by Greg Parks, PWTorch Contributor

ECW on Sci-Fi review
February 3, 2009
Taped 2/2/09 in St. Louis, MO.
Aired on Sci-Fi Network


-The show started with clips of Jack Swagger in search of his stolen ECW Title last week, which led to Finlay facing Swagger this week.

-ECW Open.

-Todd Grisham and Matt Striker opened the show, and they previewed Finlay vs. Swagger for later tonight.

1- PAUL BURCHILL vs. TOMMY DREAMER

Striker noted this was the first-ever meeting between these two combatants. Dreamer had Burchill backed into a corner and the crowd behind him to start. Big hip-toss from Dreamer. Burchill avoided a bulldog and pushed Dreamer into the ropes. The former pirate capitalized and powered Dreamer down. Striker discussed the rich wrestling history of St. Louis and noted that Harley Race was in attendance tonight. Spinebuster by Dreamer for two. Dreamer locked Burchill in the tree of woe, then dropkicked Paul in the face. Burchill got a surprise roll-up for two, and then connected on a jumping neck-breaker for three.

WINNER: Burchill, at 3:39. Good win for Burchill, and it looks like they're going with a losing streak with Dreamer to start off his angle, as he's lost two now on TV since announcing his retire or win the ECW Title stipulation.

-Backstage, Teddy Long ran into Jamie Noble. Teddy asked what he was doing here and Noble said he was here to save the show. Noble said since Matt Hardy left, ECW needs someone to take his place. Then Long said he'd take Noble up on his offer. I like that they're finally going to do something with him after not appearing on Raw in quite some time.

-John Morrison and The Miz came out. We'll find out what they have to say next.

[Commercial Break]

-Back from break, Dreamer was still crouched in the ring while John Morrison made fun of Dreamer being slow and not being able to even get out of the ring before the next segment. Morrison called him fat and said he'd move faster if he told Tommy they put out a fresh cheesecake in catering. Miz said not to pick on him because he might cry again. Morrison asked Dreamer if he really thinks he can be champion again. He said people that look like Dreamer aren't champs in this day and age. Miz called Dreamer the anti-Flair in that nobody wanted Flair to retire but everyone wants Dreamer. Miz implored Dreamer to retire, but said the only people who want to see Tommy less than the audience are his wife and kids. That set Tommy off and he attacked Miz, but was soon gobbled up by a 2-on-1 attack. Miz hit the Reality Check and the tag champs stood, arms raised, over the ECW legend. Great segment, getting heat on Miz & Morrison as well as getting the fans more behind Dreamer.

-Grisham and Striker again plugged Finlay vs. Swagger for the main event.

[Commercial Break]

2- JAMIE NOBLE vs. THE BOOGEYMAN

It's not even a surprise anymore...anytime there's a "surprise" opponent on ECW, it seems like it's always Boogeyman. Striker discussed Noble's background, including being trained by Dean Malenko. Boogeyman cornered Noble, but Noble attacked with some punches. Boogey pushed him off and then bodyslammed him. Another slam by Boogeyman. Shoulder tackle sent Noble all the way to the floor. Outside the ring, Boogeyman press-slammed Noble back into the ring through the middle ropes. Noble caught Boogey with some knees as the man from the Bottomless Pit re-entered the ring. Boogey regained control after a chin-lock. Big splash in the corner, then he hit the pump-handle slam for the win.

WINNER: Boogeyman, at 3:50. Noble escaped the traditional "feeding of the worms" afterward.

-Finlay and Hornswoggle were backstage training for the main event later tonight.

-WrestleMania 2 was profiled in a video package.

[Commercial Break]

-The Raw Rebound aired. Grisham and Striker even discussed Undertaker vs. Orton next week on Raw.

-The announcers plugged the No Way Out card.

-Grisham was backstage, responding to questions from Grisham. Swagger said he didn't need motivation tonight and that Finlay would be embarrassed for interrupting his celebration last week. The match is next.

[Commercial Break]

3- JACK SWAGGER vs. FINLAY

Some mat wrestling to begin things and Finlay tried to bait him with a slap to the face. The old veteran rolled the youngster up and already seemed to be getting under the champ's skin. Finlay avoided a single-leg take-down and Swagger was again frustrated with his inability to use his strength to his advantage. Finlay worked the leg of Swagger. Swagger came back with some hard right hands, but the two ended up knocking noggins. Backslide by Finlay and Swagger took a rest on the outside to regroup.

[Commercial Break]

Finlay was still in control, though Striker did say Swagger was able to escape many of Finlay's holds during the break. Big European uppercuts from the Irishman. Finlay was whipped hard into the corner, hitting his ribcage right into the buckle in an awkward spot. Finlay tried to re-group or catch his breath on the outside, but Swagger went after him. Belly-to-back suplex barely got two on Finlay. Body-scissors were applied by the ECW Champion. Finlay fought back with some headbutts, then a small package got two. Big boot by Swagger coming out of the corner. Hornswoggle made an appearance and Swagger tried to kick him. Finlay saw the opening and hit an atomic drop and a clothesline over the top rope. Swagger continued to work the ribs on the outside and then grabbed the shillaleigh. He threw it up the ramp. Finlay tried to suplex Swagger into the ring, but Swagger dropped him throat first on the top rope. Hornswoggle came out from under the ring with a bigger shillaleigh. He nailed Swagger in the lower leg with it, and Finlay capitalized with the Celtic Cross for the win and the first loss (on TV) suffered by Swagger.

WINNER: Finlay, at 12:49. Great, physical match-up. There will be questions about whether Swagger should've lost here to Finlay. But I guess they have to give him a little more cred if he's to feud with Swagger over the belt. Matt Striker was superb on commentary here.

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