Raw #198: February 24th, 1997

Despite featuring an ECW “invasion,” this episode of Raw is more of a throwback to the first Raws of 1993. Not only does it take place in the Manhattan Center, but, like those early Raws, it doesn’t feature many of the top stars of the company, who, in this case, are touring Germany. That might explain why tonight is heavily packed with outside wrestlers best known from other wrestling organizations, much like the first Monday night edition of TNA Impact years later. Jerry Lawler calls tonight’s program as the blackest day in WWF history, referring either to the influx of ECW wrestlers or the many African-American fans sitting directly behind him. ECW, Vince explains, stands for “Extreme, ladies and gentleman,” killing off the company’s cool factor much earlier than the 2006 re-launch on Sci-Fi.

TNA HardCORE Justice now on Wrestlecrap

You read the title, didn't you? What more do you want me to say? 

http://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/hardcore-justice-the-one-night-stand-wed-all-regret-the-next-morning/

If ECW had won... (part 2)

Ron Simmons wouldn't have the same catchphrase.

If ECW had won... (Part 1)

Pay-Per-Views would be slightly different.

This week's installment of Multiverse Monday takes a glimpse into what the wrestling world would look like had ECW outlasted the WWF and WCW.