ECW Guilty As Charged 2001: Where Are They Now?
February 23, 2026
By Ryan Porzl
Over the decades, there are many years that left an impression such as 1984 with Vince McMahon changing the course of American wrestling by beginning his conquest. 2001 was another year that will be remembered as it marked the end of the late 90s boom period in wrestling and closure of two of the three major promotions in American Wrestling in WCW and ECW. ECW formed in 1992 and in it's nine years of business was the underdog #3 that changed the industry and fought tooth and nail for success and sometimes just to survive. As 2001 began, ECW was on death's door with checks bouncing becoming a common occurrence while having lost their national TV deal with TNN. Before closing their doors, ECW would hold three shows in 2001. While the last two were live events, the first would be the promotion's final PPV in the 2001 Guilty As Charged. This January 7th will mark 25 years since the event and having done a "Where Are They Now?" on ECW's First PPV in 2022, I decided to look at the participants of not only ECW's final PPV but their final televised show and a show that, to many, was their last memory of the land of Extreme.
Note: I don't own any pictures. Credit to WWE, Pro Wrestling Illustrated, TNA or whomever owns them.
Guilty As Charged 2001 Results
Jerry Lynn and Cyrus defeated Christian York and Joey Matthews
ECW World Tag Team Championship: Danny Doring and Roadkill (c) defeated EZ Money and Julio Dinero (w/Chris Hamrick and Elektra)
Nova defeated Chris Hamrick
I Quit Match: Tommy Dreamer defeated CW Anderson
#1 Contender's Three Way Dance: Mikey Whipwreck & Yoshihiro Tajiri (w/Sinister Minister) defeated Little Guido and Tony Mamaluke (w/Big Sal E. Graziano) and Kid Kash and Super Crazy
Ballz Mahoney and Chilly Willy went a No Contest with Simon Diamond and Swinger (w/Dawn Marie, The Blue Boy, and Jasmin St. Clare)
ECW World Heavyweight Championship/Tables, Ladders, Chairs, and Canes: The Sandman defeated Steve Corino (c) (w/Jack Victory) and Justin Credible (w/Francine)
ECW World Heavyweight Championship: Rhino defeated The Sandman (c)
Rob Van Dam defeated Jerry Lynn (w/Cyrus)
Joey Styles
Background: The longtime "Voice of ECW", Styles originally began his announcing career in 1992 for the North American Wrestling Alliance. Styles joined ECW in the summer of 1993 and served as the promotion's voice for most of it's history and usually called shows by himself during the early years while being the first to call a Pay-Per-View by himself. In later years, Styles would be joined by a variety of names including Rick Rude, Joel Gertner, and Cyrus. He gained fame and popularity for his commentating style and "Oh My God!" catchphrase.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Styles would take some time off. He eventually returned to announce the original incarnation of MLW from it's formation in 2002 to it's shutdown in 2004. He also made one appearance for XPW during this time but eventually quit after one show. In 2005, Styles would work the ECW reunion show Hardcore Homecoming and the WWE produced ECW One Night Stand. Later in the year, he joined the WWE by briefly replacing Jim Ross as the announcer for Monday Night RAW until the spring of 2006. From 2006-2008, Styles then called the WWE's ECW brand alongside Tazz before being replaced by former American Gladiators host Mike Adamle. From 2008-2016, Styles would work backstage for WWE in their digital media working for WWE.com and the WWE app as the Vice President of Digital Media Content. From 2010-2014, he hosted "The History of ECW" on the WWE Classics on Demand. He would also re-record new commentary for old ECW shows due to WWE having to remove licensed music. After being released from the WWE in 2016, Styles attempted a comeback as an announcer working shows for the likes of EVOLVE and CHIKARA but his return proved brief after making an inappropriate joke at an EVOLVE show and he retired after promotions cut ties with him. As of 2026, Styles is still retired from announcing and is selling Digital Advertising in NYC (Styles previous did print advertising full time during his ECW run).
Joel Gertner
Background: Longtime ECW personally, Gertner began in wrestling appearing for local indie shows in 1992 still in his teens. He joined ECW in 1995 as a ring announcer but eventually became a pro-heel announcer after being influenced by Shane Douglas which resulted in him getting comeuppance by the babyfaces due to his big mouth. His biggest highlight was serving as a manager for The Dudley Boyz from 1997-1999 where he became known for his neck collar and sexual limericks which earned him popularity despite being a heel. After parting ways with The Dudleyz and their eventual departure to the WWF in August 1999, Gertner began working commentary for ECW TV shows including their ECW on TNN show while also beginning a rivalry with Cyrus. He also became a mentor to the up and coming team of Christian York and Joey Matthews.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW closed, Gertner has largely worked on the indie circuit for the last 25 years including running his own promotion called MXW in Connecticut. His biggest moment on the national scene was appearing for TNA during the promotion's early events in 2002 managing The Rainbow Express but left after a few appearances. His only other notable appearances were ECW related such as appearing for WWE's ECW One Night Stand show in 2005, Shane Douglas' Hardcore Homecoming show in June 2005, and TNA's Hardcore Justice 2010 show. He also would work for Douglas' short lived ECW spin off Extreme Rising as a commentator. In April 2024, Gertner wrestled only his third match and first non ECW match of his career losing at an indie show to former ECW manager Bill Alfonso with Tod Gordon as the referee. In 2025, Gertner returned to commentating for the New York based Awesome Championship Wrestling and the final Tri-State Wrestling Alliance show (TWA was a predecessor to ECW). Gertner was inducted in the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2023.
Cyrus
Background: Former Canadian pro wrestler, Cyrus debuted in 1989 and spent the first seven years of his career on the Canadian Independent circuit. He would sign with the WWF in 1996 where he was originally set to team and later feud with a returning Rick Martel only for the plans to fall through when Martel went to WCW. Due to this, he wouldn't debut until September 1997 as a cult like leader named "The Jackyl". As The Jackyl, he would lead a few short lived stables from 1997-1998 including The Truth Commission and The Parade of Human Oddities while being the original manager of The Acolytes and being the storyline reason Faarooq and Bradshaw were put together. After being released in late 1998, he went to ECW where he first became an announcer for their Pay-Per-Views before becoming a top heel and a representative of "The Network" (a play on ECW's issues with TNN at the time) where he feuded with Joel Gertner while associating with the likes of Jerry Lynn and Rhino.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Cyrus was considered for a possible run in WCW when Fusient Media and Eric Bischoff were planning to buy the promotion only for those plans to fall through and WCW was bought out by the WWF. Afterwards, he went back to school and earned a Master of Business Administration while returning to the Canadian independent scene. From 2003-2004, he appeared for TNA under his real name Don Callis where he feuded with Erik Watts over the position of Director of Authority and in storyline was credited for invented a TNA signature match: The Ultimate X. In 2004, Cyrus left TNA and the wrestling business for a job in International Trade which allowed him to use his MBA. With the exception of the June 2005 Hardcore Homecoming show, Cyrus would largely be out of the business for more than a decade outside of writing columns and later hosting a podcast with Lance Storm. In 2017, Cyrus returned to wrestling (under his real name) as an English commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling which would be a position he would hold for two years. From 2017-2021, he returned to TNA (then Impact Wrestling) as a Co-Vice President alongside Scott D'Amore with the two later getting credit for help getting Impact back on it's feet. He would also work for TNA as a color commentator and part of the creative team. In 2021, he made the transition to AEW where he first managed real life friend Kenny Omega before eventually turning on him and forming the Don Callis Family. As of 2026, Cyrus is still with AEW as their top heel manager and a backstage advisor while also doing commentary for D'Amore's Maple Leaf Wrestling.
Jerry Lynn
Background: Longtime journeyman legend, Lynn turned pro in 1988 and spent the first three years largely as a prelim talent for the WWF, NWA/WCW, and AWA, though he made history becoming the final wrestler to challenge for the AWA World Title before the AWA shut down. His first break would be in 1991 working for the Global Wrestling Federation where he won the Light Heavyweight Championship and enjoyed a well received feud with Sean Waltman while also touring the world in Mexico and Japan. From 1995-1997, Lynn then worked for WCW as the masked man "Mr. JL" but didn't go far. After bouncing around, he finally got his big break joining ECW in 1997 where he started in the midcard before catching on with a feud with Justin Credible and finally, his series with Rob Van Dam which put both on the map. By the end of 2000, Lynn would defeat Credible for the ECW World Title at Anarchy Rulz 2000 before losing it at November To Remember a month later.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Lynn would sign with the WWF and quickly won the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship from Crash Holly in his debut in April on the Sunday Night Heat before Backlash 2001 but eventually lost it to Jeff Hardy. After that, his WWF run fizzled and he would be released following a knee injury in early 2002. From 2002-2003, Lynn made appearances for the short lived World Wrestling All-Stars and enjoyed a brief run as their International Cruiserweight Champion. From 2002-2007, Lynn worked for TNA and was an important part of their early years, specifically with their signature division: The X Division. Lynn would experience a career revival by capturing the X Division Championship twice as well as the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice with AJ Styles and The Amazing Red. He also captained the Team USA team in the 2004 X Cup and was successful with TNA/USA winning the cup. Towards the later part of his TNA run, he would also work backstage as a road agent/producer before eventually leaving in mid 2007. Outside of TNA, Lynn worked the indie circuit for promotions such as All American Wrestling (now AAW Wrestling) and East Coast Wrestling Association winning the AAW Heavyweight Championship and the ECWA Super 8 Tournament. From 2008-2011, Lynn worked for Ring of Honor enjoying a run with the ROH World Title in April 2009. From 2010-2011, Lynn returned to TNA briefly reviving his old ECW rivalry with RVD including a loss to Van Dam at Bound For Glory 2011. From 2012-2013, Lynn embarked on a farewell tour competing in his final matches including returning to both ROH and TNA. Lynn would have his retirement match on March 23, 2013, 25 years to the day he debuted in wrestling where he won a fatal four way against former rival Sean Waltman, Horace the Psychopath, and JB Trask. After retiring, Lynn returned to ROH in 2014 as a producer until leaving in 2019 where he took the same position for the upstart All Elite Wrestling where he still works to this day. Lynn was inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2010, the Heavy on Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013, the New York Wrestling Connection Hall of Fame in 2019, and the Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2022.
Christian York
Background: Virginia wrestler, York turned pro in 1996 and spent his early years on the indie circuit including for The Hardy Boys OMEGA promotion before briefly being signed to WCW in 1999. After being cut, York, along with Joey Matthews, would eventually make their way to ECW by the end of 2000 aligning with Joel Gertner.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW closed, York would briefly work the indies and win the NWA World Tag Team Titles for a brief run before signing with the WWF and being sent to work in the Memphis Championship Wrestling developmental but was let go by the end of the year. In 2002, York would work shows for the recently launched ROH and TNA but neither led to full time jobs. For the next decade, he would work the indie circuit, specifically for promotions such as Xtreme Pro Wrestling, Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling, and Maryland Championship Wrestling (now MCW Pro Wrestling) achieving his biggest success in the latter. From 2003-2007, York would make the occasional WWE appearance on C-shows like Heat and Velocity or dark matches but nothing came of it. He would also do a few ROH dark matches in 2011 but that didn't led to a hiring. In November 2012, York participated in TNA's Gut Check segment and would earn a contract with the promotion. Unfortunately, despite interacting with stars like Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, and Rob Van Dam as well as getting a few X Division Title shots, his run lasted less than a year and he was released by July 2013. Following his release, York finished his career on the indies, mostly for MCW Pro Wrestling before slowing down in 2015. He returned for a few matches with his last match to date being in July 2018 likely having since retired from wrestling.
Joey Matthews
Background: Another Virginia native who turned pro in 1996 and formed a long running team with Christian York. Like York, he did time in OMEGA and was signed to WCW from 1999-2000. By the end of 2000, Matthews and York went to ECW and aligned with Joel Gertner.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW closed, Matthews continued teaming with York with the two briefly winning the NWA World Tag Team Titles before signing a WWF deal and being sent to Memphis Championship Wrestling but was released in late 2001. Afterwards, Matthews continuing teaming York in the indie circuit and made few appearances in TNA and ROH joining the Special K stable in the latter. In 2004, Matthews resigned with WWE and worked for a year in Ohio Valley Wrestling forming the group MNM with Johnny Nitro and Melina where he and Nitro won the OVW Southern Tag Team Titles. From 2005-2007, Matthews (under the name Joey Mercury) would be part of the main roster as part of MNM where he and Nitro won the Smackdown Tag Team Titles three times before a freak injury at the WWE Armageddon 2006 PPV during a ladder match saw Matthews sustain a serious facial injury and an eventual addiction (having struggled with one during his teens) and he would eventually be released in March 2007. After doing some time in the indies, Matthews returned to OVW and won the OVW Television Championship and then returned to ROH as a member of Jimmy Jacobs' Age of the Fall stable. By the end of 2008, Matthews would abruptly announce his retirement due to an injury. After a year and a half away, Matthews returned to the ring and resigned with WWE becoming a member of CM Punk's Straight Edge Society before being sidelined with surgery by the end of the year. While training for a comeback, Matthews transitioned to a trainer role at Florida Championship Wrestling and then transitioned to a producer for the main roster. From 2014-2016, Matthews appeared on TV as part of J&J Security along with Jamie Noble becoming a stooge for Seth Rollins and The Authority stable. Matthews remained with WWE until he was released in 2017. After his release, Matthews returned to the indie circuit for MCW Pro Wrestling and Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore promotions while making one appearance for Lucha Underground in a loss to "The Monster" Matanza Cueto (JC Mateo). From 2018-2019, Matthews returned to ROH as a producer and trainer but eventually left. As of 2026, Matthews hasn't officially retired but hasn't wrestled or done much since 2019.
Danny Doring
Background: A graduate of ECW's House of Hardcore, Doring turned pro in 1996 eventually forming an unusual team with Roadkill which saw them gain popularity and slowly climb the ladder of the ECW tag team division until winning the ECW World Tag Team Championship at the December 2000 Massacre on 34th Street.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Doring became one of ECW's final Tag Team Champions alongside Roadkill and would settle into the indie circuit. In June 2001, Doring would get a WWE tryout but wasn't hired. From 2002-2003, Doring would make appearances for XPW before they shutdown. In 2003, Doring reunited with Roadkill in TNA for a few appearances and even challenged for the NWA World Tag Team Championship but was unsuccessful. After a few WWE and OVW appearances, Doring would sign with the WWE in 2006 as part of the relaunched ECW but like most of the ECW alumni, he was never pushed and was let go by December 2006. Since then, Doring returned to the indies, mostly in the Northeast United States for promotions such WrestlePro, New York Wrestling Connection, and MCW Pro Wrestling. He's also worked for Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore as both a wrestler and commentator. As of 2026, Doring still competes on the indie circuit, mostly working for Awesome Championship Wrestling.
Roadkill
Background: Another graduate of the ECW House of Hardcore, Roadkill turned pro in 1996 and would be paired with Danny Doring early in his career. The two worked the opening and midcard for the remainder of the 90s before moving up the ladder and gaining popularity eventually winning the ECW World Tag Team Championships at Massacre on 34th Street.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Roadkill would be one of the promotions final tag team champions alongside Doring. He would largely begin working the indie circuit while getting a tryout with Doring vs. The FBI for the WWF in June 2001 but wasn't hired. From 2002-2005, Roadkill would settle into the short lived Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling (3PW) promotion becoming the promotion's final 3PW Heavyweight Champion. In October 2003, he did a few appearances for TNA teaming with Danny Doring and even challenging for the NWA World Tag Team Championships. From 2005-2008, Roadkill would sign a developmental deal with the WWE and spent his time in Ohio Valley Wrestling first under the Roadkill gimmick where he held the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship before going through gimmick and name changes to "Tony Braddock" and "Antoni Polaski". Because of this, Roadkill was one of the few ECW alumni who had little to do with the ECW relaunch though he did the occasional WWE and ECW house shows. After being released from WWE in 2008, Roadkill would retire from wrestling but did make a one night return teaming with Doring against The FBI at the first House of Hardcore show in 2012.
EZ Money
Background: Self trained wrestler who turned pro in 1990 and worked the independent circuit for a decade most notably doing prelim work for Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling. He debuted for ECW in 2000 as EZ Money where he formed an alliance with Julio Dinero, Chris Hamrick, and Elektra called "Hot Commodity".
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Money would quickly sign with WCW in March 2001 and wrestled as "Jason B" and "Jason Jett" including competing at the promotion's final PPV Greed where he won against Kwee Wee in the opening match. After WCW was bought out by the WWF, Money would be picked up and worked for WWF developmental Heartland Wrestling Association for a year where he became a two time HWA Heavyweight Champion before being released in the summer of 2002. After his release, Money returned to the indies and made a handful of appearances for TNA and Ring of Honor in late 2002 to early 2003 until retiring in late 2003 where he took a job as a tailor and designer for wrestling attire. Since 2005, Money has resumed wrestling sporadically over the next twenty years wrestling for a few years before taking a few years off at a time. As of 2026, Money is still active with his most recent match on record being in November 2024.
Julio Dinero
Background: Wrestler who turned pro in 1994 where he worked the indies for several years while also doing prelim work for WWF and WCW in the late 90s. He also worked the infamous Heroes of Wrestling show against ECW legend Too Cold Scorpio. Dinero joined ECW in 2000 and became a part of Hot Commodity alongside EZ Money, Chris Hamrick, and Elektra.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Dinero would return to the indies while getting the occasional match for WWF/WWE from 2001-2008 either doing dark matches or prelim work but it never led to a signing. From 2003-2004, Dinero perhaps had his biggest moment when he worked for TNA as a member of Raven's Gathering alongside Raven, Alexis Laree (Mickie James), and CM Punk. As part of The Gathering, they feuded with "Father" James Mitchell's Disciples of the New Church and Shane Douglas for most of 2003 until Dinero and Punk turned on Raven and briefly feuded with him. After leaving TNA, Dinero returned to the indie circuit until retiring in 2013 though he would return for one match in 2019.
Chris Hamrick
Background: Journeyman wrestler who turned pro in 1983 and spent more than fifteen years largely on the independents outside of doing prelim work for WWF, NWA/WCW, and mostly SMW. Hamrick joined ECW in mid 2000 with the nickname "Confederate Currency" and aligned with Money, Dinero, and Elektra in High Commodity.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW closed, Hamrick returned to the indies working promotions such as XPW, IWA: Mid-South, and Combat Zone Wrestling while winning the IWA: Mid-South Tag Team Championship with Tracy Smothers. He made two appearances for TNA in 2002 under the gimmick "Crimson Dragon" but it didn't lead to full time work. He also traveled to the Frontier Wrestling Alliance in England and held their FWA All-England Championship. From 2005-2006, he made a few more WWE appearances once again as an enhancement talent. Aside from these appearances, Hamrick has mostly worked the indies since ECW and still remains active with his most recent match on record being in October 2025.
Elektra
Background: Wrestler and valet, Elektra started as a model before entering wrestling in the late 1990s. Training under Johnny Rodz and The Fabulous Moolah, she made one appearance for the WWF as one of The Godfather's hos before signing with ECW. She debuted in ECW in October 1999 replacing Miss Congeniality (Lita) as Danny Doring and Roadkill's valet before turning on them in March 2000 and aligning with Lou E. Dangerously's New Dangerous Alliance. After The Alliance broke up, she joined Money, Dinero, and Hamrick as the valet for Hot Commodity. Prior to her time in ECW, she was married briefly to ECW legend Big Dick Dudley.
Where Is She Now?: After ECW closed, Elektra did some indie work and appeared at TNA's second show in June 2002 taking part in the Miss TNA lingerie battle royal before retiring. She would return to the ring for a few matches from 2005-2008 before retiring for good and also appeared in the crowd for the ECW One Night Stand show in 2005. Outside of wrestling, she made appearances as an extra for the tv show The Sopranos and has worked as a booker for The Satin Dolls strip club.
Nova
Background: Longtime ECW vet, Nova turned pro in 1992 and spent his early years in the Northeast indie circuit while doing prelim work for the WWF. In 1996, he got his break in ECW as "Super Nova" where he was a lackey for Raven alongside Stevie Richards and The Blue Meanie. After he, Richards, and Meanie started a gimmick of impersonating celebrities, they spent time doing the bWo (Blue World Order), a parody of the nWo where Nova parodied Hollywood Hulk Hogan as "Hollywood Nova". After the bWo broke up in mid 1997, Nova (eventually shorten his name to "Nova") would form several tag teams first with Blue Meanie and Chris Chetti. By the end of 2000, Nova would be betrayed by Chetti and briefly feuded with him until defeating him in a loser leaves ECW match in November 2000. By Guilty As Charged 2001, Nova would be repackaged into a more serious character.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Nova would become a journeyman, working the American indie scene including IWA: Mid-South where he made it to the finals of the Sweet Science Sixteen Tournament while also doing shots in Japan for FMW and Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE. In 2002, he signed with the WWE and spent the next two years in Ohio Valley Wrestling where he notably won the OVW Heavyweight Title in his debut match against John Cena (then The Prototype) and later held the OVW Southern Tag Team Titles with Aron Stevens. From 2004-2006, he moved to the main roster becoming an evil fitness guru named Simon Dean but was largely an enhancement talent. He then transitioned backstage in August 2006 and became the talent development manager for OVW which he held for a year before leaving WWE. Since his departure, Nova has become a licensed mortgage broker. From 2009-2022, Nova would return to the indies for promotions such as WrestlePro, CHIKARA, and IWA: Mid-South usually using both his Nova and Simon Dean gimmicks. In 2010, he appeared for TNA for their ECW reunion show Hardcore Justice and in 2015 reunited with Richards and Meanie in the bWo to participate in CHIKARA's 2015 King of Trios tournament. In 2018, he also returned to OVW for their 1000th episode. His last match to date was in 2022.
Tommy Dreamer
Background: ECW legend, Dreamer began wrestling in 1989 on the indie circuit first in International World Class Championship Wrestling as "T.D. Madison" where he teamed with fictional brother G.Q. Madison to hold the IWCCW Tag Team Titles and then in Century Wrestling Alliance as "Tommy Dreamer" where he held the CWA Heavyweight Title. Dreamer made his way to ECW in 1993 where he originally earned the scorn of the fans as a pretty boy before eventually earning their respect for his toughness. He became known for several legendary feuds including The Sandman, Brian Lee, Rob Van Dam, and Raven while eventually being considered ECW's heart and soul who would defend the promotion's honor. Dreamer would briefly hold the ECW World Heavyweight Title once and the ECW World Tag Team Titles three times with Johnny Gunn, Raven, and Masato Tanaka.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Dreamer would work the indies including Border City Wrestling where he held the heavyweight title and tag team title with Nova. In July 2001, he signed with the WWF and would be a member of the invading WCW/ECW Alliance that feuded with the WWF till November 2001. Eventually, Dreamer would settle into the promotion's hardcore division winning the WWF/WWE Hardcore Championship 14 times. From 2004-2006, Dreamer would transition to commentary and office work for the WWE while doing indie shots and OVW. From 2006-2010, Dreamer would return to the ring as part of the revived ECW. Unlike most of the ECW alumni, Dreamer would last several years and get a small run including a run with the ECW Championship thus making him the only competitor to have held both the original ECW World Heavyweight Title and the WWE version. After leaving WWE in 2010, Dreamer debuted in TNA and worked for them for about a year during which time he was a member of the ECW like stable EV 2.0 while also doing indie shots. Throughout the 2010s, Dreamer would bounce around WWE and TNA mostly working backstage for both promotions while also popping up in ROH, Lucha Underground, and CHIKARA. From 2012-2020, Dreamer would run his own indie promotion House of Hardcore which featured ECW alumni and indie talent. In 2018, Dreamer returned to TNA and later won the promotion's now defunct TNA Digital Media Championship. As of 2026, Dreamer still works for TNA but mostly focuses on behind the scenes work such as working as a producer and on the creative team while also doing shots on the indie circuit. He was inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2010.
CW Anderson
Background: Longtime journeyman wrestler, Anderson turned pro in 1993 and spent the 90s working the indies as a member of the fictional Anderson wrestling family while briefly training in the WCW Power Plant and enjoyed a run with the NWA World Tag Team Championship. Anderson joined ECW in 1999 and briefly became a member of The New Dangerous Alliance alongside Lou E. Dangerously, Billy Wiles, and Elektra. After the group imploded, he briefly aligned with Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger before beginning a feud with Tommy Dreamer.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Anderson became a long time journeyman working the American indie circuit and in Japan for Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE/ZERO1-MAX where he held the United National Championship and the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship with Steve Corino. From 2002-2004, he worked for the original incarnation of Major League Wrestling as a member of the Extreme Horsemen alongside Corino, Diamond, and others while holding the MLW World Tag Team Championship (then MLW Global Tag Team Championship) with Diamond with the two holding the titles till MLW shut down in 2004. From 2003-2004, Anderson would also make appearances for ROH, TNA, and WWE but wasn't signed by any of the promotions. From 2006-2007, he signed with the WWE and was part of the ECW brand with the altered name "Christopher W. Anderson" but once again, wasn't used much and was let go by early 2007 making only one TV appearance losing to CM Punk. After WWE, Anderson worked the indies for the remainder of the 2000s and all of the 2010s outside of a few appearances for Billy Corgan's NWA promotion. In 2020, Anderson would briefly retire but returned to the ring a year later. By 2024, he experience a career resurgence forming a tag team with Brock Anderson, the legit son of wrestling legend Arn Anderson with the two mostly working the Carolina indies. From 2024-2025, Anderson (along with Brock) returned to the revived MLW forming the Rogue Horsemen alongside Brock, Brett Ryan Gosselin, and Bobby Fish. In December 2025, Anderson returned to TNA with Brock for several appearances but it's unknown if they officially signed as of writing.
Mikey Whipwreck
Background: ECW legend, Whipwreck turned pro in 1994 and quickly joined ECW where he gained fame in the promotion as a "lovable loser" type character. He originally gained fame in a tag team with Cactus Jack winning the ECW World Tag Team Championship two times and later gained singles success winning the ECW World Heavyweight Championship once and the ECW World Television Championship two times all the while engaging in famous feuds with The Public Enemy, Cactus Jack, The Sandman, Steve Austin, and Justin Credible. Whipwreck would have a cup of coffee run in WCW in 1999 before eventually returning later in the year. By 2000, he revamped his gimmick to a pyromaniac and aligned with the Sinister Minister and Yoshihiro Tajiri which saw him win a third tag team championship with Tajiri.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Whipwreck went to work in the indie circuit for promotions such as Jersey All Pro Wrestling and USA Pro until briefly retiring in late 2001. In 2003, he returned making appearances for ROH where he aligned with the Special K stable while either aligning or feuded with trainees of his. He also made a one off appearance for TNA in 2004 teaming with Sandman against Julio Dinero and CM Punk. He would also make appearances for MLW and USA Pro before settling into the New York Wrestling Connection winning many titles in the latter promotion. Whipwreck would also appear for ECW reunion shows like Hardcore Homecoming and in a non-wrestling role for the two WWE ECW One Night Stand shows. Since the 2010s, Whipwreck has retired a few more times but has always returned to the ring mostly for the NYWC and other New York promotions like House of Glory while also doing shots for Tajiri's Wrestling New Classics promotion in Japan with his most recent match being in August 2024. Along with wrestling, Whipwreck has also found success as a trainer, training or co-training the likes of Matt Cardona, Brian Myers, The Amazing Red, Jose and Joel Maximo, Mike Mondo, and Jay Lethal to name some. He was inducted into the NYWC Hall of Fame in 2016.
Yoshihiro Tajiri
Background: Japanese wrestler, Tajiri turned pro in 1994 and spent his first years in Big Japan Pro Wrestling winning their tag team title as well as CMLL in Mexico and prelim work for the WWF. He made his way to ECW in 1998 and quickly became known for his series of matches with Super Crazy, Little Guido, and Jerry Lynn. Eventually, he joined Steve Corino's crew alongside Jack Victory and Rhino while briefly feuding with Taz over the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. After briefly joining The Network and winning the World Television Championship, he broke away and aligned with Mikey Whipwreck and The Sinister Minister in The Unholy Alliance briefly holding the World Tag Team Championship.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Tajiri would become one of the more successful stories on this list. He briefly worked for Combat Zone Wrestling and held the CZW World Heavyweight Championship in February 2001. From 2001-2006, he joined the WWF/WWE quickly gaining popularity as William Regal's assistant before he began competing. He found success in the Light Heavyweight/Cruiserweight Division capturing the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship once and the Cruiserweight Championship three times. He also won the WCW United States Championship during the WCW/ECW Alliance storyline as well as two tag titles winning the Smackdown Tag Team Championships with Eddie Guerrero and the RAW Tag Team Championships with Regal. After leaving WWE, Tajiri returned to Japan in 2006 and competed for HUSTLE until the promotion shutdown in 2010. From 2010-2014, Tajiri ran two promotions called SMASH and Wrestling New Classic with each lasting two years (SMASH ran from 2010-2012 while WNC ran from 2012-2014) while competing for both with Tajiri holding the WNC Championship. After WNC closed, Tajiri transitioned to Keiji "The Great Muta" Mutoh's WRESTLE-1 promotion where he competed for two years and held the promotion's six man tag title. While in WRESTLE-1, he also made appearances for TNA including teaming with Muta against James Storm and SANADA in the main event of Bound For Glory 2014. In 2016, he returned to the WWE to compete in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic where he lost in the Quarterfinals to eventual runner up Gran Metalik. He resigned with the WWE in December 2016 but suffered a knee injury and was released four months later due to his age (he turned 47 in 2017). From 2017-2022, he began working for All Japan Pro Wrestling where he achieved success holding various championship as well as the Junior Tag Battle of Glory tournament. Towards the end of his All Japan run, he began competing for MLW in 2021 and competed there for a year where he held the World Middleweight Championshp. Since 2023, he's been competing for Kyushu Pro Wrestling where he still competes. In 2003, Tajiri released his autobiography "Tajiri: The Japanese Buzzsaw". Like former partner Whipwreck, Tajiri also has trained wrestlers including New Japan legend and former NXT Cruiserweight Champion KUSHIDA and former NXT wrestler Ikeman Jiro (Kuroshio TOKYO Japan).
Sinister Minister
Background: Longtime wrestling manager and personality, Minister originally started in wrestling in 1989 in the indie circuit before getting his first break in Smoky Mountain Wrestling under the name "Daryl Van Horne" in 1993 and lasted a year managing the masked Kendo the Samurai and Prince Kharis, a supposed 4,000 year old mummy. From 1997-1999, he then worked for WCW as "James Vandenberg" where he managed Mortis (Chris Kanyon) and Wrath (Bryan Clarke) in their feud with Glacier and Ernest Miller before getting a brief segment on WCW Saturday Night. In 2000, he joined ECW as "The Sinister Minister" where he managed Mikey Whipwreck and Yoshihiro Tajiri.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Minister eventually joined TNA upon it's formation in 2002 under his real name "Father" James Mitchell where he originally became known for managing The Disciples of the New Church leading Brian Lee and Slash to the NWA World Tag Team Championship while having a feud with Raven. Later on, he managed Abyss and led him to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship as well as briefly managing Judas Mesias until his release in 2008. During his time in TNA and following his release, he would make attempts to join the WWE but nothing came of it. Since 2013, Minister has made occasional returns to TNA over the years either reuniting with former clients like Abyss or taking part in stories with Rosemary and The Undead Realm. In 2021, he made one appearance for AEW officiating Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford's wedding. Since 2021, Minister has worked for Billy Corgan's National Wrestling Alliance as a manager for stables like Miserably Unfaithful and The Lost. His run in the NWA also became infamous for a segment where he did cocaine during the Samhain show in 2023 which supposedly cost NWA a deal with CW.
Little Guido
Background: Longtime ECW vet, Guido trained under the legendary Billy Robinson and turned pro in 1991 under his real name "James Maritano" and "Damien Stone". He originally competed for ECW as a prelim wrestler from 1992-1994 as well as for IWCCW before competing in Japan for the shoot style promotion Union of Wrestling Forces International (UWF-i) from 1995-1996. He returned to ECW in 1996 forming the Full Blooded Italians stable with JT Smith which later included Tommy Rich, Tracy Smothers, Big Guido, and Big Sal E. Graziano. Despite it being a comedy stable, Guido and Smothers won the ECW World Tag Team Championship in 1997. By 1999, the stable shorten to Guido and Graziano with Guido engaging in matches with the likes of Yoshihiro Tajiri and Super Crazy before forming a new team with Tony Mamaluke and winning the ECW World Tag Team Championship a second time before losing them to the final champions Danny Doring and Roadkill in December 2000.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Guido worked for the indie circuit from 2001-2002, competing for promotions such as USA Pro, XPW, and Chaotic Wrestling. In 2002, he made a few appearances for ROH reuniting with Mamaluke to participate in a tournament to crown the inaugural ROH Tag Team Champions before briefly feuding with him. In 2002, Guido joined the WWE as Nunzio where he was paired with Jamie Noble as his fictional cousin before eventually forming a new FBI stable with WCW alumni Chuck Palumbo and Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli where he became a challenger for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships and the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. After The FBI broke up, he won the Cruiserweight Championship twice in 2005 and briefly aligned with Big Vito. In 2006, he took part in the WWE's ECW brand where he briefly reunited with Mamaluke but wasn't pushed. After being released in 2008, Guido has spent most of his time in the indie circuit while doing some shots for ZERO1 in Japan back in 2008. In 2009, he returned to ROH for a one off losing to Jay Briscoe at Manhattan Mayhem III. In 2010, he appeared for TNA for their ECW reunion show Hardcore Justice 2010 reuniting with Mamaluke and Smothers as well as one TV appearance while later making another appearance in 2013 for a One Night Only special. From 2010-2011, he then briefly returned to the WWE as a referee. For the most part, Guido has mostly worked the indies including shots for Dreamer's House of Hardcore, Extreme Rising, and for TNA's Indian promotion Ring Ka King. By the 2020s, he formed a new FBI with new talent while he worked as both a wrestler and manager. As part of the new FBI, he's made appearances for MLW and TNA including working MLW's 2023 Battle Riot and in 2022, challenged Matt Cardona for the TNA Digital Media Championship. In 2024, he returned to the WWE for the NXT brand challenging Tony D'Angelo for the NXT North American Championship. As of 2026, Guido is still active as a wrestler and manager. He was inducted into the East Coast Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009.
Tony Mamaluke
Background: Pro Wrestler who trained under Dean Malenko in 1998 and worked the indies until signing with WCW in 1999 where he briefly appeared as "Tony Marinara" a mobster who managed The Mamalukes (Big Vito and Johnny The Bull) before being released in 2000. Following this, he joined ECW where he began teaming with Little Guido and held the ECW World Tag Team Championship.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Mamaluke would get a WWF tryout in June 2001 teaming with Guido to defeat Doring and Roadkill but wasn't hired. He then worked for the indies for several years including promotions like CZW and NWA Wildside. From 2002-2003, he made several appearances for TNA, ROH, and MLW including competing in several number one contenders matches for the TNA X Division Championship and reunited with Guido to enter a tournament to crown the first ROH World Tag Team Champions. From 2005-2006, he returned to ROH and sister promotion Full Impact Pro where he formed a team with Sal Rinauro and won the ROH World Tag Team Championship while also challenging for other ROH titles and FIP titles. In 2006, Mamaluke signed with the WWE and reunited with Guido but was mostly used for house shows until he was released in 2007. Following his WWE release, Mamaluke slowed down as a wrestler not competing again until 2010 where he returned to the indies. In 2010, he returned to TNA for a few appearances as "Tony Luke" (due to WWE owning his ECW name) for the Hardcore Justice 2010 show and a TNA Impact! appearance. For the rest of his career, he mostly worked the indies, usually in the New York area and continued teaming with Guido. After another hiatus in 2016, Mamaluke would have his retirement match in 2018. Despite retiring, Mamaluke has made appearances for TNA in 2022 and NXT in 2024 whenever Guido made a guest appearance.
Big Sal E. Graziano
Background: 600 pound ECW veteran, Graziano turned pro in 1998 and spent most of his career in ECW as a member of The FBI. For most of his ECW run, he did occasionally team with Guido while mostly spending time as Guido and, later, Mamaluke's cornerman. Despite this, he did have some highlights including a win over Balls Mahoney at the Heat Wave 2000 PPV and a massive upset win over legend Scott Hall in Hall's ECW debut.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Graziano largely retired. He would return for two shots for All Pro Wrestling from 2003-2004 and then two shots for Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2007. He was notably absent from any of the ECW reunion shows except for Legends of the Arena in 2009 where he wrestled his last match teaming with Guido in a losing effort to The Blue Meanie and Nova. In 2026, Graziano returned to wrestling to call a show for Awesome Championship Wrestling.
Kid Kash
Background: Longtime vet, Kash trained under Ricky Morton and Tim Horner and reportedly turned pro in 1989. For the first decade, Kash mostly worked the indie circuit while doing prelim work for the WWF and ECW from 1996-1998. In 1999, he finally got his big break when he returned to ECW and was repackaged as "Kid Kash" based off his resemblance to Kid Rock. Kash would be a star during ECW's last two years earning several title shots including challenging Mike Awesome for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship at Living Dangerously 2000 and even enjoyed a brief run with the ECW World Television Championship in August 2000 trading the title with Rhino.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Kash would sign with WCW where he competed as "Cash" but only did one match (losing to EZ Money on the final Thunder on March 21st) before WCW was bought by the WWF and Kash wouldn't be picked up. Kash then returned to the indies and worked for the short-lived X Wrestling Federation where he held the XWF Cruiserweight Championship twice under the name "Kid Krash". From 2002-2005, he then worked for TNA where he achieved his biggest success as he would be paired up with TNA Original Trinity (not to be confused with Naomi), he enjoyed a run with the TNA X Division Championship in early 2003 before eventually forming a successful team with Dallas (the future Lance Archer) where they won the NWA World Tag Team Championships twice in 2004. During his TNA run, Kash also had matches and feuds with Trinity (after they split up) to AJ Styles to even Dusty Rhodes. During his TNA run, Kash would also work for the World Wrestling Council in 2003 and held their Junior Heavyweight Championship. After being released from TNA in 2005, Kash returned to the indies until signing with the WWE later in the year. He made appearances for WWE developmental territories like OVW and Deep South Wrestling before moving to the main roster in late 2005. Kash would receive a push upon arrival, quickly winning the WWE Cruiserweight Championship from Juventud at the Armageddon 2005 PPV before losing it a month later to Gregory Helms at Royal Rumble 2006. After failing to get the title back, he eventually formed a short lived tag team called "The Pitbulls" with Jamie Noble but outside of some title shots, didn't go too far and Kash was released by the end of 2006. After leaving WWE, Kash returned to the indie circuit and did a few one time only appearances for TNA in 2010-2011 including the Hardcore Justice 2010 PPV. From 2011-2013, Kash officially returned to TNA and while he would get shots at both the TNA X Division Championship and the TNA Television Championship, he never recaptured his past success. After being released, Kash returned to the indie circuit before retiring in 2015. As is usually the case with wrestling, Kash's retirement wasn't permanent and he returned two years later for a few sporadic appearances included two appearances in TNA before retiring again in 2020. Four years later, Kash broke his second retirement and has wrestled sporadically since then and is still active as of 2026. Outside of wrestling, Kash also participated in Mixed Martial Arts competing in one fight in 2016 which he lost.
Super Crazy
Background: Mexican wrestler, Crazy turned pro in 1988 and spent a decade working various promotions in his native Mexico including Universal Wrestling Association and AAA. In 1998, he ventured internationally working shots for the WWF and the German/Austrian based Catch Wrestling Association under the name "Super Loco" where he held the Junior Heavyweight Championship in the latter. He joined ECW in January 1999 and quickly became known for his matches with Jerry Lynn, Little Guido, and, especially, Yoshihiro Tajiri. In March 2000, Crazy won the vacant ECW World Television Championship at Living Dangerously 2000 before losing it to rival Tajiri weeks later. He eventually settled into the midcard from there.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Crazy became a worldwide journeyman making appearances for deathmatch promotions like CZW and XPW in the United States, toured Japan for promotions like New Japan, FMW, and Battlarts, and in Mexico for CMLL and AAA. In 2002, he appeared for ROH for their debut show on February 23rd where he defeated Eddie Guerrero to become the inaugural IWA: Puerto Rico Intercontinental Champion. From 2001-2002, he made appearances for IWA: PR enjoying runs with the IC, Junior, and Hardcore Titles. From 2002-2003, He also made appearances for MLW and a one shot appearance for TNA. From 2004-2005, he made appearances for ZERO1-MAX where he enjoyed a run with their International Junior Heavyweight Championship. In late 2005, he signed with the WWE and mostly became known for his appearances as part of The Mexicools with Juventud and Psicosis. After the group imploded, Crazy would eventually work as a singles including the ECW brand but was largely directionless and eventually requested his release in 2008. After leaving, Crazy resumed becoming a world traveled journeyman competing everywhere in the US, Mexico, Japan, and Puerto Rico. From 2009-2010, he worked for All Japan challenging for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, making it to the finals of the Junior Heavyweight League, and winning the 2010 Junior Tag League with BUSHI. By 2012, Crazy then jumped to Pro Wrestling NOAH where he quickly won the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Ricky Marvin and continued touring with NOAH until 2015. During the late 2010s, he continued traveling the world and by the 2020s, returned to both All Japan and NOAH for tours even winning All Japan's World Junior Heavyweight Championship. As of 2026, Crazy continues to compete around the world.
Balls Mahoney
Background: Long time ECW vet, Mahoney turned pro in 1987 and spent the first seven years largely on the indie circuit while doing prelim shots for the WWF before getting his first break in SMW as "Boo Bradley" in 1994. As Bradley, he had a memorable angle aligning and being abused by Chris Candido before feuding with him and befriending Cactus Jack. He also enjoyed two runs with the SMW Beat The Champ Television Championship. After SMW folded in 1995, Mahoney briefly returned to the WWF for a few appearance as "Xanta Klaus", Ted Dibiase's evil Santa Claus from the South Pole who took instead of gave. He eventually debuted for ECW in 1997 as "Ball Mahoney", originally a gay biker like character before becoming a hardcore brawler type who used a customed steel chair as a weapon. He settled into the tag ranks mostly teaming with Axl Rotten from 1997-1999 as "The Hardcore Chair Swinging Freaks" but found championship success winning the ECW World Tag Team Championship once with Masato Tanaka in 1998 and twice with Spike Dudley in 1999. After these teams ended, Mahoney settled into the midcard for most of 2000 before forming another team with newcomer Chilly Willy.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Mahoney returned to the indie circuit mostly appearing for USA Pro/UXW where he held their heavyweight title seven times while also appearing for 3PW and IWA: Mid-South. He would also do shots in Puerto Rico for IWA: Puerto Rico where he captured the IWA PR Hardcore Title. In 2004, he appeared at a ROH/JAPW co promoted show where he challenged Samoa Joe for the ROH World Title and he made a one off appearance for TNA teaming with The Sandman in a loss to CM Punk and Julio Dinero. In 2005, he appeared for the WWE's ECW One Night Stand 2005 event in a non wrestling role while doing a few dark matches for the promotion and he would also participate in Hardcore Homecoming tour. In 2006, Mahoney returned to the WWE for the ECW brand defeating former partner Tanaka at One Night Stand 2006. Unlike most ECW hirings, Mahoney found stable work lasting nearly two years and had feuds with the likes of Kevin Thorn and The Miz while having a storyline relationship with Kelly Kelly. After being released in 2008, Mahoney returned to the indies while also touring Puerto Rico and Europe. In 2008, he wrestled the legendary Abdullah The Butcher in Abdullah's final match in Puerto Rico and the WWC promotion. In 2010, he made appearances for ROH including a match at Glory By Honor IX and returned to TNA for their Hardcore Justice 2010 ECW reunion show under the name "Kahoneys" (due to WWE owning the "Balls Mahoney" name). Mahoney would finish his career on the indie circuit but notably appeared for Shane Douglas' short lived ECW project Extreme Reunion and the Extreme Rising promotion for a few shots with his last overall match being in December 2015. On April 12, 2016, one day after his 44th birthday, Mahoney passed away at home due to a heart attack.
Chilly Willy
Background: Pro wrestler who trained in 1998 and worked the indie circuit before signing with ECW in 2000. While his time in ECW was brief, he did have a rivalry with Johnny Swinger and formed a team with Balls Mahoney.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW closed, Willy returned to the indies and did a few tryout matches for WWF. In late 2001 following the 9/11 attacks, he took a leave from wrestling and enlisted in the United States Army serving in Iraq where he eventually earned a purple heart and bronze star. After leaving the Army, he returned to wrestling in the indies. From September 2004 to April 2005, he signed with the WWE under a developmental deal and worked in OVW. After his release, he returned to the indies until retiring in 2009 though he broke his retirement a few times for matches in 2013 and 2017. He's since gone on to be a trainer in North Carolina.
Simon Diamond
Background: Pro wrestler who turned pro in 1991 competing under the name "Lance Diamond". Diamond spent years in the indie circuit mostly for East Coast Wrestling Alliance and the NWA winning multiple titles while forming a team with future ECW Champion Steve Corino. Diamond joined ECW in 1998 becoming "Simon Diamond" where he spent two years in the midcard before forming a tag team with Johnny Swinger with Dawn Marie becoming their valet. In August 2000, the team peaked competing in a tournament for the vacant ECW World Tag Team Championship making it to the finals before losing to Whipwreck and Tajiri in a three way finals also including Jerry Lynn and Tommy Dreamer.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW closed, Diamond returned to the indie circuit while working for several short lived promotions such as XWF, WWA, and Main Event Championship Wrestling. From 2002-2004, he joined MLW as a member of Steve Corino's Extreme Horsemen and teamed with CW Anderson to become the MLW Global Tag Team Champions (now the MLW World Tag Team Championships) and remained champs until the promotion shut down in 2004. In 2002, he debuted for TNA reuniting with Johnny Swinger and eventually aligning with Glen Gilberti (Disco Inferno) where they feuded with America's Most Wanted and would defeat them for the NWA World Tag Team Championships in August 2003 before losing the titles in November to 3 Live Kru (Road Dogg, R-Truth, and Konnan). By early 2004, he and Swinger broke up and he formed a new team with Sonny Siaki while competing under his real name Pat Kenney to feud with Swinger and Gilberti. After taking a leave with TNA, he worked for ZERO1-MAX in Japan and 3PW where he became a tag team champion for a few months in 2005. Upon returning in 2005, Diamond resumed using the "Simon Diamond" name and eventually formed a group called The Diamonds of the Rough with TNA legend Elix Skipper and prelim talent David Young but was never pushed. By 2007, Diamond would retire from wrestling and began working as a producer for TNA until being released in 2008. In 2009, Diamond returned to TNA as a producer and wrestled his last match at the Hardcore Justice 2010 PPV teaming with Kash and Swinger in a loss to The FBI. In 2017, Diamond left TNA after eight years as a producer and has since gone on to work for Billy Corgan's NWA behind the scenes. As of 2026, he's still with NWA as the director of talent relations. He was inducted into the ECWA Hall of Fame in 1995.
Swinger
Background: Second Generation wrestler, Swinger is the nephew of former WWWF Tag Team Champion Tony Parisi. He trained and turned pro in 1993 where he worked the indies and did prelim work for the WWF. He would work for WCW in 1995 and then again from 1996-1999 but was mostly used as a prelim talent. He joined ECW in 2000 and formed a team with Simon Diamond with Dawn Marie as their valet.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW closed, Swinger would return to WCW for a few appearances including participating in the tournament to crown the inaugural WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champions but was unsuccessful. After WWF bought WCW, he would work a few dark matches for WWF and would work for the indies including for Border City Wrestling where he enjoyed runs with the heavyweight and tag team titles while also doing shots for XWF and WWA where he challenged for the latter's International Cruiserweight Championship. In 2002, he joined TNA reuniting with Diamond and the two would win the NWA World Tag Team Championship in August 2003 from AMW before losing them to 3 Live Kru in November. By early 2004, the team split with Swinger siding Glen Gilberti while Diamond teamed with Sonny Siaki. From 2005-2006, Swinger signed with the WWE and wrestled as "Johnny Parisi" after his uncle but never did much outside C-show Sunday Night Heat while working for developmental Deep South Wrestling until his release. In 2007, he made a one time return to WWE in a squash loss to Ron Simmons and then worked a dark match for Bound For Glory 2007 against The Motor City Machine Guns. From 2008-2019, he mostly worked the indies outside of another TNA return for the Hardcore Justice 2010 show and a few TNA One Night Onlys in 2013. From 2019-2024, Swinger returned to TNA as a comedy undercard wrestler with a gimmick of an out of touch wrestler. While he mostly served as a prelim talent, Swinger got work for five years and even challenged Kenny King for the TNA Digital Media Championship before being released in 2024 following the firing of Scott D'Amore. Since his release, Swinger has since returned to the indies and works for D'Amore's MLP.
Dawn Marie
Background: ECW valet, Dawn began managing on the indie circuit in 1995 while being trained by Devon Storm and "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel. In 1998, she joined ECW originally for a short run where she managed Lance Storm during which she briefly took the name "Tammy Lynn Bytch" due to Storm feuding with Chris Candido and Tammy Lynn Sytch before joining full time after impressing Paul Heyman. Dawn would manage Storm as a singles and later in The Impact Players with Justin Credible until Storm left for WCW in May 2000. After doing some commentary for ECW TV, she eventually began managing Simon and Swinger by the end of 2000.
Where Is She Now?: After ECW shutdown, Dawn would work the indies including XWF and got additional training from Diamond and Mikey Whipwreck. After hosting a wrestling radio show and working as a stock trader, she eventually signed with WWE in 2002 where she quickly became known for her infamous program with Torrie Wilson including marrying Torrie's father Al in a storyline wedding while also competing against each other at the Royal Rumble 2003. Following the feud, she would also engage in feuds with Miss Jackie (Jackie Gayda) and Michelle McCool. Her last appearance would be the 2005 ECW One Night Stand reuniting with Storm for his match with Chris Jericho before being released later in the year while on maternity leave. After leaving WWE, Dawn would work the indies for a few years including appearing at one of the Hardcore Homecoming shows and Dragon Gate USA while doing a few matches for Women's Superstars Uncensored with her last match being in 2008. By the 2010s, she retired from wrestling and became a nurse as well as a mother of two. In 2024, she made a one night return to the WWE via NXT for their 2300 Arena (former ECW Arena) show as a special guest referee. She was inducted in the WSU Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Women's Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2025.
The Blue Boy
Background: Long time ECW mainstay, Blue Boy trained under Al Snow and turned pro in 1994. After doing indie work, he was discovered by Raven and Stevie Richards and would be brought into ECW in 1995. As The Blue Meanie, he became a sidekick for Richards and eventually became part of the bWo with Richards and Nova. After Richards left ECW, Blue Boy would form a team with Nova until leaving in November 1998. From 1998-2000, Blue Boy then worked for the WWF, first as a member of Al Snow's JOB Squad before forming alliances with Goldust and Richards. After finishing up in developmental (Memphis Championship Wrestling), Blue Boy would drop 100 pounds and returned to ECW as "The Blue Boy" managed by Jasmin St. Claire.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Blue Boy went back to the indies where he resumed using "The Blue Meanie" name. In 2002, he and Jasmin co-founded 3PW (Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling) where he regularly competed until financial issues eventually ended the promotion in 2005. Also in 2005, Meanie appeared for the ECW One Night Stand show where he made headlines getting a legit beating from JBL at the end of the show during a WWE/ECW brawl segment. After considered suing, he briefly returned to the WWE for a short run to reunite the bWo during the summer and even scored a win over JBL. After his WWE run ended, he again returned the indie circuit where he's largely been ever since. During the 2010s, he notably would do shows for the short lived Extreme Rising and reunited the bWo with Richards and Nova for CHIKARA's King of Trios 2015 tournament. He later appeared for MLW for two Battle Riot appearances as well as appearing in ROH in a number one contenders battle royal in 2020. The following year, he showed up in AEW during a match between Devon Storm and Joey Janela. In 2022, he then participated in the NWA's Crockett Cup teaming with Aron Stevens. As of 2026, Blue Boy still occasionally wrestles. Outside of wrestling, he served as a trainer for the famous Monster Factory wrestling school and had his own podcast called "The Mind of The Meanie". He was inducted into The Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2014.
Jasmin St. Clare
Background: Former porn star, Jasmin was trained in 1999 and debuted in ECW a year later as a valet for The Blue Boy.
Where Is She Now?: After ECW shutdown, Jasmin would briefly continue in wrestling making appearances for promotions such as XPW, XWF, and Juggalo Championship Wrestling while also appearing for TNA twice in July 2002. In 2002, she and Blue Boy would form 3PW and ran it until she was replaced in early 2005 due to financial reasons and the promotion folded shortly after. Outside of wrestling, she had acted in Direct-to-DVD movies while also working on TV shows and magazines. In 2010, she released her autobiography "What The Hell Was I Thinking?!! Confessions Of The World's Most Controversial Sex Symbol". In 2011, she was inducted into the Adult Video News Hall of Fame.
The Sandman
Background: ECW Legend, The Sandman turned pro in 1989 and started in the indies including The Tri-State Wrestling Alliance. Originally, his gimmick was a surfer under the name "Mr. Sandman" before eventually changing his name to "The Sandman" and became a beer drinking, cigarette smoking bad ass who wielded a singapore cane. Sandman would become one of ECW's greatest names having legendary feuds and matches with Tommy Dreamer, Mikey Whipwreck, Steve Austin, Raven, Sabu, Justin Credible, and Rhino while holding the ECW World Heavyweight Championship four times and the ECW World Tag Team Championship once. At Guilty As Charged, Sandman was seeking a record fifth reign as world champion.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Sandman worked the indie circuit and various promotions including USA Pro/UXW, 3PW, and JAPW. In 2002, he traveled to Japan for Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling (FMW) where he teamed with Kodo Fuyuki to become the final WEW Tag Team Champions. That same year, he began making appearances for XPW and won their King of the Deathmatch Championship. In 2003, he appeared for MLW and also toured Germany for Westside Xtreme Wrestling winning their Hardcore Championship. From 2003-2004, he worked for TNA where he renewed his ECW feud with Raven and won the 2003 Hard Ten Tournament. In 2005, he appeared for WWC in Puerto Rico and ZERO1-MAX in Japan while appearing for the Hardcore Homecoming show and tour as well as the WWE's ECW One Night Stand show. From 2006-2007, Sandman signed with the WWE for their ECW brand. While not pushed as a top star, he did appear at the 2007 Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania 23 while forming a group called "The ECW Originals" with Rob Van Dam, Sabu, and Tommy Dreamer against The New Breed (Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker, and Kevin Thorn). In the summer of 2007, he would be drafted to RAW and settle into the midcard until being released in September 2007. After his release, Sandman returned to the indie circuit. In 2010, he returned to TNA for the Hardcore Justice show and would make a few appearances for TNA before no showing a taping and left shortly after. By the 2010s, Sandman would settle into the indies while slowing down. By the end of the 2010s and early 2020s, he would make a few appearances for TNA, ROH, MLW, and House of Hardcore. In 2026, it was announced that Sandman would have his retirement match for Game Changer Wrestling during Wrestlemania weekend in April. He was inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2007.
Steve Corino
Background: Canadian wrestler, Corino turned pro in 1994 and spent his first few years in the indie circuit while doing prelim work for the WWF and for WWC in Puerto Rico where he held the WWC Junior Heavyweight Championship. In 1998, he debuted for ECW as the self-proclaimed "King of Old School" where he was against ECW's hardcore style. During this time, he briefly has issues with Taz and form an alliance with Jack Victory, Rhino, and Tajiri. After a feud with Dusty Rhodes, Corino rose to the main event, becoming a tougher blood n' guts wrestler. At November To Remember 2000, Corino won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. Corino would be the defending champion at Guilty As Charged 2001.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Corino would sign with WCW (reportedly he was the last signing) but never appeared before WCW was bought out by the WWF in March 2001 and was released. Afterwards, Corino became a journeyman traveling the world. In April 2001, he became a world champion again when he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. From 2001-2011, he frequently toured for Pro Wrestling ZERO1 winning numerous titles including the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship, and the ZERO1 United States Championship while competing as himself and the masked character "Mr. Wrestling 3". During the 2000s and 2010s, he also ran his own promotion Pro Wrestling WORLD-1. From 2002-2004, he worked for MLW as part of the Extreme Horsemen where he held the MLW World Heavyweight Championship until the promotion temporary shutdown in 2004. From 2002-2003, he made appearances for TNA including their first show where he took part in the Gauntlet for the Gold for the NWA World Championship. From 2002-2006, he then worked for Ring of Honor first as part of the announce team before wrestling for them having memorable feuds with Christopher Daniels and his Prophecy stable as well as with Homicide. He also returned to WWC and won their Universal Heavyweight Championship twice in 2009. From 2009-2016, he then returned to ROH as part of the S.C.U.M. stable with Kevin Steen (Kevin Owens) and Jimmy Jacobs winning the ROH World Tag Team Championship with the latter. He later rejoined the commentary team as himself and under his "Mr. Wrestling 3" character while eventually having a feud with BJ Whitmer which featured his son Colby. Since 2017, Corino has worked for the WWE as a producer for NXT and a trainer for the Performance Center. Since joining WWE, Corino has slowed down as a wrestler, competing once in 2021 in a loss to Colby and then for a one night tournament for Premier Wrestling Federation in 2025 as "Mr. Wrestling 3". He was inducted into the MCW Hall of Fame in 2010, the Legends of Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010, and the ECWA Hall of Fame in 2021.
Jack Victory
Background: Long time vet, Victory turned pro in 1984 and mostly worked in the southern United States. After paying his dues and working as a singles where he won World Class' TV Title, Victory would form a tag team with "Hollywood" John Tatum and they were briefly managed by Missy Hyatt. Victory and Tatum would win tag team gold in the Universal Wrestling Federation, World Class, and Wild West Wrestling between 1986-1988. After the team broke up in 1988, Victory went to NWA/WCW first under several masked characters including as part of Paul Jones' Russian Assassins tag team. From 1989-1991, he then teamed with Rip Morgan as "The Royal Family" but the team never went far. After leaving WCW, Victory continued teaming with Morgan as "The Maulers" competing for the Global Wrestling Federation and Smoky Mountain Wrestling for their tag team championships as well as a tryout for the WWF but nothing came of it. By 1992, Victory then toured with CMLL in Mexico. After disappearing for a few years, Victory resurfaced in ECW as a hired gun to take out New Jack and later feuded with Tommy Dreamer before suffering a broken leg. During his recovery and afterwards, Victory would eventually settle as Corino's sidekick.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Victory went to the indie circuit competing for the Premier Wrestling Federation and the one show for MECW. He would reunite with Corino in ROH as part of Corino's stable "The Group" and as part of Corino's WORLD-1 promotion. He would also do shots for ZERO1-MAX in Japan and 3PW. He stopped wrestling regularly by 2006 and has only worked sporadically since then with his last match being in 2021 teaming with Corino's son Colby.
Justin Credible
Background: ECW legend, Credible turned pro in 1992 and spent his first two years in the indies and doing prelim work for the WWF and WCW as "PJ Walker". From 1994-1997, he then worked for the WWF as the masked "Portuguese Man-O-War" Aldo Montoya but was mostly memorable for his jock strap looking mask. After spending time in the United States Wrestling Association in the summer of 1997, Credible jumped to ECW where he became Justin Credible. Credible would go to be a star during the later years in ECW having memorable matches and feuds with Jerry Lynn, Mikey Whipwreck, Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman, Sabu, and Shane Douglas. He formed The Impact Players with Lance Storm where they captured the ECW World Tag Team Championship twice before winning the ECW World Heavyweight Championship in 2000.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Credible quickly signed with the WWF and returned in early 2001 as part of the stable X-Factor with X-Pac and Albert (Matt Bloom) where he usually teamed with X-Pac but the stable went no where. From July to November 2001, he became part of the WCW/ECW Alliance that invaded the WWF but didn't do anything memorable. After the angle ended, Credible did some time on the house shows and appearances for developmental Heartland Wrestling Association before joining the RAW roster following the brand split. While there, he mostly fit in the hardcore division winning the WWE Hardcore Championship eight times before being released in early 2003. After leaving WWE, Credible became a journeyman working various promotions. In 2003, he surfaced in XPW rekindling his ECW rivalry with Shane Douglas over the XPW World Title. He also worked for 3PW and won their Heavyweight Title. He made appearances for TNA during this time mostly rekindling his ECW rivalry with Jerry Lynn and in MLW as part of the Extreme Horsemen. Credible also made appearances for ROH during this time as a member of the Carnage Crew. He would also tour for All Japan for their 2003 Real World Tag League tournament where he teamed with Jamal (Umaga) and made it to the finals. In 2005, Credible would participate in the Hardcore Homecoming show and tour usually facing old rivals Lynn and Sandman. In 2006, he returned to the WWE as part of the ECW. His time would mostly see him working a house show feud with Sandman while getting squashed by Kurt Angle on the first ECW on Sci-Fi and being the debut opponent of CM Punk before being released months later. Since 2007, Credible has mostly been working the indie circuit with the only exception being appearing at TNA's Hardcore Justice 2010 show as "PJ Polaco" where he lost to Stevie Richards. Since the 2010s, Credible's career and reputation have taken hits reportedly due to personal issues. He was supposed to face Shane Douglas at the Extreme Reunion show in 2012 but was dropped to be being in no condition to perform. In 2015, he reprised his "Aldo Montoya" character for the CHIKARA King of Trios tournament teaming with X-Pac (as the 1-2-3 Kid) and Tatanka in "Team WWF". As of 2026, Credible is still active as a wrestler but is more known for controversy either no showing events and not sending merchandise to fans after getting paid. In 2021, he released an autobiography called "Just A Dream To...Justin Credible!". He was inducted in the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009.
Francine
Background: ECW's self-proclaimed "Queen of Extreme", Francine trained at ECW's training school and turned pro around 1994. She first debuted as the girlfriend of Stevie Richards before being dumped by him. After managing The Pitbulls from late 1995 to mid 1996, she made her biggest mark as Shane Douglas' manager and "head cheerleader" for three years. After Douglas left ECW in May 1999, she managed Tommy Dreamer and Raven before aligning with Justin Credible.
Where Is She Now?: After ECW shutdown, Francine worked the indies, mostly for women's promotion like Women's Extreme Wrestling and Hottest Ladies of Wrestling while doing shots for TNA and MLW. She appeared at 2005 Hardcore Homecoming reuniting with Shane Douglas and for the WWE's ECW One Night Stand having a catfight with Beulah McGillicutty. In 2006, she signed with WWE for their ECW brand but mostly only did bikini contests at house shows against Kelly Kelly while briefly aligning with Balls Mahoney. After a few months, she requested her release and quietly retired from wrestling. Since retiring, Francine has made appearances for autograph signings and promoted a show at the old ECW Arena called "Legends of the Arena". In 2010, she did a pretaped video for TNA's Hardcore Justice 2010 show and then appeared in a backstage segment for TNA via video call in 2021. In 2024, she appeared at NXT for their NXT 2300 show.
Rhino
Background: ECW Legend, Rhino turned pro in 1994 and spent his first few years as a prelim talent for WCW and WWF while working the American and Canadian independent scene. By 1997, his career saw movement as he was part of the stable THUG LIFE in the indies with Edge (then Sexton Hardcastle), Christian (then Christian Cage), and Joe E. Legend. He worked for the Catch Wrestling Association winning the CWA Tag Team Championships twice with Legend and PCO. He joined ECW in 1999 where he was first mentored by Steve Corino before breaking out and being one of the promotions final created stars. Rhino would be a two time ECW World Television Champion and the ECW World Heavyweight Champion.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Rhino would end up as the final World Heavyweight and World Television Champion in the promotion's history. In early 2001, he quickly signed with the WWF using the altered spelling "Rhyno" where he briefly reunited with friends Edge and Christian. He then joined the WCW/ECW Alliance where he held the WWF Hardcore Championship three times and the WCW United States Championship once while feuding with Chris Jericho and main eventing the Invasion PPV. In late 2001, he would suffer a neck injury and would be out until early 2003. Upon returning, he briefly teamed with Chris Benoit before betraying him and briefly going for the WWE United States Championship. In the summer, Rhino would be in a match with Tajiri at a house show which was abruptly stopped by Vince McMahon and from there, his stock plummeted largely spending the remainder of his WWE run as a prelim wrestler outside of a brief team with Tajiri. In 2005, he would be fired from the WWE during Wrestlemania 21 weekend after getting into an argument with his ex-wife. Despite this, he briefly returned to participate in the WWE's ECW One Night Stand in 2005 losing to Sabu. In 2005, he signed with TNA (once again using the "Rhino" spelling) and was pushed back to the upper midcard/main event. He headlined the first Bound For Glory where he defeated Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. During his TNA run, he had memorable feuds and matches with Jarrett, Raven, Christian Cage, AJ Styles, and The Main Event Mafia. From 2011-2013, he then appeared for ROH as a member of stables like Prince Nana's Embassy, Truth Martini's House of Truth, and S.C.U.M. while challenging Kevin Steen for the ROH World Championship. From 2014-2015, he returned to TNA aligning with TNA President Dixie Carter in her feud with Bully Ray (Bubba Ray Dudley). From 2015-2019, he then returned to the WWE. He first appeared in NXT where he teamed with Baron Corbin to take part in the 2015 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic where they made it to the finals. He then appeared on the main roster where he notably formed an Odd Couple like tag team with Heath Slater with the two becoming the first Smackdown Tag Team Champions. In 2019, Rhino would leave WWE reportedly due to outside projects. From 2019-2024, he returned to TNA where he became a member of Eric Young's Violent By Design as well as reuniting with Slater while winning the TNA World Tag Team Championship two times and the 2020 Call Your Shot Gauntlet. After leaving in 2025, Rhino continues to work the indies while having made some appearances for AEW, ROH, and MLP. Outside of wrestling, Rhino has also dabbled in politics, running for a seat on the Michigan House of Representatives in 2016 but lost. He was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2024.
Rob Van Dam
Background: ECW Legend, Van Dam turned pro in 1990 and spent the first six years traveling various promotions including South Atlantic Pro Wrestling, WCW, All Japan, and USWA. He made it to ECW in 1996 originally as a cocky heel before quickly gaining popularity for his stoner personality and high flying style. Van Dam would become one of ECW's most successful and popular wrestlers of all time, winning the ECW World Tag Team Championships twice with Sabu and enjoying a near two year run with the ECW World Television Championship. Van Dam would also engage in big matches and rivalries with Sabu, Tommy Dreamer, and Jerry Lynn.
Where Is He Now?: After ECW shutdown, Van Dam would return to All Japan for some dates before signing with the WWF in July as part of the WCW/ECW Alliance. Despite being positioned as a heel, Van Dam would gain tremendous popularity throughout the angle and during his WWF/WWE run. Over the next few years, Van Dam settled into the upper midcard having multiple runs as Intercontinental, Tag Team, and Hardcore Champion while also being the final Hardcore and European Champion. After years in the upper midcard and missing most of 2005 due to injury, he briefly found himself in the main event in 2006 by winning the WWE Championship from John Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006 which also resulted in him winning the revived ECW World Championship. Unfortunately, Van Dam's two world title runs ended a month later after getting pulled over by police and caught with pot. Eventually, Van Dam would be a member of The ECW Originals who feuded with The New Breed until leaving in June 2007. From 2007-2010, Van Dam largely worked the indie circuit outside of a few one night only returns to WWE including appearing at the 2009 Royal Rumble. From 2010-2013, Van Dam worked for TNA enjoying runs with the TNA World Championship and the TNA X Division Championship while engaging in matches and feuds with AJ Styles, Abyss, and renewing his ECW feud with Jerry Lynn. He returned to WWE for a period from 2013-2014 but wasn't able to recapture his past success and he returned to the indie circuit in 2015. From 2019-2020, Van Dan returned to TNA where he notably had his first heel run in nearly two decades while being associated with wife Katie Forbes and had a feud with Sami Callihan. Since leaving TNA, Van Dam has made special appearances for WWE and AEW while touring for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan. In 2025, he appeared for MLW for their Battle Riot VII match where he was runner up. As of 2026, Van Dam is still active and hasn't retired yet. Since 2023, he's hosted his own podcast "1 of a Kind with RVD". He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021 and the Hardcore Hall of Fame in 2022.
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