What's happening folks! In all these lists of greatest matches and pay-per-views, we have yet to fully acknowledge a promotion that single handedly changed the entire landscape of North American wrestling. What was once Eastern Championship Wrestling was overtaken by Paul Heyman and Todd Gordon and what resulted was an unbelievable uprising of counterculture and defiance from a traditional standpoint within professional wrestling as we knew it. We had never seen an abundance of barbed wire, tables, fire, and excessive violence the way we had seen it in a mainstream capacity in North America. Don't get it twisted: ECW was just as much known for amazing technical wrestling matches and introduced Lucha Libre to North American audiences. Luchadores such as Rey Mystery Jr., Psicosis, and Juventud Guerrero got their start within America thanks to ECW and the results elevated the company even more. Here, we will look at some of the most memorable matches in that company's history and why they still stand the test of time all these years after ECW closed its doors. Without further ado, let's get started.
15. Sabu vs. Terry Funk
ECW World Heavyweight Title/Barbed Wire Match
Born To Be Wired '97
We start this list with one of the most sadistic matches in modern wrestling history and arguably the most violent match in ECW history. World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk defended his belt against the infamous "Suicidal, Homicidal, Genocidal, Death-Defying Maniac" Sabu in a Barbed Wire Match. While we've seen several barbed wore matches throughout wrestling, the most savage ones were usually in Japan, under the banners of FMW or BJPW. These two brought the savagery to the states and what resulted was nothing short of unreal. Early in the match, Sabu was viciously injured when he connected with the barbed wire and sliced his bicep open so badly, he later needed over a hundred stitches to close it. What does the crazy SOB do in the meantime? Tape the damn wound shut! Later these two would be surrounded in an enormous ball of barbed wire in which people had to cut the wire off of them. It was truly a disturbing sight to behold and one that many ECW faithful still talk about to this day as one of the most insane things they've ever seen.
14. Spike Dudley vs. Mike Awesome
ECW World Heavyweight Title
Guilty As Charged 2000
If there was an underdog in ECW was the outcasted of the Dudley family, Spike Dudley. The 5'5, 150-pounder was labeled a "giant killer", as he often fought and defeated guys three times bigger than him. At Guilty As Charged 2000, he challenged then World Champion, Mike Awesome for the belt, and while it was a devastating watch seeing Awesome dismantle Dudley, we saw Dudley's unbridled grittiness and toughness, as he delivered an outstanding performance. Even he was brutalized in defeat, he was looked at as one of the company's gutsiest acts.
13. Sasuke, Hamada, & Yokushiji vs. BWO Japan
Barely Legal '97
One of the most talked about pay-per-views in the history of ECW was its very first event, Barely Legal. One of the more surprisingly standout matches was a six man tag involving members of BWO Japan, which consisted of Terry Boy, Togo, and former WWE star Taka Michinoku, against Hamada, Yokushiji, and The Great Sasuke. It was chaotic and at times barely able to catch up with, but this was also a very exciting match that people were talking about just as much as the other big time matches of the night.
12. Tajiry vs. Steve Corino
Hardcore Heaven 2000
At Hardcore Heaven 2000, Corino was part of the heel faction, The Network, and Tajiry was as well, but due to a double cross, Tajiry found himself cheered, and had a match against the self-professed "King of Old School". After a venomous and quite racist rant from Corino, Tajiry delivered one hell of a serious ass kicking to Corino, severely lacerating him and leaving Corino completely coated in blood. However, Corino also showed his toughness as he brought the fight to the "Japanese Buzzsaw". This was an out-and-out fight and was one of both men's best performances within the company.
11. Masato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome
ECW World Heavyweight Title
Heatwave '98
One of the most intense rivalries in the company's history involved Masato Tanaka and Mike Awesome. The feud really started in Japan at the notorious FMW promotion and spread to the States. Once they got here, they resumed with utterly brutal matches, some for the ECW World Title. Arguably their biggest match was at Heatwave '98 (yeah THAT Heatwave where The Dudley Boyz literally caused a riot). It was a vicious affair, with plenty of unsettling blows and chair shots. One can't help to this day but think that this rivalry had to have shortened both men careers. Some would argue that their match at One Night Stand was every bit as rough, but one thing is for sure, this particular one was both uneasy to watch yet fascinating enough to not turn away.
10. Super Crazy vs. Tajiry
Guilty As Charged '99
Another celebrated rivalry within the ranks of ECW involved Tajiry and AAA star Super Crazy. These two international gladiators were involved in some high flying spectacles over the years, but no match was better than their match at Guilty As Charged '99. Crazy was, at times, just that...CRAZY with a few of his spots, while Tajiry was at his stiff kick finest. The magic between these two was inescapable and it showed more and more when they fought. This match nearly stole the show at this overall damn good event.
9. 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Sabu
Cyberslam '96
While many consider Sabu to be a certified legend within ECW, perhaps the most underrated star npt named Chris Candido in ECW was 2 Cold Scorpio. Their match at Cyberslam '96 was just fantastic, filled with crazy flying spots and the usual Sabu craziness of going through tables and using (and being the victim of) his own chairs. This match was a thirty-minute draw, but prompted the fans to chant "Five more minutes". In the midst of the rest of the card, Sabu and Scorpio took the evening with them in what was a dazzling contest.
8. Pitbulls vs. Raven & Stevie Richards
ECW World Tag Team Titles/2 Out Of 3 Falls/Double Dog Collar Match
Gangsta's Paradise '95
The Pitbulls are considered one of the company's toughest teams, bar none. They were one of the company's go-to teams for brutality and intensity. At Gangsta's Paradise, they challenged Raven & Stevie Richards for the Tag Team Titles in a Double Dog Collar Match. Oh yeah, it was also Best Of 3 Falls. This match was all over the place, but in a good way, as there were quite a few different elements that made this an awesome match and even more awesome to view it as a fan. Between Richards being badly busted open early in the match to Pitbull #2 being injured and taken out to Dreamer being the temporary Pitbull to The Dudleyz getting involved. Not to mention, Francine turning on The Pitbulls then going through the table and The Pitbulls winning. It was a LOT, but it was so worth it.
7. 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Shane Douglas vs. Chris Jericho vs. Pitbull #2
ECW World Television Title/Fatal Four Way Elimination Match
Heatwave '96
There really aren't a ton of Fatal Four Way matches that are up there as memorable. However, one in particular is still talked about today, especially when it comes to ECW's glory days. The Television Championship was on the line as Chris Jericho (pre Y2J) defended against former champions Shane Douglas and 2 Cold Scorpion, as well as one half of The Pitbulls, Pitbull #2. This match was a hard and tedious 40-minute match, and showed the best of each individual player involved in the match. With Jericho being the first to get eliminated, we knew there would be a new TV Champion, and it ended up being Douglas, but not after an incredible showing by each guy involved in this marathon of pride and competition.
6. Sabu vs. Taz
Barely Legal '97
Talk about a Wrestlemania-styled build-up. These two men legit hated each other, which means on and off camera, they didn't care for each other much if at all. The back story has Sabu was gone for a year, and Taz had been goading him to get back in the ECW ring. They finally teased a one-on-one collision, and it was finally signed for them to collide at Barely Legal in what was considered the company's dream match. The match was intense and every bit as hard-hitting as we imagined. The interesting note was after the match, as there was a subsequent double turn, as Sabu had turned heel and Taz had become a babyface as his manager, Bill Alfonso, turned on him to join Sabu and Rob Van Dam. This was just the beginning of one of the most physically awesome rivalries not just in ECW, but in the business at that time.
5. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Juventud Guerrera
2 Out Of 3 Falls Match
Big Ass Extreme Bash '96
The luchadores of ECW presented some very exciting matches that often times made them the most talked about guys of the evening minus anything involving the likes of Sandman, Sabu, or New Jack. At Big Ass Extreme Bash '96, Rey Rey went to town against famed rival Juventud Guerrera. These two had a simply great match that oozed of lucha libre. These two tore it up within all three falls and showed the world, or at least those able to peep ECW, that lucha libre was in fact the truth. Although they had some definite excellent matches in later years in AAA and WCW, this was the match that is considered their highlight.
4. Beulah McGillicutty vs. Bill Alfonso
As Good As It Gets '97
Sometimes the best wars don't involve traditional wrestlers. Sometimes they just involved non-trained acts that don't do know much except to just beat on each other and make it look wonderful. There wasn't a better case than two managers fighting the living hell out of each other, in the form of Beulah (Mrs. Tommy Dreamer) McGillicutty and Bill Alfonso. Once Beulah nailed Fonzie with that metal plate and SEVERELY lacerated Alfonzo, the shit was on, and this was one of the most badass six-minute fights you'll come across to this very day. Although Fonzie lost a disturbing amount of blood (think Guerrero, Cena, Taker, Muta levels), Fonzie didn't back down and took the fight to Beulah. If you want unbridled intensity and graphic bloodletting in a microwaved version, look no further than this amazing fight.
3. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Psycosis
Mexican Death Match
November To Remember '95
What many consider the greatest lucha match during ECW's lucha explosion was Mysterio against Psycosis in a Mexican Death Match. This wasn't just a regular lucha match. Thee two did more than just execute crazy high flying spots. These two used weapons, chairs, and even went into the crowd and outside. This was a surprisingly very intense encounter and not too much like what we would usually see from them. However, both men rose in clout and notoriety from this thrilling match that has even been given the title of "classic". After you watch that match, you might be inclined to agree as well.
2. Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn
ECW World Television Title
Guilty As Charged '01
This, folks, was a hard one considering all of their matches. This rivalry was considered the Steamboat-Flair rivalry of the company. Consistent underachiever, yet highly respected grappler, Jerry Lynn would have an unbelievable series of matches with one of the game's most naturally gifted athletes ever in "Mr. PPV" Rob Van Dam. The longest reigning TV Champion in ECW history made nothing less than perfection with Lynn each and every time they fought, but it was their match at Guilty As Charged 2001 that may have all of their other encounters beat, if just barely. Sequences galore, RVD and Lynn took the evening with them, as nothing could truly follow this bit of greatness.
1. Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko
ECW World Television Title
Hostile City Showdown '95
Two of the sport's greatest in-ring talents met at Hostile City Showdown for the TV Title. The late great Eddie Guerrero defended the belt against Dean Malenko in a stellar exhibition of athleticism and mat wrestling. This was the proverbial game of human chess and was wrestling 101. This nearly 30-minute match was a breath of fresh air amidst the hardcore and violence and blood of the rest of the event, and the people rightfully gave them both a standing ovation highly applauding their work and witnessing a sincere wrestling classic. This was not just the best technical wrestling match in company history but became one of the greatest matches regardless of company all year. While ECW will always be remembered for violence, excessive blood loss, fire, chairs, and barbed wire, it should also be remembered for great wrestling, and there wasn't a better pure wrestling match than Guerrero and Malenko.
Honorable Mentions
Bret Hart vs. Terry Funk/WrestleFest '97
RVD vs. Lynn/Hardcore Heaven '99
Taz vs. Bam Bam Bigelow/Living Dangerously '98
Shane Douglas vs. Bam Bam Bigelow/November To Remember '97
Taz vs. Misato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome/Anarchy Rulez '99
Cactus Jack vs. Mikey Whipwreck/Big Ass Extreme Bash '96
Sabu vs. Terry Funk vs. Shane Douglas/Night The Line Was Crossed
Terry Funk vs. Sandman vs. Stevie Richards/Barely Legal '97
Tommy Dreamer vs. Jerry Lawler/Hardcore Heaven '97
Kid Kash & Super Crazy vs. Tajiri & Mikey Whipwreck/Massacre on 34th St. 2000
Tommy Dreamer & Terry Funk vs. Raven & Cactus Jack/November To Remember '95
Sabu vs. RVD/The Doctor Is In '96
Sabu vs. RVD/Guilty As Charged 2000
Masato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome/One Night Stand '05
As you can see, these matches vary from very technical and scientific to high flying to straight up bloodletting and carnage. One way or another, each of these matches are special in their own way and deserve high recognition for their contributions to wrestling history. The promotion that paved the way for the Attitude Era and other "hardcore" promotions in the States such as IWA-MS and CZW still gets saluted by fans to this day with the occasional "EC-dubb, EC-dubb" chants. Here's a toast to ECW, the most revolutionary and most fun promotion there may have been in the business in the mid to late nineties and early millennium. Thank you for the memories.
Bret Hart vs. Terry Funk/WrestleFest '97
RVD vs. Lynn/Hardcore Heaven '99
Taz vs. Bam Bam Bigelow/Living Dangerously '98
Shane Douglas vs. Bam Bam Bigelow/November To Remember '97
Taz vs. Misato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome/Anarchy Rulez '99
Cactus Jack vs. Mikey Whipwreck/Big Ass Extreme Bash '96
Sabu vs. Terry Funk vs. Shane Douglas/Night The Line Was Crossed
Terry Funk vs. Sandman vs. Stevie Richards/Barely Legal '97
Tommy Dreamer vs. Jerry Lawler/Hardcore Heaven '97
Kid Kash & Super Crazy vs. Tajiri & Mikey Whipwreck/Massacre on 34th St. 2000
Tommy Dreamer & Terry Funk vs. Raven & Cactus Jack/November To Remember '95
Sabu vs. RVD/The Doctor Is In '96
Sabu vs. RVD/Guilty As Charged 2000
Masato Tanaka vs. Mike Awesome/One Night Stand '05
As you can see, these matches vary from very technical and scientific to high flying to straight up bloodletting and carnage. One way or another, each of these matches are special in their own way and deserve high recognition for their contributions to wrestling history. The promotion that paved the way for the Attitude Era and other "hardcore" promotions in the States such as IWA-MS and CZW still gets saluted by fans to this day with the occasional "EC-dubb, EC-dubb" chants. Here's a toast to ECW, the most revolutionary and most fun promotion there may have been in the business in the mid to late nineties and early millennium. Thank you for the memories.
