What I like about ECW: Wrestlers, booking and more

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, preferences and stuff they hate.  In writing of my articles, I generally attempt objectivity, but even if subconsciously, my personal preferences come through, so rather than attempt to hide or deceive you, dear reader, here’s a list of what I think of many prominent subjects and topics in professional wrestling. Let's get Extreme the day before Bragging Rights, at which ECW has no representation.

ECW is the best booked show on television.  They keep episodic and I actually prefer when they aren’t on Pay Per View, as they can blow off their feuds at their own pace, with as much time as they want on ECW.

The one problem with ECW is that they book Abraham Washington.  I didn’t know if he was a face or a heel for his first 10 shows or so.  The man has no talent and is a waste of airtime.  So, I’m saying he’s the anti-Matt Striker, who is the smartest and funniest play-by-play man in the business and should have his own segment.  Josh Matthews is good enough to not get in the way of the action and has the potential for more.

Shelton Benjamin is right where he belongs.  The guy can work pretty well, has good fluidity, but can’t get over even when pushed.  Let him work with the young guys on ECW and help them improve.  What’s wrong with decent length, good Shelton matches from here on out?  He doesn’t need to be World Champion to be effective and useful. 

Goldust works like Shelton and Paul, which is excellent as his psychology has been under-rated his whole career.  He’s absolutely got what it takes to get new guys over and show them why they do what they do in the ring.  With his commitment to his character, it doesn’t make for bad television either.  The Hurricane, as silly as his gimmick is, works much the same way- he knows how to sell it and his psychology in it is perfect.

Paul Burchill is basically in the same role as Shelton, without having had Shelton’s chance to get over, but, again, at least the matches are good.  Maybe his feud with The Hurricane heralds more for him in the future.

The guy getting the most out of these men’s hard work thus far is Sheamus who has potential to be a great mid-card badass who can work.  Besides Sheamus, Zach Ryder is the other young ECW guy with potential.  He draws awesome heat and is a pretty good worker.  The other two new guys this batch, unfortunately disappoint.  Yoshi Tatsu is fun, but a mess in the ring, doing everything awkwardly, and Tyler Reks just has the anti-“it” factor that makes people not want to see him.

Poor William Regal seems to have inherited the job of developing Tatsu.  Regal is awesome, but has trouble bumping for his weak opponent.  He’s doing a much better job getting his monsters over, however.  I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, someone has worked miracles with Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov.  Both have improved tenfold since going to ECW.  

Tommy Dreamer is filler usually at this point, but, again, solid enough for the heels to beat up for his buddy, one of the most talented wrestlers in all the WWE, Christian, to save.  He’s so good on ECW, I’m actually dreading the inevitable call-up.

Be sure to check back for more later and tomorrow for a Bragging Rights preview and Pay Per View Coverage!