NEW BLOOD RISING!

 

By Chris Crane

Since it's inception, ECWC has been one of the hotbeds for new talent. Several stars have had their first taste of glory here. Noah Krown for instance; The former Miami Dolphin won Hardcore Gold and followed it up with a world title... Karnage came from nowhere and took the federation by storm. But that's not where the success ends... Black Rain was a Lightheavyweight Champion, before unlocking the door to the main event with a Pink Bunny Suit. Who will be next to "step up"?

 

This 400lb'er started slow in ECWC, but with the formation of The Triad and a little help from a Cell and a win over "Red Hot" Rob Taylor quickly became Intercontinental Champion. Python is extremely agile for a big man, but can turn on the power when required. His mic work is improving weekly and given time and the right opponents could easily make the leap to the main event, but I'd like to see him drop a few pounds. At 350...Python would be a much better bet!

Final Gladiator made his mark early with a standout performance at The Real Rumble but found himself treading water when old ally, American Eagle left ECWC suddenly. Ironically FG's path to glory began from the misfortune of another. When Rob Taylor was severely injured at the hands of Karnage, it was FG who took it upon himself to avenge his friend. A short time later he was a fully fledged member of The Franchise, and tasted his first gold, lifting the tag straps with Sean Wright. Many consider Wright and FG the most dominant Tag champs to date, their mix of skill, speed and power was too much for most of ECWC. However all was not rosy, behind the scenes Sean Wright had become erratic an unreliable, which culminated in an "off night" and defeat at the hands of Mass Destruction. Wright left ECWC shortly afterward, allowing FG to once again return to his first love... Hardcore action!! FG defeated DH for the gold at Independence Day and is the first champion in some time not to fall foul of the 24/7 rule. FG's power is second to none and his charisma, coupled with that of partner Feral means that the main event is more of a formality than a possibility.

 

Kal is wrestling answer to Harry Houdini, time and time again he has beaten the odds to become the first man to hold 2 ECWC titles simultaneously. However Kal's strength is also his biggest weakness. While his unorthodox style baffled many to begin with, many in ECWC have become accustomed to it and thus it is less effective. Coupled with the increasing size of ECWC's roster Kal needs to stay sharper than ever. Will Kal ever win a world title? I'd like to see it....

Jon Warner (interviewed elsewhere this issue) has built his reputation on solid ring work. The former Marine was part of the highly successful Malpractice as Feelgood. "The Demented Docs" success was founded on Warner's versatility in the ring, he can fly, brawl and wrestle. He also has hardcore experience from Malpractice's stint in the SwF, even becoming Hardcore Champion. Warner is a qualified doctor and uses his knowledge of anatomy to dissect his opponents. Warner's biggest challenge has been adapting to the solo style, he and Stitch have teamed exclusively to date. He has the fans on his side though, his war hero past and clean cut look has really caught their imagination. Warner is not without problems though, he has been dogged by health issues relating to his wartime experiences but appears to have beaten them to be on the road to greatness.

David McNeil is ECWC's new "Hardcore Icon". After extensive death match experience in Japan, he came to ECWC and quickly became embroiled in the Hardcore division. Machine is not a "one trick pony and the 2 time Hardcore champion is rumored to be considering bringing his kind of destruction to the Tag Team division. I personally can't wait!

Abyss was a phenomenon during his first few weeks in ECWC, from nowhere he came and beat the 7ft Caanan Striker to lift the Intercontinental Title... After he dropped the strap to Python, he seemed to become disillusioned. Abyss perhaps needs to rethink his outlook and his attitude to life before it extinguishes a highly promising career. In the ring Abyss is reminiscent of Rob Taylor in style, not afraid to take risks and get hurt. Abyss's best plan would be to either find a partner or maybe try for Kal's Lightheavyweight title. Abyss could make the main event, but a lot needs to change...

Doc Stitch is one of ECWC's biggest heels, since his split from Jon Warner, he has done everything in his power to try and sabotage his singles career. Stitch is a highly intelligent, cagey competitor who often suckers opponents in with his technical, almost sedate ring style. Stitch, like Jon Warner is a qualified doctor who uses his medical knowledge to his advantage. Stitch needs to accept that Malpractice is finished with and move on... Stitch is not as adept at singles competition and needs to find a new protégé to team with.

Who will get there first? Who knows, but you can bet that all of these guys will play a big part in ECWC's future.