Post by darbicus on Sept 27, 2021 22:07:16 GMT 1
January 7, 2001
It seemed that the writing was on the wall for Extreme Championship Wrestling, the little upstart wrestling federation that could and would survive countless doomsday prophecies. From their inception as the cutting edge of the industry in 1994 to their heyday through the late 90s, the company had chugged along, always on the verge of both breaking out of its indy shell and simultaneously breaking down into financial ruin. Under the guidance of company owner (some might call him cult leader) Paul Heyman, the company was producing an in-ring style unlike anything the Big 2 could put on. A television deal the year before had seemed the next logical step, only for that to turn into a financial boondoggle. Entering the year 2001, with the company in dire straits, it seemed as if Paul Heyman would finally have to surrender his dream and ECW would shut its doors, with Guilty As Charged being its last hurrah.
Until fate intervened...
We open the show with Paul Heyman in the center of the ring. On Commentary, Joey Styles and Joel Gertner haven't said much of anything, instead letting the Mad Scientist of Professional Wrestling make this consequential announcement.
Heyman: "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. I am the Owner and Operator of Extreme Championship Wrestling. And if you will please indulge me for a moment, there are a few things that I need to get off my chest. When I first came to ECW in 1993, this was nothing more than just a small time territory operating out of a pawn shop in Philadelphia. It was no different than a million other "independents" or "territories" that populated the world of professional wrestling. But I saw potential. I saw a roster of hungry young talent just waiting to be given an opportunity. A locker room filled with men and women who wanted to prove themselves. I also saw an opportunity. I saw the chance to create a type of wrestling that didn't exist anywhere else in North America, something that the "Big 2" could only dream of. And with that opportunity and that potential, I helped the athletes and I helped you the fans turn ECW into more than just another wrestling promotion. We turned it into a place that we can all call home. Even those who have left for greener pastures, they still can call this place home.
But I can't say it has been easy. For from it. From backstabbing billionaires and corporate executives, to smug-ass pieces of shit who wear leather jackets and hang around biker conventions so they can feel like a real man. ECW has it its fair share of enemies. And though I have tried to keep the lights on and the doors open, lately it seemed as if the barbarians were about to storm the gate. I'm not going to lie to you. If there is one thing that ECW was founded on, it was honesty to you, the fans. When I came to New York earlier this week, I was certain that this was going to be the last show for Extreme Championship Wrestling. I was almost certain that when we left tonight, the dream and the home that is ECW would come to an end.
However, dreams are funny. They have a way of never really dying. They never really end. They just sometimes turn out differently than you thought they would. So with that in mind, I am happy to tell you without hesitation that ECW will NEVER DIE! Thanks to an anonymous financial backer, we are saved from the brink!
In fact, we will thrive! Not only will Guilty as Charged not be the last ECW show, but you will be able to tune in this Friday, Live from the ECW Arena, to see ECW Unleashed at 11:00 Eastern Time on the FX Network.
This new lease on life will come with some changes, including the card for tonight. I always hated the concept of "card subject to change", but the reality is that this card has to change. Our main event will still see Steve Corino defend the ECW World Championship against The Sandman, and we will still see Tommy Dreamer face CW Anderson in an I Quit Match. But other matches on the night will have to change. I ask for your forgiveness, but will offer refunds to anyone who feels that the substitute card is not up to our standards. But if you will indulge us this night, and put your trust in this new revolution that is about to begin, than I think you will be pleased. Because above all else, one thing will remain the same. This is not WCW...this is not the WWF...this is E...C...F'N...W! And WE....will never....die.
Styles and Gertner comment on Heyman's promo before a video package for Guilty as Charged shows up. We cut to backstage where The Sandman is entering the arena, smoking a cigarette, when he is suddenly attacked from behind by the World's Television Champion, RHINO. Rhino drills Sandman from behind with a garbage can lid, before continuing to beat him down with left and right hands. He throws him hard into the wall, setting him up before Goring him through a loading dock, breaking down a steel garage door in the process, and leaving the Sandman lying on the ground coughing up blood. Styles and Gertner are shocked by the attack, and wonder how the Sandman will survive this to be in tonight's main event. However, before we get to that:
This was the first match in a mini-tournament to crown new #1 contender to the ECW tag team titles, with the veteran team of Simon & Swinger taking on newcomers The Bad Street Boys. Simon & Swinger had some miscommunication in the early going, allowing York and Matthews to take advantage and nearly pick up a victory with a top rope double superplex on Swinger. However Simon was able to make the save and slow down the match, isolating York. The veterans worked through their differences and eventually scored the pinfall when Diamond hit Matthews with the Simonizer.
Winners by Pinfall: Simon Diamond & Swinger
In the ring, we are "graced" with the presence of Cyrus and the "New F'n Show" Jerry Lynn, with the former Network executive Cyrus on the microphone.
Cyrus: "Imagine my surprise to see Paul Heyman actually show up to an ECW event after the last few months. I thought he was trapped in a rubber factory, considering how many of his checks had bounced....But I kid, Paul E. In fact, I'm happy to see you back alive and well. I'm happy that you have found a new home on a new network, because lord knows it'll be worth it to see you screw this deal up, just like you did the last one. And in case you don't, then it gives the New F'n Show, the real Main Event Player, Jerry Lynn, the opportunity to once again become ECW Champion."
Lynn: "I want everyone in the back to listen very closely. Because I am only going to say this once. I will no longer be a curtain jerker. I will no longer be on the undercard. You hear me Heyman. I am Jerry...F'n...Lynn. I am not just the main event, I am the real Whole F'n Show. And for those of you chanting for RVD right now, you better keep prayin', cause he's not coming back through that curtain. He sold out for the greener pastures of New York or Atlanta. But me? I'm still here. Because I have unfinished business. I don't care who wins the title tonight...whether its Corino or Sandman...because I am coming to take back what I never lost."
Cyrus: "But in case you morons in New York didn't get the message, then let my man give you a free demonstration. Tonight...for one night only...the Main Event Player will give you an exhibition, challenging anyone in the back that wants to try their hand against him, right here...right now."
In answer to the challenge, Nova surprises everyone by coming out, making his return to ECW, and we have an impromptu match!
In the beginning it appeared that Nova was showcasing a new side of himself, taking Lynn very seriously and not showing any of the comedy gimmick that he had shown in previous incarnations. Lynn underestimated Nova to his detriment, nearly being defeated after a springboard Tornado DDT. Cyrus got involved to try and save his meal ticket, only for Nova to attack Cyrus, sending him through a nearby table. Lynn recovered from the innovative offense though, hitting a springboard clothesline from in the ring to the outside to gain the advantage. Despite Nova attempting a Kryptonite Krunch, Lynn was able to fight through and hit a Cradle Piledriver to pick up a hard fought victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Jerry Lynn
After a backstage segment with Justin Credible and Missy Hyatt, we move on to the next match for the ECW Tag Team Titles.
Doring & Dinero started the match, but the real action came from the outside due to the constant interference of Elektra. Dinero and Money (also known as Hot Commidity) took advantage of this to establish dominance and isolate Doring from his larger partner. However, Doring eventually hit a Bareback neckbreaker on both men, distancing himself long enough to get the hot tag to Roadkill, who cleaned house. Elektra again attempted to interfere, attempting to seduce Roadkill, who instead knocked her off the apron. The distraction caused Hamrick to get involved, only for him to inadvertantly nail Money with the tag title belt. This set up Money to be hit with the Hart Attack to pick up the victory and retain the titles.
Winners by Pinfall and STILL World Tag Team Champions: Danny Doring & Roadkill
Backstage Steve Corino cuts a promo on Sandman, saying that if what is left of the old grizzled veteran can make it out to the ring, then the King of Old School will gladly finish him off once and for all and regain possession of his ECW title. We then cut to the next match, with the ECW Television Title on the line.
Rhino dominates the match from the opening bell, despite the athletic Willy attempting to match power with the big man. Rhino made short work of Chilly Willy, pinning him after a Piledriver followed by a Gore.
Winner by Pinfall and STILL World Television Champion: Rhino
After the match, Rhino continued to beatdown on Willy, only for the save to be made by Willy's tag team partner, Balls Mahoney, who came armed with a steel chair. Balls managed to stop the Manbeast in his track with several hard chair shots to the head, finally getting him off his feet and to the canvas. Following a brief promo for the next ECW Pay Per View on March 11, Living Dangerously, we return for our next match.
Both men seemed eager to injure the other, as several weapons and hardcore spots were used to inflict violence on the other. Anderson attempted to choke out Dreamer with a microphone cable, while Dreamer hit a Spicolli Driver from the ring apron onto a trash can on the floor. Dreamer also worked over the arm of CW Anderson, placing it inside a steel chair and then using another chair to crack it against the ring post. Anderson took advantage after a spinebuster through a table, hooking on an STF, but unable to get Dreamer to quit. Eventually Anderson pulled out a pair of handcuffs and attempted to put them on Dreamer, but Tommy reversed and instead handcuffed Anderson to the ring ropes. He then proceeded to pummel him with chairs, cookie sheets and the ring bell, turning him into a bloody mess. Eventually, Anderson got out of the predicament by saying the words I Quit, causing Dreamer to call off the assault.
Winner by Surrender: Tommy Dreamer
After the match, we see a kid on the ring crew named "Towel Boy" got in the ring and was cleaning up the plunder. Having had previous run ins with Anderson, CW attacked the kid and hit him with a spinebuster. This caused Dreamer to return to the ring, hitting a DDT on Anderson and helping Towel Boy to his feet. We then headed to our next match.
The second match in the mini-tournament to crown #1 contenders to the ECW World Tag Team Titles, with the FBI taking on old rivals the Unholy Alliance. Whipwreck and Mamaluke started off, with the Italians getting the advantage through strong technical actions. The match was back and forth with a lot of action, the tide turning several times until Sal got involved, delivering a big splash to Whipwreck and nearly getting the victory for Guido and Company. Tajiri was able to get the hot tag and get Guido locked in the Tarantula, before hitting Mamaluke with the Green Mist. This set up Mamaluke for a Whippersnapper from Whipwreck, getting the victory for the Unholy Alliance.
Winners by Pinfall: Tajiri & Mikey Whipwreck
We go to the main event next, as Steve Corino makes his way to the ring flanked by Jack Victory. The Sandman, iconic entrance and all, slowly makes his way to the ring as well, though with the taped ribs and grimace on his face, its clear that Sandman is really in no condition to compete in this Ladder Match for the title.
Despite the Sandman's best efforts, it was clear that the beating he had sustained from Rhino at the opening of the show left him at a huge disadvantage. Sandman fought through the pain, trying to stop Corino from climbing the ladder and retrieving the ECW Championship, but ultimately failed thanks to interference from Angel and Tony DeVito (Da Baldies). Corino eventually climbed the ladder and captured the ECW Championship.
Winner and STILL ECW World Heavyweight Champion: Steve Corino
After the match, Corino got on the microphone...
Corino: "Once again, I have proven that the Old School Style is superior to this garbage wrestling. But I want you to know, that I am tired of competing in bingo halls and dumps like this. I am tired of bleeding like a stuck pig for an overweight Jew from Scarsdale who couldn't keep a promise if his life depended on it. And most importantly, I am tired of each and every one of you degenerate ECW fans. So what I want you to do right now, is take a good long look at this ECW title belt, because it is the last time you will ever see it. I just signed a very lucrative, very long, contract with World Championship Wrestling. And I am going to do what Mike Awesome should have done back in April, I am going to take the ECW World Title onto Monday Nitro on National Television, and I am going to throw it in the garbage where it belongs. And I don't give a damn what you, Paul Heyman, or what anyone thinks about that."
This brings out Heyman...
Heyman: "Listen you sanctimonious son of a bitch, I have put up with a lot of your whining and crying for the last year and a half. In the past, I haven't cared when guys like Shane Douglas, or Chris Jericho, or Tazz have left for greener pastures. But you, you I do have a problem with. You might be on your way out, but I still have you for tonight. And tonight, you orchestrated a hitjob on the Sandman just to try and ruin this main event. Well to me, that's grounds for you to fulfill your contractual obligations and give these people what they deserve, a proper ECW World Title Defense, RIGHT NOW!"
Corino seems incensed by this, before losing his shit when "Walk" by Pantera hits, revealing his opponent to be none other than the returning Rob Van Dam. Mr. PPV comes out to thunderous applause and stares down the champion as we get set for another impromptu match...
As the two men stare each other down, RVD is jumped from behind by Jack Victory, who tries to take him out. Van Dam hits several kicks, before a double team picks up. Sandman, who had been laying on the ground the whole time, comes back into the match with a Singapore Cane, taking out both Victory and Corino. Sandman holds a chair for Van Dam, allowing the challenger to hit Corino with a Van Daminator, before climbing to the top rope and then hitting the Five Star Frogsplash to pick up the victory and win the ECW World Title.
Winner by Pinfall and NEW ECW World Heavyweight Champion: Rob Van Dam
The show goes off the air with the ECW locker room emptying to celebrate RVD's coronation, save for Jerry Lynn, who stands at the entryway, looking on with jealousy to end the show.
---------
ON THE DEBUT OF ECW UNLEASHED!
The Whole F'n Show Rob Van Dam shocked the world by returning at Guilty as Charged, defending the honor of ECW and claiming his first ECW World Championship. However, the controversial former champion Steve Corino has vowed to return for the debut of Unleashed, and promised a world of pain for both the new champion, and ECW promoter Paul Heyman as well. What will happen when the King of Old School confronts Mr. Friday Night? And what about Rob Van Dam's perpetual rival, Jerry Lynn, who was last seen coveting RVD's newly won title?
Also at Guilty as Charged, we saw both Simon & Swinger as well as The Unholy Alliance, pick up victories in an effort to move towards Tag Team Gold. The two teams will square off in a huge match, with the winner receiving a future Tag Team Title Shot.
All of this plus, Nova, The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and more on the debut episode of ECW Unleashed, live this Friday from the ECW Arena on FX!
It seemed that the writing was on the wall for Extreme Championship Wrestling, the little upstart wrestling federation that could and would survive countless doomsday prophecies. From their inception as the cutting edge of the industry in 1994 to their heyday through the late 90s, the company had chugged along, always on the verge of both breaking out of its indy shell and simultaneously breaking down into financial ruin. Under the guidance of company owner (some might call him cult leader) Paul Heyman, the company was producing an in-ring style unlike anything the Big 2 could put on. A television deal the year before had seemed the next logical step, only for that to turn into a financial boondoggle. Entering the year 2001, with the company in dire straits, it seemed as if Paul Heyman would finally have to surrender his dream and ECW would shut its doors, with Guilty As Charged being its last hurrah.
Until fate intervened...
Guilty as Charged 2001
Hammerstein Ballroom
New York City, NY
Hammerstein Ballroom
New York City, NY
We open the show with Paul Heyman in the center of the ring. On Commentary, Joey Styles and Joel Gertner haven't said much of anything, instead letting the Mad Scientist of Professional Wrestling make this consequential announcement.
Heyman: "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. I am the Owner and Operator of Extreme Championship Wrestling. And if you will please indulge me for a moment, there are a few things that I need to get off my chest. When I first came to ECW in 1993, this was nothing more than just a small time territory operating out of a pawn shop in Philadelphia. It was no different than a million other "independents" or "territories" that populated the world of professional wrestling. But I saw potential. I saw a roster of hungry young talent just waiting to be given an opportunity. A locker room filled with men and women who wanted to prove themselves. I also saw an opportunity. I saw the chance to create a type of wrestling that didn't exist anywhere else in North America, something that the "Big 2" could only dream of. And with that opportunity and that potential, I helped the athletes and I helped you the fans turn ECW into more than just another wrestling promotion. We turned it into a place that we can all call home. Even those who have left for greener pastures, they still can call this place home.
But I can't say it has been easy. For from it. From backstabbing billionaires and corporate executives, to smug-ass pieces of shit who wear leather jackets and hang around biker conventions so they can feel like a real man. ECW has it its fair share of enemies. And though I have tried to keep the lights on and the doors open, lately it seemed as if the barbarians were about to storm the gate. I'm not going to lie to you. If there is one thing that ECW was founded on, it was honesty to you, the fans. When I came to New York earlier this week, I was certain that this was going to be the last show for Extreme Championship Wrestling. I was almost certain that when we left tonight, the dream and the home that is ECW would come to an end.
However, dreams are funny. They have a way of never really dying. They never really end. They just sometimes turn out differently than you thought they would. So with that in mind, I am happy to tell you without hesitation that ECW will NEVER DIE! Thanks to an anonymous financial backer, we are saved from the brink!
In fact, we will thrive! Not only will Guilty as Charged not be the last ECW show, but you will be able to tune in this Friday, Live from the ECW Arena, to see ECW Unleashed at 11:00 Eastern Time on the FX Network.
This new lease on life will come with some changes, including the card for tonight. I always hated the concept of "card subject to change", but the reality is that this card has to change. Our main event will still see Steve Corino defend the ECW World Championship against The Sandman, and we will still see Tommy Dreamer face CW Anderson in an I Quit Match. But other matches on the night will have to change. I ask for your forgiveness, but will offer refunds to anyone who feels that the substitute card is not up to our standards. But if you will indulge us this night, and put your trust in this new revolution that is about to begin, than I think you will be pleased. Because above all else, one thing will remain the same. This is not WCW...this is not the WWF...this is E...C...F'N...W! And WE....will never....die.
Styles and Gertner comment on Heyman's promo before a video package for Guilty as Charged shows up. We cut to backstage where The Sandman is entering the arena, smoking a cigarette, when he is suddenly attacked from behind by the World's Television Champion, RHINO. Rhino drills Sandman from behind with a garbage can lid, before continuing to beat him down with left and right hands. He throws him hard into the wall, setting him up before Goring him through a loading dock, breaking down a steel garage door in the process, and leaving the Sandman lying on the ground coughing up blood. Styles and Gertner are shocked by the attack, and wonder how the Sandman will survive this to be in tonight's main event. However, before we get to that:
Match #1: Simon Diamond & Swinger w/Dawn Marie vs. Christian York & Joey Matthews
This was the first match in a mini-tournament to crown new #1 contender to the ECW tag team titles, with the veteran team of Simon & Swinger taking on newcomers The Bad Street Boys. Simon & Swinger had some miscommunication in the early going, allowing York and Matthews to take advantage and nearly pick up a victory with a top rope double superplex on Swinger. However Simon was able to make the save and slow down the match, isolating York. The veterans worked through their differences and eventually scored the pinfall when Diamond hit Matthews with the Simonizer.
Winners by Pinfall: Simon Diamond & Swinger
In the ring, we are "graced" with the presence of Cyrus and the "New F'n Show" Jerry Lynn, with the former Network executive Cyrus on the microphone.
Cyrus: "Imagine my surprise to see Paul Heyman actually show up to an ECW event after the last few months. I thought he was trapped in a rubber factory, considering how many of his checks had bounced....But I kid, Paul E. In fact, I'm happy to see you back alive and well. I'm happy that you have found a new home on a new network, because lord knows it'll be worth it to see you screw this deal up, just like you did the last one. And in case you don't, then it gives the New F'n Show, the real Main Event Player, Jerry Lynn, the opportunity to once again become ECW Champion."
Lynn: "I want everyone in the back to listen very closely. Because I am only going to say this once. I will no longer be a curtain jerker. I will no longer be on the undercard. You hear me Heyman. I am Jerry...F'n...Lynn. I am not just the main event, I am the real Whole F'n Show. And for those of you chanting for RVD right now, you better keep prayin', cause he's not coming back through that curtain. He sold out for the greener pastures of New York or Atlanta. But me? I'm still here. Because I have unfinished business. I don't care who wins the title tonight...whether its Corino or Sandman...because I am coming to take back what I never lost."
Cyrus: "But in case you morons in New York didn't get the message, then let my man give you a free demonstration. Tonight...for one night only...the Main Event Player will give you an exhibition, challenging anyone in the back that wants to try their hand against him, right here...right now."
In answer to the challenge, Nova surprises everyone by coming out, making his return to ECW, and we have an impromptu match!
Match #2: "The New F'N Show" Jerry Lynn w/Cyrus vs. Nova
In the beginning it appeared that Nova was showcasing a new side of himself, taking Lynn very seriously and not showing any of the comedy gimmick that he had shown in previous incarnations. Lynn underestimated Nova to his detriment, nearly being defeated after a springboard Tornado DDT. Cyrus got involved to try and save his meal ticket, only for Nova to attack Cyrus, sending him through a nearby table. Lynn recovered from the innovative offense though, hitting a springboard clothesline from in the ring to the outside to gain the advantage. Despite Nova attempting a Kryptonite Krunch, Lynn was able to fight through and hit a Cradle Piledriver to pick up a hard fought victory.
Winner by Pinfall: Jerry Lynn
After a backstage segment with Justin Credible and Missy Hyatt, we move on to the next match for the ECW Tag Team Titles.
Match #3: ECW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH- Danny Doring & Roadkill (c) vs. Julio Dinero & EZ Money w/Chris Hamrick & Elektra
Doring & Dinero started the match, but the real action came from the outside due to the constant interference of Elektra. Dinero and Money (also known as Hot Commidity) took advantage of this to establish dominance and isolate Doring from his larger partner. However, Doring eventually hit a Bareback neckbreaker on both men, distancing himself long enough to get the hot tag to Roadkill, who cleaned house. Elektra again attempted to interfere, attempting to seduce Roadkill, who instead knocked her off the apron. The distraction caused Hamrick to get involved, only for him to inadvertantly nail Money with the tag title belt. This set up Money to be hit with the Hart Attack to pick up the victory and retain the titles.
Winners by Pinfall and STILL World Tag Team Champions: Danny Doring & Roadkill
Backstage Steve Corino cuts a promo on Sandman, saying that if what is left of the old grizzled veteran can make it out to the ring, then the King of Old School will gladly finish him off once and for all and regain possession of his ECW title. We then cut to the next match, with the ECW Television Title on the line.
Match #4: ECW WORLD TELEVISION TITLE MATCH- Rhino (c) vs. Chilly Willy
Rhino dominates the match from the opening bell, despite the athletic Willy attempting to match power with the big man. Rhino made short work of Chilly Willy, pinning him after a Piledriver followed by a Gore.
Winner by Pinfall and STILL World Television Champion: Rhino
After the match, Rhino continued to beatdown on Willy, only for the save to be made by Willy's tag team partner, Balls Mahoney, who came armed with a steel chair. Balls managed to stop the Manbeast in his track with several hard chair shots to the head, finally getting him off his feet and to the canvas. Following a brief promo for the next ECW Pay Per View on March 11, Living Dangerously, we return for our next match.
Match #5: I QUIT MATCH- Tommy Dreamer vs. C.W. Anderson
Both men seemed eager to injure the other, as several weapons and hardcore spots were used to inflict violence on the other. Anderson attempted to choke out Dreamer with a microphone cable, while Dreamer hit a Spicolli Driver from the ring apron onto a trash can on the floor. Dreamer also worked over the arm of CW Anderson, placing it inside a steel chair and then using another chair to crack it against the ring post. Anderson took advantage after a spinebuster through a table, hooking on an STF, but unable to get Dreamer to quit. Eventually Anderson pulled out a pair of handcuffs and attempted to put them on Dreamer, but Tommy reversed and instead handcuffed Anderson to the ring ropes. He then proceeded to pummel him with chairs, cookie sheets and the ring bell, turning him into a bloody mess. Eventually, Anderson got out of the predicament by saying the words I Quit, causing Dreamer to call off the assault.
Winner by Surrender: Tommy Dreamer
After the match, we see a kid on the ring crew named "Towel Boy" got in the ring and was cleaning up the plunder. Having had previous run ins with Anderson, CW attacked the kid and hit him with a spinebuster. This caused Dreamer to return to the ring, hitting a DDT on Anderson and helping Towel Boy to his feet. We then headed to our next match.
Match #6: Little Guido & Tony Mamaluke w/Big Sal E Graziano vs. Tajiri & Mikey Whipwreck w/Sinister Minister
The second match in the mini-tournament to crown #1 contenders to the ECW World Tag Team Titles, with the FBI taking on old rivals the Unholy Alliance. Whipwreck and Mamaluke started off, with the Italians getting the advantage through strong technical actions. The match was back and forth with a lot of action, the tide turning several times until Sal got involved, delivering a big splash to Whipwreck and nearly getting the victory for Guido and Company. Tajiri was able to get the hot tag and get Guido locked in the Tarantula, before hitting Mamaluke with the Green Mist. This set up Mamaluke for a Whippersnapper from Whipwreck, getting the victory for the Unholy Alliance.
Winners by Pinfall: Tajiri & Mikey Whipwreck
We go to the main event next, as Steve Corino makes his way to the ring flanked by Jack Victory. The Sandman, iconic entrance and all, slowly makes his way to the ring as well, though with the taped ribs and grimace on his face, its clear that Sandman is really in no condition to compete in this Ladder Match for the title.
Match #7: LADDER MATCH for the ECW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- Steve Corino w/Jack Victory (c) vs. The Sandman
Despite the Sandman's best efforts, it was clear that the beating he had sustained from Rhino at the opening of the show left him at a huge disadvantage. Sandman fought through the pain, trying to stop Corino from climbing the ladder and retrieving the ECW Championship, but ultimately failed thanks to interference from Angel and Tony DeVito (Da Baldies). Corino eventually climbed the ladder and captured the ECW Championship.
Winner and STILL ECW World Heavyweight Champion: Steve Corino
After the match, Corino got on the microphone...
Corino: "Once again, I have proven that the Old School Style is superior to this garbage wrestling. But I want you to know, that I am tired of competing in bingo halls and dumps like this. I am tired of bleeding like a stuck pig for an overweight Jew from Scarsdale who couldn't keep a promise if his life depended on it. And most importantly, I am tired of each and every one of you degenerate ECW fans. So what I want you to do right now, is take a good long look at this ECW title belt, because it is the last time you will ever see it. I just signed a very lucrative, very long, contract with World Championship Wrestling. And I am going to do what Mike Awesome should have done back in April, I am going to take the ECW World Title onto Monday Nitro on National Television, and I am going to throw it in the garbage where it belongs. And I don't give a damn what you, Paul Heyman, or what anyone thinks about that."
This brings out Heyman...
Heyman: "Listen you sanctimonious son of a bitch, I have put up with a lot of your whining and crying for the last year and a half. In the past, I haven't cared when guys like Shane Douglas, or Chris Jericho, or Tazz have left for greener pastures. But you, you I do have a problem with. You might be on your way out, but I still have you for tonight. And tonight, you orchestrated a hitjob on the Sandman just to try and ruin this main event. Well to me, that's grounds for you to fulfill your contractual obligations and give these people what they deserve, a proper ECW World Title Defense, RIGHT NOW!"
Corino seems incensed by this, before losing his shit when "Walk" by Pantera hits, revealing his opponent to be none other than the returning Rob Van Dam. Mr. PPV comes out to thunderous applause and stares down the champion as we get set for another impromptu match...
Match #8: ECW WORLD TITLE MATCH- Steve Corino (c) w/Jack Victory vs. Rob Van Dam
[/b]As the two men stare each other down, RVD is jumped from behind by Jack Victory, who tries to take him out. Van Dam hits several kicks, before a double team picks up. Sandman, who had been laying on the ground the whole time, comes back into the match with a Singapore Cane, taking out both Victory and Corino. Sandman holds a chair for Van Dam, allowing the challenger to hit Corino with a Van Daminator, before climbing to the top rope and then hitting the Five Star Frogsplash to pick up the victory and win the ECW World Title.
Winner by Pinfall and NEW ECW World Heavyweight Champion: Rob Van Dam
The show goes off the air with the ECW locker room emptying to celebrate RVD's coronation, save for Jerry Lynn, who stands at the entryway, looking on with jealousy to end the show.
---------
ON THE DEBUT OF ECW UNLEASHED!
The Whole F'n Show Rob Van Dam shocked the world by returning at Guilty as Charged, defending the honor of ECW and claiming his first ECW World Championship. However, the controversial former champion Steve Corino has vowed to return for the debut of Unleashed, and promised a world of pain for both the new champion, and ECW promoter Paul Heyman as well. What will happen when the King of Old School confronts Mr. Friday Night? And what about Rob Van Dam's perpetual rival, Jerry Lynn, who was last seen coveting RVD's newly won title?
Also at Guilty as Charged, we saw both Simon & Swinger as well as The Unholy Alliance, pick up victories in an effort to move towards Tag Team Gold. The two teams will square off in a huge match, with the winner receiving a future Tag Team Title Shot.
All of this plus, Nova, The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and more on the debut episode of ECW Unleashed, live this Friday from the ECW Arena on FX!