ECW Original & Former WCW Star Appear At AEW Dark: Elevation Tapings

With AEW in Philadelphia for Dynamite and Dark: Elevation, it was only fitting they show their respects to the legendary ECW, with Paul Heyman’s revolutionary hardcore federation synonymous with the City of Brotherly Love.

During the Dark: Elevation tapings, Joey Janela cut an anti-Philadelphia promo and disparaged hardcore wrestling, before former WCW Hardcore Champion Crowbar took him on in singles action. Crowbar also wrestled for ECW under the name Devon Storm, and had ECW Original Blue Meanie with him at ringside. Janela ended up getting the win.

When AEW wrapped up the evening, Tony Khan took to the ring with ECW originals Taz, Dean Malenko, Jerry Lynn, and Chris Jericho to address the Philly crowd, with all four having wrestled for ECW during its heyday.

Out of the four, Taz is most synonymous with ECW, with The Human Suplex Machine reigning as a former ECW World Champion, having been built as one the promotions toughest and most intimidating stars.

ECW was also referenced on Dynamite during the Casino Ladder Match main event, with Excalibur making allusions to the ECW Arena.