Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Billthedrill

The biggest creative genius ever in wrestling was Paul Heyman a/k/a "Paul E. Dangerously" during the years 1996-1998 (I think that's the right 3 year span) when he ran the now defunct ECW. The whole wrestling resurgence (that likely stopped about 3 years ago) can be traced back to what Paul E. did in ECW.

You had the best storylines (Raven v. Tommy Dreamer - Paul E. made you wait 2 years for the payoff), best wrestling (all the cruiserweights, Malenko, Tazz, Benoit), and some of the most insane performers you'd ever want to see (Sabu, Terry Funk, RVD, Mike Awesome, Tajiri)

That time in place in wrestling history will never be recreated. While the WWF and WCW were pushing cartoon characters, ECW was about 2 years ahead of the curve. Hell, Steve Austin started his "Stone Cold" persona in ECW, which is the character that is credited with wrestling resurgence in the late 90's.

Too bad Paul E. didn't know how to run a business and had all his talent stolen.


27 posted on 12/13/2004 7:59:33 PM PST by crushkerry (Visit www.crushkerry.com to see John Kerry's positions filleted))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies ]


To: crushkerry
Have to agree. You see Paul E around now and then - Vince has hired both him and Bischoff but I doubt if he's given either of them enough creative control to bring back the wild old days. I personally think the biggest mistake all these mega-egos ever made was getting in the ring with the wrestlers - all of them including McMahon did it and I don't think it improved the show any.

It's a pity, really. I think McMahon was absolutely brilliant as a ring announcer pretending he wasn't the owner, quite on a par with the contrived outrage of Gene Okerlin.

A couple of weeks ago we were treated to a Jerry Lawler birthday match with Rick Flair. Those two old guys could still put on a show, and I hope the pumped-up wannabes in the locker room were taking notes. And one last thing - I wish Lawler had broken Andy Kaufman's neck...

46 posted on 12/13/2004 11:41:48 PM PST by Billthedrill
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson