Rob Van Dam recently discussed his recent appearance on last week’s ECW-themed edition of WWE NXT at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
RVD also recounted Vince McMahon’s revival of ECW during the 2000s under the WWE brand and how he perceived it as McMahon’s way of resurrecting ECW only to dismantle it as a proclamation.
RVD said, “When WWE brought ECW back, there was several times there that could have been taken as evidence that they were just bringing it back to destroy it. I mean Vince [McMahon] was wearing the belt, and they changed all the OG’s with The New Breed… To me, they were making a statement there, and I know Vince didn’t like it when the fans would chant ECW during his shows when some of us [that] are represented were in the ring.”
ECW ceased operations in 2001 after failing to obtain a new national television deal. In January 2003, WWE acquired the company’s assets out of bankruptcy. ECW technically remained active until 2007.