Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 6:52 PM EST

Reaction to the ECW House Show at the former ECW Arena last night in Philadelphia, PA was said to have been very mixed. The general feeling is that many fans were expecting a "nostalgia" event, but instead got the WWE version of the new ECW brand. So, either you liked it or didn't like it. Original ECW stars such as Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer and Francine were said to have been moved backstage by the reactions from the crowd. Stevie Richards was also overheard telling people that his match with CM Punk made him feel reborn again based on the reaction from the crowd.

ECW newcomers such as Big Show and Kurt Angle were said to have had a blast working in the ECW environment. It should be noted that Angle kept to himself backstage and didn't really interact with many in the locker room. CM Punk, another ECW newcomer, also kept to himself backstage and spent most of his time watching the show. Mike Knox also gave off the same vibe backstage, while Kelly was described as being "way over her head" in regards to the wrestling business as many feel she has no idea how to handle herself in front of a crowd.

Paul Heyman was said to have been happy with the reaction he got from fans during his speech in the ring. Heyman even predicted thatt some "dissenters" would be in the crowd and he sure got to hear them during his speech. It should be noted that Heyman didn't give a speech before the roster, although WWE agent Dean Malenko spoke to the wrestlers before the show and instructed them not to do anything over the rails or involving blood without getting clearance from agents.

Source: Mike Johnson @ PWInsider.com