-- 10/27 ECW TV Reax

Terrie Neilson, Las Vegas, Nev. (7.0): Best: Christian vs. Yoshi. Worst: Sheamus's departure. ECW got no love at the PPV, and just decided to brush it off and let the show go on. The omission was brushed off by Tiffany about as well as can be without pouting. The plus turns into a minus, though, with her explanation of Sheamus's departure. Tiffany basically gave everyone on the roster an out to switch brands, simply because they want to go somewhere else. But Tiffany held her own better than usual against Regal. Regal's got an Orton/Batista hybrid story going on: snapping in frustration at being so close to the title he can taste it, yet being starved of it. But then, he's put himself in his own plight. Shelton Benjamin must really be in the dog house for taking a clean pin from Sheamus. A clean finish on Sheamus or a dirty finish would have been so much better to work with for both of them. Considering how Swagger and Bourne have been fairly consistently treated, I'm not seeing good things for Sheamus on the red brand. The new commentator, Byron Saxton, did a nice job stepping in while Striker is filling in for Jim Ross. Byron is competent on the mic and has the voice for play-by-play. He comes across as if he moved over from another sport. When JR is back, and Striker has returned to ECW, Byron would make a good roving reporter and interviewer. Well, as long as he's given more than one question to ask. The main event was mighty fine. Got a little tired and sloppy at the end, but it looked realistic. The arena crowd was into the match, but I'm sure the TV crowd didn't appreciate the Cena-Orton PPV package coming back from commercial. That was about two minutes we TV fans lost. I really wish I could have those back.

P. Cali of Hoover, Ala. (9.25): Best match: Christian vs. Yoshi Tatsu. Worse Match: None, but Matt Striker was missed and ECW needs another 30 minutes since they only have time for two "quality" matches per episode. Nevertheless, outstanding showing for ECW! First of all, they chose logic (WWE Universe logic) to explain what everyone wanted to know: why Sheamus was allowed to move to Raw. Very well played to settle that issue, end his feud with Shelton Benjamin, creep Regal towards his eventual and well-deserved title reign, highlight Tiffany’s dominance in her role, and of course allow Abraham Washington more time to fine tune his comedy act, all in one segment. Regal is as well-rounded as it gets for a true veteran. There is nothing that he does in front of the camera that comes off as less than 100 percent whether comedy, disgust, pompous, or pure insanity! If he ever opens a wrestling school or teaches a wrestling clinic, his students should surely have an edge on their wrestling peers. Although Shelton took a loss, the interview and the match itself were believable and both guys put it all on the line and told a good story in the ring; when that happens, there is no true loser. The video package for Yoshi Tatsu made him seem relevant and special. The production team should be proud of themselves and look into creating packages for more of their young upcoming stars. Christian and Yoshi Tatsu made this main event special by mixing it up with respect, good wrestling, attitude, reversals, intensity, and small doses of entertainment. Of course, Regal and his crew were the perfect exclamation for a near-perfect show. There isn't much more that they could have done in one hour. Byron Saxton looks and sounds the part so I'm hoping that he continues to make the most of his opportunity. His voice leans more towards "sport" than "entertainment" and that is a good thing. Matt Striker was still missed because he is the true voice of the new "ECW" and the only reason I won't give this show a perfect score.

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