The History of Extreme: Tommy Dreamer

Wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer is still referred to as “The Heart and Soul of ECW”, which is the most fitting nickname in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) history.

His hardcore style paved the way for ECW, as he was one of the most extreme competitors in the company. With a tenure of over 20 years, he is arguably the best, most well-rounded wrestler from ECW.

Dreamer began his wrestling career in 1993 through Eastern Championship Wrestling, which of course became Extreme Championship Wrestling.

From then to the company’s bankruptcy in 2001, he took part in several heated feuds with other legends, most notably Jerry “The King” Lawler.

One of Dreamer’s many accomplishments includes the fact he stuck with WWE’s ECW until 2010, right before the brand came to an end. He is one of two wrestlers to hold an ECW title during the company’s original run and also in WWE’s ECW brand.

The Heart and Soul of ECW had left an incredible mark on the world of hardcore wrestling, but he wasn’t going to stop short. In 2010, The Innovator of Violence joined TNA, where he would remain for about a year. At the beginning of his time in TNA, he aligned himself with other ECW alumni, such as Rob Van Dam and Stevie Richards. Although he had a short run in TNA, it was a good way to continue influencing professional wrestling.

The Heart of Hardcore has been making an outstanding impact on professional wrestling since 1993, and it still doesn’t look like he’s done yet.

Dreamer is the founder of House of Hardcore, which is a wrestling promotion running since 2012. This company featured some important matches, including a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match at House of Hardcore VII. Renowned tag team partners Bully Ray and Brother Devon have always made appearances at House of Hardcore events, too. The success of the company is highly reflective of Tommy Dreamer’s knowledge and experience as a hardcore wrestler.

Without a doubt, Dreamer is Extreme Championship Wrestling’s most versatile star. Although ECW is no longer around, Tommy Dreamer is continuously setting the stage for hardcore wrestling, and his legacy will last for years to come.