When it was announced that former Impact World Champion EC3 was going to come to NXT, people assumed he would fit in better on the landscape of Monday Night RAW where promos take precedent over matches. We were wrong. His stint in NXT was frankly unimpressive, he had a forgettable Takeover match with Velveteen Dream, took part in the ladder match to crown the first ever NXT North American Championship, then hype promos started airing for his ‘main roster’ debut, alongside Heavy Machinery, Lars Sullivan, Nikki Cross and Lacey Evans.
With his physique and second to none promo abilities, he seemed like he was set to be a star, or at the very least a fixture of the mid-card scene, maybe a challenger for the Intercontinental or United States championship? Instead we got nothing. I wouldn’t blame most if they didn’t even know who he was, which is a shame due to how big he could be.
EC3 Not Being Able To Talk
Arguably his biggest asset is his promo skills. He’s a serviceable worker when it comes to his in ring, but he can feel like the second coming of The Rock when he’s on the microphone. Yet, once he came to the main roster, he was just seen in the background looking at himself in a mirror. A narcassist gimmick would have fit him perfectly, so people we’re still holding onto some confidence, but then weeks passed and still nothing. No matches, no interviews, just a man wandering backstage not speaking. I don’t think he has cut a promo on the main roster yet, despite being up there for over a year.
Being Matched Against Dean Ambrose
The biggest story in wrestling in 2019 was that Dean Ambrose was not going to resign with WWE. On his way out, he entered a feud of sorts with EC3 where Dean was to play the heel and EC3 the face. But fans wanted to cheer the man they knew they wouldn’t see much longer, not an unknown who hasn’t been established. This soured EC3 in Vinces eyes. There was also plans to set up EC3 with a manager in Drake Maverick, but after one house show Vince McMahon scrapped that idea as well.
Injury
While you wouldn’t find him on TV, EC3 was working occasional house shows up until September, when he was sidelined with a concussion. 2-3 months is a long time to come back from an injury like this, but where he isn’t in a role of importance, they might just have sidelined him until they need a body for something.
As a wrestling fan, it is frustrating to see any talent wasted. WWE produces an insane amount of content each week, surely there is some kinda role for a man like EC3. Even if you don’t want him wrestling, there are shows like WWE The Bump & This Week In WWE, there are shows where he could try commentary, hell NXT could use more big names. Hopefully once he is healthy once again, he might find a role in WWE. If not, I’m sure he is counting down the days until he can go elsewhere and show his skills once again. He was a major name in Impact, Ring Of Honor needs anyone they could get, and AEW is the greenest pasture around. I just want to see this man used again, and I’m sure his remaining fans will agree.
