Just when you thought wrestling was as hardcore as it could get, a new stable of raw-boned warriors landed with the force of a meteorite on the TNA landscape, going under the chilling name of Extreme Violence 2.0. So, here’s a little introduction to the legends who set out to do exactly what it says on the can at TNA Wrestling: No Surrender, and bring some extreme wrestling to a new generation of fans.

Tommy Dreamer

‘The Innovator Of Violence’, Dreamer started out as a pretty boy but soon became infamous for his ability to absorb punishment and dish it out in equal measure. Dreamer is rarely seen without a Singapore cane in his hand and blood gushing from his head. See him make his TNA debut at TNA Wrestling: Slammiversary.

Taz

They’re tough in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and none tougher than the artist formerly known as Tazmaniac. Dubbed ‘The Human Suplex Machine’ for his mat-slamming skills, when Taz utters his battle cry ‘Beat me if you can. Survive if I let you’ even the biggest quake in their boots.

Raven

The leather jacket, the tattoos, the face paint – it can only be Raven. A former TNA world champion with more than 20 years’ experience under his belt, his eye-watering ‘Evenflow DDT’ remains one of the most devastating moves in wrestling. See Raven wrestle at TNA Wrestling: Hardcore Justice.

Rhino

Three words come to mind - Gore! Gore! Gore! A walking wrecking ball, ‘The War Machine’ once held the TNA world heavyweight belt but seems to prefer tearing opponents apart to picking up titles. Wince as Rhino gets gory at TNA Wrestling: Hardcore Justice.

Rob Van Dam

A heavyweight who flies like an X Division star, Rob Van Dam justifiably claims to be ‘The Whole Damn Show’. Van Dam snared the TNA title long before EV 2.0, but with his hardcore buddies in tow, the master of the ‘five-star frog splash’ seems right at home. See RVD breaking the pain barrier at TNA Wrestling: TNA Lockdown.

Follow BT Vision on Twitter