ECW News (Page 13)

Need more evidence that the new ECW is nothing but an opportunity for recycled WWE stars and ideas?

For its next, all-ECW pay-per-view - December to Dismember - the brand will feature the Elimination Chamber. Instead of simpy having Rob Van Dam take on The Big Show in the main event, four other wrestlers will be added to the match. The remaining participants will be added through a series of qualifying matches over the next few weeks.

Who wants to wager that two of them will be Test and Hardcore Holly? Just another couple of examples of how ECW should be renamed, "WWE minor league."

• The main event for ECW’s December to Dismember pay-per-view will be ECW World Champion Big Show vs. Rob Van Dam. This will be RVD’s first chance at a re-match since losing the title on July 4th. December to Dismember will take place on December 3rd in Augusta, Georgia.

• Monty Brown’s profile has been removed from the official TNA wrestling website today. He hasn't signed with WWE or any other organization yet, however.

• Rob Van Dam has posted the following message on his official website, regarding criticism of the new ECW brand:

"If anyone's been missing ECW TV lately, that's your loss. If you were a fan of the old ECW, and didn't want to put this new idea over, change your mind. We all had to make some adjustments and ECW has been developing and right now it's something I'm damn proud to be a part of."

• This past Friday’s edition of Smackdown ended up doing a 2.3 cable rating with a 4.1 share. It's one of the best scores for the show in weeks.

The following report is courtesy of lordsofpain.net ...

ECW starts with a RVD video package highlighting the match up with Big Show from last week. After the bodies hit the floor, RVD makes his way to the ring. Van Damn talks about how he defeated Big Show, the unstoppable champ, giant, etc. RVD asks when he will get his title shot.

Paul Heyman and his security force make their way down to the ring. He has a contract for an ECW title match. Heyman says he is a man of his word, and RVD will get his title shot if he can retrieve the contract in a ladder match against Big Show. If Big Show retrieves the title, he reserves the right to tear up the contract. Heyman says that the match may get a little extreme. This prompts security to jump RVD. RVD overcomes the security team and clears the ring.

CM Punk vs Matt Striker
CM Punk starts with a big double leg take down. After a little back and forth, Punk locks in an arm bar that is reversed into a hammerlock. Punk and Striker repeatedly reverse each others hammerlocks, until Striker gets to the ropes. Punk hits a couple knees to Striker’s face. Striker starts a comeback, throwing Punk shoulder first into the ring post. Striker locks in an arm bar and lies across the back of Punk. Punk battles back with some clotheslines. Punk hits Striker with a running knee and follows it with a bulldog takedown.

Punk goes to the top and hits a flying forearm. Punk connects with a jujitsu combo and sets up for the Rock Bottom. Mike Knox attacks Punk from behind and the ref calls for the bell. Knox hits a series of rights. Knox goes for a big boot, but Punk dodges it. Knox runs to the back before Punk can get in any offense.
Winner: CM Punk

A video package is shown of Hardcore Holly’s table incident and all that has followed to set up his match with Test tonight. Back from commercial, a video package highlighting RVD winning the money in the bank ladder match at Wrestlemania.

Test vs Hardcore Holly
After some action and a commercial break, Test repeatedly slams Holly’s back into the ring post. Test goes for a pin fall, but only gets 2. Test locks in another bear hug, and slams Holly’s back into the turnbuckle with it locked in. Holly manages to break out, and takes Test down with a clothesline. Holly knocks Test down with a series of elbows and clothesline. Holly goes to the top rope and takes down Test for 2. Test hits a power slam for 2.

Test goes to the top, but Holly hits the ropes, crotching Test in the corner. Holly goes to the second rope and hits a leg drop for 2. Test goes for a pump handle slam, but Holly slide out and sets up for Alabama slam. Test grabs the ropes, and Holly kicks him in the chest. Test goes for a big boot, but Holly blocks it. Test throws Holly into the ring post shoulder first. Test rolls up Holly with a handful of trunks to pick up the win.
Winner: Test

After the match, Test grabs a chair and hits Holly three times across the back. After the break, Rebecca is backstage with Sandman. Sandman campaigns for your vote for the Umaga match at Cyber Sunday.

Rob Van Dam vs Big Show
RVD immediately goes outside and grabs a ladder. Big Show kicks the ladder out before RVD gets back in the ring. RVD takes an early advantage on Big Show, trying to keep him grounded. RVD tries to set up a ladder, but Big Show attacks him from behind. Big Show chops RVD in the corner. Big Show lays a ladder in the corner and whips RVD into it. RVD rolls to the outside. Big Show picks up the ladder and tries to knock down the contract. RVD hits Big Show in the gut and follows with a head shot with another ladder. RVD does a Van Daminator with a ladder instead of a chair. RVD lays a ladder across Big Show and hits Rolling Thunder. RVD starts to climb the ladder, but Big Show tips the ladder over. RVD lands neck first on the ropes. Big Show lays the ladder back in the corner and throws RVD into it.

Big Show put the ladder on RVD and then stands on him. Big Show throws RVD into the ladder again. RVD tries to mount an offensive, but Big Show tackles him. Big Show slams RVD onto a ladder. Big Show hits RVD with a choke slam. Big Show starts to climb the ladder. RVD runs up the other side of the ladder and launches himself onto Big Show. Big Show is falling backwards and about to drop RVD to the outside, but RVD hooks his legs and throws Big Show over the top. RVD quickly climbs the ladder and retrieves the contract.
Winner: Rob Van Dam

** Click here for more ECW photos from this week's show

This week's ECW show earned just a 1.6 rating. This is another decrease from last Tuesday's 1.8 score.

Perhaps consideration should be given to actually expanding story lines and characters beyond a feud between former WWE stars. The four main eventers at the moment are Hardcore Holly, RVD, the Big Show and Test.

The following report is courtesy of lordsofpain.net ...

Sandman vs Matt Striker: Singapore cane on a pole match
- Sandman goes to the pole, but Striker stops him. The two battle on the turnbuckle. Striker flips Sandman over his back and retrieves the cane. Striker gets in a couple of cane shots before Sandman gets it. Sandman smacks Striker in the head and busts him open. Sandman gets in one more shot before Striker retreats to the back. Striker gets counted out. Sandman is either doing a good job selling the leg or he is hurt.
Winner: Sandman

CM Punk vs Rene Dupree
- Dupree goes for an early slap, and then gets into the ropes for protection. Dupree slingshots Punk on the top rope. Dupree takes the early advantage. Dupree dominates Punk with kick, punches and elbows. Dupree hits a series of body slams on Punk. Punk battles back with some rights followed by a lariat. Punk hits his jiu-jitsu combo, a Rock Bottom, and the locks on the anaconda vice. Dupree taps out
Winner: CM Punk

After the match, Mike Knox rushes the ring. CM Punk hits him with a quick right. Knox slowly walks to the back while Punk is screaming at him to get in the ring.

After commercials and a Brian Pillman DVD promo, Test is walking to the ring. Test talks about Hardcore Holly getting sliced open by a table a few weeks ago, then how he attacked him the next week. Test tells us that when Holly comes back next week that Test will make an example of him because his ruthlessness knows no bounds.

Test vs Balls Mahoney
- Test has balls in an arm lock. Balls starts to battle back. Test grabs Balls’ arm and does a stunner like move while holding the arm. Test continues to dominate. Balls comes back with clotheslines. Balls starts his punch combo, but test puts a finger in Balls’ eye. Balls hits a sit out power bomb for 2. Test hits the big boot followed by his spinning neck breaker for the win.
Winner: Test

After the commercial break and Cyber Sunday promo, Shannon Moore is in the ring.

Sabu vs Shannon Moore
- Sabu takes the early advantage and goes for the camel clutch. Moore gets to the ropes. Moore tries to get in some offense, but Sabu stops him with a second rope leg lariat. Moore goes to the outside. Sabu flips out of the ring onto Moore on the outside. Back inside, Sabu goes for a quick pin, but they are under the ropes. Moore hits a second rope moonsault for 2. Moore puts Sabu in an arm bar. Moore goes to the top turnbuckle to try a corkscrew moonsault and misses. Sabu goes to the ring apron and flip himself into a leg drop to get the 3.
Winner: Sabu

Big Show vs Rob Van Dam
- Big Show gets in the first punch before RVD unleashes a flurry of offense. Big Show stops him with a big boot. RVD slides to the ring apron. RVD slingshots Big Show and the goes to the turnbuckle. RVD hits Big Show with a 270 degree dive, but only get 2. RVD immediately goes back on the offensive. RVD looks like he is trying for a suplex, but Big Show picks him up and drops him on the ropes. RVD falls to the floor as we got to the last commercial break. Big Show drops a series of elbows on RVD and gets a 2 count.

RVD kicks Big Show in the face from the turnbuckle to knock him down. RVD hits the rolling thunder for 2. Big Show spears RVD. Big Show and RVD go back forth and eventually crush the ref in the corner. Big Show goes for the choke slam, but RVD counters into a DDT. RVD goes to the top for the frog splash, but from out of nowhere, Test pushes him off into the ring. Test stomps away at RVD. Test goes outside to get a chair.

While showboating to the fans, Hardcore Holly sneaks up on him and grabs the chair. Holly lays out Test with the chair. Big Show reaches out of the ring to grab Holly, but gets a chair to the face. RVD hits the 5 Star Frog Splash to pick up the win.
Winner: RVD

** Click here for more WWE photos from this week's ECW show

Francine has been given her release from the WWE. Here's the company's official statement:

"WWE has come to terms on the release of ECW Diva Francine Fournier as of today, Oct. 12. We wish Francine the best in all future endeavors."

When Trinity returned to the company following an injury, it reportedly sealed Francine's fate with WWE.

• A lot of people backstage at last night’s ECW/SmackDown tapings were said to be embarrassed about the Extreme Strip Poker segment. The reactions were based on having to sink to such low (i.e. naked) depths in order to attract viewers.

• WWE has released the promotional poster for ECW’s December to Dismember pay-per-view. It features the Sandman’s arm sticking out of a chimney, holding a Singapore Cane, as well as the WrestleMania 23 logo.

The following report is courtesy of wrestlingblog.com ...

Backstage, Balls Mahoney introduces us to the divas who will be participating in Extreme Strip Poker. Balls, our dealer, explains the rules: highest card wins and the lowest card holder must take something off. In the first round Ashley gets the lowest card and takes off her tank top.

CM Punk vs. Renee Dupree
- Both men exchange holds and Punk hits a dropkick. Backstage, Kelly Kelly is taking off her heels. Punk continues with another drop kick and right hands. Back body drop by Punk. Dupree is in the corner and Punk charges him. Dupree tosses Punk over his head, but Punk holds on and lands on the apron. Dupree follows with a drop kick which sends Punk off the apron and into the side of the announce tables. Backstage, Trinity takes off her top. Punk fights out of a sleeper and kicks Dupree, hits some right hand sand nails a leg lariat. Knee to the face by Punk and a bulldog. Punk jumps off the top rope, but Dupree ducks him. Punk stays on him with a power slam and then locks on the Anaconda Vice for the win.

Backstage, Maria and Candice tie with their next card so both must take something off. Maria takes off her stalkings and Candice takes off her skirt. The next hand is dealer's choice. Kristal gets the lowest card, so Balls gets to choose what she takes off. Balls chooses her skirt and Kristal takes it off. Afterwards, Ashley smacks her ass.

Kevin Thorn versus Tommy Dreamer
- Shoulder to the gut by Dreamer in the corner. Right hands and then kicks followed by two Irish whips. Dreamer charges Thorn, but Thorn moves and Dreamer slams his shoulder into the ring post. Backstage, Ashley takes off her heels. Thorn capitalizes by wrenching Dreamer’s body against the ring post. Dreamer focuses on Thorn’s shoulder with more wrenching. Backstage, Candice Michelle takes off her top. Knees to the gut by Thorn, a scoop slam, but he misses the standing head butt.

Boot to the face by Dreamer, right hands, a suplex and a spinebuster. Ariel tries hand Thorn the cane, but Dreamer grabs it. This distraction allows Thorn to hit Dreamer with a sit down powerbomb…One…Two…Shoulder up! Dreamer snaps Thorn’s back over the top rope and follows with the DDT. Cover by Dreamer…One…Two…Three! Winner, Tommy Dreamer.

When we come back, Trinity tells Candice how hot she thinks John Cena is. Candice agrees because now he’s a movie star. Trinity also thinks Batista is hot. Maria says he loves ponies and everyone starts laughing at her. Kristal asks Kelly what’s up with her and CM Punk. Before Kelly can answer, Balls cuts them off and deals the next hand. Kelly gets the lower card and takes off her top, bottoms and bra.

RVD, Sandman and Sabu vs. Test, Striker and Big Show
- Backstage, Trinity takes off her skirt. Thumb to the eye by Sandman and he tags Sabu. Sabu punches Show several times, but Test nails him from behind. Forearm by Show and a tag to Test. More right hands by Sabu and a knee to the gut by Test. Sabu jumps off the middle rope, but Test is ready for him as he clotheslines Sabu in mid air. Test can’t get the pin so he tags Striker. Forearms to the back by Striker, a thumb to the eye and a neckbreaker. Striker then gets a running start and kicks Sabu in the face.

Sabu falls over the bottom rope and onto the floor. Show distracts the ref which allows Test to slam Sabu into the ring post several times. RVD comes to the rescue and Sabu is thrown back in. Striker stays on Sabu and then tags Show. Show lifts Sabu by the throat and throws him down. Bear hug by Test, but Sabu breaks it with chops to the neck. Sabu bounces off the ropes and it met with a clothesline. Tag to Striker. Striker jumps off the middle rope, but Sabu hits him with a back hook kick and a Inzuguri. Tag to RVD and he cleans house with Striker. Side kick by RVD, a monkey flip and a running leg lariat in the corner. Side kick by RVD and he goes for the Five Star Frog Splash. But Test runs in.

RVD jumps over Test and nails him with a kick. RVD gets on his knees and Sabu jumps off and nails him with a leg lariat. Sandman runs in and clotheslines Test to the outside. Sabu drop kicks Show off the apron and RVD tags in RVD. RVD exits the ring by splashing Test on the floor by jumping off the top rope. Sandman comes in and climbs the top rope. He hits the Rolling Rock (Senton Bomb) and then covers Striker. Winners, RVD, Sandman & Sabu.

Backstage, Candice Michelle takes off her bra. But she stops and wonders why everyone has aces and she has a 2. Balls says he just deals the cards. Maria wonders if Candice has something to hide and Candice accuses her of cheating. Maria denies it and Candice rips off her bra. Maria then rips off Candice’s bra. Maria tries to crawl under the table, but Candice grabs her panties and rips them off.

Candice holds the panties in her hand and celebrates. But from under the table, Maria grabs Candice’s panties and rips them off. Both the women are now naked (everything blurred out) and rolling on the floor in a struggle. All the divas try to break up the two women as Balls slams his fists on the table chanting “ECW! ECW! ECW! ECW! ECW!”

** Click here to see more ECW Extreme Strip Poker photos

This week's edition of ECW on Sci Fi drew a final 1.7 cable rating with a 3 share. It's a drop from last week's 1.9 score.

The overrun of the show, featuring the end of the Rob Van Dam vs. Test "Extreme Rules Match" drew a 2.1 rating.