How to Recreate Classic ECW Superstars in WWE 2K?

Professional wrestling is rich with iconic figures, and few have made a mark like the superstars of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Known for their hard-hitting, no-holds-barred action, ECW left a lasting legacy on the wrestling world, inspiring both fans and future wrestling promotions. If you’re a WWE 2K player and want to recreate these legendary ECW stars in the game, this guide will show you how to bring the spirit of ECW to your virtual ring.

1. Choosing Your ECW Legends

The first step to recreating ECW superstars in WWE 2K is deciding which icons from the promotion you want to bring back. ECW was home to a roster of memorable wrestlers, each with unique traits, moves, and personas. Some of the most famous ECW stars include:

• Tommy Dreamer – The heart and soul of ECW, known for his resilience and hardcore style.
• Rob Van Dam – A high-flyer with unique martial arts-inspired moves and the “Rolling Thunder” as a signature move.
• Sabu – The homicidal, suicidal, genocidal maniac who pioneered hardcore wrestling with his wild style.
• The Sandman – A symbol of ECW’s rebellious attitude, known for his entrance with a beer can and kendo stick.
• Tazz – A technical wrestler with a ruthless edge, known for his suplexes and the “Tazzmission” submission finisher.

Once you’ve chosen your favorites, it’s time to start customizing them in WWE 2K.

2. Customizing Your ECW Superstar’s Appearance

One of the most fun parts of recreating ECW stars in WWE 2K is designing their appearance. ECW superstars had distinctive looks that set them apart from others in the wrestling world.

• Attire: ECW wrestlers often wore more rugged, minimalist gear compared to WWE superstars. For example, Tommy Dreamer was known for his simple but iconic look—jeans and a plain t-shirt. Rob Van Dam had his colorful trunks with a “RVD” logo, and Sabu was recognized for his baggy pants and knee pads. Recreate these looks by utilizing WWE 2K’s detailed clothing options and customizing the attire to reflect the ECW aesthetic.
• Body Type: Many ECW superstars had a rough, real look. While some, like RVD, were lean and athletic, others, like The Sandman, were more average in size but had a larger-than-life persona. WWE 2K’s customization features allow you to adjust height, body type, and muscle tone to reflect these distinctive physiques.
• Face and Hair: Customize your ECW legend’s face by adjusting facial features such as jawlines, eyebrows, and eyes. Hairstyles are key—whether it’s Rob Van Dam’s long hair or Tommy Dreamer’s shorter, tousled style, make sure to match them as closely as possible.

3. Recreating ECW Superstar Movesets

The moveset of an ECW superstar is one of the most important aspects of their identity. ECW was famous for its brutal, hardcore matches, and each wrestler had a unique set of moves that fit their aggressive style.

• Tommy Dreamer: Dreamer was a brawler at heart, and his moveset reflected that. Focus on strikes like punches, kicks, and his signature DDT. Incorporate hardcore weapon-based moves as well, such as using chairs, kendo sticks, and tables.
• Rob Van Dam: For RVD, the key is his acrobatic, high-flying offense. Include moves like his “Five-Star Frog Splash,” “Rolling Thunder,” and martial arts-inspired kicks. You can also add his innovative moves, such as the “Van Terminator” and “Monkey Flip.”
• Sabu: Sabu’s moveset is centered around wild and dangerous high-flying moves. Add his getting springboard moves, the “Arabian Facebuster,” and lots of hardcore elements like suplexes onto chairs and through tables. Sabu was known for his no-fear approach to wrestling, so make sure his moveset reflects that.
• The Sandman: The Sandman’s moveset is more about crowd interaction and using weapons. His signature kendo stick shots and wild brawls should be at the forefront of his moveset. Don’t forget to add his finishing move, the “White Russian Leg Sweep.”
• Tazz: Tazz was all about submissions and suplexes. His “Tazzmission” is a must, along with his “T-Bone Suplex” and various submission-based moves. His brawler style often involved taking the fight to the outside, so including ground-based brawling techniques would also work well.

4. Setting Up Your ECW Superstar’s Entrance

Entrance sequences are crucial in capturing the essence of ECW’s iconic superstars. The entrance is often a wrestler’s first opportunity to connect with the audience, and ECW was all about establishing a character through a powerful, sometimes chaotic, entrance.

• Tommy Dreamer: Dreamer’s entrances were often filled with energy, as he was a true ECW original. His iconic entrance music, “Man in the Box” by Alice in Chains, can be recreated by selecting a similar hard rock track in WWE 2K.
• Rob Van Dam: Known for his “R-V-D!” chants, Van Dam’s entrance should reflect his calm yet cocky persona. Include pyrotechnics and his iconic taunt with his arms outstretched after entering the ring.
• The Sandman: The Sandman’s entrance is one of the most iconic in wrestling history. Make sure you include the sound of beer cans opening, as well as a dramatic entrance with his kendo stick in hand. You can even add a brief moment where he cracks a beer can before smashing it on his head.
• Sabu and Tazz: Both had less traditional entrances, with Tazz focusing on his toughness and no-nonsense attitude. Sabu’s entrance was filled with chaos, as he would get into the ring with reckless abandon. Choose fitting music and entrances that reflect these tough, unpredictable characters.

5. Finishing Moves and Signatures

Each ECW superstar had a finishing move that defined their career. You’ll want to assign these iconic moves to each recreated superstar.

• Tommy Dreamer: The “Dreamer Driver” is his finishing move, and you should also add his signature moves like the “Spinebuster” or “DDT” to make him feel complete.
• Rob Van Dam: The “Five-Star Frog Splash” is an essential finisher for RVD, along with moves like the “Van Terminator” or his “Rolling Thunder.”
• Sabu: The “Arabian Facebuster” is one of his iconic finishes, but adding moves like his “Triple Jump Moonsault” will also recreate his high-flying style.
• The Sandman: The “White Russian Leg Sweep” and the “Kendo Stick Smash” should definitely be incorporated as his finishers.
• Tazz: The “Tazzmission” should be his finishing move, along with any suplex variations and submission techniques.