ECW 2006-2007: Ascent to Stardom

The Darkest Day
August 28, 2007

A still-clip recap kicks off the show. It showcases A New Breed retaining the ECW Tag Team Championships, Monty Brown being crowned the first ever ECW Television Tag Team Champion, and “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan shockingly defeating C.M Punk to capture the ECW Heavyweight Championship.

“Let the bodies hit the floor…”

Pyrotechnics light up tonight’s arena live from Albany, New York! The crowd seems ecstatic for what should be an action filled ninety minutes of Extreme Championship Wrestling. For well over a year now ECW has been the highest rated episodic television show on Sci-Fi! Tonight, we are just forty-eight hours since the biggest bash of the summer, SummerSlam! Joey Styles and Tazz are down at ringside tonight, and they welcome us to the show. They hype that “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan is the new ECW Heavyweight Champion!

C.M Punk’s music begins to play and he makes his way out to a large reaction. He makes his way to the ring and is handed a microphone. He lets the New York cheers sink in before speaking. He talks about how last night he disappointingly lost to Hassan. He says that last night was a fluke, and that Hassan currently has C.M Punk’s belt around his waist. He says he let himself down, but more importantly he let all the fans down; however, he does have a rematch clause and he plans on using that tonight!

C.M Punk is interestingly interrupted by the Disciples of Apocalypse. Raven stands tall with “Killdozer’ Brian Lee, Kevin Thorne, and Daffney standing in the background. Raven begins to rant about C.M Punk, and claims that he has had his opportunity and failed. He asks, “What about me? What about Raven?” He states that Punk has been holding Raven back and preventing him from reaching the ECW Heavyweight Championship, and that stops tonight. He says C.M Punk does not deserve a rematch, but instead Raven should have the spot.

C.M Punk refutes by saying that Raven is a hack, a shell of his former self. He states that since Raven has returned to ECW, he has done nothing to prove himself worthy of getting a shot at the ECW Heavyweight Championship. He tries to continue when suddenly the theme of Rob Van Dam hits!

Rob Van Dam reminds everyone that he was the first ever ECW Heavyweight Champion since the re-launch, and says he has been starving for the gold since he lost it back in September. He says that he is the “whole f’n show” and if anyone is getting a title shot, it is him. He says that he knows he can defeat Muhammad Hassan and that is more than both C.M Punk and Raven can say.

Finally, the music of General Manager John “Bradshaw” Layfield hits, and the Cabinet quickly appears on stage. John quickly says that everyone needs to calm down with the hostility. Layfield reminds everyone that it is thanks to C.M Punk that he is even general manager of ECW. Layfield says he doesn’t forget favors and always returns them; therefore, if C.M Punk wants to use his rematch clause tonight than the main event tonight will be “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan versus C.M Punk for the ECW Heavyweight Championship! Additionally, he says that both Rob Van Dam and Raven need to prove themselves tonight. Therefore, they will face off in a match to truly prove who may be worthy of an ECW Heavyweight Championship match!

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Opening Contest: The World’s Greatest Tag Team – Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas versus The Pitbulls – Kid Kash & Jamie Noble w/ Pitbull Kelly

The ECW Tag Team Champions, A New Breed, are at ringside for this match up. The World’s Great Tag Team has been red hot since first entering ECW several months ago during the draft; however, they have yet to receive an ECW Tag Team Championship match. The Pitbulls are also striving to gain notice and receive another ECW Tag Team Championship match as they have not received the opportunity in several long months. This is an excellent match as the styles of the four competitors mix well. The crowd is really into the action, and this is truly a solid way to kick off an explosive edition of ECW. Eventually, the match comes to a close when Shelton Benjamin hits a huge T-Bone Suplex on Jamie Noble for the victory.

Winner: The World’s Greatest Tag Team – Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas
The match ended via pinfall @ 8:46
B+

Following the contest The World’s Greatest Tag Team and A New Breed stare each other down. A New Breed slowly walks up the ramp as The World’s Greatest Tag Team signal that they want the title belts.

In the back, John Layfield is settling into his office when a knock is heard. Zack Ryder opens the door and it turns out to be Tommy Dreamer! Dreamer said he wants to know what it takes to get a match around here anymore. Layfield asks if Dreamer if he really wants a match and Dreamer responds confidently yes. Layfield informs Dreamer that he can have a match tonight against ECW’s newest extremist!

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Graphics airs to hype tonight’s featured contests of Raven versus Rob Van Dam, and C.M Punk versus “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan for the ECW Heavyweight Championship.

The Tag Team of London and Kendrick are backstage. They remind us that although they lost to A New Breed at SummerSlam, their quest for the ECW Tag Team Championships is far from over.

The first ever ECW Television Champion, Monty Brown, is standing in the back. He talks about his great victory at SummerSlam and how he is going to go down as the greatest champion in ECW history. He says he will take on all challengers because he knows no one will be able to stop him! Suddenly, Johnny Nitro appears on screen and goes face to face with the “Alpha-Male.” Nitro says that he lost at SummerSlam, but Brown just got lucky with his victory. Next time, Johnny Nitro will be victorious…PERIOD! Nitro walks away and Brown just laughs at his egomaniacal ways.

Match Two: Masato Tanaka versus Super Crazy

Tanaka has been rather dominant since his return to ECW several months; however, his success has gone unrewarded. Lately, Tanaka has just been destroying anyone who steps in the ring with him. Super Crazy has not been able to do much since the rebirth of Extreme, but has remained a fixture on the show and a fan favorite. Tanaka actually made quick work on Crazy, and the fans were not pleased about this! Tanaka quickly hits the Complete Dust for the win.

Winner: Masato Tanaka
The match ended at 3:31
D

After the match Tanaka goes to the outside and grabs a chair. He starts to smash Crazy with the chair and is drawing some serious heat. Suddenly, Rhyno comes running out for the save. Tanaka and Rhyno trade punches, but eventually Rhyno tosses him out of the ring. It seems that Rhyno is stepping up to stop Tanaka’s bullying.

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A still picture package airs of “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan defeating C.M Punk for the ECW Heavyweight Championship. Tonight, there will be the rematch!

In the back, the Miz is standing by with a microphone and a blond hair woman. He talks about how he is the hottest thing in wrestling today. He claims he is the “chick-magnet” and he will have his hand on some gold soon. The Miz drops the microphone, and walks away with his bimbo.

Match Three: Raven versus Rob Van Dam

Raven has yet to get a prominent role since he return at Wrestlemania this year. He has settled for being the face of the Disciples of Apocalypse; however, it seems that he will be receiving a push soon. Rob Van Dam has maintained a top spot since the re-launch of ECW; however, he is considered to be unreliable and is on the losing end most of the time. These two men put on a decent match, but not too much develops before interference arouses. Daffney, Kevin Thorne and “Killdozer” Brian Lee make their way to the ring, and Rob Van Dam seems uneasy. He tries to continue with the match, but D.O.A distracts Van Dam. Eventually, Van Dam takes a huge risk and nails a sunset flip onto the group on the outside. The match ends in a disqualification soon after as Rob Van Dam is attacked in the middle of the ring by the Disciples of Apocalypse.

Winner: Rob Van Dam
The match ended via disqualification at 9:36
B+

Rob Van Dam continues to get assaulted in the middle of the ring, until eventually Raven orders them to stop. They Disciples slowly walk away pleased with their actions.

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We cut to the back where Rhyno is standing by. Rhyno explains that for weeks he was watched Masato Tanaka destroy everyone that stands in his way. Rhyno claims that this makes him sick and he will not stand for it. He says that Rhyno is the most dominant force in ECW history and Masato Tanaka is going to find out first hand why!

A video airs and shows that early tonight Tommy Dreamer demanded a match from John “Bradshaw” Layfield.

Match Four: Tommy Dreamer versus Jack Swagger

Tommy Dreamer’s top role in ECW simmered down several months ago, and he is just a superior version of an enhancement talent. Jack Swagger is ECW’s newest Extremist and he has a great look to him. Swagger comes out red hot and really outwrestles Tommy Dreamer. The only time Dreamer is able to have an advantage is when he tries to brawl with Swagger. Eventually, Swagger is about to put Dreamer away with a Gut-Wrench Powerbomb!

Winner: Jack Swagger
The match ended at 8:13
C

Jack Swagger celebrates his victory and does garnish some crowd heat.

John Layfield is shown in his office sitting down in front of his monitor. He seems to be making himself comfortable for tonight’s blockbuster main event.

C.M Punk and “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan are shown making their way down a hallway. Their match is NEXT!

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Main Event: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan versus C.M Punk
ECW Heavyweight Championship

This is Muhammad Hassan’s first ever defense as ECW Heavyweight Champion since winning the title just forty-eight hours ago. C.M Punk was ECW Heavyweight Champion for nearly five months, but he could just not overcome Muhammad Hassan. Hassan is ridiculously over as a heel, and it seems like everyone wants to see Punk topple Hassan and regain his Championship. Punk starts off the match explosive and easily takes control over Hassan. Hassan leaves the ring quickly, but C.M Punk continues his attack with a huge suicide dive! Punk begins walking Hassan around the ring and slamming him into many foreign objects. The match gets turned around when Hassan pushes Punk into the ring post and then nails a nasty inverted ddt on the ramp! Punk seems to really be in pain as we cut to commercial break.

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As we return from break, Hassan is still in control, and the two men are now in the ring. During the break, Hassan had set a table up on the outside of the ring. Hassan slowly continues to beat on Punk and taunts a few slams that would put Punk through the table. Eventually, Punk gains control and nails an impressive roundhouse kick! Punk mounts his comeback and it is looking good for the former ECW Heavyweight Champion. Punk starts to mount the top rope, when suddenly the Disciples of Apocalypse hit the ring. Punk tries to fight off them off, but the three-on-one assault is just too much for Punk to bear. Thankfully, Rob Van Dam comes running to the rescue with a steel chair in hand! Van Dam tries to fight off the D.O.A as Hassan once again gains control over Punk. He throws Punk over the top rope and lands on the apron. Hassan than sets Punk up and sets him through the table with the Calling! Muhammad Hassan is able to hook the leg and pick up his victory through screwy circumstances.

Winner & Still ECW Heavyweight Champion: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan
The match ended via pinfall at 21:45
A

Muhammad Hassan crawls back into the ring and attempts to celebrate his victory, but it is short lived. Rob Van Dam is able to slide in the ring and he starts an attack on Hassan. Hassan tries to counter the attack, but it is thanks to the Disciples of Apocalypse that they are able to get the upper hand on Van Dam. RVD seems to be in some serious trouble when suddenly the lights go out…

SABU!

Sabu is back in Extreme Championship Wrestling after being absent for several months! Hassan and the Disciples flee the ring as Sabu stands tall next to the Van Dam, who is staggering to his feet, and the crowd is going crazy.

Purity in Dissent
September 4, 2007

A dramatic video recap airs, and it recaps the events of last week’s edition of ECW on Sci-Fi! It focuses on the main event match between ECW Heavyweight Champion “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan versus C.M Punk, which ended in the surprising return of Sabu!

“Let the bodies hit the floor…”

Pyrotechnics light up tonight’s arena live from Cincinnati, Ohio! The crowd seems ecstatic for what should be an action filled ninety minutes of Extreme Championship Wrestling. For well over a year now ECW has been the highest rated episodic television show on Sci-Fi! Tonight, A New Breed will team up to take on Johnny Nitro and The World’s Greatest Tag Team!

John “Bradshaw” Layfield makes his way to the ring with Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins following closely behind. Layfield welcomes everyone to the show, but quickly gets to the point. “Chaos has broken out in ECW, and quite frankly, I don’t like it. It seems like everyone wants their shot at the ECW Heavyweight Championship, but it doesn’t work that way. See, in Extreme Championship Wrestling, you earn a shot at the championship. See on October 19th, 2007, ECW is going to present a live three hour special event entitled: Hostile City Showdown! I can promise you that Muhammad Hassan will be defending his ECW Heavyweight Championship at the event, but a very important question remains – who will he face?”

ECW Heavyweight Champion, “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan, interrupts the General Manager which makes the crowd unhappy. Hassan soaks in the chorus of boos and has really gained in some confidence since winning the title. He claims that he is here to help all see the brighter light. He is here to be our savior, and will destroy anyone stand in his way, for our safety. He warns Layfield to pick his challenge carefully, because whoever he picks will suffer at his hands. He announces that C.M Punk is not here tonight because of the beating he received last week. He claims that he is the most dominant force in ECW history, and no one will ever be able to stop him.

Layfield seems extremely frustrated with the cocky attitude of Muhammad Hassan, and he responds strongly. He announces that tonight Muhammad Hassan will be in a match…a handicap gauntlet match! Layfield says that it is time for Hassan to truly prove he is the “most dominant force in ECW history.”

Muhammad Hassan says he pities John Layfield for his stupidity, and he announces that he will hurt everyone that stands in his way tonight. Muhammad Hassan and John Layfield have a heated stare down as ECW fades to commercial break.

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In the lockeroom, Johnny Nitro is standing with the World’s Greatest Tag Team. The trio put over that tonight they face off against A New Breed. Nitro says that although he lost to Monty Brown at SummerSlam, he knows that he can defeat him. The World’s Greatest Tag Team says that they have never gotten their shot at the ECW Tag Team Championships, but when they do they will win the belts and show everyone why they are indeed the World’s Greatest Tag Team!

The Miz makes his way to the ring with a group of females. He rips into the crowd and really picks up some cheap heel heat. He says that he is the guy all the girls want to be with, and the man all the guys wish they were. He proclaims himself the Chick Magnet!

Opening Contest: “Mr. Wrestling” Nick Dinsmore versus The Miz w/ females

Nick Dinsmore has finally been able to pick up some crowd support with his Mr. Wrestling gimmick. The fans truly love his no gimmick attitude and that he works a decent match with anyone. The Miz only started with his “Chick Magnet” gimmick last week, and it seems to be working out. Dinsmore is really able to help the Miz through this match and makes the former reality television star look decent. The Miz is still very sloppy in areas, but he is improving week to week. Dinsmore nearly wins the match with a vicious belly-to-back supplex off the middle rope! Eventually, Miz pulls out an upset victory as he pins Dinsmore with a schoolboy!

Winner: The Miz
The match ended at 8:48
C

After the match the Miz quickly hightails out of the ring and escapes with his entourage of woman. Dinsmore sits up in the ring and is extremely frustrated that he lost.

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Raven is sitting in the shrouds of darkness with the Disciples of Apocalypse. Raven says that his destiny is clear, and only one thing will take him there – the ECW Heavyweight Championship. He says that he has repented his sins, and is living in purity for his destiny demands that. He claims that his enemies will fall from their sins, and his path to destiny will come with ease. “Quote the raven…nevermore!”

In the back Jack Swagger is shown walking around when he runs into Tommy Dreamer. Swagger says that he figured Dreamer wouldn’t be around tonight after the embarrassing loss he has last week. Dreamer said he isn’t embarrassed because beating Tommy Dreamer in a technical match is not a great accomplishment; however, beating Tommy Dreamer under extreme rules is! Dreamer than challenges Swagger to an extreme rules match for next week, which Swagger accepts!

Masato Tanaka is in the ring preparing to have a match against a local superstar; however, from behind Rhyno makes an attack. Rhyno and Tanaka start exchanging punches and start having a heated brawl. The two end up on the outside and near the time keep station where they both get their hands on chairs. They both start taking wild swings at each other, and the crowd is going nuts. Security, road agents and referees race out to separate the two men before all hell breaks loose. They struggle to separate the two men, but eventually they are able to get them a part.

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C.M Punk joins us via satellite tonight. Punk seems a little unsettled, and looks very gaunt. “I’m disappointed. I lost the ECW Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam. I lost in my rematch last week on Sci-Fi. I’m Disappointed. I let all of you people down. I truly gave everything I had in my matches with Muhammad Hassan. Frankly, I do not know what I can do now. I do not know where C.M Punk goes from here. I’m broken. I’m beaten down. And truthfully, I do not know when you are going to see C.M Punk back competing in that ring. Competition is all I have…It is my drug. Now, that has been taken away from me. I cannot defeat Muhammad Hassan. I am not worthy of entering that ring anymore.” Punk takes off his headset and slowly walks off screen, as a confused and upset crowd stands in shock.

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A New Breed is standing by. They say that all challengers may stand before them, but they will all have the same faith. A New Breed is on top with all the gold and they are here to stay. No one can stop them because they are the greatest wrestling alliance of all time…PERIOD!

A video airs and it recaps that heated argument between Muhammad Hassan and John Layfield from the start of tonight’s ECW on Sci-Fi.

John “Bradshaw” Layfield is out with Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins, and the General Manager is doing commentary for the following contest.

Match Two: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan versus the Blue World Order – Al Snow & Stevie Richards

Al Snow and Stevie Richards have been doing nothing for months; however, the crowd was pleased to see them. Hassan makes easy work out of the two veterans, and really gives both men a good beating. It is not long until he puts Stevie Richards down with the Calling to capture the victory.

Winner: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan
The match ended at 3:14 via pinfall
D

The Blue World Order are tossed out of the ring as Southern Miracle come out next!

Match Three: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan versus Southern Miracle – Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch

Lance Cade has been nursing a back injury for the last few weeks, so this is the first time the team has been on air for awhile. The duo actually put up a decent fight against Hassan, and at one point it looks like they might steal the victory. In the end though, the two men are unable to stop the ECW Heavyweight Champion, as Hassan puts Murdoch down for three, with the Calling.

Winner: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan
The match ended at 4:45 via pinfall
C

Hassan has his attention towards the entrance ramp for his next set of opponents, but suddenly Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins slide in from behind and start attacking the Heavyweight Champion. The bell sounds as we cut to commercial break.

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Match Four: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan versus the Cabinet – Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins

John Layfield does a brilliant job at putting over both Ryder and Hawkins. The duo is actually able to get in a lot of offense over the champion because of their sneak attack. They use their tag team skills to their advantage and have Hassan grounded for a lot of the match. Eventually, Hassan makes a dramatic comeback and is able to ground both men. In the end, Hassan comes out victorious when he hits the Calling on Zack Ryder.

Winner: “The Anti-Christ” Muhammad Hassan
The match ended at 6:11 via pinfall
C+

Hassan stands victorious with his ECW Heavyweight Championship in hand; however, his celebration is short lived at John “Bradshaw” Layfield gets on the microphone. Layfield says that Hassan said he is going to destroy anyone that stands in his way. Layfield than announces that he has determined a number one contender for the ECW Heavyweight Championship. Layfield says that there is absolutely no way Muhammad Hassan will be able to defeat this man at Hostile City Showdown. This man is homicidal…he is suicidal…he is genocidal…he is Sabu!

The crowd explodes at the announcement when suddenly the lights go out! When they turn back on Hassan is ready to fight and is scouting the ring; however, Sabu is at the top of the entrance ramp. Sabu does his traditional pose and Hassan signs that Sabu will fall to the Anti-Christ.

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Tommy Dreamer is shown leaving the arena, when suddenly he is attacked from behind from Jack Swagger. Swagger unleashes a load of furious forearms to Dreamer, who is unable to get in any offense. Swagger plants Dreamer with a nasty Gut-Wrench Powerbomb onto the hood of a car! Tommy Dreamer looks hurt, as Jack Swagger calmly walks away.

Rob Van Dam is standing by. He says that he is extremely pleased to see Sabu is the number one contender for the ECW Heavyweight Championship. He knows that Sabu is going to defeat Muhammad Hassan at Hostile City Showdown, and when he does, Sabu and Rob Van Dam are going to tear down the house with a match over the strap. Van Dam promises he is going to recapture his title sooner than later.

A video package airs and it shows us how dominant A New Breed has been since their arrival in Extreme Championship Wrestling. A graphic follows that shows us that our main event is next!

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Main Event: A New Breed – Elijah Burke, Sylvester Terkay & Monty Brown w/ Ariel versus Johnny Nitro & the World’s Greatest Tag Team – Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin

Elijah Burke and Sylvester Terkay are the current ECW Tag Team Champions, and have been for the last eight months. Monty Brown is the first ever, and current, ECW Television Championship as he won the strap at SummerSlam. A New Breed has been a dominant force in ECW since their arrival and have grown to be huge fan favorites. The World’s Greatest Tag Team has been red hot since their arrival in ECW via the draft several months back. Although the World’s Greatest Tag Team has been feuding with A New Breed for several months now, they have actually yet received a chance at the titles. Johnny Nitro was the man Monty Brown defeated at SummerSlam to win the strap, but Nitro is convinced that Brown’s victory was a fluke, and is not determined to win the title. These six men tear the house down and put on one of the best matches to date in ECW history. The back and forth action proves to be more than efficient as the show seemed to be lacking some serious wrestling time this week. The end of the match came when Elijah Burke was looking to hit the Elijah Express on Charlie Haas, however, Haas moved out of the way and Burke crashes into an exposed turnbuckle. Charlie Haas than locks in the Haas of Pain, causing Burke to pass out from the hold.

Winners: Johnny Nitro & the World’s Greatest Tag Team – Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin
The match ended at 19:31 via knockout
A

After the match, Monty Brown and Sylvester Terkay hit the ring as Haas fleas. Nitro, Benjamin and Haas celebrate their victory going up the ramp as the show comes to a close.