The announcement of ECW's extended deal with TV partner Sci Fi Channel has sent shockwaves through the sports-entertainment community. Both new and long time ECW fans and Extremists alike are celebrating the news as a new lease on life for the rebel brand. WWE.com spoke to the largest of all Extremists, ECW World Heavyweight Champion Big Show, to get his thoughts on the huge news.

The hardcore giant was excited when he got word of the extension.

"This is a real payoff," said Big Show. "It's a combination of a lot of hard work from everyone. It's been a very stressful production throughout the summer, but we've got the best crew in the business and they bust their ass every night. We have self-sacrificing talent that works hard every night. We are building a product, a brand, a new fan base every week. I am very, very proud."

The news of the extension carries multiple meanings for everyone involved. The most obvious of which is that with ECW's contract with Sci Fi renewed through at least 2007, ECW now has a permanent home. Big Show explained the significance of ECW finally having a home, both to the product, and to the Extremists which perform on the weekly program.

"We now have unlimited time to really build this brand," said the ECW World Heavyweight Champion. "I know we will have innovative stories, and we are going to continue fantastic character building."

The oversized athlete, who has seen it all and worked with nearly everyone during his lengthy career, believes big things lie ahead for his fellow Extremists.  

"The ECW talent is among the best I've ever worked with," said the veteran Champion. "I can tell you this: we have major stars on the horizon. Guys like Balls Mahoney, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer and a guy I think is going to be huge, C.M. Punk."

The 7'4, 500 pound giant has worked for WWE, WCW and ECW during his accomplished career, but admits that his recent time with ECW is among the most fun he has ever had in the business. Big Show attributes that fun, along with ECW's overwhelming success to one single factor, the passionate ECW fans. 

"Honestly, this is the most fun I've had in a long, long time," said Big Show. "ECW has such a great fan base. They are the strangest, most incredible fans I've ever performed for. They understand the product. They express themselves like no others, and at the end of the day, they are extremely respectful. The ECW fans are the real winners here because they deserve this. To those fans, I want to say thank you. You have put ECW back on the map."

Big Show and the rest of the ECW Extremists appear live every Tuesday at 10/9 CT on their new, and future long-term home, Sci Fi Channel.