ECW Hardcore TV #19 17/08/1993

Sharp eyes will notice we've skipped two episodes, the reason being that they were recap shows, and I'm not sitting through Glen Osbourne matches for a second time. This episode features two matches from the tag titles tournament, as the Suicide Blondes have been stripped of the belts.

The Koloffs vs The Headhunters

Really violent brawl to start this, spilling outside the ring. This is really short, though we do get enough time to see Vladimir hit a really impressive belly-to-belly on a ‘Hunter. It all breaks down again, ending in a double DQ. The Koloffs progress to the next round via coin toss.

Don Muraco vs the Metal Maniac

Maniac seems to get fed up on listening to Muraco on the mic as he jumps him during an interview. His advantage doesn’t last long, and Muraco actually seems fired up. Maybe it’s the prospect of facing someone in worse shape than him. Muraco hits a big powerslam and a piledriver, before finishing with a tombstone.

The Sandman & Sal Bellomo vs Richard Michaels & Tony Stetson

The face team is really a pairing of the two worst guys in ECW. The producers seem to know this, as we cut away 45 seconds in to see a video about Abdullah The Butcher. When we return, it feels like a heat section is just finishing on the faces. The end sees Sandman hitting a facebuster so bad that it isn’t obvious who is supposed to be hurt. Stetson sneaks in to replace Michaels behind the refs back, but Bellomo does the same to Sandman, and rolls up Stetson for the win. Barely anything to rate, but I’m not complaining.

Stan Hansen vs Jimmy Snuka

Hansen is a welcome addition to the show, and his wild presence seems to blow the cobwebs out from Snuka. Superfly seems more energised than he has in a long time. Another big brawl for the episode, as they exchange punches and weapon shots outside the ring. Hansen hits a DDT and a lariat to seemingly win, but Eddie Gilbert is in for the DQ ending. Still, looking forward to a few more Hansen appearances.