ECW veteran The Sandman was baffled by the use of a ‘Zombie’ during the premiere episode of WWE’s version of ECW and believed it was a rib at first.
For the first match of the first episode of the ECW brand launched in 2006, Sandman defeated a Zombie, played by the late Tim Arson.
During a recent virtual signing with K & S WrestleFest, The Sandman recalled having to face a member of the undead. He said,
“I thought it was a rib. I thought they were ribbing me, because it was the first night that we were going on Sci-Fi, and it’s a big building. I just come around one of the corners or something and they got they got a zombie there and they had an alien, like a little dude with a green suit on and big eyes.
“I’m like, ‘What a disgrace. This is what I’ve turned my career into.’ I’m like, well, at least I’m not gonna get hurt today you know? Vince saw me as [best used in segments.] He never saw me as a match guy, it’s the best way to use me, too. Yeah, it’s downhill after that.”
WWE had reportedly initially wanted a Martian for the first match, but SyFy, the network that aired ECW refused to let a sci-fi character be attacked on the show.
