For now, I'm going to speculate on the current state of ECW. It's in, what I like to call, a state of pure dogshit. It's putting on decent shows but nothing to what it used to do. Or HAS to do. WWF and WCW can get away with putting on shitty shows because people will still go to see them. ECW doesn't have that luxury. While their talent base isn't near what it used to be, it still has potential and with correct booking could still entertain. Face the facts, they'll never have the roster they had back in 1994 or 95 and so they need to make due with what's available. Reckless Youth is a good addition as I hear he will be making his appearance soon.
Rob Van Dam is a fool. As a bystander, I see the promotion slowly but surely fading and what does RVD do? He fucking signs for another four years! Don't fool yourselves into thinking that he wasn't offered a big contract by WWF and WCW, I can assure such an offer was made. If Jim Fullington, Sandman, gets an offer you can be damn sure RVD did. Why he would do such a thing is beyond me. I know that in the past I have preached loyalty and commitment, but I also am a firm believer in common sense. Heyman might hold the reins of ECW for a long time, but their product is downright bad and the "hardcore" style is tired. The movement I sense from fans is that the extreme stuff is great, OUTSIDE of the ring. Listening to my friends, nothing entertains them more than a good wrestling match. These friends are the biggest marks you'll ever meet, but they are beginning to appreciate the art of wrestling.
With wrestling hitting the mainstream again, you can be sure that it will be scrutinized harder than ever. What does this mean? I think that a trend will begin where fans will enjoy the extreme stuff for entertainment and comedy as a prelude to a good match. A good match means workrate, charisma, and timing. In my own humble opinion, I believe that a trend towards enjoying matches no matter WHO is in the ring is happening. Does the Internet have anything to do with it? Yeah, maybe 1/10 of a percent. Put the "x" of responsibility in the box titled "Media" and you will have your answer. Is it a slow movement? Hell yes. About as slow as I've been getting my columns out of late.
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