ECW One Night Stand turns 20 | Opinion
Twenty years ago on June 11, ECW One Night Stand delivered one of the most hostile, hardcore and iconic pay-per-views in wrestling history. It served as more than just another wrestling event, showing that the promotion’s rebellious attitude and passionate fanbase were still thriving and influential as ever.
For any longtime, hardcore wrestling fan, ONS was a monumental moment that redefined ECW’s resurgence. Held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, it featured a blend of WWE and ECW talents colliding in one of the most hostile wrestling crowds ever.
It led to ECW’s rebirth
WWE acquired the promotion in 2003 and introduced it to their fanbase with a whole new production, creative direction and roster to establish itself as its own brand.
One Night Stand in 2006 played a pivotal role in that move, enabling WWE with the confidence to pursue it as a third weekly show with Raw and SmackDown. It also allowed a new generation of fans to experience the brand, providing opportunities for emerging talent.
Rob Van Dam cemented as a top guy while WWE megastar John Cena paid the price
RVD had already gained immense popularity among ECW fans for his unique in-ring style and underdog appeal but the PPV took it up a notch. He main evented against John Cena for the WWE Championship after Van Dam cashed in his Money in the Bank contract in an Extreme Rules match.
The crowd rallied behind Van Dam while Cena received their wrath. The famous fan poster with ‘If Cena wins, we riot’ added to the chaos. When WWE’s top babyface arrived at the arena, everyone in the ballroom booed him and showed him obscene gestures to express their disdain. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch when Edge interfered, attacking Cena, and further escalating their rivalry.
Van Dam won the WWE Championship that night which felt like he was finally being rewarded for his efforts. Paul Heyman rushed out to the ring and joined in the victory celebration. Two decades later, his triumph remains a defining moment of his career.
ECW legends and WWE stars collided in a violent showdown
Earlier that night, Edge and Lita teamed up with Mick Foley to take on Terry Funk, Tommy Dreamer, and Beulah McGillicutty in a hardcore match.
This chaotic encounter also embodied what ECW was about. Foley and Edge, who had battled it out in a gruesome hardcore match at WrestleMania 22 barely a couple of months earlier, had formed a united front against their ECW rivals.
Foley and Funk’s involvement meant no mercy, or weapon, was spared in being used against their opponents. The match and reaction proved that there was still a strong appetite for hardcore wrestling in the right setup. Their performances blended nostalgia with contemporary WWE storytelling.
Rey Mysterio embraced the spirit of ECW against Sabu
Mysterio entered a Extreme Rules match as the reigning WWE World Champion as Sabu was determined to bring the title to the revived ECW brand.
The match descended into chaos as both competitors merged utilizing weapons with their high-flying, high-risk offense. A memorable moment was when they crashed through a table when Sabu attempted a running springboard DDT. Neither of them were able to move or continue the battle that ultimately led to it ending in no contest.
To date, wrestling fans remember the intensity, violence and bloodbath of the PPV. More importantly, it demonstrated that the promotion’s influence was still strong despite the silence in its closure a few years earlier.
The event delivered several wrestling moments that have stood the test of time. It serves as a celebration of ECW’s legacy and why the promotion will continue to hold a special place in wrestling legacy.
ECW One Night Stand 2006 results
- Tazz defeated Jerry Lawler
- Kurt Angle defeated Randy Orton
- The F.B.I. (Little Guido & Tony Mamaluke) (w/ Big Guido) defeated Yoshihiro Tajiri & Super Crazy
- Edge, Mick Foley & Lita defeated Terry Funk, Tommy Dreamer & Beulah McGillicutty in a hardcore match
- WWE World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio vs. Sabu ended in a no contest in an Extreme Rules match
- Balls Mahoney defeated Masato Tanaka in an Extreme Rules match
- Rob Van Dam defeated John Cena for the WWE Championship in an Extreme Rules match
Rosanne Raphael is a wrestling writer with over three and a half years of experience covering all things related to the industry. From a kindergarten teacher to PR Associate to turning her lifelong passion for the industry into a career, Rosanne is currently writing for F4W Online where she focuses on wrestling news, analysis, and storytelling.
Rosanne previously contributed to Sportskeeda as an Assistant Content Manager.
When not consumed by wrestling, Rosanne is a musician and an aspiring artist.