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/wrestling /guests /Turner |
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/wrestling /guests /Turner |
| Guest Columns | Brian Turner |
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SURE THEY'RE EXTREME - BUT ARE THEY ULTIMATE? So the Warrior's back. Managing to live on the edge of the "Where are they now?" file has become an artform for the artist formerly known as Helwig. He has recently resurfaced to "offer himself" up to the gods of Extreme in Philadelphia (and next THE WORLD!). So let the debate begin! Are ECW and the Warrior a fit? I've got to agree with Ryder and say it's too good for either side to pass up. The Warrior in ECW would be gold. Pure gold. The Warrior would represent instant "main event" credibility for all the ECW virgins in the world who are (surprise!) the vast majority of wrestling fans. Is he a good worker? Questionable. But as Sid proved, monster squashes will carry even a half-dead stiff for the first month. Given Paul E's promotion, and a dedication by the Warrior to follow through with his commitment, The Warrior has enough credibility to immediately work programs on ECW's top tier. Can they afford him? All signs point to "yes!". ECW has had, and will continue to have, a massive infusion of capital. With all of this new money, what have they done? They've signed Taz to a respectable deal. They've built a new set. Other than that, everything else has been at indie promotion rates, including the new talent that they are bringing in. Like a good basketball or football GM, Paul E has built a solid foundation, and now needs (and has the means for) a couple of big name free agents. They have yet to sign a single one. The question here is not if, but who and when. Couple this with the fact that the Warrior realizes his position in the wrestling world, along with that of ECW. He is persona non grata in the big two. His only chance for a regular check lies with an up and comer like ECW. Giving the Warrior a sizeable piece of his own merchandising, along with some of the video game and PPV revenue that his name would likely bolster, would give the Warrior a worthwhile pay day. The question mark here is work ethic. While the Warrior has always promoted himself as an honest worker, ECW requires a selfless devotion to the craft. This requires workers who will give their sweat and their blood to the ring. More importantly, it requires that workers put other workers over. I can't recall the last time that the Warrior got in the ring with a mid-carder, let alone put one over. This is the end for the Warrior. I think that a Jesse-like reconciliation with Vince would completely blow his reputation and his value, so it's not really possible. WCW has proven that they have no concept of how to promote "yet another name". On top of that, the Warrior just plain doesn't like being "yet another name". ECW can either make or break the Warrior. If he can manage to go over with ECW fans, he will silence the greatest critics he has, and instantly jump start his career. If he fails, he's done - period. If one would buy into the Warrior persona, one would believe that he knows this, and is willing to make the effort and invest the blood, sweat, and jobs (which I'm sure will produce tears). If not, then ECW can definitely benefit even from a short term program. I honestly hope for both sides that they can pull this off. It is great to see ECW coming into it's own outside of the mainstream, and it will be great to see if the Warrior can walk the walk, given an unselfish roster and a receptive fan base. No more Vince McMahon. No more Eric Bischoff. No more excuses. The Warrior has presented himself (off the air - as himself) as a "rennaisance warrior", an anachronism. Let's find out once and for all if he's willing to give of himself what is required to be respected as an "extreme" performer. Brian Turner freelance Mail the Author |
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