New Breed (ECW)
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| The New Breed | |
|---|---|
| Stable | |
| Members | Elijah Burke, Kevin Thorn, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker, Ariel (valet) |
| Debuted | February 6, 2007 |
| Promotions | WWE |
The New Breed is a professional wrestling stable in World Wrestling Entertainment's ECW brand.
[edit] History
The term "new breed" was originally used to describe the ECW brand as a whole, with advertisements and articles using the tagline "A new breed unleashed".
It was first applied, unofficially, to specific wrestlers after the July 4, 2006, episode of ECW on Sci Fi when Paul Heyman -- head of the original ECW and acting "ECW representative" -- turned on Rob Van Dam and the other "ECW originals" to align himself with the Big Show and other wrestlers not connected to the original ECW. Among the newer stars specifically were Mike Knox and Test, who were engaged in a feud with original ECW wrestlers Tommy Dreamer and the Sandman in what many considered a personification of "Old ECW vs New". Throughout this time the teaming of Heyman, the Big Show, Knox, Test and eventually Hardcore Holly were referred to as "New Breed" while Van Dam, Dreamer, and Sandman were called "ECW Originals" by commentators. These groups battled throughout 2006 until Heyman was sent home and the Big Show left due to multiple injuries.
On January 30, 2007, Vince McMahon appeared on ECW on Sci Fi to (kayfabe) take a more hands-on role in running the brand. In doing so he took stock of the roster, showing disdain for wrestlers that were a part of the original ECW -- or ECW Originals -- saying they weren't the type of wrestlers he wanted representing his ECW. While degrading the Originals, McMahon simultaneously showed appreciation for newer wrestlers. That night he called Marcus Cor Von "a breath of fresh air", and brought Elijah Burke to the ring, calling him "the future of ECW", prompting a squadron of Originals to attack Burke, leaving him lying in the ring.
The next week more members of The New Breed were revealed. Joining Burke and Cor Von were Matt Striker and Kevin Thorn with his valet Ariel. Together they started a feud with the ECW Originals. Vince McMahon has not appeared with them since, however, leaving the four wrestlers as their own stable.
The New Breed was defeated by the ECW Originals at WrestleMania 23 in a 4-on-4 match, with Striker pinned by Rob Van Dam. The next Tuesday on ECW on Sci Fi, they defeated the ECW Originals in an extreme rules match after Elijah Burke used the "Elijah Express" on Sabu through a table.
Currently, the New Breed is trying to recruit CM Punk. While Elijah Burke has been most vocal about it, and approached Punk repeatedly, Matt Striker and Marcus Cor Von also went to Punk, telling him that either "You're with us, or against us". So far, CM Punk has not accepted, saying he's happy to remain on his own.
