Pro-Wrestling Legend Rejects Comparisons Between AEW and ECW
Taz defends ECW’s legacy after Moxley-Cope barbed wire spot, emphasizing that ECW’s “hardcore” identity went beyond blood and weapons, focusing on diverse wrestling styles.
Wrestling fans have been buzzing about the recent brutal encounter between Jon Moxley and Cope in AEW, but not everyone’s impressed with the blood-soaked spectacle. The controversial spot that saw the AEW World Champion thrown onto a barbed wire table has sparked debate across the wrestling world, with some ECW originals stepping in to set the record straight.
After Rob Van Dam voiced criticism of the violent spot, fans were quick to call out what they perceived as hypocrisy from the former ECW star. RVD wasted no time shutting down those accusations with a pointed response on social media:
I never participated in barbed wire matches in ECW. Never did a blade job. If you think I’m a hypocrite for criticizing this, you’re stupid.
Taz, another ECW veteran, weighed in with his own perspective on what truly defined the revolutionary promotion. Taking to X, the former ECW World Champion explained that being “hardcore” was more about mindset than mayhem.
For most of us in ECW, being ‘hardcore’ wasn’t about using blades, weapons or cursing… it was a way of thinking. We were the little pissed-off engine that could, and we crushed it. It was a special place. I miss it a lot sometimes.
When a fan acknowledged that ECW offered much more than bloodshed, Taz enthusiastically agreed, describing ECW as “a perfect mix of various styles” for its era.
From wrestling and strong style, to comedy and shoot-style fights. The branding was ‘blood & guts,’ but the content was very varied and perfectly executed.
While AEW continues to draw inspiration from wrestling’s extreme past, these ECW originals remind us that the promotion’s true legacy runs much deeper than barbed wire and thumbtacks.
