D-Von Dudley, a WWE Hall of Famer, recently delved into the significant influence of ECW on the professional wrestling landscape.
During the intense Monday Night Wars in 1997, Vince McMahon decided to join forces with ECW, orchestrating an invasion of RAW to boost viewership ratings.
This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in wrestling history, and D-Von Dudley provided insights into this transformative period during a recent episode of the Talk is Jericho podcast.
Recalling the day of the invasion, D-Von Dudley shared vivid memories of Vince McMahon’s perplexed expression while doing commentary.
“I remember going to the Manhattan Center when we did the invasion. I remember looking at the expression on Vince McMahon’s face sitting down on commentary like, ‘What the f**k is going on?'”
Dudley reminisced. This invasion not only captivated audiences but also signaled the blurring of boundaries between rival wrestling promotions.
Furthermore, D-Von Dudley discussed ECW’s profound impact on the career of Stone Cold Steve Austin, arguably one of the most influential figures in WWE history.
Dudley emphasized ECW’s role in shaping Austin’s persona, highlighting his stint in the promotion as instrumental in his journey to becoming the iconic “Stone Cold” character.
“If it wasn’t for ECW, there would probably be no Stone Cold Steve Austin. He came to ECW, Steve Austin did after leaving WCW, and then went to WWE and had a whole new persona. And it was because of ECW that gave Steve the notion to be able to come back and be himself again,”
Dudley emphasized.
ECW’s unorthodox and gritty style provided a platform for wrestlers to explore edgier characters and storylines, ultimately reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling.
Through its rebellious spirit and innovative approach, ECW left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing future generations of wrestlers and shaping the trajectory of WWE’s programming.
As WWE commemorates the 40th anniversary of WrestleMania this year, fans are eager to see if the familiar sound of glass shattering will resonate during the highly anticipated event.
The enduring legacy of ECW continues to be celebrated by fans and wrestlers alike, serving as a testament to its enduring impact on the wrestling industry.
