ECW Hardcore TV #20 24/08/1993

Interesting week of debuts here, it feels like ECW is starting to move away from some of the lesser workers - we haven't seen Larry Winters in a few weeks - and bringing in better names. This episode also includes a replay of the Terry Funk/Canadian Wolfman bout from a few weeks previous, and the Super Destroyers beating the Suicide Blondes in the tag tournament via forfeit, but these are the only real match this week...

Eddie Gilbert & the Dark Patriot vs Tommy Cairo & JT Smith

Perfectly functional tag match, until a real clunker of an ending. The early period of face control was solidly done, dug Smith holding an armbar, Gibert trying to escape with an armdrag, only for Smith to hold onto the arm and take Gilbert back over again. On the outside of the ring, Freddie Gilbert trips Cairo, luring out a debuting Sensational Sherri to drive him away. That’s kind of odd. The heels work heat on Cairo, with Patriot nailing two ax handles to the outside, before Smith gets the hot tag. Dug the quick fallaway slams Smith hits on both heels. Gilbert accidentally hits Patriot with a chain and Smith nails a springboard..something…that looks shit for the win. The post-match sees Patriot and Gilbert arguing, even though it seems the referee has disqualified Smith…for using the chain? Really shitty ending,badly executed.

Shane Douglas vs Herve Renesto & Don E Allen

Douglas is debuting here, and joins the Dangerous Alliance right away. This is a $10,000 challenge that sees Douglas squash his opponents in seconds, nailing a great belly-to-belly on Renesto for the win.

Don Muraco vs Tito Santana

This is the first time we’ve seen Tito, and he’s instantly rewarded with a world title match. Though nothing groundbreaking, there’s a feeling of steady professionalism with this match that we’ve not always seen in previous ECW bouts. It’s based around Muraco working the arm of Santana early on, and it’s nice to see him really work the hold, whilst Tito sells is accordingly. Muraco heels things up nicely, choking Tito back to the canvas on any attempt at a comeback, then wrapping Tito’s arm around the ringpost. Muraco is accompanied by Freddie Gilbert as his manager, and he actually ends up costing Muraco the match. First, Muraco hits a big move (we don’t see it because the footage freezes), but Gilbert is busy distracting the ref, preventing a count. This is followed by Santana shoving Muraco into Gilbert off an O’Connor roll attempt, then hitting the flying forearm to win. Undoubtedly, the best Muraco match in ECW so far.