Before WWE had an attitude during his best era, ECW set the tone. Extreme Championship Wrestling is best remembered as the hardcore deathmatch promotion, but it was much more than just the Land of Extreme. As influential as ECW was when it came to hardcore content, it was equally influential when it came to pure in-ring wrestling.
And how could it not? This is the promotion where ring generals like Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Dean Malenko and several others got their first big break. There was a time when, compared to WWE and WCW, when all three companies broadcast on TV at the same time, ECW had the best in-ring wrestling of all three. There are a select few matches that attest to this fact and serve as a perfect entry point for those who have never watched ECW or are essential viewing for anyone who calls themselves an ECW fan.
10
Taz x Sabu
Almost Legal 1997
In the early days of ECW, Sabu and “The Tazmaniac” held the Tag Team titles together, until Sabu was rightfully fired for not showing up to an ECW show in favor of working for NJPW. Tazmaniac would soon suffer a neck injury after receiving a Spike Piledriver – one of the most dangerous moves in wrestling – which put him on the shelf indefinitely. Once he returned in 1996, the renamed Taz targeted a similarly returning Sabu, furious that Paul Heyman had rehired him.
ECW fans couldn't have asked for a bigger match on the marquee of ECW's first pay-per-view. The build-up made this one feel special, just like any main event one might encounter at a WrestleMania. In the ring, it was power versus speed with latent anger in the middle. It truly seemed like there was hatred growing between these two men and this was a true sight to behold.
9
RVD vs Jerry Lynn
Hardcore Heaven 99
Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn could be Extreme Championship Wrestling's definitive rivalryand it's easy to see why after watching this match, the second in their famous ECW Television Championship trilogy. The first match took place at Living Dangerously and ended in a draw at the 20-minute time limit, with Lynn winning the title as a result. Lynn wanted to win the belt under unquestionable circumstances and therefore demanded that the fight be restarted. RVD won to retain, but to return the favor, requested a rematch to Hardcore Heaven.
Their first fight was more of a process of feeling each other out, both in character and with both fighters feeling each other's chemistry. This rematch was literally a back and forth between two competitors perfectly in tune with each other's bodies. One counter after another and the transitions couldn't be smoother.
8
Rey Mysterio Jr vs Psicosis
Gangsta Paradise 1995
ECW Gangsta's Paradise ended up being one of the most important PPVs in the company's catalog, if not in wrestling history. Provided the ECW debuts of “Stunning” Steve Austin and Rey Mysterio. While Austin made the jump from WCW by debuting a new attitude he would bring to WWE as Stone Cold, this was Rey Mysterio's introduction to American audiences before going to WCW or WWE. A first impression means everything, and Mysterio made the most of his match against Psicosis (also making his ECW debut).
The luchador style is a highly celebrated style of wrestling that was still invisible and unheard of by most North American wrestling fans in 1995. Mysterio and Psicosis' quick display of offense made a good first impression and instantly sold out the luchadores as one of the hottest attractions of that time.
7
Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko
Hostile City Clash 1995
When most ECW fans want to point to an actual wrestling match in the company's ring that isn't blood, guts and chair shots, this is usually the first match that comes to mind. Malenko and Guerrero circled each other throughout their careers, not just after that in WCW, but before in Japan. Once they finally brought their dynamic to America, they became pioneers of technical wrestling through matches like this.
Much of the match is slower paced and methodical, as most technical wrestling matches tend to be. The ECW faithful are used to a more breakneck pace, so there are “boring” chants and the crowd probably didn't like that at the time. Not at first, at least. Once the match starts, especially after a sunset powerbomb at the top, everyone in the crowd is on their feet.
6
Raven vs Tommy Dreamer
WrestlePalooza 1997
Not every ECW wrestler needs to be a technical wizard or ring master to have the fight of the night. In some cases, it is enough a heated and personal rivalry to keep the crowd so engaged. Raven and Tommy Dreamer had just that over the course of two years from the moment Raven stepped foot in ECW. Here, they have a Loser Leaves Town match and according to the stipulation, the loser would have to leave ECW.
In reality, this was Raven's excuse for leaving ECW in favor of WCW, but a props to him for deciding to replace Dreamer upon his departure. Most importantly, this was a satisfying end to the rivalry, marking the first time in the entire two-year storyline that Dreamer would immobilize Raven. The crowd makes it memorable, even with lots of mischief and disagreements.
5
Taz x Bam Bam Bigelow
Living Dangerously 1998
This ECW Television Championship match is best remembered for these two giants falling to the ring, a moment that forced the entire Asbury Park Convention Hall crowd to stand in unison. It's certainly one of the most shocking moments to ever happen on ECW soil, but this match is much more than just one moment.
It is also the vision of two gladiators at war with each other. One blow after another as the two equally matched monsters endure everything the other has to give in hopes of gaining the upper hand for a second. It's not pretty, it's not technical, but my God, it's fun to watch. As the saying goes, it's two big, meaty men beating the crap out of each other, and watching something like that never gets old.
4
2 Cold Scorpio vs Sabu
Cyberslam 1996
2 Cold Scorpio is something of an anonymous pioneer in wrestling history, as he popularized or innovated several moves that became common in the wrestling world, such as the 450 Splash, the corkscrew moonsault or the somersault leg drop. Many of these moves are old by today's standards, but back in the '90s, fans were amazed. 2 Cold Scorpio left his mark in WWE and WCW, but ECW was where he shined the most, especially in this match against Sabu.
While he maintains some aerial attack, Sabu doesn't fly as high as he normally does in a more rugged, hellish role. He often works the mat, attacking Scorpio's face as Scorpio plays the aerial assassin in this match in hopes of recovering. It's surprising to see that two great drivers don't match each other's style, as Sabu works differently, but creates a good contrast of personalities.
3
Great Sasuke, Gran Hamada and Masato Yakushiji vs Male Teoh, Dick Togo and Taka Michinoku (Blue World Order Japan)
Almost Legal 1997
Like being ECW's first pay-per-view and hosting Taz vs. If Sabu wasn't enough evidence, it deserves to be reiterated how important Barley Legal is in the canon of ECW lore. This PPV necessary firing on all cylinders to ensure ECW's long-term success, even on the undercard. As a result, a match that few – or no one – expected practically ended up stealing the show.
For newer fans watching this for the first time, it's easy to miss the value of this match with modern eyes when so much of this fast-paced style is outdated in most matches today, but that's exactly why this match is valuable. Years ago, this was groundbreaking and, in retrospect, highly influential on the way fighters approach their fights today. Honestly, this match yet it feels groundbreaking as there are so many things to it that audiences don't see in wrestling often to this day, like an atomic fall off the top rope.
2
Dudley Boyz vs Balls Mahoney and Spike Dudley
1999 heat wave
When not by his brothers' side, Spike Dudley was the tormentor of Buh Buh Ray and D-Von. Some of ECW's most extreme moments saw Spike being brutalized by the Dudley Boyz. This was no different, as the post-game saw the two legends place the smallest of the Dudleys on a burning table (something they did repeatedly to Balls during the build), but two things are remembered just as fondly: the infamous pre-game promotion for the Dudleys and the feel-good moment of Spike and Balls winning the titles.
The moment of well-being speaks for itself, but Bubba's promo is what made this match so hot. The crowds were ready to riot against the Dudleys as Buh Buh's venom almost incited a fight with fans in the crowd. Still riled up, this crowd was begging to see these cowardly Dudley Boyz get their comeuppance, and when they did, it was totally satisfying.
1
RVD x Bam Bam Bigelow
Hardcore TV, April 4, 1998
When most people point to RVD and Bam Bam's respective best wrestling matches under the ECW brand, most point to Rob Van Dam's matches with Jerry Lynn or, in the case of Bam Bam Bigelow, his matches with Taz. However, some people forget that these two fought each other on an episode of Hardcore TV. In fact, it is a kind of episode par excellence, as RVD's victory marks the beginning of his legendary ECW Television Championship run.
It's the classic David versus Goliath dynamic, but with a difference. Despite being the smaller of the two and presumably in an underdog position, RVD plays the role of the coward while Bam Bam is the practical juggernaut. It's fun to see RVD try his best to outsmart the bigger man while using his agility as an X-factor. Matches like this prove that although WWE was the most popular product at the time, ECW put the best wrestling.