TV REVIEW: WWE ECW - September 22nd, 2009

ECW: 22/09/09
Tulsa, Oklahoma  

With ECW General Manager, Tiffany, suffering a car accident recently, William Regal takes to the helm of Extreme Championship Wrestling and immediately sets out to make his mark as the WWE's 'other brand' heads to Boston.

Here's what went down.

The Abraham Washington Show

Lapping up the chorus of boos, Abraham Washington cuts a charismatic figure as he introduces his guest, Sheamus O'Shaunessy. The talk-show host makes fun of Sheamus' pasty complexion, but the Irishman seems completely oblivious, preferring instead to talk up his recent feud with Shelton Benjamin.

This brings out The Gold Standard himself, who proceeds to explain the concept of teamwork to his Sheamus. It's at this point that the whole thing becomes a little confusing; who's the heel and who's the face in all this?

It appears to be Benjamin as he raises the ire of Sheamus by making fun of his ginger hair.

The whole farce comes to a close with a pull-apart brawl between the two rivals.

Paul Burchill (with Katie Lea) vs. Yoshi Tatsu  All gothed-up with nowhere to go except ringside, the lovely Katie Lea cheers on her man Paul Burchill as he takes on Yoshi Tatsu in a very good opening match.

Both men play off each other's strengths to the best of their ability as the smaller Tatsu looks to gain the upper-hand against the brutish Burchill with stiff kicks and impressive holds. It's a strategy that works well for the young star, and after taking a beating at the hands of his larger opponent, one big blow to the head is all it takes to gain the three count.

Oh Paul, you could've been a contender.
Your winner: Yoshi Tatsu 

In the back, Zack Ryder cuts an impressive, old-school promo in which he vows to capture the ECW title from Christian in tonight's main event.

Katie Lea gets angry at Helms

Paul Burchill storms through the backstage area after his disappointing defeat with Katie Lea in hot pursuit. As Pirate Paul disappears, Gregory Helms arrives on the scene to interview Katie about her upcoming match. But it's bad timing on the part of Helms; Katie is in no mood for small talk.

Britain's best diva (sorry Alicia) lays into the man with the microphone, blaming him for Paul's loss. Still angry, Paul himself returns, beats up the reporter and tells Katie to stay away.

Vladimir Kozlov & Ezekiel Jackson vs. Justin Brady & Brandon Young

You don't need to be Derren Brown to successfully predict the winners of this short squash match. The two local rookies, Brady & Young are obliterated by their more powerful, established opponents as William Regal looks on proudly from ringside.
Your Winners: Vladimir Kozlov & Ezekiel Jackson 

Heading to the back, William Regal catches up with Goldust and the two talk-up their upcoming match this week on Superstars.

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ECW Championship Match: Christian defends against Zack Ryder 

A fiercely determined Zack Ryder looks to capture the ECW Championship in a terrific main event match against defending champion, Christian.

With the special ring-introductions out of the way, the two let-rip with a top quality, ppv-worthy performance that delivers on all fronts.

Sadly for Ryder, his best just isn't good enough tonight, and Christian retains with the Killswitch.
Your Winner and Still ECW Champion: Christian

After the bout, William Regal heads to the ring, letting it be known that's coming for the ECW title. The champion replies by beating him up as things come to a close.

Final thoughts: 
It's been a long time since I had the chance to sit down and watch ECW, and I have to say I'm very glad I did. The tag team squash match aside, WWE's 'other brand' certainly delivered in the ring, opening with a strong bout between Burchill and Yatsu and working its way to a roaring finale with that explosive main event between Christian and Zack Ryder. The opening nonsense that was the Abraham Washington to show made little sense to me, but other than that, a very good show that serves as a great reminder to set my Sky+ box and record every show from now on.