Shawn Michaels brings back ex-WWE star after a decade, iconic tag team reunites - 8 ECW legends who showed up at NXT’s 2300 Arena show
WWE NXT aired a very special episode last night. Instead of being on Tuesdays, as has become the norm, this week the show took place on Wednesday thanks to the 2024 United States Presidential Election.
This was a big show, as they went head-to-head with AEW Dynamite in their usual time slot. NXT went on the road for the show at the 2300 Arena, also known to pro wrestling fans as the infamous ECW Arena.
Because it was held in a historic wrestling venue, the show was littered with former stars of Extreme Championship Wrestling. This included names advertised and teased, plus some who were big surprises.
This article will examine everybody from the original ECW who appeared on the special edition of NXT. Some wrestled, some refereed, and others just showed up, but they were all fun blasts from the past.
#8. Dawn Marie was a guest referee
Dawn Marie is a former ECW and WWE star. While she was known for her time as a valet in Extreme Championship Wrestling and an on-screen heel figure in World Wrestling Entertainment, she played a different role on NXT.
The former ECW star served as the special guest referee for a Hardcore Match between Lola Vice and Jaida Parker. Dawn called it right down the middle, and the bout was a hard-hitting affair that ultimately ended with Jaida pinning the former mixed-martial artist following the Hipnotic.
#7. Nunzio & #6. Tony Mamaluke, The F.B.I leader, wrestled
Nunzio is another former WWE and ECW star. He was a cruiserweight around two decades ago, with a past leading the F.B.I., aka the Full Blooded Italians, both on SmackDown and ECW.
A former F.B.I member joined him in Tony Mamaluke. The two had a backstage segment with The Family that got intense. From there, Nunzio challenged Tony D'Angelo for the NXT North American Title.
In the end, Nunzio lost decisively. Despite that, he received a "you still got it" chant, and The Family and the F.B.I. shook hands and hugged post-match, truly extending their family.
#5. Francine appeared in the crowd
The Queen of Extreme appeared on WWE NXT television. Francine is a former manager of Shane Douglas and Chris Candido, so when she was promoted to appear on last night's show, many hoped she would return to her roots.
That didn't happen, however. Francine was highlighted in the crowd, much like a special guest at a classic NXT TakeOver event. While this wasn't quite as exciting as some may like, it was still nice seeing the wrestling legend.
#4. Rhyno made his WWE return after several years
Rhyno has had success in numerous promotions. He has had a handful of runs in WWE, is a former ECW Champion, and has also had multiple stays in TNA Wrestling, where he currently competes.
The Man Beast wasn't promoted for NXT. Instead, during a segment with Ava, Stevie Turner, and Robert Stone, the latter began tearing down Philly and ECW. This led to the lights going out and coming back on.
From there, Rhyno delivered a devastating Gore to the assistant to the NXT General Manager, much to the fans' delight. This was Rhyno's first WWE appearance since his last match for the company in 2019.
#3. Bubba Ray Dudley & #2. D-Von Dudley, The Dudley Boyz reunited
The Dudley Boyz are one of the most successful tag teams in wrestling history. While billed as 16-time tag team champions, the two have held far more titles than that, including multiple reigns in WWE.
Bubba Ray Dudley appeared at NXT Halloween Havoc and NXT last week, which effectively set up a tag team match between himself and Trick Williams against Ethan Page and Ridge Holland.
Despite losing the match due to a fluke pin, they stood tall and attempted to put Ego through a table. They couldn't find one, but D-Von Dudley returned with a table and watched as they put the former champion through it. The Dudleys reunited!
#1. RVD got jumped but also shined up young stars
Rob Van Dam is one of the most successful ECW originals ever. Not only did he have a great run in the company, but he became a WWE Champion at the highest level.
RVD appeared on NXT last week, and it was announced that he'd be involved in Wes Lee vs. Je'Von Evans. Instead, Wes jumped Mr. Monday Night before their match. He then showed up near the end of the bout to encourage Evans to hit a coast-to-coast Frog Splash.
Van Dam gave Je'Von his endorsement, celebrating the Young O.G. Not only that, but RVD also had a segment with Kelani Jordan, giving her advice as they stretched together. This rub on both stars will help both in the eyes of fans and motivate them moving forward.