1: Make It Alternative
Back in 2006 when the concept for the new ECW was being discussed, it was widely reported that Shane McMahon was indeed pushing for the program to be as alternative to the current two brands (Raw and Smackdown) as possible.
By this he wanted the program to be held at smaller, intimate arenas, much like the original ECW was, with the Hammerstein Ballroom (venue of the first two “One Night Stand” pay per views), a great candidate for regular usage.
Although this would indeed increase costs for the WWE, who currently film ECW at the same time as Smackdown, it would really give the brand its own look and feel.

2: Make It Unmissable!
Although a 1 hour show isn’t ideal for a wrestling program, it could easily become one hour of television that a wrestling fan daren’t miss! Adopting a fast paced format, full of action and moving it completely away from what can be seen on Raw and Smackdown would be a great move, whilst keeping the competitors exclusive to the brand would also help further!

3: Paul Heyman
To many people in the industry, Paul Heyman possesses the most creative mind in wrestling today, having masterminded the upsurge of the original ECW, creating the characters and utilising the talents of wrestlers who were far from known by the fans. Since ECW closed, Heyman has worked with the WWE’s creative team and was also responsible for a lot of character development whilst working in OVW. Heyman was heavily involved when ECW resurface in 2006, but left the company following a reported conflict with Vince McMahon over the direction of the “December to Dismember” pay per view in December that year.

4: Use Developmental Wrestlers Selectively
ECW was always the breeding ground for new talent in the wrestling world and there is no reason for that to stop. However simply calling up a new generations of nameless, faceless talent does nothing for the fans and doesn’t help the careers of those unfortunate enough to be called up without time to establish themselves with the audience. A mixture of new faces and established stars would be the ideal way to grow the programs ratings, whilst working towards a bright future.

5: Diversify The Roster
Despite having a lot of hardcore matches, the original ECW also had great genuine wrestling matches, with the likes of Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Lance Storm, Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko amongst the alumni. The show also largely introduced the American and many other audiences to the world of luche libra, at the time there was no other company offering as much diversity as ECW. Making the show stand out more from what is available at the moment would likely attract viewers.

6: Make Matches Matter
Whilst having a fairly unique and diverse roster is one thing, making the bouts matter is another. Title shots need to be earned, not just thrown at somebody for reasons which are pretty “unique” to say the least! Also perhaps Dusty Rhodes’ wish to implement a tag team division (with titles) to the program could also be added, giving the tag team matches more purpose than is currently being offered.

7: Bring Back More Originals!
Many of the fans of the original ECW turned away once the familiar faces of the likes of The Sandman, Sabu and Balls Mahoney disappeared from their TV screens. Although not all of those faces would either be available, or indeed still involved with wrestling, having a selection of familiar and extreme faces would certainly help keep fans attention.

8: Joey Styles
The original voice of extreme has been missing from the commentary desk ever since he became the “Director of Digital Media Content” for WWE in 2008. Brining back Styles to the commentary fold would add an element of character to the program which is sorely lacking at the moment, whilst also bringing back part of what made the original ECW popular in the first place.

9: Rob Van Dam
Needn’t we say any more?! Rob Van Dam was arguably the most popular member of the ECW roster and despite (in many peoples opinions) being constantly underused and undervalued in the WWE, remained one of their most popular supserstars. Having been away from our television screens on a consistent basis for the best part or two years, “The Whole F’N Show’s “ batteries may now be recharged and he could light up the main event picture.

10: Make It More Extreme!
The original ECW was all about the Extreme! With Chairs, Baseball Bats, Tables and even Blueberry Pies being used to inflict pain on opponents on a regular basis. Although this level of violence would be frowned upon by the Sci Fi Network, extreme rules matches in moderation could also help the show stand out somewhat compared to Raw and Smackdown.

and finally:
Move Away From The Sci Fi Network?!
Although the low ratings of the current television program may not make it particularly appealing to many networks, if those at the Sci Fi channel don’t want a more adult orientated show, then perhaps there would be potential other homes for the program, where things could be a little more extreme?!

This week the program scored a rather unimpressive 0.93 rating, which is below the point .95, where it can be rounded up to a 1.0

Yes this rating is better than many of the shows being aired on the Sci Fi Network, but it is still pretty low for the ECW program, which since 2006 has generally been able to maintain ratings above the 1.0

The drop in ratings is said to have caused some concern, with Vince McMahon having addressed the ratings of the show in an annual shareholders meeting earlier this month. Despite being happy with how the show is being used (primarily to introduce new workers, or give those who are not appearing on other brands a new lease of life) the audience figures is something that he wasn’t so happy with.

Like many other instances in life, when the going is good, those at the top get praised, and when its not, the reverse happens. In the case of a wrestling program, usually it’s the champion who will be focus point of admiration or resentment.

In this case, the current ECW Champion is Christian, who back in his TNA days, was often critized online for not being capable enough to carry a company. Now being the ECW champion is far from being a “company carrier”, but it certainly is a good opportunity for him to show the critics, and Vince McMahon that he can indeed be a main event competitor.

However if the ratings are low, or dropping while he has the belt, regardless of whether its fair or not, he is ultimately going to be burdened with the majority of the blame. This could also be said about Jack Swagger, who is currently involved in the main event program.

The attending crowd were pleased with the result, with “you’ve still got it” chants echoing around the arena. There is no doubt that Foley will savour this championship just as much as the one he won from The Rock in the WWE over a decade ago.

The pay per view itself proved that TNA can indeed pull off a good and enjoyable pay per view, unlike what many of the recent shows have been. The never ending run-ins and swerves were gone and in their place, good and enjoyable surprises!

Along with the Foley victory, former WWE star Bobby Lashley made his debut for the company, brining in an extra worker of note to the company. Jeff Jarrett and Dixie Carter announced that Lashley would indeed by working a full time schedule in the company, alongside his MMA commitments.

As well as that before the lethal lockdown match, Samoa Joe was seen talking to somebody with a towel over their head, which is certainly likely to be revealed as Tazz!

Team 3D, Brothers Ray and Devon struck back at their critics who refer to them as over weight and clinging onto their past glories with a superb match against Beer Money, in a performance that stands up alongside their efforts in ECW and WWE.

In the Lethal Lockdown match Jeff Jarrett’s team defeated that of Kurt Angle when AJ Styles pinned Booker T.

Angelina Love became the new TNA Knockouts Champion after pinning Taylor Wilde in a 3 way match which also featured Awesome Kong.

Matt Morgan defeated Abyss in a strange Doomsday Chamber Of Blood match, with an assist from Dr Stevie, who WWE and ECW fans will know as Stevie Richards.

The Motor City Machine Guns retained the New Japan junior tag team titles (exactly how is the 6’2 Hernandez a junior?) titles over LAX and No Limit.

In the opening bout Suicide – played by a Christopher Daniels on double duty – beat Kiyoshi, Consequences Creed, Jay Lethal and Sheik Abdul Bashir in the X Division Xscape contest

It is widely reported that the Charismatic Enigma has given his notice to the company, which will mean that he will walk away once his contract expires this summer. Although this is sad news for wrestling fans, and for the company, there is still plenty of time for him to change his mind, with the WWE reportedly keen to sign him, even offering him several large offers to sign a new deal.

Despite this, Hardy is still yet to change his mind, with it being said that he simply doesn’t consider sports entertainment to be at the top of his priority lists at the moment.

It’s well documented that Jeff has a passion for music and artwork, so it is possible that he feels as though he can make a living, or at least wishes to try and do so with those interests.

Alternatively, he could simply have had enough of the WWE and want to seek a new challenge, with Ring of Honor and TNA being options. TNA would be the frontrunners for his signature, having recently signed former WWE competitor Bobby Lashley. The move could be appealing to him as the TNA schedule only involves working a few days a month, due to their taping requirements and methods.

Compared to the WWE schedule, the TNA schedule is a lot easier. Wrestlers only need to work a couple of days a month and still make a decent living.

WWE fans will no doubt hope that Jeff decides to stay with company, but if he chooses not to, nor sign for any other company, it would be a shame for the industry to loose such a performer.

It is believed that Tazz actually gave his notice to the company a few weeks ago that he would be walking away once his contract expired. Although this is not unusual in the industry, the fact that the information didn’t find its way onto the internet certainly is!

His main reason for leaving the company according to reports is that he is simply burnt out with the sport. Having got into wrestling in 1987 as a wrestler, he found a way to prolong his career in the industry as a commentator when injuries began to get the better of him.

However it is believed that his affections for commentating waned over the years, and he grew weary of the hectic travelling schedule. Leaving when his contract expired made perfect sense under these circumstances.

After becoming arguably the biggest star in ECW, Tazz joined the WWE in 2000, making his debut against Kurt Angle at the Royal Rumble.
After a stint as the ECW Champion on WWE TV (following a legal battle between Paul Heyman and WCW), he would find himself in the running for the Intercontiental Championship, but would not capture the title and need to take some time away due to injury.

In the Summer of 2000, Tazz returned to a feud against colour commentator Jerry “The King” Lawler, where they faced each other at Summerslam and Unforgiven, where Tazz would collect the victory, thanks to a debuting Raven.

During the “Invasion” storyline, Tazz became “the voice of the WCW/ECW Alliance” from the commentary booth, whilst competing fairly sporadically in the ring.

In 2002, he would team with Spike Dudley and won the WWF Tag Team Championships for a month, before losing it to Billy and Chuck

When World Wrestling Entertainment split into two brands, Tazz was drafted to SmackDown, where he again became colour commentator He co-hosted the show alongside Michael Cole until a third brand, ECW, was introduced in 2006, at which point he became the colour commentator for that show.

He would commentate on the show alongside Joey Styles and later Mike Adamle, before replacing Mick Foley on Smackdown in August 2008.

Tazz’s next (if any) move is currently a hot topic, with fans hoping that he could get into shape for one last run of in ring competition. If he can do this, Ring of Honor may be the better option for him, due to the style of the matches. However, he could also follow suit of some of the former WWE veterans and surface in TNA.

It is believed that his body was spotted lying on the floor of his apartment by a neighbour, who in turn called the police.

As of yet, the authorities have not released the cause of his death, however it is not believed that any foul play is suspected.

Both the WWE and TNA have released statements on their websites, with TNA’s being rather brief, with the WWE noting that Martin was fired from the company because he failed a drugs test, whilst not missing an opportunity to have a swipe at TNA, pointing out the fact he was hired by them after doing so.

As well as statements from both companies, WWE Diva “Kelly Kelly”, who was in a relationship with Martin for some time released an emotional statement about him, which is viewable on her myspace profile.

Andrew Martin made his WWE raw debut in December 1998, aligning himself with the Corporation faction, gaining the nickname “Test”.

After being removed from the faction, he aligned himself with the rival faction “The Union”, along with Mankind, Ken Shamrock and “The Big Show”.

In mid 1999, he would get involved in a story line where he would have an on screen relationship with Stephanie McMahon, which resulted in him feuding with Shane McMahon and his “Mean Street Posse”. Their on screen relationship would end when Stephanie married Triple H at the end of the year.

Test would then team with Albert, managed by Trish Stratus, having some success in the tag team division, before disbanding in early 2001.

As a singles wrestler, Test captured the WWF European Championship from William Regal, only to loose it at WrestleMania X-Seven to Eddie Guerrero. During the “Invasion” storyline of 2001, Test joined the WCW/ECW alliance, and would win the tag team titles for a short period of time with Booker T at Summerslam after they defeated the APA. However at the 2001 Survivor Series he would loose a match to Edge, unifying the WCW United States Championship and the WWF Intercontinental Championship.

Despite this, Test remained fairly strong on screen, and would reach the Semi Finals of the 2002 King Of The Ring tournament, loosing to the eventual winner Brock Lesnar. He would also form “The Un-Americans” stable, along with Lance Storm, Christian, and William Regal, which culminated in a match at Summerslam against The Undertaker.

Later in 2002, with Stacy Keibler as his onscreen girlfriend and “image consultant”, he would under go a new look, cutting his hair and wearing shorter ring attire, before teaming and eventually feuding with Scott Steiner. In a bizarre set of story lines the pair would actually then re-team up, challenging unsuccessfully for the tag team titles, before being fired and then re-hired onscreen by Mick Foley and Eric Bischoff!

In July 2004 he underwent spinal fusion surgery and was released from the company whilst recovering from the operation.

After a stint on the Independent Circuit, he returned to the WWE in 2006, as part of the new ECW roster. Whilst playing an aggressive villan, he received a large push, often feuding against the “ECW Originals”, alongside some of the newer wrestlers.

He appeared in the main event of the only ECW only branded pay per view “December to Dismember”, before embarking on a loosing streak to the then ECW champion Bobby Lashley.

He would then be suspended and later released from the company for violating the WWE “Wellness Program”.

In August 2007 Andrew Martin joined TNA as “’The Punisher”. Martin aligned himself with Abyss and Sting and would compete at Hard Justice 2007, alongside Abyss, and Sting defeating A.J. Styles, Christian Cage, and Tomko.

Andrew Martin was released from TNA shortly afterward due to concerns over his physical size, and TNA being investigated by the United States Congress.

After two months worth of promotion and hype, he would make his debut on the show, gaining a victory over MVP.

Despite his debut being fairly well received, there were almost immediate rumours that that the WWE management believed that Kizarny didn’t have what it takes to make it in the company.

He was sent back to Florida Championship Wrestling, where he would primarily work tag team matches along and against the likes of Ricky Ortiz, DJ Gabriel and Scotty Goldman.

However it appeared as though the WWE’s management was made up and Kizarny was released from the company.

The way Cvjetkovich’s career in the WWE spanned out came to a surprise to many of the fans, who believed that once he had been called up to the roster, he would eventually become a key player on the show.

Cvjetkovich has had a lot of wisdom and knowledge of the industry passed onto him, having grown up with Edge and Christian, and having developed a close friendship with Jake “The Snake” Roberts, who had taken a mentoring style role to his in ring work.

On top of these factors, the gimmick itself was pretty unique and cartoonish, which is something that can get a performer far in the wrestling industry – certainly in the WWE.

Many fans now believe that Nick Cvjetkovich will sign for either Ring Of Honor, or TNA, if he does, he will likely compete as “Sinn” or “Sinn Bowdee”, as he competed as both before being named Kizarny in the WWE.

Bob Backlund

Bob Backlund’s first WWWF/WWF Title reign was between February 1978 until December 1983, before he became stale with the wrestling audience and would loose his spot on the main event to Hulk Hogan. He would return to the company in 1992, and found himself feuding with Bret Hart. He faced Razor Ramon at Wrestlemania 9 and Bret Hart at Wrestlemania 11. He was last scene in the WWE in an active role in 2000, acting as Kurt Angle’s mentor.

Chyna

Chyna was brought in as a body guard to Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the ever famous DX stable in 1997 and would be responsible for the group gaining many of their victories. She would later begin to face the women on the WWE Roster, before feuding with male competitors, becoming the first Women to enter the Royal Rumble and win the Intercontinental Championship in the process.

Demolition

Demolition were a rival promotion’s answer to the Road Warriors in the eighties and were in fact in the WWE before the more famous duo of Animal and Hawk. Demolition, managed by Mr Fuji would feud with the likes of the Hart Foundation before finally squaring of the Legion Of Doom. Demolition would have been a logical choice for an additional tag team to include on the roster.

Diesel

Kevin Nash was a key fixture in the WWE’s attempt at building a “New Generation” of Superstars in 1995 having lost many of the established wrestlers which the fans had grown to love. Diesel would originally serve Shawn Michaels as a body guard, before feuding with him and winning the World Title. He would leave the company to join WCW and be one of the founding members of the new world order, one of the most popular stables of all time.

Earthquake

Before joining forces with Typhoon to form “The Natural Disasters”, Earthquake was in the main event picture in the late eighties, becoming the number one contender for a shot against Hulk Hogan, while being under the guidance of Jimmy Hart. After a lengthy albescence from the company, John Tenta would compete as Golga, a member of the popular stable “The Human Oddities” in 1998.

Fabulous Moolah

For many years she was the leading promoter of woman’s professional wrestling. Moolah started wrestling in the late forties and began her twenty-seven year championship reign in 1956. She was also known as being the first WWF Women’s Champion, joining the company in 1993.
Having been inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame back in 1995, she made sporadic apperances on television, often in comedy sketches along with Mae Young and even won the WWE Women’s Championship in 1999 at the age of seventy six.

Hercules

Hercules joined the WWE in 1985, with his first real exposure being at Wrestlemania 2 against Ricky Steamboat. After acquiring Bobby Hennan as his manager in 1986 he would feud with Billy Haynes and faced him at Wrestlemania 3. He would loose to The Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania 4 and Earthquake at Wrestlemania 6, collecting a victory over Haku in bteween. He would form a team with Paul Roma as “Power and Glory” only to loose to the Legion Of Doom in 59 seconds at Wrestlemania 7.

Macho Man

The Macho Man was a star attraction for the WWE in the eighties and early ninties, winning the World title at Wrestlemania four, and headlining Wrestlemania five against Hulk Hogan. There has always been various rumours around Macho Man as to why he left the WWE, but the forthcoming DVD release showcasing his career suggested that any ill feeling was in the past. However there was still no spot on the roster for the former “Macho King”.

Mick Foley

Mick Foley finally made a name for himself on the big stage when he arrived in the WWE, originally as Mankind in 1996, feuding with The Undertaker. He would also Compete as Cactus Jack and Dude Love during his time, before finally capturing the World Title in 1998 as Mankind. He would then embark in a heated rivalry with The Rock before befriending him. There have been screenshots released featuring him as Cactus Jack, but has since been removed from the roster.

Miss Elizabeth

Miss Elizabeth joined the WWE in the eighties and quickly established herself as one of the most popular members of the roster whilst at ringside for the likes of the Macho Man and Hulk Hogan. Following Savage’s heel turn, she teamed up with Dusty Rhodes at Wrestlemania 6 to face him and Sherri in a mixed tag match. Her final angle in the WWE involved Ric Flair which culminated in a match between he and Randy Savage at Wrestlemania 8.

Mr. T

Although not a proffesional wrestler, Mr. T appeared in the first two Wrestlemanias. Firstly as Hulk Hogan’s tag team partner in the main event of Wrestlemania one and was then victorious in a boxing match against Roddy Piper in Wrestlemania 2 when Piper was disqualified for bodyslamming T in the fourth round

Mountie

Jacques Rougeau joined the WWE in 1986, teaming with his brother Raymond as The Rougeau Brothers, feuding against the Hart Foundation and loosing a match against Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake at Wrestlemania 3. Followig the retirment of his brother, he was re-invented as The Mountie, winning a match against Tito Santana at Wrestlemania 7 and feuding with The Big Bossman and Bret Hart, before again competing in tag team matches, this time as The Quebecers with Pierre.

Owen Hart

Owen Hart was one of the most gifted in ring technicians to not truly establish themselves as a main event competitor in the WWE, despite winning the once prestigious King Of The Ring tournament and feuding with his older brother Bret Hart Owen sadly passed away when a stunt went wrong while performing as “The Blue Blazor” and has been sorely missed ever since.

Psycho Sid

Throughout his career Sid truly embodied what is meant by the term “Main Eventer”, at least in a short term role, having held the world title in the likes of the WWE, WCW and ECW in the ninties. Sid headlined both Wrestlemania 8 (against Hulk Hogan) and 13 (against The Undertaker).
Sid’s career appeared to be over after suffering a horrific in-ring injury back in 2000 against Scott Steiner in WCW, however he is now trying to make a comeback. An appearance in the video game would have been a great way to start that!

Razor Ramon

Scott Hall made his debut in the WWE in 1992 and quickly established himself in the upper reaches of the mid card, notably winning the Intercontinental Championship. His ladder match against Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 10 is remembered by many as the most memorable of that type even to this day. After leaving for WCW in 1996, Hall made a return to the

Rick Martel

Rick Martel was a firm member of the WWE midcard scene in the eighties and even enjoyed a successful stint in the popular tag team “Strike Force” with Tito Santana. When an emphasis was placed on gimmicks by the company, he would become “The Model”. His biggest Wrestlemania match is considered to be his “blind fold” encounter with Jake Roberts at Wrestlemania seven.

Ricky Steamboat

Ricky Steamboat was one of the most gifted wrestlers in the eighties and joined the WWE in 1985 as “The Dragon”. He competed in Wrestlemania two against Hercules and Wrestlemania 3 against Macho highly influential bout was considered an instant classic by both fans and critics and was named 1987’s Match of the Year by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer.
Ricky is set to be inducted in the hall of fame this year by Ric Flair and is under contract by the WWE.

Sable

Although not an obvious choice in terms of in ring ability, many believe that the reinstated Women’s Championship was built around Sables popularity in 1998. Originally a valet for Triple H, Sable would begin to accompany Marc Mero at ringside, before competing in matches against the other women on the roster. She would also become the first ever WWE Diva to appear on the front cover of playboy, paving the way for the likes of Torrie Wilson and Christy Hemme to do the same.

Tito Santana

Tito Santana joined the WWE in 1979 and mainly competed in the mid regions of the card. Tito actually competed in the first ever Wrestlemania match against The Executioner (Buddy Rose), before being one half of the popular Tag Team “Strike Force” with Rick Martel. He would re-invent himself in the early ninties as El Matidor and was inducted in the hall of fame in 2004.

Trish Stratus

Despite not being the most gifted in ring performer, or even having much in the terms of in ring experience when joining the industry, Trish Stratus worked extremely hard and became a true legend amongst the “Divas” in the WWE, winning the title on multiple occasions and always being part of the championship picture. After achieving all she seemingly could, she left the industry, but is still fondly remembered.

What do you think? Are there any that you disagree with, or any that we have left out? Please feel free to leave a comment!

Goldberg

In the late nineties Goldberg was a huge star in WCW and was sorely missed by wrestling fans when the company was bought by the WWE. His run in the WWE between 2003 and 2004 was slammed by many, believing he was underutilised. After a stint in Mixed Martial Arts he announced he was planning on returning to the ring and even appeared as a special guest on Hulk Hogan’s celebrity wrestling.

Hulk Hogan

Many feel that Hulk Hogan should be and will be part of this years Wrestlemania and think its only a matter of time before something is agreed. Could a match against Chris Jericho be enough to secure the Hulksters signature?!

Jimmy Snuka

Jimmy Snuka is one of the true legends of the WWE, competing throughout the eighties and into the early nineties. He’s been in semi retirement from in ring action since 1996, but has made plenty of appearances in the WWE since then. Two of the more recent include his tag team match at Vengeance 2007 and Royal Rumble 2008. He is rumoured to be in line to work as a commentator or presenter for the re-airing WWE Superstars program, so this could be a great way to promote it.

Macho Man

The Macho Man Randy Savage was a huge star in the WWE in the eighties and early nineties and is still in good shape, despite being away from the wrestling eye for a number of years. It’s believed though that the WWE would be unwilling to negotiate with him to bring him in, even for one night!

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke’s performance in and the reception of the movie “The Wrestler” has led to speculation that he will indeed appear in a WWE ring. A match between a Hollywood star and a wrestler has Wrestlemania written all over it and would be a good tip to place a friendly bet on!

Ric Flair

Ric Flair retired at last years Wrestlemania after he lost to Shawn Michaels and has not been active since. Despite the amazing crowd reaction the Nature Boy would receive, many insiders can’t see Flair wanting to return to the ring following his emotional speech and farewall from in ring competition.

Rob Van Dam

Rob Van Dam was one of the most popular members of the WWE roster since joining the company in 2001, despite not truly establishing himself at the top of the card. Since leaving the company, he has made appearances, notably at the Raw 15th Anniversary show and this year’ Royal Rumble pay per view.

Steve Austin

Steve Austin is said to be in the best shape he has been in years and is certainly well rested having not been active in the WWE for a number of years. If Austin is to be involved in this years Wrestlemania, could it be against Chris Jericho?

The Rock

There’s no doubt that The Rock and Chris Jericho have a huge amount of history in the WWE. Upon Jericho’s arrival back in 1999 he entered a program with the Rock and it who he who he defeated to become the undisputed Champion in December 2001. Persuading The Rock to return to in ring competition could be tricky though at this stage of his Hollywood career.

Ultimate Warrior

The Ultimate Warrior was a huge attraction at the height of his WWE popularity and has recently made a return to the ring. Warrior is in superb shape and could well be tempted into making an appearance at the biggest stage of them all.

Reso’s decision to return to the WWE wasn’t exactly top secret, with many websites speculating that he would make the switch when his TNA contract expired. When it did, the president of the promotion (Dixie Carter) even confirmed the fact that he had signed with their rivals.

One thing that surprised many fans though was that Christian returned on the ECW brand, and not Raw or Smackdown, where many had thought or expected him to surface.

However after getting off to a winning start over the ECW Champion Jack Swagger (in a non title match), it looks pretty certain that Christian will be in the main event picture for the brand, potentially as the champion, and could indeed help raise the profile of what is considered to be the “C” show by many.

Back in 2005 Christian left the promotion when his contract expired, but before he did, he actually completed his scheduled appearances, despite not being obligated to. He later surfaced in TNA claiming he joined the promotion to finally establish himself as a main event wrestler, which he did for a while.