and Payne. ECW favorites like Sabu and Sandman. Of course having Sid around is a bonus. Backlund in ECW is surreal and awesome at the same time.  Keep up the good work and I'm defiantly going to keep reading.  

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

Thank you so much. I appreciate anyone taking the time to read these and comment.

[Yo-Yo's Roomie]

ECW TV Episode 11 - 12/3/93

Joey Styles is in the ring to welcome us to the show, and hype up the main event, which pits Sabu against Nord in a number one contenders match.

Match 1: The Highwaymen Vs The Sandman and 'Beautiful' Bobby Eaton. 15 minute time limit.

The Highwaymen come out first, followed by Sandman. The Highwaymen attack Sandman, before Eaton's music hits and he is revealed as Sandman's partner. Styles says Sandman couldn't ask for a better partner than the TV champ. During the match the Arkansas Hit Squad come out and join Styles at the commentary table. They say that a couple of weeks ago the Highwaymen left them high and dry in an 8-man tag match. "We don't take kindly to cowards, so you can tell the Highwaymen that they've got a date with the Hit Squad." The Highwaymen are in control of Eaton until he makes the hot tag to Sandman, and he cleans house. The Highwaymen decide to high-tail it, but are met in the aisle by the AHS. "Where are you boys going?" The two teams start brawling in the aisle-way until they are separated by officials. Sandman and Eaton win via count-out in 7 mins. They share a beer to celebrate.

A video shows highlights of Nord's dominance since coming to ECW. Styles puts him over strong, reminding us that he is undefeated.

Maximilian Payne cuts a promo in the back. "Next week, Bobby Eaton, I have been granted my shot at the television title. Twice before we have faced each other, and both times it has been the interference of another man that has cost me the victory. That's why I put my case forward to the ECW match-makers, and they agreed, that next week, you will face me inside of a steel mesh cage. Make no mistake about it, Eaton, I'm not a nice guy, and I'm going into that cage match to hurt you. But don't worry. When I'm done scraping your flesh across that steel mesh, when I'm done beating on you, I've got a Payne Killer for you".

Styles reacts to this blockbuster news as he's joined by Marc Mero on commentary.

Match 2: Scott Levy Vs Ricky Morton, 10 mins.

Mero takes his usual pot shots at Morton. As Levy makes his entrance we are shown replays of the two attacks by Azrael on Levy. Levy looks around him worried. Levy picks up the win by countering the huracanrana with a powerbomb, and then hitting the Levy Breaker DDT. 5 mins. Styles calls this an upset, and Mero says its not as upsetting as Morton's mullet. Levy gets the mic. "That is how Scott Levy conducts his business. Now, speaking of business, there's another piece of business I need to take care of. It seems this jacked up newcomer, this Azrael as he calls himself, has singled me out to make some kind of name for himself. Now, I don't blame you for wanting to take out the top dog here in ECW, but nobody is going to make their name off of Scott Levy. So next week, I'm challenging you to face me one-on-one. No sneak attacks, no cheapshots. If you've got the balls, you'll be there". Smoke starts billowing out of the entrance-way. Levy sells it like he's shitting himself and scarpers through the crowd. It turns out to just be mind games.

A video package of Sabu in action, highlighting his hardcore style, and also showing his attack on Luger two weeks ago.

A video of an open green pasture. Camera pans to a sign saying Gettysburg Battlefield. We zoom out to see Ron Simmons standing there. "Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. One of the most important battle sites of the Civil War. It was right here that Abraham Lincoln made his famous Gettysburg Address. 'Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal'." He spits on the ground. "That's what I think of Abraham Lincoln and his pretty little words. I don't think old Honest Abe was quite being honest with himself when he said that, and I don't think any of you people are being honest when you say you ain't racist, when you say you don't look down on the black man, when you act like you're better or more enlightened than the southern states. You people look at a black man and think that he should be grateful to you that he doesn't have to shine your shoes or pick your cotton. And what makes me sick is that a lot of them are. The Emancipation Proclamation freed 3 million brothers from the cotton field, but sentenced every generation since to a lifetime of subjugation and self-pity. Well, I never needed anybody to tell me I'm a free man, and I don't feel grateful for that freedom to anybody but my damn self. Not Abraham Lincoln, and not any two-faced bleeding heart liberal who wants to preach equality. There's a war still going on, and anybody, and I do mean anybody, who steps in my way is going to find out just what an angry black man is capable of."

Brian Armstrong walks out with a microphone. You demands everyone show some respect to Ron Simmons, and says he's dedicating his match tonight to his brother, Simmons.

Match 3: Brian Armstrong Vs Bob Backlund, 10 mins.

Backlund frustrates Armstrong with his technical prowess. Armstrong counters with a thumb to the eye, and then goes on the attack with punches and kicks. Backlund makes a comeback and tries to lock on the crossface chickenwing, but Armstrong mule kicks him between the legs, bringing about a DQ after 6 mins. Armstrong continues to assault Backlund after the bell, choking and stomping him, until the ref pulls him away.

A video shows the finish to the previous match between Sabu and Nord, with Sabu putting Nord through the table.

Match 4: Sabu Vs Nord. Winner becomes number one contender to the ECW title. TV time remaining, about 15 mins.

Nord dominates a good portion of the match with brawling offence. At one point he pulls a table out from under the ring and sets it up at ringside. As he climbs onto the apron to get Sabu, Sabu comes over the top rope and tornado DDTs Nord through the table. Both men manage to drag themselves back into the ring. Sabu misses Air Sabu in the corner, but Nord misses the Road To Valhalla big boot. Sabu hits a springboard leg lariat, and manages to get the pin, Nord just kicking out a split second too late. No time for this to sink in though as Nord pops up and catches Sabu with the big boot. Nord lets out a yell of rage as Lex Luger and Ron Simmons make their way to the ring. JS- "What's going on here? What are Luger and Simmons doing out here together?" Luger and Simmons hit the ring and join Nord in a beat down on Sabu. Simmons gives Sabu a spinebuster, and Luger takes him down with a running elbow smash. Luger and Simmons have handcuffs and cuff Sabu to the ropes. Nord is just mauling Sabu with boots to his now bloody head, while Luger and Simmons fend off officials and the likes of Ricky Morton and Bobby Eaton who are coming down to help. Sandman is out now too, and finally the babyfaces decide to just rush the ring, which makes the heels scarper. Sabu is a bloody unconscious mess. Nord is stomping around like a mad man, while Luger and Simmons make their way to the back, reflecting proudly on their handiwork.

[spaldoni]

Like the Highwaymen/AHS program starting up here. Levy gets a big win over Morton but I think he has some trouble ahead. Simmons turns it up a notch every week. I enjoyed the Brian Armstrong/Backlund match. Can Backlund survive in the chaotic world of ECW? The main event was a wild one! Sabu gets the win but man he suffered a beatdown. Luger/Nord and Simmons could be a very very dangerous alliance. Sabu is going to need some serious help.