Sabu Criticizes NXT 2300 as “Lame” Tribute to ECW Legacy

ECW legend Sabu didn’t mince words when sharing his thoughts on NXT 2300, the special episode of WWE’s developmental brand held at the historic ECW Arena on November 6.

The event featured appearances by iconic ECW names like Bubba Ray Dudley, Rob Van Dam, Dawn Marie, and Nunzio, but Sabu, a notable absence, wasn’t impressed with the show as a tribute to the extreme legacy.

During an interview with Covalent TV, Sabu expressed disappointment with the event, saying it lacked authenticity as an ECW nostalgia show. “I thought it was lame. Even though it’s a good show, good wrestlers, it was lame for a nostalgia ECW thing,” he said. “The building doesn’t look the same. It’s not the same. It’s not really a reunion or a top-notch thing without me or Sandman. Both of us or one or the other. It’s kind of a must, I think.”

Sabu also noted that Paul Heyman, the mastermind behind ECW, was missing from the lineup, which he felt diminished the show’s tribute to the brand’s legacy. He commented on the crowd’s reaction when Rhino made a surprise appearance after the arena went dark, saying fans initially thought it might be him. Sabu added that he could have easily made a run-in to save Rob Van Dam during his segment with Wes Lee.

So, was NXT 2300’s ECW tribute a swing and a miss without Sabu and Sandman, or does it still stand as a respectful nod to the legacy of extreme wrestling? Whether you agree with Sabu’s critique or think the event held its own, one thing’s for sure—when it comes to ECW nostalgia, fans have no shortage of opinions.