Re: ECW Hardcore tv ?
The PPV's started in 1997. Hardcore TV or some form of it dates back to 1993.
Unless you're talking about the big shows ECW held, which had a PPV feel. If you're talking about, for example, shows like Heatwave '96 or Return Of The Funker in 1995, you would probably be better off watching those shows/PPV's, since Hardcore TV was usually 2 or 3 matches for the most recent event, with a bunch of promos, vignettes and ECW hawking the shit out of merchandise and VHS.
At least then, you have the potential to see every match, although Hardcore TV was pretty good for hyping events, as well as providing a backstory on whatever was happening at the time.
I guess it all depends on what you're looking for, where you actually want to start watching from and whether or not you solely want the wrestling aspect or if you'd like to see entire angles.