The New Breed -- Elijah Burke, Matt Striker, Marcus Cor Von & Kevin Thorn with Ariel -- kept telling the entire sports-entertainment world that they were the future of ECW. Brash, young, and cocky, they told everyone that it was their time and that the time of the pioneers of the original incarnation of ECW -- ECW Originals Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer and Sandman -- had passed. However, tonight, before more than 80,000 WWE fans, the "old school" hardcore pioneers took the young upstarts to school and sent a message: We're not ready to step aside just yet, young blood!

Much like their numerous battles in singles and tag team competition over the past several months, the Eight-Man Tag Team Match between the New Breed and the Originals swayed back and forth. But the stronger, hungry New Breeders took the advantage by isolating Tommy Dreamer, the 14-year veteran of ECW who suffered a broken neck and back during his battles in the original promotion. But with the crowd chanting "E-C-W, E-C-W, E-C-W," RVD, Sabu, Sandman and Dreamer battled valiantly and simply outfought their younger opponents. They refused to lose.

Rob Van Dam, the only participant in the match who had previously competed at WrestleMania, led his team to victory when he pinned Striker following a Five-Star Frog Splash. Tonight was a sweet, sweet victory for the Originals. Just making it to WrestleMania -- and shining on the greatest stage in all of sports-entertainment -- was career affirmation for the veterans Sandman, Sabu and Dreamer.

A tearful Tommy Dreamer was almost too overwhelmed for words after the win.

"It was a dream come true," Dreamer told WWE.com. ""I was out there with my closest friends. I had my WrestleMania moment. It was a dream come true…. It was awesome."

Click here to get your hands on authentic WrestleMania 23 gear!

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The New Breed -- Elijah Burke, Matt Striker, Marcus Cor Von & Kevin Thorn with Ariel -- kept telling the entire sports-entertainment world that they were the future of ECW. Brash, young, and cocky, they told everyone that it was their time and that the time of the pioneers of the original incarnation of ECW -- ECW Originals Rob Van Dam, Sabu, Tommy Dreamer and Sandman -- had passed. However, tonight, before more than 80,000 WWE fans, the "old school" hardcore pioneers took the young upstarts to school and sent a message: We're not ready to step aside just yet, young blood!

Much like their numerous battles in singles and tag team competition over the past several months, the Eight-Man Tag Team Match between the New Breed and the Originals swayed back and forth. But the stronger, hungry New Breeders took the advantage by isolating Tommy Dreamer, the 14-year veteran of ECW who suffered a broken neck and back during his battles in the original promotion. But with the crowd chanting "E-C-W, E-C-W, E-C-W," RVD, Sabu, Sandman and Dreamer battled valiantly and simply outfought their younger opponents. They refused to lose.

Rob Van Dam, the only participant in the match who had previously competed at WrestleMania, led his team to victory when he pinned Striker following a Five-Star Frog Splash. Tonight was a sweet, sweet victory for the Originals. Just making it to WrestleMania -- and shining on the greatest stage in all of sports-entertainment -- was career affirmation for the veterans Sandman, Sabu and Dreamer.

A tearful Tommy Dreamer was almost too overwhelmed for words after the win.

"It was a dream come true," Dreamer told WWE.com. ""I was out there with my closest friends. I had my WrestleMania moment. It was a dream come true…. It was awesome."

Click here to get your hands on authentic WrestleMania 23 gear!