Extreme Championship Wrestling was a Major and Hardcore pro wrestling promotion operating in the United States, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The ECW promotion was founded on February 25, 1992 by Tod Gordon, and it ceased operations on April 4, 2001.
Originally known as Eastern Championship Wrestling, the promotion was rebranded as Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1994 under the creative direction of Paul Heyman, who took over from Eddie Gilbert.
ECW was known for its "hardcore wrestling" style, featuring intense matches with weapons, tables, and fire, as well as adult-themed storylines. It also showcased a variety of international wrestling styles, including Mexican lucha libre and Japanese puroresu.
During the late 1990s, ECW emerged as the third major U.S. wrestling promotion, competing with WWE (then WWF) and WCW. Although ECW eventually went bankrupt and was bought by WWE in 2001, its legacy lives on through its loyal fanbase and the lasting impact it had on the wrestling industry.
In 2006, following the success of the One Night Stand tribute show, WWE relaunched ECW as a third brand alongside Raw and SmackDown. The new ECW brand debuted on June 13, 2006, on Sci Fi and continued until its final episode on February 16, 2010.
Extreme Championship Wrestling: Info
- Promotion Type Major, Hardcore
- Continent
North & Central America - Date Established February 25, 1992
- Country
United States - Location Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Date Retired April 4, 2001
- Founder Tod Gordon
- Owners
- Real Name Vince McMahon (WWF) ( April 5, 2001 - November 18, 2001)
- Real Name Paul Heyman (HHG Corporation) ( May 1, 1995 - April 4, 2001)
- Real Name Tod Gordon ( February 25, 1992 - April 30, 1995)
-
Promotion Names
- Extreme Championship Wrestling - ECW ( August 27, 1994 - April 4, 2001)
- Eastern Championship Wrestling - ECW ( February 25, 1992 - August 26, 1994)
- Logo History
-
Invasion Logo (WWF) May 28, 2021 November 18, 2001 - Extreme Logo August 27, 1994 April 4, 2001
-
Eastern Logo February 25, 1992 August 26, 1994
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- NWA Affiliation
- ( February 25, 1992 - August 27, 1994)
ECW: Latest PPV & Special Events
