"ECW" 7-4-06 Talkback (Spoilers)

[The Penguin]

On Sunday, Rob Van Dam and Sabu were arrested on drug charges (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=169601) in Ohio. On Monday, RVD lost the WWE Championship to Edge (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?t=169628) in Philadelphia. On Tuesday, ECW is still in Philadelphia with their first show all by their lonesome. What will happen to RVD tonight?


http://www.wwe.com/content/media/touts/feature/29062/3003542Heyman to address ECW World Heavyweight Championship
July 4, 2006

Last night on RAW, Edge captured the WWE Championship by defeating Rob Van Dam in a Triple Threat Match. As a result of last night’s show, the state of tonight’s edition of ECW on Sci Fi is up in the air.

ECW.com has learned that ECW representative Paul Heyman will open the show by addressing the status of the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, which as of this moment is still held by Rob Van Dam.

Also, ECW.com can confirm that vivacious exhibitionist Kelly is promising to provide a special salute to America on this 4th of July.

[VCXZX]

Looks like Big Show is your new ECW champ.

[Matt Hazuda]

And RVD will have his ECW title dropped to Big Show tonight. Way to set up the fix as early as possible Vince!

Thank God they're getting one of the most painful segments of ECW out of the way as soon as possible. Kelly kills any and all momentum the show has with her show.

Now this is how an ECW crowd should be! No stupid kids or fat chicks disrespecting the show.

[VCXZX]

That Mike Knox match was very boring/awful. At least the crowd made up for it.

[EinBebop]

And Philadelphia has officially rejected Mike Knox.

"...A place where big guys get spots they haven't earned?" That reeks of a shoot.

[Matt Hazuda]

And Vince was definately feeding lines to Tazz :D

[Batmex]

Is it me or is RVD looking/sounding "Fuzzy" in his dialogues? did he take one last "smoke" before jobbing to Big Show?

[EinBebop]

Hey! The preacher guy is DeVito from Ring of Honor!

[VCXZX]

I guess that "man of the cloth" was another one-week gimmick. There should be someone like that in ECW. Someone who would get big-time heat for his straight-edge lifestyle.

I'm talking about CM Punk of course.

[BigLouMan20]

It was only a matter of time before Sci-Fi freaked out. ;)

[EinBebop]

Test is a pretty boy now? Are they going to try to recreate Tommy Dreamer?

[Condiment King]

I guess that "man of the cloth" was another one-week gimmick. There should be someone like that in ECW. Someone who would get big-time heat for his straight-edge lifestyle.

I'm talking about CM Punk of course.
"Straight Edge means I'm drug-free, alcohol-free, and better than you!"

[bigddan11]

Break out the mute. We, the official representatives of NBC Universal, are highly offended at the ECW crowd reavtion tonight on Sci- Fi. At least that's what I suspect they'll be saying. It looks like we're going to be getting Test as a replacement for RVD in the future. Was that new music for Test, because I didn't recognize it. Sabu still got on the camera (even though it was a recording), but will this be the last time he gets to appear? I said it last week, and I'll say it again- drop the dumb Kelly routine already.

I had to love the crowds reaction to Test though. "You use steroids! You use steroids!"

And now all the CM Punk fans must be happy. He's finally appeared, and that could mean he'll be wrestling as early as next week.

[Condiment King]

Oh the debut of CM Punk AND he's using the straight edge gimmick. Awesome. I'M STRAIGHT EDGE.

[VCXZX]

About damn time Punk debuts.

Hopefully he'll be the new face of ECW (as a heel). I'm glad he's keeping the straight-edge gimmick too.

[EinBebop]

Sorry to multiple-post... I usually don't have that much to say. But...

Punk TOTALLY should've called out RVD.

[Condiment King]

Sorry to multiple-post... I usually don't have that much to say. But...

Punk TOTALLY should've called out RVD.
In retrospect, that would have been brillant. =[

[Djm912]

Sorry to multiple-post... I usually don't have that much to say. But...

Punk TOTALLY should've called out RVD.

In the old ECW, he would've.

Give it time.

[bigddan11]

The announcer's waiting until everyone's in the ring to announce the championship match-ups are getting annoying (even if it's only the first week of doing so) already. I hope they get back to announcing them as they come out to the ring soon (as the current format only stalls time and gives you minutes of nothing).

[Djm912]

The announcer's waiting until everyone's in the ring to announce the championship match-ups are getting annoying (even if it's only the first week of doing so) already. I hope they get back to announcing them as they come out to the ring soon (as the current format only stalls time and gives you minutes of nothing).

It's done in every other company in the world for the title matches. I, personally, like it. It gives the main event a more 'big-time' feel.

[Matt Hazuda]

I prefer it as well. It just adds to the importance of a title match.

I wonder if it'll be used on any non-title main events or just when a belt is defended.

[Djm912]

The moral of this episode of ECW.

Whether you're CM Punk or Rob Van Dam.

Just say No to drugs.

[VCXZX]

Well, the ending saved the awful match as Heyman turned on RVD. The Marjuana chant, and the crowd throwing garbage in the ring were unique moments.

They do need Angle back to feud with Show since apparently RVD/Sabu are gone.

But I give this show a thumbs in the middle. Since Punk saved the show with his appearance.

[EinBebop]

I gotta give credit where credit is due. Sorry, Dreamer and Sandman, but Big Show really was their only choice, short of holding the title up and establishing someone via a tournament. But the ECW fans were going to hate it, so they made sure to make him a huge heel in the process. And now, RVD, Sabu, Dreamer, and Sandman, can all chase after the monster heel.

[bigddan11]

I personallyfeel waiting for the wrestlers to be face-to-face like that detracts from the actual wrestling and seems to indicate "We didn't have anything to feel in this time with, so we're going to have music and the announcers feel it up instead."

You could tell those were ECW fans tonight, not only from the chants, but from the beer flying in at the end. I loved their words "You sold out."

[Kamaria]

Wow, I've never seen so much garbage thrown in the ring since Hulk Hogan joined the nWo.

I thought the main event would suck, but the ending kind of saved it. Now both RVD's titles went up in smoke.

Also, what's this with them only mentioning "Extreme Rules" for certain matches? Weren't all ECW matches no DQ back in the day?

[Condiment King]

Kelly segment was once again a waste of time. Surprise, surprise. Mike Knox vs Little Guido was terrible, primarily because Mike Knox matches are about as exciting as getting a root canal. His offense, before that flashy finisher, consists basically of a shove, a boot, etc. He executed FIVE BODYSLAMS in a row. The crowd was chanting for Little Guido primarily because Mike Knox is terrible. To add to this, he actually got mic time tonight.

The Sandman beating up that faux priest was probably the least funny version of this segment.

Test's debut. It certainly seemed like the crowd either didn't care about Test or for Test. Test's match was boring with him executing a couple of boots and a finisher on Al Snow and its over. The crowd chants "YOU TAKE STEROIDS" was pretty entertaining.

Sabu getting a promo tonight confused me.

CM Punk debuts. CM Punk is straight edge. Now THIS is the new breed unleashed.

Big Show vs RVD started out really slowly with nothing happening. Then they went outside and more stuff didn't happen. They finally picked it up (after the 2nd commercial break) and had a decent finish. Especially considering the match was just put together. Heyman turning surprised me. I guess he wants to use the "you sold out" chants to his advantage. Crowd throwing garbage in the ring was hilarious. Heyman and Show together again. RVD 4:20

[TnAdct1]

Am I the only one here who hated the way the main event match ended? Yes, I know that giving the belt to the Big Show is meant to punish RVD for getting caught with drugs. However, the way the match ended had "Vince McMahon's creative team" written all over it (Heck, I believe I saw the same type of ending at Survivor Series 1998).

[The Dork Knight]

Test is a pretty boy now? Are they going to try to recreate Tommy Dreamer?

Well if that is true, then Test better buy himself some green suspenders.

[BlackoutCreature]

Normally i wont post (or even look at) an ECW thread, but i figured i would after tonights show. Hardcore ECW fans will probably hate Big Show winning the title (but then again, they used to cheer for Sid and claim Rhino was a legitimate main event draw) but he really was the only choice with RVD deciding to screw up his career. Look at the rest of the ECW main picture -

Sabu - same boat as RVD.
Kurt Angle - out with injuries.
Tommy Dreamer - hasnt exactly set the new ECW on fire with his return, besides his whole gimmick is that he's not supposed to win titles.
The Sandman - the potential's there, but after 3 weeks of playing to the side-show he really wasnt in any position to be main eventing tonight.
Justin Credible - anybody who believes Aldo Montoya either now or at any time in his life ever deserved to even sniff a world title does not deserve the right to watch a pro wrestling show. Please poke out ur eyes with something sharp now.

See, i think they made the mistake by making Rob Van Dam the conquering hero babyface. Its just a role he's not good at, and only the Philly crowd really buys it. What they shouldve done was make RVD an arrogant jerk heel who feels ECW is only there to make him look good, and everybody else is just filler (to quote Kevin Nash). Think of the potential storylines this would open up with just about everybody else on the roster. Not only that, but it wouldve made it much easier for them to find someone for him to drop the title to tonight.

[The Penguin]

After the main event, of all weeks this was probably not the best week to have an “ECW crowd” for the show. By the end they felt like the fans I hear every week in TNA’s iMPACT! Zone. At one point they chanted because of their passion, now it feels like they chant because they are supposed to. To the show…

And what do we kick off with, but with Big Show demanding a title shot. Tonight, the wall had been written on before the show started, there was just a blank to fill in a name. Just like RAW, more on that at the end…

Kelly was short and sweet this week. You won’t see me in the group whining about this being the worst part of the show, but if they don’t mix it up a little bit, this going to get more and more stale.

Well the ECW faithful did not take to kindly to Mike Knox (and probably cost ECW its live broadcasts yet again), but Tazz did his best to still be a fan of Knox in his win over Little Guido.

The Sandman beating up the fake priest was a bit different than we’ve seen the past few weeks. The ECW crowd seemed to enjoy it. And only ECW fans would pop for being called sinners and being told they were going to hell. :p

Test looked pretty good in his big return to mainstream wrestling. I’ll be interested to see how he does. He made very short work of Al Snow.

The mysterious vampire did more than just stand around this week. I expect we’ll see even more of this next Tuesday. Maybe he’ll lunge at cameraman

Little surprised to see Sabu basically have a vignette interview when who knows if he will even be on (or have a job by) next week.

I had my Wrestlemania 22 DVD going today so it was interesting that C.M. Punk makes his expected, but first ECW appearance. I look forward to seeing what all the fuss is about. At least he doesn’t do drugs.

The way the finish went, it feels like WWE is in full and complete control. I think Heyman would have come up with something better than apparently turning his character into another Mr. McMahon/Eric Bischoff. The result of the main event can best be summed up by two comments that came from Joey Styles and Rob Van Dam.

As the sign-off, Joey said that Paul Heyman had “destroyed his own creation” by turning on RVD. In reality, Rob’s actions of the past weekend, threatened to destroy all of ECW and realistically the livelihoods of the nine people who only have jobs (good jobs) because of the ECW revival and have done nothing wrong. Next week I hope to see a “shoot-feeling” promo from Heyman about RVD and why he effectively had to make Big Show the Champion.

And in one of his conversations with Heyman, RVD told Paul E. that it meant “everything” to him to be the ECW Champion. I said most of my piece yesterday (http://forums.toonzone.net/showpost.php?p=2212155&postcount=41), but after starting the week with quite literally everything, Rob Van Dam now has nothing. Nothing at all.




It looks like we're going to be getting Test as a replacement for RVD in the future. Was that new music for Test, because I didn't recognize it.It's the same one, it's just been so long since we've heard it.


Also, what's this with them only mentioning "Extreme Rules" for certain matches? Weren't all ECW matches no DQ back in the day?I don't know why they made such a special point to mention that. I think it was for the newer fans. Knox-Guido and Test-Snow (at should have) had the same rules as RVD-Show. They just weren't taken full advantage of.

[EinBebop]

After the main event, of all weeks this was probably not the best week to have an “ECW crowd” for the show. By the end they felt like the fans I hear every week in TNA’s iMPACT!I disagree. A Smackdown audience wouldn't have been so outraged by Heyman turning on RVD and making Show the champion. How often does anything in wrestling provoke that kind of reaction? The marks watching at home were educated that they are to hate the Big Shw now.
I look forward to seeing what all the fuss (with CM Punk) is about. At least he doesn’t do drugs.If anything, I would compare him to Raven (who not coincidentally was his first high-profile fued) in that he really draws people into his character and angles. But workrate freaks will call him overrated... people tend to really like him or really hate him. Oh, and he's straight-edge, and that makes him better than you.

[EinBebop]

From WWE.com

RVD Suspended
By Louie Dee
July 4, 2006

Moments after screwing Rob Van Dam out of the ECW Championship, Paul Heyman gave the following statement to ECW.com:

“As of this moment, Rob Van Dam has been suspended for 30 days.”

I approached Heyman immediately as he came backstage following the match to ask him why he screwed Van Dam. Heyman only smiled and offered the above statement. I followed him to ask him why RVD was suspended and why he was screwed out of the ECW Championship…but he only walked faster. When I finally got to his office door, Heyman slammed the door in my face.

Unfortunately, what should have been RVD’s holiday weekend homecoming went from bad to worse to downright horrible. On Monday morning, everything seemed cool as RVD walked into the Wachovia Center as both the ECW and WWE Champion; Tuesday night, however, he left the building with no gold and no job for a month.

After losing the WWE Championship to Edge in a Triple Threat Match on RAW, RVD also lost his ECW Championship to Big Show live on ECW on Sci Fi Tuesday night. With the referee down, Van Dam seemingly had the match won after a Five-Star Frog Splash. Paul Heyman went to count the pinfall like he did at One Night Stand…but before he got to three, Heyman stopped and stared at RVD.

Van Dam looked like he had just lost his best friend, and as he and Heyman did some jaw jacking, Big Show recovered. He spun Rob around and nailed him with a chair, and after a vicious chokeslam on that same chair, ECW had a new champion.

And now, with the suspension levied by Heyman, it looks like RVD won’t have a chance to right the wrong he has been handed.

[SonGoku V3]

Punk was SO over in my section of the arena that you'd think he won the title. :lol:

...and yeah, will NBC/Sci-fi ever allow ECW to go live again, or did some of what we said get bleeped out?:sweat:

[The Penguin]

I disagree. A Smackdown audience wouldn't have been so outraged by Heyman turning on RVD and making Show the champion. How often does anything in wrestling provoke that kind of reaction? The marks watching at home were educated that they are to hate the Big Shw now.And now I agree with you. Obviously not the way "ECW goes home" was originally envisioned, but this works. I'm not even sure what I meant anymore.

I still stand by my ECW-TNA crowd comment though. I've seen Holy :ack: moments, I've yelled "Holy :ack:" at some of those moments and Big Show doing a superplex was not a Holy :ack: moment. Impressive sure, but not Holy :ack:.

[EinBebop]

I still stand by my ECW-TNA crowd comment though. I've seen Holy :ack: moments, I've yelled "Holy :ack:" at some of those moments and Big Show doing a superplex was not a Holy :ack: moment. Impressive sure, but not Holy :ack:.And while I do agree with that statement (although in this case I think it gets him more Cactus Jack anti-hardcore heat then it does Mike "Novacaine" Knox heat), I also think it's really cool that Big Show is doing a lot more tossing his opponents around like ragdolls. :)

[SirLemming]

Thanks to a 4th of July taping mix-up, I still have yet to see the last few minutes of the overrun. But I am desperate to see it, which means it was above-average. That match, at least. Considering it involved Big Show. And clearly there was an ECW crowd tonight -- I think they had to bring them down in the audio mix. It's too bad they didn't get many good matches, but what I saw of Show vs. RVD seemed pretty entertaining. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll somehow manage to see what happened.

[Andy Mancini]

Pretty decent with a great ending, but it didn't feel like ECW. It felt like the "Lesnar/Angle/Big Show" storyline (one of my favorites ever, I might add) from 2002. And who was writing for Smackdown at the time? Paul Heyman. Even if we get an "extreme rehash" of that storyline (and I think we might), I'm okay with it.

[Hyper Shadow X]

Well there goes RVD for a month,

[Jin Kazama]

So that's CM Punk.

I think it could work. A Straight-Edge thing could go over huge in a place like ECW. A natural heel. Plus, with all the hype around him, he could actually get over a little with Hardcore ECW Fans, instead of them slapping the gimick on a guy just to get him over. Now let's see him wrestle.

I am surprised about the RVD thing. I figured they'd at least wait until the court date to decide the fate of the ECW title. But I guess they need to prove something with their new drug policy. Although, judging by the Sabu promo, I guess he had a prescription for his pills. You can cut out a promo easily, so them leaving it in is a somewhat good sign.

[BigLouMan20]

will NBC/Sci-fi ever allow ECW to go live again, or did some of what we said get bleeped out?:sweat:

The "You suck d--k" left untouched
"Shut the f--k up" was somewhat brought down in the audio then was muted once.

I have a feeling that maybe they'll go back to having the SD audience.

[SirLemming]

I'm back. Sooner than I thought.

As expected, Kelly's segment was a waste of the time I took to fast-forward through it, and from what I could tell they used the same song for it a third week in a row. They could at least TRY to mix it up a little...

Sandman's segment was actually better this week, because instead of a lame attempt at the same lame joke they've done for the past three weeks, it had a much more wrestling-oriented feel to it. Someone attacks ECW and Sandman beats him up. I think that works a lot better than the "someone acts somewhat WWE-ish and Sandman beats him up" routine. I was also glad -- despite it not making a huge amount of sense -- that it turned out to not be an "actual" minister, since they've done similar storylines about 5 times in the WWE.

The matches were pretty much duds, although I enjoyed the main event for whatever reason. Obviously the chair shot to Big Show's head was the highlight.

Clearly they had an ECW crowd here, and while part of me feels like it was a waste, one can also make the case that they were really needed for that spectacular ending. All in all I think that, even with their negative chants, they gave that extra kick to what was undoubtedly a hastily thrown together show.

Now, as for the ending... They probably could've done better, but I don't really have any suggestions. Big Show was the only good candidate for the belt. In fact, if I may be so indulgent as to quote what I said earlier in the Raw thread:


Certainly no actual ECW wrestler is fit to win the belt... With the possible exception of Tommy Dreamer. Purely as a matter of status. Kurt Angle is a sure thing if he's not going on hiatus, but if he is, that's a whole other problem right there -- though perhaps they'd be willing to deal with it by declaring the belt vacant or something (they could also do that right off the bat to get it off of RVD, but it'd seem odd). Then there's Big Show, which would be almost guaranteed to make the fans pretty angry, but probably not as angry as Test or Vampire or Mike Knox. Yeah. So indeed Big Show's victory made the fans "pretty angry", but it was accompanied by a screwjob. Now, the screwjob thing was undeniably WWE-ish, but to have Big Show win LEGITIMATELY over RVD would've aggravated the fans a thousand times more, and for real rather than in cooperation with the storyline. And I think an illegitimate win via Edge interference would've been really annoying and predictable at this point. And anyone other than the Big Show would've been even worse. (I suppose he can take that as a compliment. Also, he looks like a giant Billy Joel now.)

I just hope they have the good sense not to make Paul Heyman another Vince McMahon/Eric Bischoff boss. That is the last thing we need. Since this apparent heel turn was a hasty last resort, I expect them to turn it around ASAP.


Oh, and as for the Sabu thing, my guess is that they would've preferred to keep both him and RVD from wrestling. But they had to get the belts off of RVD, so he had to be on the shows. Meanwhile, Sabu was removed from Raw (if he was indeed going to be RVD's mystery tag partner), and they didn't have him on ECW either but decided to show a farewell promo.


AND speaking of Edge interference, I just realized that there was barely any Raw crossover tonight, other than the recap. I hope it stays that way.



Was that new music for Test, because I didn't recognize it. I think it was his second theme. (The last one before he left.)

[Voxxyn]

I've taken a bit of a break from watching wrestling for the last few months, so I'm a little confused at what led up to the creation of the new ECW... I decided to check this week's RAW and then ECW on Sci-fi.

Not as bad as everybody else says it is, though I admit that's probably because of the Philly crowd(And the fact that this is the first episode I've seen). Kelly was your typical T&A waste of time. The undercard matches were forgettable, though I liked seeing Nunzio and Test in action. The main event was quite good, and even had me gripped in the final few minutes.

Speaking of which, I have absolutely no pity for Rob Van Dam. I've been rooting for this guy ever since he first appeared on WWE television, and I was glad that he finally reached the top... and then he ruins it by drugging himself. What a shame.

[Tay the Cat]

The "You suck d--k" left untouched
"Shut the f--k up" was somewhat brought down in the audio then was muted once.

I have a feeling that maybe they'll go back to having the SD audience.
I also believe I heard an uncensored "Holy sh*t" chant somewhere.

[Moto Pete]

Well I know i have not posted in here befre but i thought since i was able to be there last night i would. Luckly my Brother was able to get tickets. we only went because we loved ECW back in day but have not seen oit latley and i don';t get to watch it on tv ( No Sci-fi).

But it was lively there not like the "raw" days ( mid 90's) but i agree on some points.

--Kelly thing was a rating grab and odd timin. We were Pumped that a tired and stoned RVD was going to fight Big Show

-- When that loser Grewdo (sp?) Fbi loser whatever came out he looked like a poormans clean shaven Razor Ramon i would have crushed him Mike Knox looked nice in the match but neeeds some work on moves or it may have been the ragdool he was upo against

-- I thought TEST looks to be coming back o his oldself wrestling wise

-- Who here or at the Arena didn't know RVD was Set-up plus in real life could RVD beat the BVig Show Nah!!!!!!

i will need to see if i can get some episodes to see this or get Digital Cable

[Fifi Fanatic]

Well, about the only good thing was that it was in front of an ECW crowd. If nothing else, they're going to tell it like it is: directing a "you can't wrestle!" (among other things ;) ) at Mike Knox. And look! There's Hat Guy! :cool:

But other then that, we get two squash matches and a main event where we already knew that Mr. 4:20 would have to lose the belt.... even if we didn't know exactly how he would lose it. Paul did the best he could on short notice by working out that screwjob.... and yeah, I don't think I've seen that much garbage thrown into a ring since the nWo days....

The faux priest was kind of meh.... I'm not really big into some anti-Christian stereotype. Hell's bells, I'm one of those eeeeevil right-wing Christians myself, and I've been into ECW for 10 years. :evil:

But alas, if RVD and Sabu are gone for good, then we are seeing the beginning of the end for the "new breed".... and not even CM Punk can save them. :crying:

[VCXZX]

Something I was just pondering. Perhaps the Heyman heel turn wasn't spur of the moment. They hinted at some sort of turn in the last few weeks, with all those backstage segments of them talking. So now I think that Heyman was going to turn heel no matter what, even if RVD/Sabu weren't arrested.

[SirLemming]

The faux priest was kind of meh.... I'm not really big into some anti-Christian stereotype. Hell's bells, I'm one of those eeeeevil right-wing Christians myself, and I've been into ECW for 10 years. :evil:
Well, he wasn't actually a priest...

I still don't get what that means, though. So a real priest would have been allowed to come out of the crowd and use the mic?

[Tay the Cat]

RVD is suspended... for now (http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/rvdsuspended)

[hobbyfan]

Nice move to get Kelly out of the way early. Jazz had ambushed her on the road, but was kept off this show. Stupid move there.

Knox, though, will grow on people eventually as long as Kelly isn't with him, and I do see a break-up angle down the trail. Knox needs, though, to improve his moveset, which wasn't too thrilling v. Guido.

Test over Al Snow. Didn't we see this a couple of times in WWF/E back in the day? Good stuff, and Test now has a TKO for a finisher. Nice.

Part 2 of the decrowning of RVD as champ. They hated to do it, especially in Philly, but in light of what happened on Sunday, they were left with no choice. Now, Heyman will wish he had done more to prepare for the relaunch (ie building up ex-champs like Sandman and Credible). Show could still be a transitional champ, but to whom? Angle? Maybe, but that will only bring back memories of the end of '02 on Smackdown.

Let Tony DeVito reform Da Baldies already. It'll be better than being comedy relief fodder for the Sandman. 2 of 3 weeks, he's been used to put Sandman over. He needs better.

RVD's gone for 30. We get a video of Sabu, but he'll probably be gone for 30 as well, and they can cover that by saying he went to Japan or something.

[Tapout]

AND speaking of Edge interference, I just realized that there was barely any Raw crossover tonight, other than the recap. I hope it stays that way.Bingo. This whole incident may be a blessing in disguise. Other than the obvious, RVD losing the WWE belt to Edge, there was no Raw participation on ECW this week. Now that there's really no one for Edge and/or Cena to feud with on Tuesday nights, maybe they'll stay on their own show.

As for the show itself, they actually had me believing that RVD was going to get off easy and keep the title. The promos with Big Show and Heyman made it so obvious that Show was the guy to take the belt from a (temporarily?) departing RVD that I thought they were just trying to swerve us, as they know 90+% of their audience knows what happened Sunday night. Add the Sabu promo (who also may or may not be gone) and it looked like RVD could remain champ. The match itself wasn't half bad either considering who was involved.

I'm not going to say I'm happy with the result, but much like Raw, I get it. RVD's selfishness left them with very few options and this was quite probably the best one they had, especially on such short notice. I don't know how great it'll be but I see a Raw/Smackdown/ECW match on SNME with Show/Mysterio/Edge now that the original match is out the window.

[bigddan11]

Bingo. This whole incident may be a blessing in disguise. Other than the obvious, RVD losing the WWE belt to Edge, there was no Raw participation on ECW this week. Now that there's really no one for Edge and/or Cena to feud with on Tuesday nights, maybe they'll stay on their own show.

As for the show itself, they actually had me believing that RVD was going to get off easy and keep the title. The promos with Big Show and Heyman made it so obvious that Show was the guy to take the belt from a (temporarily?) departing RVD that I thought they were just trying to swerve us, as they know 90+% of their audience knows what happened Sunday night. Add the Sabu promo (who also may or may not be gone) and it looked like RVD could remain champ. The match itself wasn't half bad either considering who was involved.

I'm not going to say I'm happy with the result, but much like Raw, I get it. RVD's selfishness left them with very few options and this was quite probably the best one they had, especially on such short notice. I don't know how great it'll be but I see a Raw/Smackdown/ECW match on SNME with Show/Mysterio/Edge now that the original match is out the window.

I'm doubting that. They've said they want to have all 3 brands involved at SNME, but I'm thinking they'll have Edge vs. Cena occur.

[Dukect45]

and Cena will win back the title

[Jude Santos]

Just a comment here, I can't take it when people make comments such as "final nail in ECW's coffin" or "beginning of the end." For christ's sakes, the show is on par/better than Smackdown's ratings! Just becuase one-sided independent fans refuse to watch the show means that WWE's ECW will close down. Sure, maybe in 3 years, but not anytime soon.

[Kamaria]

I heard that the last show's ratings were only 1.4.

[VCXZX]

Well, it is pretty low, but do keep in mind that this Tuesday was the 4th of July and the rating was expected to be low. So WWE isn't that upset with the low rating.

[SirLemming]

Yeah; if they see this as a disappointment, they're even more nuts than they were when they were disappointed by the low ratings of the second episode.

[bigddan11]

The various wrestling sites are reporting that the WWE is pleased with last week's ECW rating because it was a holiday.

As far as SNME goes, WWE.com has announced these matches today:
WWE Championship- John Cena vs. Edge (C)
Batista, Rey Mysterio (C), & Bobby Lashley (C) vs. King Booker, Mark Henry, & Finlay
Bikini Bull Riding Competition- Torrie Wilson, Maria, Mickie James (C), Candice, Victoria, Kristal, Ashley, Jillian, Michelle McCool, and Kelly go head-to-head.
2-on-5 Elimination Match- D-Generation X vs. The Spirit Squad

[VCXZX]

It really is going to be surreal to see ECW represented on prime-time network TV (NBC, Smackdown doesbnt count). I never imagined the day that would happen. I hope they do more than be part of a lame bikini sideshow.

Perhaps a Big Show title defense.

[The Penguin]

Oh, and as for the Sabu thing, my guess is that they would've preferred to keep both him and RVD from wrestling. But they had to get the belts off of RVD, so he had to be on the shows. Meanwhile, Sabu was removed from Raw (if he was indeed going to be RVD's mystery tag partner), and they didn't have him on ECW either but decided to show a farewell promo.This may be a better fit for the RAW thread, but I don't see why everyone is going "and Sabu was pulled from RAW." The tag match was changed to get the belt of RVD, Sabu no longer served any purpose. He was going to be in a tag match that didn't happen. If RVD had been in that car by himself, Sabu still wouldn't have been on RAW because the match still would have changed to get the belt off Van Dam.