Introducing...ECW's new talent

July 9, 5:28 PMPro Wrestling ExaminerMark Satrang

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I’m breaking from format a little bit this week. Four WWE developmental talents were called up last week and debuted on the ECW broadcast, and so here’s a little heads up on all four of the “new kids” that made their debut.

Abraham Washington
The man born as Brian Jossie came into Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2008 without a WWE developmental deal, just looking for an opportunity. The higher ups took a shine to him and signed him to a deal and shipped him off their new Florida Championship Wrestling territory. He debuted initially under his own name as an enhancement talent. He was quickly repackaged into Abraham Obama Washington, a man campaigning to be President of FCW. He is now the General Manager of FCW and is surrounded by entire Cabinet and Secret Service, full of fellow developmental talents.

Now on ECW he hosts “The Abraham Washington Show,” a late night talk show-like segment, in the vain of the original Piper’s Pit. With only two appearances on television under his belt and under three years of professional experience Washington has a long ways to go before he can be considered in the breath of someone like Roddy Piper, but at the very least he has a natural charisma and a unique look that will help him stand out in WWE’s crowded landscape.

Sheamus
The Irish-born Sheamus O’Shaunessy (real name Stephen Farrelly) started his wrestling career in 2002, training under Larry Sharpe and his Monster Factory. A serious neck injury sidelined him from the beginning and he returned to Ireland. In 2004 he resumed his wrestling career in his homeland and worked around all the independent territories throughout the United Kingdom, including Irish Whip Wrestling, All Star Wrestling and Real Quality Wrestling.

Starting in 2007 when WWE would come to the UK, Sheamus was called upon to work dark matches or act as an extra during shows. In the spring of 2007 he was signed to a WWE developmental deal while the company was overseas on a tour. He reported to Florida Championship Wrestling and was one of the territory’s biggest stars, even winning the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship in September 2008. He began touring with WWE on house shows and television tapings in the spring of 2009 before being called up to ECW two weeks ago. He debuted with a quick one-sided victory and “The Celtic Warrior” looks to be off to a solid start, with a real chance of being successful in WWE.

Billed Height – 6’6
Billed Weight - 280 lbs.
Nicknames - The Celtic Warrior
Billed From – Dublin, Ireland
Signature Moves - Celtic Slam, Side Slam Backbreaker, Fiery Red Hand
Major Titles Held - FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship
Debuted - 2002

Tyson Reks
Reks (Gabe Tuft) debuted in 2007 for Ultimate Pro Wrestling in California. He was signed to a WWE deal in 2008 and began work in Florida Championship Wrestling. While honing his skills there he became hugely successful, winning both the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship and the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, a Title that he still holds currently. He had an inauspicious debut on WWE television, losing in his first televised match to fellow undercard journeyman Zack Ryder.

The young Californian looks to play up his surfer-like background on WWE television as a fan favorite, but is already in danger of getting lost in the shuffle due to his disappointing first loss.

Billed Height – 6’3
Billed Weight - 250 lbs.
Billed From – Laguna Beach, California
Signature Moves - Springboard Moonsault
Major Titles Held - FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, FCW Florida Tag Team Championship
Debuted - 2007

Yoshi Tatsu
Tatsu was born Naofumi Yamamoto and comes from Gifu, Japan. He is a product of the New Japan Pro Wrestling training dojo. As is customary in Japanese wrestling, the young rookie worked at the bottom of the cards, earning respect and gaining valuable knowledge and experience. In February 2008 he left New Japan after his contract was up to gain experience on the American wrestling scene. Rather than doing just a few months tour of America before returning to Japan, he signed with WWE after working a FCW show without a contract. He originally worked under his real last name Yamamoto before settling on the Yoshi Tatsu name.

He debuted on ECW as a plucky fan favorite and got a quick upset win over the established Shelton Benjamin in order to solidify himself as a name on the WWE landscape.

Billed Height – 6’1
Billed Weight - 230 lbs.
Billed From – Japan
Signature Moves - Cloverleaf, Roundhouse Kick
Major Titles Held - none
Debuted - 2002