December 11, 2006 Observer Newsletter: Paul Heyman, ECW December to Dismember

After a six month disaster in the revival of the ECW brand, the next step in what many on the roster fear is its disintegration, came after the December to Dismember PPV when Vince McMahon sent Paul Heyman home.

The move came after both sides blamed the other when fan services and DirecTV were flooded with complaints after the PPV. Heyman was removed from the creative team, removed as the heel General Manager character, and his tenure with the company is questionable. The WWE web site, when announcing the move, cited the poorly received show and declining television ratings on Sci-Fi.

"Distraught by the results of December to Dismember, ECW representative Paul Heyman appeared to be distant and depressed this afternoon at the North Charleston Coliseum hours before an ECW live event," the site wrote with wording that made it sound like an angle. "This condition was further exasperated (sic) by Mr. McMahon, who decided to send Heyman home. The WWE Chairman cited slumping television ratings and a disgruntled talent roster as causes for Mr. Heyman's dismissal."

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