5 ECW Originals who deserve induction into the WWE Hall of Fame

#1 Rob Van Dam

Rob Van Dam: Reigned as ECW Television Champion for two years

For WWE fans, the most recognizable wrestler to be associated with ECW is none other than "Mr. Monday Night" himself, Rob Van Dam.

RVD joined ECW way back in 1996 after previously gaining national television exposure in WCW as "Robbie V."

RVD became a star after a series of matches with his longtime rival/ally Sabu. Despite his explosive, unorthodox ring style and connection with the fans, RVD was miffed to learn that he was to be excluded from the very first ECW pay-per-view, barely legal, in April 1997.

RVD did eventually find his way onto the card but only as a late replacement for Chris Candido in a match opposite Lance Storm.

From there, RVD rapidly ascended the ranks and in April 1998 kicked off his nearly two-year ECW World Television title reign when he defeated Bam Bam Bigelow to lift the strap in an exciting encounter.

RVD defended the title regularly in classic matches with the likes of Sabu and Jerry Lynn before he was forced to relinquish the belt due to injury when he was on the cusp of challenging and defeating Mike Awesome for the ECW World title.

When RVD recovered, ECW was in a financial mess. When he failed to be paid by the company over and over, RVD walked out and did not return until the company's final show on January 7, 2001, wherein he defeated his old foe, Lynn once more.

RVD played a major role in WWE's WCW/ECW Invasion angle and was one of the few new stars to get over with the audience. This ultimately led to him convincing WWE boss Vince McMahon to bring back ECW as a one night only event in 2005 and re-establish the brand permanently with RVD as its figurehead and World Champion.

RVD's WWE career on its own is Hall of Fame worthy. When you glance at his ECW record, it makes his case even more compelling. RVD is a surefire Hall of Famer and the most deserving ECW Original for the honor.