ECW�s New Superstar Initiative (Contains ECW spoilers)

**Juan** · 07-01-2009, 12:44 AM

In light of Donald Trump's blockbuster 15-Superstar trade, ECW is a changed place to say the least. General Manager Tiffany announced at the top of tonight's show that it's a new era for ECW as she's bringing back the New Superstar Initiative. Here is background on the new WWE Superstars that debuted tonight.

Yoshi Tatsu, is Naofumi Yamamoto, 32. He's been wrestling since 2002 and has worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling in the past. He's been under contract to WWE since September and had been working under the name Yoshitatsu in Florida Championship Wrestling. In perhaps a first for a developmental talent, the Associated Press put out an article regarding his signing at the time, played up as WWE expanding its global horizons with the acquisition of a wrestler from Japan. He defeated Shelton Benjamin in his ECW debut.

Tonight's episode of ECW also saw the debut Abraham Washington, who debuted with his self-titled talk show, "The Abraham Washington Show." The special guests for his inaugural show were none other than the newest Divas of ECW � Nikki and Brie Bella. In a takeoff of United States President Barack Obama, he has been working in Florida Championship Wrestling as the developmental promotion's general manager, Abraham Saddam (later Obama) Washington. Washington's real name is Brian Jossie and he is a product of WWE's former developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. He was among several talents signed to developmental contracts by John Laurinaitis following a talent evaluation session last September.

Sheamus is Irish wrestler Sheamus O'Shaunessy. Sheamus, whose real name is Stephen Farrelly, got his start in wrestling at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory wrestling school in 2002. He headed back overseas and worked regularly in Ireland before signing a developmental contract with WWE in April 2007. Farrelly has worked numerous dark matches and live events for the Raw brand in recent months. While in developmental, he was FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion, defeating Jake Hagar (a/k/a Jack Swagger) for the title on September 18, 2008. Sheamus beat local competitor Oliver John in his ECW debut.

Tonight's show also saw the debut of a dreadlocked California surfer wrestler by the name of Tyler Reks in a backstage segment with Zack Ryder. He will be making his WWE in-ring debut on this week's episode of WWE Superstars against the Long Island native. Reks, whose real name is Gabriel Tuft, is a product of Rick Bassman's Ultimate Pro Wrestling. He was signed to a developmental contract by WWE in February 2008, just a year after he started wrestling. Reks currently reigns as the Florida Heavyweight Champion, having defeated Drew McIntyre on June 11, 2009. Reks also holds another title in the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship, alongside Johnny Curtis.

07-01-2009, 12:44 AM	#1
Juan Doin' It Right Posts: 35,460	ECW�s New Superstar Initiative (Contains ECW spoilers) In light of Donald Trump's blockbuster 15-Superstar trade, ECW is a changed place to say the least. General Manager Tiffany announced at the top of tonight's show that it's a new era for ECW as she's bringing back the New Superstar Initiative. Here is background on the new WWE Superstars that debuted tonight. Yoshi Tatsu, is Naofumi Yamamoto, 32. He's been wrestling since 2002 and has worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling in the past. He's been under contract to WWE since September and had been working under the name Yoshitatsu in Florida Championship Wrestling. In perhaps a first for a developmental talent, the Associated Press put out an article regarding his signing at the time, played up as WWE expanding its global horizons with the acquisition of a wrestler from Japan. He defeated Shelton Benjamin in his ECW debut. Tonight's episode of ECW also saw the debut Abraham Washington, who debuted with his self-titled talk show, "The Abraham Washington Show." The special guests for his inaugural show were none other than the newest Divas of ECW � Nikki and Brie Bella. In a takeoff of United States President Barack Obama, he has been working in Florida Championship Wrestling as the developmental promotion's general manager, Abraham Saddam (later Obama) Washington. Washington's real name is Brian Jossie and he is a product of WWE's former developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. He was among several talents signed to developmental contracts by John Laurinaitis following a talent evaluation session last September. Sheamus is Irish wrestler Sheamus O'Shaunessy. Sheamus, whose real name is Stephen Farrelly, got his start in wrestling at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory wrestling school in 2002. He headed back overseas and worked regularly in Ireland before signing a developmental contract with WWE in April 2007. Farrelly has worked numerous dark matches and live events for the Raw brand in recent months. While in developmental, he was FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion, defeating Jake Hagar (a/k/a Jack Swagger) for the title on September 18, 2008. Sheamus beat local competitor Oliver John in his ECW debut. Tonight's show also saw the debut of a dreadlocked California surfer wrestler by the name of Tyler Reks in a backstage segment with Zack Ryder. He will be making his WWE in-ring debut on this week's episode of WWE Superstars against the Long Island native. Reks, whose real name is Gabriel Tuft, is a product of Rick Bassman's Ultimate Pro Wrestling. He was signed to a developmental contract by WWE in February 2008, just a year after he started wrestling. Reks currently reigns as the Florida Heavyweight Champion, having defeated Drew McIntyre on June 11, 2009. Reks also holds another title in the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship, alongside Johnny Curtis.