Customer Reviews

ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling - Path Of Destruction (Uncensored)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Having never been able to watch ECW during its Golden Era (didn't quite catch it out here in my parts) I quickly went out and bought this DVD when I first had a chance. It features seven of ECW's classic matches. In order here they are:

1. Chris Jericho vs 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Pitbull #2 vs. Shane Douglas. 4-way dance for the TV title from 1996. GREAT action with Scorpio and Jericho. The Pitbulls Superbomb Francine. Purely ECW at its best. (5 stars)

2. Rob Van Dam vs Bam Bam Bigelow for the TV title from 1998. This match marked the beginning of RVD's historic two year run with the belt. Awesome spotfest with RVD. (4 1/2 stars)

3. Sabu vs The Sandman from 1998. This is the classic "Stairway to Hell" match. Brutal. (3 ½ stars)

4. Ian vs Axl Rotten in their "Taipei" death match. Brutal, plus a run-in from the Public Enemy and the Gangstas.(3 stars)

5. Jerry Lynn vs. Tajiri vs Super Crazy Three-Way Dance from 1999's November to Remember. (4 stars)

6. Dean Malenko vs Eddie Guerrero in their fareway 2 outta 3 falls send off match in 1995. Pure scientific genius!!!(4 ½ stars)

7. Psicosis vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. Standard lucha fare.(4 stars)

For me personally, the 4-way dance alone was worth the price of this DVD. AWESOME match. Other great ones for me were the RVD vs Bigelow match and the Malenko vs. Guerrero 2 outta 3.

Other jewels included in the DVD edition were also some classic promos featuring:

1. Steve Austin (right after his leaving WCW and joining up with ECW, great "must-see" for Stone Cold fans).

2. Stevie Richards

3. The Public Enemy

4. The Pitbulls with Francine

5. The Eliminators

Talent bios are also featured which is a nice extra but nothing earth-shattering.

Here's a quick run-down:

Good: AWESOME action, particularly the 4-way match for the TV title and the RVD vs. Bam Bam match. The Steve Austin promo.

So-so: The Lucha match was great, but compared to what you can see on any given Nitro it's not particularly "must-see" action. However, it's a decent match. The Hardcore matches with Sandman, Sabu and the Rotten had their share of "holy-bleep" moments but the endings came off as a little anti-climatic.

Overall, this DVD is definitely worth viewing. You WON'T be disappointed. Personally, I am very satisfied with watching this DVD. If you are a true extreme wrestling fan this is definitely worth watching. Is it worth owning? That's up to you to decide.

Recommended.

Another compilation of matches from various ECW TV shows & PPV's with an introduction to each match by Joey Styles.

Chris Jericho vs. Shane Douglas vs. 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Pitbull #2 - This match was from Heatwave '96 & is full of historical highlights. It was the only four way match in ECW history along with one of the rare appearences of Chris Jericho in ECW (before going to WCW). This was also the match that saw Francince turn on the Pitbulls to start her long association with Shane Douglas and were Shane DDT's Pitbull #1 on the TV title belt breaking his neck (and that's no storyline, he really did it.) The match itself was a wrestling clinic as they went over 20 minutes without an elimination and unlike most elimination matches...it wasn't pinfall after pinfall after pinfall in just a matter of seconds. One of the greatest "wrestling" matches in ECW.
(Also available on "Bloodsport: ECW's Most Violent Matches")

Television Champion Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Rob Van Dam - The start of RVD's 23 month Television title reign. This was the match that took RVD from solid high mid-carder to main event status. One of the best big man vs. little man matches I've seen as RVD does all his high spots against Bigelow's power moves.
(Also available on Rob Van Dam "One Of A Kind")

Stairway To Hell Match: Sandman vs. Sabu - The object here was to climb up the ladder & grab barbed wire to use during the match. It was pretty brutal as Sandman took one hell of a fall off the ladder at one point through two tables & was bleeding like a stuffed pig. Good hardcore match between these two.
(Also available on "ECW: Extreme Rules")

Axl Rotten vs. Ian Rotten - This is the famous match that put ECW on the map for violence. Broken glass attached to their taped up hands held on by glue (ala the movie "Kickboxer"). This match is just for those who love to see just two guys beat the hell out of each other.
(Also available on "Bloodsport: ECW's Most Violent Matches")

Jerry Lynn vs. Tajiri vs. Super Crazy - This was from the November 2 Remember '99 and was a great three way dance that lived up to the standards that the previous encounters that included Little Guido had set. Tajiri's japanese style, Crazy's lucha libre, and Lynn's american style all mixed well here for a great quality match.

Eddie Guerrero vs. Dean Malenko - This was not only their final match in their "Guerrero-Malekno" classic series but also their final match in ECW. This was also a 2 out of 3 match that honestly was perfectly booked & both men recieved a sendoff that any wrestler in the world would want. The match itself can't be put into words as it showcased why Dean & Eddie are classified as two of the greatest wrestlers in this generation.
(Also available on Eddie Guerrero "Cheating Death, Stealing Life")

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Psicosis - This was their ECW debuts against each other. They mixed the classic lucha libre/crusierweight style with a mix of extreme action to create a different type of action never seen before in ECW & american...to the point that it caught Eric Bischoff's attention in WCW. Another awesome match to watch here.

DVD extras include various ECW promos from Steve Austin, Taz & Bill Alfonzo, Eliminators, Stevie Richards, Public Enemy, the Pitbulls & Francine. Also hidden is Brian Pillman's controversial ECW debut that results in a fan being assaulted along with a confrontation with Shane Douglas, Tod Gordon, and Paul Heyman.

The only match on here that was a complete flop was the match between the Rotten brothers. Besides that, the other matches were great quality and this DVD is recommended.

BEING THAT I COULDN'T FIND THE DVD FOR THIS COMPILATION ANYWHERE, I HAD TO SETTLE FOR THIS TAPE INSTEAD. IT'S A PRETTY GOOD TAPE FOR ANY ECW FAN. HERE'S MY OPINIONS ON THESE MATCHES;

1. 4 CORNERS MATCH FOR THE ECW TV CHAMPIONSHIP
CHAMPIONSHIP
CHAMPION CHRIS JERICHO VS. 2 COLD SCORPIO VS. PITBULL #2 VS. SHANE DOUGLAS
A VERY LENGTHY MATCH. THIS MATCH ALONE TAKES UP OVER A HALF AN HOUR OF THE TAPE. BUT, IT'S A VERY GOOD MATCH WITH A LOT OF INTENSE ACTION. THIS IS DEFINITELY AN EXAMPLE AS TO WHY ECW GOT ME HOOKED ON PRO WRESTLING IN THE 1ST PLACE! RATING; 5/5

2. FOR THE ECW TV CHAMPIONSHIP
CHAMPION BAM BAM BIGELOW VS. ROB VAN DAM
THIS IS WHERE RVD'S NEARLY 2 YEAR LONG REIGN AS ECW TV CHAMPION BEGAN! A VERY GOOD MATCH WITH PLENTY OF HIGH FLYING ACTION FROM ROB VAN DAM. RATING; 5/5

3. STAIRWAY TO HELL MATCH
SABU VS. THE SANDMAN
THIS IS WHAT I CALL HARDCORE! THESE GUYS BRAWL IN THE RING, OUT OF THE RING, AND EVEN IN THE AUDIENCE. BUT ONCE THE BARB WIRE COMES INTO PLAY, YOU'LL SEE EXACTLY WHY THIS MATCH IS ONE OF ECW'S ALL TIME GREATEST MATCHES. RATING; 5/5

4. TAIPEI DEATH MATCH
IAN ROTTEN VS. AXL ROTTEN
SOUNDED KINDA INTERESTING, BUT, THIS MATCH WAS CORNY. THE MATCH WAS JUST DONE WRONG. THE WORST MATCH ON THE TAPE. RATING; 1.5/5

5. 3 WAY DANCE
JERRY LYNN VS. TAJIRI VS. SUPER CRAZY
NOW THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO END THIS TAPE. THIS MATCH IS FILLED WITH EXCELLENT HIGH FLYING ACTION AS WELL AS FAST PACED WRESTLING, WHICH IS WHAT I LIKE. RATING; 5/5

I REALLY LIKED THIS TAPE. BUT, I WANNA BUY THE DVD SO I CAN FINALLY SEE THE MATCHES THAT WEREN'T INCLUDED IN THIS TAPE. ANYWAY, A GREAT TAPE. BUT GET THE DVD SO YOU CAN GET ALL OF THE MATCHES TO THIS COMPILATION AND DON'T EVER BUY A CENSORED ECW TAPE OR DVD EVER.

Shane Douglas vs. Pit Bull #2 vs. Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio
A great series of opening spots by Jericho and Scorpio, though overshaddowed by
The Franchise's upstaging on the apron. 2 Cold Scorpio (Flash Funk in the WWF) was always
one of the most underutilized pure athletes in the business, and he shows how great of a
title hunter/holder he would be in this match. Pit Bull 2, who has gained the least popularity
of the four in this match, gives this match a decent boost (even though it doesn't need it)
with his sheer strength. The Franchise was always, in my opinion, one of the smartest
technical wrestlers ever, and here he is at the peek point at his career (this match was
just months removed from his match with Cactus Jack, a 5 star classic.) Chris Jericho (whom would
later go on to the WCW then to WWF/E and would become the first man to ever hold the WCW and
WWF titles at the same time) is kind of shown here as a jobber, but does a great job taking
a beating. There were big moves all throughout this match, but it ran too long. If this match
were to end at 28 minutes, it would be a 5 star.
rating: 4 1/2

Rob Van Dam vs. Bam Bam Bigelow
BBB has gotten a bad reputation for being a bad wrestler. Judging by his Wrestlemania
matches, I would agree. But his run in ECW was laden with 5 star matches, and this one might
be his best. It goes without saying that RVD is the best High Flyer in America and he showcases
it with some fantastic moves from the ring post to the crowd. Watch for what might be the
world's highest Frog Splash, a BIG moonsault from BBB, and a big body bomb that launches
Sabu spin kicking to Rob Van Dam.
rating: 5

Sabu vs. Sandman
This match was very freakin' intense. Was it ever! But, despite the weapon use, there is not
very much as far as good wretling or fighting. A few great bumps from Sabu and a decent performance
from Sandman. I still don't understand what makes Sandman so popular.
rating: 2 1/2

Axl Rotten vs. Ian Rotten
I had heard a whole lot about this match, so I had high expectations. Let down. Just blood.
Worst match on the disc. Horrible. Makes Steiner vs. HHH look like Steamboat vs. Flair.
rating: 1/2

Jerry Lynn vs. Super Crazy vs. Tajiri
Definitely the best match on the disc. This match includes one of the most underrated
performers in the world in Jerry Lynn. This man was at the hight of his game at this time, fresh off
of the match of the year, Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn for the TV Title. Super Crazy has some crazy spots
in this true classic, and Tajiri has the most stiff kicks in the game, not to mention some crazy
inventive submissions. This match set the groundwork for Smackdown circa 2002's style of wrestling,
incorporating not only great, fast-paced action, but insanely genious counters and psychology. You
will have to watch this match a thousand times just to catch every move.
rating: 5

Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero, 2 out of 3 falls
Not their best match with each other, but none the less, a technical wrestling classic.
Along with their other matches, this epic stands along-side Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle(Royal Rumble
2002) and Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart(Wrestlemania 10) as one of the best psychological wrestling
matches of all time. Incredibly heart felt performances, fast paced action, and the crowd was really
into it: all great ingedients for a great match.
rating: 5

Psicosis vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
This match helped get high flying lucha libre off the gound of Mexico and into the air of
USA. By today's standards, this one is not that great, but for historical value, it's priceless.
rating: 4

EXTRAS:
Not much to speak of, but there is an incredible promo by Steve Austin, post WCW, pre WWF/E.

Final Note:
One of the best DVDs on the market, ECW's Path Of Destruction is a great, purchase worthy
collection. Buy it when you get some money, cuz it's kinda hard to find now, and if you do find it,
it'll be a pretty penny.

This is everything the first DVD should have been. A great and relevant RVD match, an incredible 4-way elimination, the malenko/gurrero CLASSIC, the definitive Sabu/Sandman match (arguably the best american garbage match of the 90's), TAJIRI IS GOD~!'s first appearance on DVD, Mysterio vs. Psicosis!...

CHRIS JERICHO! STEVE AUSTIN! TAZZ!

GET THIS DVD (VHS)! You wont be dissapointed. This is ECW!

ECWs 2nd DVD picks up where the last one left off. More great matches and even more blood! The opener is a 4 corners TV tite match,this showcases the moves thatY2J is capable of doing,an I wish he'd bust some of these out in the WWF. RVD vs. Bam Bam is the set up for the match that should have been on here Sabu vs. RVD at Wrestlepalooza 98. Oh well maybe in a future volume. Still a wonderful match. Sabu vs. Sandman in a Stairway to hell match! Awesome awesome awesome. Blood,ladders barbed wire,kendo sticks,chairs,and a broken jaw! Sabu is the real King Of Hardcore.(No offense Mr. Foley). Ian vs. Axl,ehhh well it's bloody.Jerry Lynn vs. Tajiri vs. Super Crazy,is filled with highlights,but I thought it was too short. There is a reason they call the Malenko/Guererro matches classics and you just have to watch this outing to find out why. The ending farewells of both men make you respect them even more.Psicosis vs. Rey Mysterio Jr,is about what you'd expect from these two,but again it was a little short. Then there is the great great great Brian Pillman "hidden" promo. This guy would be right up there with Austin and Rock had he not passed away far too soon. I'm just sorry some of the new wrestling fans can not appreciate what he did or us.Can't wait for Deep Impact. Keep it up ECW!

This dvd had a great selection of matches for the most part, as i got this mostly to see what the hype was about, and now i defiently know. These matches were from ecw's hardcore and succesful days, so this one was well worth the purchase. Thanks for reading!

4 Corners Elimination Match
ECW Television Championship
Chris Jericho vs. 2 Cold Scorpio vs. Pitbull #2 vs. Shane Douglas
This match is very historic for a couple of reasons. The 1st being that "the queen of extreme" Francine turning on the pitbulls. Secondly, the match is also historic for lasting over 40 minutes, which gave a chance for each man to shine. I didn't expect great spots through the whole time, but it dilivered and it left me satisfied. The ending with francine is defiently something to look out for as well. Overall, this is a good display of credible wrestling.
4.5/5

ECW Television Championship
Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Rob Van Dam
Once again, this is a match for the television championship and another historic happening is included in this one, which is the start of rvd's 23 month television title reign. When i first heard about this match, i thought it wasn't going to be all that great, but once i saw it, i realized how good of a big man wrestler bigelow was and van dam pulled out lots of creative moves that i haven't even seen before. An amazing matchup right here, and just as i said earlier, this is the beggining of rvd's historic title run.
4.5/5

Stairway To Hell Match
Sabu vs. Sandman
If you aren't familiar with this match, the rules are pretty simple, there is barbed wire hanging from the ceiling, and when the person pulls it down from the cord, they are eligible to use it, and the match can only be won by pinfall or submission. The rules are very odd for a variation of a ladder match, so this had its slow and confusing moments, but if you can get past that, this is a very brutal matchup. Sabu does a couple of memorable table spots in this one, and the barbed-wire comes in to play fully at the closing moments, to the point where Sabu has to get his broken jaw tapped shut.
4/5

Tapei Death Match
Ian Rotten vs. Axl Rotten
Once again, this is a match that you might not be familiar with, so let me do a quick breakdown. The two competeters must tape their fists, dip them in glue, and then dip it in broken glass, so by the rules, you can already tell it is going to be a bloodbath, and that was exactly it. Other than that, this is a slow, borefest and is only memorable for the blood and brutality.
2.5/5

3 Way Dance
Jerry Lynn vs. Tajiri vs. Super Crazy
This is actually my second favorite match on this dvd, because it is solid, fast paced action throughout. Not at one point did the match get boring, as they all kept an effort to keep the action entertaining, including a huge entrance way dive by super crazy. Crazy was eliminated first, which left lynn and tajiri, and they put on a very nice display of counters and highflying. By my rating i am about to give, you can tell i like this one more than others, but if you watch this one, you will see why, because it explains everything.
4.75/5

2 out of 3 Falls
Dean Malenko vs. Eddie Guerrero
This was a farewell match for both men in ecw, as they were about to head off to wcw, so the feeling of this match was electric, and the crowd was so into, which made for a great atmosphere for a match. The 2 out of 3 falls stipulation worked well, because it gave them both a chance for one final shining moment, as this match brought technical and scientific wrestling to a whole new level. A very emotional and phenominal match, best one on the dvd.
5/5

Rey Mysterio vs. Psicosis
As we saw a match with superstars leaving, this was the total opposite, as this was the debut match and the starting point for both men, and they gave a really good effort. This had tons of lucha-libre style highflying and moves, which was the ovious, so overall, another great display of wrestling, but it defiently dosen't top the 2/3 falls match, but it was a good way to end the dvd.
4.5/5

Some good promos and star profile extras add to this great compilation of matches, so i highly recommend this one.

This was a compliation of matches from the original ECW with Joey Styles being the host here from either PPV or live television shows.

ECW Television Champion Chris Jericho vs 2 Cold Scorpio vs Pitbull #2 vs Shane Douglas. This match was historic as this was when Francine turned on the Pitbulls that lead to Shane Douglas literally breaking the neck of Pitbull #1 while this was the first time that a four corners match was contested for a championship in ECW history. This was a wrestling clinic between all four men to the point that the first elimination didn't come until the match went past 20 minutes with each man getting a chance to shine in the match instead of the action being rushed.

ECW Television Champion Bam Bam Bigelow vs Rob Van Dam. This was the beginning of RVD's famous & historic reign as Television Champion that lasted about 23 months while we all know that Bigelow was one of the best big men in the business. Great match with RVD's using his high-flying offense including doing a sick dive into the crowd onto Bigelow not once but twice while Bigelow used his power offense with Sabu making an appearance here.

Stairway To Hell Match: The Sandman vs Sabu. The object to this match was that this was a ladder match with barbed wire being suspended above the ring. Brutal match between both men as they really beat the hell out each other to the point where Sabu knocked Sandman off the ladder head first through a table that caused him to be a bloody mess & even Sabu getting cracked in the jaw with the cane that he had to tape his jaw shut to continue the match.

Taipei Death Match: Axl Rotten vs Ian Rotten. This match had both men come in with taped fists covered in glass so this was the expected bloodbath between these two but that's pretty much it here.

Jerry Lynn vs Tajiri vs Super Crazy. This was from November 2 Remember & this was just an awesome triangle match as each man's different styles meshed well together with one thing to mention being that Lynn had injured ribs here but it didn't limit his performance at all.

2 Out Of 3 Falls: Eddie Guerrero vs Dean Malenko. This was their farewell match before both men went to WCW & the emotion of the crowd can be felt right from the opening till the end. This was a professional wrestling fan's dream match as these two put on quite the performance that really doesn't do it justice by explaining what happened in this match. The aftermath was something that every wrestler would want when exiting a promotion.

Rey Mysterio Jr. vs Psichosis. This was both men's ECW debut from Mexico & boy did they deliver or what. Another awesome match to watch as these two stars went at it in a true lucha libre style affair that still stands out to this day when it comes to great cruiserweight action.

DVD extras include various ECW promos from Steve Austin, Taz & Bill Alfonzo, Eliminators, Stevie Richards, Public Enemy, the Pitbulls & Francine.

In the end, if your an ECW fan or just want to see what the hype was about, this is a good way to start as I highly recommend this DVD.

Typical with ECW, it simply impresses. This small compilation of some of ECW's best really picks out the best (a hard thing to do) and displays them with impressive menus for a 2000 release, and introductions by Joey Styles for each match.

Really, what more can you expect from ECW but the absolute best in every field displayed? From the awesome championship match between Rob Van Dam and Bam Bam Bigelow, to the disgustingly brutal Stairway to Hell match between The Sandman and Sabu, to the amazing acrobatic and athletic feats of luchadores Rey Misterio jr and Psicosis, and the final match between Eddie Guerrero and Dean Malenko on ECW.

Every match on this DVD is at least an 8/10, and the absolute pinnacle in violence, brutality, and just wrestling. If violence isn't your thing, this DVD even provides you with matches just displaying the best in raw technical wrestling.

Just some of the best of ECW. A non-WWF/WWE supported DVD release. This ain't the same ECW you see Tuesdays on Sci-Fi.

Match #1: Chris Jericho v 2 Cold Scorpio v Pitbull 2 v Shane Douglas
A very good elimination match - Four men go into the match, but only one man will walk out with victory! Francine goes through a table for her betrayal. (9/10)

Match #2: Rob Van Dam v Bam Bam Bigelow
This match is for the ECW TV Title. It is very good, worth-wathcing for the two moves that RVD does off the top rope into the crowd. (7/10)

Match #3: Sabu v Sandman - 'Stairway to Hell' Match
A very, very brutal match, with weapons such as chairs, tables, ladders, singapore canes and barbed wire all being used by each other to hurt their opponent. (8.5/10)

Match #4: Ian Rotten v Axl Rotten - Taipei Death Match
Not particularly a good match, but very brutal, however. Before the match, both men put their hands in glue and then smashed them into glass to create the ultimate weapon. If you love blood and can't get enough of it, you will love this match. (5/10)

Match #5: Yoshihiro Tajiri v Super Crazy v Jerry Lynn
A very decent 3-Way match here. Just like the first match on the DVD, an elimination match in which three men will enter, but only one will walk out victorious. (9/10)

Match #6: Dean Malenko v Eddy Guerrero - 2/3 Falls Match
This match was Eddy and Dean's last match before jumping ship to go to WCW. A very good technical match here, with lots of submission moves performed by both men. (7/10)

Match #7: Psicosis v Rey Mysterio Jr
This match was the debut of both superstars, who wanted to become the future of ECW. Probably the best opening match in ECW history. Great action here. (7.5/10)

DVD Extras include wrestler biographies and a 'promos' section, with promos from Steve Austin, Steven Richards, the Pitbulls, Public Enemy, the Eliminators and Bill Alfonso & Taz.

Overall, a decent ECW DVD. I'd give ECW Path of Destruction 8.5/10.