EC3 also spoke about his multiple stints in WWE developmental, including the days when “NXT” was essentially a hybrid of professional wrestling, a game show, and a reality show. The former WWE 24/7 Champion discussed what it felt like knowing people weren’t paying attention to the developmental show.

“When you know nobody cares, at first it hurts, but then you realize you have the ultimate platform and playground to … experiment and do things,” EC3 stated. “I think why I’m kind of able to trust intuition and not worry as much about what people think is because we were thrown out there in front of dead crowds … doing God knows what, and we just tried to run with it and do the best we could.”

Over time, EC3 said that they were able to win over crowds, and “the numbers went up.” However, instead of being rewarded for their success, EC3 believes WWE higher-ups weren’t happy.

“By going against the grain, and being noticed, and kind of getting over in a sense, it was almost [like] we got punished for it,” EC3 continued. “Which is a baffling business decision, but it’s not my company, so what can I say?”

Following his WWE run, EC3 has gone on to sign with Billy Corgan’s NWA. Last month, EC3 vacated the NWA National Heavyweight Championship in preparation to challenge Tyrus for the company’s world championship at the NWA 75th anniversary event, taking place on August 26 and 27.