For The Record 7.19.09: ECW Title Since 2006
Posted by Kristopher Rodriguez on 07.19.2009
The ECW Championship is one of WWE’s most valuable prizes. It is an attainable world title that gives longstanding midcarders and future headliners something to shoot for.
The ECW Championship is an interesting world title. In WWE's world, the bearer of that belt is not necessarily a top guy. WWE's top names usually compete on Raw and Smackdown. In fact, as we all know, ECW is the "c-show" and is viewed by many as a glorified developmental league. However, ECW is still the home of a world title.
WWE conveys the importance of the ECW Title by having it contested on monthly pay-per-views. Over the years, the ECW Title has taken priority over the Intercontinental and United States Championships.
Since June of 2007, the ECW Title has been given to budding main eventers and longstanding mid-card veterans. For the first year of "ECW on Sci-Fi", such big names as Rob Van Dam, Bobby Lashley, The Big Show, and Vince McMahon were the brand's champions. WWE was probably going to keep the title on another big name star at Vengeance 2007 (Chris Benoit). However, as we know, that never materialized.
So what happened at Vengeance 2007? WWE decided to put the title on Johnny Nitro. It was a surprising move, and one that is often forgotten amidst the Benoit story. But WWE gave Nitro a career-defining win. It was also significant because it changed the way the ECW Championship was used. Since then, WWE has strayed from putting the title on quasi main event wrestlers and instead have used the title to put over future top level stars and mid-card veterans.
Younger Stars
Winning the ECW Championship was a major accomplishment for Johnny Nitro. I know, some people will argue that he's not that young. But he was only 27 when he won that title, and in wrestling years, that is relatively young. He went on to feud with CM Punk for the months that followed and he did quite well in his first major program. He consistently gave the fans quality matches, and even developed his gimmick. During the course of his reign, he became John Morrison.
CM Punk also was also a young superstar with something to prove. I know, he had plenty experience in the indies, ROH, and TNA. But WWE is a different ballgame. It was huge for him to win his first WWE world title at the age of 28, less than a year and a half after his debut. During that time, he had solid matches with the likes of John Morrison, The Miz, Elijah Burke, and Chavo Guerrero. He must have impressed WWE's top brass. How can we tell? Six months after losing the ECW Championship to Chavo Guerrero, Punk became Raw's reigning World Heavyweight Champion.
Some may argue that the ECW Championship didn't do much for Morrison and Punk. I disagree. I believe those title runs planted the seeds for main event pushes. Punk proved that he could carry a brand, and has since won two major Wrestlmania matches and twice seized the World Heavyweight Championship. Morrison's push hasn't been as dramatic as Punk's, but it looks like he'll wear world title gold before 2010. And because of their history, and the face/heel role reversal, it would be fun to see Morrison take the World Heavyweight Championship from Punk.
Jack Swagger turned a lot of heads by winning the ECW Championship just four months after his debut. That is one of the quickest paths from debut to world title in WWE history. His brief reign afforded him credibility as a major player. We'll be able to tell in time if it was a catalyst to a main event career.
Loyal Veterans
The ECW Championship has also been a great prize for longstanding veterans. In days past, it wouldn't have been possible for wrestlers like Matt Hardy, Kane, Chavo Guerrero, and Mark Henry to become WWE world champions. They were talented performers, but not main event headliners. In 2008, however, those four grapplers became world title holders.
Matt Hardy was a 14-year WWE veteran before winning the ECW Championship. He spent his first four years as a jobber and wasn't even given a full-time contract till 1998. His career finally took off as a member of the Hardy Boyz team.
Sadly, Matt was always in the shadow of his brother. Jeff was always the bigger star, and is now a former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion. WWE never had that kind of confidence in Matt, and probably never will. Fortunately, there's a world title for guys like Matt Hardy. In September of 2008, Matt became the ECW Champion. He was given his "gold watch" for all those years of service. If he never wins another title again, he can still claim to be a former world champion.
Kane was a unique case. He is indeed a former WWE Champion. However, he only held that title for one day. Kane has given 100% to WWE for the past 12 years, and Glenn Jacobs the performer has been loyal to WWE since 1995. And yet, he's had to sit back and watch guys like The Great Khali, Goldberg, and Batista win world titles. Fortunately, Kane was given 91 days with the ECW Title in 2008. Though it must have been bittersweet for that world title to be the ECW Championship, it was still a world title nonetheless.
I'm still not exactly sure why Chavo Guerrero was given the ECW Championship. I suppose he's somewhat over with the fans, but not to a world title level. My only guess is that they were trying to get over the La Familia stable, and secure more heel heat for Edge and Vickie Guerrero. Regardless, it was cool to see Chavo Guerrero wear the ECW Championship. It was something most fans never expected to see, and a fitting tribute to the Guerrero family.
The ECW Championship was also a valuable title for Mark Henry. Entering the WWE scene in 1996 as the World's Strongest Man, expectations were high for Henry. Unfortunately, Henry never quite clicked with the fans, and his wrestling abilities were subpar. It could be argued that because of the hype, and hefty contract he was given, Mark Henry was the worst signing in WWE history. However, Henry has improved over the years. He's developed a believable persona and has even improved as a wrestler. He occasionally surfaced as a world title contender on Smackdown, but his big break came last year. He was able to win the ECW Championship, thereby salvaging his career. It can be argued that because of the ECW Title, Henry's career has not been a total bust.
Christian's run, on the other hand, was a bit odd. I honestly don't think he needed the title; and I don't think it did much for his career. Christian is already an established star, and former two-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Winning the ECW Championship was a lateral move at best. It simply wasn't a big deal. Looking ahead, I hope WWE keeps the ECW Championship off Christian.
Today's Roster
How will the ECW Championship be used on today's roster? None of us know, but I am very interested in the possibilities. Though Tommy Dreamer has had a good run with the title, I'm anxious to see someone unseat him.
There are plenty of veterans on the ECW roster who could experience their signature moments in the "Land of Extreme." Shelton Benjamin, William Regal, and Goldust have never been world champions. I have to be honest, I would mark out if any of those three wrestlers won the ECW Championship. Benjamin, Regal, and Goldust are respected by the IWC and fans alike. And deservedly so.
Hurricane Helms, who would never be a serious world title contender on Raw or Smackdown, could be championship-bound in ECW. I think the IWC and WWE Universe would love to see The Hurricane become ECW Champion. It appears, however, that Vladimir Kozlov will beat the aforementioned veterans to the ECW Title. Kozlov's Soviet gimmick is starting to get some legs under it. He's starting to develop a major presence. I would not be surprised to see Kozlov win the ECW Championship this year, and eventually head back up to Raw or Smackdown to become a main eventer.
Will any of the young superstars receive a massive world title push? Sheamus has been very impressive since his ECW debut. I think in time he could become a very believable champion. Zack Ryder is also a potential ECW Title contender. He seems to be running with his gimmick, and he may be able to carve out quite a nice niche in ECW. I don't know if Yoshi Tatsu is a future ECW Champion… but ya never know in ECW!
The ECW Championship is not reserved for main eventers. There's always an open field. ECW is a brand that offers variety in its world title picture. Since 2006, only Bobby Lashley has held the title more than once. That's what makes ECW so appealing. Nobody has a stronghold on the title. In ECW, young wrestlers can gain career-defining victories, and longstanding veterans can finally have their days in the sun. WWE was smart to reactivate the ECW Championship.
Closing Time
If you get a chance, read this week's edition of The Wrestling Bard. It's one of the best articles I've read in a while. Kudos to Aaron Hubbard.
That's it for this week. Below is a fun ECW video.
Best Column Ever!!! ...and that is the unquestionable Truth
Posted By: TRUTH (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 01:10 AM
Kristopher Rodriguez I am glad this was finally written.
Posted By: TRUTH (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 01:12 AM
great job. I believe the ECW title picture is the best in all of wrestling.
Keep up the good work.
Posted By: Litas Biggest Fan (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 01:26 AM
While I can see the point you're making about the value of the ECW Title, I fear it's at the expense of 2 formerly highly prestigious titles; the US and IC Titles. It seems with the elevation of the ECW Title the US and IC Titles have dropped to the value of the Hardcore, European or even Cruiserweight Titles. They lost all the prestige they once had.
Posted By: RDR (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 04:45 AM
I like ECW Title as the 3rd belt. Let it take place of the IC and US. They should unify the IC and US again, and turn it into a Tri-Branded TV Title. Imagine Jericho as TV Champ on all 3 brands ripping on all 3 sets of fans.
Posted By: owen (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 11:01 AM
The thing about the ECW Title, and ECW overall, is that it really does fit the same spot as the original ECW. Perhaps not in terms of content or (arguably) quality, but if you look at Raw and SmackDown as the WWF and WCW of today, ECW fits the same bill it did before. They're still technically part of the "big leagues" and they do have a "World Title" even though they are clearly not on the same level as their two competitors.
Like you I like that the ECW Title is an attainable World Title for those that probably would never get one on their own (I was disappointed to see Finlay leave the brand and for Umaga to never have gotten a shot at it).
Posted By: Master of the Dagger (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Very well writen article. I can honestly say you changed my mind about the ECW title.
Posted By: thepsychedelia (Registered) on July 19, 2009 at 05:37 PM
Regardless of what smarks think, most wrestling fans view the three world titles on equal playing fields. I have been a fan for twenty years and even I have given up distinguishing WWE Title and World Heavyweight Title. Most of us just refer to the belts as the Raw, Smackdown, and ECW titles.
We view all three equally. The ECW belt is no less of a world title in my mind.
That being said, great suggestion by Owen on unifying the IC and US into one TV title that is tri-branded. A big guy or lower-card guy could carry the belt, and appear on all three shows just like the unified tag champs. These three floaters would keep the dynamics and feuds fresh.
Also, it could be treated as a true TV title. Give the holder house shows off. Wrestling on three brands would actually be a break for some guys.
Posted By: Guest#8853 (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Great read, m'man!
That's a great way to look at the ECW title, makes me feel better about it now. I think Regal was on a roll on Raw, until he got suspended.... So I can see them testing the waters with an ECW title reign for a later Smackdown title reign if not Raw. He seriously was on his way to major heel champ status before his wellness mishap.
I see RDR's point in regards to the IC & US championships, but the US title has a good legacy behind it (besides Kofi, who is 1 dimensional -- but that could change) & as far as the IC title... that kind of falls into the "loyal veterans" category... it gives them a title, a reason to have a feud, a reason to be on TV if not PPV. To unify the titles would give less reason for the others to get TV time.
A title--- no matter how prestigious or not, is a reason for lower guys or up & comers, even ham & eggers to showcase their ring work if creative can't develop their characters to the point where no title is necessary ( like HBK & Undertaker) ..
Hell, put a TV champ on & give it to lower mid card guys to fight over on Superstars, like the cruiserweight without a weight limit. Superstars would then have a title fued/storyline & reason to tune in other than great undercard matches (& sadly RAW recaps crammed down your throat...)
Titles are something to fight over so the more reasons ( titles, not heavyweight...) then I'm happy when I'm watching. I could sit down & try to find reasons why the "legacy" of a title has been tarnished over the last 25 years depending on who I deem worthy to hold said title, but I'd rather enjoy wrestling here & now.
Posted By: theHomewrecker! (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 08:08 PM
"The Great Khali, Goldberg, and Batista..."
You put Goldberg in with those clowns? GTFO.
Posted By: nWno (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Great column, and it is one that I ave been hoping someone would write. I have been very confused at how the title is looked at in terms of if it is a world title or not, and I can now see it as somewhat legitimately.
On one hand, the title can be seen as a step between the world and US/IC titles, and therefore, can not be held as a world title. Under this theory, I look at it that there is no way ECW's title is a true World title, because the wrestlers are established as beneath Raw and SD's champs, and I feel a world champion should be held as on par with the champs of other brands, which they are not.
However, with this article, I can see a point to how the ECW title is worth something. It isn't commercially on par and probably never will be, but it in some ways is the world title for WWE's legit wrestlers and the top title for indy guys before reaching the Real Big Time.
As a former ECW fan, I'm glad someone wrote something that can at least sort of give the title some legitimacy, although I feel I will have to come up with a formula to determine what true world titles are.
It's just that this title is a contradiction. You cant be a world title if you are not considered on par with your counterparts, and the ECW brand is a firmly established C-show, while Raw and SD trade main event status.
Until ECW headlines a PPV in WWE, I dont feel comfortable calling it a world title, but thanks to this article, there is at least some concrete argument for it to have a chance.
Posted By: Hejashadan (Guest) on July 20, 2009 at 12:40 AM
(I was disappointed to see Finlay leave the brand and for Umaga to never have gotten a shot at it).
Posted By: Master of the Dagger (Guest) on July 19, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Had he been willing to clean up his act, Ugama would have been contending for Smackdown's title. For him, the ECW title wouldn't have fit the developing talent or veteran with years of service mold.
Finlay would have fit that, although if a vet should hold the IC title, I'd like to see Finlay in the Irishman who likes to fight. Give him a bottle of Jamison or can of Guiness as a mascot if you really want to push a stereotype and can get a sponsor. Racist? Better than a friggin leprechaun.
I was hoping that Regal was on his way to becoming a transitional champ before Wellness took him down. I'm afraid that the ECW title may be a step down. I don't see him as a better teacher than Finlay - I'm simply not in a position to know. Finlay did manage to get the women, at least some of them, wrestling though.
However Regal brings a more developed character that gets heat. I loved his stints as GM.
That is why I saw a transitional title on RAW (or Smackdown, but he was on the RAW roster) as a nice reward for years of service for Regal, while Finlay fits the ECW mold better.
Posted By: Guest#9414 (Guest) on July 20, 2009 at 03:29 AM
The ECW title is definitely the 'reward belt' for wrestlers mentioned,Kane,Chavo,Matt and Mark Henry.It's kind of the 'thanks for your hard work but there's little chance you'll get the Raw or SmackDown title anytime soon' belt.
Plus it's a prize for the new young talent to try to win to hopefully get a big push in the future.
Posted By: Insane Snake (Registered) on July 20, 2009 at 03:22 PM
"Until ECW headlines a PPV in WWE, I dont feel comfortable calling it a world title, but thanks to this article, there is at least some concrete argument for it to have a chance."
Technically, the ECW title did main event the December to Dismember PPV.
Posted By: CyberSocko (Guest) on July 20, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Bottom line... Its one of the prominent World titles in pro wrestling today.
Posted By: TRUTH (Guest) on July 20, 2009 at 08:15 PM
The ECW title died when RVD lost it. But now relives with Dreamer. But will die again when he loses it.........
Posted By: ECW (Guest) on July 22, 2009 at 02:04 PM
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