WWE NXT Pays Tribute to ECW With Star-Studded Returns and Hardcore Matches at Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena

WWE NXT took fans on a nostalgic journey this week, returning to Philadelphia’s iconic 2300 Arena, the original home of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), for a special event honing wrestling’s hardcore legacy.

She appeared at the venue during her time in ECW (Picture: WWE)

The event featured memorable appearances from ECW legends Dawn Marie, Rob Van Dam, Nunzio, Rhyno, the Dudley Boyz, and Francine, blending NXT’s future stars with ECW’s historic style.

The night she kicked off with a Hardcore match between Lola Vice and Jaida Parker, with Dawn Marie, 54, stepping into the ring as the special guest referee. Fans cheered her return, and social media commented that she looked almost unchanged since her WWE days nearly two decades ago. Dressed in a custom NXT referee shirt, she officiated impartially, impressing viewers who quickly called for her to make an in-ring comeback, possibly at the 2025 Royal Rumble.

She returned as referee for Jaidi Parker and Lola Vice’s Hardcore match (Picture: WWE)

Throughout the night, WWE paid homage to Paul Heyman’s infamous ECW promotion with other big-name returns. Rob Van Dam made his presence known by interrupting a match between Je’Von Evans and Wes Lee. After Lee attacked Van Dam backstage, RVD got revenge by helping Evans win the game with his signature Five Star Frog Splash. Fans embraced the return of the “Whole F’N Show,” celebrating RVD’s classic moves.

Jaida Parker and Lola went all out in the ring (Picture: WWE)

Another highlight came when Bubba Ray Dudley returned to the WWE ring for the first time in over eight years, teaming up with Trick Williams in an intense match against Ethan Page and Ridge Holland. The Dudley Boyz’s reunion brought waves of nostalgia to the arena. D-Von Dudley joined Bubba Ray post-match to set up a table, ultimately smashing Page through it with their famous Double Chokeslam.

The ECW Arena was famous for its extreme matches (Picture: WWE)

Mr. Robert Stone took a heavy hit in the night’s lineup after disrespecting ECW’s legacy, which led to ECW alum Rhyno hitting him with an influential Gore in the ring. Meanwhile, Nunzio, representing the Full Blooded Italians, brought fans back to his classic “Little Guido” days, facing off with Tony D’Angelo in a showcase match that gave “The Don” a big moment on the NXT stage.

Rob Van Dam also made an appearance after being attacked by Wes Lee (Picture: WWE)

ECW legend Francine watched from the front row as the main event brought an all-star lineup of current NXT talent in a blockbuster tag match. Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Kelani Jordan, Zaria, and TNA star Jordynne Grace squared off against Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, and Fatal Influence. Zaria landed a massive F-5 on NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez in a thrilling finish, signalling a future title challenge.

RVD celebrated with Je’Von Evans (Picture: WWE)

Bubby Ray Dudley was also back on his familiar stomping ground (Picture: WWE)

Bubba Ray and Trick Williams sent Ethan Page through a table as D-Von Dudley watched on (Picture: WWE/Andrea Kellaway)

Rhyno hit a huge Gore on Robert Stone (Picture: Andrea Kellaway)

Tony Mamaluke joined Nunzio as he came down to the ring (Picture: WWE)

Francine had the best seat in the house for the main event (Picture: Andrea Kellaway)

Tony D’Angelo picked up the win (Picture: Andrea Kellaway)

The night’s event honoured ECW’s hardcore history while giving NXT’s emerging stars a chance to shine, making it a memorable night for both wrestling fans and ECW loyalists.