The event was created in 2005 and its name refers to its original format, that being a one-night reunion show for Extreme Championship Wrestling alumni.

He contacted several people, including The Sandman,[3] Sabu, Justin Credible,[4] and ECW commentator Joey Styles.

[9] Although held as a reunion show for ECW alumni, wrestlers from WWE's Raw and SmackDown brands also took part in the event.

[10] WWE adopted One Night Stand as an annual June pay-per-view event and continued the theme of featuring hardcore-based matches on the show.

[11] Just prior to this 2006 event, WWE established a third brand dubbed ECW for former wrestlers of the original promotion, as well as newer talent, to compete on.