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The 2008 WWE Draft did "shake things up," however, the biggest beneficiary was the brand that was supposed to have been helped the least. Smackdown had 12 draft picks, Raw had 11 draft picks, and ECW had five draft picks. The intent of the draft was to make Smackdown, which changes networks in a few weeks, a stronger brand, while keeping Raw strong as well. ECW was basically an afterthought. Yet, the brand getting the most mileage out of its new stars has been ECW. In recent weeks, the third brand has become WWE's best show.
ECW's picks were Matt Hardy, Finlay, Hornswoggle, Mark Henry, and Super Crazy. All five have been significant contributors to a recent string of strong shows from the "Land of Extreme." In the two and a half months since the draft, Smackdown has seen two of its picks released (Trevor Murdoch and Big Daddy V), two that still have yet to have their first televised match (D.H. Smith and Carlito), and two more that are out with injuries (Umaga and Mr. Kennedy). Raw had one of their picks returned to ECW (Matt Striker), two that still have yet to wrestle (Deuce and Chuck Palumbo), and another major pick that has spent significant time on injured reserve (Rey Mysterio).
One of the things I like the most about the recent editions of ECW on Sci-Fi has been the focus being placed again on wrestling. It starts at the top with the Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry battle for the ECW Title. Henry is the champion, Hardy wants to be the champion, and they are feuding over the title. It is simple Pro Wrestling Booking 101. Both guys have something to prove. It was not all that long ago that Henry was getting destroyed in matches against the Undertaker, Triple H, Batista, and John Cena. When asked about his lack of a push, Henry was told by WWE Smackdown Lead Writer Michael Hayes that it was because, "He wasn't black enough." Henry is now the ECW Champion, and has been rebuilt as a credible monster over the last several weeks. The World's Strongest Man is getting the biggest push of his career, and he is making the most of it. Adding Hall of Famer Tony Atlas to his side, has also been a big plus. Can someone get Mr. Hayes a slice of humble pie?
Meanwhile, many (myself included) saw Hardy being drafted to ECW as a demotion. Matt was getting closer and closer to the top of the card on Smackdown. He had just won the U.S. Title, and was climbing the ladder toward the glass ceiling with a hammer in his hand. Upon learning of his brand switch, Hardy could have done like Maria, and whined about it. Instead, he has placed the ECW brand on his back, and is doing what he can to build it back up again to respectability. His matches against Mark Henry and John Morrison were pay-per-view quality, and better than several of the recent offerings from Raw and Smackdown. The fan reactions to Matt Hardy are continually among the loudest of any WWE superstar no matter what the brand. When he finally wins the ECW Title, I think the roof will blow off whatever building they happen to be in that night. WWE Creative should not put the win off for too long, because the "Sensei of Mattitude" is very hot right now.
Finlay and Hornswoggle have also been positive additions to the roster. Along with Hardy, Finlay brings that blue collar work ethic, that seems to have made the other superstars around them better. It is good to see him working singles again. The younger guys on the roster can learn a great deal from his years of experience. This is not intended as a knock on Hornswoggle, but his strength is being on the outside entertaining the crowd. Finlay's feud with Mike Knox has been a good example of the proper way to use him. Knox accused Finlay of going soft. After weeks of teasing, they fought, and Finlay proved him wrong. Knox, even in defeat, came out stronger, because it was the best match he has wrestled on ECW to date. Once again, it is simple Pro Wrestling Booking 101.
The Super Crazy situation seems to be a bit more confusing. Crazy was drafted to ECW, his first post draft match was on Smackdown while wearing an ECW shirt, his most recent matches have been on ECW, and yet on this week's show Todd Grisham referred to Super Crazy as "visiting from Smackdown." Make up your minds people! Crazy belongs on ECW. He is an ECW Original. Now that they got rid of Stevie Richards and Nunzio, Tommy Dreamer and Super Crazy are the only ECW Originals left. The fans seem to be more interested in the "Insane Luchador" being on Tuesday nights. I hope Creative was listening to that very loud "E-C-W" chant after the back-to-back moonsaults to the floor from Crazy and Evan Bourne a couple of weeks ago in that six man tag. There is really no place for him on Smackdown. With Triple H, the Undertaker, the Big Show, Jeff Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Michelle McCool, Jesse and Festus, and now R-Truth, he is not really needed. Just drop the Smackdown stuff, and keep to the original plan of putting him on ECW.
In addition to the draft picks, the rest of the ECW roster has stepped it up. Here are a few quick takes:
John Morrison and the Miz are the best tag team in the company right now. I really believe it is time to bring back the ECW Tag Team Championship. It gives not only them, but other guys on the roster something to shoot for. Plus, "The Dirt Sheet" rules!
It amazes me that Tommy Dreamer is still over with the fans in spite of all the jobbing he does. They really could be doing so much more with him. He is the best promo guy on the brand.
Evan Bourne has been a welcome addition to the roster as part of the "Superstar Initiative." His shooting star press is a thing of beauty. He is a major star waiting to happen.
Ricky Ortiz is a guy with potential. I think it would be in the best interests of his career to wrestle some of the more experienced guys rather than the younger guys, who are also part of the Superstar Initiative. His best matches were with Chavo Guerrero, while his matches against Armando Estrada, Gavin Spears, and Ryan Braddock were nothing to write home about.
Mike Knox has also worked his way into the mix. He's proven that he can cut a good promo, and having matches with Finlay can only help him get better in the ring.
Whatever happened to Elijah Burke? He should be right there in the mix, but he has seemingly vanished.
Teddy Long is the best general manager in WWE. Unlike Mike Adamle, Long doesn't need crib notes, and unlike Vickie Guerrero, he is not in seemlingly every segment.
Todd Grisham and Matt Striker are quickly meshing really well as a broadcast duo. I had to laugh last week at Grisham's, "He just landed in the capital of Thailand!" comment. I've also enjoyed Striker's insights, his mentioning stars from the past, as well as his humor.
For those of you that have tuned out ECW, because of the long string of really bad shows that they had, I urge you to pick up the remote next Tuesday and give them another shot. Things are changing for the better. While, Smackdown's ratings are at all time lows, and Raw is struggling to maintain status quo, ECW has actually started to see a little rise in their viewership. Raw and Smackdown were supposed to both get better. They instead have gotten worse. While the players have changed, it is the WWE insisting on "sports entertainment" over professional wrestling that continues to hold them back. The third brand has embraced that concept that Paul Heyman stated is considered a "dirty word" to Vince McMahon. ECW has become a slick, fast paced, no B.S., sixty-five minute show that has been giving us more action recently, than even the organization that claims to be "total nonstop action." A brand that at one time I could at one time not wait for its demise, I now look forward watching.
Feedback may be sent to Doug at brownsbros3@yahoo.com.
