My Take On The Original ECW 03.18.08: ECW Hardcore TV (3.04.96)

Posted by Larry Csonka on 03.18.2008

Sabu and Scorpio go the time limit…



Introduction:
Welcome back to the latest edition of My Take On! With the addition of WWE 24/7 to my cable system, I have decided to have some fun and do some columns on "The Original ECW." I plan to work this similar to the "My Take on MMA/The Monday Night Wars" columns, where it isn't a recap as much as it is an analysis piece. Much like the Monday Night Wars pieces I am running, this is for entertainment purposes. I loved ECW back in the day, sitting with friends and watching the Monday Night Wars, and also have a love for the original ECW. I remember finding it at 2am back in the day in Pittsburgh and was just amazed at what I saw. I even went to a few shows in Pittsburgh. So with 24/7 jumping into my cable lineup, this will be another thing I bring you. I hope that you enjoy it.

For those that have asked, these columns don't have a set schedule. They will appear as a fill in for when another 411 writer needs the day off.

CATCH-UP:

2.11.96.

2.18.96.

2.25.96.

ECW HARDCORE TV!

Match/Segment: Pillman Beats up a Pencil and Opening
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
Final Thoughts: Brian Pillman opened up the episode beating up a giant pencil. Seriously. "Pencil" is a nickname of sorts for the wrestling booker, and this was one of those super insider deals that ECW used to run. I have to say that Pillman carried the stiff to at least **. Styles runs down the upcoming cards and angles we saw last week. I always thought that Styles was great at this and did it well with little time wasted. This shoots right to Shane Douglas discussing the "bargain" with Dreamer and the Dreamer follow up, the same video as last week. This was explained to end the last show, and is being done again to make sure we A) Understand and B) Know that this is a major angle. I appreciate this, it's an important tool in episodic TV; you end one show and then begin the next with the same angle. We then get tons of video from Cyber Slam, to promote the VHS sales and as well as a catch up tool.

Personal Note: The Sandman angles when it involves his entrance come off LAME with the shitty dubbed music. Seriously, you see the crowd rocking and hear this garage band shit on top, it is bad. They need to find something better to dub over if they aren't going to pay for his entrance JAM.

Match/Segment: ECW TV Title Match: 2 Cold Scorpio © vs. Sabu went to a 30-minute time limit draw
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.0
Final Thoughts: This is about what you would expect from these guys, high flying and craziness. Sabu hit a sweet dive into the crowd early on, which looked awesome. When Sabu was on, he was on, and that also means he looks as if he will die at some point. They had a really fun match, and while it wasn't a 5-Star Classic or anything like that, it was a strong effort, both guys looked good, and it worked. They actually do more wrestling than you would think. Most people think all Sabu matches were what they got to see in the "WWECW," but that is far from the truth. Also a funny note, Sabu must have taken 2-3 accidental shots to the balls. At one point the ref is checking him and the camera catches his face and he is yelling, "I got hit in my fucking balls again!" The highlight spot was an awesome Air Sabu from the ring, over the railing through a table. The only problem, Scorpio moved. This is a long match that dominates the show, and is a nice change of pace from the norm. It gets a little sloppy towards the end, partly because they are tired, partly because Sabu is trying to sell having his knees, neck and balls destroyed. But it never gets bad. This is a match you'll either love of hate. While they do some good wrestling, it does degrade into a BIG MOVEZ and kick out fest. It's a fun watch, certainly not what you want all of the time, but still fun to watch 12-years later. The crowd loved it, chanted for 5-more minutes and then gave Sabu a standing ovation. For the first time Sabu thanks the fans.

Match/Segment: Pulp Fiction Wrap Up
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
Final Thoughts: -The Pitbulls turned down a title shot to get revenge for Tommy Dreamer, as they signed to take on the Bruise Brothers.

-Missy Hyatte wants the Sandman to end Stevie Richards for trying to sue her. Stevie and Meanie FARGO STRUT~! Bubba Ray dances then scares the Meanie.

-Pillman and his Lawyer discuss his contract in a limo.

-JT Smith calls Axl Rotten Stupid.

-The Eliminators say they will do anything to keep the ECW Tag Team Titles.

-Fonzie yells at the cameraman.

-Bubba teaches the Meanie to Dance.

-The Eliminators want to eliminate all of the tag teams.

-Pillman sits naked on his couch, saying that Eric Bishoff has stripped him of everything. But now Pillman can be himself, he is free now…

The Overall:
Best Match/Segment: ECW TV Title Match: 2 Cold Scorpio © vs. Sabu went to a 30-minute time limit draw 8.0
Worst Match/Segment: None
Final Thoughts: This was a damn fine television show. In a day and age where secondary titles aren't treated very well, it was nice to go back here and see the ECW Title and how it meant something. Sabu and Scorpio put on a great match, nothing epic, a bit sloppy at times, but in the end it was a ton of fun and something I enjoyed. I also loved the beginning of the show as it was a great tie in to the previous episode. Another good episode of ECW Hardcore TV. If you have 24/7 you really need to be checking these out.
Show Score: 8.0