The Bottom Line
A great recap of the history of ECW told through the eyes of those associated with the company. If you were a fan of ECW, this book provides some great memories. If you are unfamiliar with ECW and wonder why people still care about a company that has been out of business for five years, this book is sure to answer your questions.
Pros
- Story of ECW told using first hand analysis of those involved in the company
- A great explanation of the working relations ECW had with both the WWF & WCW
- A tremendous analysis of the financial problems that continually plagued the company
- A chapter that explains what happened to the wrestlers after the promotion closed
- Great color photographs of some of the most important events in ECW history
Cons
- Some of the quotes are from people unknown to even the most die hard ECW fans
- A few minor factual errors and allusions to different but similar events
Description
- Scott Williams also co-wrote Bill Watts & Terry Funk's books
- The book is 256 pages
- "The Franchise" Shane Douglas wrote the forward
- 8 pages of color photos
Guide Review - Hardcore History - The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW
The book starts with the story of Tri-State Wrestling and how the remnants of it gave birth to Eastern Championship Wrestling. The next few chapters detail the political issues that led to Paul Heyman becoming the head booker and their split from the NWA which led to the birth of Extreme Championship wrestling.
The book then details the growth of ECW and how they had both the cooperation and the threat to their survival from both the WWF & WCW. Money problems were a constant problem for the company and led to Paul Heyman buying the company from Todd Gordon. While Paul was able to make up for the exodus of talent with his creativity, his business ability was a problem for the company. However the ability of Paul to keep his wrestlers working despite not paying them speaks to the love that the wrestlers had for his vision of what a wrestling company should be and how to show respect for the fans.
The book then goes into great detail about the bankruptcy proceedings and what has happened to the wrestlers and ECW brand since it closed. The author does a great job comparing the WWE related ECW reunion and DVD to the ones done by the group led by Shane Douglas.
Overall Recommendation: Buy this book
The book then details the growth of ECW and how they had both the cooperation and the threat to their survival from both the WWF & WCW. Money problems were a constant problem for the company and led to Paul Heyman buying the company from Todd Gordon. While Paul was able to make up for the exodus of talent with his creativity, his business ability was a problem for the company. However the ability of Paul to keep his wrestlers working despite not paying them speaks to the love that the wrestlers had for his vision of what a wrestling company should be and how to show respect for the fans.
The book then goes into great detail about the bankruptcy proceedings and what has happened to the wrestlers and ECW brand since it closed. The author does a great job comparing the WWE related ECW reunion and DVD to the ones done by the group led by Shane Douglas.
Overall Recommendation: Buy this book
