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Hardcore History - The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW
Author: Scott Williams (also co-wrote Bill Watt’s and Terry Funk’s
books)
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Sports Publishing (March 1, 2006)
Forward by Shane Douglas
8 Pages of color photos
ISBN: 1596700211
Review by Brett Schwan
Having been there from nearly the beginning and having gone through many
ups and downs with the company, I was looking forward to reading Hardcore
History to see what perspective Scott Williams would take in telling the
story of the meteoric rise and destruction of my favorite wrestling promotion.
The book begins with the tale of Tri-State Wrestling and how Tod Gordon
was a business partner of promoter Joel Goodhart. While Tri-State put
on some of the most talked about shows of its day (featuring talent like
Abdullah the Butcher, Eddie Gilbert, Terry Funk, and The Sheik) the company’s
bad business decisions soon led to its demise. The end of Tri-State is
what led to the beginning of Eastern Championship Wrestling.
The next several chapters outline Eddie Gilbert’s work as booker
for ECW and the issues that led to Paul Heyman’s arrival (and Eddie’s
departure) as the head booker of the company.
We relive the night that ECW split from the NWA (including the story of
Dennis Corraluzzo not knowing, or did he, what was about go happen) and
the birth of Extreme Championship Wrestling.
The growth of ECW and the relationship they had with both the WWF and
WCW is talked about in great detail (and to those who do not know the
relationship, it may come as quite a surprise).
The book turns to the money problems ECW got into, Tod Gordon’s departure
from the company (and the detailed reasons behind it), and Paul’s
refusal to give up even when on the brink of financial ruins.
The book chronicles the complete fall of ECW and how TNN had quite an
impact in helping them fail. Details of the bankruptcy are given as well
as the details that led to Paul Heyman appearing on Raw one Monday evening
(even though many wrestlers and fans still believed there was a PPV coming
up).
Williams does a good job of telling the story with help from such ECW
legends as Shane Douglas, Terry Funk, Raven, Francine, Tracy Smothers,
as well as other people who were involved with the company in different
capacities. (Including a few quotes from some Brett Schwan guy).
William’s story is well researched (with a few minor factual details
as far as some events and locations) and well written. The insight from
some of the people who were actually there during ECW’s heyday as
well as its later years added to the story.
The story of ECW is an amazing one and the impact the company had on wresting
today is amazing. Considering the creative genius of Paul Heyman, but
his lackluster business skills, it’s no wonder Vince is trying to
bring his version of ECW back today with the hopes of not only making
a buck but also putting other promotions out of business.
Hardcore History is a must read for any fan of ECW or anyone wanting to
learn how not to run a business.
Special thanks to Sports Publishing for the book.
Order this book online at www.sportspublishingllc.com.
