In the years since ECW’s demise, Tommy Dreamer has been recognized as the heart and soul of the defunct brand. During ECW’s glory days, though, there was one Superstar who personified the renegade spirit of the promotion: The Sandman.
With Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” pulsating through the arena, the hardcore brawler would make his way through the raucous crowd with Kendo stick in hand, guzzling adult beverages both for himself and for nearby fans. The manic scene of The Sandman’s entrance helped define ECW as an unorthodox alternative to WCW and WWE and his matches were every bit as chaotic. Yet there was a method to the madness — not only was The Sandman the second ECW Champion following the group’s transition to “Extreme,” but he also held the title a record five times. — K.P.