With Sabu (and potentially Sandman and RVD) being released, it seems like any hope of ECW returning even close to the old way is gone. I was wondering how it could've turned out differently; it started on such bad terms.
First, Kurt Angle was released and was going to be one of the bigger stars, potentially feuding with RVD, Sabu, Punk... Then, RVD and Sabu get busted and RVD loses the title and any hope of a push. Big Show, in my personal opinion, does a decent job of carrying the brand, but then he is banged up and lets his contract run out. Paul Heyman leaves, and now it's all Lashley/McMahon.
If Angle hadn't left and RVD and Sabu would've behaved, Lashley would not have been needed and never would be in ECW. CM Punk would've still debuted and been pushed. There was even talk that Santino Marella was supposed to be Angle's protege.
Angle, RVD, Sabu, Big Show, CM Punk, Santino Marella, plus Dreamer, Sandman, and Balls (because they were pushed to start): that's not a bad roster for only an hour long show.
First, Kurt Angle was released and was going to be one of the bigger stars, potentially feuding with RVD, Sabu, Punk... Then, RVD and Sabu get busted and RVD loses the title and any hope of a push. Big Show, in my personal opinion, does a decent job of carrying the brand, but then he is banged up and lets his contract run out. Paul Heyman leaves, and now it's all Lashley/McMahon.
If Angle hadn't left and RVD and Sabu would've behaved, Lashley would not have been needed and never would be in ECW. CM Punk would've still debuted and been pushed. There was even talk that Santino Marella was supposed to be Angle's protege.
Angle, RVD, Sabu, Big Show, CM Punk, Santino Marella, plus Dreamer, Sandman, and Balls (because they were pushed to start): that's not a bad roster for only an hour long show.