Extreme Championship Wrestling
ECW Hardcore TV
ECW Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 27th, 2001
It’s a different opening for ECW this week. Whilst we can still hear the fans in the background, chanting “ECDUB”, JOEY STYLES is not inside the ring, instead he’s already up at The Eagle’s Nest. Either way, he looks as ready as ever for another huge ECW show.
Joey Styles: Hi everybody, and welcome to ECW Hardcore TV!!! I’m Joey Styles and we’re here in the heart of the land of the extreme, the ECW Arena right here in Philly. After the challenge was made last week, it has been confirmed that on this evening’s show, The Impact Players will defend the ECW Tag Team Championships against 2 Cold Scorpio and New Jack!!! On top of that, after Cyrus not living up to his word and refusing Sabu a rematch against Jerry Lynn, tonight CW Anderson will face Sabu in a ten minute challenge!!! The stipulation is simple, if Sabu wins within ten minutes, then there’s no more avoidance and he gets a shot at Jerry Lynn’s TV Title next week.
The excitement slowly dissipates from Styles’ face, and instead, a look of repulse replaces it.
Joey Styles: Last week there was a disgusting act where those damn Dudleys acted their brothers. Bubba and D’Von attacked their own flesh and blood, Big Dick and Spike. Without an explanation, that happened last week, but tonight, we’ve been promised an explanation from The Dudleys.
With Styles having promoted what he wanted to, we now cut away from The Eagle’s Nest…
…
We then get the opening video package that was interested last week, backed by “Thunderkiss 65” by White Zombie…
…
Post the opening video package, we see footage from last week’s show, specifically THE DUDLEY FAMILY defeating JACK VICTORY, STEVEN RICHARDS and THE HARRIS TWINS. After the match, a vicious beatdown followed when Bubba and D’Von turned on Spike and Big Dick, laying them out…
…
Finally, we’re live in the arena, and the fans are booing loudly. “Highway To Hell” by ACDC is blaring through the arena’s PA system, meaning THE DUDLEY BOYZ, BUBBA RAY and D’VON are on their way to the ring. The heat doesn’t lessen from the crowd, and once The Dudleyz are in the ring, and their music stops, a booming “YOU SOLD OUT” chant is thrown in their direction. They ignore the chants though, and Bubba gets a mic.
Bubba Ray Dudley: Why Bubba why? Why D’Von why? Well, it’s simple, we’ll clear that up right now. It was time to trim the family tree.
D’Von nods his head in agreement. The fans do not agree.
Bubba Ray Dudley: Think about what we’ve done in our careers recently. We’re coming off an extremely successful run in the WWF.
More heat at the mention of the big leagues.
Bubba Ray Dudley: We’re the best team in this business. We’re multi time World Tag Team Champions in the biggest wrestling company in the world.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
Bubba Ray Dudley: We’re going to take this time tonight to not just answer why we attacked our so called brothers, but also why we came back to ECW. Why did the best team in the world come back to ECW? We didn’t come back here to help our brothers, as you’re all now aware of. We didn’t even come back to aid the Network either.
Bubba shakes his head, further emphasising his point.
Bubba Ray Dudley: We made a personal choice to come back because we’ve got some unfinished business. We came back to finish what we started in ECW. And to do that, we’re gonna’ start by erasing every name from the Dudley Family three except Bubba Ray and D’Von.
The fans continue to boo, as D’Von takes the mic from his white brother.
D’Von Dudley: OH MY BROTHER… TESTIFY!!!
It might not be one everybody is happy with, but The Dudleyz have officially given their explanation. Bubba and D’Von continue to stand defiantly in the ring, copping plenty of heat as we cut away…
…
To The Eagle’s Nest, where JOEY STYLES, having just watched what we all did, doesn’t seem impressed.
Joey Styles: I can’t believe it; I am sickened by those damn Dudleys. I will say if you want to big league ECW so much, go back to the WWF.
Red in the face, Joey is fired up, until he takes a deep breath, regaining his composure.
Joey Styles: Issues with past partnerships being brought back up seems to be a trend in ECW at the moment. Last week, Chris Candido attempted to recruit Bam Bam Bigelow to fight off Shane Douglas’ new Triple Threat, after Punk and Cabana took Candido out a few months back.
Styles pauses for a moment.
Joey Styles: After he considered the offer, Bam Bam politely turned down Candido’s offer. The most surprisingly part of all of this was that Candido was shockingly understanding and said he still respected Bam Bam.
One more breath from Joey.
Joey Styles: I’m not sure if that will be the last conversation between the two old friends, but I do know that Bam Bam is in action next. It will be Bam Bam Bigelow teaming with Balls Mahoney versus The FBI’s Johnny Stamboli and Tracy Smothers when we return from the break.
Joey stares into the camera, sending us to a break…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
We return from the break and we’re at ringside where “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N Roses plays. The fans give a HUGE pop as BAM BAM BIGELOW makes his way out, notably on his own, with no sign of Balls Mahoney. The focused Bigelow doesn’t look to phased by it, getting in the ring, when “Stayin’ Alive” by N Trance brings out THE FULL BLOODED ITALIANS. Both JOHNNY STAMBOLI and TRACY SMOTHERS are dressed to wrestle, whilst LITTLE GUIDO gets carried out on SAL E. GRAZIANOS shoulders.
Remaining on Big Sal’s shoulders, the smirking Guido gets a mic, yelling over the heat from the crowd.
Little Guido: Sorry Bam Bam, before this match starts, I have an announcement to make. Due to his match against Masato Tanaka last week, your supposed partner, Balls Mahoney is not here tonight. He won’t be your partner, he’s at home injured, so unless you want to forfeit, this will just have to be a Handicap match.
Showing all the guts in the world, Bigelow nods, accepting the challenge, motioning for The FBI to bring it, As Smothers and Stamboli enter, right before the bell rings, “Back In Black” by ACDC starts up, bringing the arrival of CHRIS CANDIDO and TAMMY LYNN SYTCH. It’s a mixed reaction from the crowd, as Candido hurries in the ring, getting between The FBI and Bigelow.
Chris Candido: I can’t let this happen. Even though Bam Bam turned down my offer, I can’t just sit back and let him have a Handicap match. I still respect Bam Bam and everything he’s done in his amazing career. So Bam Bam, if you’d like the help, I’m offering to be your partner tonight.
The FBI aren’t overly pleased, especially Guido, as Candido looks over at him. Without uttering a word, Bigelow simply nods, accepting Candido’s offer in a nonverbal, bad ass way. Yay…
Match One
Bam Bam Bigelow and Chris Candido vs. Johnny Stamboli and Tracy Smothers
Somehow, Candido has not only gotten himself into this match, but he convinces Bigelow to let him start. Stamboli starts things off for The FBI, and it’s some chain wrestling that starts the match. It’s basic stuff, and Candido is in control, until Stamboli powers up and whips Candido into the ropes, and when Candido comes back… STAMBOLI CATCHES HIM WITH A SPINEBUSTER!!!
Still wanting to impress, Stamboli bounces to his feet, and runs over to the side of the ring where Little Guido is watching on from. Stamboli asks, “DID YOU SEE WHAT I JUST DID”, and Guido nods and applauds, looking impressed. Excited by that exchange, Stamboli looks to go back to work on Candido. He stomps him down on the mat, before slowly dragging him to his feet… CANDIDO GETS A SMALL PACKAGE OUT OF NOWHERE…1..2…NO!!! STAMBOLI MANAGES TO ESCAPE!!!
Both men scramble to their feet, although Candido is the quicker of the two, meeting Stamboli with some right hands. Candido now whips Stamboli into the ropes, and when Stamboli comes back, Candido impressively Leapfrogs over the big man. The Italian puts the breaks on, stopping… ALLOWING CANDIDO TO SUPERKICK HIM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!!
The shot almost takes Stamboli out of his boots as he falls down like a sack of potatoes. Full of confidence now, getting some cheers from the fans, Candido drops down and starts doing push ups. Tammy Lynn cheers him on as Candido gets cocky now, starting to slap around Stamboli on the mat. The slapping seems to awaken something within Stamboli, as he quickly pokes Candido right in the eye.
Candido covers his eye with his hand, temporarily blinded, as Stamboli bounces to his feet and stomps on both of Candido’s feet. Candido comically jumps in the air, in pain, STAMBOLI TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A SIDE ITALIAN LEG SWEEP!!!
After getting back up and dusting himself off, Stamboli heads to the Italian corner and tags in Smothers. Tracy lets Candido battle to his feet so Smothers can pepper him with the juke ‘n’ jive southern style left hand jabs. With Candido on spaghetti legs, Smothers finished off the combination with his patented back elbow strike! Candido crumbles to the canvas, now holding and checking his nose, as he scurries to his corner and tags in Bigelow.
‘The Beast From The East’ rushes the ring, and immediately traps Smothers in a corner. Bigelow softens Smothers up with huge body shots, before backing away to gain some momentum… OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE TO SMOTHERS!!!
Smothers falls to the canvas in the corner, whilst on the Italian side of the ring, Stamboli gains Guido’s attention and states, “LOOK AT ALL THIS SCHMUCKS FAULTS”! Guido doesn’t respond, but is less than happy when Bigelow charges across the ring, knocking Stamboli off the apron for fun. Bigelow climbs up to the top rope with the coast clear, leaping off… DIVING HEADBUTT!!!
NO!!! SMOTHERS ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AND BIGELOW CRASHES AND BURNS!!!
Both men lay on the canvas, in a lot of pain. As they do, both their partners are back in their respective corners, awaiting the hot tag. Bigelow slowly etches to the corner, and reaches out for Candido… NO TAG IS MADE!!! CANDIDO TURNS HIS BACK AND GRABS HIS EYE!!!
He shrieks, “I THINK STAMBOLI SCRATCHED”, before stepping down from the apron so a concerned Tammy Lynn Sytch can check his injury. Bigelow is equally infuriated and confused, as it seems he just lost his partner. Whilst Bam Bam is distracted, Smothers manages to make to the FBI corner and tag Stamboli back in. Stamboli gets in and approaches Bigelow from behind, and in an incredible show of strength… STAMBOLI GETS BIGELOW UP AND NAILS THE FUHGETABOUTIT!!!
STAMBOLI HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…3!!!
Winners: Johnny Stamboli and Tracy Smothers
Post the bell ringing, along with his sexy girlfriend, Candido leaves the ringside area. He’s loudly complaining about his eye the entire time, but the fans boo him for his cowardice and stepping away from the match anyway. Meanwhile, Bigelow rolls to the outside furious, whilst The FBI celebrates inside the ring. Things might not even be all rosy for the Italians either, as Stamboli was impressive tonight, but he’s overbearing tonight, almost begging for attention and praise from an irritated Little Guido…
…
We cut to The Eagle’s Nest, where JOEY STYLES has an accusatory look on his face, having just watched what everybody else did.
Joey Styles: I’m no doctor but we just saw Chris Candido walk out on Bam Bam Bigelow. He left a man he supposedly respected high and dry and I can’t help but think about the probable bullshit of his eye injury.
Joey rolls his own eyes, when CHRIS CANDIDO rushes onto the set. He’s still holding his eye, but gives Styles a whiny look.
Chris Candido: Come on, Joey. I hurt my eye, this is real. You need to believe me and send my regards to Bam Bam. The big guy is going to be in a mood, and I’m really sorry but I can barely see right now.
As Candido leaves just as quickly as he arrived, Styles shakes his head in disbelief before sending us to a break…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
Back from commercials, and we’re once again with JOEY STYLES at The Eagle’s Nest.
Joey Styles: Welcome back to ECW Hardcore TV! I want to take a moment to discuss last week’s heinous attack by The Second City Saints. Tommy Dreamer’s back up in The Pitbulls were absolutely dismantled by the Second City Saints with both men being sent to the hospital. Reports say that both Pitbulls remain in the hospital, but Gary Wolfe is in an especially bad condition. He has reinjured his back neck after the Spike Piledriver to the floor.
A sombre looking Joey pauses for a moment, letting his words sink in.
Joey Styles: Both Pitbulls are to out of it to comment, but Tommy Dreamer sent in these words from the hospital…
…
A pretaped segment opens up, where wearing a black, puffy jacket, TOMMY DREAMER stands out the front of a hospital. Dreamer clearly isn’t in a good mood.
Tommy Dreamer: I’ve been around long enough to know that what the Second City Saints are doing is smart. There’s strength in numbers, so they’ve eliminated my back up.
Dreamer points behind him to the hospital, indicating that’s where his back up is.
Tommy Dreamer: One thing you kids need to learn about Tommy Dreamer is not to count me out. I’m not done yet; I have another trick up my sleeve.
A wry smile appears across Tommy’s face.
Tommy Dreamer: It’s funny, as I stand here in the freezing cold, caring for my two friends in the hospital, something that Shane Douglas said to me back in 1996 rings true.
Dreamer looks off camera at something, a more genuine smile appearing now.
Tommy Dreamer: He told me keep your friends close, and as the saying goes, keep your enemies even closer.
With that, ‘Bulldozer’ BRIAN LEE walks into the shot, doing his best to look tough, as he places a hand on Dreamer’s shoulder. After their history together, it’s crazy to see these two getting along right now.
Tommy Dreamer: Second City Saints, let me introduce you to my new partner! Oh and Shane Douglas, since you’re pulling all the strings behind the scenes, I’ve pulled some of my own. You’ll have a match against Lee… TONIGHT!!!
Both Dreamer and Lee are content with the message sent, staring into the camera as we cut away…
…
Match Two
Masato Tanaka vs. Raven
It’s clear that not winning the ECW Championship is causing Raven emotional issues, as he looks very mopey and depressed at the start of this match. On commentary, Joey Styles mentions that Cyrus has informed Raven that he needs to work his way back up into title contention through the ECW roster, otherwise he will never get a shot again. It’s not an easy opponent to start Raven’s attempted journey back to the title either, with Tanaka taking advantage of his distracted opponent early on.
Tanaka dominates the early stages, before trapping Raven in the corner, placing him in the Tree Of Woe position. With Raven trapped, Tanaka hits a few shins to the forehead, before exiting the ring. Quite the Hardcore expert, Tanaka looks underneath the ring, where he finds some BARBED WIRE. The fans begin to cheer and buzz, anticipating what’s next as Tanaka wraps the wire around his own shin, grimacing as he does so.
Once back inside of the ring, Tanaka runs at Raven… BARBED WIRE SHIN RIGHT TO RAVEN’S FACE!!!
AND TANAKA KEEPS DOING IT… LANDING THE SAME SHOT AT LEAST FIVE TIMES!!!
Eventually Raven’s legs come loose from the ropes, and he falls to the canvas. The cameras zoom in on his face, showing that the barbed wire has probably caused some permanent scarring because Raven is busted open badly! For now though, the match continues with Raven remaining in a heap on the mat, whilst Tanaka goes hunting for his next weapon. It doesn’t take long until this time Tanaka inserts a TABLE into the ring.
He sets up the table in the middle of the ring, but as he turns to face Raven, a recovered Raven meets him with a few punches to rock him. Tanaka remains on his feet, so Raven takes him down with a Discus Clothesline! Tanaka works right back to his feet, but Raven gets behind him… RAVEN APPLIES THE COBRA CLUTCH!!!
Tanaka flails his arms around, attempting to break free, but the hold is locked in pretty tight. Raven slowly backs towards the corner, keeping the submission hold… AND NOW RAVEN CLIMBS TO THE TOP ROPE… KEEPING THE HOLD APPLIED…
RAVEN’S HANGING TANAKA IN A HUMAN NOOSE!!!
On instinct, Tanaka’s feet kick, until they find themselves able to plant on the middle rope. This stops the strangulation, and allows Tanaka to hit some Dangan Elbows to Raven’s head to break the Cobra Clutch completely. Then, in an amazing moment, TANAKA MANAGES TO MANEUVER 360 FLIP OVER RAVEN… USING HIS BODY AS A LEVERAGE…
ONLY TO THEN TAKE HIM DOWN WITH A TORNADO DDT THROUGH THE FUCKING TABLE!!!
It’s an epic moment for sure, and both men remain down amongst the shards of broken wood. A loud “ECDUB” chant comes from the crowd, appreciating what they’ve just seen. Finally, Tanaka gets back to his feet, and he signals to the crowd that it’s time for Complete Dust! Tanaka lifts Raven up… COMPLETE DUST (SITOUT SIDE POWERSLAM)!!!
NO!!! RAVEN GRABS HOLD OF TANAKA’S HEAD…
BRINGING HIM DOWN WITH AN EVENFLOW DDT ON THE BROKEN TABLE REMAINS!!!
The DDT spikes Tanaka to, as he lands right on his head, doing a handstand basically before collapsing. An exhausted RAVEN DRAPES AN ARM OVER THE CHEST OF TANAKA…1…2…3!!!
NO!!! THE COUNT STOPS AT TWO BECAUSE CYRUS HAS PULLED THE REFEREE FROM THE RING!!!
Wondering why the count stopped, Raven gets on his knees, looking around until he spots Cyrus with the ref on the outside. Frustration comes across Raven’s face before he lets out a scream as Cyrus smiles at him. The tortured soul can’t believe it, feeling hard done by… WHEN HE GETS NAILED WITH A DIVING DANGAN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL!!!
Raven took to long being distracted by Cyrus, allowing a dazed and confused Tanaka to recover. Cyrus allows the referee to get back in the ring… AS TANAKA PINS RAVEN…1…2…3!!!
Winner: Masato Tanaka
The win from Tanaka, who is usually a fan favourite, gets a mixed reaction due to the circumstances surrounding this victory. Tanaka kind of nods, almost as if he understands the reaction, as Cyrus heads to the top of the ramp, mic now in hand. Once Raven comes back to and begins to pull himself up, the gleeful Cyrus speaks.
Cyrus: Did you have a nice nap sunshine? Let me tell you something, Raven, you’re gonna’ have to do better than that to get back up in the rankings.
Heat from the crowd as Raven gets back to his feet, looking absolutely defeated.
Cyrus: Quote the Network…
A shit eating grin appears on Cyrus’ face.
Cyrus: You’re cancelled!
Cyrus laughs out loud, still wearing that shit eating grin, whilst Raven has no response, looking forlorn inside the ring…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
***
ECW HARDCORE HEAVEN
MAY 20TH, 2001
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
***
…
Sitting in front of the ECW makeshift interview set, with crooked ECW logo and black curtain hanging, is THE SANDMAN. With all his family trauma, he still looks as depressed as ever, whilst for effect, “Turn The Page” by Metallica lightly plays over the promo. After taking one long, last puff of his cigarette, Sandman begins.
The Sandman: I can’t believe this is happening again with my son, Tyler…
A sigh. A mixture of anguish and agony all over his expression and tone.
The Sandman: Everybody sees what they see in public, but there’s the battles behind closed doors that nobody has seen. It took forever to get the kid to even play outside after Raven brainwashed him. It didn’t matter what me or his mum tried, he never left his room.
Reliving these tough times is clearly painful for The Sandman.
The Sandman: We finally got him better and now, after all that struggle, Dustin Rhodes has done something to him. Somebody who was supposed to be my friend did something to my son and to make matters worse, this wasn’t just emotional turmoil like Raven caused. Dustin did what Raven never did, he put his hands on Tyler.
Suddenly, Sandman is trembling with rage.
The Sandman: Tyler blames me. Tyler won’t even talk to me now.
A single tear runs down the cheek of The Sandman.
The Sandman: I’m hurting like I’ve never hurt before. I’m not hurting because Dustin betrayed our friendship, I’m hurt because Tyler’s never going to be normal.
Is that guilt in The Sandman’s eyes?
The Sandman: Things have been taken away from my boy. He’s never going to be the captain of the football team. He’s never going to be prom king and he’s never going to be valedictorian. I can list all those things, and I can point fingers at Dustin. Hell, I could point fingers at Raven, or I could even point fingers at my ex-wife Lori all I want, but they are not the issue. As much as it pains me to say it, this is all my fault.
He looks down at the ground, downtrodden and clearly feeling guilty.
The Sandman: This brings me to my future in ECW, I honestly don’t know what that looks like right now. All I know is that it’s time for me to stop being Sandman the wrestler all the time, and start being Jim Fullington. Tyler’s father, the husband and the man.
Those are the words as he has for us, as he signals with his hand for the camera man to cut it…
…
Back at The Eagle’s Nest, where JOEY STYLES is silent for a few moments, completely taken aback by the version of The Sandman we all just saw.
Joey Styles: I have never seen The Sandman like that before. Even during the battles with Raven when Tyler was brainwashed, he wasn’t like this. The Sandman was never this distraught.
Joey looks emotional, feeling for Sandman.
Joey Styles: I can’t imagine the inner turmoil amongst this family right now. Years of this business have affected Tyler more than any barbed wire, more than any broken table and more than any Singapore Cane could do to The Sandman. It’s clear that’s what kills Jim Fullington, the father, the most.
On that depressing note, the show cuts to a break…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
Returning from the break, DANNY DORING is standing in a random hallway, obnoxiously chewing on some gum.
Danny Doring: Ever since I ditched that dead weight I keep getting asked why, so I’ll explain why I left Roadkill… Because he’s worthless.
A sinister look appears across Doring’s face as he shakes his head.
Danny Doring: And I’m going to prove it. Roadkill, I challenge you to a match next week on Hardcore TV.
The challenge has been made and now Doring is done, walking off screen…
…
We’re back at The Eagle’s Nest where JOEY STYLES has more to say before the next match.
Joey Styles: One of the partnerships we didn’t expect to see in ECW is the one between Curt Hennig and Eddie Guerrero. Their recent actions have them claiming to be above ECW, and their going around treating this company like their own personal playground.
Having given an intro for the featured team, we head to ringside for the next match…
…
Match Three
Christian York and Joey Matthews vs. Curt Hennig and Eddie Guerrero
York and Matthews try their hardest, they are as valiant as ever, but Eddie and Hennig are just to experienced and too good for them. After they establish their domination, Eddie has his way with Matthews… BEFORE EDDIE MONKEY FLIPS MATTHEWS ACROSS THE RING!!!
HENNIG CATCHES MATTHEWS AND DROPS HIM WITH A FALL AWAY SLAM…
SENDING MATTHEWS THROUGH THE ROPES AND INTO THE GUARD RAIL ON THE OUTSIDE!!!
After some epic teamwork, Hennig exits the ring, going after Matthews, whilst the fans start up an “ECDUB” chant for the nasty bump from Matthews. Hennig quickly goes over and picks up Matthews, who is barely a threat at this point… AND GETS HIM UP HIGH… HENNIG NAILS A FRONT SUPLEX…
SENDING MATTHEWS CRASHING GUT FIRST ACROSS THE CROWD BARRICADE!!!
Inside of the ring, Eddie is dominating York, NAILING HIM WITH THE THREE AMIGOS!!!
EDDIE FLOATS OVER INTO THE PIN…1…2…NO!!! EDDIE LIFTS YORK OFF THE MAT, DECIDING NOT TO FINISH THINGS OFF YET!!!
The referee is furious at Eddie wanting to inflict more punishment, but ‘Latino Heat’ pays him no attention. Having discarded Matthews, Hennig gets back in the ring and together, he and Eddie whip York into the ropes. When York comes back… EDDIE AND HENNIG HIT A DOUBLE DROPKICK!!!
With a smile on his face, Eddie does a little shimmy before calling for the finish, ascending to the top rope. Meanwhile, Hennig drags York up again… HENNIGPLEX!!!
Hennig quickly rolls away… AND EDDIE COMES CRASHING DOWN WITH THE FROG SPLASH ON YORK!!!
EDDIE REMAINS ON TOP FOR THE PIN…1…2…3!!!
Winners: Curt Hennig and Eddie Guerrero
Guerrero and Hennig celebrate together afterwards, getting booed after barely breaking a sweat. As the celebration continues…
???: Hey, Curt, Eddie, over here…
In the audience, our cameras pick up MONTY BROWN sitting with a microphone. He looks less than impressed as Eddie and Curt laugh at him once they spot him. He pays their reaction no attention.
Monty Brown: I had to catch you both because for weeks, to much has happened. Eddie, you’ve been dodging me and Curt, you’ve been punking me and it’s time you both got POOOUUUUUNNNNNCED out of ECW for good.
The fans like the sound of that, but Eddie and Hennig, not so much.
Monty Brown: I want no shenanigans, so I want both of you at the same time. I challenge you both to a Handicap match at Hardcore Heaven!
They actually seem interested in the challenge, two on one sounds good to them. Before they can respond, smiling yet again, “The Champs Is Here” interrupts, and the crowd gives a loud, positive reception as SAMOA JOE steps out onto the entrance stage. Eddie and Hennig look concerned at the appearance of Joe, whilst Monty Brown looks frustrated. Joe looks at all three men before speaking.
Samoa Joe: Monty, shut the fuck up before I choke you out again.
BIG pop, Monty is pissed. Eddie and Hennig point at Brown and laugh at him.
Samoa Joe: I don’t know what you two are laughing about but it won’t last. You see, I just got done talking to Paul E., and what I managed to do is make this deal Monty had a little sweeter. It’s not going to be a Handicap match; it will be Curt Hennig versus Eddie Guerrero versus Monty Brown versus Samoa Joe! Paul E.’s made it a Fatal Four Way at Hardcore Heaven and the winner will be the number one contender for the Television Title!!!
This gets another nice reaction from the crowd, and Eddie, Hennig and Brown all seem interested in the title opportunity.
Samoa Joe: We’re all here to win titles. My hopes and dreams are alive and well, but for you three. When it comes to your hopes and dreams…
Joe snickers to himself.
Samoa Joe: Well, Joe’s gonna’ kill them!
Joe’s music plays yet again, as he gives all three men a serious glare. Hennig and Eddie continue to dart their heads from side to side, looking at Joe and Brown, whilst Brown looks quietly pleased with the opportunity. With all four men having slightly different reactions, the show cuts to a break…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
Back from the break, we are at The Eagle’s Nest with JOEY STYLES once again.
Joey Styles: Still to come tonight, we’ve got Brian Lee versus Shane Douglas as well as CW Anderson versus Sabu in a ten minute challenge.
A quick pause before moving onto his next point.
Joey Styles: But before that, we’ve got the ECW Tag Team Championships on the line. The Impact Players defending against 2 Cold Scorpio and New Jack. Let’s see how this one came about…
…
***
Nah, we aren’t really ending the show without some PULP FICTION~! The familiar backing tune hits, and our first scene shows the new team of 2 COLD SCORPIO and NEW JACK out in the ghetto somewhere. Standing in front of a graffiti covered wall, Scorpio is doing some break dancing, impressing and teaching some inner city youths. Less of a credit to the community, Jack leans against the wall, smoking a joint in front of the kids.
Suddenly, it seems that Jack notices the camera, and he stands straight.
New Jack: It’s four twenty so we about to shoot our shot. Impact Players, Justin Credible and Lance Storm, you the tag champs, we’re the number one contenders. Let’s get this going, we challenge you to a match next week.
Jack pauses, mainly to take a puff of his joint. Scorpio has stopped dancing now, simply listening.
New Jack: Because it’s about time some nikkaz get the gold back son.
Jack and Scorpio are challenging the tag champs. Will they accept?
…
In a random hallway in the back, the ECW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE IMPACT PLAYERS are standing by. JUSTIN CREDIBLE and LANCE STORM seem in good moods, as does the lovely DAWN MARIE. Credible decides to do the talking for the team.
Justin Credible: Let me make one thing clear, we aren’t afraid of anybody, no matter colour or size. What I’m trying to say is we accept New Jack and Scorpio’s challenge for next week.
Storm nods in agreement as Dawn twirls her hair.
Dawn Marie: Hmm, interesting. I’ve never been with a black guy before…
Dawn bites her finger seductively, when Storm taps her on the head, unhappy with her intrusive thoughts…
***
Match Four
ECW World Tag Team Championship Match
The Impact Players (c) w/Dawn Marie defending against 2 Cold Scorpio and New Jack
The champions enter first, with Credible and Storm waiting for the challengers, when New Jack and Scorpio do make their way out. The champs look nervous as the challengers make their way out, Scorpio dancing on the ramp, having a good time, whilst Jack pushes down his shopping cart full of weapons. Once he makes it to ringside, Jack starts hurling weapons from his cart inside the ring, with The Impact Players having to dodge the weapons as best they can.
Just as it looks like Jack and Scorpio are about to enter the ring… THEY GET ATTACKED FROM BEHIND…
BY THE HARRIS TWINS!!!
RON HARRIS AND DON HARRIS ARE ARMED WITH LEATHER WHIPS AND THEY ARE WHIPPING THE HELL OUT OF SCORPIO AND JACK!!!
The onslaught continues for around two minutes, with Jack and Scorpio getting absolutely warn out. Both men have blood leaking from multiple lacerations over their bodies, as The Twins now pick up Scorpio and roll him inside the ring. Despite the referee’s pleas, with a shrug of his shoulders, CREDIBLE DROPS DOWN AND PINS SCORPIO…1…2…3!!!
Winners: The Impact Players
The fans really aren’t all that happy, as this match was ruined thanks to The Harris Twins. Getting heat from the fans, The Impact Players simply grab their titles and hightail it through their crowd, feeling like this isn’t really their fight. Once the champs are gone, Ron Harris slides into the ring, still armed with his whip. He wraps the whip around the neck of Scorpio… AND HARRIS THROWS SCORPIO OVER THE TOP ROPE… HANGING ONTO THE WHIP WRAPPED AROUND OF HIS NECK… HANGING HIM!!!
On the outside of the ring, Don Harris HAS THROWN JACK OVER THE CROWD BARRICADE AND INTO THE CROWD!!!
Despite being outnumbered, Don climbs into the crowd as well, and now he wraps his whip around Jack’s neck… DON HARRIS STARTS DRAGGING NEW JACK THROUGH THE CROWD…
IT’S LIKE THE HARRIS TWINS ARE A LYNCH MOB!!!
Hopefully Chelsea Handler isn’t reading this. Anyway, with the segment becoming a bit much, the show cuts away…
…
Up at The Eagle’s Nest JOEY STYLES looks appalled at what we’ve just seen.
Joey Styles: I want to take this moment to apologise to the viewers at home for the horrible actions of The Harris Twins. What I don’t understand is how people that are supposedly representing The Network can do something like that?
Confusion is written all over the face of Styles now.
Joey Styles: And don’t think I’ve forgotten about Justin Credible and Lance Storm either. Those two are just as bad for standing back and letting it happen.
Before Styles can continue, the entire show goes into static for a few seconds…
…
Just as we think there might be technical difficulties, the broadcast is interrupted by HYPE CENTRAL with JOEL GERTNER.
Joel Gertner: It is I, the quintessential stud muffin, Joel Gertner… We’re here at Hype Central and I have two guests ready to join me tonight, Sid and Don West!!!
Both DON WEST and SID step into shot, honestly not looking overly pleased to be there. The arrogant Gertner pays their expressions no attention.
Joel Gertner: My first question is for you, Sid. Have you been avoiding Scott Norton with all talk and no walk?
Sid fumes at this and Gertner gets scared. West puts a hand on Sid’s chest, calming him down, before pulling an image out of his pocket. West shows Gertner an updated X Ray of Sid’s leg taken earlier in the week.
Don West: As you can see, Sid’s leg is still healing. You can still see the break in the bones after the horrific incident back at WCW Sin in January.
Sid takes the mic now, with Gertner trembling like a leaf.
Sid: Nobody is more frustrated with the waiting game than I am. When my leg is healed, I will prove why I am THE MASTER and the ruler of the world. No Lariat or arm wrestling match is going to stop me from killing Scott Norton!
Well, that will do for Hype Central, as the show cuts to another break, Gertner still looking petrified being so close to an annoyed Sid…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
Returning from the break, we get a pre-taped segment from earlier in the week. Dressed in casual clothing, sitting on a couch in a living room is ‘The Franchise’, SHANE DOUGLAS.
Shane Douglas: A lot of people still don’t understand my hatred for Ric Flair, so I wanted to take this time to calmly explain. What people don’t understand is I haven’t just hated Flair for years because he was the champion of another wrestling promotion, this dates back to my days in the early WCW. People don’t remember this, but when I was in WCW, Flair was in a position of power, and I was held down by Ric Flair. He hated rookies like me who had the talent and charisma Flair wished he had.
LOL, even writing this makes me laugh. Settle down, Shane. Whilst he looks annoyed, with no adrenaline pumping, sitting in the comfort of his own home, Douglas maintains his cool.
Shane Douglas: The legend of Ric Flair, the man some call the greatest professional wrestler of all time, it’s all a mirage. It’s all smoke and mirrors. Flair only looked good in the 80’s because he feuded with greats like Steamboat, greats like Dusty and greats like Harley Race. Then he went and created The Four Horsemen and surrounded himself with greats like the Anderson’s, greats like Tully Blanchard, and greats like Barry Windham.
Douglas chuckles to himself, shaking his head as he runs a hand over the stubble on his cheek.
Shane Douglas: I would say Flair isn’t a great wrestler, he’s just a tremendous businessman who made very intelligent decisions. Look how exposed he was when he went to the WWF without his support system. That’s why he later returned to WCW.
Another pause from Douglas, who believes every word he is saying.
Shane Douglas: Flair went back to WCW with his tail between his legs because he realised that everybody was smartening up to the fact he wasn’t the great wrestler everyone thought.
One last pause, as Douglas’ face tightens now, leaning forward in his chair.
Shane Douglas: Now I know there are some fans who never smartened up. And for a majority of those fans left who continue to worship him, enjoy these last few weeks because ‘The Franchise’ ends the lie at Hardcore Heaven.
‘The Franchise’ continues to sit in his chair, as serious as a heart attack as we cut away…
…
Now we get another pretape, this time we see RIC FLAIR, sitting in his locker room, which is a lot more extravagant than Douglas’. Similarly, Flair is in his version of casual clothing, which means an Armani knit, and a Rolex on his arm, looking every bit ‘The Nature Boy’ even in his own home.
Ric Flair: I know the way Shane Douglas frames this story between he and I. He frames me as a villain and refers to an incident from the late 80’s.
Flair lets those words sink in, shaking his head a little, clearly disagreeing with Douglas’ version of events.
Ric Flair: Douglas is nothing, but a liar and I want to explain what actually happened. I simply offered advice on how to get over, I was trying to help a lost, young kid find his way in this business. Clearly, and the proof is in the pudding, but he never took my advice since he spent two years on a skateboard with Johnny Ace, and another six months mooching off of the tail end of Steamboat’s career.
Whoa, Flair isn’t holding back either here.
Ric Flair: Shane Douglas was nothing until he came to ECW and started spewing his lies. He only has a career because he’s badmouthed me for the better part of a decade now. That doesn’t make him a pro wrestler, it makes him a professional liar. Hell, maybe he should start a dirt sheet because it makes him a fucking gossip columnist.
‘The Nature Boy’ shakes his head again, looking appalled at the thought of Douglas’ actions.
Ric Flair: Now we find ourselves in the same company, finally, and on a collision course that can’t be avoided. All the gossip, all the rumours, and all the bullshit comes to an end at Hardcore Heaven when ‘The Nature Boy’ proves once and for all that he still is… by god… WOOOOOOOOOOOOO… he is still the man.
Getting slightly red faces as he finished up with some excitement, Flair continues to look serious, as we cut away…
…
Match Five
‘Bulldozer’ Brian Lee vs. ‘The Franchise’ Shane Douglas w/Francine
Both men are inside the ring, but before the match can begin, Douglas gets a microphone. He puts his hands up, pleading that Lee lets him get something off his chest. A stoic Lee just remains still, allowing it to happen.
Shane Douglas: Look, Brian, everybody knows we have a history, especially against Tommy Dreamer so this doesn’t need to happen. I have an opportunity for you to come and take your spot back in The Triple Threat. What do you say?
Douglas drops the mic and offers his hand to Lee… AND LEE SURPRISINGLY ACCEPTS THE HANDSHAKE!!!
ONLY TO PULL DOUGLAS INTO A SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE!!!
The fans cheer the swerve as it looks like Lee is staying on the ‘good’ side of things tonight. Douglas rolls around in pain, grabbing at hic neck after the shock Clothesline. Meanwhile, Lee wants to end this quick, showing his hand to the fans, signalling for the Primetime Slam (Chokeslam). Once Douglas gets up, Lee wraps his hand around Douglas’ throat… PRIMETIME SLAM!!!
NO!!! BEFORE HE GETS LIFTED UP, DOUGLAS KICKS LEE BELOW THE BELT!!!
Groans and moans come from the audience and from Lee, as he immediately let’s go of Douglas. ‘The Franchise’ grabs Lee before he can fall to the canvas… BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX!!!
DOUGLAS HOOKS THE LEG…1…2…NO!!! LEE SHOOTS A SHOULDER OFF THE MAT!!!
Douglas takes a few moments to argue with the referee, who confirms it’s only a two count. After not changing the ref’s mind, Douglas focuses on Lee again, slowly bringing him back to his feet. Lee explodes and shrugs Douglas off of him though, hammering away with some right hands. With Douglas backing away, creating some space, Lee charges forward… LEE NAILS DOUGLAS WITH A BIG BOOT…
SENDING DOUGLAS TUMBLING THROUGH THE ROPES AND TO THE OUTSIDE!!!
On the outside, a frantic Francine somehow runs over in those heels, checking on Douglas. The Head Cheerleader helps Douglas to his feet, and they look to regroup, when Lee reaches over the ropes, grabbing Douglas by the hair and pulling him onto the apron. As Lee’s still bent through the ropes, dragging Douglas up… DOUGLAS HITS A FLASH SWINGING NECKBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE!!!
The move causes Lee’s neck to hit the ropes and he stumbles forward. Douglas quickly slides back into the ring from the apron, and hits a Missile Dropkick to Lee’s back! The blow causes Lee to stumble further forward, eventually falling forwards and he gets himself tangled into the ropes. A dangerous look comes across Douglas’ eyes, as he looks at Francine and yells, “NOW, DO IT NOW”!!! Nobody really understands what the order is, except for Francine, who hurries over to Lee.
Once she’s there, she doesn’t hit him, instead pulling out of her top, which wasn’t just containing DEM TITS, but also some HANDCUFFS! Much to the dismay of the fans, FRANCINE HANDCUFFS LEE TO THE ROPES HE’S TANGLED IN!!!
With Lee trapped, Douglas has a smirk on his face, as he slowly digs into his boot, pulling out a STEEL CHAIN. The referee’s pleas are being ignored as Douglas wraps the chain around his fist. He slowly heads towards the stuck Lee, but Lee leans back into the ropes, allowing him to swing his legs, kicking at Douglas, preventing him from getting close. As Douglas tries to find a way to get at Lee… TOMMY DREAMER SLIDES INTO THE RING AND HE’S ARMED WITH A STEEL CHAIR!!!
As soon as Dreamer gets up… DOUGLAS PUNCHES THE CHAIR WITH HIS CHAIN WRAPPED FIST…
SENDING THE CHAIR CRASHING BACK INTO DREAMER’S FACE!!!
Well, that backfired for Tommy. Lee continues to struggle, attempting to break free from the handcuffs, but he’s unable to do so. This time Douglas is able to get at Lee… AND DOUGLAS JUST PUMMELS LEE WITH UNPROTECTED PUNCHES TO THE SKULL WITH HIS CHAIN WRAPPED FIST!!!
Douglas beats Lee to a pulp, with blood gushing from a nasty cut on Lee’s forehead. With Lee basically being out of it, Douglas instructs Francine and she gets onto the apron, unlocking the handcuffs. Lee immediately collapses to the mat, but Douglas grabs him… SNAP PILEDRIVER!!!
Lee is barely conscious after that, but Douglas isn’t finished, refusing to go for the pin. Instead, he drags Lee up by the hair, holding him up and getting right in his face, “THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT”! The intense Douglas signals for The Franchiser… AND GOES FOR THE FRANCHISER!!!
NO!!! DOUGLAS GETS TRIPPED BY TOMMY DREAMER!!!
Dreamer grabs both legs to trip Douglas and then mounts him, hammering away with right hands. Douglas gets some time on top too, the two long time rivals rolling around on the canvas in a fiery brawl. Dreamer manages to get the upper hand, mauling Douglas again with rights, in a full mount position. Dreamer then manages to rip the steel chain off Douglas’ fist, and Dreamer wraps it around his own.
DREAMER NOW TEES OFF ON DOUGLAS, PUNCHING HIM REPEATEDLY IN THE FACE WITH DOUGLAS’ OWN STEEL CHAIN!!!
Eventually Dreamer relents, shaking out his fist, probably having worn out his own knuckles. Tommy brings Shane to his feet and whips him towards the ropes. Douglas bounces off the ropes and comes back; Dreamer hits a Lariat!!! No, Douglas ducks the Lariat… AND COMES BACK AT TOMMY WITH A HIGH KNEE!!!
NO!!! TOMMY SIDESTEPS IT…
AND THEN HOISTS DOUGLAS ONTO HIS SHOULDERS… SPICOLI DRIVER!!!
NO!!! THE SECOND CITY SAINTS SLIDE INTO THE RING WITH STEEL CHAIRS!!!
This forces Dreamer to quickly let Douglas off his shoulders, so he can fight off CM PUNK and COLT CABANA. Tommy does well initially, fighting them both off, but the numbers get the better of him, with Punk and Cabana eventually overwhelming Dreamer. Getting back to his feet, Douglas barks some orders at The Saints, who continue to decimate Dreamer. As this is happening, somehow Lee has crawled to the corner and used the ropes to pull himself back to his feet.
Still out of it though, Lee stumbles out of the corner, bleeding profusely. He throws some phantom punches, doing his best to stay in the fight, but he’s nowhere near landing on anybody. As Lee stumbles further forward, Douglas catches him without hesitation… THE FRANCHISER CONNECTS!!!
DOUGLAS MAKES THE COVER…1…2…3!!!
Winner: Shane Douglas
The heat is deafening and with Lee and Dreamer down, the celebration is over the top. The Saints place Douglas up on their shoulders, parading him around the ring, acting as if they’ve just won the Super Bowl. Having played a role in this, the scantily clad Francine gets into the ring to join the celebration, but an annoyed Punk quickly points at her, “GET OUT OF THE RING… GO WAIT IN THE LOCKER ROOM”!
A little taken aback by the order, Francine does as she’s told and leaves. Finally, Douglas gets put back down and they aren’t done, as Punk and Cabana pick up Lee, ALLOWING DOUGLAS TO LOCK IN A FULL NELSON!!!
Lee screams in pain, his injured collarbone, jaw and neck being stretched out. Douglas shows no signs of stopping, until Dreamer slides back into the ring, armed with a STEEL CHAIR. Before Dreamer can do any damage, Douglas and The Saints escape the ring. Dreamer furiously invites them back in, but The Triple Threat back up the ramp, all smiles, proud of what they’ve accomplished tonight…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
Back from the break, we head to The Eagle’s Nest to hear from JOEY STYLES one last time tonight.
Joey Styles: We’re moments away from our main event tonight, but I want to turn our attention towards next week’s Hardcore TV. Next week’s ECW will be live from the Hammerstein Ballroom!
Joey smiles, looking forward to returning to another of the famous ECW spots.
Joey Styles: We’ve got a stacked card for next week’s show. The challenge has been accepted and the former partners, Danny Doring and Roadkill will do battle! Our main event tonight is CW Anderson against Sabu in a ten minute challenge, and if Sabu wins, we’ll have Sabu versus Jerry Lynn next week. I can also confirm two other matches that have just been signed, we’ll try and get this one right this time as there will be a rematch between The Impact Players and 2 Cold Scorpio and New Jack!!! And last but certainly not least, Raven will face a variety of unknown opponents in a Gauntlet Match!!!
Well, it turns out next week is a stacked show. Joey is excited!
Joey Styles: That’s for next week, but first, we’ve got the main event of tonight’s show, CW Anderson versus Sabu in a ten minute challenge, and it’s NEXT!!!
…
Match Six
Ten Minute Challenge
CW Anderson w/Cyrus vs. Sabu
As the wrestlers are making their entrances, on commentary, Joey Styles reminds the viewers at home of the ten minute challenge stipulation. It means that if Sabu can beat CW within ten minutes, Cyrus has agreed to grant Sabu a rematch against Jerry Lynn next week. Whilst Sabu is already in the ring, armed with a steel chair, Styles also questions the conspicuous absence of Bill Alfonso. Of course, Anderson has Cyrus with him, and as CW makes it to ringside, Sabu climbs up top, holding the chair under his ass… SABU LEAPS OFF THE TOP… STARTING THE MATCH WITH AN ARABIAN FACEBUSTER ON THE OUTSIDE!!!
There’s an epic pop from the fans as Sabu starts this one off in style. Getting back to his feet, albeit gingerly, SABU SHOVES CYRUS, CAUSING HIM TO COMICALLY FALL ON HIS ASS!!!
Sabu then picks up Anderson and rolls him inside the ring, sliding the chair back inside the ring as well, Sabu follows him in… SABU GETS THE LATERAL PRESS…1…2…NO!!! CW GETS A SHOULDER UP!!!
Sabu stomps away at CW, trying to keep the bigger man down on the canvas. He then turns his attention towards the steel chair, picking it up, looking to use it again… SABU TURNS INTO AN ANDERSON KNOCK OUT LEFT HAND!!!
Sabu drops the chair and falls to the canvas, with Anderson now able to shake out the cobwebs and take control. As expected, CW goes straight for a limb, locking Sabu in a SCISSORED ARM BAR!!!
CW really applies pressure, unable to get the submission yet, but at the very least, he’s softening the arm for later. Eventually, Anderson loses patience and gives up on the submission, dragging Sabu back to his feet. ‘The Enforcer’ sends Sabu bouncing off the ropes, and when Sabu comes back, CW drops to his knees… CATCHING SABU INTO A FIREMAN’S CARRY…
WHICH HE THEN TURNS INTO AN ARM BREAKER!!!
All Sabu can do is scream in agony, whilst Cyrus looks impressed from the outside. Getting back up, Anderson performs his usual bit, making out the letters CW with his fingers. The fans don’t like it, booing him, whilst Cyrus tries to drown out the fans by clapping rapidly. Anderson gets a little carried away focusing on the fans, taking a little to long, and when he looks to turn back to Sabu, Sabu meets him with a Front Dropkick to the knees!!!
The blow takes out the legs of Anderson, causing him to drop to his knees. THIS ALLOWS SABU TO TEE OFF WITH JAPANESE STYLE KICKS TO THE HEAD AND CHEST OF ANDERSON!!!
Remaining on his knees, Anderson is dazed, allowing Sabu to grab the steel chair and place it in a seated position, just in front of CW. As Anderson starts staggering to his feet, Sabu runs forward, using the chair as a platform to leap high… AIR SABU!!!
NO!!! ANDERSON STANDS UP… CATCHES SABU IN MID AIR…
AND DRILLS HIM WITH A SPINEBUSTER THROUGH THE FUCKING CHAIR!!!
It’s an extremely nasty spot, and Sabu rolls around, grabbing at his back. Anderson remains down to, albeit less worse for wear than Sabu, as the show cuts to the final break of the evening…
*COMMERCIAL BREAK*
As we return from the break, both men are outside the ring now, with CW Anderson in complete control. After landing a few right hands… ANDERSON LIFTS SABU IN A GORILLA PRESS POSITION…
BEFORE DROPPING HIM CHEST FIRST ACROSS THE STEEL GUARD RAIL!!!
With Sabu reeling on the outside, on commentary, Joey Styles reminds us that there is about three minutes left on the clock. Anderson doesn’t have to win within ten minutes, so he’ll be happy to take his time, but we all know Sabu needs to win within the timeframe. Anderson just punishes Sabu now, PUTTING HIS FOOT ON THE BACK OF SABU’S NECK AND GRINDING HIS FACE INTO THE CONCRETE FLOOR!!!
After enjoying the torture for a little while, Anderson surprisingly picks up Sabu and rolls him back inside of the ring. CW follows Sabu inside the ring but before doing anything, he performs the cutthroat taunt, announcing to the crowd that he’s going to look for his patented Exploder Suplex. Picking Sabu up, Anderson whips him off the ropes… SABU COMES BACK WITH A HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN OUT OF NOWHERE!!!
Shocked and annoyed, CW bounces right back to his feet, and darts at CW, but Sabu uses Anderson’s momentum to pick him up… SABU HITS THE ARABIAN PILEDRIVER!!!
CW is down, but the move was clearly out of desperation, and Sabu lays back down on the mat as well. There’s about one minute and a half left on the clock. Freaking out a little at how close this is getting, Cyrus starts waving his arms frantically, and suddenly THE NETWORK starts running out from the back. That’s JACK VICTORY, JERRY LYNN, STEVIE RICHARDS and THE HARRIS TWINS!!!
Just as The Network slide into the ring, ready to attack Sabu… THE LIGHTS IN THE ARENA GO OUT!!!
The fans know something is about to go down, buzzing and cheering like crazy, and when the lights come back on… ROB VAN DAM is standing inside of the ring. The roof almost blows off the arena at the appearance of Van Dam, as Victory runs at him… RVD NAILS VICTORY WITH A SPINNING HEEL KICK!!!
RVD gets right back to his feet… BUT RICHARDS HITS HIM WITH A SUPERKICK!!!
NO!!! RVD DUCKS!!!
When Richards quickly spins around to face Van Dam again… RVD MONKEY FLIPS RICHARDS THROUGH THE ROPES AND TO THE OUTSIDE!!!
Quickly picking up the steel chair as he gets back to his feet… RVD CATCHES A CHARGING DON HARRIS WITH A CHAIR SHOT TO THE SKULL!!!
RVD then tosses the chair to Ron Harris, who catches it on instinct… MAFIA KICK FROM RVD SENDS THE CHAIR SMASHING INTO RON’S FACE!!!
RVD is taking out the entire Network, as now he goes face to face with his longtime rival, Jerry Lynn. Much to the dismay of the fans, the TV Champ shakes his head, dropping down and exiting the ring to go and stand with Cyrus. With a shrug of his shoulders, RVD leaps to the top rope, points his thumbs to his shoulders so the fans can chant “ROB… VAN…DAM” and RVD leaps off the top… FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH TO CW ANDERSON!!!
RVD grabs at his mid-section briefly, feeling the impact of the big Splash. There’s less than ten seconds on the clock, as RVD grabs Sabu’s arm… RVD DRAGS SABU’S ARM ACROSS THE CHEST OF CW ANDERSON…
THAT’S A PIN…1…2…3!!!
THE CLOCK EXPIRES… JUST AFTER THE COUNT!!!
Winner: Sabu
After the match, the crowd loses it, letting off the LOUDEST pop of the night because Sabu has successfully completed the ten minute challenge. RVD is pumped as well, having made his own success return, whilst on commentary, Joey Styles mentions that Paul Heymans veiled reference to 4:20 last week now makes a lot of sense. Cyrus and Lynn both look mortified in the aisle, as the rest of The Network start to recover after being taken apart by Van Dam.
As The Network members who got discarded during the match huddle up at ringside, Sabu uses one of the chairs earlier to step onto the chair, then leap on the top rope… COMING OFF WITH A TRIPLE JUMP MOONSAULT TAKING OUT THE NETWORK!!!
A big pop comes from the crowd as an impressed RVD applauds his friend from ringside. After being absent throughout, BILL ALFONSO comes out, most likely being behind the arena lights coming on and off. Fonzie jumps around, getting right in the face of Cyrus on the aisle, blowing his whistle like an annoying maniac of course. On the rampway, the ECW Champion STEVE CORINO has stepped out, wearing the title around his waist.
Staring into the ring at RVD, Corino has worry written all over his face. RVD sees the reaction and confidently smirks, leaping to the top rope, where he points his thumbs to himself, the fans starting a “ROB VAN DAM” chant. With the fans chanting like crazy, Corino looking concerned and Van Dam confirmed as the number one contender, the show comes to an end…
…
Except of course for the obligatory PULP FICTION~! This week’s Pulp Fiction starts off with MONTY BROWN, standing in front of a concession stand.
Monty Brown: I heard everything that big mouth, Joe had to say. The only thing Joe’s gonna’ kill is his chances of having a future in this business by fucking with The Alpha Male.
Short and to the point from the intense Brown, who doesn’t even bother to mention his other two opponents…
…
Relaxing in the back after barely breaking a sweat, THE IMPACT PLAYERS chill with their ECW Tag Team Championships on full display. JUSTIN CREDIBLE, LANCE STORM and DAWN MARIE all look happy with how tonight went.
Justin Credible: There’s a saying in sport that rings true which is that you can only beat the team put in front of you. We feel no shame in taking a much needed win. We didn’t ask or need The Harris Twins to get involved and we gladly accept the rematch next week against Scorpio and New Jack.
Storm just nods, nothing to add, when the ditzy yet sexy Dawn Marie cocks her head to the side.
Dawn Marie: Umm, can I be with a black guy yet?
Dawn asks the question innocently enough, but Storm jumps to his feet, ready to lose it. Before we can see his reaction, the scene cuts away…
…
Inside a locker room, THE TRIPLE THREAT stand, with SHANE DOUGLAS, CM PUNK and COLT CABANA still obviously in celebration mode. When FRANCINE walks in, she looks less than impressed, clearing her throat to interrupt the festivities.
Francine: What the hell was that out there, Punk? Can any of you tell me why I was sent to the back again?
Douglas looks a little uncomfortable, whilst The Saints don’t respond at all at first, although Punk smirks.
Shane Douglas: Francine, it was-…
CM Punk: I’ve got this, Franchise. It’s bad enough stripper trash gets paid for being here, taking money out of our wallets and food off of our plates. You don’t need to be out there, in the ring, because that’s where the men belong.
Francine looks offended, but nobody says anything, so Punk continues.
CM Punk: We all know that you’re only good for one thing, Francine. And from what I hear, from MULTIPLE sources, you can’t even do that right.
Wow. Punk isn’t holding back. Francine is furious, hands on hips, Cabana remains silent, and Douglas isn’t sure what to do. With the tense situation not settling down, the scene cuts away…
…
Sitting inside his home in Texas, long horns stuck to the wall in the background, is a contemplative DUSTIN RHODES.
Dustin Rhodes: I’ve had a lot of time to think about things during my suspension. I will back at ECW next week and what I have to say next week will cause The Sandman to never, I repeat never, EVER forget the name of…
Rhodes sucks in air, reminiscent of his Goldust character, except with less theatrics.
Dustin Rhodes: The boy who was taken… Tyler Fullington…
Eerie from Rhodes, who continues to relax in his home as the screen cuts…
…
Sitting in a corner of a locker room, looking depressed is SPIKE DUDLEY. Spike looks down at the ground, mumbling to himself but whatever he’s muttering isn’t able to be caught by the cameras. Suddenly, the camera pans out to reveal BIG DICK DUDLEY is also in the locker room, looking irate and pacing back and forth.
Big Dick Dudley: I’m a Dudley, he’s a Dudley. Wouldn’t you like to be a Dudley too? You’re not Dudleyz, you’re COWARDS!!!
Big Dick sends a direct message to his half-brothers, before we head to our next promo…
…
A bloodied and beaten TOMMY DREAMER walks arm in arm with BEULAH MCGILLICUTTY, and together they are accompanying and even bloodier, BRIAN LEE to the parking lot. Dreamer and Beulah help Lee into the ambulance and then close the doors. Once the doors are closed, Dreamer looks towards Beulah, looking lost as he sighs.
Tommy Dreamer: What the fuck am I gonna’ do now?
Beulah puts a supportive hand on his shoulder.
Beulah McGillcutty: Tommy, you could always make a certain phone call…
Dreamer shakes his head defiantly.
Tommy Dreamer: No way.
With the couple in disagreement, they begin to walk away from the parking lot, where the scene comes to an end
…
Inside a locker room, after their successful evening, having showered up, CURT HENNIG and EDDIE GUERRERO are in the process of putting the finishing touches on their outfits for the evening. As they do, Hennig looks over at his running buddy.
Curt Hennig: It’s funny, Joe thinks he did something, but all he really did was do us a favour. We walked all over WCW and the WWF; we’ve done it all. We’ve been all over Mexico and Japan, as for ECW, this is nothing but a pitstop before heading back to the WWF
Eddie nods in agreement.
Eddie Guerrero: That’s right, esse. Imagine the reaction we’ll get. It’ll be a pleasure for one of us to take the TV Title to Vince McMahon and lay it on his desk.
The two both share a devilish look, bad, selfish intentions as we cut away…
…
Right after the main event, STEVE CORINO sprints through the curtain and the Gorilla Position. He continues through the backstage area, in a panic, screaming to himself.
Steve Corino: HOW THE HELL IS RVD BACK? I DON’T WANT TO FACE RVD!!!
As Corino continues to run around like a headless chicken, CYRUS appears. He’s limping slightly, trying to chase after Corino.
Cyrus: Steve, you need to calm down…
Corino doesn’t calm down though, and Cyrus looks worried as the scene ends…
…
Somewhere in the back, THE SINISTER MINISTER stands in front of a blackboard, where written in big letters are “SPELLING BEE”. TSM is clearly the moderator, whilst opponents, sitting on opposite sides of the room are ERIC ANGLE, accompanied by his chocolate gold medals, and TAJIRI.
The Sinister Minister: Eric, your next word is failure…
Eric closes his eyes and rubs his temple, thinking hard.
Eric Angle: F…A…L…
TSM steps in.
The Sinister Minister: No, sorry, Eric, that’s wrong. Tajiri, spell failure…
Tajiri thinks for a moment.
Tajiri: E…R…I…C…That… Spell… Failure…
Embarrassed and pissed off, Angle clutches his chocolate gold medals to himself, whilst Tajiri and Minister laugh together…
…
The last scene we get for Pulp Fiction is similar to last week. BILL ALFONSO is moving around like usual, blowing his shrill whistle. Meanwhile, SABU stands still, pointing to the sky. The only difference is this week ROB VAN DAM is also in the shot, pointing his thumbs to himself. And with this image, the show fades to black…
*END OF SHOW*
ECW Hardcore Heaven
May 20th, 2001
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
War Memorial Auditorium
ECW World Heavyweight Championship Match:
Steve Corino (c) defends against Rob Van Dam
The Ultimate Grudge Match:
Ric Flair vs. Shane Douglas
The Second City Saints vs. Tommy Dreamer and ???
Winner Is Number One Contender for ECW Television Championship;
Fatal Four Way Match:
Curt Hennig vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Monty Brown vs. Samoa Joe
