Welcome to A Modest Response. Matthew Michaels, Pulse Wrestling editor extraordinaire (seriously, he’s phenomenal at his job), wrote a column called Till My Head Falls Off. You can read that Right Here. In the column Matt discusses the Cruiserweight title history. It’s a good read, but the very best part is the notes (which you really should sign up for, the discussions are often great) where Matt says “The ECW title has in effect replaced the CW belt on the combined SD/ECW roster, anyway.†This couldn’t be truer or more appropriate. First we’ll discuss the proof of this, then we’ll move along to how WWE should book ECW from now on.
The Cruiserweight title becoming the ECW title was gradual and featured mostly a changing of the weight class rule. With ECW, cruiser wrestling has become a style. It is tangentially similar to the X-Division, which attempts high impact, fast paced wrestling based on style, regardless of the size of its competitors. WWE’s ECW show doesn’t go for fast paced or high impact style, but instead focuses on a style similar to 1990s New Japan Pro Wrestling Juniors, which many consider the highlight of junior wrestling ever.
WWE does take one cue from TNA; the WWE ECW Title is not restricted by weight class and style is the focus. CM Punk is a heavyweight, if barely, so his being the centerpiece of the show doesn’t fit perfectly. However, he is also the best worker the WWE employs at that style and has unmatched charisma. He is a great centerpiece.
Beyond Punk, pretty much everyone who has received a push on that show works a similar style and wasn’t pushed to the top for it on other shows, most notably Shelton Benjamin and John Morrison. Of those who have come over for a push at first part time, are cruiser regulars Jaime Noble and Chavo Guerrero. None of these guys were allowed near the world title, but all of their styles for perfect compliments to the current ECW attitude.
WWE, of course, won’t advertise this. They have it in their collective heads that cruisers will never draw. Since they won’t give it the proper chance, at least while calling it the Extreme division, it seems like a vague mishmash. Of course, with everyone working that particular style, which is directly derivative of the NJPW Junior Style (and you all wondered why Benoit was to be the centerpiece).
Now, the WWE really needs to advertise this as some sort of Extreme style. Their refusal to makes ECW feel like a C show, which is why the viewers are down on it. Make it feel fresh and treat it as so. Perception is reality, after all… unless the WWE want it to fail to prove their own philosophy and let’s hope that isn’t the case.
Here are five to move over from other brands and 5 to sign to fill out the roster.
Five to Move Over
1. Paul London – Longtime readers should be anything but surprised at this selection. London and Kendrick are wasting away on Raw. Kendrick has a minor losing streak gimmick going, taking memorable beatings. He should blame London for this and get his erstwhile partner sent to ECW as punishment. London for his part is a remarkably effective face. Looking for a partner to take on Morrison and Miz or putting on memorable matches with Shelton and Burke would raise his stock immediately. That also allows Kendrick, who’s good on the mic to be a heel and raise his own stock on Raw.
2. Jamie Noble – Noble is an excellent worker who has experience working with the NJPW juniors. He’s rarely on Smackdown and simply getting in the ring and putting together matches with ECW’s young guys like Elijah Burke would go a long way to making them better wrestlers. The most underrated talent of his generation should get a chance to shine and pass on his wisdom to the show that works his own style.
3. Matt Sydal – WWE is obviously very high on the former OVW Champion after surprisingly putting their main belt on him. His high flying is something missing from this junior division and if, as they should, they begin running multi-man matches to highlight guys and see what everyone can do against each other, then Sydal’s flash will assuredly stand out.
4. Super Crazy – The super jobber of Raw is unneeded. Any nameless indy talent could fill his spot, but on ECW, he’s instantly relevant. He’s an ECW original, which doesn’t mean a lot, but the crowd responds to it. Add in his flashy offense and that he can work very short matches and is especially effective multi-man, the real question is why he already isn’t on this show.
5. Kenny Dykstra – At 21, he might very well be the future of the WWE, if he can learn to wrestle. He has all the talent, tools, and charisma, but needs to figure out how to put together a match. He’s gotten some basics from Flair already, so getting a more varied education from Noble and others would help ready him for prime time. Also, on ECW, could you imagine the heel heat if he went one man Spirit Squad?
5 Guys to Sign
1. Incognito – Incognito is a luchador who works Chikara on occasion. He was Mistico before the gimmick was wildly successful and is one of the best spot men around. It’s important to note that he is a very good size and has a unique look. There’s marketability here for the WWE to capitalize on.
2. Kota Ibushi – Setting up an actual Puro wrestler would go a long way to establishing this show as must see and no one is currently flashier than Kota. His flights and matrix like moves would immediately make him a fan favorite and ECW must see, without forcing WWE to actually job anyone to him.
3. Brodie Lee – Lee of Chikara is a big, thin, bad man. He plays angry white trash to perfection, and since Vince loves that gimmick, he belongs in WWE. He’s also a great base for junior wrestlers and can sell for them without looking weak. He’d be perfect with Noble, or as Colin Delaney’s big backup.
4. Reckless Youth Tom Carter – The WWE overlooked the mostly retired Reckless for years. This is rather nonsense because between technical wrestling and flying, he was a superb all around talent. Needing no seasoning, he’s the perfect guy to come in and selflessly get the most of the roster.
5. Steve Corino – He got a tryout. He needs to be hired. Want NJ Style? He worked with effing Hashimoto and the bitchmaster Otani. What more do you need?
That’ll cover this week. Check back Friday for Ring of Honor Weekly and be sure to check all the great content here at www.insidepulse.com.
