In April 2001 the pro-wrestling video - distribution company RF Video needed a new promotion to lead its video sales when its best - seller -- Extreme Championship Wrestling ( ECW ) -- went out of business .
WWE purchased the rights to its brandname .
In April 2001 the pro-wrestling video - distribution company RF Video needed a new promotion to lead its video sales when its best - seller -- Extreme Championship Wrestling ( ECW ) -- went out of business and WWE purchased the rights to its brandname .