10 Modern Wrestlers That Would Have Thrived In ECW

 ECW has been closed as a business for 23 years now. Yet it's legacy is still strong and influential as it was during the 90's. With Wrestlemania being in Philadelphia of course there are many conversations about the legacy of ECW.

Which got me thinking about if the promotion was around today. Who would possibly be some of its roster members. Honestly compiling this list I thought of so many names, I settled on these ten thinking their styles would fit the most. And they probably would achieve great success in a modern day ECW.

Here's my list of ten wrestlers who would thrive in ECW.

10. Wheeler Yuta 

In all the chair shots, table smashes, and high risk maneuvers ECW was known for. Many people forget that the company was also a haven for very technical wrestlers.

Guys like Dean Malenko, Steve Corino, Lance Storm, Simon Diamond and Chris Benoit spent time in ECW. As contrast to the hardcore style that was prevalent. Wheeler Yuta would have been a perfect fit as he is technical but can get into the hardcore style when needed.

9. Daniel Garcia

Much like Yuta, Daniel Garcia is a technical wrestler, who style is brutal enough to last in ECW. He's versatile in the ring and can adjust to any opponent and for the most part have a good match against them.

Even though at times it can be cringe, his dancing shtick shows he's willing to be entertaining when called upon. Imagine a Daniel Garcia vs Sabu match.

8. El Hijo Del Vikingo 

Human highlight reels like Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, Psychosis, and Super Crazy went through the doors of ECW. In many instances their time in the promotion was many fans first exposure to the individuals and the lucha style.

El Hijo Del Vikingo who is just as dazzling in the ring as those guys. Already has a very body punishing high risk style. In within the confines of ECW, with tables and chairs regularly included in matches. There honestly probably isn't a limit to what he would be able to do in-ring. 

7. Sami Callihan

Sami Callihan is not everyone's cup of tea, but the death machine's skillset cannot be denied. He has a good mix of technical and brawling skills. His microphone skills are good. Of course he loves a good match where some blood and weapons are involved.

He has displayed his affinity for hardcore matches during his run on the indy, as well as TNA (then Impact) and MLW. A Callihan in ECW against originals who also aren't afraid of taking headshots or bleeding.

6. Apollo Crews

Apollo Crews is one of those reliable undercard guys, that's going to give you his all each match and possibly steal the show. For whatever reason he just doesn't have a great connection with the crowds in WWE. His connection in NXT was a bit stronger, which indicates to me in a smaller pond he could be maybe not a franchise player but top-tier contributor to the roster. 

I feel like in the realm of ECW he would have been a good workhorse champion, carrying the TV championship on his back producing great matches. Until Paul Heyman felt it was time to move him into the world title picture. Come on? Apollo Crews against guys like Jerry Lynn, RVD, Perry Saturn, even Steve Corino would be show stealers. 

5. Killer Kross

Killer Kross is one of those guys you take him or leave him. I for one think he is a good wrestler, just his presentation is bland. Nothing sticks out about him, even with Scarlett by his side.

Within the confines of a Paul Heyman ran ECW. His limitations would have been hidden enough to portray him as an absolute monster. Taking him back his "hitman" inspired persona he could have been a pillar for the roster. Within a smaller pond he would even be ECW world champion in my opinion.

4. Brody King

                                        

While Killer Kross would be a monster from a psychology standpoint in the ECW world. Brody King would be a real monster, standing 6'5 and almost 300 pounds. Brody  is a hard hitting son of gun, when he has an opponent that really sells his moves. He can be presented as a absolute devastator. 

He would be a good ECW world champion or partnered with a technical wrestler like his House Of Black stablemates Malakai Black and Buddy Matthews, they would a good ECW tag team. Facing off against The Dudleys, Gangstas or Eliminators. Then he could shine on his own and probably have a spot similar to the famous Bam Bam Bigelow vs Taz ramp spot.

3. Darby Allin

If you ask anyone who in the big two promotions style reminds you the most of ECW, most fans will probably say Darby Allin. With his brooding skater boy persona mixed in with his high risk maneuvers he clearly watched a lot of archive ECW footage. The amount of punishment he takes in matches I wonder how in the world is he able to endure so much pain, and continue on.

In a ECW environment,  Darby likely would have used every facade of the arena to try some new high risk move. Imagine Darby vs Sabu and the amount of tables smashed, or how many times fans would have to hold guard rails as he or Sabu jump off them. Or Darby be a smash dummy for the likes of Bam Bam Bigelow or Taz. I think ECW fans would show him an insane amount of support for his wild efforts. 

2. Jon Moxley 

Moxley seems like he has ECW in his blood. He is a good technical wrestler with components of a rough around the edges brawler. On the microphone he knows how to suck fans in with everything he is saying, no matter if it's to hate him or support him fully. His theme song the rock classic  Wild Thing with him coming through the crowd, exudes that spirit of going against the grain or counter-culture which ECW was known for.

And Moxley doesn't mind bleeding in his matches, which was a ECW staple whether you loved it or hate it. I would go as far to say Moxley's Dean Ambrose heel run in WWE when he would wear a gas mask to the ring to inoculate himself from "illness" of fans and Seth Rollins. I think that would have drew major heat in the confines of ECW. 

1. Eddie Kingston

In my opinion even if his in-ring style doesn't scream "hardcore". Nobody in pro wrestling today displays the spirit of ECW like Eddie Kingston. He is true to himself, brash and in your face. A hard worker that doesn't give a damn.

His hard hitting in-ring style would have absolutely worked in a ECW environment. When he needs to be a heel he probably would have the halls throwing items at him like they use to do with the Dudley Boyz. If he's a face working and clawing his way to the top. He would have that same hall in the palm of his hand.