ECW Roster, Picked Over, Still Have Viable Talent

In recent weeks, the WWF has signed Justin Credible, Rhino, Jerry Lynn, and Tajiri to multi-year contracts. The talent acquisitions from ECW appear to be the signature on the wall for the financially burdened promotion. WCW needs fresh faces to instill excitement into their stagnant product. Here is a list of “free agents” left on ECW’s roster for WCW and the WWF’s consideration:

Rob Van Dam: Van Dam (Robert Szatkowsky) signed a five-year contract with ECW in February 2000. The thirty-year old superstar opted to remain in ECW, avoiding free agency, favoring the fewer dates and less travel offered by working for the company. Van Dam, who just returned from an All Japan tour, has thus far received lukewarm feelers from both the WWF and WCW.

The Sandman: The Sandman’s ring style simply doesn’t fit the WWF’s product. Sandman (Jim Fullington) had an unsuccessful run in WCW in 1998 and ‘99, and its unlikely he’ll receive a second chance with the company. Sandman, 37, has excepted several independent bookings for the coming months.

Steve Corino: Corino, 27, has been busy on the independent circuit, working shows for the NWA and Dusty Rhodes’s Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling. The word is that Corino is signing with WCW.

Super Crazy: “The insane luchador” appeared on the brink of with signing with WCW, but negotiations recently broke off. Crazy (Francisco Pantoja Islas) has moved from Philadelphia to San Juan to begin working for IWA in Puerto Rico. He is also expected to work dates in Japan. Super Crazy would be a great addition to WCW’s depleted cruiserweight division.

Little Guido: Little Guido, who turns 29 on Monday, is one of the most talented wrestlers left on the ECW roster. Guido (James Maritato) trained under Billy Robinson, and is a legitimate tough guy. In the past, Eric Bischoff has not been fond of shoot fighters, which works against him. Guido’s tag team partner, Tony Mamaluke (Charles Spencer), had a short stint in WCW as Tony Maranara. The duo, who make up the F.B.I. (Full Blooded Italians), would be a stellar addition to either the WWF or WCW’s tag team division.

Tommy Dreamer: Most insiders believe Dreamer (Tom Laughlin) has a WWF office position awaiting him if he opts to work for McMahon’s company. Dreamer has made it known he plans to stick it out with ECW until the very end. He has recently accepted bookings in Puerto Rico.

Simon Diamond and Dawn Marie: The engaged couple may end up a package deal. WCW expressed interest in Diamond (Pat Kenney), but he balked when the company only offered him a try out match. WCW is eliminating the use of women that are not trained to wrestle, which would leave Dawn Marie without an offer from the company. Rumors have WWF interested in Dawn Marie, 30.

Francine: Francine (Francine Fournier) has been working odd jobs outside of the business during this period of uncertainty in ECW. Francine, 29, like Dreamer, has made it known that she plans to stick it out with ECW.

Danny Doring: Doring, 27, created a successful tag team with partner Roadkill. Doring (Danny Morrison) thus far has not received any offers from WCW or WWF. Trained by Tazz, Doring has above average ring abilities, and possesses the persona to be an effective heel.

Probably the biggest catch in the ECW “free agency” pool is the company’s owner and creative director, Paul Heyman. Rumors persist that Heyman has all but agreed to join the WWF as a booker.

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