Misnik's
Musings
05/09/2000
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This was a big week for ECW. No,
not the big debut in Minnesota. I understand that the crowds were great in
Minneapolis and Duluth, just a shame that Frostbite Falls couldn't be worked
into the loop. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing it and the crowds on
TNN and then on Hardcore TV.
No, what I want to discuss this week is something that happened outside the wrestling. Three stars from ECW made their prime time television debuts. Never thought Id be saying that as I always looked at ECW as the not ready for prime time players, but if CBS is good enough for Stone Cold, then hell it's ok for Tommy Dreamer and New Jack.
Of the two programs in which ECW talent appeared on, CBS's Early Edition got the most attention, so let me go there first. It was great publicity for ECW being on this show. Tommy Dreamer had on an ECW shirt with a nice big logo and then when the shows star when looking for one of main "heels" on the show, the motel desk clerk had ECW on the TV, even though you couldn't see it. However, the theme and Joey's voice came through loud and clear. Same deal with the "payoff scene" in the motel room, the main heel was taking a bath and then while doing that was watching ECW on TV. That was prominently featured and again great exposure for the company.
Here's the problem, as I perceive it. Again, this is my perception. When Stone Cold is on Nash Bridges, there are always behind the scenes vignettes and constant mentions on WWF programming. What did TNN do to promote ECW's appearance on this show? A quick little reference at the end of the show and that with Joey Styles holding up the TV Guide with Dreamer holding the star (Kyle Chandler) in a headlock. What about the behind the scenes footage? I mean I understand that Ron & Charlie are very busy men, but I think that if nothing else they could have shipped out Doug or Gabe to do some fan cam footage and put together a quick promotional piece to air on TNN or Hardcore TV.
Also, this is the first time I watched Early Edition. To take a line from
Seinfeld, "What's the deal with this guy?" I mean, he gets the next day's
newspapers the day before? Shit, Id be checking the lottery pages, sports
pages to make bets, checking the horse races results, stock market and such.
Ok, I'm sure with a baby on the way, it's a good thing he saved Mel Schwartz's
ass. But that is between trips to the broker and bookie.
Now, I wouldn't expect to hear Dreamer and New Jack's name come Emmy nomination time, but they afforded themselves well. Regardless of TNN's lack of promotion (there's a shocker, kids), I think that was a much better showcase for ECW overall.
Sunday night, I checked out the X-Files. Now, granted RVD got some nice billing in the guest stars. But that was when the fun ended. Of course, Randall "Tex " Cobb had a lot of air time and it was nice to see that Kathy Griffin survived her brush with Eminen. After tuning in for the entire hour, we only get to see RVD at the end of the show albeit briefly and first part of it was under a mask. It was cool to see RVD on Fox, but he had no lines. From the hype that was put out when the show was being taped, I was expecting a lot more from the appearance.
But, anyway, it was a nice start to see ECW hit prime time. Where does it go from here? "I'd like to take Super Crazy to block?", " Sal E Graziano causes Emeril to shut down cause he ate him out of business?" Ya, I can see Regis Philbin asking the Sandman if that its his final answer.
That's it for this week's column. We'd like to invite you to check back later next week for the next musing or actually as it should be for any of you that know me, Moosing. Anyway, check back then for a major announcement.
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Past editions of "Misnik's Musings"
09/07/99
09/12/99
09/20/99
09/29/99
10/10/99
10/18/99
10/24/99
11/01/99
11/11/99
11/28/99
12/10/99
12/11/99
12/18/99
01/10/2000
01/25/2000
02/18/2000
02/29/2000
03/14/2000
04/16/2000