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Last year's One Night Stand was all about a reunion. This year, the ECW pay-per-view serves as the relaunch of the rebel league.
The event, once again taking place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, is full of intrigue, as there is the distinct possibility that the ECW Heavyweight Champion can be crowned. There is also the on-going possibility that more names could come onto the roster. The only guarantee is of bloodshed and some great wrestling. Let's get to the preview!
| MAIN EVENT: WWE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH John Cena vs. RVD |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
If the company is really going to get behind ECW, there's no better way than
to give the belt to RVD at ONS. With the fans in the Hammerstein are 100% behind
RVD, it will be a great moment when the place explodes when he wins.
Jon Waldman
Given that they're already promoting Edge vs. Cena, the common thought would
be that the hip-hopster goes over here, and I agree. Does anyone honestly think
Vince would let the WWE/F Heavyweight Championship change into an ECW title?
Hell no. My guess is there's a DQ, with the ruling being that since it was a
Fed title, it's fought under Fed rules. Heyman then names RVD the first ECW
Heavyweight Champion, until Rhino re-debuts and the two fight on the first solo-ECW
PPV.
Chris Sokol
This isn't really an ECW vs. WWE match, considering Rob Van Dam has been with
WWE for the past five years; however, it should still capture some interest.
Van Dam will hit his trademark kicks and leaps, eventually winning the match
and transforming the title into the ECW Championship.
| WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH Sabu vs. Rey Misterio Jr. |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
As much as I'd like to see it, I don't think the company will have the confidence
in Sabu to give him the belt. Besides, it's not like he needs a championship
to stay popular - arguably, he's the most over guy in ECW after RVD. The same
can't be same for Misterio in WWE, so I think they'll keep it on him to drop
to Batista later on.
Jon Waldman
Well, it wouldn't be a shock if Sabu went over, but let's face it - the belt
right now is being kept warm for Batista, which means it has to stay with Smackdown.
The most important thing here is for Misterio to abandon the WWE stuff like
the 619 that got him booed out of the building last time 'round. Hopefully that
will happen.
Chris Sokol
I'm not sure what to expect in this one. Sabu is known for taking an extreme
beating, while Rey Mysterio is more of a lucha style wrestler. Sabu is physically
worn down, while Misterio is red hot. Expect this match to be more of a brawl,
with Sabu getting cheated out of the victory due to outside interference.
| GRUDGE MATCH Randy Orton vs. Kurt Angle |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
This will be the first real test for Angle - to see if the ECW faithful will embrace him. I think they will, regardless if he beats Orton or not. He will, simply because Randy is probably still on some sort of probation after his recent suspension, and they won't give him a big push quite yet.
Jon Waldman
If the "new breed" is supposed to be about an MMA or shoot-style, which has been rumoured, then this is the wrong guy to pair Angle with. Personally, Angle vs. Taz would've been better, but I don't think the latter's neck (or the former's, mind you) could take the abuse of all those suplexes. Here, Angle has to go over, but Orton has to look strong. It's a good thing Kurt is such a professional.
Chris Sokol
This is exactly what is going to destroy ECW from the start -- WWE matches. I can understand Van Dam and Misterio competing as they were part of the original ECW. In this situation, you have Angle, who was originally headed to ECW way back when, and Randy Orton who was never in ECW. Angle wins this one thanks to his newfound intensity.
| TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH Terry Funk/Tommy Dreamer vs. Edge/Mick Foley |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
This will be the bloodbath of the night, possibly the year. The only guy that stands to gain anything in this one is Edge, so look for him to even outshine his WrestleMania performance. He gets the win for his team, pinning Dreamer clean.
Jon Waldman
Well, there goes the "new" ECW. Honestly, unless this is Funk's true retirement, he should not be here. WWE also botched this with Dreamer inserted, a guy who WWE fans could not look past being the guy who ate puke as a gimmick. Hopefully Sandman joins the frey early, or this could be one of the worst matches in "ECW" history.
Chris Sokol
This will probably be the most brutal match on the entire card. All four men are known for throwing in a good one when the time calls for it. Edge and Foley will show great promise throughout the match, but ultimately "The Funker" and Dreamer will come out victorious, further pushing the new ECW brand.
| GRUDGE MATCH Taz vs. Jerry Lawler |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Taz will win in quick and brutal fashion. If memory serves me right, these guys feuded once before - hopefully they'll bring back the candy dish!
Jon Waldman
Well, we know Taz goes over since this will be his official last match. Hopefully Lawler will stay away from the ring as well after this. To effectively finish the feud, however, Taz needs to do something like injure Lawler's voice-box, a la Randy Savage a good 12 years back, so he can't be a commentator for a few months (at least).
Chris Sokol
Does Taz still have it? I think so. Will The King be able to stand several viscous suplexes? Possibly. Will this one be an attention grabber? Without a doubt. The verbal jabs that have been exchanged have been excellent, making this one of the better told stories going into the PPV. It may not win match of the night,but it will deliver a fair share of nostalgia.
-- compiled by Jon Waldman