WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has drawn a bold comparison between NXT and the iconic ECW as the developmental brand gears up for a special episode at the legendary 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on November 6.
Known as the former home of Extreme Championship Wrestling, the 2300 Arena holds a special place in wrestling history, and Michaels is excited to bring NXTs energy to that hallowed ground.
During the October 21 episode of Monday Night Raw, a vignette narrated by Michaels aired, promoting NXTs upcoming event at the historic venue. Speaking with Bully Ray and David LeGreca on Busted Open Radio, Michaels opened up about his thoughts on NXTs connection to the spirit of ECW.
Its huge. As strange as it sounds, I thought it was so awesome and innovative, what [ECW] was doing at that time, Michaels said, acknowledging the influence of ECWs rebellious style on WWEs attempts to capture a similar vibe. He emphasized that NXT carries on that tradition, with a focus on young talent pushing boundaries and making names for themselves.
Michaels reflected on ECWs impact and how it inspired WWEs creative direction, admitting, I recognized that, at that time, from a WWE standpoint, we were never going to be able to do it. You only strike those things a few times in your career and you guys [speaking to Bully] did something very special back then. There has always been, in the eyes of WWE and my eyes, an aspect of how can we do that again? NXT encapsulates all of that.
This event will mark Michaels first time inside the 2300 Arena, and he expressed excitement about performing in front of the passionate Philadelphia crowd. They brought it out of you, he said of the fans who fueled ECWs energy. Thats what Im hoping happens when NXT goes there. They are hungry, maybe in a different way, but they are hungry and excited for getting out on the road. Everybody understands the history of this building and what was built.
While no matches have been officially announced for the November 6 episode, Michaels emphasized that NXTs roster is eager to embrace the venues history and carve out their own legacy. They want to build on that and do something on their own Everybody is jacked and excited, he added.
Tickets for the event went on sale on October 22, with fans eagerly anticipating how NXT will honor ECWs legacy while forging its own path.
What do you think about Shawn Michaels' comparison between NXT and ECW? Will NXT be able to capture the magic of the original ECW at the 2300 Arena? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
